Governor signs law to store river water
OLYMPIA
Governor signs law to store river water
Gov. Chris Gregoire on Thursday signed into law a bill that promises to do what people east of the Cascades have been trying to do for decades: find more water.
The bill launches a $210 million push to conserve or store vast quantities of Columbia and Snake river water for farms, cities, industry and fish. Among the early ideas: filling natural depressions and canyons with river water during wet months. Of the “new water,” two-thirds would go to humans, one-third to fish.
Despite near-unanimity in the Statehouse, where the bill was rushed through the House and Senate this week, some environmentalists are unhappy with the sweeping proposal. They fear that large storage projects will inundate critical habitat, lead to warmer water in the river, and harm fish.
– Associated Press
Deer Park trainer returns from dog show
Willy, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, and Marty, a 1½-year-old Boston terrier, departed from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York with the experience of big-city life but no trophies.
Both dogs, trained by Kris Wheeler, of Deer Park, competed in the 130th annual televised extravaganza on Monday. Willy, who lives in Japan, competed against 17 other Chihuahuas. Marty, who is Wheeler’s dog, was up against 24 other Boston terriers.
“All the dogs (invited) are champions already,” said Wheeler, who has shown dogs at three previous Westminster events.
– Hilary Kraus
Valley man dies from injuries at Florida café
A Spokane Valley chiropractor died in a Florida hospital 10 days after he was injured when a car crashed into a Juno Beach restaurant, according to a report by TCPalm.com, the Web site of the Treasure Coast Newspapers.
David W. Jones, 62, was one of seven people injured Feb. 2 when a West Palm Beach woman drove her Mercedes into the outdoor dining patio of the Juno Beach Café on U.S. Highway 1. Jones was the only person whose injuries were serious enough to require hospitalization, but he was expected to recover, according to the report.
He was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center where he died of complications Sunday, according to the Juno Beach Police Department. Jones’ wife and son were in West Palm Beach, a spokesman at his Spokane Valley office, North Pines Chiropractic Offices, reportedly told TCPalm.com.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and medical examiner were investigating the cause of Jones’ death. The driver, Joanne Lapi, 41, and her passenger were uninjured in the crash. Lapi was cited for careless driving and may face criminal charges.
– Kevin Graman