Kalispels building foster care center
The Kalispel Tribe broke ground Monday on a $1 million emergency foster care center on its reservation near Usk, Wash.
The facility, expected to open in late summer or fall 2008, will be operated by the tribe’s behavioral health department. It will provide temporary emergency shelter for tribal and community children, according to a statement from the tribe.
The 12-bed center, located on two acres on the eastern edge of the reservation in Pend Oreille County, also will provide health care space, offices, a library and an indoor recreation area.
The tribe is financing the project with the help of a $290,000 Housing and Urban Development grant for Indian community development, said tribal spokeswoman April Pierre. It was designed by the Native American-owned architectural firm Shaman AE, of Lewiston.
Spokane
Body in river still not identified
A body found in the Spokane River last week remains unidentified, said Spokane Police.
The man was black, and between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-8 with a medium build, said Spokane Police spokeswoman Jennifer DeRuwe. A metal contraption found in his lower right jaw, and containing eight screws, indicated the man’s jaw had been broken at some point. Another metal piece in his upper right jaw contained four screws.
The body could have been in the river for several months.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s office is continuing to research missing person data banks, DeRuwe said.
Stevens County
Burn ban ordered by commissioners
Stevens County commissioners have banned most recreational and outdoor burning starting today.
The ban remains in place until lifted by the county fire marshal, according to a commissioners’ notice. Violators could face a fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.
Commissioners passed the resolution during an emergency session last week because “extreme dry weather and high temperatures have caused an abnormally elevated risk of fire danger.”
The ban does not include outdoor fireplaces, campfires in campground fire rings or barbecues.
CENTRALIA, Wash.
Scouts find body of missing man
A Boy Scout troop found the body of man missing since April while on a weekend canoe trip on the Skookumchuck River near Centralia, police in the southwest Washington town said.
The scouts spotted a pair of shoes above the surface of the water Saturday near the Interstate 5 bridge. Police and the Lewis County Dive Team recovered the body of Frank Mako, 45, of Centralia.
Mako suffered from epilepsy and related seizures. Police found his wallet containing identification.
Police Detective Sgt. David Ross said time and cause of death were unknown.
SEATAC, Wash.
Airport police searching vehicles
Port of Seattle police are conducting random searches of cars arriving at Sea-Tac Airport to drop off or pick up passengers.
Airport spokeswoman Rachel Garson says police have increased their visibility and also are patrolling with dogs.