Section of river remains closed
The Spokane River between Plese Flats and the Nine Mile Dam remains closed to boaters and swimmers.
Earlier this month, logs and other large debris from spring runoff broke the safety cable upstream of the dam. On April 14, Spokane County commissioners closed the four-mile section of the river to public use.
Avista officials said the safety cable can’t be repaired until water levels come down.
The boat launch at Plese Flats is currently closed to downstream traffic. Boaters who have launched farther upstream can still use the location as a take-out spot.
Pend Oreille County
Driver injured in one-car crash
A single-car crash near Ione on Thursday night critically injured the 21-year-old driver and brought him a drunken driving charge, according to Washington State Patrol.
Michael T. Daggett was in critical condition at Deaconess Medical Center after he missed a left curve on state Route 31 at 1873 Greenhouse Road in Pend Oreille County, overturning his 1992 Plymouth Acclaim at 10:30 p.m., state troopers said.
He was taken by helicopter to Deaconess.
His passengers, Christian A. Daggett, 19, and Martin K. Yarbrough, 48, were taken to Newport Hospital, where they were treated and released.
OTIS ORCHARDS
Meetings to cover planned power line
Avista Utilities will discuss a proposed power line across the Spokane River at an open house Tuesday.
The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Otis Orchards Elementary School, 22000 E. Wellesley Ave. Neighbors opposed to the new line will also hold an information session at the school that night.
The half-mile line would start at Appleway Avenue in Liberty Lake and cross the river, following Simpson Road to just north of East River Road in Otis Orchards. Avista said the route is the most cost-effective, direct path between Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards.
Construction could begin in mid- to late 2010, according to the utility.
Avista officials said the two-way feeder line would serve communities on both sides of the river, support increased electric demand in the area and help maintain reliable service.
Benewah County
School bond could benefit from feds
Taxpayers could actually save some money if they approve the Worley Plummer School District bond on Tuesday because of a federal program offering interest-free money, officials said.
The district is asking for approval of an $11 million bond, and the district has already received approval for $5 million of interest-free bonds from the government, according to a district news release. The money would be used to replace Lakeside Elementary School.
The interest-free bonds would reduce the proposed levy rate from $1.40 per $100,000 of assessed value to $1.20, according to the district.
In addition, a donation being considered by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe could reduce the cost to taxpayers even more, officials said. The Tribal Council is expected to vote on a decision to donate $1 million in the near future.
“That money could be used to reduce financing costs,” Tribal Chairman Chief Allan said in the news release. “The tribe supports the school bond and replacing Lakeside Elementary School.”
Polls are open noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday. People can vote at the Coeur d’Alene Casino events center, Lakeside Elementary, Tensed Senior Center, Benewah Market in Plummer, or the school district office.
From staff reports