In brief: Semitruck wreck on I-90 spills diesel
A jackknifed semitruck that blocked westbound traffic on Interstate 90 at the Hamilton Street exit Friday morning spilled diesel that ended up in the Spokane River.
The diesel fuel leaked into the freeway median and made its way into a stormwater outfall that discharges into the river at Erie Street, said Brook Beeler, a spokeswoman for the Washington Department of Ecology.
Absorbent pads will remain in place near the outfall until Monday to help contain the spill, which was less than 100 gallons of fuel, she said.
Recreationists on the river this weekend might see oil sheens from other sources, Beeler said. Recent heavy rains are flushing the stormwater system, picking up oils from roads, parking lots and garbage tossed into the storm drains over the past several months.
Anthropologist to lead GU center
Gonzaga University has hired Joseph Kinsella to direct its Center of Global Engagement.
Kinsella is an anthropologist who taught at DePaul University in Chicago for 20 years and later became director of study abroad and an associate vice president of international programs, according to a news release from the university.
At Gonzaga, he will work to coordinate campus globalization initiatives, develop an international student recruitment plan, and oversee the study-abroad office and international scholar and student services.
“Work in studies abroad goes two ways,” Kinsella said in the release. “We talk to others about our society and the world we come from, while we must also listen and learn from the people with whom we engage.”
Grilling in City Park to help foundation
The Panhandle Parks Foundation plans to host a day of grilling at Coeur d’Alene’s City Park on Aug. 31.
“Smoke on the Water” will include professional barbecue, beer and wine, and ice cream, plus a barbecue competition with cash prizes.
Backyard barbecue enthusiasts are welcome to learn from the pros between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit foundation, which buys and holds land for parks and raises money for park development.
To be a team member, judge or vendor, call Kim Stearns at (208) 651-6271.