Unsecured trash brings fines

If your spring cleaning calls for a trip to a waste transfer station, be sure your trash is tied down.

Attendants at Spokane-area garbage drop-off points have started to charge people for violating rules against bringing in stuff that could fly out.

“If you are wondering if you should do it, be conservative and make sure your load is secure,” said Monica Bramble, solid waste disposal superintendent.

That means tying down trash can lids, roping in big objects and covering loose material with a tarp before hitting the road.

The law has been in effect since 1994, but enforcement has waned. Renewed enforcement means people who show up with objects that aren’t tied, or loose material that isn’t covered, will have $5 or $15 added to their tipping fee, depending on the size of the load.

“It’s much needed,” said Spokane Valley Councilman Gary Schimmels, who sits on the solid waste board.

– Peter Barnes

Seventh Avenue closure begins

Seventh Avenue will be closed starting today for nine to 12 days between Bernard and McClellan streets.

In addition, both McClellan and Bernard will be reduced to one lane between Seventh and Eighth avenues while crews work on the sidewalks and curbs.

– Amy Cannata

Kootenai County

ISP raises patrols on Highway 97

In an effort to prevent accidents, the Idaho State Police is boosting patrols on state Highway 97, which winds and twists along the east shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Citizens have been complaining about commercial vehicle traffic such as dump trucks that often are too long to negotiate the winding road without crossing the centerline. Capt. Wayne Longo said the ISP is concerned about all traffic, including tourists unfamiliar with the highway.

The worst stretch is between the Interstate 90 exit to just south of Gozzer Road, Longo said.

“It really concerns me. We’re just trying to get people to slow down,” he said.

The ISP will work with the Idaho Transportation Department to develop a long-term solution for the road, which is seeing a big increase in use. Longo said the ISP can only enforce current traffic laws and can’t change the length of trucks allowed on the road or their weight.

ISP’s commercial vehicle specialists will immediately begin patrolling the highway.

– Erica Curless