Power restored to most of Stevens County

Power has been restored to most of Stevens County, including the 911 dispatch center. High winds and lightening caused about 11,000 Avista customers to lose power this morning. As of 5 p.m. only about 90 customers in the Colville area were without power and Avista spokeswoman Kelly Conley said most of those people should have their electricity restored tonight. However, Avista crews will not be able to help the 42 customers without power in the Fruitland area, Conley said. The 5,000 acre Fruitland fire is blocking access and power likely won’t be restored until sometime tomorrow, Conley said.