Balloons Over Valleyfest
"Balloons Over Valleyfest” was one of several new features to highlight the annual community celebration last month. Around two hundred people showed up early Saturday morning to send off half-a-dozen hot air balloons into the skies over Spokane Valley. Photo by: Craig Howard
The Spokane Valley News Herald
City making steady progress on street upgrades
Early autumn has arrived in Spokane Valley, a time for high school football, the apple festival in Green Bluff and freshly repaved concrete intersections.
Survey possible before ’09 jail vote
With nearly $250 million at stake, Spokane County commissioners want to make sure the public is cognizant of the need for a new jail.
Stop smoking workshop begins Oct. 13
Community Health Education and Resources will sponsor a stop smoking workshop called “Quit to Win,” beginning the week of Oct. 13. The free program includes a variety of prizes for those who quit the tobacco habit. The first two classes will be held Monday, Oct. 13 and Thursday, Oct. 16 at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center, in Spokane. The third class is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18 at the West Central Community Center.
Council agrees to stay on revitalization target
Down two members, the Spokane Valley City Council chose not to get deal with the devil in the details of the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan on Tuesday night.
Argonne Road traffic hazard to get signage
That home-style pot roast you love so much? And the fresh strawberry pie for dessert? It’s not worth taking your life in your hands, according to the Spokane Valley City Council.
Stars and stripes salute
Spokane Valley Fire Chief Mike Thompson (forefront) was one of several dignitaries to speak at the dedication of the department’s newest building, Fire Station No. 9, last Thursday. The ceremony was held in honor of the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and included the presentation of an American flag draped from a ladder truck.
Grand opening for mall sheriff’s office
Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and other dignitaries will help celebrate the grand opening of a Spokane County sheriff’s satellite office in the Spokane Valley Mall
Millwood council considers detour for Argonne Road project
With a $1.3 million grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation in hand, the Millwood City Council was looking forward to a seamless upgrade of Argonne Road next summer...
CHER efforts focus on sustaining community health
Like the members of any good team, the staff at Community Health Education and Resources care more about a winning record than individual acclaim.
Reward offered for rape suspect Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward for information that leads to the capture of a fugitive wanted for first degree rape of a child. Roger Walters is being sought for the sexual assault of a 5-year-old child in town of Lamont, Washington. Whitman County police report that information developed during the course of their investigation indicates that the fugitive may have fled to the Spokane area and gone into hiding.
Empire Health sale approval means hospital gets new owners
It looks like the last of the obstacles stopping a for-profit Tennessee-based company from purchasing Empire Health Services – which owns Spokane Valley Hospital and Medical Center – has been removed.
EVSD begins school year with optimistic outlook
Jan Beauchamp strode into a meeting room at the East Valley School District administrative office earlier this week with some good news – it turns out 100 additional high school students had signed up for the 2008-09 school year.
Wilhite won’t move on to general election
A former Spokane Valley mayor will remain on the City Council for the time being, as her bid for a 4th District representative seat in the state House of Representatives failed.
County in no rush to purchase YMCA building
While the county’s Conservation Futures program has been used to protect environmental areas, it has never been used to secure land in the middle of an existing public park – especially in downtown Spokane.
Candidates vie to move on in 4th District election
The new top-two primary format gets its first real test Aug. 19, as there are five in the hunt for Rep. Lynn Schindler’s soon-to-be-vacated 4th District Legislative seat.
Public sounds off on proposed Sprague/Appleway plan
As the Spokane Valley City Council gets ever closer to approving a plan to revitalize Sprague Avenue, there are plenty of local residents who have something to say about it.
Chamber task force presents observations on Sprague/Appleway plan
A task force organized by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce weighed in on the Sprague/Appleway Corridor Subarea Plan last Friday, providing an overview of how the proposed changes might affect the local business environment.
Local group has H.E.A.R.T. for animals when emergencies hit
While most of the news surrounding the Valley View last month fire dealt with the evacuation of residents and the impact on surrounding homes, one local group made sure that the animals affected by the blaze weren’t forgotten.
Proposed development would put historic retail block at risk
Spokane Valley’s first retail center took the form of a general store at the corner of Sprague and Pines where residents could buy groceries, clothing, home supplies and even stock up on gas for their Ford T-Tourer.
Good Evening, Sheriff:
I attended the ceremony Thursday in which the Valley View fire responsibilities were returned to our local Fire Departments from the state-wide Incident Command structure. The Incident Commander, who was not a Spokane area resident, told the audience that this was the best cooperation with a Sheriff's department he had ever seen. The Sheriff did not just appoint a liason, he assigned staff who were at the Command Post. He also was very pleased because he was kept well informed on what areas were evacuated, and you worked effectively with the State Patrol to create the evacuation. In fact, he told the audience, that the procedures set up by the Sheriff in this fire should become the standard for the State.
Congratulations on doing an outstanding job. I appreciate the protection you and your deputies provide me, my family, my city, and my county.
Bill Gothmann - Spokane Valley City Council
Fire aftermath gets close scrutiny
With last week’s fire – which scorched over 1,000 acres, 11 homes destroyed and caused millions of dollars in damage – mostly contained and who started it identified, clean up efforts in Dishman Hills continue.
Denenny home to be rebuilt after fire
Work will begin soon to rebuild Spokane Valley Deputy Mayor Dick Denenny’s home after a Fourth of July fire caused extensive damage to the structure.
Restoration project announced for Millwood City Hall
Millwood Mayor Dan Mork made one thing clear at Monday’s City Council meeting – he’s not in favor of turning the city’s municipal centerpiece into “just another building.”
New superintendents begin work at CV, EV
Summertime is anything but vacation for the new superintendent of a school district – just ask John Glenewinkel and Ben Small.
Council votes no on law-enforcement assessment
After two hours of deliberation, public comment, a Powerpoint presentation, an emotional outburst or two, and the lights going out, the Spokane Valley City Council narrowly defeated a proposal to have an independent consultant conduct an assessment of the Spokane Valley police contract.
Public comments sought on public safety grant
Spokane County and the city of Spokane are working together to secure a $70,535 Office of Justice Programs grant that the two entities would split for needed public safety equipment and personnel.
Citizens sound off on police service, zoning
Spokane Valley City Council members got an earful Tuesday night from citizens seeking to pre-emptively strike down possible changes to police service and zoning.
SCLD to solicit help on facilities planning
Still stinging from a pair of ballot defeats that would have jumpstarted two brand-new libraries in Spokane Valley, Spokane County Library District board members agreed Tuesday to move forward with a system-wide facilities master plan.
Residents, developer clash over proposed zoning change
It is the latest chapter in the epic struggle between commercial and residential interests and, for the city of Spokane Valley, another opportunity to consider how development affects the shifting complexion of the community.
Indians kick off 2008 season on the right note
Mike Altig gazed out at the Avista Stadium field from his perch along the first baseline Tuesday night and reflected on the grandeur of minor-league baseball.
Top-two primary attracts plenty of candidates
Election fever is starting to burn hot again, as candidates have come out of the woodwork to run for the state’s first-ever top-two primary on Aug. 19.
Liberty Lake state of the city rings with corporate flair
Along with a summary of municipal happenings and budgetary highlights from the past year, attendees at last Friday’s state of the city address in Liberty Lake were treated to an overview of the local corporate arena, featuring topics from regional business marketing to public transportation.
Pools set to open June 14
Pool season opens on Saturday, June 14, in Spokane Valley. That’s when all three public pools open their doors for a full schedule of water fun.
Council discusses funding options for street maintenance
While there may be no single magic solution for the long-term funding of street maintenance in Spokane Valley, City Council members acknowledge that something needs to be done soon to put more greenbacks in the bank.
City to attempt to help firefighters Fill the Boot safely
Re-emphasizing that it’s the action of soliciting in traffic – not the event itself – the Spokane Valley City Council encouraged city staff Tuesday to come up with some way for firefighters to continue to “Fill the Boot” each summer for muscular dystrophy.
Proposed new jail would be built downtown
Costs and community concerns weighed into the Board of County Commissioners’ decision Tuesday to build a proposed new jail behind the existing one at the courthouse campus.
Ballots need to be mailed in by next Tuesday
Does a special election still qualify as being “special” if there have been two others (along with a presidential primary) already this year?
Liberty Lale resolution outlines TIF priorities
Tax increment financing – TIF for short – has been utilized in the U.S. for over a half century to build sidewalks, improve sewer systems and add storm drainage.
SNAP building avenues for quality affordable housing
The call came into the office of Spokane Valley Partners on a Friday afternoon – a family stranded with nowhere to stay, wondering if the social service agency, known more for its food and clothing banks, had any resources for shelter.
Commissioners vote to support Crime Check ballot measure
It wasn’t a total surprise, but it was a bit of business that needed to be taken care of: Spokane County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to support the upcoming Crime Check/emergency communications ballot measure.
Friends of the Library provide SCLD with valuable support
They have helped build libraries in Cheney and Medical Lake, supported critical ballot issues affecting regionwide library services and sponsored book sales that have brought the illumination of reading into homes across Spokane County.
City Council supports May STA, public safety votes
Neither issue was supported unanimously, nor was it unconditional. But the Spokane Valley City Council gave its recommendation for approval of a pair of ballot issues that will come before voters May 20.
CV, EV boards announce new superintendents
John Glenewinkel and Ben Small each understand the importance of a good education. Beginning July 1, both will begin the task of leading local school districts as new superintendents – Glenewinkel in the East Valley School District and Small in Central Valley.
Ambulance interlocal agreement moving forward
It’s taken a little time, but area fire districts are answering the call that could result in less-expensive, more-efficient ambulance service.
District 8’s levy lid lift vote passes
Following on the heels of Spokane Valley Fire Department’s successful levy lid lift vote last fall, Fire District 8 – which serves a portion of the southwest part of the Valley – had its own reason to celebrate Tuesday.
Millwood, Liberty Lake celebrate environment with arboretum projects
There was little doubt that the new logo for the city of Millwood would include some sort of tree. In a community known for streets lined with rows of maple, oak, elm and other varieties, a municipal emblem without some form of shrubbery would be like leaving the nostalgia out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Pros, cons of Crime Check aired at meeting
Is Crime Check a necessary crime-reporting tool that will lift some of the load off the existing 9-1-1 system or a feel-good, nice-to-have program that not an absolute priority? It all depends on whom you ask.
Civic upgrades require community investment
It’s rare to hear a complaint about public funding when strolling through the halls of CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point, Spokane Valley’s premier community hub.
City works out issues with developers beyond UDC
Last September, the city of Spokane Valley completed work on its uniform development code, a document that outlines design, zoning and construction standards for projects within city limits.
New Miss Spokane Valley Ambassador 2008 crowned
Lauren Aubertin from University High School was crowned Miss Spokane Valley Ambassador Friday night, March 22, 2008. Ashley Eggleston from Valley Christian was 1st runner up and Nicole Luth from Central Valley High School was 2nd runner up.
EVSD board votes to run bond vote again in May
School administrators across the state applauded the passage of EHJR 4204 last November, a legislative resolution which stated that educational levies could be approved with a simple majority, or any margin over 50 percent of the vote.
City to investigate possible car tab tax
That pothole on Argonne? That crack in the pavement on Sprague? Unless the city of Spokane Valley can come up with some answers, they may be the rule rather than the exception.
Mandatory sewer hookups return for some
As Spokane County contemplates the start of the new sewer construction year, the Board of Commissioners is looking to the past to make sure that those who missed out on the chance to hook up to the wastewater-treatment system when they had the chance do so now.
SCLD contemplates U-City land, future vote after election loss
The Spokane County Library District board of trustees met at the Spokane Valley Library on Tuesday, a week after suffering a pair of ballot defeats that would have set the wheels in motion on the construction of two new libraries and expansion of another branch.
Library district, EVSD take stock after ballot defeats
Mike Wirt knew the vote to fund three capital facility projects on Tuesday would be close – he was just hoping the final margin would go in favor of the Spokane County Library District.
Latest ballots must be sent by Tuesday
The East Valley School District, Spokane County Library District and county corrections systems are all counting on yes votes this coming Tuesday.
Council renews discussion of lot sizes in Greenacres
Last September, when the Spokane Valley City Council gave its final approval to its Uniform Development Code, City Attorney Mike Connelly had some final words: “This can be changed at any time.”
Motorists, pedestrians expected to benefit from Appleway project
It’s a road improvement project that just might have its own cheering section. Beginning March 17, the city of Spokane Valley will launch a major renovation of Appleway Road, covering a span of 1.29 miles from Corbin to Hodges.
City of Spokane Valley Mayor Rich Munson delivers the 2008 State of the City Report to assembled group at Mirabeau Park Hotel. Click here to view pictures.
Residents hope Edgecliff Neighborhood Center can be civic hub
When officials with Spokane Public Schools announced last April that Pratt Elementary would be shutting down, residents of the Edgecliff community paused to reflect on the loss of a facility that had been a civic staple for over half a century.
Efforts on Turtle Creek joint planning area continue
Spokane County commissioners Tuesday discussed the ongoing efforts to work out a joint-planning agreement with the city of Spokane Valley regarding the Turtle Creek development just off of Barker Road south of Sprague.
Consultants recommend two-way return to Sprague
When Dick Behm – a longtime business owner on Sprague Avenue – approached the podium last Tuesday night, probably more than one person assumed the first words out of his mouth might be this: “I told you so.”
One more for the 4th: Wilhite will run for Legislature
Former Spokane Valley mayor and Council Member Diana Wilhite is the latest to announce she will seek Rep. Lynn Schindler’s soon-to-be-vacated spot in the state House.
Citizen campaigns rally to support library, EVSD votes
As part of a group called Citizens for Greater Spokane Valley Libraries, Hattenburg has been campaigning for a pair of ballot issues that would provide the framework and funding for a new Valley Library.
Valley Mission Park to get makeover Near the top of the list are planned improvements for Valley Mission Park, located on Mission Avenue just west of Bowdish Road.
Argonne project may include upgrades for foot, bike traffic
Last October, the Millwood Historical Society sponsored a walking tour of the town, complete with stops at landmarks like the Inland Empire Paper Mill and the Millwood Presbyterian Church.
Security gets hard look at county courthouse
Spokane County officials – by their own admission – have never really tried to defend the courthouse campus from the al-Qaidas of the world.
Valley council, social service providers address homeless issue
An elderly man stood near the off-ramp of Evergreen and Interstate 90 last week clutching a cardboard sign with words scrawled in black ink – “Homeless shelter?” The temperature outside was dipping below 20 degrees.
Developers get lowdown on changes to Sprague/Appleway
With about 50 or so developers, real estate agents and generally interested citizens in attendance last Friday, Spokane Valley’s top planner laid out what the city hopes will become of the Sprague/Appleway corridor in the future.
City collects input on Sprague/Appleway revitalization project
Call it the Extreme Makeover – Sprague/Appleway edition. If all goes according to a document called the subarea plan, the new and improved rendition of Spokane Valley’s main corridor would include a city center, townhouses, shops, walkways and the return of Sprague to a two-way street.
Money on council’s minds at Saturday retreat
A casual atmosphere, a couple of boxes of doughnuts and several pots of coffee were the primary ingredients to last Saturday’s Spokane Valley City Council retreat at CenterPlace.
Liberty Lake council votes to support affordable housing
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Liberty Lake City Council, developer Todd Prescott sat in the back of the room waiting to hear what the city’s governing board had to say about Liberty Village, the latest rendition of an urban town center built in the Orenco Station mold.
Juvenile facilities tax to go before voters March 11
Specifically, commissioners decided Tuesday to ask Spokane County voters on March 11 to renew a one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax for juvenile detention facilities and jails the next few years.
2007 Year in Review, Part 2
(This is the second part of a recap of all that was worth noting in 2007. The first part, featuring January to May, appeared last week.)
Munson chosen as new mayor of city
Richard Munson – who has been on the City Council since the citizens of Spokane Valley elected to incorporate in 2002 – was chosen as mayor Tuesday night.
Service for former Council Member Flanigan on Saturday
The city of Spokane Valley lost one of its founding fathers last weekend. Mike Flanigan – who was one of the first members of the City Council to be elected in 2002 and the first to not seek re-election – died early Sunday at his home of apparent cardiac arrest.
EVSD bond vote to appear on March ballot
Speakers at Monday’s community kickoff for an East Valley School District bond initiative used superlatives to describe the impact that an approved vote would have on the learning environment.
Year In Review, Part 1
This is the first of a two-part look at the noteworthy news and events in 2006.
Liberty Lake council sets timeline for civic center design
For the better part of a year, the city of Liberty Lake hosted a series of community meetings to discuss the details of a community center that would include a state-of-the-art library and amenities like an amphitheater, walkways and a founder’s park paying homage to the history of the area.
City
of Spokane Valley sets the record straight
Since incorporating as a city in March 2003, Spokane Valley has
gone from an abstract patch of Spokane County sprawl to the state's
eighth largest city.
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will publish the city's legal notices on a contract basis for one
year. 2008 Valley News Articles Archive
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The City of Spokane Valley, Washington
City
of Spokane Valley, Washington
11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste 106
Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Phone: (509) 921-1000
Greater
Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
& Business Center 9507 East Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Phone: (509) 924-4994 Toll Free: (866) 475-1436 Email: info@spokanevalleychamber.org
Website: www.spokanevalleychamber.org
History of Idaho’s Bear Lake Valley, Land of Enchantment
Rugged mountains, lush valleys, and bright red patches of Indian paintbrush that seem to set the land on fire; grizzly bears, outlaws, and the Bear Lake Monster! Idaho’s Bear Lake Valley...
Improve Family Relationships
Family is important. It takes commitment and hard work to improve family relationships.
Friendship,
The Footprints In Your Heart
To have a friend that you can laugh and cry with, to have someone
make us feel wanted and accepted for who we are…this is the reason
for living.
Hardships
are a Part of Life
We live in a world of hard knocks, a world where we can learn and
progress and gain knowledge. We grow from the many experiences we
have in life.
Making
a Difference in Your Community
Is it possible to make the community that we live in just a little
better place? What can we do to make a difference?
Grandeur
In a Small Space
It started out as a small project. Patty and Sterling Haskins of
Liberty Lake wanted to extend and open up their condominium's "cozy"
kitchen by changing the countertops.
Coordinated
Grace
Chris and Julie Kelsey had lived in their North Spokane home for
5 years and at last made the decision to embark on a complete remodel.
Finally their home could reflect their style and personalities.
Your
Family Legacy
The importance of family legacy can never be over emphasized.
The
Secret of Happiness The secret of happiness is a great mystery to many people, constantly
searching for joy in everyday life. I’ve heard people say: “When
I finally graduate from college, then my life will be better.” “I’ll
truly be happy when I get a better job.” “As soon as my new home
is built, I know I’ll be more content.” “I know I’ll be happier
if I move and have new experiences.”
Pioneering
Women
Laura Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie series immortalized
the everyday life of pioneer women. There is a new historical novel,
Melinda and the Wild West, by Linda Weaver Clarke.
Dreams
are a Part of Life
Dreams can come true, no matter what age you are. Dreams are a part
of life and they come straight from the heart.
Trials
“Storms make oaks take deeper roots,” my mother reminded me. She
always told me that trials made us better people.
The
Law of Life
There is a Law of Life that relates to everyone. This law is something
we have no control over, but if we knew the importance of this law,
we would accept it more readily.
Labeling a Student
Teachers have a great responsibility. They are not only teaching
young minds, but they are shaping the future.
Parenthood,
A Great Responsibility
“No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home…(To
be a parent is) the greatest trust that has been given to human
beings.” (David O. McKay)
Equal
Partners In Marriage
Marriage is a sacred bond between man and woman, but it must be
an equal partnership.
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The Spokane Valley News Herald
Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward for information that leads to the capture of a fugitive wanted for first degree rape of a child. Roger Walters is being sought for the sexual assault of a 5-year-old child in town of Lamont, Washington. Whitman County police report that information developed during the course of their investigation indicates that the fugitive may have fled to the Spokane area and gone into hiding.
City
of Spokane Valley, Washington
