In brief: No choice so far in Valley council races

There might not be much of a City Council election in Spokane Valley this fall – all of the candidates were running unopposed as of Wednesday afternoon.

Three of the seven seats on the council are up for election this year.

Retired engineer Bill Gothmann and Spokane Home Builders Association government affairs Steve Taylor have filed to run again for their council seats.

Councilman Mike DeVleming, who also served as the city’s first mayor, will not run for his council seat again.

Realtor and Planning Commissioner David Crosby is running for DeVleming’s spot.

Friday is the last day for candidates to file for office in Spokane Valley.

– Peter Barnes

Police identify woman found dead in Valley

A woman found dead in Spokane Valley earlier this week has been identified as 45-year-old Lorraine Kay Coy.

Although an autopsy has been done, no cause of death has been released, said Spokane Valley police spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.

Coy, also known as Lorraine Melcher, was discovered dead by friends Monday in an East Appleway mobile home park where she was staying the night, Reagan said.

The woman’s friends told officers that she was an illicit drug user and was dropped off at their residence Sunday.

The woman reportedly was not feeling well, Reagan said. The mobile home residents put her to bed and checked on her through the night, but she was dead when they awoke Monday.

– Jody Lawrence-Turner

Idaho

It’s fish-for-free day Saturday in Idaho

Idaho’s annual free fishing day will be Saturday. A fishing license is not required, and the free day also applies to out-of-state residents. Children younger than 14 never need a fishing license.

Several additional angling events are also planned for Saturday in North Idaho.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department will be offering basic fishing instruction and use of fishing rods from 9 a.m. to noon at these locations: Snow Creek Pond in Bonners Ferry, Lucky Friday Pond in Mullan, Calder Pond, Clark Fork Lodge Pond, Steamboat Ponds in Enaville, Post Falls Park Pond, Priest Lake Golf Course, Rathdrum City Park, Round Lake State Park near Sagle.

In Coeur d’Alene, a fishing event will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course. Also, a youth fishing derby will be held 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fernan Lake. It’s for children ages 5-16. Register at Fins & Feathers or the day of the derby at the boat ramp.

– James Hagengruber