In brief: Man showing gun robs Qwik Stop store

A Qwik Stop convenience store at Wellesley Avenue and Market Street was robbed at gunpoint Friday morning by a man who pulled a scarf over his face, Spokane police said.

The robber entered the store about 12:45 a.m., demanded money from the clerk and fled on foot. Police were unable to track the man.

The robber was a man in his 20s about 6 feet tall with a dark complexion and average build. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and a black-and-white scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at 456-2233.

Staff reports

Assistance sought in locating woman

Spokane police are asking for help finding a woman who has not contacted her family since Sept. 20.

Heather L. Higgins, 39, was last seen in downtown Spokane.

Family members have posted fliers at area businesses asking for help finding her, but she remains missing.

Police say she has two misdemeanor warrants out for her arrest. She is bipolar and possibly an alcoholic, police said.

Anyone with information on Higgins is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Heating aid program gets $400,000 gift

Avista has given $400,000 to Project Share to help local residents during the upcoming winter heating season.

Managed by SNAP and other community action agencies, Project Share provides emergency energy assistance to qualifying households in North Idaho and Eastern Washington that have exhausted other avenues of heating assistance. Project Share recipients do not have to be Avista customers.

The donation is in addition to the $10,000 gift Avista recently made to Project Share in honor of its employees.

During 2009, more than $700,000 was contributed to Avista’s Project Share Fund by customers, employees and the company to help more than 3,500 neighbors in need.

Staff reports