In brief: City explains snow-clearing, parking protocol

Spokane officials said Wednesday they will continue to enforce parking restriction during snow emergencies.

When sufficient snow is on the ground, bridges, arterial streets, bus routes, hospital areas and neighborhood business districts are de-iced and plowed before other parts of town.

A stage one snow event is less severe and begins when 2 inches of snow are on the ground and 4 inches or more are forecast. During a stage one event, cars must be moved off all arterials and bus routes. Cars parked on hills in residential areas must be moved to the side of the street with even-numbered addresses.

Stage two events are more severe, when at least 6 inches of snow are on the ground and more is anticipated. During such events, the city will expand its plowing efforts to all residential streets. Cars on residential streets also must be parked on the side with even-numbered addresses.

During snow events, property owners must clear sidewalks within 24 hours. During a stage two event, residents must clear snow off vehicles parked on the street, as well as from curb ramps, hydrants, storm drains and mailboxes.

Each season, city leaders switch the side of the street on which cars must be parked during an emergency. The city can ticket cars on the wrong side.

Warming center volunteers needed

There has been so much demand for the Salvation Army warming center during recent cold weather that the organization is running out of volunteers.

More than 100 people have been coming each night to keep warm. The center, on the Salvation Army campus at 222 E. Indiana Ave., opens at 8 p.m. On Wednesday night, the center was open thanks in part to Salvation Army Business Administrator Sheila Geraghty and Spokane County sheriff’s Deputy Craig Chamberlin, who helped during the first shift.

Anyone willing to volunteer at the center is asked to call (509) 329-2726.

Ferris administrator jailed, posts bond

A Ferris High School assistant principal accused of child molestation spent four hours in jail Tuesday night before posting bond.

Todd Bender was charged with two counts of child molestation Nov. 13 after a teen boy came forward alleging Bender gave the boy alcohol and molested him several times in 2011.

Bender had been in the hospital since the accusations surfaced. He was booked into jail at 6:22 p.m. Tuesday and posted a $50,000 bond just after 10 p.m.

Bender, who remains on paid administrative leave, has worked at Ferris since 1995.