In brief: Refuse rate increase put on hold by state

A proposal by Waste Management of Spokane seeking a 10 percent garbage rate increase for 23,500 residents in Millwood, parts of Spokane and parts of the unincorporated county was put on hold Tuesday.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission said the company has not yet shown that the proposed rate increase is “fair just, reasonable and sufficient.”

The commission suspended the company’s proposal and will take it up at a future open meeting, according to a letter from the commission.

Waste Management officials said they asked for the increase after Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake split off from the county’s solid waste system this year.

The proposed increase is $1 a month for a 32-gallon cart and $3 a month for a 96-gallon cart.

The company said the increase is needed to offset rising costs and also because of changes in the structure of garbage service. However, Waste Management continues to provide service to Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake.

Mike Prager

Suspect charged in three-vehicle crash

A man who police say crashed his vehicle into two other cars less than two blocks from the West Central Spokane liquor store where he had just purchased alcohol has been charged with vehicular assault.

Three witnesses to the crash told police they saw Chad R. Kline buy alcohol at North Ash Street and West Nora Avenue about 10 p.m. Saturday. All said he appeared to be intoxicated.

According to court documents, Kline drove east on Nora Avenue and ran a stop sign at Maple Street, hitting two northbound vehicles. An occupant fractured his hip and sprained his left ankle.

Kline was released from jail Monday after posting bond.

Rachel Alexander

Woman faces charge in attempted theft

A Spokane woman faces a robbery charge after police say she punched two Rite Aid employees and tried to break open a package of knives she is accused of trying to steal.

Employees of the drug store, 9120 N. Division St., said Kayla M. Chavez, 28, appeared to be intoxicated and attempted to leave the store Saturday evening with a basket of merchandise she hadn’t paid for.

Chavez was charged with first-degree robbery and remains in jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

Rachel Alexander