In brief: Panel OKs Avista rate cut, hike

Avista’s Washington customers will pay a little less for electricity and a little more for natural gas as a result of decisions this week by state regulators. The changes take effect Tuesday.

The actions taken by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission reflect minor adjustments sought by Avista. The commission has not yet acted on the general rate case filed by the Spokane-based utility last May.

As a result of changes approved this week, a typical household would see a 2.6 percent, or $2.08 savings, on monthly electric bills. The savings reflects an increase in federal power benefits as a result of the Bonneville Power Administration’s Residential Exchange Program. The program passes the benefits of low-cost electricity from federal hydropower dams to residential and small farm utility customers in the Northwest.

The commission also approved Avista’s request to pass on higher wholesale natural gas prices to customers. A typical household will see a monthly increase of 55 cents to their gas bills as a result.

Investigators call house fire arson

Fire investigators have ruled a fire that consumed a home on North Adams Street on Thursday was intentionally set.

Brian Schaeffer, assistant fire chief with the Spokane Fire Department, said the fire was still under investigation and no more information was available on Friday. Crews responded to the fire at 1711 N. Adams St. just at 3 p.m. Thursday. The fire damaged the first and second stories of the single-family home, according to the Spokane Fire Department.

The Red Cross is assisting a woman and three children who were displaced by the fire.

CdA jury awards officer $3.7 million

The attorney for Coeur d’Alene says the city plans to appeal a federal jury’s verdict awarding $3.7 million in a former police officer’s wrongful termination case.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reports a jury on Wednesday awarded Daniel C. Dixon $2.7 million for lost wages and benefits and another $500,000 for emotional pain and suffering. The jury awarded Dixon’s wife $500,000 for the family’s pain and suffering.

Dixon sued after he was demoted from his lieutenant’s position to patrol in August 2009 when a subordinate officer complained Dixon tampered with his work schedule.

Attorney Larry Beck said Dixon prevented the other officer from working overtime because it wasn’t necessary. Beck said a sham investigation also found Dixon cheated on his timecard.

Attorney Mike Gridley said the city stands by its decision to demote Dixon.

Kidnap victim will speak at luncheon

Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped as a child and now advocates worldwide for children’s safety, will be the 2012 Women Helping Women Fund Luncheon speaker in Spokane on May 21.

Women Helping Women, a Spokane nonprofit, raises thousands of dollars each year at its luncheon and supports programs for women and children in need.

Smart, who now attends Brigham Young University where she’s majoring in music, was held prisoner for nine months, in 2002 and 2003, after being kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home. She now speaks worldwide about child safety issues through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and is also a correspondent for ABC News.

New Mexico crash kills Valley woman

RATON, N.M. – New Mexico state police say a woman from Roswell, N.M., and one from Washington state died early Friday when the car they were in overturned.

The women were passengers in a car driving on Interstate 25 in northern New Mexico when the driver drifted into the median, overcorrected and caused the sedan to roll.

Killed were 39-year-old Heather Williams, of Roswell, N.M., and 20-year-old Amanda Samuels, of Spokane Valley.

Lt. Tim Johnson said in a news release that 19-year-old Alyssa Samuels was driving the car and that alcohol did not appear to be a factor. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries.