In brief: Examiner opposes resort proposal
Building a golf resort with 477 homes near Farragut State Park is not compatible with the rural character of the surrounding area, according to a Kootenai County hearings examiner.
Rebecca Zanetti recommended against rezoning portions of a 1,500-acre tract of commercial timberland, owned by Stimson Lumber Co., which would have allowed the 18-hole golf course and luxury home development to move forward. In her written decision, Zanetti cited 232 comments from local citizens who opposed the rezone.
Stimson’s property is partially bordered by the Kaniksu National Forest. On other sides, the neighbors’ lots are at least five acres, with some lots of 80 acres or more.
“The cluster of (477) homes as proposed, no matter how beautiful and well done, would not fit in well with the adjacent properties,” Zanetti wrote.
Zanetti’s recommendation heads to the Kootenai County’s board of commissioners.
Spokane
Windows damaged at Shadle school
Five large double-paned windows and one smaller window in the newly remodeled library at Shadle Park High School were shattered by gunfire over the weekend.
The exterior panes had holes from some type of projectiles, causing the exterior panes to crack. The interior panes remained intact.
Spokane police said they had no suspects and asked that anyone with information call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.
Dealy Etter, of Spokane’s Garco Construction, said arrangements were being made to find replacements for the windows. The dollar value of the damage was not immediately known. Etter said the library was opened last September following completion of the first phase of the school’s four-phase renovation.
Dragging death probe expanded
Spokane police major crimes detectives have joined traffic investigators trying to determine what led to Susette G. Werner’s death, police announced Monday.
Police say Werner, 42, was struck by a vehicle at Cedar Street and Carlisle Avenue between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Feb. 8, then dragged about 15 blocks to Maxwell Avenue and Ash Street, where her body was found about 4 a.m.
Werner was seen leaving Casey’s Restaurant and Lounge at 2126 N. Monroe Street about 1:30 a.m. with two white men who haven’t been identified, police said. Witnesses told police a heavy-set man driving a dark-colored van or SUV backed up into a parking lot from the intersection where Werner’s body was found and got out of the vehicle with a flashlight.
He spoke with the driver of a teal station wagon. Surveillance footage shows a vehicle police think may be the heavy-set man’s driving south on Ash then turning east on Sinto Avenue. The vehicle could have little to no damage, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (509) 327-5111, or submit tips online at www.crime stoppersinlandnorthwest.org.
The funeral for Werner is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at Assumption Catholic Church, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road.