Mike Prager

Traylene Mathwig, 4, left, and Pasha Skirko enjoy the last traces of snow at Manito Park on Monday. Although the snow on the park's hills is melting away, there's still enough for a decent ride. Photo by Liz Kishimoto/The Spokesman-Review

Cheney city officials don't think they can stop an anti-tax drive sweeping this community. The city administrator is moving to head off a petition drive to cut taxes. The City Council last month approved a measure to increase taxes on water, sewer and garbage to make up for part of a state-mandated reduction in the electrical tax.

The proposal to build a new supermarket, fast-food restaurant and retail store at 44th and Regal won an important government endorsement last week. The Spokane hearing examiner ruled in favor of a zone change and a new design plan for an eight-acre parcel just north of the existing Shopko store. Members of the Moran Prairie Neighborhood Association opposed the project and are considering an appeal of the ruling.

1. Judge Patricia Warnick hands out justice in the Airway Heights night court. Photo by Kristy MacDonald/The Spokesman-Review 2. Judge Patricia Warnick holds court in the Airway Heights community center on Wednesday nights. Photo by Kristy MacDonald/The Spokesman-Review

Christmas this year is a make-or-break season for a small not-for-profit business that's trying to help the poor of the Third World. Global Folk Art at First and Cedar carries a unique collection of products from native crafts people in countries like Haiti, Pakistan, Nepal and Guatemala. The shop guarantees the artists receive a fair share of the sales money. The goal is to raise living standards among the poor while giving consumers a chance to participate in helping them.

Pamela Watson, a Global Folk Art regular, does some Christmas shopping at the volunteer-run store. Photo by Kristy MacDonald/The Spokesman-Review

Heavier traffic and a handful of two-car accidents triggered the inevitable at 37th and Perry, an intersection known for its collisions. The Spokane city traffic department last month installed new stop signs on Perry, making the intersection a four-way stop for the first time.

Dave Foxworth drew a nine of hearts Wednesday to win the race for fire commissioner in District 10 on the West Plains. Jim Peirone, the 18-year incumbent, drew a seven.

A seven-year effort to restore Marshall Creek southwest of Spokane has led to publication of a 190-page book on native plants. Author Bev Keating said "Living With Native Plants" provides a how-to approach to growing trees, shrubs and perennials common to the Inland Northwest.

Harmon

CORRECTION: 12-11-97; S3 Members of the South Spokane Rotary Club installed new playground equipment at the Southeast Day Care Center. A headline in last Thursday's South Side Voice incorrectly identified the group.

Mary John Reuthinger's American foursquare home was built in 1910. Photo by Kristy MacDonald/The Spokesman-Review

In/Around: Moran Prairie, Glenrose Prairie, Browne Mountain, Central Park. The last in a series of public meetings on stormwater problems in southeast Spokane is scheduled for Wednesday. Spokane County utility officials will talk about their recommendations for channeling stormwater on Moran Prairie, Glenrose Prairie, Browne Mountain and Central Park.

Thanksgiving travelers will encounter mild weather in North Idaho, Washington and Western Montana for the next several days, forecasters said. Daytime snow levels in the Cascades are expected to remain at 3,500 to 4,000 feet, which is above the 3,000-foot summit of Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90. In North Idaho, passes could see snow showers, but accumulations are expected to be light.

Sue and Bob Quinn and their neighbors are frustrated over continuing problems with mailbox vandalism. Photo by Liz Kishimoto/The Spokesman-Review

Lori Nicol Bingham's commitment to historic preservation is extending to her own home. Bingham is a member of the city-county Landmarks Commission and a co-founder of the independent Spokane Preservation Advocates organization. The City Council voted Monday to place her home on the Spokane Register of Historic Places.

City Hall just may have a piece of land it can spare for a new South Hill Senior Center. Parks Director Ange Taylor said he is negotiating with the Water Department on a trade to open up 1.7 acres of property for the long-sought senior center. The deal involves Water Department land next to the large reservoirs on South Ray and adjacent to Thornton Murphy Park at 27th Avenue.

A recount of the ballots for mayor of Medical Lake on Tuesday didn't change the outcome from last week. Challenger Jim Hill defeated Mayor Sharie Stearns by a total of 35 votes, 452 to 417. The recount was done by hand Tuesday. One ballot was added to Hill's total because the computer didn't count it. The punch in the ballot was partially separated from the card, but not enough for the computer to recognize it.

Apple Cup travelers are being warned to prepare for icy conditions on Snoqualmie Pass.

The last count of ballots from Medical Lake on Wednesday pushed challenger Jim Hill ahead of incumbent Mayor Sharie Stearns. "I'm very elated, and I am looking forward to a good four years," said Hill, a Washington State Patrol trooper. Hill's election gives all three cities on the West Plains, as well as Spokane, new mayors.

The Spokane City Council on Monday adopted new restrictions on developers in southeast Spokane in an attempt to slow the rise of flood waters there. The council's action comes six months after Spokane County commissioners adopted similar measures. Developers no longer will be able to use grassy depressions to let storm runoff soak back into the ground. Only lined evaporation ponds will be allowed.

Future development on Moran Prairie could cause a small creek at 44th and Regal to become a raging torrent during heavy storms. A county watershed study says the tiny creek that crosses a low spot on South Regal could one day swell to 300 times its present volume and inundate the area with water.

Some Cheney residents aren't too happy with the way their City Council plans to tax them next year. Last week, they submitted a petition with 492 names opposing a plan to rearrange the way the city collects utility taxes.

1. Sooy 2. Grady