Police impound truck in hit-and-run

Police have impounded a tan pickup in connection with a hit-and-run collision in north Spokane on Friday night that sent a man to the hospital with head injuries, a police spokeswoman said.

Police found the 1990s Dodge Dakota about 6 p.m. Saturday on the 4000 block of North Martin Street, but they had not filed charges against the female driver pending an investigation, said Cpl. Tracie Meidl.

The victim, an unidentified Spokane man in his mid-30s, was listed in serious condition Friday after he was struck crossing North Monroe Street north of its intersection with West Indiana Avenue about 9 p.m., police said. Witnesses said the northbound truck had a green light.

– Parker Howell

Seattle

Official says tolls should reflect traffic

Are Washington drivers willing to trade lower gas taxes for highway tolls? U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters advocated in Seattle last week for a “congestion-pricing” system where tolls would rise in heavy traffic and drop in light traffic, in an effort to reduce congestion at peak times.

Peters shared her perspective Friday with the Washington Roundtable, a group of business executives. She argued that Americans lack “investor confidence” in higher gasoline taxes, in part because the money hasn’t reduced congestion.

Toll income should eventually replace the federal gas tax, she said.

The federal government collects 18.4 cents a gallon in gas taxes. When that is coupled with the state’s gasoline tax, Washington residents will pay a total of 55.9 cents a gallon when the latest increase kicks in July 1.

Peter’s department is offering $139 million to launch congestion-price tolling on the Highway 520 floating bridge by September 2009.

The Washington Legislature passed a bill supporting tolls but didn’t set specific rates or timetables, leaving those decisions until next winter’s session.

– Associated Press

DILLON, Mont.

City leader acquitted in fist fight with mayor

A judge has acquitted a former Dillon City Council member charged with disorderly conduct after a fist fight with a former mayor.

Justice of the Peace Bob Lee ruled on Friday that Nils Troedsson was defending himself when he punched George Warner last August. The fight outside downtown Dillon’s Longhorn Saloon occurred after Troedsson and Warner exchanged strong words about an effort to recall Mayor Marty Malesich, who remains in office.

Like Troedsson, Warner was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct. He is awaiting trial.

– Associated Press