In brief: Prosecutor confirms error in news release on officer-involved shooting

The sequence of events contained in a Friday news release regarding an officer-involved shooting contained incorrect information, Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell confirmed Saturday.

Spokane County sent the release to announce five Spokane police officers would not face charges in the shooting of armed robbery suspect Stephen C. Corkery in north Spokane in March 2014. Corkery had a gun in his hand when he stepped outside, and police said they fired at him when he began to raise the weapon, which was later determined to be a pellet gun.

The news release stated that Corkery and officers had a verbal exchange after he stepped outside, including Corkery mouthing the words “There is nothing to work out.” However, bystander video of the incident shows Corkery being shot within two seconds of opening the screen door.

The exchange between Corkery and the officers occurred before he stepped onto the front porch, Haskell said.

“The contact where he mouthed those words was when he was still inside,” Haskell said.

Haskell said he based his decision on whether the shooting was justified on the statements given by the officers and what their intent was when they fired.

Meeting planned on clean water rules

Washington’s proposed “fish consumption rule” will be discussed at a 6 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the CenterPlace Regional Events Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley.

Under federal law, rivers and other water bodies must be clean enough so people can safely eat fish from those waters. Washington’s current standard assumes that people only eat about one fillet per month. A new draft rule raises the fish consumption rate to 175 grams per day to protect people who eat a serving of fish daily.

Tribes and others have criticized the proposal as not protective enough. Business interests say the proposal is too strict.

Idaho charter school seeks funds for lab

North Idaho STEM Charter Academy in Rathdrum is raising money to convert a portable classroom into a science lab for the school’s young researchers.

Proceeds from a March 6 “Jazzed About Education” dinner and auction will go toward new plumbing, flooring, electrical work, lab furniture and equipment. It will start at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium at 15663 N. Meyer Road.

Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, call (208) 687-8002.