Car shatters day for liquor store

Sun., Dec. 25, 2005

Compiled from staff reports The Spokesman-Review

A Spokane liquor store was forced to close early for Christmas after a driver crashed into it, causing significant damage, Spokane County Sheriff’s Lt. Earl Howerton said.

The accident occurred about 10:10 a.m. Saturday when a woman pulling up to the Wandermere Liquor Store, 12310 N. Highway 395, hit the accelerator as she was trying to brake, Howerton said.

When her car came to a stop, about three-quarters of the vehicle was inside the building, he said, and four or five persons were trapped inside the store.

A sheriff’s deputy broke another window of the store to free the people inside. Two suffered minor injuries, Howerton said. The driver, who was traveling alone, was not hurt. Her name was not released.

There were no signs that the driver was intoxicated, and the crash appeared to be accidental, Howerton said.

Animal rescue team forming in Spokane

The American Humane Association is planning to recruit people from the Spokane area to become part of a team that will save pets during catastrophes in the Northwest.

Richard Green of the association will lead a lecture next month on animal rescues in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. At the meeting, Green will begin to recruit for a Humane Evacuation Animal Rescue Team in Spokane. The group will be sent to disasters in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and the northern parts of Utah and California, said Patricia Simonet of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service.

The event, which is sponsored by SCRAPS, will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at Washington State University Spokane County Cooperative Extension, 222 N. Havana. Because of incorrect information provided to The Spokesman-Review, an incorrect date for the meeting was published in Saturday’s paper.

County seeks input on Idaho roadless areas

The Latah County Board of Commissioners is accepting comments from citizens on the use of inventoried roadless areas in the state of Idaho.

Latah County does not have any roadless areas, but citizens can write to the board until Jan. 6 about land use in neighboring counties.

Inventoried roadless areas include national forests, wildlife preserves and other areas where commercial or public development is limited.

Comments can be sent to the board at P.O. Box 8068, Moscow ID 83843. Letters can also be submitted through e-mail to bocc@latah.id.us or faxed to (208) 883-2280.

The board will review comments during its regular meetings and report to the governor’s office on March 1.

Many area services affected by holiday

With Christmas falling on a Sunday this year, most holiday closures and disruptions will come on Monday.

“ Government offices – All city, county and federal offices are closed today and Monday.

“ Garbage pickup – Delayed one day in Spokane; no disruption in Kootenai County.

“ U.S. Postal Service – Express mail delivered today. No service Monday.

“ Parking – Free street parking Monday in downtown Spokane.

“ Malls – NorthTown, Spokane Valley, River Park Square and Silver Lake malls closed today, but open Monday.

“ Buses – Spokane Transit will operate on its regular Sunday schedule both today and Monday.

“ Ski resorts – Will maintain regular operating schedule through holidays.

“ Libraries – Closed today and Monday.

“ Liquor stores – State-operated stores closed today and Monday.

Free meal offered today in Sandpoint

Bonner County Gospel Mission is serving free Christmas dinner today, noon-3 p.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave. Call Corky at (208) 263-6698.

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