In brief: Body in Long Lake was that of Fairchild airman
A body found in Long Lake over the weekend appears to be that of missing Airman James Adam Ramsey Lassiter.
The missing Fairchild-based airman’s mother confirmed to KHQ TV that the body has been identified by medical examiners as her son.
Lassiter, 25, disappeared March 31 when he attempted to canoe in the fast-moving Spokane River.
Fishermen found the body Sunday, and Stevens County authorities called Spokane County deputies to help with the investigation.
Local youth volunteers given national honors
A 12-year-old girl from Hayden Lake was named one of America’s top 10 youth volunteers in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
A Spokane Valley 17-year-old boy was named one of Washington state’s top two youth volunteers in the same awards, sponsored by insurance company Prudential Financial Inc.
The Idaho girl, Emily Kladar, created a nonprofit with her sister that has raised more than $60,000 for families of children needing heart surgery. The charity, called Kids Helping Kids Fix Broken Hearts, has sold more than 6,000 specially printed dish towels to raise money. Emily received $5,000, a medallion, a trophy for her school – Canfield Middle School in Coeur d’Alene – and $5,000 to give to the charity of her choice.
The Spokane Valley boy, 17-year-old Jesse Sheldon, started Inland NW Baby, a diaper bank that has distributed more than 60,000 diapers to social service agencies in three counties. The Central Valley High School junior received $1,000 in a Sunday ceremony.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 17 years ago in conjunction with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Allan wins fourth term as CdA Tribe chairman
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s chairman, Chief J. Allan, was elected to his fourth consecutive term on the tribal council last weekend.
Allan has served on the tribe’s governing council since 2003 and retains his position as chairman, which he has held since 2005.
“More work lies ahead for us,” Allan said in a statement, “but I am grateful to be a part of our will to govern ourselves and determine our own destiny.”
Tribal voters also elected local business owner Donald Sczenski and Leta Campbell, an employee of Benewah Medical Center, to fill two open seats on the council.
During a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, the seven-member council voted to retain Ernie Stensgar as the council’s vice chairman. John Abraham will serve as the council’s secretary.