In brief: Warmth should follow rain this week in Inland Northwest
Despite rain showers and blustery winds again today, the Inland Northwest is heading to warmer times.
Today’s storm system should give the region up to a quarter-inch of rain with a high in the lower 50s. Wind gusts to 24 mph are possible.
By Monday, weather will clear nicely with mostly sunny skies and highs in the middle 50s.
Highs will warm several degrees each day until the temperature goes to the middle 70s on Wednesday through Friday under plenty of sunshine.
If the forecast holds, this will bring the first official 70-degree day to Spokane International Airport this year.
Lows next week will go from the 30s to the middle 40s during the warm-up.
Forest plan objectors to get hearing
The Forest Service will host a meeting Tuesday at the Coeur d’Alene Resort to discuss several issues raised in objection to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ revised forest plan.
The topics covered include recommended wilderness areas and study areas, coordination with local counties, Wild and Scenic Rivers eligibility and old-growth indicator species.
The meeting provides an opportunity for the Forest Service and objectors to seek resolution prior to finalizing and implementing the plan. Jim Peña, an objection review officer from Washington, D.C., will conduct the meeting, which is open to the public, but the discussion is limited to Forest Service personnel, objectors and designated individuals.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. An agenda is available at www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf.
Discharged soldier sentenced in murder
SEATTLE – A former Army soldier at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2011 stabbing death of a 19-year-old suburban Seattle woman.
Dakota Wolf pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with a weapon enhancement in the death of 19-year-old Scarlett Paxton, of Kirkland, KOMO-TV reported. Wolf was sentenced Friday.
Prosecutors say Paxton was attacked while walking home alone and was found dead outside her apartment with a stab wound to her neck.
Court documents say Wolf told police he had smoked a synthetic drug called “spice” on the night of Paxton’s death.
Authorities said Wolf was AWOL at the time from the base. Police said he has since been dishonorably discharged from the military.
Wednesday due date for property taxes
Property owners have only a few more days to pay their property taxes for the first half of the year.
The deadline for payments in Washington is Wednesday. Second-half taxes are due at the end of October. Penalties and interest are applied against overdue accounts.
If paying by mail, make sure to allow time for delivery. Mail payments must be postmarked on or before Wednesday. Payments can be made at the courthouse Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The treasurer’s office accepts automated checks, debit cards and credit cards via the Web or at the office in person. Also, phone payment can be made at (509) 477-4713 using option No. 2.