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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Kristina Johnson

This individual is no longer an employee with The Spokesman-Review.

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News >  Spokane

Science Center Lost A Squeaker

In the end, 350 votes kept the Pacific Science Center from moving into Riverfront Park's Pavilion. The Spokane County Elections Office announced Friday the final tally of absentee ballots from last week's election. Slightly more than one percent divided science center supporters from opponents - 49.38 percent said "yes," 50.62 said "no."
News >  Spokane

Annexation Anxiety Missing At Hearing

A proposal to tack about 100 undeveloped acres onto the city of Spokane didn't create the usual annexation anxiety Wednesday. About 10 people attended a Plan Commission hearing on the proposal, and only one person spoke against it. Annexation proposals often inspire hundreds of opponents. But in this case, fewer than 25 people live in the seven homes and one fourplex dotting the proposed annexation area southwest of town.
News >  Nation/World

Feelings Clearest Part Of Science Center Debate Costs Uncertain, Benefits Disputed And Impact On Park Bitterly Debated

Months of passionate debate climax Tuesday when Spokane voters decide the fate of a proposed science center in Riverfront Park's Pavilion. City Council members approved a 20-year lease with the Seattle-based Pacific Science Center last March. A month later, a petition drive kicked the issue onto the primary ballot. Feelings are intense on both sides.
News >  Spokane

Crum Pulls Out On Job Ann Arbor City Administrator Job Goes To Colorado Man

Spokane City Manager Roger Crum lost his bid for the Ann Arbor, Mich., city administrator's job to a Colorado man. "It's a relief to me," Crum said, adding that he called Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid Sheldon Friday morning to withdraw from consideration. Despite Crum's withdrawal, five Ann Arbor Council members at a Friday afternoon meeting voted to hire him, Sheldon said. He needed six votes, however, and in a later vote the job went to Neal Berlin, former city manager of Arvada, Colo.
News >  Spokane

Candidate Admitted Welfare Fraud

A candidate for the Spokane City Council admitted to welfare fraud six years ago. Larry J. Bacon, a mechanic running for Council Position 1, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft after admitting he lied about his income to the state Department of Health and Social Services, according to court records. "That should have been closed," said Bacon when asked about the record of the conviction. He said he made full restitution to the state.
News >  Spokane

Council Candidates Concise Eleven Of 13 In Running Speak Briefly On Issues During Forum

Speed-talking proved a priceless talent at a Thursday morning Spokane City Council candidates forum. Eleven of 13 candidates showed for the relay race of introductions, questions and answers sponsored by the Small Business Council of the Chamber of Commerce. Candidates got three minutes to introduce themselves before a stopwatch beep from the back of the room told them their time was up.
News >  Spokane

Attorney Gives Up On River Park Square Lawsuit Eugster Had Wanted To Block Use Of Hud Funds For Downtown Project

Spokane's top City Hall watchdog has dropped a lawsuit against the city aimed at blocking use of federal taxpayers' money for a downtown redevelopment project. Attorney Steve Eugster said Wednesday he walked away from the suit after realizing "very few people were as concerned about the issue as I was ..." But, he added, "I'm not going to give up on my efforts to keep government from being more than it should be."
News >  Spokane

City Obeys, Oks Flats

After years of bowing out, the city of Spokane finally bowed to a state order to allow granny flats in residential neighborhoods. City Council members voted 6-1 Tuesday to allow the accessory apartments. "There's a parade of horribles, the feeling that this will be Armageddon for single-family neighborhoods, but I don't think that's going to happen," said Mayor Jack Geraghty. Councilman Chris Anderson dissented, saying the ordinance was too broad and would be abused.
News >  Spokane

Council Will Reconsider Granny Flats State May Withhold Planning Money If City Refuses To Adopt Ordinance

The city of Spokane wouldn't make room for granny on its own, so the state stepped in and laid down the law - twice. Council members today will reconsider a state mandate to allow accessory apartments - commonly known as granny flats - in single-family neighborhoods. An advocacy group for the disabled challenged the council's decision last year to defy the state law ordering Washington cities to pass an "accessory dwelling unit" ordinance by Dec. 31, 1994.