School board member says she’ll leave post

Spokane Public Schools’ longest-serving board member is stepping down.

Christie Querna was a school volunteer and former teacher when she won a seat on the school board in 1995.

She’s since served twice as board president, most recently in 2007. She talked about not seeking re-election in November but changed her mind, saying she felt “duty-bound” to help select a superintendent after Brian Benzel left the post.

Ultimately, the board picked Nancy Stowell, who previously was an associate superintendent.

Querna’s last board meeting will be Sept. 10. The board will appoint a replacement to serve until the general election in November.

Dan Hansen

Burn ban takes effect in unincorporated areas

A burn ban is in effect in unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

Officials announced Thursday that open burning and recreational fires are banned for the next 90 days.

The use of backyard barbecues, chimneys and other patio and deck warmers – using approved fuel such as seasoned firewood, briquettes, or propane – is still allowed, said Martha-Lou Wheatley-Billeter, county spokeswoman.

A burn ban is already in effect for the city of Spokane and Kootenai County.

Jody Lawrence-Turner

Athol, Idaho

Two men arrested after handgun tussle

A dispute between two Athol, Idaho, neighbors erupted into a tussle over a handgun after one reportedly bit the other. Both men were arrested Wednesday.

Burnell E. Willis, 73, told Kootenai County sheriff’s deputies he’d bitten Bob D. Husband, 75, during a dispute over Willis’ four-wheeler about 6 p.m.

Two hours later, Husband showed up in Willis’ front yard at 9933 E. Highway 54, according to a Sheriff’s Department report.

Willis told deputies he feared his neighbor was armed.

“(Willis) stated he told Husband, ‘Bob, if you have a gun, I’m going to blow your head off,’ as he pointed a black .45-caliber Ruger handgun at him, according to the report.

Husband grabbed the gun and held Willis in a “bear hug” until Willis’ wife, Ira, took the weapon inside the home, according to the report.

Deputies arrested Willis on a count of aggravated assault and Husband, who deputies say answered the door clutching a .38-caliber Rohm handgun, on a count of battery.

Meghann M. Cuniff