In brief: Duplex fire leaves families homeless
A pan that caught fire on a stovetop early Wednesday at a northeast Spokane duplex was blamed for a fire that left two families homeless.
Fire crews were called to the duplex at 1218 E. Queen Ave. just after midnight.
A family living in the basement unit reported a pan caught on fire while cooking, and the residents tried to use a blanket to put out the blaze, but the blanket caused the fire to spread, destroying the kitchen and causing smoke damage to both units, said Mike Inman, Spokane Fire Department battalion chief.
No one was injured in the fire. Damage was estimated at $20,000, officials said.
The American Red Cross and family friends were assisting the displaced residents.
Broadway getting storm water project
The federal stimulus act will contribute $382,000 toward a storm water filtration system to be installed on both sides of West Broadway Avenue between Elm and Oak streets.
Called SURGE, or the Spokane Urban Runoff Greenway Experiment, the project involves construction of 37 planters between the curb and sidewalk to intercept storm water runoff and filter it through mulch, soil and gravel before it enters the aquifer.
The total estimated cost is $590,000.
Police seek man in robbery case
Spokane police are searching for a 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the Sept. 29 robbery at a northeast Spokane convenience store.
Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Joseph R. Giordanella.
Giordanella is wanted on suspicion of first-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree assault for his role in a robbery at Zip Trip, 3030 E. Euclid Ave.
He is described as white, 5 feet 11 inches tall and 185 pounds with dark hair and brown eyes. He had a full beard the last time he was seen by police.
Anyone with information can call (800) 222-TIPS or submit tips online at www.crimestoppersinland northwest.org.
Sex offender fails to register
Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest of a 55-year-old sex offender who failed to register.
Kenneth Marvin Smith was convicted in 1990 of indecent liberties with a 14-year-old girl.
Smith, whose whereabouts are unknown, has been convicted in the past of failing to notify authorities of his home address.
He is described white, 6 feet 1 inch tall and 290 pounds with brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information about Smith’s whereabouts can call (800) 222-TIPS or leave tips online at www.crimestoppersinland northwest.org.
Sex offender moves to Medical Lake
Michael Cottrell, a level 3 sex offender, has recently moved to North Rambo Road in Medical Lake.
Cottrell was convicted in 1992 of second-degree rape involving a 12-year-old girl and failure to register as a sex offender, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dave Reagan. In 1998, he was convicted of communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Cottrell is not under Washington Department of Corrections supervision at this time, Reagan said.