Street crews begin spring sweeping

City of Spokane street crews begin their spring round of residential street sweeping this week.

On the schedule this week and next: northwest Spokane from Monroe Street to Ash Street between Wellesley Avenue and Francis Avenue today and Thursday; northeast Spokane from Mission Avenue to Euclid Avenue between Ruby Street and Hamilton Street today through Monday; and south Spokane from Crestline Street to Ray/Thor streets between Hartson Avenue and 29th Avenue.

The city is asking residents of these neighborhoods to move their cars off the street from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on sweeping days.

– Amy Cannata

Spokane Transit gives raises to union workers

Spokane Transit Authority will give members of its largest union 2.25 percent raises each year for three years.

The deal with Amalgamated Transit Union #1015 was reached through arbitration after contract negotiations stalled in late 2004.

The union representing 358 of STA’s 493 employees, including bus drivers, maintenance workers and clerical employees, has been without a contract since October 2004.

The raises will cost STA $2.3 million in wage increases and wage-related fringe benefits over the three-year period, including retroactive payments for the period of the contract that has already passed.

– Amy Cannata

Benewah County

Banderob hearing delayed a third time

For the third time, the preliminary hearing for accused killer Lawrence “Larry” Banderob has been postponed.

Banderob’s defense attorneys requested and were granted a continuance. The hearing, which was set for today, is expected to be reset for sometime in May, the Benewah County prosecutor’s office said Tuesday.

The 37-year-old St. Maries, Idaho, man is accused of binding and beating 76-year-old Miriam Waltch in early February before killing her and lighting fire to her home.

Authorities have said the woman, who lived alone, may also have been raped. Banderob could face the death penalty if convicted in her death.

– Taryn Brodwater