In brief: More counties to get flood aid

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced Saturday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted three more counties disaster relief from flooding this month on the state’s West Side.

Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties will now receive the same federal assistance for the storm disaster that was already given to Grays Harbor and Lewis counties.

“I’m told it was one of the fastest disaster responses ever from FEMA and the federal government,” Gregoire said in a press release.

The declaration Saturday followed an application by Gregoire’s office on Friday to add the three counties.

In addition to the government effort, “private individuals and businesses also have been very generous with their responses to help those in need,” Gregoire said.

Those who want to contribute to the flood relief can get the necessary information at www.emd.wa.gov.

Spokane

SCRAPS rescues dog from porch

A starving, neglected dog was rescued this weekend from a porch and is now in the custody of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service.

The short-haired, long-tailed, brown-and-white dog was frightened when the animal protection officer approached him, and handlers had to use a bite pole to safely capture him, according to a SCRAPS press release. As soon as he’d had some food and a warm bed, the emaciated dog welcomed contact with his handlers.

SCRAPS employees have dubbed the dog Rudy – short for Rudolph – because his nose was frosted.

The full-grown dog, of unknown breed, is about half his normal weight, SCRAPS reports. He will be available for adoption by 1 p.m. Wednesday at the SCRAPS office at 2521 N. Flora Road. Anyone interested in Rudy or other pets can call SCRAPS at (509) 477-1967.

Man falls 20 feet to rocky ledge

The Spokane Fire Department rescued a man who had fallen about 20 feet to a rocky ledge below the north end of the Post Street Bridge.

The 24-year-old man, whom authorities did not identify, apparently fell about 6 a.m. Saturday and was unable to get back up the steep embankment, Battalion Chief Steve Sabo said in a press release.

Firefighters and members of the Technical Rescue Team lowered a rescuer to the man by rope. The fall victim suffered only minor injuries, Sabo said.

Other firefighters lowered a ladder, which allowed the victim, who was attached to a rope, to climb to safety. The man was transported to a hospital to be checked out and was expected to be fine, Sabo said.