In brief: Vandalism draws patrols to Manito Park

Sat., Aug. 8, 2015

Security guards are patrolling Manito Park in response to a rash of property crimes, underage drinking and complaints from neighbors.

Those sorts of crimes tend to occur more frequently during summer months, but city spokeswoman Monique Cotton said the trend has been especially bad this year at the city’s signature South Hill park.

“Some of it has been graffiti, tearing open electrical boxes, kicking over trash cans, throwing rocks and just breaking a lot of property,” Cotton said.

Recently, an estimated $8,000 in damage was done to a historic stone railing and century-old pillars in Duncan Gardens.

About a half-dozen city security guards who typically patrol Riverfront Park will make periodic visits to Manito as well, Cotton said. No new security guards are being hired.

Chad Sokol

Teacher applies for ombudsman panel

Spokane Public Schools teacher Ladd Smith is under consideration for a vacant position on the Police Ombudsman Commission.

The commission has been crippled since two commissioners resigned and its chairwoman, former NAACP chapter President Rachel Dolezal, was removed after allegations of misconduct. There are not enough commissioners remaining to conduct business, including the selection of a new police ombudsman.

Ladd, a Hutton Elementary third-grade teacher, joined the district in 1992. He served on the Spokane Police Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2010 and rejoined the group in 2014.

“I wish to collaborate with others on the commission and have a constructive influence on local issues related to the daily lives of our citizens in Spokane,” he wrote in his application.

The Spokane City Council will consider Ladd’s nomination Monday.

Nina Culver

DNR upgrades fire danger levels

Fire danger has increased from “very high” to “extreme” in Spokane County, and state officials have tightened safety restrictions across northeastern Washington.

The state Department of Natural Resources this week announced heightened fire danger in Spokane and northern Lincoln counties and Fire Districts 1 and 2 in Stevens County.

Some industrial activities are prohibited and others are restricted from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pend Oreille, Stevens, Spokane and Ferry counties, as well as most of Okanogan County and part of Lincoln County. At least one person must stand watch for fires while others carry out industrial work, and workers must have a 300-gallon pump truck within five minutes of the site.

Staff report

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