In brief: Newtech Skill Center teacher suspended

A teacher at Newtech Skill Center in Spokane is on paid administrative leave while Spokane Public Schools investigates an unspecified allegation against him.

Spokane police have closed a parallel investigation, saying no probable cause exists that a crime was committed. “We are not willing to comment on a sex crime case involving a juvenile where probable cause has not been determined,” said Spokane Police Department Cpl. Jordan Ferguson.

School district spokesman Kevin Morrison declined to say why instructor Devin Yates was suspended in July. Yates taught criminal justice at Newtech Skill Center and formerly was an officer with the Spokane Police Department. He was hired by the district in September 2013, Morrison said.

Idaho public lands reopen; bans lifted

Many areas of state and federal forestland in the Idaho Panhandle will reopen to public access today, and campfires will again be allowed.

“The weather has finally brought some rain and cooler temperatures, which means fires are less likely to spread aggressively,” said Mary Farnsworth, Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ supervisor. “Under these conditions … we are able to reduce the size of emergency closure areas while still providing an adequate buffer for public safety.”

Areas around active fires will remain closed. Check the Forest Service website for the most current information: www.fs.usda.gov/IPNF.

Forest visitors need to be aware of their proximity to wildfires and previously burned areas, where potential hazards include falling trees, unstable soils and burned stump holes.

Campfires should be cool to the touch when extinguished, officials said.

Campfires will continue to be prohibited in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s wildlife management areas in the Clearwater Region.

Man charged in STA crash held on bond

Robert D. Basford appeared in court Tuesday on a charge of vehicular assault for a crash last week involving an STA Vanpool van that sent a woman to the hospital in critical condition.

Basford, who had a bandage covering his head, was ordered held in the Spokane County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Witnesses told police that Basford was speeding east on Third Avenue and had run at least two red lights before running a red light at Brown Street and hitting the STA van Thursday.

Police believe Basford was high on methamphetamine at the time of the crash, according to court documents. Needles were found in Basford’s car.

Basford has a suspended license, and his criminal history includes a conviction for theft of a motor vehicle.

Man airlifted after U.S. 395 collision

A man was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon after his car was hit by another driver on U.S. Highway 395 near Deer Park.

Richard L. LaFountain, 69, was driving west on Denison-Chattaroy Road, according to the Washington State Patrol. He stopped at the stop sign on Highway 395 and then crossed the highway, hitting a southbound car driven by Paul L. Winkfield, 32.

Winkfield’s car was pushed into a light pole. He was airlifted from the scene by MedStar.

LaFountain suffered minor injuries. He faces charges of failure to yield and driving without insurance, the WSP said.