Good News/Bad News

by Inlander Staff & r & Good News & r & "Spokane continues to burn while the mayor fiddles," said the last remaining member of the city's special West-watch task force, as she tendered her resignation. West's playing was especially merry this week, as the committee set up to investigate him came undone, the city shyster who set up the committee resigned and the effort to recall him looks like it won't even get on the ballot in November. Can I get an A-flat, maestro?





Who ever accused the government of being lousy tippers? Last week, Kootenai County slipped two North Idaho Denny's waitresses almost $5,000 each for their help in nabbing Joseph Duncan and rescuing Shasta Groene. Two dudes who say they called 911 first are still crossing their fingers, waiting for the FBI to show up at their doors with Ed McMahon-sized $100-grand checks and a fistful of balloons.





Ronny Turiaf's broken heart has been mended. Likewise, the hearts of all the fans who feared he might never play again. Now if only doctors could fix his medium-range jumper.





Bad News & r & Spokane officials aren't the only ones who can't keep their hoses to themselves. The city of Priest River snuffed out its entire volunteer fire department last week after one blaze-battler was arrested for raping a 16-year-old junior firefighter. Note to the department: a sexy firehouse calendar would be a bad choice for a PR campaign right now.





You can get anything you want at Bob Apple's restaurant -- including the dry heaves, it seems. The Spokane city councilman's Hillyard tavern is positively sickening, according to a handful of customer complaints forwarded to the regional health district. Not only does that put Apple in a pickle with the health board (on which he sits), it must also put a kink in the plans for the next council potluck.





Irony of the Week: The Coeur d'Alene School District's new wood shop collapsed due to faulty construction. Maybe the work crew should consider enrolling.