In brief: Court names new commissioner

Spokane County Superior Court has appointed a new court commissioner to replace Fred Aronow, whose resignation is effective on Monday.

Presiding Judge Ellen Kalama Clark said in a press release Friday that Michelle L. Ressa has been hired as the new court commissioner. She will begin the post on May 21.

Ressa is a Spokane native and graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law. Ressa has served as an assistant attorney general for 10 years and has experience in the areas of dependency, unified family court and licensing, Clark said.

For the past year, Ressa has served as court commissioner in Grant County.

Aronow announced his resignation in March. He had served as court commissioner since his appointment in 1995.

Reward seeks tip on man who fled

Secret Witness is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of a man wanted for eluding police.

Shawn A. Barton, 35, of Spokane, fled Wednesday when Spokane officers tried to stop him for a traffic violation, said spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee. A warrant has been issued for Barton on the charge of attempting to elude police. Bail on the warrant is set at $100,000.

Barton is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and 200 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, Lee said.

Anyone with information on Barton’s whereabouts is asked to call Secret Witness at (509) 327-5111. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect the cash reward, but should use a code name or number.

Spokane Valley

Event raises funds for band, guard

The second-annual Jazz Dessert and Auction, a fundraiser for Central Valley High School’s award-winning band and color guard, is scheduled Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening includes live jazz music. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $5 for students. The school is at 821 S. Sullivan Road. For more information call (509)220-2331

Coeur d’Alene

MS Walk today will raise funds

The Inland Northwest chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will have its annual MS Walk in Coeur d’Alene today.

The walk, which raises funds to help 2,200 residents living with MS, will begin at 10 a.m. at North Idaho College. Walkers have a choice of 2-mile and 5-mile routes through the city and City Park.

Walkers will meet at NIC’s Molstead Library. Signup for those not pre-registered will begin at 8:30 a.m.

From staff reports