In brief: Kirkpatrick reportedly renews bid in Seattle

A Seattle television station has reported that Spokane police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick contacted the Seattle mayor and asked to be reconsidered in the search for police chief after another candidate dropped out.

Spokane police spokeswoman Officer Jennifer DeRuwe said Kirpatrick’s status has not changed.

“Chief Kirkpatrick is committed to her role as chief of police for Spokane,” DeRuwe said without elaborating or taking questions.

According to a Web posting by Q13Fox in Seattle, Kirkpatrick e-mailed Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn Wednesday after Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel withdrew his name from consideration. Kirkpatrick was one of 11 finalists but was not included when that field was cut to three.

Thomas Clouse

Truck rollover kills Liberty Lake man

A Liberty Lake man died after his pickup rolled down a rocky embankment off Bottle Bay Road in Sagle, Idaho, Thursday morning.

Scott D. Whittaker, 57, was eastbound on Bottle Bay when the 2003 Ford F150 he was driving went off the left shoulder, hit a rock, then rolled down the embankment, according to the Idaho State Police.

The accident occurred sometime between midnight and 8:40 a.m. Thursday, when it was discovered, police said.

Carolyn Lamberson

Deer Park driver dies

in crash near U.S. 395

A 59-year-old Deer Park man died Thursday after his car drove off the road and tumbled end-over-end in north Spokane County.

Stephen Guy was eastbound on Wild Rose Road, about a half-mile from U.S. 395, about 4:36 p.m. when his 2006 Ford Freestyle left the road at high speed. The car took out several trees and vaulted end-over-end, said Det. Dave Thornburg, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Guy, who was ejected during the crash, was found next to the vehicle on the ground, Thornburg said. Investigators believe Guy may have experienced a medical problem while driving.

Sara Leaming

Kootenai River likely

to near flood stage

National Weather Service forecasters on Thursday said the Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry will rise to less than two feet below flood stage as a result of rain and melting snow.

The river should reach 62.2 feet at Bonners Ferry on Saturday, up from Thursday’s level of 58.8 feet. Flood stage is 64 feet. Water levels are expected to remain high for at least a week.

Forecasters said plans for water releases at Libby Dam could change. Water levels and forecasts are being issued daily.

Staff reports