Stagnant air forces burn bans across state
SEATTLE — Air stagnation advisories are in effect for almost all of Washington state, and outdoor burning is restricted in several counties.
Stage 1 burn bans have been issued for Pierce, Thurston and Yakima counties, and state officials say more may be added. Those restrictions also bar the use of fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves unless they are the sole source of home heating.
The Environmental Protection Agency previously ordered an outdoor burn ban on 25 Indian reservations in the state.
Vancouver, Wash.: Dog held for ransom
A woman gave up her jewelry to recover her dog that was being held for ransom in a park at Vancouver.
The Clark County sheriff’s office says the Yorkshire terrier had wandered away from Sheryl Jensen on Wednesday at Oak Grove neighborhood park.
Deputies say another woman picked it up and demand Jensen’s jewelry in exchange for the dog. Jensen handed over her wedding ring, a gold bracelet and diamond earrings.
The Vancouver Columbian reports deputies say they have a good description of the suspect — the woman in her 30s; about 5 feet, 10 inches; 180 pounds; with brown hair and a butterfly tattoo on her hand.
Spokane: Recyclables burned during snow
Most of the recyclable material that was picked up at curbside in Spokane during snowstorms last month isn’t being recycled. Instead, it wound up at an electricity-generating garbage incinerator.
Most curbside recycling services were suspended for a week or two in December because the city’s recycling trucks couldn’t get through the snow.
As a result, Solid Waste Director Scott Windsor says the recycling bins were emptied into garbage trucks.
Olympia: Pay jurors more, says chief justice
Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander says that jurors aren’t paid enough for their time.
In his annual state of the judiciary speech, he pushed for higher daily fees. He notes that for a five-day trial, Washington ranks 45 out of 50 states in terms of jury compensation.
Alexander told the Legislature on Friday that the court wants a bill that would increase the daily minimum fee, which is currently $10.
He suggests that the fee stay at $10 for the first day of jury service but increase for additional days of jury service, and that the state should bear the cost.
A one-year pilot project approved by the Legislature in 2006 did increase the fee to $61 a day for three jurisdictions.
Associated Press
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