Our network

New data says more county residents are recycling

More residents in Spokane County are recycling, but more importantly, they’re making less waste.

Data comes out every year from a Department of Ecology survey studying state rates for recycling. Though the data is a year behind, new numbers from 2010 say Spokane County residents recycled 51 percent of the 646,149 tons of municipal solid waste generated that year. That Spokane County rate even exceeds the statewide rate of 49 percent.

“People are recycling more and making less garbage in the first place. That’s waste reduction. That’s awesome,” exclaimed Suzanne Tresko, Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.

They’re thanking recycling education, helping people making a conscious effort to recycle more and reduce their waste.

DOE has been tracking data on municipal recycling for more than 20 years. A recent news release says their first recycling rate collected in 1987 was only 20 percent.

Book Club in a Bag

Book Club in a Bag

What's the biggest obstacle in the way of a book club? Every member being able to find the book.

Problem solved: The Spokane County Library offers a Book Club in a Bag, which is just what a group of food and wine-loving women need to keep their circle of literary discussion going.

Each blue bag contains 10 books, which may also include a large print and/or audio copy as well. Also inside: discussion questions, information about the author and tips for leading and participating in book discussions.

Forget about checking out The Postmistress though - The Saturday Night Book Clubbers already checked it out.

City offers reminders about snow removal

PRESS RELEASE - Spokane Valley crews continue working around the clock to complete a full city plowing, including all residential areas.

Subject to weather conditions, residential plowing should be completed Sunday afternoon. To help crews complete plowing more efficiently, please park vehicles off the roadways wherever possible. We will continue monitoring conditions and respond as needed.

Community members are reminded that they are responsible for keeping sidewalks adjacent to their properties clear of snow and ice, especially in areas used by children walking to and from school.

Elderly or disabled persons who are physically unable to remove snow or ice are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for referrals to assistance that may be available.

Please remember to use particular care in slick conditions, both when driving and walking.

Community Sponsors

Where lasting friendships are pieced together!

Freezing rain possible below 4,000 feet in Inland Northwest

Freezing rain possible below 4,000 feet in Inland Northwest

Kris Crocker, KXLY4 meteorologist, writes on her Facebook: "There's no shortage of weather." According to the National Weather Service, this is the weather you can expect for the rest of the day in your region. 

Aren't you glad it's the weekend? 

Local Author Helps Sick Kids Feel Better

Local Author Helps Sick Kids Feel Better

Having a child sick is no fun and often the most important thing you can do is to comfort them. We found something to help. Just in time for the peak of cold and flu season comes The Sneezy Wheezy Day.

This morning on KXLY4's Good Morning Northwest, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sharon Cramer out her latest book The Sneezy Wheezy Day. Sharon is a Spokane-based nurse and mother of three.

She has seen more than her share of winter illnesses. So much so, she was inspired to write The Sneezy Wheezy Day (the third in the award-winning children's picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub. In this story, brother cub has a cold, so he and his sister seek help from their friends to make him better.)

The Cougar Cub Tales book series is beautifully illustrated (also done by Sharon).

She told me is just finished a novel (something for mom and dad, now, too).

You can find The Sneezy Wheezy Day at Auntie's Book Store in downtown Spokane. She'll also have a book signing soon at Hastings. Check her website for information.

Delay of snow over Spokane. What's the deal?

Delay of snow over Spokane. What's the deal?

This morning during our weather coverage we saw snow move around Spokane, a full circle without a flake in the downtown area. Our Facebook and Twitter were full of the same question, why is Spokane a donut of dryness?

It's dry air in our area, as in lower elevations. Think about it! Everytime you leave Spokane you have to climb a hill. It has to get saturated with moisture and that takes time. It takes about two hours to get 13,000 feet ready to release the snow.

Now that has been done we will see waves of snow move through the area through Friday. Have patience while driving, plan your trips. This system will be with us for awhile, no doubt talk of cold weather comfort food will start soon.