Advisory issued as air quality erodes
The National Weather Service issued an air stagnation advisory Monday afternoon for Eastern Washington and North Idaho from 4 a.m. today through 10 a.m. Friday.
Regulators in Spokane and Kootenai counties are asking residents to curtail burning in fireplaces and noncertified wood stoves.
The air quality index in Spokane stood at 80, which is considered moderate.
The Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority is requesting voluntary reductions in use of fireplaces, noncertified woodstoves and inserts. Mandatory restrictions may begin if the air index reaches 89.
A strong ridge of high pressure was forecast to settle over the region for several days beginning today, causing cold air and pollutants to become trapped near the ground. Pollution levels are likely to rise during evening hours as the inversion settles.
– Mike Prager
spokane
Two men sentenced in 17-year-old’s murder
Two men were sentenced Monday for the June 2005 murder of a Shadle Park High School student.
Matthew Migaki, 17, died after being shot in the neck. Caleb J. Hanowell, 18, Nicholas J. Walter, 25, and James N. Beasley, 16, conspired to steal Migaki’s marijuana, but the plan went awry when Walter pumped a shotgun in an effort to scare Migaki, and the gun fired.
Hanowell, a lifelong friend of the victim, received 18 years in prison for second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, officials said. Walter was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. Beasley pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and was sentenced in December. He could remain in juvenile lockup until he is 21.
– Jody Lawrence-Turner
spokane valley
Car hits man, 39, crossing street for mail
A 39-year-old Spokane Valley man remained in critical condition Monday night after being struck by a car while he walked across the street to get his mail. Spokane County sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Reagan said the man, whom he didn’t identify, was believed to have been drinking beer before he was hit at Broadway and Vercler about 4:50 p.m.
Reagan said the man was crossing Broadway Avenue when he was hit by a 2001 Lexus driven by Kimberly Williams, 36. Williams told officers she didn’t see the victim, who Reagan said suffered severe head injuries.
– John Craig
OLYMPIA
Leadership posts await area lawmakers
Several local lawmakers will hold leadership posts in the Statehouse when the Legislature convenes next month.
Senate Democrats have named Sen.-elect Chris Marr, D-Spokane, as one of two vice chairmen of the state Transportation Committee. Marr, who recently sold his interest in a Spokane car dealership, is a former chairman of the state Transportation Commission.
Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, has risen from whip to floor leader. The whip helps set policy and ensures that party members are on hand for key votes; a floor leader orchestrates floor debate on bills. In the House, Rep. David Buri, R-Colfax, will be floor leader. Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Otis Orchards, will be whip.
Last month, Senate Democrats re-elected Spokane’s Lisa Brown as Senate majority leader.
– Richard Roesler