In brief: WSP says alcohol had role in Route 231 crash

Authorities say alcohol was a factor in Friday night crash on a Stevens County highway in which a 46-year-old Valley, Wash., woman was injured.

Lois E. Culp was northbound on state Route 231 about six miles south of Chewelah about 11 p.m. when the 2000 Toyota pickup she was driving left the roadway onto the southbound shoulder, rolled and landed on railroad tracks, the Washington State Patrol said.

Culp was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where she was in satisfactory condition Saturday.

She will be charged with driving under the influence, the WSP said.

Sara Leaming

Snow likely to follow a few cold, foggy days

Cold and patchy fog are expected in the Inland Northwest over the next few days, with snow possible by Wednesday.

The temperature is expected to be about 13 degrees this morning, with a high just below freezing today, the National Weather Service said. A high of 27 and a low of 16 are forecast Monday.

Areas of patchy fog are likely throughout the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas through Tuesday, the weather service said.

A 20 percent chance of snow is likely Tuesday, with a 30 percent chance by Wednesday and Thursday. A rain and snow mix is forecast for New Year’s Day.

Sara Leaming