In brief: Five hurt when car runs stop sign, troopers say

A New Year’s Eve accident sent five people to the hospital, including a driver facing charges of vehicular assault and driving under the influence.

Megan M. Rainey, 20, of Spokane, was headed east in a 2003 Ford Focus on Seven Mile Road where it turns into Lowell Avenue at Nine Mile Road just after 11 p.m.

Washington State troopers said she failed to stop at the stop sign at Nine Mile Road.

A northbound 2012 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Kevin P. Brown, 45, of Nine Mile Falls, collided with Rainey’s car in the northbound lane.

Both Rainey and Brown were taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment of injuries and later released.

One passenger in Rainey’s car, Andrew D. Sumner, 19, was also taken to Providence Sacred Heart for injuries and was in satisfactory condition there Tuesday.

Two passengers in the Brown vehicle, Sonna L. Brown, 41, of Nine Mile Falls, and Joshua D. Brown, 15, of Spokane, were taken to Providence Sacred Heart for treatment of injuries. They were also released, although Sonna Brown was hospitalized overnight.

Troopers said Rainey is facing charges of failure to stop, driving under the influence and vehicular assault.

Mike Prager

Stovepipe likely cause of afternoon house fire

A fire burning along a stovepipe forced residents from a home at 3409 N. Lockwood Road in Spokane Valley late Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters put out the fire quickly, but not before it caused enough damage to make the home uninhabitable. The occupants told firefighters they could find temporary lodging with friends or family members.

The cause was under investigation, but the occupants said they saw a red-hot stovepipe just before they called for help and evacuated about 4 p.m.

Flu claims three in state; 10 hospitalized in county

Influenza has killed three Washington residents this flu season and hospitalized 10 people in Spokane County.

In a release on Monday, the Spokane Regional Health District stated Influenza A (H3) is the “predominant strain detected this season.”

Of the people tested for influenza in the state, 18 percent have had confirmed cases of the flu.

Although reported cases of pertussis are down since its peak this summer, whooping cough is also still prevalent, with two new cases reported last week.

The health department is recommending whooping cough shots for adults and children, along with annual flu vaccines.

Hospital’s first 2013 baby is healthy boy, Jayceon

WENATCHEE –The first baby of 2013 born at Central Washington Hospital is Jayceon Avalos.

The 6-pound, 13-ounce boy was born at 1:48 a.m. Jan. 1 to Enedina Cruz-Avina and Chris Avalos, of East Wenatchee.

Jayceon is 19 3/4 inches long and the second child for the couple. Avalos said they weren’t expecting a New Year’s baby. The due date was Jan. 4.

“We have a big, beautiful baby. It doesn’t get better than that,” said the exuberant father.

From wire reports