Blowing dust that washed across Spokane after 6 p.m. gave way to rain, high winds and lightning as severe thunderstorms raked Eastern Washington and North Idaho on Tuesday night.
A line of storms moved northward across the region, from the eastern slopes of the Cascades into Idaho.
Washington State University research scientists have devised a forecasting model that can predict air pollution. Described as the nation’s first high-resolution, Web-based air quality forecast system, it’s been getting a workout this summer as out-of-control wildfires continue sending thick smoke billowing into the Pacific Northwest sky.
Washington state’s transportation system will fall into a long-term decline under the current funding scheme that relies on motor vehicle fuel tax. That finding is part of a comprehensive look into the future by the Washington State Transportation Commission.
Centennial Trail users in Spokane, Spokane Valley and parts of unincorporated Spokane County will not pay any future parking or visitor fees under a new trail maintenance agreement finalized Tuesday. However, Washington state parks will continue to require its Discover Pass for use of trailheads in Riverside State Park north of the T.J. Meenach Bridge. The pass is $30 annually or $10 daily.
The close primary election between incumbent Spokane County Commissioner Al French, a Republican, and his Democratic challenger, Mary Lou Johnson, moves to a much bigger and more Republican playing field for the Nov. 4 general election. Both candidates competed along with third-place finisher Bonnie Mager in just one third of the county – Commissioner District 3 that encompasses a wide swath of older urban areas of Spokane as well as the West Plains and rural areas of the western and southwestern county.
The Inland Northwest is returning to more typical warm summer weather with highs in the middle and upper 80s for the next few days, making it a good time to get outdoors and enjoy the season. Another hot spell is expected to arrive on Sunday through possibly Tuesday.
Two incumbent Republicans in the Spokane County Courthouse appear to be facing tough challenges from Democratic opponents. GOP County Commissioner Al French was virtually tied with Democratic challenger Mary Lou Johnson, with each scoring 36 percent of the vote in the county’s initial returns Tuesday night for the District 3 seat.
An effort to bring injured Spokane County workers back to light duty is going to save an estimated $200,000 a year in the county’s self-insured workers’ compensation program. About 50 workers a year are laid up and have to stay home because of on-the-job injuries, county statistics show.
Planning for an electric trolley bus line through downtown Spokane jumped several steps last week with a decision to extend the proposed line to Spokane Community College. The Spokane Transit Authority board of directors voted unanimously for the extension on Thursday.
Democrats face a dilemma in next month’s primary election for Spokane County commissioner. That’s because among the candidates they can choose are a Democrat and a high-profile former Democrat who chose to run as an independent.
Dennis and Edie Fisk made the eight-hour ride to Spokane Valley from Pacific City, Ore., to join more than 1,500 Harley-Davidson riders at a four-day rally this weekend. The two retirees rode through rain for two hours and encountered wind in the Columbia River Gorge to take part in the first Pacific Northwest HOG Rally. Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, 19011 E. Cataldo Ave., is hosting the event.
The remodeling of Spokane’s downtown transit plaza faces a new obstacle after downtown business interests on Thursday successfully won a delay of the project. Some business leaders question if remodeling the facility would improve what they perceive as problems with loitering, unsavory behavior and public safety. But supporters of the project say problems at STA Plaza have improved greatly, and its central location is essential for the convenience of riders and plans to expand the system.
The next few days are going to bring a transition from the severe weather that arrived over the Inland Northwest on Wednesday to hot summer weather again by Sunday. The low pressure area responsible for the storms is moving off to the east today, but its impact should still be felt.
Severe thunderstorms in the Spokane area and in North Idaho were moving quickly to the north after sweeping across the area shortly after 4 p.m.
The storms were part of a broader swath of severe storms that extended from southeast Washington into the fire zones of Central Washington and northward toward the Canadian border.
Debate over the need for a new Spokane County Jail has become a key issue in this year’s campaigns for sheriff and county commissioner after a candidate in the sheriff’s race produced a radio ad pegging the potential cost at $300 million. Doug Orr, who is challenging incumbent Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, has won the endorsement of former Sheriff Mark Sterk. In a radio ad, Sterk says, “Now is not the time to be promoting a $300 million jail.”
The city of Spokane is installing more parking meters along the edges of downtown, forcing drivers to pay up or face a fine. Streets near hospitals and clinics, Lewis and Clark High School and West Main Avenue are the target for the 225 new meters.
Big hogs are converging in Spokane Valley later this week. Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson is hosting the first Pacific Northwest HOG Rally at the dealership’s 11-acre property at 19011 E. Cataldo Ave.
A Democrat has announced that she is mounting a write-in campaign for Spokane County clerk after no Democrats filed for the office during the spring filing period. Mary M. Wissink, 57, of Spokane, would need write-in votes on 1 percent of all ballots cast in the Aug. 5 primary election to qualify for the general election ballot. That would be an estimated 900 to 1,100 votes depending on the strength of the turnout.
The Trentwood Irrigation District, which serves an area on the north side of Spokane Valley, is planning to install a 2 million-gallon reservoir on the hillside near East Valley High School. The district is in the process of securing a contractor for the project, estimated at $2.5 million.
Spokane’s new urban farming ordinance that allows for the keeping of small farm animals is likely to cost the city extra money for animal control services. The director of the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service has outlined a series of charges for the extra work of answering farm animal welfare calls and noise and odor complaints involving goats, sheep, small pigs or fowl.
Little relief is in sight for firefighters trying to contain major wildfires in Central Washington. Hot temperatures and gusting winds are predicted again today after a lightning storm on Monday triggered new blazes across the region.
Air quality has worsened dramatically this afternoon after the National Weather Service posted an air quality alert for much of the Inland Northwest as winds drive Central Washington wildfire smoke eastward.
