Chelsea Bannach

Washington State University is experiencing a financial aid fiasco. A glitch in a new, multimillion-dollar software system designed to streamline everything from registering for classes to paying tuition is disrupting an already hectic first week of classes for students and parents who depend on financial aid.

The family of a North Idaho soldier killed in action gathered Friday morning in Sandpoint to receive his remains. The body of Army Spc. Ethan J. Martin, 22, who had ties to Lewiston and Bonners Ferry, was flown to the Sandpoint Airport from Dover Air Force Base and returned to his family in what’s known as an honorable transfer ceremony.

Upon arriving in the U.S. from Ukraine, Max Baron and his family faced obstacles many refugees do on their way to self-sufficiency. “It was a completely new life,” he said. “New rules, new language. It was kind of tough. The only thing we could think of was get a job, pay the bills.”

Richard Henderson stood on the busy corner of Division Street and Third Avenue on Thursday, occasionally reaching into the street to accept a couple bucks from drivers stopped at the intersection. The 62-year-old veteran, who was shot while serving in Vietnam and suffers from mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, gets more than $1,000 a month from Veterans Affairs, but admits he spends much of it on beer and panhandles to pad that income.

Many salutes were rendered at a ceremony Monday ushering in a new wing commander at Fairchild Air Force Base. Col. Brian Newberry took over command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, replacing outgoing Col. Paul Guemmer.

Scouting activities are far more varied than tying knots. “We’re doing all kinds of things,” said Jim Fox, general chairman of the 2012 Aaronic Priesthood Encampment for Boy Scouts. “Scouting isn’t just building fires.”

Max drags a laundry basket over to Charlie Bales and passes her clothes as she loads the washing machine. Max, a German shepherd, also shuts off the lights, opens the fridge and picks up items Bales drops on the ground – tasks that the Spokane resident has a hard time

Officers in the Spokane Police Department were saddened Wednesday by the death of a fellow officer in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash. Kurt P. Henson, 47, of Post Falls, died Tuesday at the scene of the 10:20 p.m. crash near Clark Fork, Idaho, on Highway 200.

Officers in the Spokane Police Department were saddened Wednesday by the death of a fellow officer who was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash. Kurt P. Henson, 47, of Post Falls, died Tuesday at the scene of the 10:20 p.m. crash near Clark Fork on Highway 200.

Food banks are always looking to stock their shelves, but fresh produce is hard to come by. Now, thanks to a new refrigerated container purchased by Northwest Harvest for its Spokane warehouse, area food banks will have greater access to nutrient-rich and tasty fruits and vegetables. The warehouse serves 27 food banks and meal programs.

Raymond Behrens served tours as a Navy Seabee in Japan, Iraq and twice in Afghanistan. Upon enlisting, he gave up his two beagles, Bullet and Trigger, and got them back via an off-chance reunion six years later when he found them online, up for adoption again.

Cooler temperatures this weekend will be a welcome reprieve. At least for some. During the past week, several people have been hospitalized with heat-related illnesses, including one who remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Providence Holy Family Hospital. Heather Barfield, nurse manager for the ICU, said 20 people, ages 13 to 80, have come to the hospital’s emergency room with heatstroke or heat exhaustion. After a week of highs in the upper 90s, however, Spokane is likely to see more wet weather.

The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels is helping seniors stay cool. Though temperatures failed to reach searing forecasts Monday, the heat is still making things tough for some of the Inland Northwest’s most vulnerable.

A bus used by Catholic Charities for emergencies and community services was broken into and vandalized Monday night. “It’s disappointing,” Executive Director Rob McCann said in an email Tuesday. “Just when you think you’ve seen everything.”