Finalists named for school board

Six finalists have been chosen for the vacant seat on the Spokane Public Schools’ board of directors.

To be interviewed during a special meeting Wednesday:

•Dr. Jeffrey Bierman, a professor of physics at Gonzaga University.

•Deana Brower, president of the Jefferson Elementary parent-teacher group and a former social studies and English teacher.

•Louise Chadez, a mental health professional.

•Katie DeBill, a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate and former middle school principal.

•Dr. Paul Lindholdt, a professor of English at Eastern Washington University.

•Heidi Olson, a mother of eight children and a former teacher and lecturer.

One person will be selected to fill the seat vacated when Christie Querna resigned.

Spokane County

Work to close part of Spotted Road

Spotted Road will be closed for construction between Park Round and outbound Airport Drive from Monday to Oct. 1.

The closure will require drivers to make a lengthy detour around Spokane International Airport property while the roadway is rebuilt. It was damaged by runway drainage.

Drivers trying to get around the east end of the airport will have to use West Airport Drive, West Sunset Highway, South Lewis Street and Geiger Boulevard until the new pavement has cured, according to an airport news release.

Olympia

Commissioner OKs sale of Safeco

Liberty Mutual Group’s $6.2 billion purchase of Seattle’s Safeco Corp. has been approved by the Washington state insurance commissioner’s office.

In a statement Thursday, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler noted that Boston-based Liberty Mutual has indicated that Safeco, a property and casualty insurance company, will keep its name and Seattle headquarters and will maintain its civic and charitable giving in the area. He said the transition should be seamless for policyholders.

The two companies say the acquisition is scheduled to close Monday.

From staff and wire reports