Cliff House gutted by fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze that burned three floors of the historic Arbor Crest Winery Cliff House mansion on Wednesday.
Council wants to improve notification process
From Sprague Avenue to Greenacres, it’s been a source of concern: when to let someone know that their property zoning could change and how to do it.
SVP works to weather storm after flooding incidents
Ever since its beginnings as Spokane Valley’s most visible social service organization, Spokane Valley Partners has been helping low-income residents cover water and electric bills in a pinch.
City Council doles out lodging tax dollars
Some last-minute number-crunching succeeded in turning some frowns upside-down at Tuesday night’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting.
County promotes homelessness prevention program
The temperature was dropping into the single digits outside Millwood City Hall on Monday night as the town’s governing board heard a presentation on a new program to keep local residents shielded from the winter chill.
Millwood council hears summary of street survey
The Millwood City Council received an overview of traffic patterns on municipal streets on Monday night, paving the way for a series of safety upgrades throughout residential neighborhoods.
County OKs budget, worker layoffs
Despite some last-ditch pleas to save some jobs in the prosecutor’s office, Spokane County commissioners agreed Tuesday to lay off 149.6 workers and approve a budget that is down over $13 million from last year.
10 answers and a question from Munson, Wilhite
Munson and Wilhite were asked to weigh in on what they hope to see from the council, what they will do next and offer some advice for their successors.
Comcast pact moves forward
The City Council last week directed city staff to gather more detailed facts and figures on the price of hiring a consultant to find out just how much it would cost to broadcast meetings over the Internet and/or cable television.
Council seals court deal
While Spokane County District Court may not be the only deal in town, judges and an independent study recently showed it’s the probably the best deal.
Work ethic propels FHS grad Hatch to success at EWU
As a senior at Freeman High School, Kevin Hatch was a three-sport star who set school records in track, led the football team to the state championship game and dunked a basketball despite being well under 6 feet tall.
City hopes to have Barker Bridge crossed by spring
A new rendition of the Barker Road Bridge – complete with convenient lanes for pedestrians and cyclists – should be ready by the time the winter freeze begins defrosting on the banks of the Spokane River.
New vote tallies change nothing
Anyone hoping updated vote totals this week would bring any new developments in the general election results likely remains disappointed.
Spokane Valley launches update of shoreline program
You might say the Spokane County Shoreline Master Program – a document dealing with uses along the Spokane River and other area waterways – has always been current.
Council approves parks, pools contracts
The contract to maintain Spokane Valley parks was one of the first the city awarded to an entity other than Spokane County.
Millwood council works through 2010 budget
After a major overhaul of Argonne Road this year, the Millwood City Council knew that the 2010 budget wasn’t likely to include an abundance of funding for road repairs.
Council races to be decided Tuesday
But all eyes, locally, are on the Spokane Valley City Council election, the outcome of which could set the course for the city for years.
Council gets results from District Court study
While it won’t take any formal action for at least two more weeks, the Spokane Valley City Council learned Tuesday that continuing a contract with Spokane County District Court may be its best option – for now.
New SCRAPS volunteer coordinator leads by example
If you happen to be shopping for a dog or cat at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services shelter sometime in the near future, don’t be surprised if Francine Moniz provides a little help.
GSI presents marketing proposal for SARP
Want to meet for a cup of coffee at University Crossing? How about looking for that new prom dress down at Sprague Plaza?
Volunteer effort turns into healthy harvest for food bank
Earlier this month, Gilbert called Barbara Bennett, director of the Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank, to inform her that the farm had produced a slew of potatoes – the only dilemma was that they needed to be picked and hauled to the food bank.
City hires crews to plow roads this winter
The Spokane Valley City Council, at its regular meeting, authorized an emergency contract with Poe Asphalt Paving Inc. for the company’s workers to be ready to operate city-owned machinery for snow-plowing operations.
National conference promotes resources for drug-endangered kids
The sixth annual National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Conference took place Sept. 22-24 at the Red Lion Inn in downtown Spokane with over 400 attendees representing 30 states, 13 tribal nations and Canada.
Budget, contracts dominate council meeting
The Spokane Valley City Council had money on its mind Tuesday, voting to increase what the city collects in property taxes and getting a rundown of the cost increases associated with the city’s public safety contract with Spokane County.
County wants reimbursement after fair escape
While it’s agreed no wants to see a situation similar to the escape of criminally insane Philip Arnold Paul from the Spokane County Interstate Fair ever again, county commissioners are hopeful for something more: restitution.
Valleyfest 2009 marks two decades of community celebration
Organizers of the first Valleyfest celebration at Terrace View Park in 1990 estimate that a crowd of around 4,000 may have turned out for Spokane Valley’s inaugural community celebration.
CHER sponsors health screening at Valley Hospital
Community Health Education and Resources, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Spokane, will sponsor a health screening at Valley Hospital and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission in Spokane Valley, on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Acts at this year’s fair something to ‘crow about’
Whether it’s “Good Vibrations” or “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” there should be something for just about everyone at this year’s Spokane County Interstate Fair.
Millwood council ponders safe street strategy
After serving as project engineer of the Argonne Road repavement project for the past year, Matt Gillis of Welch Comer Engineers resurfaced at the Millwood City Council meeting on Tuesday night.
Police target city crime hot spots
Whether it’s stolen cars in the south Dishman area or vehicle prowlings at Pines and Mansfield, Spokane Valley Police are working hard to cool off hot spots of criminal activity.
Robertson faces three challengers on council
Four candidates – including council appointee Ian Robertson – will seek to retain Council Member Steve Taylor’s Position 2 seat on the Spokane Valley City Council.
Presentation highlights red flags of investment fraud
Deputy Travis Pendell of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office arrived at last week’s presentation on investment fraud with a simple message – Be smart with your money and be smarter with those who try to invest it.
Organizations make case for city funds
A dozen social services and economic-development organizations came forward to solicit the City Council for financial assistance to continue their public service in Spokane Valley.
New food warehouse helps SVP step up to plate
For the past two years, Witham has volunteered his time once a week to help the food bank at Spokane Valley Partners, collecting bread, rolls and other baked goods from local grocery stores.
Businesses, motorists adjust to Sprague overhaul
Autumn may be a few months away in the city of Spokane Valley, but orange has still emerged as a popular color along Sprague Avenue over the past few weeks. Call it the season of the safety cone.
Council dives into pool pass program
While the current economy makes it tough for just about anyone to keep their head above water, the Spokane Valley City Council found a way Tuesday to keep local underprivileged youth in the swim of things.
Education, not legislation, will target panhandlers
For nearly the entire six-year life of the city of Spokane Valley, officials have tried to deal with a situation that often involves scrawled, handwritten cardboard signs.
Trentwood Post Office spared from closure list
A Spokane Valley post office branch was the only one to make a list last week of potential closures under consideration by the federal government.
County, residents at odds over Bigelow Gulch project
Residents of Orchard Prairie, a rolling rural terrain in north Spokane County, will tell you they have no problem with efforts to improve safety conditions along Bigelow Gulch Road.
Council appointee to be chosen next Tuesday
Sixteen potential candidates stepped forward to fill the void of Taylor, who left the council to be the city administrator of Connell on June 30.
Council candidates mix it up at forum
Above 90-degree weather and soupy ice cream didn’t deter nearly 70 from attending a candidate’s forum put on by the Republicans of Spokane County last week.
National Night Out reinforces value of community policing
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Van Leuven will join law-enforcement personnel and volunteers throughout Spokane County in observance of National Night Out, an annual event launched in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch.
Promotional campaign ramps up in support of incorporation
Along with the usual array of flowering trees and landscaped yards, Driskell passes a growing number of red campaign signs that call for the disincorporation of the state’s seventh largest city.
City take steps for winter snow removal
When Spokane County commissioners severed a contract for snow-removal services last December – right as this area received one of the longest bouts of prolonged snowfall in recorded history – it was like a cold shot to the face of Spokane Valley.
Valley council to readdress panhandling issue
Spokane Valley City Council Member Bill Gothmann admits he doesn’t have all the answers when it comes to dealing with the city’s panhandling concerns – but he would like to see some learning take place.
City looks to strike deal with county for sewer service
Despite assertions from a commissioner that Spokane Valley has “repeatedly refused to commit” to Spokane County for sewer service, the city made moves last week to do just that.
Millwood council approves Fowler traffic study
The Coeur d’Alene-based design firm – which drew up the plans for an ongoing $1.3 million upgrade of Argonne Road – has been delegated by the Millwood City Council to complete a traffic-calming study in an area known as the “Fowler/Empire Corridor.”
Millwood council approves Fowler traffic study
The Coeur d’Alene-based design firm – which drew up the plans for an ongoing $1.3 million upgrade of Argonne Road – has been delegated by the Millwood City Council to complete a traffic-calming study in an area known as the “Fowler/Empire Corridor.”
Council moves forward with Discovery Playground
The spirit of a project that is described by most City Council members as “important” and “historical” was dampened somewhat by an accounting error that one Spokane Valley citizen as a “screw-up.”
City will pay county $1.1 million in public safety fees
While still unsure whether it is absolutely necessary, the Spokane Valley City Council voted last week to make a “good faith” payment of $1.1 million to Spokane County in disputed fees connected to the two organizations’ public safety contract.
Argonne project receives boost from state grant
When Millwood residents, business owners and city leaders gathered to discuss the priorities of a corridor study along Argonne Road nearly two years ago, the subject of inadequate sidewalks was near the top of the list.
Comments on sewer rate increases taken until Tuesday
With no one present to comment – and still some question about the overall time period for financing – Spokane County commissioners opted Tuesday to hold off on making any decisions on any potential increases in sewer rates. The new deadline is next Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Green is the theme for new Waste Management headquarters
Every week, workers with Waste Management of Spokane retrieve recycled materials from thousands of residential and commercial customers throughout the greater Spokane Valley.
SARP officially kicks in Oct. 1
After dozens of meetings, scores of public comments and a more than just a little controversy, the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan will become law on Oct. 1 of this year.
Neighbors rally awareness for street safety in Millwood
Rick and Jeannie Pearson have lived in the same Millwood neighborhood for 22 years, investing time and money into a home and well-manicured yard on Fowler Road. Now the couple may be moving.
McCaslin looks to unseat Munson on City Council
It would appear the “October surprise” has been moved up to June. Saying “no one else would run,” longtime 4th District state Sen. Bob McCaslin filed last week to run against Spokane Valley Mayor Richard Munson for City Council.
Council supports paying sewer plant debt early
After another week of strained relationships with county officials, the Spokane Valley City Council tackled one area where it is in agreement with the Board of Commissioners’: moving forward with the building of a wastewater treatment plant.
City, county at loggerheads over $2 million in back fees
Heated e-mail exchanges, a scuttled meeting and an anticipated state auditor’s ruling have capped a week’s worth of drama between the city of Spokane Valley and Spokane County officials.
Council sending SARP for final approval
A last-minute attempt to limit the scope of the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan was derailed by the Spokane Valley City Council on Tuesday.
Efforts for snow removal continue despite tension
While Spokane Valley continues its efforts for a long-term solution for snow removal, it’s the city’s short-term plans that have county commissioners most concerned.
Van Orman outlines LL goals, achievements at chamber event
It was about a year ago that Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman presented a state of the city address at the headquarters of Itron, one of the acknowledged business pillars in Spokane County’s easternmost community.
Spokane Shock, West Valley students team up against substance use
As part of a collaboration with the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council, several representatives from the Shock worked with a crew from Community Minded Media and students from West Valley High School to produce a series of public service announcements warning against the dangers of drug and alcohol use.
City gears up for Sprague Avenue improvements
Representatives from the city of Spokane Valley had little trouble directing traffic at last week’s open house to discuss upcoming construction projects on Sprague Avenue.
Council gets refresher on city finance
Bedeviled by disincorporationists and critics of the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan, the Spokane Valley City Council offered a bit of scholastic counter-programming on Tuesday night.
Millwood council stays the course on Argonne project
While bulldozers negotiated their way up and down Argonne Road on Monday night, members of the Millwood City Council spent time discussing the exact route of a $1.3 million project along the town’s main thoroughfare.
Valley remains unscathed for swine flu thus far
So far, no swine. Spokane Valley has so far not had any reported cases of the H1N1 flu virus, despite national concerns that the disease is spreading nationwide and at least one case in Spokane County.
Former Valley center worker at home with Life Services
Early afternoon sunlight is streaming through an upstairs window in the home on Ash Street as Sharon Hengy reflects on the daily opportunity to bring warmth into the lives of others.
Public vote on SARP called for during hearing
Many of the same criticisms were voiced from the over two dozen who offered comments at Tuesday’s public hearing on the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan.
City nurtures environmental awareness at Arbor Day event
Amidst all the talk about commercial zoning, street resurfacing and development codes, Mike Stone and his colleagues in the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department are thinking green.
Fire commissioners split on new fire truck
After a couple of tries and a split vote by fire commissioners, the Spokane Valley Fire Department has decided to buy a new pumper-rescue truck.
County considers new Conservation Futures property
After all the hullabaloo surrounding the Riverfront Park YMCA site, county commissioners could move forward with a bit more traditional use for Conservation Futures funds.
Local construction trends showing signs of resurgence
Since 1951, Baker Construction has been a pillar on the local development scene, emerging as one of the leading commercial builders in Eastern Washington – but like many other businesses, the Spokane Valley-based operation understands that the national recession represents more than a footnote in the company newsletter.
Social service programs ramp up in economic downturn
As the programs director at Spokane Valley Partners, Connie Nelson coordinates a year-round social service agenda that provides support to less fortunate individuals and families throughout the area.
Munson will run again for City Council
Saying there’s “so much to do,” Spokane Valley Mayor Richard Munson announced Monday he would run for a third term on the City Council.
Outside funding paves way for city road projects
The streets of Spokane Valley will feature a confluence of construction work beginning this spring – each benefiting from different tributaries of funding.
City on its own for snow removal – for now
While both the mayor and Spokane County commissioners have both promised that snow will get plowed in the city of Spokane Valley next year, it’s still not certain how that will happen.
$50,000 city hall design study to move forward
While the 5-2 approval by the Spokane Valley City Council was expected, some of the cost numbers in a design study for a new city hall were not
Public safety tax renewal gets support
While there may have been some tension between the two local governments recently, Spokane Valley Mayor Richard Munson told Spokane County commissioners he “fully supports” the renewal of a public safety tax.
Community meetings focus on CVSD budget priorities
While state legislators in Olympia discuss ways of dealing with a record-setting deficit, administrators in the Central Valley School District are holding a few budget talks of their own.
West Valley girls come back for third-place win at state
Last year, after the West Valley Lady Eagles came home from the 2A state basketball tournament without a trophy, coach Lorin Carlon had this to say to his team: “Now you’ve got a taste of it.”
Legislators air concerns from Olympia at open house
A trio of legislators from Spokane County’s 4th district – Sen. Bob McCaslin, Rep. Larry Crouse and Rep. Matt Shea – met with citizens last Saturday at CenterPlace in Spokane Valley to discuss the latest developments from Olympia with much of the conversation focusing on the beleaguered state budget.
County may ask for public safety tax renewal
With the primary and general election ballots beginning to look crowded in 2009, Spokane County commissioners Tuesday pondered the idea of asking voters in May to renew a .1 of 1 percent sales tax that raises about $7.1 million a year for public safety purposes.
Council could spend $50,000 on city hall study
While a formal vote will be taken at an upcoming meeting, the Spokane Valley City Council agreed Tuesday to take a look at spending up to $50,000 in initial design work for a new city hall.
County sends mayor letter confirming ‘breach of contract’
In case Spokane Valley officials didn’t get the message last week, county commissioners made sure with a letter this week: The city is in violation of its public safety contract.
Council completes SARP study
A bit of fine-tuning was required, but the Spokane Valley City Council put the exclamation point on the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan on Tuesday night.
Spokane Valley adjusts to shifts in tax revenue
As the finance director for the city of Spokane Valley, Ken Thompson understands that tax revenue is the engine that propels a municipal budget.
Commissioners vote to oppose health district bill
Two out of three members of the county commissioners are convinced the current makeup of the Spokane Regional Health District board of directors is just fine the way it is.
Court dismisses lawsuit over Appleway right-of-way
If any agreement is going to be made over right-of-way property for extending Appleway Boulevard, it will be done without a decision from the Washington Supreme Court.
Council delays vote on city hall study until Feb. 24
With three members absent and an over $300,000 expenditure at stake, the Spokane Valley City Council decided Tuesday to hold up on making any decisions on a study that would outline details for a new city hall for at least two more weeks.
Council sets some sign standards for SARP
While animated-style billboards may be a sign of the times, they won’t be welcomed in the city center area under the Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan.
Millwood council confirms details for Argonne Road project
The last time a representative from Welch/Comer Engineers appeared at a Millwood City Council meeting, autumn leaves – not snow – had begun to fall on the sidewalks along Argonne Road.
Council OKs 2009 road projects
The Spokane Valley City Council agreed Tuesday to a slate of road projects to be done this year.
Spokane Valley prepares to implement new street standards
Since incorporating as a city in 2003, Spokane Valley has adhered to street standards established by Spokane County in areas such as design, construction and maintenance. Now, the city has decided to take a turn in the road.
County seeks eight judges for District Court
Spokane County commissioners are taking steps to reduce the number of judges on the District Court because there could be significantly less cases for them to hear.
Council considers need for new streets for SARP
While Sprague and Appleway are getting most of the revitalization attention, the need for more streets – particularly heading north-south – got a hard look at Tuesday night’s Spokane Valley City Council meeting.
Commissioners OK contract for wastewater plant
Saying that to not act would be “reckless” but doing so could be considered “a calculated risk,” Spokane County commissioners signed a contract to accelerate the building of a new wastewater treatment plant.
Spokane Valley to review alternate service providers
Still stinging from Spokane County’s severance of the road-maintenance contract, the Spokane Valley City Council voted last week to begin to shop around for potential alternatives in every other area the city relies on the county for service – including law enforcement.
Argonne project spurs new Millwood business group
Bobbie Beese has seen it before – a road project along Millwood’s main thoroughfare that disrupts business and leaves local merchants wringing their hands.
Area police enthused about Crime Check return
It was just over a year ago that a funding initiative for emergency communication systems and facilities appeared on the ballot in Spokane County.
Officials emphasize precautions in cold conditions
As temperatures plummeted throughout Spokane County over the past week, officials continued to emphasize the importance of safety when combating cold and icy conditions.
Council reaffirms special zone designations for Auto Row
With plenty of other places to locate, the Spokane Valley City Council reaffirmed Tuesday night that office buildings won’t be welcome on Sprague’s Auto Row. But certain types of restaurants and entertainment destinations will be.
Public asked to comment on proposed street standards
Got something to say over proposed efforts to “calm” traffic in neighborhoods or improving the quality of streets? The city of Spokane Valley wants to hear from you.
City reeling after county severs road contract
In a move not unlike a high school breakup, Spokane County commissioners severed their relationship with the city of Spokane Valley – with a cell phone message.
Commissioners OK reduced budget for 2009
With a reduction of nearly 3 percent and 10 planned layoffs, the atmosphere was grim as Spokane County commissioners passed the 2009 budget on Tuesday.
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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