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Upthegrove leads in DNR commissioner race

STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years AGO
by STAFF REPORT
| November 7, 2024 2:40 AM

OLYMPIA – The race for lands commissioner has seen some ups and downs over the last several months with Hillary Franz stepping aside to run for Congress and opening the primary for several challengers. After a primary recount, Dave Upthegrove, a Democrat, faced off against Republican Jamie Herrera Beutler.  

The winner of the race will take the head of the Washington Department of Natural Resources, responsible for conservation and firefighting in the state.

Initial results show Upthegrove with a strong lead in the race with 53.16% of the vote to Herrera Beutler’s 46.62%. 

Locally, results leaned Republican. In Grant County, Herrera Beutler received 11,894 votes to Upthegrove’s 4,912. Meanwhile, in Adams County, initial results show Herrera Beutler pulling in 2,215 votes to Upthegrove’s 563. 

Results are as of Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.  


ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT

Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
November 11, 2026 11:04 a.m.

Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash

CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.

Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
November 11, 2026 9:36 a.m.

Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision

UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
November 13, 2026 1:07 a.m.

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About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site

Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.