Rockford
LATEST NEWS
Stutzman Ranch closed for summer following harsh winter freezes
Following a particularly cold winter and early spring in 2024, local fruit planters Floyd and Betsy Stutzman were forced to cancel their widely popular U-pick cherry, nectarine, and peach season for the summer. The cancellation comes after two major freezes in January and April destroyed the Stutzmans’ crops of cherries,...
Retreat Fire burns 31,514 acres near Naches, reaches 37% containment
NACHES, Wash. — The wildfire burning 14 miles southwest of Naches, Wash., is now 37% contained, according to an update from fire officials Thursday. The Retreat Fire started on July 23 and so far has burned approximately 31,514 acres in eastern Washington. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Three-Alarm Brushfire Underway in Orondo; Estimated at 40 acres
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is reporting an active brushfire on Hwy 97, near Beebe State Park. The blaze stands at approx. 40 acres. Per the Orondo Firefighters Association, this is a three-alarm blaze. Traffic control is in place. It is not yet clear which agencies were dispatched to the fire, but as of 1:00 p.m. local time, air support was en route.
10 counties with the most polluted air in the United States
Air quality continues to be a focus this summer as ferocious wildfires burn in the West, prompting air quality alerts across Oregon and parts of California, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and Washington. It comes a little over a month after the U.S. Supreme Court further curtailed the federal government’s power to regulate certain air and water pollution types.
Spokane police arrest woman who allegedly bit man after trying to set his house on fire
SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Police Department arrested a woman after she allegedly started a fire, bit a man and tried to steal his tools. On Sunday, SPD responded to an address on the 6300 block of North Atlantic Street after Sheena Garcia allegedly bit a man who lives there.
Jose Cabrera leads Hops to 3-2 in over first place Spokane
A day removed from being on the wrong end of a come from behind win, it was Hillsboro’s turn to win by the slimmest of margins. On the backs of a dazzling performance from starting pitcher Jose Cabrera, the Hops defeated Spokane 3-2 on Wednesday night, July 31, evening their series with the first place Indians at Avista Stadium in Spokane. Cabrera allowed just two hits while striking out five...
WA school leaders make case for more spending despite court-ordered funding bumps
(The Center Square) – The Washington Association of School Administrators launched a new website last month that makes the case for increased state spending on K-12 education, even as the state's public schools now spend $19,000 on average statewide for the education of each student, a dramatic rise over the pre-McCleary level of $10,000 per student. The state Supreme Court’s January 2012 McCleary decision ordered the state to fully fund K-12 public schools as required by Article IX of the Washington State Constitution. ...
Washington Wine Month Returns as “WAugust”
Formerly known as Washington Wine Month, WAugust showcases Washington’s exceptional wines and energetic spirit. Now in its third year, this month-long celebration unites wine lovers to honor the state’s wine industry. Connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike are invited in for special deals, events, and promotions at wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, grocery stores, and in backyards all month long. Indulge and celebrate the dedication of farmers, vintners, and the more than 1,050 producers that make Washington a premier wine destination.
Spokane Valley Fire Department responds to fire on North Pines Road
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) is responding to a working fire in North Pines. According to SVFD, crews are battling a blaze in the 2600 block of North Pines Road. Due to the ongoing fire, crews are asking people to avoid the area. This...
Spokane area fires 100% contained with 3 homes lost and hundreds of acres burned
SPOKANE, Wash. – The three fires burning in the Spokane area now 100% contained having burned hundreds of acres and destroyed three homes. Update August 1 at 7 a.m. – The fire has reached 100% containment and firefighters have turned over operations to local resources who will be patrolling.