In brief: Man’s body removed from Spokane River

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies removed a man’s body from the Spokane River on Upriver Drive on Friday. There were no obvious signs of foul play in his death.

Two hikers, Dale and Tami Kramer, were walking in the area when they saw the man floating face down about 3 p.m.

“It’s freaky,” Dale Kramer said.

The Kramers reported the body to the sheriff’s office, and deputies removed the man from the river.

The Spokane County medical examiner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death, but Deputy Craig Chamberlin said there were no obvious signs of trauma.

Kaitlin Gillespie

Palouse councilwoman found dead near river

A Palouse, Wash., city councilwoman was found dead early Friday morning after she capsized during a kayak trip down the Palouse River.

Alison Webb, 54, set out on a kayaking trip Thursday afternoon, according to a news release. Family notified the Whitman County sheriff’s office when she did not arrive at her destination.

Webb began her trip near Wellesley Road in Latah County but capsized somewhere during the trip, according to the release. Investigators from multiple agencies searched throughout the night for Webb. She was found at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

Investigators believe Webb died after she was exposed to extremely cold overnight temperatures, but the cause and manner of death will be determined by the Whitman County coroner’s office.

Webb was appointed to the Palouse City Council in 2012. She lost her bid for re-election this month by six votes.

Kaitlin Gillespie

Kalispel Tribe buys 5.5 acres in Airway Heights

The Kalispel Tribe bought 5.5 acres of vacant land in Airway Heights for an undisclosed price.

The property was purchased from Appleway Leasing Inc., an investment company owned by local restaurateur and entrepreneur Cyrus Vaughn, according to a news release.

Brandon Haugen, director of the Kalispel Development Co., said “it seemed like a good idea” to acquire the land that’s adjacent to property already owned by the tribe to the west. Haugen said the tribe doesn’t have a specific plan for the property right now.

The land is across Hayford Road from the Wal-Mart store. The Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort & Casino is farther north on Hayford Road.

Guy Byrd of Cornerstone Property Advisors and James Quigley of Kiemle & Hagood brokered the transaction, the release said.

Addy Hatch