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Don't Make the News - Don't Drink and Drive

It's not everyday we get a press release from the City of Spokane announcing extra DUI patrols in Spokane County starting March 9th. They're just hoping to keep the roads safe as this time of year ramps up with night time fun.

Regional law enforcement, including Spokane Police and Spokane County Sheriff's Office, are gearing up for a safe St. Patrick's Day, continuing their extra patrols until March 18th to prevent drunk driving.

Spokane County Zero Target Task Force says last year in Spokane County, 74 people were arrested for DUIs during the same time period. They even cite national statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration saying 37% of drivers involved with fatal crashes on March 17th had a blood alcohol content of .08 or above.

In case you didn't know this already, find a designated driver or take a cab home if it's going to be an issue. If you see someone driving recklessly or drunk, call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Don't be that guy that makes the news.

Four Lakes Rollover Wreck Sends One to Hospital

A vehicle rollover eight miles west of Spokane sent one woman to the hospital on Sunday morning. Kelly M. Landis, 20, was merging from SR 904 to I-90 near Four Lakes just after midnight and lost control of her vehicle, rolling into the median.

The passenger, Shelby N. Fisher, 21, was injured during the rollover and transported to Deaconess Hospital.

Washington State Patrol says the cause of the accident was speeding. Drugs or alcohol were not involved.

Weight Restrictions Begin Monday On Some County Roads

Seasonal weight restrictions are being placed on some Spokane County roads starting next Monday. The restrictions limit the size and weight of vehicles that can travel on those specific roads.

The restrictions are being put into place to reduce roadway damage and infrastructure before the spring.

The Sheriff's Office says they're going to allow a two-day education period to the public before they begin enforcing the new regulations on Wednesday, February 15th. After that, all violations become a $411 fine.

Online Document: What roads have weight restrictions in Spokane County? The county has an online map that shows the locations.

Thanksgiving Travels Over Mountain Passes Will See Rain and Snow

Thanksgiving Travels Over Mountain Passes Will See Rain and Snow

Snow and rain is expected through the week over the passes toward Western Washington.

A winter storm warning was issued this morning and will last through the early evening. They’re expecting heavy snow in the north Cascades. The snow levels in the central Cascades will rise to above 5,000 feet this afternoon producing mixed precipitation.

Drivers are advised that freezing rain will make travel difficult. For those heading westbound for Thanksgiving, be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibility.

Washington State Patrol is asking travelers to drive carefully during the weekend and be prepared for the winter driving conditions.

Police Conduct 'Emphasis Patrol'

Police Conduct 'Emphasis Patrol'

Police in Airway Heights are conducting an emphasis patrol in your area today.

The patrol is happening at the intersection of  W Sunset Hwy and S Craig Road, near the Blue Crick RV Park.

A caller said that a police officer - dressed in all black - will walk out in the middle of the unmarked, four-lane intersection, in hopes that cars will stop for him. If they dont, there are four other squad cars ready to take action.

The caller was hit with a ticket that was more than $200 for not waiting for the pedestrian. When he received the ticket, he was also given a flyer that explains the law of stopping for pedestrians.

Don't forget, even if it's an unmarked intersection, a pedestrian always has the right-of-way!

In Brief: Snowstorms Expected

In Brief: Snowstorms Expected

We've already seen our first snow in the Inland Northwest and KXLY4's Chief Meteorologist Kris Crocker said several more winter storms are on the way.

Light to moderate snow is expected Wednesday in the valleys, Crocker said. The chance of snow lingers through Friday with moderate to heavy snowfall in the valleys.

She also said the temperatures aren't going to climb high enough to do much melting anytime soon.

Continued: Spokane's Snow Plan, Lookout Pass and Winter Driving Tips

Improved runway at Spokane International Airport now open

Spokane International Airport is now up to design standards with the completion of a line of sight safety improvement project.

The $30 million project is now complete and the runway, now open.

The airport is celebrating the completion on Saturday featuring a group of antique Stearman aircraft with their “smoke-on” during a low-approach fly-by.

FAA standards required pilots in the cockpit are able to see a minimum of half the length of the runway from any point on the runway to any other point on the runway surface. The airport corrected this issue by raising the threshold to adjust the slope for the first 3,000 feet of the northeast end of the main runway.