In brief: Moscow woman dies in U.S. 95 collision
A Moscow, Idaho, woman was killed Saturday night when she lost control of her car on an icy road south of Worley and crossed into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Donna L. Lefors, 85, died in the accident on U.S. 95 just after 8 p.m., the Idaho State Police said.
Lefors was traveling southbound on the highway and crossed into the northbound lane, where her car was struck by Florencio S. Espana, 46, of Worley. Espana was injured and taken to Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene.
The highway was blocked about 45 minutes. Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police assisted. The crash is under investigation.
49 Degrees North opens slopes first
Skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes Sunday at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. It’s the first hill to open this season in the Inland Northwest.
Located near Chewelah, 49 Degrees North benefited from fresh powder from Friday’s storm. The resort enticed patrons with an early-season lift ticket price of $20.
On the Idaho-Montana border, Lookout Pass – often the first resort to open – is set to start up Thursday. Mt. Spokane is eyeing a Dec. 7 opening. Other resorts have yet to announce opening days.
SeaTac wage vote may go to recount
SEATTLE – Voting in the heavily contested $15 minimum wage ballot initiative is so close that the SeaTac measure will likely go to a recount, supporters say.
With a lead of just 46 votes, proponents said they expect an opposition group to pay the money – possibly less than $1,000 – needed to conduct a new count.
The proposal requires a $15 minimum wage for many workers in and around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Gary Smith, a spokesman for opposition group Common Sense SeaTac, said officials with the campaign discussed the prospect of a recount Friday morning. No decisions have been made, Smith said.
King County officials are working to count the final batches of votes.
Minor earthquake hits near Tri-Cities
RICHLAND – A small earthquake was reported near Richland on Sunday, but there were no reports of any damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-3.2 quake hit about 8 miles north of the city at 6:47 a.m.
The Tri-City Herald reported that the quake appeared to be in the same area as a 3.4-magnitude quake that some residents felt two years ago.
The Department of Energy is conducting an updated assessment of the danger of an earthquake at Hanford Nuclear Reservation.