January 2012
41 posts
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City council votes on support for pot... →
Spokane City Council voted unanimously to share the same voice as dozens of other Washington state lawmakers urging the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule medical marijuana as a Schedule II drug so it can be prescribed by doctors and filled by pharmacists.
“I’ve encountered a lot of folks out there who are card carriers, authorized by the state for medicinal purposes,” Fagan...
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A Ride-Along With... Matthew Modine? →
It was probably a moment a taxi driver in downtown Spokane didn’t expect when he woke up this morning. He pulled up alongside the vacant Ridpath Hotel and began to talk with us on the sidewalk.
“This used to be one of the busiest cab stands in town,” he said. He paused and looked straight at a tall man with blondish hair. It was Matthew Modine, an actor known locally for his...
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Exclusive: Matthew Modine explains recent... →
When we heard that Matthew Modine was coming to down, there was the instant clickity-clatter of googling. While we were at it, why not check out the image search? We found some conservative head shots and then this: Modine holding pink undergarments on the set of his upcoming movie Batman: The Dark Knight Rises with no real explanation.
While we were packed like human sardines in Kalae...
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The Days of Dukakis, McGovern and Dewey →
Kris Crocker, meteorologist, and I indulged in a quick moment of antiquing at Spokane Vintage Warehouse Thursday morning. You never know what kind of story ideas are going to pop out of the wood work. You come up with a lot of “remember this or that”. Spokane nostalgia is always a common theme.
This isn’t exactly local, but all these buttons were found at the East Spokane store. Some of...
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Contracts renewed for Spokane Symphony's musical... →
Two signatures are shaping the future of music in Spokane. Eckart Preu, music director of Spokane Symphony, and Morihiko Nakahara, resident conductor, have extended their contracts with the symphony. Like a good marriage, Preu says the better a symphony and its conductor know each other, the more exciting it gets.
“The orchestra looks different, sounds different and plays different,” Preu said...
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Weekly report calls water rescue "media circus" →
(Updated 12:36 p.m.) - About two weeks ago, Spokane fire crews rescued an unknown man from the Spokane River where it flows through Riverfront Park. Spokane Police today confirmed the January 13th incident as an attempted suicide. The man was found just after noon and pulled to safety. He was in the cold water for about thirty minutes, maybe more. He was transported to the hospital and treated...
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A moment with Deputy Resser and his mustache →
Some call Dave Resser a modern Wyatt Earp. When it’s time to drive into town from his rural turf, he shows up to Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office logistics meetings with his classic cowboy hat and boots. He’s also armed with a righteous mustache that could put Tom Selleck’s own to shame.
He’s the resident deputy for a huge chunk of land in Shoshone County that ranges from the Bitterroot...
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Quoting Steinbeck at Spokane City Council →
Neighborhood representatives got the chance last night to tell City Council what was so amazing about where they lived. Some gushed over their annual Block Watch Party or their Spaghetti Feed that brings neighbors together. For some, it’s a little more poetic.
Carol Bryant, a Peaceful Valley neighbor, had something very special of her own to say about her neighborhood. She took a quote from John...
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Search continues for dog ejected from I-90 crash →
(Updated 4:58 p.m.) - Atticus has been found safe. Chelsea’s father, Bob Jones, called to say he was found by a family who said he was taking food given to him from their front porch for the past few days. When they saw his story on KXLY, they picked him up and called him in.
“There must have been so many people looking for that dog about a hour ago,” Bob told KXLY. “We...
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Classes continue at EWU despite snow, students... →
After tons of snow dropped on the Inland Northwest, hundreds of schools and buildings announced their closures. Eastern Washington University remained unsure about their Friday schedule, but they did cancel classes for Thursday evening. Come Friday morning, their decision was clear: classes would continue.
That action has some concerned for student safety. In one Facebook update where they...
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Inmates clearing sidewalks of snow in Airway... →
They’re keeping your sidewalks clear and your bus stops clean during this snowy week in Airway Heights. A work crew of nine offenders from Airway Heights Corrections Center have been doing snow removal in the city making sure the area is safe for pedestrians.
“They’re minimum custody offenders,” Risa Klemme, public information officer, said. “They have a prison term of four years or less and...
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A Ride-Along With Spokane Police Department →
I spent my Thursday morning with Officer Ryan Snider as we patrolled South, East and West Spokane. The snow was building as the morning progressed. We responded to two domestic court order violations and one residential burglary. We even drove by a federal investigation.
During the six hours, we responded to two domestic violence calls and one residential burglary.
Below is a timeline of...
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City says take a ride with Police, encouraging... →
It’s a bell Spokane Police ombudsman Tim Burns likes to ring every chance he gets. He even chimed in at Monday’s public safety committee to recommend the activity of ride-alongs.They’re an opportunity to see what officers face on a daily basis, but Burns says it goes beyond that; it’s a chance to see these men and women as more than just police officers.
“They’re people like the rest of us,”...
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Thanks to "Fixies" Spokane Is Known For Hipsters →
While we were busy looking outside for snow, Spokane beat Seattle in the “Fixie Index”. Instead of a city blanketed in snow, we’ve got a bunch of fixed gear bicycles. Spokane ranked 25 in the nation. The index accounts for the per capita amount of fixies for sale in the city.
The Fixie Index can also be translated as the “Top 25 Hipster Places in America.” According to Priceonomics Blog, Fixies...
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Ten Spokane Snow Days That Beat Records →
Some of you probably rushed to your bedroom window this morning to catch a glimpse at what the weather brought us. Nothing. The ground was bare.
Depending on your point of view, Mother Nature either hates or loves Spokane. Snow fall played leap frog over Spokane and dived right into North Idaho where it snowed a few inches.
Thanks to the National Weather Service, we have some statistics that...
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Introducing Kootenai Kitchen's "Plucked Delights" →
Let’s introduce a weekly feature inspired by an antiquing trip in Spokane along the “vintage district” on North Monroe. Sitting on top of a stack of books was a treasure just waiting to be picked up - Kootenai Kitchen - the cookbook you’ve been missing since its original and only circulation in 1981.
The Kootenai School located in Kootenai, Idaho compiled the cookbook in April of that year. It...
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Walkability inspires South Hill Coalition to... →
Four neighborhood councils on Spokane’s South Hill are working together to improve the business centers shared by thousands of residents, but lacking simple connecting pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists. By pooling together about $80,000, the newly-founded South Hill Coalition hopes to connect neighborhoods so more residents can stay local to do their shopping.
They’re getting a little help...
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Idaho weather conditions misleading backcountry... →
Even though North Idaho is experiencing low snow levels, back country drivers are stumbling upon an unexpected hazard as they joyride through forest service roads. Trail heads remain clear and open, but the farther they trek into the forest, they find snow and it’s deep.
It’s becoming a hassle for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and their search and rescue crews to help stuck drivers who...
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Music brightens the spirits of this year's MLK... →
Students from Lewis and Clark High School’s marching band led the annual unity march through downtown Spokane. Just before 11 a.m., you could hear their drum warm-ups, calling the unity march to order.
The crowds gathered from the indoor rally at the INB Performing Arts Center to the streets where they marched south on Bernard Street. Their drums were getting louder and louder as they...
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Late morning fog blankets Manito Park →
Few park-goers were seen in the South Hill park Friday morning except for a few brave dog owners.
It was a little chilly in the mid 20s with frost covering the grass. Patches of fog were expected around Spokane. One thick patch of fog was found resting over Manito Park on Friday morning, but beyond 14th Avenue, it dissipated.
A light wind will continue through out the day continuing into the...
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Anonymous woman donates 1,600 Beanie Babies to... →
Remember those popular stuffed animals from the 1990s? Children and parents of that generation will probably never forget a “Beanie Baby”.
An anonymous woman in Spokane had a huge collection of them, 1,600 to be exact, and it was time to rid herself of the fad. She donated them to the Spokane Police Chaplaincy Program where they’ll be put to good use during traumatic situations with young...
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Bartender dreams of ultimate crowd-sourced lounge →
News is spreading that Main Avenue’s Rocket Bakery is closing their doors this spring. Coffee drinkers need not change their early morning routine come March. The space will return under new ownership with early morning plans to open at 6 a.m. to keep the slaves of caffeine content.
Alison Collins, a local bartender known for her imaginative libations, is breaking away from her home at Mizuna...
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Stolen 1936 Ford Coupe recovered partially... →
Nearly three weeks ago, a classic car was stolen from the home of Dr. Robert Clark, a well known veterinarian. Thieves stole his 1936 Ford Coupe right from his Veradale home, leaving tracks that appeared to lead nowhere.
It was creative and grassroots detective work by caring family members that resulted in its Wednesday recovery about four miles away from its origin. It was partially intact in...
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Photo Gallery: Great Views of Spokane →
Twenty stories above the core of downtown Spokane is an amazing view of the surrounding skyline. The Bank of America Financial Center is the tallest building in Spokane and some offices have the pleasure of seeing everything. On a bright and sunny day you can see all the way from Riverfront Park to Mt. Spokane.
The top two floors are taken up by Winston & Cashatt Lawyers. The receptionist,...
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A return of Spokane snowfall could mean return of... →
The animal rights advocacy group, PETA, may be coming back to Spokane after the next snow fall with a lucrative offer for the city’s new mayor, David Condon.
PETA would like to clear the sidewalks around City Hall after the next snowstorm if Condon allows the group to stencil the same sidewalks with their latest advocacy message regarding anti-dog chaining laws. They announced their attentions in...
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Photo Gallery: Rebuilding the Garland District →
Rebuilding the Garland District’s Milk Bottle restaurant brought one surprise while construction crews were climbing through the top of the milk bottle. A recovered Santa Clause that survived the September fire. The blow-up bundle of holiday cheer was found at the top of the bottle just recently, but now it’s seen photographed on the ground.
Only half the restaurant burned during the September...
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Long time antique vendor sets up shop along North... →
There’s a certain joy when you take the first steps into your first home - for some it’s the first step into your own shop and seeing your vision coming alive. Anita Trinkle is completing her vision with Eye Candy Antiques, opening soon along North Monroe.
From the outside, it’s a little rugged. Her new sign, installed last week, lights up at night telling drivers that she’s there. From the...
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Moose sightings continue at High Drive Bluff →
More sightings of the young High Drive Bluff moose happened over the weekend. Bicyclist and blogger,John Speare encountered a trail hog during one of his rides causing him to double back to avoid any confrontation.
Speare saw just the younger moose. Like the previous sighting covered on the site last week, the alleged mother was nearby, but out of view.
For those using the trails, use caution...
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Mayor goes on patrol with Spokane Police →
Spokane’s new mayor rode with Spokane Police only once before he was elected - when he was a candidate for the mayoral position. Wednesday, David Condon was back in a patrol vehicle as the top elected official in the city with hopes to make massive changes in Spokane Police Department from personnel to accountability.
Recent changes include extending Scott Stephens’ role as the...
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A Ride-Along with Rosalia's Town Marshal →
I spent my Friday morning with Ofc. Bob Fitzgerald as we patrolled the town of Rosalia and the surrounding area in Whitman County. If backup was ever needed, it could take Sheriff’s Deputies 20-30 minutes to respond. In these neck of the woods - you have to be trained with all techniques. A town marshal will be animal control, but also handle homicides.
The town of Rosalia has seen some...
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Search for moose brings Fish and Wildlife to... →
A possibly injured moose limped its way into the hills behind Glennaire Drive neighborhoods Tuesday morning. The incident was originally called into the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office by office staff at Moran Prairie Elementary who noticed it hanging around their school’s parking lot. The school’s principal, Dr. Mark Gorman, made sure no children were outside at the time.
Office staff watched...
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Photo Gallery: Spokane's 44th Mayor →
The 44th mayor of Spokane took his oath of office Friday morning. David Condon stood next to his wife, Kristin, during the ceremony with words of invocation spoken by Chaplain Ron Alter and introductions from the city’s new City Administrator, Theresa Sanders.
A crowd of about 200 collected under the Riverfront Park clock tower just after 10 a.m. The weather did not deter them from...
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Crowds gather for Condon's mayoral oath of office →
It was a soggy morning to make the trek across the river to the Riverfront Park clock tower, but the youngest children of Little Red School House made it to the swearing-in ceremony for the 44th mayor of Spokane. The trek was made easier with the help of a big ol’ wagon. The two-year-olds were carted around by Chandra Haine and Nichole Kirkwood, day care employees.
“We thought it would be cool...
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2011 In Review: The Year in Photos →
These may not be photos of natural disasters or crowning moments in world history, but they’re moments from our community and to us - that matters. It’s been a visual year for the Inland Northwest with moments above Lake Coeur d’Alene in a historic B-25, tearful moments for animals torn apart by a shelter fire and businesses finding success in the little things - like...
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Blind dates no longer sacred on Internet →
Ever thought somebody was listening in to your coffee shop conversation? Chances are - they are.
A blind date was documented from a table and a half away at the downtown Starbucks at 2nd and Division. Their “all over the map” date covered all the bases of topics including baseball, video games, Bob Ross and weight loss tips.
Was the date successful? We may never know, but the...
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Photo Gallery: All Hands On Deck for Crab Prep →
The moment you walk in the door at Williams Seafood Market, it’s like stepping onto an ocean village preparing for a community feast of crab. Market owner, Mike Offield, showed us around as staff helped prepare orders for holiday weekend dinners.
Offield says they’re not taking any more orders. Instead, whatever crab is left will be available for purchase on Saturday from 9 a.m. to...
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North Spokane market prepares 3,500 pounds of... →
Time is ticking down to the end of the holiday season and families will soon be sitting down to a feast and oh, how they’ll feast. They’ll feast on the roast beast, the pudding and - the crab.
It seems unusual to throw a little crab in the mix, but it’s a holiday tradition for families all over the nation - and even the world. To prepare - Williams Seafood Market, located at 2118 N. Ruby,...
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Grieving woman stands hopeful on a North Spokane...
The heart break of a missing pet is bringing a North Spokane woman to the streets to find Jesse, her 14-year-old Australian Shepherd.
Tonya Smith, 55, has been with her best friend since he was a puppy - looking after him his entire life. On December 10th, it was a day nobody wants to experience, but she did. Her step-father passed away that morning and when she returned to her Hawthorne and...
Playing Tumblr Catch Up
I’ve been slacking on throwing my favorite stories onto Tumblr lately. I’ve picked a couple of my favorites from late December to share on here.
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Dress your baby in "purple" Cougar pride →
Let’s play the game: what’s wrong with this picture? It’s a baby onesie proudly supporting Washington State University’s mascot, the Cougars. But wait - it’s in purple - the color of University of Washington’s Huskies. The faux-pas is featured at the Pullman Walmart and has been for sale there for quite awhile.
Speaking of school colors, during a chat with WSU’s archivist, Mark O’English, he...
