In brief: Person sought in series of fires

Investigators are looking for a man they think may be connected to a series of fires Friday near Interstate 90.

The man is described as white, in his late 40s, small in stature, with blond or sandy-colored hair. He was driving an older model red-orange station wagon with faux wood paneling on the sides, according to the Spokane Fire Department.

Investigators consider him a person of interest in at least four fires Friday about 3:50 p.m. near I-90 in the Finch Arboretum area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Fire Department’s special investigation unit at (509) 625-7052.

Teen crossing Pines struck by car

A 14-year-old North Pines Middle School student was struck by a car while crossing a busy Spokane Valley highway after school Wednesday.

The teen, attempting to cross Pines Road at Broadway Avenue about 3 p.m., was hit by a car northbound on Pines, also known as state Route 27, said Washington State Patrol Trooper Troy Briggs.

The boy, who did not have a walk signal to cross, was taken by ambulance to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he was treated and released, Briggs said.

The driver of the car, a 46-year-old Spokane woman, was not cited.

School enrollment may be higher

Spokane Public Schools officials estimate student enrollment may be slightly higher than projected this year.

Preliminary figures show an enrollment of 28,292, about 37 fewer students than projected. However, based on past growth, enrollment may be about 244 students higher than projected by Oct. 1 – the date many districts consider an enrollment count official for state funding purposes.

Elementary schools had fewer students, while middle and high schools saw larger-than-expected growth, officials said. An earlier start to the school year may have affected enrollment counts, as some vacationing families may have opted to keep students out of school, officials said.

Bird tests positive for West Nile

A dead magpie found on the West Plains is the first animal to test positive for West Nile virus in Spokane County.

Public health officials noted one bit of good news regarding the virus discovery: The end of the mosquito season is near.

West Nile is spread to humans from mosquitoes that become infected by first feeding on bird blood.

The virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis.