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Program
offers free, safe rides during holidays
The Greater Spokane Substance
Abuse Council is announcing a free program to provide free
rides and tows home from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, 2007. |
Community
support helps food bank ring in the holidays
Once a week for the past
10 years, Deloris Christopher has set up shop in a room at the Valley Food Bank. |
Local
program brings Medicare picture into focus
Residents who gathered in a
conference room at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point last Wednesday were quickly introduced
to a theme of wellness. |
Warning
about mixing alcohol and prescriptions
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacies is getting
the word out this holiday season about the dangers of mixing prescription medications
and alcohol. |
Low-income
seniors urged to apply for "Extra Help"
More than 1 million low-income
seniors and disabled Americans who are enrolled in Medicare Part D drug plans
face big problems at the pharmacy in January. |
$3.5 million
in park improvements planned in 2007
Greenacres residents will soon have
a park of their own as part of the city of Spokane Valley's $3.5 million Parks
and Recreation Plan for 2007 |
Three tributes
honor outgoing county commissioner
Retiring county Commissioner Phil Harris
received not one, but three standing ovations while receiving three tributes from
organizations he has served during his 12 years on the county board. |
Local program
brings Medicare picture into focus
Residents who gathered in a conference
room at CenterPlace at Mirabeau Point recently were quickly introduced to a theme
of wellness. |
Flagpole
repair sparks courthouse history lesson
If you want to know a little bit
about the history of the Spokane County Courthouse, just ask Ron Oscarson, the
county's facilities director. |
Pair receives
Citizens Award
Joseph French and his son Stokke were honored by fire commissioners
for their efforts in stopping a fire from spreading in a Liberty Lake home. |
Ballpark
to hit state up for $6 million more
An additional $6 million to complete
updating of the Avista Ballpark stadium is being sought by Spokane Indians Baseball
club and county officials. |
Regional
Health District joins in AIDS awareness, prevention
The Spokane Regional
Health District was part of an awareness event earlier this month calling attention
to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. |
Spokane Indians
collaborate with local tribe on new logo
The Spokane Indians Baseball
Club, in conjunction with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, announced new team logos
and uniforms last week. |
Driver
arrested in fatal hit and run
Almost six months to the day, sheriff's
traffic detectives have arrested a suspect in the June 9 hit and run collision
that killed Costco pharmacist Robb Long. |
County passes
2007 budget
After trimming about $2 million from departmental budgets
and raising property taxes by 8 percent, Spokane County commissioners approved
the 2007 budget Tuesday. |
Program
sheds light on prevention of D.U.I. tragedies
The message was too important
to wait for nicer weather. |
Courageous
mountain climber scales beyond physical challenges
Intimidating peaks
have lined up in Miriam Richards' path over the years. |
Outreach
Center supports returning soldiers
At the Spokane Vet Center on Mullan
Road in Spokane Valley, the mission of support and encouragement continues to
this day. |
Fire department issues
wise safety tips
The use of open-flame candles can add ambience to the
holiday, provide "warmth" to a home and be a source of light during power outages.
|
Library/city
center plan coming together slowly
The future of the Spokane Valley Library
is shaping up a bit more - especially with the passage of the Spokane County Library's
District $9.4 million budget next week. |
Concertmaster
selection critical to symphony composition
A Sept. 2 concert in Liberty
Lake's Pavillion Park marked the first time in 36 years that the orchestra's longtime
concertmaster, Kelly Farris, was not sitting in the first violin chair. |
Local
shelters run low on winter supplies
As temperatures plummeted into single
digits earlier this week, several emergency warming centers provided warmth and
protection from the cold. |
Light rail
decision delayed until December
Those on either side of the light rail
issue will have to wait until next month to hear what the Spokane Transit Authority
Board is going to do about the two failed advisory votes in the general election. |
Central
Valley students brighten holidays with food collection
It's fifth period
at Central Valley High School and the caravan of food has begun. Sophomores, juniors
and seniors in the school's leadership program are scurrying about the classroom
of Leanne Donley, a freshman language arts teacher, hauling in containers of food
from across campus and counting the day's donated items. |
Director
says CenterPlace operations proving successful
With just over a year under
its belt, CenterPlace at Mirabeau Park has proven to be a near success, according
to a report by Spokane Valley Parks Director Michael Jackson. |
Award
pays tribute to West Valley Outdoor Learning Center
Award ceremonies don't
always include those who make the honor possible. Such was the case earlier this
month when members of the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center staff appeared at
the Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development conference
to receive recognition for their efforts. |
Benefits of exercise
remain constant during winter months
Years ago, Emil Larsen donned a wool
uniform and sprinted down the baseline as part of the Elk High School baseball
team. |
Animal
control questioned during Spokane Valley budget action
While the city
of Spokane is actively seeking the services of the Spokane County Regional Animal
Protection Service, Spokane Valley is getting nervous about the increasing costs. |
Summit School
shines as community of learning
There are no bells or buzzers that signal
the start of class at Summit School. Instead, you're likely to hear the jazz stylings
of Louie Armstrong or a tune from the 1950s pop charts. When the music stops,
class is in session. |
Liberty
Lake council hears early report on city center design
Up until recently,
the 6.4-acre patch of land near the old site of Liberty Lake City Hall has not
drawn much attention. |
County and
Spokane pursue regional animal control idea
It may be an idea whose time
has come: Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services may actually become
regional. |
Election brings
changes to county government, state posts unchanged
Tuesday night was
the night for Democrats as they turned out in winning numbers to bring changes
to the top posts in county government. |
Business
tailor-made for surviving adversity
It would be easy for Rosa and Alex
Figueroa to be more than just a little bitter when thieves broke into their tailoring
and formal-wear business. |
Award pays tribute to
ambassador of hope, service
Growing up on a farm in Missoula, Mont., Sister
Loretta Marie Marceau learned the value of helping others. |
Lunch for
the Cure rallies support for battle against breast cancer
When the Susan
G. Komen Foundation announced that the Davenport Hotel would host the second annual
Lunch for the Cure event, there was little doubt that the surroundings would be
luxurious. |
New Freeman
superintendent leads with experience
Despite moving into a new job this
summer, the responsibilities and the landscape haven't changed all that much for
Sergio Hernandez. |
A general
election by the numbers
On Tuesday, a week before the general election,
Spokane County officials made sure everything was accounted for. |
Automated machines
emerge as a winner in voting process
When it comes to busy workers, the
Spokane County Elections office just might rival Santa's workshop - at least during
the days leading up to Nov. 7. |
West
Valley runners make great strides in sterling season
As crowds gathered
near the finish line of the Great Northern League boys' cross country meet just
outside Medical Lake, it was clear that the contingent of Eagles from West Valley
High School would sprint away with the district title |
SADD observes
25 years of making a difference for youth
For more than a quarter century,
SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has been helping students make a
difference in the lives of their peers, saving thousands of lives along the way. |
Efforts focus on
increasing motorcycle safety
The nation's largest organization for motorists,
AAA, is making an effort to help reduce the number of fatal crashes involving
motorcyclists in light of a growing number of accidents throughout the state. |
Walker
retirement has Spokane Valley on lookout for police chief
Both Cal Walker
and Ozzie Knezovich agree that whoever takes over as Spokane Valley police chief
will be qualified and efficient. |
Council OKs
budget after public hearing
Spokane Valley's $76 million budget was presented
at a public hearing Tuesday night and then approved for first reading. |
Emphasis on environment
at arboretum's leaf festival
Shades of yellow, red and orange may have
been the featured colors at last Saturday's Leaf Festival on the grounds of the
John A. Finch Arboretum, but, by the end of the day, green emerged as the underlying
theme. |
Red Ribbon Week reinforces
drug prevention message
Communities throughout the country are recognizing
Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31 with activities designed to further the message about
substance abuse awareness, treatment and prevention. |
Former superintendent
reflects on Valley's changing landscape
As for current education issues
like the Central
Valley bond, on the ballot for the second time next month, Stocker said the
area "has a good history of supporting their schools." |
School speed
zones to change
A resolution to change school speed zones will be considered
at the Spokane Valley Council meeting next week. |
Valley favorite
stays positive in battle against cancer
When he worked in the grocery
business, Pat Rooney was known as the voice of Tidyman's, and later Trading Co.
Stores, bellowing out weekly specials with the sort of good-natured humor that
made him a favorite with customers and staff. |
Family orchard
celebrates autumn in Green Bluff
It was 23 years ago that Rod and Karen
Hansen bought the land that would one day bloom into one of the more popular stops
along the Green Bluff map. |
Support for
CV bond goes beyond classroom
Back in March, the Central Valley School
District fell two percentage points short of passing a bond that would have provided
funding for a series of major construction and remodeling projects throughout
the district. |
Community
conversations bring municipal issues to forefront
Part of a continuing
series called "Conversations with the Community," was billed as a discussion of
the Sprague/Appleway Revitalization project, but city officials who organize the
meetings make it clear that citizens can add a variety of issues to the agenda. |
Seasoned volunteer
drivers keep Meal on Wheels running
Throughout the course of a year, volunteers
like Lowell Brocklehurst donate their time and energy to a mobile catering service
called Valley Meals on Wheels. |
City
center project may include new Valley Library
The
prospect of a new city center has been a discussion topic at Spokane Valley City
Hall for some time now. |
Central
Valley School District officials discuss funding options with local leaders
Liberty
Lake Mayor Steve Peterson and several representatives from City Council met with
other local leaders and officials from the Central Valley School District to discuss
the benefits of impact fees along with other potential funding sources for area
schools. |
Millwood
Council votes to block Buckeye
Those who traverse Buckeye and like to challenge
the cross-traffic on Argonne will soon find their way blocked. |
|
Spokane
Valley Fire Department reminding residents to 'Watch What You Heat' |
Avista
Stadium to receive $2 million in improvements
Avista Stadium will receive
infrastructure improvements during the offseason due to a $2 million state appropriation.
|
Valleyfest
shines as celebration of community
Darryl and Julie Beeman had only been
residents of Spokane Valley for a few weeks when they attended the "Hearts of
Gold" parade on Sprague Avenue last year. |
Good news, bad news:
valuations up, street fund down
It was a bit of "good news, bad news"
during budget discussions at the Spokane Valley City Council meeting Tuesday night. |
SNAP celebrates
40 years of helping people help themselves
The menu at last Thursday's
fund-raising breakfast for Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs didn't include
salmon or halibut - but there was plenty of talk about the benefits of fishing. |
Walks emphasize
benefits of exercise in warding off Alzheimer's
Residents who gather for
next week's Memory Walk sponsored by the Inland Northwest Alzheimer's Association
will be striding in the right direction. |
Health
District begins appointments for flu shots
The Spokane Regional Health
District have begun making telephone appointments for flu shots and FluMist nasal-spray
vaccine. |
Chamber of
Commerce meeting celebrates state of Valley business
The annual breakfast
meeting, held at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, drew about 200 people and gave Chamber
President and CEO Eldonna Shaw an opportunity to review another impressive year
of growth for the organization. |
Spokane
Valley Council OKs support for outside agencies
The Spokane Valley City
Council reached deep into the city's pockets to help support several social and
economic development agencies. |
City
to seek Salary Commission members
The City of Spokane Valley will be looking
for five citizens to serve on the newly created salary commission. |
Easter
Seals provides help for disabled
Easter Seals of Washington serves as
a statewide resource for adults and children with disabilities. |
Sharpen
your pencils - election day is Sept. 19
For the first time in a primary
election, Spokane County voters are considering candidates on a mail-in ballot
instead of going to a polling place. |
Valleyfest
agenda to include collaboration with Sports Commission
Last year, the
community celebration known as Valleyfest added a nighttime parade to its event
lineup. In 2006, organizers are branching out again - this time with timber sports.
|
New
chiropractic center takes proactive approach to wellness
Visitors to Spokane
Valley Chiropractic Center are more likely to hear about unbalanced tires and
broken shoelaces than vertebral subluxation complex. |
Minimum
wage a dream for council members
If Spokane Valley Council Member Bill
Gothman's experience is common among other members of the City Council, minimum
wage for the hours they put in would be a dream come true. |
Otis
Orchards Community Church rings in centennial year
It began as the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in 1906, founded by six families from Missouri and Wisconsin who
settled in the Spokane Valley. Now, 100 years later, the Otis Orchards Community
Church is celebrating its centennial year. |
Pawnbroker ordinance
to go to public hearing
A public hearing will be the next step in Sheriff
Office's efforts to revise Spokane County's pawnbroker ordinance. |
Cal Walker looking
at justice system big picture
When you first meet Cal Walker, Spokane
Valley chief of police, you are immediately drawn in with his smiling face and
friendly, down-home demeanor. Don't let that fool you, though. |
Ozzie Knezovich
says it takes guts to be a leader
Knezovich, who was appointed Sheriff
earlier this year when Sheriff Mark Sterk retired, said leaders need to empower
people to get things done. But if they do something wrong, you can't ignore the
problem |
Free
concerts stay in tune with symphony's educational efforts
It was two years
ago this summer that Eckart Preu made his debut as conductor of the Spokane Symphony. |
Lung Association
program aims to reduce indoor health hazards
Indoor air pollution has
been identified as a significant risk by the Environmental Protection Agency Science
Advisory Board and the Centers for Disease Control. |
International
preacher delivers lessons of encouragement, healing
This weekend, Ziga
will be in Spokane Valley for a four-day conference at the Mirabeau Park Hotel. |
Immunize children
now, Health District says
As the school year approaches, Spokane Regional
Health District is reminding parents that immunizing children should be a priority.
|
Wellness Conference bringing information, fun
One thing's for sure. You
don't have to give up fun to learn about all of the aspects of aging. |
Free concerts serve as
prelude to symphony's outreach efforts
It was two years ago this summer
that Eckart Preu made his debut as conductor of the Spokane Symphony. |
SCRAPS,
County collaborate on designated dog park
Spokane County's first designated
dog park was given a trial run earlier this week. |
Congresswoman
presented with Spokane Valley overview
As a congressional representative
from the state's 5th District, Cathy McMorris understands the significance of
a State of the Union address. |
Ponderosa
group seeks FD-1 support to stop subdivision
The Ponderosa Neighborhood
Association is drumming up support from affected fire districts to renew its request
for the county to withdraw its determination of nonsignificance. |
Liberty
Lake Council readdresses implementation of impact fees
Most people seem
to agree that impact fees are a worthwhile investment. |
County,
Spokane Valley closer to right-of-way accord
Spokane County and the city
of Spokane Valley came within a few letters, periods and question marks of reaching
an agreement for the turnover of the old Milwaukee right-of-way to the city. |
Race has just
begun for new community center, food bank CEO
Along with his duties as
the new chief executive officer for the Valley Food Bank and Spokane Valley Community
Center, Ken Briggs takes time to train marathon runners. |
Riverfront
event to celebrate stories of healing, recovery
It was about 15 years
ago that Marie Pizelo took a class called "Claytherapy" at the YWCA. |
Candidate
filing ends today for fall elections
The last two candidates to file for
the upcoming primary and general elections just made it under the deadline last
Friday. |
West
Valley renovation pays tribute to the past
Classes at West Valley High
School may have let out at the beginning of June - but this summer, the campus
itself has been on anything but a vacation. |
Local
voters pamphlet approved - for next year
Spokane County voters will have
an additional source of election information thanks to commissioners' approval
of the publishing of a local voters pamphlet. |
Where
are they now? Valley's interim leaders look back on incorporation
The
responsibility of starting up a new city was no easy task back in 2002. |
Spokane
Valley Council extends Ponderosa designation
Ponderosa residents who are
trying to maintain the semirural ambiance of their neighborhood have a reason
to relax a bit thanks to the Spokane Valley Council's extension of their UR-1
zoning. |
Area
residents to receive local election info in state pamphlet
For the first
time, Spokane County residents will have a source of election information delivered
to their door in time for the general election. |
Local
agencies warn of heat-related dangers
Cooling fans are gaining popularity
on the menu list at Valley Meals on Wheels. |
Stalwart
work ethic propels local soccer squad
The Spokane Soccer Club Falcons,
a team made up of local high school players, begins tryouts in March and tournament
play in the spring. |
Valley discusses prospect of street roundabouts
Spokane Valley could soon
see roundabouts installed at some intersections as engineers proceed with the
city's transportation improvement plan. |
Spokane
County one step closer to new wastewater treatment plant
One of the major
hurdles on the road toward the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant
in Spokane Valley was crossed last week when a 20-year plan to reduce phosphorus
pollution in the Spokane River and Lake Spokane was announced. |
Millwood,
county sign policing agreement
Millwood taxpayers got a break when the
Millwood Town Council and Spokane County commissioners signed this year's policing
agreement. |
U-Hi
golfer charts steady course for success
Soaring drives, precise pitch
shots and clutch putting are only part of Hank Frame's A-game. |
Valley
Council decision finalizes union agreement, raises pay
Despite three council
members' concerns about one aspect of the agreement, the Spokane Valley City Council
voted 5-1 to approve the city's first union contract. |
All-Valley picnic
revives 64-year-old tradition
Tomorrow's (Saturday, July 15) All Valley
Picnic may be celebrating the 85th birthday of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce
and the Valley's growth in business, but it also revives a yearly tradition that
disappeared 65 years ago. |
New
softball league a big hit with senior crowd
This April, Julio Franco started
out the pro baseball season as the oldest player in the major leagues, signing
with the New York Mets at the age of 47. |
Fire
district annexation delayed again
Although it was up for approval on this
week's fire commissioner meeting agenda, fire staff asked for another extension
for an annexation application. The property being annexed is located north of
Trent Road, just east of Starr Road, near Moab. |
Community
involvement makes Pavillion Park shine
Pavillion Park - one of the most
recognizable recreation areas in the Inland Northwest - started out as a mammoth
community service project. |
CASA
program sets standard as defender of children
For the last 20 years, Gayle
Kiser has been making a difference. As a volunteer with Spokane County's Court
Appointed Special Advocate program, Kiser stands up for children who are alleged
to have been abused, neglected or abandoned. |
Kaiser
tax payment boosts local districts' revenues
Several local taxing districts
will get an unexpected boost to their revenues as Kaiser Aluminum pays its back
taxes. |
Studies
identify water quality challenges in Spokane River
Work is underway to
identify and eliminate the sources of toxic chemicals including PCBs, flame retardants,
metals, dioxins and furans from the Spokane River. |
Changes
suggested for Spokane Valley Sign Committee
In an effort to get a more
varied input on sign regulations, the Spokane Valley City Council has agreed to
look into expanding and, perhaps, changing the makeup of the city's sign committee. |
Valleyford family
stays on bright side of trail
There is a hero out in Valleyford. He doesn't
play football or rope horses - he just tackles something called leukemia and transforms
an entire community into a better place. |
Chamber
program serves as business launching pad
Things are going well for A-Plus
Mortgage these days. With 10 employees and plans to move into a new office in
July, Branch Manager Justin Knapp is glad he made the move from Wenatchee to Spokane
about two years ago. |
Valley
river property remains under state ownership
Spokane Valley and Spokane
County lost out as the wishes of citizens were heeded at the Washington State
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting last week. |
'Conversation'
airs needs, concerns of Greenacres residents
An orderly and generally
friendly crowd of Greenacres residents gathered in the Greenacres Christian Church
on East Mission to face off with city of Spokane Valley council members and staff
last week. |
Meeting warns
of Internet dangers
Attendees at last Thursday's town hall meeting on
computer safety learned that no one should underestimate the dangers on the Internet.
|
Fire
district preparing for Liberty Lake fireworks show
Delays in responding
to a fireworks accident and medical emergency last year due clogged streets and
blocked accesses have prompted Spokane Valley Fire Department officials to develop
a comprehensive enforcement and education plan for the Liberty Lake Fireworks
show July 4. |
Off-leash dog park
approved by commissioners
Call it a dog park, an off-leash park or - as
they call it in other towns - a bark park. Whatever you call it, Spokane County
will now have one. |
Council
votes 4-3 to make Broadway three lanes
Residents who live on Broadway
Avenue between Pines and Sullivan and the 11,000 or so drivers who travel on that
road will have a chance to see if the engineers are correct about the benefits
of having only three lanes. |
Relay for Life teaches
lessons in hope, courage
The rain and wind that swirled around the track
at East Valley High School last weekend did little to dampen the enthusiasm at
the sixth annual Relay for Life. |
Milwaukee right-of-way
ownership dominates joint meeting
The question is pretty simple: The county
owns the Milwaukee right-of-way where Spokane Valley hopes to extend the Sprague-Appleway
couplet, and the city wants it. |
Confab of
leaders aims at cooperation - not consolidation
Some conspiracy buffs
may disagree, but leaders from throughout Spokane County who got together at a
recent council of governments meeting are quick to say its cooperation they are
seeking - not consolidation. |
Spokane
Valley buys police precinct building
Spokane Valley council members gave
a unanimous approval for the city's purchase of the sheriff's precinct building
at their meeting Tuesday night. |
Pet
Fest spotlights healing power of animals
People were welcome to bring
their dogs to the fourth annual Pet Fest exposition at the Spokane County Fair
and Expo Center last weekend. |
Sales
tax included in TIF revenues
Thanks to the Washington state Legislature,
developers who are risking their money on the Liberty Lake tax increment financing
area will have another revenue source. |
Millwood
has new council member
After six months without a full council, the Millwood
Town Council finally appointed a new member at its monthly meeting Monday night. |
Agencies
team up to sponsor Cancer Awareness Week
The
American Cancer Society, Cancer Patient Care, Premera Blue Cross and the Inland
Northwest Candlelighters will all be hosting events aimed at raising awareness
about cancer treatment and prevention in the Spokane area. |
Wheels
in motion on Liberty Lake Community Center
Since incorporating in August
2001, the city of Liberty Lake has established itself as a town that does not
let opportunities go to waste. |
Off-leash
dog park proposed at state-line
Area dogs may have a place to romp without
the restraints of leashes if Nancy Hill, director of the Spokane County Regional
Animal Protection Services, and Doug Chase, Spokane County parks director, have
their way. |
Compromise
saves train whistle quiet zone
A "Catch-22" decision on whether to let
trains blow their whistles when crossing University Road or to close Fairview
to accede to federal regulations was avoided when Spokane Valley engineers found
a third option. |
Valley Council
considers Broadway lane reduction
City road engineers have painted a rosy
picture of Broadway Avenue if the Spokane Valley City Council decides to reduce
the number of lanes from four to three. |
City may have
its own lobbyist
Spokane Valley staff has been ordered to create a request
for proposal for the hiring of a part time lobbyist to represent the city in Olympia. |
Conference
brings attention to eating disorders
At the beginning of last Monday's
seminar on eating disorders, local therapist Dee Myers made it clear that conditions
like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating often involve causes that go beyond the
surface. |
Plan is city legacy,
says Spokane Valley council member
Approval of Spokane Valley's sub area
plan for the Sprague/Appleway corridor was called a "legacy" for the city by Council
Member Rich Munson Tuesday night. |
City bows
to Army in Reserve center closure
For now, the future of the Walker Reserve
Center, located on North Sullivan Road near the Spokane Valley Industrial Park,
is in the hands of The Defense Department's Office of Economic Adjustment. |
Hard decision
faces residents on crossing plan
City of Spokane Valley officials are
asking residents on Fairview in the vicinity of the Burlington Northern Santa
Fe and University Road crossing to make what can only be defined as a "Catch-22"
decision. |
Locals flock
to West Valley bird expo
The week itself was dedicated to the history
of flight - but it had more to do with red-winged blackbirds than airplanes. |
Enforcement
coming on Spokane Valley permanent signs
When Spokane Valley enforcement
officers are finished with cleaning up portable sign problems, the next step would
be to begin focusing on noncomplying permanent signs, according to Mike Connelly,
city attorney. |
Liberty Lake officials welcome residents of annexed land
Jack Rojan got
up early Saturday morning to soak up the sunshine and find out a little more about
his new city. |
Millwood
considers hiring hearing examiner
Millwood may soon have some help in
administering, enforcing and interpreting zoning laws with the hiring of a hearing
examiner. |
Valley
Council approves comp, parks plans
The future direction of the city of
Spokane Valley was set by council members Tuesday night as they gave their blessings
to the city's comprehensive plan, the parks master plan and other measures that
will affect the city's future. |
Progress,
stability underlined in state of city address
Nearly four years removed
from that early discussion in a meeting room at the Spokane County courthouse,
the city of Spokane Valley is still going strong. |
Community support
critical in West Valley levy revote
Parents and staff in the West Valley
School District are hoping for a stamp of approval as ballots for the district's
replacement levy go out in the mail this week. |
Spokane
Valley may purchase police precinct building
Spokane County Commission-ers
have given the county CEO the go-ahead to negotiate the sale of the Sheriff's
department Valley precinct building to the city of Spokane Valley. |
Comp plan
step closer to final approval
Spokane Valley's comprehensive plan moved
a step closer to final approval at Tuesday night's city council meeting. |
Document
sheds light on Valley parks and recreation
Last March, Jerry Draggoo paid
a visit to the Spokane Valley City Council to talk about the definition of municipal
greenspace. |
Valley
student advisory council strides forward
For Brett Vlahovich, being a
part of Spokane Valley's Student Advisory Council has been a study in patience. |
Council
alerted of crosswalk danger near school
Robert Tombari, a student at West
Valley City School, appealed to Spokane Valley City Council members to improve
crosswalks on busy Argonne and Mullan roads near the school. |
End
in sight for Spokane Valley comp plan
After two-and-a-half years of work,
the Spokane Valley City Council is now seeing its comprehensive plan process finally
coming to an end. |
Produce
stand recalls Valley's early days
When Florence Boutwell made the move
from New Jersey to the Inland Northwest in the early years of World War II, the
Spokane Valley was a rural patchwork of farms, orchards and roadside businesses. |
Spokane
County Board of Commissioners Appoint Ozzie Knezovich as Sheriff
Newly
appointed Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich faced a whirlwind of activities Wednesday when
he stepped into his new office as Sheriff. |
Asmus
to stay on as Liberty Lake police chief
There's not a new sheriff in town.
Brian Asmus, who has served as Liberty Lake police chief since December of 2001,
has announced he will stay with the city, despite an offer from Lakewood Police
Department of Pierce County to sign on as a lieutenant. |
Comprehensive
plan headed for approval
At a work session Tuesday night, Spokane Valley
council members finally wrapped up deliberations on the city's comprehensive plan. |
Lindskog
appointed to replace retiring sheriff
The Spokane County Human Resources
meeting room was crammed with well-wishers last Friday as Sheriff Mark Sterk and
three others officially retired and a new sheriff was appointed - at least temporarily. |
Detail-oriented
Gothmann a good fit on council
Bill Gothmann always takes time to study
the game plan. The newest member of the Spokane Valley City Council is known to
arrive at meetings with the sort of background knowledge and attention to detail
that would rival a seasoned coach preparing for a championship final. |
Fiddle contest brings
toe-tapping music to Spokane Valley
If you didn't attend the 38th Annual
Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest, held this past weekend at East Valley High
School, you missed out on some toe-tapping country and bluegrass music. |
Barker
Road improvement project bid awarded
East Spokane Valley drivers who use
Barker Road will soon see a huge improvement in driving conditions thanks to a
widening project that is to begin April 17. |
Ponderosa
residents contemplate project appeal
Residents of the Ponderosa area will
meet this week to discuss the appeal of a court decision approving a residential
development spanning 25 acres of unincorporated Spokane County. |
Drug
treatment court brings healing to families
It is a mending project woven
together by the efforts of family, friends and compassionate professionals. It
starts at the office of New Horizon Care Centers where dedicated staff members
pull together area resources to help turn back the corrupting effects of drug
and alcohol abuse. |
Commissioners
discuss possible new county center
The county isn't considering the sale
of any of its properties - the Spokane County Regional Health District in particular
- but commissioners talked about the possibility of building a whole new county
complex. |
School
districts regroup after ballot defeats
It came down to just about 44 votes.
A replacement levy in the West Valley School District - covering maintenance and
operations expenses and comprising about 20 percent of the operating budget -
garnered 59.3 percent of the vote in the March 14 election. A minimum of 60 percent
is required for approval. |
Sign law is
sign of contention
In the business world, no sign is a sign of no business,
and several Spokane Valley business people let the city council know that the
city's sign regulations were proving that theory. |
Valley
leaders gather insight at summit
Representatives from the city of Spokane
Valley took a trip to the other Washington last week, attending a weeklong conference
sponsored by the National League of Cities. |
Decision
favors Ponderosa developer
Spokane County Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza
has upheld an earlier decision by county Hearing Examiner Mike Dempsey, to approve
the preliminary plat of Ponderosa Ridge. |
Central
Valley bond falls short, East Valley levy approved
A pair of Spokane Valley
school districts were disappointed by Tuesday's election results, but the county
elections department is smiling over the record turnout of voters. |
Dancing cultivates
sense of community at senior center
Nick Guarisco will hit the century
mark in a few years. While plans for a 100th birthday celebration are still in
the works, the program will probably include a cake, maybe a few balloons - and
most likely some dancing. |
County teams
with federal officials on jail expansion
The money hasn't quite been allocated
yet, but jail officials were given the go-ahead to begin negotiations with federal
officials and to prepare for expanding the county jail at Geiger to accommodate
around 125 federal prisoners. |
Cooperation
emphasized in state of county address
At an early morning breakfast meeting
before the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce last Friday, Spokane County Commissioner
Todd Mielke underlined the importance of getting off to a healthy start. |
Spokane
Valley Council approves county contracts
More than $1.6 million in county
service agreements were approved by the Spokane Valley City Council at its regular
meeting Tuesday night. |
Boundry
Review Board approves Liberty Lake annexation
The Spokane County Public
Works building has functioned as a sort of adjunct municipal office for the city
of Liberty Lake over the past four years. |
9-1-1 board eyes upgrade
of aging phone system
Despite a vendor announcement that it would no longer
provide technological support for its aging equipment, the head of Spokane County
Emergency Communications says there are no problems with the 9-1-1 system. |
County
utilities to go after deadbeats
Those who have large, outstanding sewer
charges they have never paid, will soon find themselves being pressured by county
collectors. |
Valley
Food Bank to join forces with community center
There is a change around
the corner for the Valley Food Bank. With a vote of the board of directors this
week, the facility is expected to join forces with the Spokane Valley Community
Center, creating a conglomerate that is expected to bring nutrition and services
to even more local residents. |
Officials
outline Internet safety precautions for kids
Stephanie Lister made an
important detour through the Spokane Valley last week to talk about the growing
dangers on the information highway. |
Spokane
Valley Council approves county contracts
More than $1.6 million in county
service agreements were approved by the Spokane Valley City Council at its regular
meeting Tuesday night. |
County
suit progresses despite bill provision
Despite a state attempt to block
law suits against state agencies, Spokane County officials have decided to proceed
with its suit over penalties incurred when county mental health officials reportedly
sent too many patients to Eastern State Hospital. |
Council
members battle for 'neighborhoods'
Are neighborhoods less important to
the city of Spokane Valley than, say, utilities? Or economic development? |
School
districts outline bond, levy requests
Every good teacher will tell you
that it's not wise to wait until the last minute to prepare for a final exam.
That's why those who support a cluster of educational initiatives on the March
14 ballot have been getting the word out to local voters for months now.
|
Valley
chiropractor dies in Florida
A 62-year-old Spokane Valley man vacationing
in Florida has died from injuries he sustained when a car crashed into a Juno
Beach restaurant. |
Liberty
Lake staff coping after City Hall flood
On a night when the Liberty Lake
City Council gathered at the Trailhead Golf Course instead of City Hall, the talk
wasn't about sand traps or bunkers - but a considerable water hazard. |
City readies
for anticipated growth
The problem with gazing into a crystal ball is
that it's usually hazy. But that's what the Spokane Valley City Council tried
to do last Saturday at a day-long retreat at CenterPlace. |
Spokane Valley takes
on more street work
The city of Spokane Valley's taking it to the streets.
The door was opened to the possibility of allowing private companies to contract
for street maintenance work. |
Study shows
huge economic impact at expo center
A study sponsored jointly by the city
of Spokane Valley and the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center has shown that the
total economic impact to the area from events at the fairgrounds amounts to more
than $24.2 million. |
Boundry
Review Board hears latest Liberty Lake annexation request
The most recent
attempt at frontier development in Liberty Lake once again found the covered wagons
stalled at the starting line. |
Chances
to comment on comprehensive plan running out
Spokane Valley residents
have had plenty of chances to comment on the comprehensive plan. But there won't
be many more coming up. |
City
of Liberty Lake goes to civic center drawing board
A new community center
is on its way in Liberty Lake - but for now, the community is being asked to center
in on the planning process. |
Commissioners
reverse position on annexation
Spokane County commissioners have reversed
an older decision that recommended the Boundary Review Board disapprove annexation
of 644.1 acres to Liberty Lake. |
Millwood
sets fee for home businesses
Those operating business out of their homes
in Millwood are now required to pay a fee for their business licenses. |
Anti-phosphorous
resolution OK'd by commissioners
A resolution that supports passage of
a House bill that would ban phosphorous in dishwashing detergents was approved
by Spokane County commissioners Tuesday afternoon. |
Number
of billboards in city won't change
Those billboards along Sprague Avenue
and elsewhere in Spokane Valley? They're not going anywhere. But if they do, expect
that they'll pop up again somewhere else within the city limits. |
New
Liberty Lake sewer plant underscores clean river policy
From Coeur d'Alene
to the Spokane County Courthouse, government officials continue to stress the
importance of cleaning up the Spokane River. |
Valley
fire responses continue upward trend
The Spokane Valley Fire Department
experienced a 7.44-percent increase in responses during 2005, according to a report
by Chief Mike Thompson. |
Fire
districts support levy lid-lift bill
Washington state's fire chiefs and
fire commissioner associations are pushing for passage of a measure that would
allow their districts to seek voter approval of levy lid-lifts for a six-year
period. |
Neighborhoods
likely to get second rezone extension
It's no secret: Spokane Valley's
comprehensive plan is not yet finished. |
Central Valley
district seeks support for impact fees
On Monday night, local government
officials learned that 43 school districts throughout the state collect impact
fees to fund capital improvement projects. |
Bigelow
Gulch widening project goes forward
The long-awaited realignment and widening
of the Bigelow Gulch Road is back on track thanks to the completion of Spokane
County's environmental assessment. |
Arson fires high
in 2005
The number of suspicious fire investigations by the Spokane Valley
Fire Department didn't break the district's all-time record last year, but it
came pretty darn close. |
Valley
Center director learns life lessons in Guatemala
Mollie
Dalpae arrived in Guatemala from Spokane in early December. The executive director
of the Spokane Valley Community Center has spent most of her professional career
to helping others - now she was face to face with the aftermath of a natural disaster. |
Liberty
Lake to establish lodging tax advisory group
It seems to be one of the
byproducts of a developing city. Along with a parade of ordinances, refurbished
roads and a welcome mat at City Hall, you will typically find a preponderance
of new committees. |
East
Valley School District officials not taking levy for granted
A new apartment
complex is sprouting up on Pines Road not far from the main office of the East
Valley School District. |
Commissioners
mull opposition to mobile home park exemption bill
Spokane County commissioners
are considering whether they should actively oppose a bill that would exempt mobile
home parks from all charges related to sewers, which was submitted to the Legislature
last week. |
East
Valley resource officer gets council OK
East
Valley High School will have its own resource officer next fall after a 5-1 vote
by the Spokane Valley City Council on Tuesday night. |
Good
news aplenty in Liberty Lake state of city
There
was a palpable sense of good fortune in the air as people gathered for a lunchtime
meeting in Liberty Lake on Tuesday to hear Mayor Steve Peterson give his annual
state of the city address. |
DUI court
open for business
The Spokane County DUI court opened its doors to referrals
Jan. 3. The new court, which parallels to some extent the county's successful
drug court, is directed at both the chronic alcohol offenders and those who are
facing just one drinking and driving charge. |
County treasurer
retiring, endorses deputy as replacement
Spokane County Treasurer Linda
Wolverton will be stepping down from her post at the end of this year after more
than 12 years on the job. |
Wilhite
continues as Spokane Valley mayor
Without much drama, Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite was elected unanimously
by the City Council on Tuesday night to extend her term by two more years. |
Spokane's
new mayor stresses cooperation
It was just one of those mayoral kinds of days. On Tuesday, Dan Mork was sworn
in at the Millwood City Council meeting, replacing longtime mayor Jeanne Batson.
In Spokane Valley, it was announced that Mayor Diana Wilhite would resume her
post; and Dennis Hession officially became Spokane's 42nd city leader.
|
East
Valley High resource officer closer to reality
If the Spokane Valley City Council goes along with a proposal made by commissioners
Tuesday, it looks like the East Valley School District will finally get its school
resource officer. |
City's
Official Newspaper
The City Council of the City of Spokane Valley,
WA named the Spokane Valley News Herald as the city's "official" newspaper. The
designation means the News Herald will publish the city's legal notices on a contract
basis for one year. |
| 2005
Year in Review |
Land-use
concerns the big story in 2005
This is the first of a two-part look back at the noteworthy news and happenings
of 2005. |
City Council
- minus one - re-elected in 2005
This is the second of a two-part look at the noteworthy news and happenings of
2005. |
|
2005
Archive Articles |
| 2004
Year in Review |
2004 - Year
in Review (part
1)
This the first of a two-part look at the noteworthy news and happenings
of 2004. |
2004
- Year in Review
(part 2)
This the second of a two-part look at the noteworthy news
of 2004. |
|
2004
Archive Articles |
| 2003
Year in Review |
2003
year in review (part
2)
This is the second of a two-part look at the noteworthy news
and happenings of 2003. |
2003
year in review (part
1)
This is the first of a two-part look at the noteworthy news and happenings
of 2003. |
|
2003
Archive Articles |
