In brief: Air-only life preservers banned

Hot air is not enough for Spokane County commissioners when it comes to safety on the Spokane River.

Commissioners last week banned life preservers that rely on air or compressed gas. The action applies only to unincorporated portions of the river.

Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Walker told commissioners the action was needed because inflatable life preservers are too easily punctured in rapids. Also, he said devices that aren’t already inflated may fill too slowly in an emergency.

There were no inflatable devices on the Coast Guard list of Type 3 life preservers when the county ordinance requiring that type on the Spokane River was passed, Walker said.

– John Craig

DOWNTOWN

Sorority will help Meals on Wheels

The Laureate Gamma Beta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will present a $1,600 check to the Spokane Meals on Wheels on Friday at the organization’s downtown office.

The 19-member group raised the funds this spring through a yard sale. The chapter’s members decided to support Meals on Wheels because of its great need for financial help, President Betty Stitt said.

Beta Sigma Phi International is a nonacademic sorority for women with 200,000 members in chapters around the world.

– Staff reports

Corvette show planned Saturday

The Spokane Corvette Club will hold its 15th Annual Glass on Grass Corvette Car Show on Saturday in Riverfront Park.

All Corvette owners desiring to participate in the non-judged car show can register at Riverfront Park on Saturday between 9 and 11:30 a.m. All cars must remain in the park until the close of the event at 4 p.m. A cruise and barbecue will follow. Last year’s event included 130 Corvettes. The public is welcome and encouraged to “walk-around” and view unique Corvettes from the 1950s to the present.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Washington State University’s Prostate Cancer Research.

For more information view the club Web site at www.spokanecorvette club.com or contact Kelly Brown at 466-4851.

– Staff reports

Donated bicycles will go to kids

Pedals2People is seeking donations of children’s bicycles for youth in the community and will pick them up, or you may drop them off. The nonprofit group will fix the bicycles and then donate them to children in need.

To learn more about Pedals2People, visit www.pedals2people.org. If you are interested in donating a bicycle, e-mail pedals2people@gmail.com.

– From staff reports