Former Mayor James West, whose was outed in a newspaper sting operation and then ousted from office over an alleged gay sex scandal, was remembered Friday at a memorial service in Spokane.
West, 55, died last Saturday of complications from recent cancer surgery.
“Spokane has lost its utmost champion and biggest fan,” said Ginger Marshall, who was married to West for five years before they divorced. “I can hear him lobbying St. Peter to move heaven to Spokane.”
The service at the Life Center Church was attended by more than 300 people, who celebrated the life of one of the most powerful politicians in the city’s history.
There was no direct mention of the scandal that drove West from office until an unidentified man in the back of the church shouted “child molester, that’s his legacy!” before leaving the church. He was questioned briefly by police outside, then went on his way.
The comment referred to unproven allegations made by two adult men last year who contended West molested them as boys. West denied the allegations.
Numerous elected officials and average citizens offered fond memories of West, many mentioning that he was a consummate politician and very effective mayor.
Associated Press
Woodland: Fisherman finds body in river
A fisherman on the Lewis River found the body of a man around midday Thursday.
The man, whom police judged to be in his late 50s, was hung up on a snag in the area behind the 1200 block of Lewis River Road, said Sgt. Brad Gillespie of the Woodland police.
Police do not know who the man is, and they are trying to find a next-of-kin to identify the body.
The cause of death is unknown, but an autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.
Gillespie said the man appeared to be a transient.
The Daily News
Belfair: Bad water forces park to close
Twanoh State Park is closed to all uses except boat launching until further notice because E. coli bacteria have been found in the park’s water supply.
The day-use area was closed earlier this week. The camping area had been closed since April because of other water quality problems.
Water has been shut off to all fountains and taps available to the public, according to the state Department of Health.
Twanoh State Park is on the south shore of Hood Canal, eight miles west of Belfair. The popular park is usually packed with swimmers and sunbathers during the summer months.
Kitsap Sun
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