Drivers struggle with snowy, slick roads

More than 100 mostly minor vehicle accidents, including a collision involving two WSP cruisers, were reported Saturday across the Inland Northwest as a steady snow turned roads into sheets of ice, authorities said.

The Washington State Patrol said a sergeant suffered what appeared to be minor injuries in the collision along Interstate 90 and was taken to Valley Hospital for evaluation. The troopers were responding to accidents along the eastbound lanes when their cruisers were hit about 10 p.m. between the Evergreen and Sullivan exits, dispatchers said, adding that more details would become available as the investigation proceeds.

Meanwhile, a storm watch is expected to remain in effect today for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, with National Weather Service forecasters predicting about 4 inches of snow beginning this afternoon, along with possibility of freezing rain.

While Saturday’s traffic mishaps were mostly minor, dispatchers said there were a few reports of multivehicle accidents with injuries.

One of those was a four-vehicle pileup about 2:15 p.m. near Kettle Falls that sent two men to the hospital.

A State Patrol report said 23-year-old William Thomas lost control of his northbound Nissan 300 ZX on U.S. Highway 395. A southbound motorist, Steven Bradburn, swerved to avoid Thomas’ car and crossed the centerline, slamming his Ford Ranger into a Subaru and a pickup truck.

Bradburn was taken to Mount Carmel Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Subaru, identified as Larry Bauer, was taken to Mount Carmel and later transferred to Deaconess Medical Center.

– Paula Davenport

YAKIMA

Teenager accuses priest of misconduct

A Jesuit priest serving a short-term assignment in White Salmon, Wash., is being investigated for possible sexual misconduct with a minor.

The 76-year-old priest had been filling in for the regular pastor, who was on sabbatical, and has returned to Los Gatos, Calif., because of the ongoing investigation.

Earlier this week, a 17-year-old boy accused the Jesuit of touching him inappropriately during a visit. The case was turned over to White Salmon police.

Officer Jim Andring of White Salmon confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

A spoksman for the Jesuits’ California Province said no other allegations have ever been made against the priest.

– Associated Press

NAMPA, Idaho

Pup recruit shepherded through training

At 14 weeks old, the Canyon County sheriff’s newest recruit still needs about a year’s worth of training.

“This is the first time in the history of our program we’ve bought a pup,” canine deputy Doug Daniels said.

Khan, a blue sable German shepherd, is being trained to become a tracking and apprehension dog and is the youngest dog the agency has purchased.

It usually buys fully trained adults from overseas, but Daniels said those can cost from $5,000 to $12,000.

He said Khan cost only $1,500, and the agency can train him for what they need.

Khan responds to commands in the Czech language, which will be less confusing for him while other officers are shouting during patrol duties.

”– Associated Press