Signs of Spring
Spokane Valley resident Gail Melanson took time to stock up on fruits and vegetables at Rusty’s Fruit Stand at the corner of Sprague and McDonald on a weekday recently. The venue, part of the local landscape since 1988, now features Yakima asparagus, apples from Wenatchee, and citrus from warm weather locations like Texas and California. Around the corner, shoppers can look forward to additional produce such as strawberries and cantaloupes. Photo by Craig Howard
The Spokane Valley News Herald
Council hears of need for more affordable housing
The secret is out: Spokane Valley – and Eastern Washington in general – is a pretty nice place to live.
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.
Millwood council considers implementing no-idle zones
Tom Brattebo is hoping that communities throughout Spokane County will get active about idling.
Pre-diabetes, skin cancer on health education agenda
Broadway and Fancher to get ruts worked out
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.
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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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
Council hears of need for more affordable housing 
City
of Spokane Valley, Washington
