From Marlene Feist, public affairs office for the city of Spokane:

The Spokane City Council tonight approved a $9 per-ton fee reduction for garbage brought to the Waste-to-Energy Facility and transfer stations operated by the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.

The new tipping fees ultimately will lead to lower costs for residents who have curbside garbage pickup, including all residents within the City of Spokane. The City’s Solid Waste Management utility did not increase rates for 2013, in part in anticipation of lower tipping fees and despite the implementation of the new single-stream recycling system that required significant investments in new recycling carts and automated trucks. The Spokane County Commission approved the new fees last week.

“We are working to maintain efficient operations and keep costs low for our customers,” says Ken Gimpel, Business Director for the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System. “This is the first time these disposal rates have been reduced in the 25 years since the Waste-to-Energy Facility came on line.”

Paralyzed in a snowmobile accident a Chewelah middle school principal is working to get back into the classroom.

Jon Symonds is recovering at St. Lukes in Spokane. Friday evening he made a trip to West Valley High School to watch his exchange student play basketball and to see some of his students for the first time since his accident.

It's a game the Jenkins Middle School principal didn't want to miss. It was a chance to catch some action and catch-up with his own students.

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"Getting better. Getting stronger," said Symonds. Who spoke with a group of students after the game.

For many this was the first time seeing their principle since he was paralyzed on Christmas Day.

"He's our principal and he knows all of us and he misses us and wants to be back to school as soon as possible," said seventh grader Brice Frederick.

He answered question about his new electric wheelchair and his blue brace he wears across his mid section.

"This just keeps me from doing anything I shouldn't do," said Symonds.

Of course many students wanted to know when Symonds would be back to school.