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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Restaurant owner apologizes, reconciles w/disabled vet

I'd like to apologize, it was rude and disrespectful," Votava said after buying Yochum a beer. (Liz Burch/KHQ photo)
I'd like to apologize, it was rude and disrespectful," Votava said after buying Yochum a beer. (Liz Burch/KHQ photo)

PRIEST LAKE -- Thursday, Ben Votava and Scott Yochum met in person for the first time since their now famous disagreement. Yochum, a combat veteran, says he relies heavily on his service dog "Lady" for balance as well as emotional support. Yochum says he was angry when Votava, the owner of Nordman's restaurant, said he couldn't have his dog at the establishment. He took to Facebook to express his displeasure, and his post went viral within days. "I'd like to apologize, it was rude and disrespectful," Votava said after buying Yochum a beer. "It takes a big person with a lot of character to say they're wrong. You doing this means the world to me," Yochum replied/Liz Burch, KHQ. More here.



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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