In brief: 18 Nissan Altimas stolen in four days
Nissan Altimas are disappearing across Spokane, with 18 stolen on the city’s North Side in the last four days.
Spokane police believe the thief has a modified access key and are urging owners of the popular compact sedan to take extra precautions. Four of the cars were reported stolen on Thursday alone.
“Our theory is that we probably have one or two people who have a shaved key,” Spokane police Officer Teresa Fuller said. “One victim saw the suspect get into her car with a key and drive away.” Just five of the stolen cars have been recovered.
Most of the cars are 1993 to 1997 models, she said.
Fuller suggested that Altima owners use supplemental anti-theft devices, like The Club, or park their vehicles in secure locations.
– Thomas Clouse
Fired health officer decides to not sue
Fired health officer Dr. Kim Thorburn has agreed not to sue the Spokane Regional Health District in exchange for being able to publicly rebut claims she didn’t communicate well with board members.
Board members approved a settlement Thursday that stipulates that Thorburn will submit written comments detailing her response to criticisms leveled in a Nov. 27 hearing that concluded with her dismissal.
The comments, due by Jan. 15, 2007, will become part of the official record of the meeting.
Board members have claimed that Thorburn didn’t communicate adequately, and that she failed to answer e-mails and telephone calls promptly.
Thorburn maintains that she communicated professionally and thoroughly, and that she improved efforts to communicate at the board’s request.
The settlement also stipulates that health district officials must inform future employers that Thorburn’s contract was terminated without cause and “because the Board wished to take the health district in a different direction.”
– JoNel Aleccia
Offices, services affected by Christmas
The following offices and services will be affected by the Christmas holiday:
City, county, and state offices will be closed Monday. Some Spokane County offices will close at 1 p.m. today, including the commissioner’s offices, the auditor, assessor and treasurer. City offices will also close at 1 p.m. today.
No garbage service is scheduled for Monday, and service will run one day late all week.
Parking meters do not need to be plugged Monday.
Banks will be closed Christmas Day.
Most grocers will close early Sunday and are closed Christmas Day.
State liquor stores are closed Christmas Day. They are closed Sundays.
Buses will run on the holiday service schedule Monday.
Post Offices will be closed Christmas Day.
County libraries are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. City libraries will be closed Saturday through Tuesday. Library branches are closed Sundays and Mondays. The two holidays granted to employees for Christmas will result in the four-day closure, library officials said.
Schools are closed for the holidays.
– Staff reports