SPOKANE, Wash., June 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avista is implementing additional measures to enhance its ability to mitigate the potential for, and impact of, wildfires within its service territories. Building on prevention and response strategies that have been in place many years, the Company has committed to a new comprehensive 10-year Wildfire Resiliency Plan that includes improved defense strategies and operating practices for a more resilient system.

Resident hunters wanting to purchase a general season elk tag in a capped zone will need to keep two dates in mind in July.

Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. John Wiesman announced the Washington State Department of Health is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase 4 though the “Safe Start” phased approach. Rising cases across the state and concerns about continued spread of the COVID virus have made Phase 4, which would essentially mean no restrictions, impossible at this time. 

We have heard from many frustrated citizens regarding the traffic disruptions caused by the temporary closures of the freeway due to protests. First, let me say thank you for reaching out to us. We are public servants responsible for safety and the enforcement of our state’s laws and while we always try to satisfy the legitimate concerns of those we serve, in this case I’m afraid our response will not be totally satisfying to all.

Check out what's happening within the Lewiston Police Department.

MOSCOW, Idaho — June 23, 2020 —  A team of University of Idaho researchers has secured a $10 million U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant to evaluate the use of bioproducts from dairy waste streams to enhance sustainability for all of Idaho agriculture and develop economic opportunities for the state’s dairy industry.

BOISE, IDAHO — June 23, 2020 — If you missed Idaho’s extended June 15 income tax deadline, you should still file and pay as soon as possible to keep penalties and interest to a minimum. Even if you don’t owe income taxes, you’re still required by law to file an individual income tax return if you meet Idaho’s filing requirements. Visit the Idaho State Tax Commission’s website at tax.idaho.gov to see if you’re required to file.

The 2020 Columbia River forecasted return for upriver steelhead is 95,500 (85,900 A-index and 9,600 B-index). 

Similar to the last couple of years, steelhead returns are predicted to be low in 2020. Previous closures have been focused on B-index steelhead, but there is also an extremely low forecast for A-index steelhead in 2020. Pre-season concerns for both A-index and B-index groups of fish (wild and hatchery origin) have led WDFW to close this fishery until further notice. 

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office took a report of a suspicious vehicle, a red Subaru Forester with a dog sticker in the back window, driving in the area of Settlement Road, in  Nez Perce County. The driver was a female about 40 years old with brown hair and glasses.

The female attempted to entice a 7 year old boy into her vehicle offering the child Gatorade. The vehicle was last seen driving east on Settlement Road. 

If anyone in the area of Settlement Road has seen this vehicle, please call the Nez Perce County Sheriff's at (208) 799-3131.

FOUND - a Samsung Galaxy A10e phone near Bryden on Monday.
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OLYMPIA -- Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved Kittitas County to move to Phase 3 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan.

A total of three counties are in Phase 1, two counties are in a modified version of Phase 1, 18 counties are in Phase 2 and 16 counties are in Phase 3.

PENDLETON, Ore. – To allow additional public access, the Umatilla National Forest is adjusting the closure gate today on the Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47) from the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to the Tucannon Campground. The new closure boundary will be located just past the campground. The Tucannon Campground will also reopen today for overnight camping.

OLYMPIA – With recreational salmon fishing now open in Washington’s ocean waters, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is clarifying the rules for individual marine areas, as well as asking anglers to help ensure accurate catch estimates by cooperating with fish checkers at landing sites.

Check out the latest activity within the Lewiston Police Department.

Colfax, WA - It is with great regret that the Board of County Commissioners and the Palouse Empire Fair Board announce the cancellation of the 2020 Palouse Empire Fair. It is an unfortunate time when we must make such a difficult decision.