Apples lead state in farm food sales
Washington farmers and ranchers produced a record $8.5 billion worth of food last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week.
Apples led the way with a production value of $1.75 billion. Milk was second with value of $1.06 billion.
Wheat, Eastern Washington’s dominant crop, ranked third at $975 million as soaring grain prices and solid yields last year pushed wheat past potatoes, which were in fourth place. Cattle and calves rounded out the top five.
It was a good year for many of the state’s other leading crops, including hay, grapes and pears.
Although many growers reported profits in 2007, agriculture officials said, the cost of fuel and fertilizer took a toll.
Washington has about 33,000 farmers and ranchers.
Detailed numbers are available online at agr.wa.gov/News/ 2008/topfortyWASH2007 NASS.pdf.
spokane
Health District giving flu shots
The Spokane Regional Health District is offering flu vaccinations.
Federal health officials this year recommend that children 6 months and older get vaccinated.
From 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year. About 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die of flu-related complications.
The health district offers the flu shot for $31 for adults and $30 for children. A sliding-fee scale is available for children based on family size and income. Medicare and Medicaid might cover the cost of shots.
To schedule an appointment, call (509) 324-1600.
Threats prompt school lockdown
Police say a wanted man prompted lockdowns at a Spokane elementary school this week after threatening to hurt his ex-girlfriend’s children. Now they’re asking the public’s help locating him.
Larry G. Gatewood, 35, made phone threats to Logan Elementary School on Monday and Tuesday, according to a police news release. He’s wanted on charges including first-degree burglary, harassment, driving with a suspended license, criminal trespass and escape from community custody.
Anyone with information about Gatewood’s location is asked to call 911.
Man charged in shooting
John Montgomery, 36, was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempted murder and assault.
Montgomery shot two men during a “drug deal gone bad” near Spokane Community College, said Sgt. Joe Peterson, of the Spokane Police Department’s major crimes unit. Both men were expected to survive.
Police said the suspect and the victims knew each other.
The shots were fired about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday in an alley behind an apartment complex in the 2900 block of East South Riverton Avenue.
A 54-year-old man was shot in the back and believed to be in serious condition. A man in his mid-20s was shot in the wrist.
Montgomery was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon following a standoff with police at a residence on the 1200 block of East Providence Avenue.