2018 September Current by The Current

SEPTEMBER

2018

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

FREE

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

New Campus Cascade

A look at the unprecedented campaign of capital projects in the Central Valley School District, page 12

WV GRAD CATALYST FOR FAIR FUN PAGE 2

EVERGREEN FOUNTAINS CELEBRATES PAGE 36

“THE CURRENT” SOFTBALL TEAM’S OUTSTANDING SEASON PAGE 47

2 • SEPTEMBER 2018

The Park Bench

Facilitator of Fun – McLaughlin a fixture with county fair

By Craig Howard Current Editor If you ever divvy up teams for a game of Spokane County Interstate Fair trivia, make sure you pick Jessie McLaughlin first. The graduate of West Valley High School has been a cog in the fair’s administrative wheel since 1993 when she took over secretarial duties for an employee who went on maternity leave and decided to stay at home. McLaughlin later joined the fair staff on a full-time basis and has been there ever since. At the drop of a hat, she can tell you how much food is sold at the fair (approximately $1.6 million worth), how many food vendors set up on the grounds (40 plus) and how much tourism revenue the 10-day spectacle adds to the local economy (roughly $6 million according to the last study, although McLaughlin is quick to point out this is a “conservative number.”) She can also clear up a long list of “fair myths,” she has heard over time – i.e., chocolate milk is not derived from brown cows and elephant ears do not contain any ingredients from actual elephants. A native of Ellensburg, McLaughlin was born into a family that had ties to fair culture. Her father and grandfather raised livestock that was featured in rodeos across the region. Being a rodeo stock contractor meant the family had access to fairs in places like Omak, Newport and Coeur d’Alene that others didn’t have. One time, she was part of an exclusive birthday party held by a friend whose parents ran the carnival features. “I remember going the grounds before the animals were there,” McLaughlin recalls. “It was so fun.” After her parents split up, McLaughlin and her sister moved to Spokane Valley with their mother. She attended Pasadena Park Elementary, Argonne Junior High and West Valley, graduating

NEWS in 1985. She remembers being a “book and music kid” in school, participating in choir and playing the piano. She also worked part-time in the WVHS administrative office while a student, picking up hours after school and in the summers. After she graduated, she enrolled at Spokane Community College and, not long after, got a call from the Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department, saying they knew of her through her work at her alma mater. McLaughlin signed on part-time with the county in 1986, working on the preventative maintenance tracking program. She continued her schooling, eventually graduating in hotel/motel/ restaurant management from SCC in 1988. The same year, she took on a full-time role with the county. Her computer skills made her a valuable asset and she found herself occasionally working on fair projects. She soon found out the county’s signature event had plenty of aspects that rang familiar from her college studies. “It’s part of the hospitality industry for sure,” McLaughlin said. “And that’s were my forte is.” McLaughlin remembers going on field trips to the fair while growing

up in the West Valley School District. “I saw the fun side back then,” she said. “I still have fun. The only thing that’s changed is the understanding of what it takes to put it on.” Gone are the simpler times, McLaughlin says, when agreements were made on a handshake. Layers of paperwork and documenting now define the work. Another aspect that has changed is the declining numbers of large livestock that show up each year. “We get a lot of small animals,” she said. “But the large animals are going by the wayside. There’s more cost for maintenance and the farm land is shrinking.” Being fair coordinator is a yearround job, a fact that occasionally escapes those who ask McLaughlin “when she works.” Filling commercial space and lining up competitive exhibits alone takes up plenty of time and effort. Over the years, she has formed a “fair family” with the concessionaires, exhibitors and vendors that make the fairgrounds their home for 10 days each summer. “When everyone leaves, it’s sad for me,” she said. McLaughlin is also responsible

Jessie McLaughlin has served as coordinator of the Spokane County Interstate Fair since 2001. She worked her first fair in 1993. The West Valley High and Spokane Community College grade is also an award-winning horse racer, specializing in Western Gaming. Photo byDanica Wick

The Current

for writing and publishing the fair’s official newsletter called “Fair Facts” that is distributed each day of the event. While she may be in a field known for amusement, McLaughlin takes her role seriously. She graduated from the Institute of Fair Management through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions in 2011 and received her certified fair executive designation through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions in 2009. You may even see McLaughlin as a participant in a fair. She is an elite horse racer in Western Gaming, competing in and winning state competitions. She is currently on a team with her mother, sister and niece. McLaughlin and her husband Dale have been married 22 years and have a daughter, Emma, and a son, Connor. Q: When you attended the county fair as a kid, did you ever think you may one day be working there? A: Attending our fair, I don’t think that it probably ever crossed my mind. Attending other fairs as a child with my rodeo stock contracting family, I enjoyed the atmosphere of the fairs and rodeos and when the opportunity came later in life to be a part of something so magical, I was thrilled. Q: They say that baseball is one of the few contemporary activities that people from 100 years ago would still recognize and connect with today. It seems like a county fair would also fit into this category. In an age so characterized by modern technology and digital gadgets, what can we learn from the simple fun provided at the fair? A: Truly, I think that is the beauty of fairs. Not only do we help educate our visitors about where their food comes from but we also often have opportunities for them to engage in areas of technology such as selfie-contests, etc. The fair has the chance to bring guests to the past, present, and future in one location. Q: In what ways might many people underestimate all the work that goes into putting on 10 days of the fair for 200,000 attendees? A: Of course, there is a lot of paperwork and contracting that takes place throughout the year in preparation for the fair but I think people underestimate the amount of time that our amazing maintenance team goes through

See MCLAUGHLIN, page 3

The Current

MCLAUGHLIN

NEWS

Continued from page 2

in putting together the physical display pieces that are later adorned with crafts, baked items, jams, etc. They begin in midAugust in order to get everything in place in time for the exhibits to begin arriving just after Labor Day. We are so fortunate here at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center to have this amazing team. Q: It seems like a diversity of entertainment and events is one of the fair's real strengths. How intentional is the scheduling and lineup to make sure that all ages and interest levels are engaged here? A: What a great question. For many years, the fair booked Country/Western acts only when it came to concerts. Over the years, the Fair and Expo Center director has continued to work with our entertainment coordinator to bring acts that reach across genre lines. One of our biggest concerts featured several well-known rock and roll bands. I think this is another area where fair guests would be surprised at the amount that artists receive to perform for one show. Being an enterprise fund in Spokane County, we are not tax-

subsidized so every dollar we raise through the fair and interim events allows us to continue to operate each year. It is always a balancing act to get the right act at the right dollar each year and a lot of time is spent researching rising stars as well. Q: What are some of the educational aspects of the fair that you are most proud of? A: Truthfully, education is one of the most important aspects of the fair and thus no matter which barn or building you enter, you’ll be able to find some sort of educational piece. The livestock exhibitors do an outstanding job of including educational posters where their animals are housed. The building superintendents also do a great job of including displays, games and other educational activities related to their field. This year, we’ve partnered with Spokane Valley’s own Painting with a Twist to give fair guests the opportunity each day to create their very own masterpiece while attending the fair. The Enviro-Zone in Bay 3 is always a great area to glean a better understanding of how we can better our environment through their games and activities. This is

See FACILITATOR, page 4

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 3

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

CONNECT.

EMPOWER.

Manufacturing Matters Gear up to celebrate our region’s rich history of making quality goods that fuel economic prosperity for our families and our region at the Manufacturing Matters Dinner. The evening begins with a networking reception, followed by a gourmet meal and program with the keynote address by Thomas Tedder, owner and founder of Tedder Industries, LLC and Tedder Properties, LLC. Thomas Tedder began building holsters in 2010. Since then, Tedder Industries’ Alien Gear Holsters division has sold over 1,000,000 holsters and amassed over 1,000,000 Facebook followers. Join us on September 25th to hear his story and to celebrate manufacturing in our region.

VALLEYFEST

Waste Management is pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with Valleyfest. Join us for this year’s festivities at Mirabeau Point Park, September 21–22! Kick off the weekend with the Hearts of Gold Parade at 6 pm Friday and see one of our newest WM recycling trucks, powered by natural gas for a smaller carbon footprint. On Saturday, kids can meet their local driver, sit in the truck and learn all about recycling! JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

INNOVATE.

MAJOR SPONSORS: Underwriting Sponsors: Katerra & Modern Electric Water Co. Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Associated Industries Get more information and register at: spokanevalleychamber.org

Manufacturing Matters Dinner Tues., September 25 5:30 p.m. Networking Reception 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dinner & Keynote CenterPlace

Tickets are $50 per person or highlight your business wth a table for just $400! Upcoming Events: Let’s Talk Shop Network Security Tues., Sept. 11 8-9 a.m., Holiday Inn Express Spokane Valley 9220 East Mission After 5 Networking Fairfield Inn & Suites Spokane Valley Wed., Sept. 26th 4:30-6 p.m., Fairfield Inn & Suites 8923 E Mission Ave

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4 • SEPTEMBER 2018

FACILITATOR

NEWS

Continued from page 3

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just a few of the fair’s educational aspects but there are so many more experiences for our guests to enjoy and to learn while doing so. Q: How would you characterize the fair in the context of regional tourism? Even though it only runs 10 days, where does it rank in terms of introducing out-oftowners to our area? A: Our livestock exhibitors come from California, Montana, Idaho and Oregon. They love coming to Spokane because of all that our town has to offer. Many of our vendors are local but there are also quite a few that come in from outside the area including everywhere from Arizona to Canada. Again, they love Spokane. I can’t think of a better event to introduce out-of-towners to our area than the Interstate Fair either. Here they get a taste of our local cuisine while visiting our 40plus food vendors. They get to see a bit of Western life while taking in the PRCA Rodeo. They get to take in some chart-topping entertainment and they get to see first-hand how wonderful Spokanites are, while sharing our grounds with about 20,000 people any given day. Q: Have your accomplishments and experiences in Western Gaming (gymkhana) benefited you in any way when it comes to coordinating the fair? A: When I first began working at the Fair and Expo Center, I couldn’t believe how many of our customers I already knew and it was largely in part because of being involved in Western Gaming, roping, and horse showing over the years. The horse community in Spokane intertwines through various associations and we have a very active group of horse owners that are well-known and well-respected throughout the state for all of their accomplishments. Being a past-president and current

The Current

board member of Washington State Horsemen, I can say that our region has the most members and many of those members also show at the Interstate Fair. Q: What new features can fairgoers look forward to this year? A: I think the guests are going to really enjoy several new features but one that is going to be highly visible when they visit the South Lawn is the new Family Fun Stage. The stage will include daily performances by Professor Smart and Cirque Zuma Zuma. The Main Gate Car Show is gaining new clubs this year allowing the fair guest the chance to come and see different models of cars each day they return. I don’t want to give everything away, though, as it is also fun to bump into these areas and be surprised. Our hope is that we’ve included something for everyone. Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do? A: That’s easy, the “fair family” I get to work with each year. From staff to superintendents, vendors to exhibitors, we work together to make the magic come alive for 10 days on our 97 acres in Spokane Valley. I’ve seen our fair family go through almost every victory and trial imaginable in their lives and celebrated with some and let tears fall with others. These are truly good people and I consider it an honor and privilege to work alongside them as we bring the best 10-day show in the region to our guests.

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The Current

NEWS

Rockford agenda includes sewer work, creek dredging

By Nina Culver Current Correspondent The town of Rockford has been a busy place as it prepares for the annual Southeast Spokane County Fair this month and some infrastructure improvement projects that will follow. A fence that lined Rockford City Park along First Street just south of Emma Avenue was taken down after it was damaged by cars, said Mayor Carrie Roecks. The city planned to replace it but might not do that now, she said. The town put in a sidewalk, planted trees and installed new lamp posts that help separate the park from First Street. “There really is a buffer now,” Roecks said. The town will likely add more landscaping, including bushes and large boulders, to the border of the park to increase safety for people of the park. There are also plans to replace a portion of the main sewer line near Emma Street along Rock Creek. It’s part of the ongoing effort to upgrade the sewer system after the town brought a new sewer treatment plant online a few years ago. The older pipes are leaky. “We know we have substantial inflow and infiltration,” Roecks said. “Probably more stuff gets into it than gets out of it.” When the ground gets wet, a lot of stormwater makes its way into the system, where it is treated at the town’s treatment plant. The town doesn’t want to pay to treat stormwater, she said. “We want to keep it from getting in there,” she said. “Every year we’ve done some work toward that.” A $200,000 grant was received to help pay for the project, though the town must provide 20 percent in matching funds. Roecks said they’d like to address the project this year, but the grant money was only recently released. “We had the plans ready to go,” she said. The town also plans to dredge about 445 feet of Rock Creek on both side of the Emma Street Bridge. Silt washing into the creek builds up and causes severe flooding if it’s not taken care of, Roecks said. During very high water the creek can erode around the ends of the bridge. Dredging is done every few years as needed, but requires permits from a laundry list of agencies, including the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Ecology and the

Corps of Engineers. “We should probably try to do it more often than we do but it’s such a process to do the permitting,” she said. “The permitting process is elaborate.” The Public Works Department will start work on the dredging after the fair is over, Roecks said. “It will be a couple weeks of pretty steady work, I should think,” she said. The creek doesn’t flood in town every year, but there are a couple spots where it can spill over its banks. “There’s probably overflow every year but it’s at the other end of town where there is no dike and it goes into fields,” Roecks said. Some of the silt hauled out of the creek will be put to good use. “We have some places that need fill,” she said. “There are some regulations about what you can do.” The Rockford Town Council has also been working toward cleaning up an abandoned property on Pacific Street that is going through the nuisance abatement process. A single wide trailer was left on the lot and has become a public nuisance, Roecks said. “It’s been broken into and the fire chief has declared it a hazard,” she said. “We could just board it up but we’d rather have it removed.” The council decided to give the property owner additional time before further action is considered, Roecks said. “The property owner has been contacted and has indicated the problem will be addressed,” she said. “The town has extended their deadline for abatement due to the property owner’s request.” The council is trying to handle the matter on their own. “It’s difficult because the town doesn’t have code enforcement and it’s very, very expensive to hire someone to do that,” she said. The council also recently approved adding a replacement fire levy to the November ballot. The levy is renewed every year to help fund the Rockford Fire Department. This year’s request is for 51 cents per $1,000 in assessed home value, which is expected to raise $15,000. Residents should be aware that the council will be considering a comprehensive plan update and zoning updates this fall, Roecks said. “It’s not going to be huge, but it’s been a while since it’s been updated,” she said. The town is located in the Freeman School District and is an in-demand place to live, Roecks said. Houses put on the market typically sell within a week. “We have developers interested in this town,” she said. “We’ll be the next Deer Park. We’ve got to have our ducks in a row. It’s a popular town.”

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The Current

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The Current

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances Spokane of a particular crime were reported at that location. Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in ( ! progress, to report a crime.

SC07

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Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

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Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

Safety Tip The Month:

Over the last couple of weeks, I received several alerts about a rising scam called “virtual kidnapping.” This scam normally starts with a frantic call, telling you someone you know has been kidnapped and is in danger. The scammers use social media to learn about their victims, family members and friends. They’ll claim to have the victim’s cell phone and if you attempt to contact your loved one you are putting their life in danger; insisting the only way to insure their safety is to pay up. This types of cases are often difficult to investigate and prosecute because the scammers are often using untraceable cell numbers and change their phone numbers frequently. Public awareness is one of the most effective ways of deterring these types of scams. Should you receive one of these calls- be alert, slow down the conversation and ask for more time, call or text the victim and contact the police.

8 • SEPTEMBER 2018

NEWS

Spokane Valley City Council Report – Sept. 2018

council to sign a resolution against white nationalism and bigotry while noting council already passed an anti-discrimination resolution. Dean Lynch, president of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, asked council to appoint a person to the task force and said that, if they do not, the task force will select a citizen to represent Spokane Valley.

Current Correspondent

State law permits council members to increase (or decrease) their salary by two methods – adopting a new salary through an ordinance or appointing a temporary salary commission to set their pay. Council chose the latter, and the city staff will bring forth amendments to the present, outdated code to set up such a salary commission.

By Bill Gothmann

Accusations of racism surface at council meeting Pickets organized by Valley Indivisible Progressives were present outside the Aug. 14 City Council meeting with signs decrying racism. During public comments, three spoke out against Mayor Rod Higgins and other council members’ attendance at a recent Northwest Grass Roots meeting where white nationalist James Allsop spoke. Four others spoke out against racism. A dozen spoke out defending council member attendance at the meeting declaring that both the mayor and council members are not racist, have freedom of assembly and should not assume guilt by association. Other speakers encouraged the

Council salary

Vistas at Belleaire Staff presented an overview of the Vistas at Belleaire subdivision, located in southeast Spokane Valley, northwest of Chapman Road, contiguous and north of the Morningside neighborhood. A total of 226 residential lots are planned on the 81.5-acre plot. It is unusual for a subdivision of this type to be

brought to the council’s attention, for the final decision will be made by the hearing examiner and not the council. However, citizens are concerned about traffic, for residents would have to go through the Morningside neighborhood to Chapman Road, and from there to Barker. However, traffic studies show that roads can meet the challenge. The developers will pay a voluntary mitigation fee of $48,997 for Sprague Avenue/ Barker improvements. Also, there will be a pedestrian crossing with a median island and signage at Chapman and Morningside Heights Drive. Plans also call for adding road stubs for future northern and easterly connections. A wildlife corridor and a 50-foot stream buffer are to be provided. The decision by the hearing examiner is pending. Capital projects update Staff gave an update of several projects last month. The Barker Grade Separation Project (GSP) is on schedule. The Pines GSP ran into a hitch getting information from BNSF, but this was resolved after staff sought help from our federal senators and representatives. The North Sullivan Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project is requiring a new easement agreement after the city was unable to locate the existing easement document. The Mission Avenue Project, Flora to Barker, is expected to be completed by October. The Pines and Grace Project is expected to be completed by Aug. 30. The Broadway/Argonne/Mullan Project is expected to be completed by mid-September. Park regulations Staff is updating the city’s park regulations. Under the proposal, drones would be prohibited, golf would be prohibited and specific regulations would prohibit swimming in Mirabeau Pond. Council asked staff to look at allowing piñatas and metal detecting and increasing the posting of no-littering regulations. Staff noted that carrying a licensed firearm under state law is permitted, but discharging a firearm is not. They also noted that alcohol consumption is prohibited except by permit for a special event at Mirabeau Meadows Park. They expect to bring the updated ordinance before council in late September. Comprehensive plan amendments approved Council gave final approval to

The Current

comprehensive plan proposals as discussed in last month’s issue of the Current. This year, there were four privately initiated proposals, one of which was withdrawn, and three city-initiated proposals, one of which was withdrawn. A parcel of land on the south side of Valleyway east of Pines is changing from R-3, single-family residential, to multifamily residential. The southeast corner of Seventh and University is changing from R-3, singlefamily residential, to neighborhood commercial. Staff reiterated that they will put a comment on the map that there are protective covenants on this parcel. The proposal for changing a parcel south of Dishman-Mica west of Sands Road from R-2, single-family residential, to corridor mixed use was rejected. Finally, the city is removing split zoning from a large parcel of undeveloped land south of Forker and Progress. A parcel at 16205 E. Trent is being changed to eliminate split zoning, making it an industrial mixed-use area. Retail recruitment progress In 2015, the city engaged the services of Community Attributes, Inc. (CAI) to develop a retail improvement strategy and action plan to enhance the city’s retail offerings. In 2016, the city updated its comprehensive plan and development regulations to include many of the strategies and actions identified in the study, such as increased flexibility for retailers, increased residential density along commercial corridors and new opportunities for neighborhood commercial zones. In late 2017, the city engaged Retail Strategies to implement CAI strategies by developing a Spokane Valley Market Guide. This guide has been used for marketing the city to a national network of retailers, brokers, developers and key industry contacts on behalf of Spokane Valley. Part of the task was to determine such statistics as population, average age of residents, number of households, median and average household income and growth rate for five-minute, 10-minute, and 15- minute drive time areas and for 3-mile, 5-mile and 10-mile radii areas centered close to Pines and Sprague. However, they dug deeper, looking a mobile tracking data from key large stores, utilized a number of available data bases and other sources and ultimately developed a total market supply in defined block areas. They then

See COUNCIL, page 9

The Current

COUNCIL

NEWS

Continued from page 8

determined the market demand and then the amount of market leakage – those sales outside of Spokane Valley by Spokane Valley residents. As part of their work, they compared Spokane Valley’s leakage with other, comparable cities, looking at the categories of goods that are within the leakage market. Their strategy is to focus on recruiting those retailers who meet the marketing needs of the city and to connect them with appropriate, available space where they can locate their businesses. Tourism investments analyzed Staff analyzed three possible tourism investments that the city could make by investing its 1.3-percent lodging tax revenues. Demolition of a fairgrounds building would cost $8.4 million and could be financed with a 30year bond payment of $409,733 per year with the lodging tax providing $390,000 of this. The investment would provide annual cash inflows of $29,625. Building a sports complex would cost about $26 million, requiring an annual bond payment of about $2 million with the lodging tax providing $390,000. The project would still require annual cash outflows of $1.7 million per year. Investing in the CenterPlace West Lawn would cost about $2 million, which could be paid outright using present fund resources. It would produce net annual cash inflows of $174,266. Public approved

records

changes

Changes to state law and decisions by the courts moved staff to update the city’s public records ordinance. The changes generally include modifications to allow more flexibility in in what form the city responds, updates to allow the city to collect the fees allowable under the law, updates to meet other requirements that such as training and responding to robot requests and other minor changes. City receives 2018 Assistance Grant

Justice

The city of Spokane Valley has been allocated $27,156 as part of the 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Police Chief Mark Werner and the City Manager Mark Calhoun have recommended spending the funds on seven tasers ($12,613.79), four lidars and two

radars for traffic enforcement ($8,105.60), two ballistic shields ($4,035.43), ten tint meters ($1,011.22) and four lidar and radar holsters ($1,136.96) for a total of $26,903. This leaves $253.00 for any additional charges that may arise or possible changes in prices. Lidars are similar to radar but use light from a laser for detecting speed. Tint meters are used to determine the amount of tint that a window has. Council approved the purchase plan. Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) Council gave its nod to joining ALTCEW, costing about $12,000 per year. This organization is the official area agency on aging. It receives funds from governmental and other entities and disburses them to agencies that serve the aging. Their goal is to permit the elderly to remain in their homes and, thereby, improve their quality of life and reduce the requirement for nursing home assistance. Although the council’s approval permits a city representative to be appointed to the board, none has yet been chosen by the mayor. City to apply for grant for Pines/BNSF Crossing The city is applying to the Federal Rail Administration for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant for Fiscal Year 2018. The grant would only be for the project’s $2,493,000 engineering phase and would supply one-half the cost. The city would supply the other half. The grant would permit the city to produce design drawings, specifications and provide an environmental review. The application is due by Sept. 17 of this year. Council approved this by a 6-1 vote, with Council Member Ben Wick voting no. Wick noted that the city’s existing application for funding to the state’s Freight Mobility and Investment Board (FMSIB) for this project would also fund the right-of-way and was a very good application. 2019 estimated revenues Staff presented the estimated revenues for the 2019 budget at the second of eight budget presentations. The city will appropriate $70.7 million. Of this, $13.2 million will be for capital expenditures, of which $6 million is expected to be from grants. The capital expenditures include $4.4 million for street capital projects, $1.3 million for park capital projects, $5.9 million for pavement preservation including $900,000

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 9

from the general fund, $503,000 for railroad grade separation projects and $850,000 in stormwater and aquifer protection projects. Recurring general fund revenue is expected to increase by 5.59 percent over last year to $45.4 million whereas recurring revenues are up by 1.84 percent to $40.9 million. Non-recurring expenses include $107,000 for information technology and $1,160,000 for improvements to Browns Park. The city plans to increase personnel by 4.5 positions. These include a reduction of a vacant, 0.5 FTE (full time equivalent) administrative assistant position in the city manager’s office of and addition 5.0 FTEs: two engineers and three construction inspectors. These five positions “are largely necessary to meet capital construction needs that are in large part grant financed.” Pavement preservation continues to be a problem area, with more and more funds being taken out of the real estate excise tax revenues for pavement preservation, leaving less and less for the city to match transportation grants, reducing the possibility of getting future such grants.

“ IT’S

THE LAW ”

In WASHINGTON Click or Call Two Business Days Before You Plan To Dig

www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

Council Briefs • Council gave final approval to ExteNet System’s franchise agreements for bringing small cell technology to Spokane Valley • There was consensus for staff to draft a letter for council approval to Rob Ford, who fired the board of Hydro One in Canada, asking him why this was done • Because some funds were left from other capital projects, the city is able to pave 32nd Avenue from Mamer to Evergreen instead of just a portion of that distance • Plans are in process for repealing the city’s stopgap code concerning electronic cigarettes since state law now governs these products • The city purchased 707 and 729 S. Carnahan to eliminate a jog in Carnahan that had produced a number of accidents. The city has reserved 20-foot wide sections along Carnahan and Eighth for its needs and council authorized the city manager to sell of the remainder of these two lots to interested buyers • Council approved purchasing a 1540-square-foot sliver of land northeast of Barker and Boone for stormwater improvements for $112.64 plus recording fees of $110

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10 • SEPTEMBER 2018

How Riverbend students became ‘Otters’

By Staci Lehman Current Correspondent There’s more to opening a new school than just putting up a building and moving furniture in. One of the fun parts of getting Riverbend Elementary on the right track this past year was coming up with a name and mascot for the school. “We solicited our newly forming Riverbend community to support us in naming our school,” explained Jeff Dufresne, Riverbend principal. “With the natural geographical bend in the river just to the north of it, Riverbend was the most recommended name and we sure agree.” With that decided upon, the next step was finding a mascot that represented the makeup of the school and its values. “We kept coming back to finding a mascot that would connect to our mission, vision and what we want to stand for,” said Dufresne who researched the top 100 mascots as part of the process. Once again school officials turned to the community. Ideas poured in, including the otter. “Who doesn’t love how cute otters are, right?” Dufresne said. “We agreed but wanted more of a connection.” A staff member did some research and found that otters have very large, tight-knit family structures and that they hold hands/paws at night while sleeping on their backs to keep from floating away from each other. That led to discussion of the family that would make up Riverbend and the “ripple effect” staff could have in influencing the lives of students. It turned out that positive ripple of change and influence, coupled with the connection to water and otters, was the positive connection officials were looking for. From there, the hashtag used on Riverbend’s Facebook page, #betheripple, was born. That led to naming the otter mascot “Ripple.” “We want to create a family who takes great care of each other and makes sure none of us float away in the night,” Dufresne said. “A family who will serve with all their heart and the passion to change the world.”

COVER STORY

New school year means new schools in CVSD By Staci Lehman

Current Correspondent With the 2018-19 school year starting in just a matter of days, the Central Valley School District (CVSD) is putting the last touches on several major construction projects that will immediately go into use this year. When students go back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 5 in Central Valley, many will go to brand new school buildings that will help ease overcrowding. CVSD is comprised of almost 14,000 students in 26 schools and learning centers while covering 80 square miles in an area of Spokane Valley that is showing significant growth. This has contributed to overcrowding at existing Central Valley Schools, some of which are aging and showing signs of wear and tear. To combat this and accommodate future population growth, the district had a busy summer of construction to complete two new schools that will be ready for this year – Riverbend Elementary and North Pines Middle School – and one that will be ready for next school

year – Selkirk Middle School. One of the most exciting developments for the district this year is the opening of Riverbend Elementary, which will serve Kindergarten through third-grade students. The building itself and students and staff of the school all received a warm reception at a ceremony on Aug. 16 to mark completion of construction of the school. “Families were very excited at the Riverbend dedication last night,” said CVSD spokesperson Marla Nunberg. “This is a brandnew school with a brand-new identity – Riverbend Otters.” The otter mascot was arrived at through much input from the public and is a tribute to the Spokane River that flows through Spokane Valley near the school located on Mission Avenue and Long Road. It sits adjacent to Greenacres Park, between Flora and Barker roads. With a ratio of 17 students to one teacher, the school will be a big step in reducing overcrowding at the district’s other elementary schools. The final cost to build Riverbend Elementary is $19 million, paid for by a school bond passed by voters in 2015. Riverbend wasn’t originally one of the schools slated to be paid for with that bond but was added when savings on other projects added up to a substantial amount.

The Current

“We were even able to complete two additional projects that were not on the initial 2015 construction bond – Riverbend and North Pines Middle School,” said Nunberg. Construction on North Pines (NPMS) was also completed in mid-August, followed by a ceremony to dedicate the new building. The new school is located adjacent to the old school building at Pines Road and Broadway Avenue. The old school will now be torn down. It is the oldest school in the district, having been built in 1949. It was remodeled in 2002 but needed major updates and was more cost effective to replace the building entirely than do another major renovation. “I know our entire community is excited about the new NPMS,” said Nunberg. “That school has a lot of history in this community. When we had the final bell event there when school ended, many memories and stories were shared. It will be exciting for the new school to open and new memories to be built.” The space occupied by the former school will be made into a park and athletic fields for the school. The final cost for North Pines was $29.9 million. North Pines benefited from the windfall in 2015 when voters in

See CVSD, page 11

The original North Pines Middle School was a pillar of the Central Valley School District for 70 years. It opened in 1948 as Central Valley Junior High School. The new version of the school sits on Broadway just to the west of the old site and was dedicated on Aug. 23. Photo by Hayley Schmelzer

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 11

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CVSD

Continued from page 10 CVSD passed a $121.9 million bond, marking the first time a capital facilities initiative had passed in the district since 1998. CVSD was able to maximize the win at the ballot by securing $103.8 million in state matching funds, meaning for every $1 of local money, the district has received 85 cents from the state. Along with North Pines, the 2015 bond has meant a trio of new buildings including: Liberty Creek Elementary, Ponderosa Elementary and Riverbend Elementary. Mica Peak High School, CV Early Learning Academy and Central Valley Virtual Learning Center joined the facility roster in repurposed buildings. Schools that were renovated and expanded include: Evergreen Middle School, Chester Elementary, Opportunity

Elementary, Summit School, Sunrise Elementary and Greenacres Elementary. Safety and security upgrades were also added throughout the district while Horizon Middle School received a new gym roof and tennis courts. Another new middle school is also in the works and will soon be an option for Central Valley students. “Work to build Selkirk Middle School broke ground in April and has made substantial progress over the summer,” said Nunberg. Selkirk is located at 19307 E. Cataldo Ave. and is expected to open in the fall of 2019. The cost for that school is expected to be comparable to the construction of North Pines Middle School, minus some of the design costs. With all this construction going on, the good news for voters and the public is that all projects so far have come in on time and on budget or below.

Ponderosa Elementary is one of three new schools in the Central Valley School District funded by the 2015 capital facilities bond. The project was completed in March and followed by a dedication ceremony on May 31 (above). Photo by Ben Wick

Capital projects aplenty

The Central Valley School District has had a busy couple years of construction. In addition to this summer's work, Chester Elementary School was also renovated and expanded, with work wrapping up in April of 2017. Greenacres and Sunrise Elementary schools had similar renovations completed in August and September of 2017. Summit School had four classrooms added in January of 2017 and Horizon Middle School's new gym roof and tennis courts were completed in summer of 2016. Opportunity Elementary School was dedicated in January 2018 and Mica Peak High School and CV Early Learning Center was moved to the site of a renovated former grocery store and dedicated in February 2016.

The Central Valley School District is comprised of nearly 14,000 students in 26 schools and learning centers covering 80 square miles. CVSD will start the 2018-19 school year with two new campuses - Riverbend Elementary and North Pines Middle School. Photo by Hayley Schmelzer

Things aren’t slowing down for the Central Valley School District anytime soon. While construction continues on Selkirk Middle School, work will start on the district's third "comprehensive" (traditionalnot alternative) high school in July 2019, although planning

for it has been in the works for almost four decades. CVSD purchased land at 16th Avenue and Henry Road 37 years ago, knowing it would eventually be needed to build another school. The school site recently changed to Sprague Avenue and Henry Road, less than a mile from the original site, when the CVSD Board agreed to purchase almost 100 acres of land from the Spokane Gun Club. The change was made when some unforeseen challenges became evident, including necessary road improvements that would have added almost $7 million to the project. Dealing with building height restrictions would have added almost another million dollars, while Urban Growth Area issues could have caused delays in construction and meant additional cost increases. At this time, the price tag for the new school is $95 million, to be paid for with a bond the community passed in February of 2018. That school is expected to be complete and open for the 2021 school year. It will increase capacity by 1,600 students and relieve overcrowding at the district's other high schools.

COMMUNITY

12 • SEPTEMBER 2018

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Sept. 1 | Lud Kramer Memorial Concert featuring the Spokane Symphony – 6 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Free to the community. Sept. 7-16 | Spokane County Interstate Fair – 404 N. Havana, Spokane Valley. The 67th annual county fair will include the PRCA Rodeo, Sept. 7-8 as well as 2018 ACM vocal group of the year award winner, Old Dominion, Sept. 10 at the Grandstand. Two days later on the same stage, comedian Jeff Foxworthy will appear. Blue ribbon livestock and produce, pig races, food vendors, carnival rides and more will once again be part of the fair lineup as will unique acts like the Zuma Zuma Acrobats. Admission is $11 for adults; $8 for seniors (65plus), military and youth; 6 and under free. Grandstand tickets can be purchased at the fair or in advance at TicketsWest.com. For more information, go to www. spokanecounty.org/972/InterstateFair. Sept. 8 | Ninth Annual AIVAC Veterans Memorial and Honoring Ceremony – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, 4815 N. Assembly Street, Spokane. Event held in meadow at southeast corner of VAMC—next to Bldg.#33 Dental Clinic. Point of contact: VA Minority Veteran Program Coordinator at 434-7378. Sept. 8 | All Original Car Show hosted by the Historical Automotive Society of Spokane and the Inland Empire – Mirabeau Meadows Park near the Valley Mall just north of Indiana and east of Pines. This 10th annual event will feature over 130 cars from 1900 to 1988 that have not been modified.

The day will include food, music and raffles. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Sept. 14 | Inaugural Spokane Valley Connect – 2 to 6 p.m., Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. This free community event will offer an afternoon of one-stop access for a wide variety of needs. Resources will include youth sports physicals (CHAS), a free meal, DSHS services, health and wellness services, medical and dental screenings, personal care items, insurance enrollment, family and youth services, veteran services, employment services, clothing, housing resource help and much more. Sept 15 │ Stop the Bleed class – 9-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. The Spokane Valley Fire Department is proud to bring this free national program to the community. Much like CPR, the goal is to train citizens in basic bleeding control techniques so they are better equipped to take action and save lives. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion for this Bleeding Control Basic v. 1.0 Course. Register online at www. spokanevalleyfire.com or call 9281700. Sept. 21-23 | Valleyfest – various times and sites, including CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Mirabeau Point Park and Plantes Ferry Park. The 29th annual community celebration will feature a NASA exhibit, judged country dance competition, live music, food vendors and more. Admission is free. The Hearts of Gold Parade will kick off the weekend on Sprague Avenue Friday night, Sept. 21. A pancake breakfast at CenterPlace will take place Saturday morning, Sept. 22 Syndrome Walk and various activities are scheduled for Sept. 23 including 5K and 10K runs

Full event schedules, details, and registration forms are available at www.valleyfest.org. Sept. 21-23 | Southeast Spokane County Fair – 26 Willow Street, Rockford. The 74th annual fair will include staples like the 38th annual Harvest Hustle 5K run on Sept. 22 at 7:45 a.m., followed by the grand parade at 10:30. The Lions Club will once again host the pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. The 26th annual Harvest Hoops 3-on3 tournament starts Saturday and runs for two days. There will be an array of livestock, produce, arts and crafts exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors and more. Admission is free. Times are: Sept. 21 (noon to 8 p.m.), Sept. 22 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sept. 23 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) To learn more, visit www. sespokanecountyfair.com. Sept 29 │ Spokane Valley Fire Department Annual Open House, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 2411 N. Pioneer Lane, Spokane Valley. Everyone is invited to join us for a day of free family fun. Watch live fire demonstrations, spray a real fire hose and see fire engines, trucks and a helicopter. Meet firefighters and try on gear. Enjoy hot dogs and beverages before you take home cool giveaways. Call 892-4155 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com for more information. Wednesdays through Sept. 26| Millwood Farmers Market – 3 to 7 p.m. Located in front of Millwood Presbyterian Church, 8910 E., Dalton off Argonne. Featuring food and farm vendors, artisan crafts, music and more. Market accepts token System, WIC, senior vouchers, EBT and Fresh Bucks programs. For more information, visit millwoodfarmermar.wix. com/market. Market runs each Wednesday through Sept. 26 other than July 4. For more information,

RECURRING

ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. More at www.sccel. spokane.edu/ACT2 Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us. Inland Empire Blues Society monthly meeting | Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Bolo's 116 S. Best Road Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

September 27, 2018

SPOKANE IS READING

1 pm Spokane Valley Event Center 10514 E Sprague Ave

NEW York TiMES BEST-SElliNg AuThor AMY STEWArT CoMES To SpokANE SPonSorED by

visit www.millwoodpc.org/millwoodfarmers-market/. Saturdays through Oct. 13| Liberty Lake Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. This popular open-air market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, music and more. The venue is open each Saturday through Oct. 13. For more information, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com. The Rockford Historical Society’s Pioneer Museum will be open on Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Memorial Day until the Southeast Spokane County Fair in September. The museum is located at 10 S. First Street in Rockford. For more information, call 291-3193.

7 pm Spokane Public Library Downtown 906 W Main Ave Amy Stewart, author of kopp Sisters series

FREE ADMISSION SPokanEiSrEaDing.org

The Current

Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts. More at www.onsacredgrounds.com Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle. DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com. Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 8934746 for more information Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook. Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org. Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share with us what you are doing. Call 2913722. Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (Feb. to Nov.). Harvest Moon restaurant, 20 S. First St., Rockford. More at 291-3193. Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs. More at www.scld.org Spokane Valley Eagles | 16801 E. Sprague Ave. Breakfast served Sundays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. More at www.foe3433. com. Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | Weekly distribution takes place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway by appointment. Appointments are

COMMUNITY

available during the following days/ times: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thursday (reserved for advancedage seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physically-handicapped people with limited mobility): 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Address verification is required. To make an appointment, call 927.1153 ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com

MUSIC & THE ARTS RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road. If you enjoy singing, you will love the fourpart, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus. More at www.pagesofharmony.org. Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799. Spokane Novelists Group | Noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month. Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316. Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops. More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc.org

HEALTH & RECREATION

Sept. 4 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have long-term success in quitting tobacco. Tobacco cessation tools will be available to you as well as tobacco cessation experts. The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This is a live, interactive webinar. Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Sept. 6 | Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This simple blood test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past three months. Immediate results are provided and can be discussed at the time of appointment with a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info. Oct. 5 | Stronger Together Gala

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 13

hosted by the Summit Cancer Foundation – 6 to 10 p.m., CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Learn how you can make a difference for cancer patients in the Spokane area by being “Stronger Together.” Event includes plated dinner, silent auction, live music and dancing. Tickets are $125. Visit www.summitcancerfoundation.org for more information.

RECURRING Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma Street, Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma Street. Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by board-certified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards. For more information, visit www. willowsongmusictherapy.com or call

See COMMUNITY, page 14

2018 SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE department

AND MUCH, M UCH MORE!

The Current

14 • SEPTEMBER 2018

COMMUNITY

Continued from page 13

592 7875. Tuesday afternoons | Decreasing Anger Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: Combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors, Contact Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment. HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/ non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Millwood Council gives green light to senior development

By Nina Culver Current Correspondent The Millwood City Council recently approved a small development for seniors age 55 and over on vacant land on Fowler Road after the city’s planning commission recommended approving a conditional use permit with several conditions. Developer C410 proposed a plan to put 29 senior living units on 3.23 acres zoned urban residential at 3304 N. Fowler Road. A site plan shows nine single-story buildings each containing between three and four units along a new, private road running east to west that will connect to Fowler Road. The small development will be gated. People older than 55 are a growing part of the population and C410 co-owner Brad Crockett said he’s not aware of other senior housing available in Millwood. “They don’t want the responsibility of home ownership,” he said. “These are still active people. They just want a quiet neighborhood.” During a recent City Council meeting, Millwood City Clerk Christina Janssen said the vacant land had a long history. “This property was previously

Sept. 10-12/24-26 | Jumpstart to Employment hosted by WorkSource. This is a free, interactive workshop for individuals with conviction histories. Attendees will leave the three-day workshop with: a master application; at least one targeted resume; access to additional WorkSource support and more. To register, call or email Marcia Janes at 532-3010 or mjanes@esd. wa.gov. Sept. 27 | HUB Sports Center All Star Breakfast – 7:30-8:45 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel - 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. This annual fundraiser has helped the HUB expand its outreach to the community with the HUB 360 afterschool program for at-risk youth, Policy Activity League for kids to have a positive interaction with law enforcement and a P.E. program for home school families. Please RSVP by Sept. 13 either via email, (info@hubsportscenter.org) or phone, (927-0602). Sept. 29 | 2018 Sugar Rush 5K – 9 a.m., along the Centennial Trail, starting at The Warehouse Athletic platted, long ago enough that the preliminary approval has expired, for 12 lots,” she said. “That’s a residential subdivision.” Minutes from the planning commission discussion show there was concern from residents and commissioners about the density of the project and increased traffic. Planning Commissioner Jack St. Clair, the only commissioner to vote against the conditional use permit, said he didn’t believe the proposed development fit in with the neighborhood and was too dense. Planning Commissioner Chris Walton said he was concerned that something even more disruptive could be proposed for that area. “I would personally rather have a 55 and over community in place of something more dense,” he said. Walton said he was also swayed by traffic estimates that show that the number of cars on two nearby streets would only increase by 10 percent. The planning commission voted to add 10 conditions to the conditional use permit. Several of the conditions, including limiting the development to 29 single-story units for those age 55 and over, were in the developer’s plan. The commissioners wanted to make absolutely sure no changes would be made to the plan without the developer applying for another conditional use permit, Walton said. “For those things to change, they would have to go through this

Center, 800 N. Hamilton in Spokane. Registration is $30 for adults; $15 for kids (15 and under). Proceeds go to support the Inland NW Diaper Bank at Spokane Valley Partners (SVP). This year is the first year for SVP to host this event. Just like previous years be prepared for lots of sweets and fun when you complete the course. Packet pickup will take place at SVP (10814 E. Broadway Ave.) on Thursday, Sept. 27 (4-7 p.m.) and Friday, Sept. 28 (2-7 p.m.). Contact Nicki Slack at execasst@svpart.org with any questions. Mondays in September | Financial Literacy with Dycelia Weiss – 12:30 to 2 p.m., STCU Community Education Kitchen and Classroom at Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Call 9271153 or visit www.svpart.org/foodbank/ for more information.

RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers

again,” he said. “It really holds that community to what they said they were going to do, 55 and over.” Crockett said he had no problem with the commissioners making his plan elements required. “That was already part of our plan,” he said. “We could have asked for 56 units. We could have done a multistory apartment complex. We like the single story. It blends with the neighborhood better.” The conditions also stipulate that the rentals must remain rentals and cannot be sold. The private road will be maintained by the developer, which was also in the proposed pan. “That’s part of what we offer is the maintenance of things,” Crockett said. The developer will maintain everything, including yards and keep the sidewalks and road cleared of snow. “We may have a community garden if there’s interest,” Crockett said. The commissioners did ask for several cosmetic changes, including lowering the front fence from 6 feet to 3.5 feet, adding a 12-foot landscaping strip along Fowler Road designed by a licensed landscape architect and including stone or masonry accents on the gate pillars and the walls of the units facing Fowler Road. “The stipulations that we made will make it more community friendly,” Walton said. “We increased the setback and asked for more landscaping.” Crockett said they hadn’t planned on

at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers. Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave. Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more information: 926-2753 or www. fairmountmemorial.com/southpines-cemetery Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. Tuesdays. Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at www.spokanevalleykiwanis.net. Greater Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesdays. Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www.svrotary.org.

hiring a licensed landscaped architect but will do so as soon as possible. “We can’t have tall trees in that area,” he said. “We’ll have bushes and rocks and things.” The company is now working to obtain the permits they need to break ground. “The construction season window is shrinking rapidly,” he said. “We’d like to start construction this year.” It will likely take between 14 and 16 months to complete the project, depending on the weather. They want to have the first units available in May, Crockett said. “I think we’re just excited about this,” he said. “It’s right along the river. There’s a view of Arbor Crest.” The rents will be set based on construction costs, which are estimated to be at least $4 million. The size options will include a small two-bedroom, a large two-bedroom and three bedrooms, all with attached garages. “The demand is pretty high,” Crockett said. “People have already asked us to make reservations.” Some of those people are Millwood residents who want a good senior living option in the same neighborhood they’ve lived in for years, Crockett said. “That’s our hope, that this is great for the Millwood neighborhood,” he said. “We want the project to be a win-win, good for the community and good for us.”

LIBRARY

The Current

Library gets in tune with free symphony passes Spokane County Library District

conducted by Eckart Preu at The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox (1001 W. Sprague Ave.). The lineup includes “The Bohemian Spirit” on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m., “The Heroic” on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 3 p.m. and “Sibelius and Brahms” on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. This program is made possible by generous donation from the Spokane Symphony.

My grandparents both played the bass in the symphony. I remember going to see at least one of their performances as a child. It was a pretty special event. We got all dressed up and traveled downtown to the concert hall near the Seattle Center. There is something magical about the sound of the orchestra as they tune up. And then there’s the hush that falls over the audience when the conductor picks up the baton.

If you’ve never been to the symphony or are preparing to take your children to the symphony for the first time, the Spokane Symphony offers some tips to make the experience enjoyable for everyone on their website (https://spokanesymphony.org). “We want your evening out to be as fun as possible, so dress up or dress down... as long as you dress comfortably” is one such piece of advice.

That magical feeling is one of many reasons why I am so excited that Spokane County Library District is offering passes to the Spokane Symphony this fall!

Opinions abound about the right age to bring children to a symphony performance. Some symphonies discourage bringing children under a certain age, although the Spokane Symphony does not. There’s no magic age for attending a concert.

By Gwendolyn Haley

Library customers will be able to check out a Spokane Symphony Pass to one of three Sunday matinee performances, each

Library happenings for all ages in Spokane Valley By Erin Dodge

Current Guest Contributor September is a month of transition. Students get back into a routine at school, summer flows autumn and the evenings grow darker. Even though our daily rhythms are changing, our quest for entertainment, learning and community can still stay strong. Families with young ones, ages 4–8, can play and learn together with bears, blocks, planks, playing cards and pillars at “Games + Family = Fun” at Spokane Valley Library on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. Playing games with family members builds relationships and also teaches important math and critical thinking skills needed for

Chattanooga

Symphony

school success. So, let’s play! Spokane County Library District will see you at Valleyfest to celebrate the talent and community of Spokane Valley. Look for the library’s table at Mirabeau Point Park on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22–23. Interact with some very cool gadgets and machines at CenterPlace on Saturday, from 3 to 8 p.m., during the “Robotics, Drones and STEM Showcase.” Parents of tots will love TotFest on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., also at CenterPlace, where the focus is on the earliest years in children’s lives (ages 0–6), including childcare, school and community programs for kids, such as outdoor activities, performances, and informational booths for developing healthy kids. The first week of the “Plan Well, Age Well” workshop series brings you “Family Dynamics & Care Management” at Argonne Library on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. Don’t let planning for the last part of your life get swept under the rug until a crisis, or

Orchestra Concertmaster Holly Mulcahy shares some great ideas about bringing kids (http://bit. ly/symphony-kids). I particularly appreciate her suggestion to listen to some pieces of classical music together before attending to see how it goes, starting with a shorter piece and then moving to longer pieces. To try this at home, check out Spokane County Library District’s terrific collection of classical music on CD and on Hoopla.

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 15

Check out

SPOKANE SYMPHONY PASSES at the library

Another great idea is to talk about behavior expectations before the concert and to have a plan for how you will exit the symphony performance if behavior is not going well. When you’re ready to reserve a Spokane Symphony pass from the library, please visit www.scld. org/reserve-symphony. Please be aware that there are a few restrictions – each library has a limited number of passes and each pass is available on a firstcome, first-served basis two weeks before each performance. I hope you enjoy and appreciate the symphony as much as I have.

you may suddenly be operating under duress. Discover big picture strategies for all ages to prepare for your future, limit the chaos and achieve a longer, healthy life. Best-selling author Amy Stewart discusses the investigative skills that go into her writing at Spokane Valley Event Center on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. Adult trivia fans can show off their radical knowledge at “Random Fandom Trivia Nights: The 80s” at Spokane Valley Library on Friday, Sept. 28, at 6:30 p.m. You’re encouraged to bring your own eats and wear an 80s-themed costume. It will be totally tubular! Fraud and identity theft are no joke. Spokane County Library District and DeVries Business Services have partnered to help you protect yourself from identity theft with free, professional document shredding at Spokane Valley Library on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reducing your piles of paper before piles of leaves appear is a great start to the fall season.

A library card is your ticket to getting a Spokane Symphony Pass for one of three Sunday matinee performances, each conducted by Eckart Preu.

The Bohemian Spirit Sunday, Sep 9, 3pm

The Heroic Sunday, Oct 21, 3pm

Sibelius and Brahms Sunday, Nov 4, 3pm

Discover a great performance! Visit www.scld.org/ symphony-fall2018/.

www.scld.org

The Current

16 • SEPTEMBER 2018

Primary vote sets stage for intriguing general election

By Craig Howard Current Editor For Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton, the numbers were encouraging. For 5th Congressional District candidates Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Lisa Brown, the numbers set the tone for nothing short of a spectacular showdown this fall. Over 46 percent of voters in Spokane County cast ballots in the Aug. 7 primary election with the race for Congress leading the way. Incumbent McMorris, a Republican, edged Democrat Brown by four percentage points districtwide while the challenger collected more votes in Spokane County – 48.52 to 46.76 percent. Brown became the first Democrat since 2004 to capture the county margin in the primary. The election was certified on Aug. 21. “It was great to see that turnout in a primary,” said Dalton. “Especially since we’ve been down into the 20s (percentage-wise).” Dalton acknowledged that the

McMorris Rodgers/Brown faceoff generated increased interest in the summer vote along with the benefit of pre-paid postage on all ballots. “We’re also seeing a lot of advertising everywhere,” Dalton said. “That’s driving voter awareness and interest.” McMorris Rodgers has represented Spokane County and the eastern third of Washington state in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2005. Brown, a former state senator and representative, is seeking to become the first Democrat to represent the region since 1994. McMorris Rodgers was joined on the ballot by three fellow conservatives who collected a total of just under 5 percent of the remaining votes in Spokane County and nearly 6 percent districtwide. Brown was the only Democratic candidate. Both Brown and McMorris Rodgers wasted no time returning to the campaign trail last month. Brown spoke at a community forum held at the Spokane Valley Event Center on Aug. 23 while across town on the same night, McMorris Rodgers hosted a similar gathering at the Spokane Convention Center. The two House hopefuls will square off in at least four debates leading up to the general election, including a Sept. 19 town hall event at Spokane Civic Theatre. In the other contest for a seat on

Capitol Hill, incumbent Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) faced the biggest challenge from Susan Hutchinson (R). Cantwell collected 54.67 of the vote against the former state GOP chair’s 24.3 percent statewide in a race that included 29 candidates. In Spokane County the margin was 49.98 to 18.37 percent in favor of Cantwell. In the march – or march back – to Olympia, incumbent Rep. Bob McCaslin Jr. (R) collected 61.14 percent to Democratic challenger Mary May’s 38.86 in the quest for Pos. 2 in Legislative District 4. In the other 4th District race, Rep. Matt Shea began his re-election bid with a 57.4 to 42.6 victory over Ted Cummings (D) for Pos. 1. Two of the three seats for Spokane County commissioner will be at stake in the fall. Mary Kuney, who was appointed last year to replace Shelly O’Quinn in District 2, outdistanced Rob Chase, a fellow Republican, in the primary, 59.36 to 40.64 percent. Incumbent Commissioner Al French (R) did not fare as well. Democratic challenger Robbi Katherine Anthony garnered 55.15 percent to French’s 44.85. In the race for county treasurer, Michael Baumgartner (R), a former state senator, eclipsed David Green (D), 57.13 to 42.87 percent. In a battle of two Republicans for county assessor, Leonard Christian

finished ahead of Tom Konis, 56.52 to 38.86 percent. The showdown for county clerk featured similar numbers with Republican Tim Fitzgerald surpassing Michael A. Kirk (D), 55.61 to 44.39 percent. Dalton said there will be one recount from the primary ballot for precinct committee officer 7030 where Republicans Kaye A. Neumann and Cliff Borns both finished with 112 votes. In another PCO race, former Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman collected just over 65 percent of the vote in Republican precinct 4302 to defeat Danny Jackson. Ballots for the Nov. 6 general election will be mailed out Oct. 1719 and will again include pre-paid postage. Dalton said the likelihood of the covered postage going away after the fall vote is “pretty slim,” although previous funds from the state will not be forthcoming. “Looking ahead to the spring election, the individual districts would have to cover it,” she said. “We’re looking at a 10 to 15 percent increase in election cost.” Dalton noted that while voters getting their ballots in may not have needed stamps in the primary, they should make sure to check the final pick-up times on the blue bins. Around 1,100 ballots were invalid because they were postmarked after Aug. 7.

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 17

18 â&#x20AC;¢ SEPTEMBER 2018

The Current

Valleyfest Event Guide

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 19

Thank you 2018 Valleyfest Sponsors

STAFF

Valleyfest Office

Title Sponsor

Major Family Sponsor

Peggy Doering

Executive Director

Brad Hohn

Event Day Coordinator

Pat Leu

Administrative Assistant Sales Manager

Kelsey Burns Hannah Mumm Interns

Consultant

Stephanie Hughes

Folding Table Software Labs

Main Sponsor

Marketing Agency Ed Clark

The Clark Company

Graphic Artist Heather Berndt

Lemonade Graphics

Photography John Demke

Spokane Focus

Publication Distribution The Current

Recyled Paper Donated by Inland Empire Paper Company

Volunteers

Hundreds of people volunteer through the year. With volunteer dedication, Valleyfest is possible and successful. Special thanks to Carol Carter from CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Mike Stone from the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation.

Partner Sponsor

Board of Directors

Supporting

Spokane International Airport Washington Trust Bank

Contributing

WA Arts Commission Banner Bank Dishman Dodge Spokane Valley Partners

Valleyfest.org

Associate

Yoke’s Fresh Market Horizon Credit Union Delta Dental FredMeyer Cabela’s Molina Healthcare

Event Day

Kind Snacks Avista Dave’s Bar and Grill YMCA The Bike Hub

Miss Spokane Valley Celestial Selections

Premier Manufacturing, Inc.

Rich’s Exxon on 16th Hennessy Valley Funeral Home and Crematory Ellingsen Paxton Orthodontics Coulter Family Dentistry De Leon Foods Purfect Logo, LLC

Rick Wilhite, President Melanie Rose, Vice President Rory Henneberg, Treasurer Gail Bongiovanni, Secretary Peggy Doering, Executive Director Debbie Green Judy Lippman Stephanie Hughes Steve Florance Shirene Young THANK YOU SCOPE, Spokane Valley Fire Department, Spokame Valley Police Department, and American Medical Response. To become a 2019 sponsor, call Valleyfest at 509-922-3299. Copyright 2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of Valleyfest. All information provided in this publication is subject to change without notice. Valleyfest is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

The Current

20 • SEPTEMBER 2018

EVENT AMENITIES

WELCOME TO MIRABEAU PKWY

VENDOR PARKING SP NE

A OK R VE RI

MAP KEY Handicap Parking Parking STA Shuttle Stop - See pg 7 Outdoor Movie Family Stage Mirabeau Meadow Stage Patio Stage Step for Down Syndrome Walk Fishing at the Falls Astronomy Car Show CenterPlace Regional Event Center

W Y

Petting Zoo

First Aid

EA U

Information/Lost & Found

Restrooms

• Convenient parking available at the Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley. • Ride the STA Valleyfest Shuttle Bus on Saturday, September 22nd, between 8:30 am - 7:00 pm for FREE. Follow the STA Valleyfest shuttle bus signs on Indiana Ave. Parking is limited at CenterPlace Regional Event Center. • MV Transportation provides wheelchair accessible shuttle service between Mirabeau Point Park & CenterPlace Regional Event Center on September 22nd, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Look for the white shuttle van. • Uber pick up and drop off at CenterPlace. Use the code: VALLEYFEST and receive a discount Saturday and Sunday. • Parking available at Pinecroft Business Center & at CenterPlace Regional Event Center (space limited). • Handicapped parking at Mirabeau Point Park North Centennial Trail Head and CenterPlace Regional Event Center • Restrooms with handicap accessibility available at Mirabeau Point Park & CenterPlace Regional Event Center • First Aid provided by American Medical Response • ATM Machine at Mirabeau Point Park • Wi-Fi available • Mother/Baby Comfort Tent in the Park. Additional accommodations available Sunday in CenterPlace. • Information Booth - CenterPlace Regional Event Center & Mirabeau Point Park • Find lost children at the SCOPE booth under the lost child banner, near the fire truck. • Special Hotel Accommodations $95 a Night at Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center The hotel is located at 1100 N. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley, an easy sixminute drive from the event start at Mirabeau Meadows Park, 13500 Mirabeau Parkway. To get the special rate, call (509) 928-9000 and ask for the Valleyfest rate.

10 minute Trail Centennial Trail

STA BUS 4

INDIANA AVE

Valleyfest Event Guide

2018 SCHEDULE of EVENTS The Current

Friday, September 21, 2018 Sprague Ave 6:15 pm 7:30 pm

Lion Club Bed Races Hearts of Gold Parade

SEPTEMBER 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ 21

PAGE 8 8

Saturday, September 22, 2018

CenterPlace Regional Event Center 7:00 am - 10:00 am Pancake Breakfast 9 7:00 am - 5:00 pm NASA Exhibit 13 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Car Show 9 9:30 am Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk 9 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Beer and Wine Garden 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm Mobius Planetarium 12 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm STEM Activities 9 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm Entertainment 11 3:30 pm Car Show Awards 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Comedy Cup (PG-Rated) 11 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Swinging in the Valley Competition 11 7:30 pm Outdoor Movie: The Incredibles 1 12 Mirabeau Point Park 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 10:00 am - 3:30 pm 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Booths Open Fishing at the Falls Meadows Stage Family Stage Star Gazing

6 12 10 11 12

Sunday, September 23, 2018 CenterPlace Regional Event Center 11:00 am - 3:00 pm TotFest 11:00 am - 3:00 pm NASA Exhibit

14 14

Centennial Trail and Plantes Ferry Park 8:00 am Multi-Sport Day (5K/10K, Duathlon, Triathlon) 15 12:00 pm Family Bike Ride 15 Mirabeau Park 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 12:00 pm

Valleyfest.org

Responsible Dog Ownership Day Booths Open Meadows Stage Family Stage Mexican Bingo

15 6 15 14 15

PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

For Nearly 50 Years!

MultiCare Valley Hospital has been providing dedicated, community-minded care to the Spokane Valley for nearly 50 years. Today, our experienced medical staff includes more than 600 physicians and offers 20 specialties ranging from emergency medicine and surgery to oncology and obstetrics. As the years go by, one thing remains the same; our commitment to partnering for healing and a healthy future.

22 â&#x20AC;˘ SEPTEMBER 2018

Adult and Teen Challenge Advocare Allure Magnetics Altrusa International-Spokane Ambetter from Coordinated Care Amazing Lips with Mays American Behavioral Health Systems Art On Your Arms Bark'R Boutique Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar Bath Fitter BECU Blue Skies Designs Buddy Bows C.R.S., Inc. Caring Coconut CHAS Health Cherry Bomb Farms City of Spokane Valley/Stormwater Clear Impressions Gift and Decor Color Street Community Colleges of Spokane Costco Creative Arts Dishin The Dirt Dishman Dodge Dotdotsmile East Valley SD ECEAP Evergreen State Of Conscious Frontier Behavioral Health

BOOTHS*

Gesa Credit Union Gideons International Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane Elks Habitat for Humanity Henna me pretty, LLC Horizon Credit Union Humana MarketPoint, Inc. Humboldt Crystals Ignite Community Theater Independent Damsel Pro, Damsel in Defense Inland Empire Paper Company Inland empire Collie Club Isagenix Jake's Doghouse Personal Delivery Service Jewelry by Marshall Jr. Chef Cooking Club Juice Plus and Tower Garden LEA's Ear Threads Lilac City Dog Training Club LorraineFire Artwork and Cosplay Lularoe Mama Torrez Salsa Mary Kay Matilda Jane Clothing Max's Custom Pet Clothing

Molina Healthcare Morning Star Boy's Ranch MultiCare/Valley Hospital Norwex Ocean Charms Offset Solar Opportunity Baptist Church Paparazzi -Bling Sisters Pawing Around Pet Clothing People Painters Perfectly Posh Raptor Rooter and Plumbing Renewal By Andersen Richard Bower Designs RLS Designs and Creations Rock Cabin Farm Roller Valley Skating Rink Rose's Succulents and More RTB Craft Closet, LLC Ruff Regalia Sammy's Clubhouse Spokane Ferret Rescue SeneGence/LipSense Sharon Andrews SimpLee Memories Sleep Dentistry of Spokane Snap Fitness Sparkles Face Painting Spokane Aquifer Joint Board

The Current

Spokane County 911 Spokane County Library District Spokane Dog Training Club Spokane Gymnastics Spokane Humane Society Spokane PFLAG Spokane Regional Clean Air Spokane Transit Authority Spokane Valley Chiropractic Center Stand for Children Sunshine Disposal & Recycling The Beyond Studios The Current The Fig Tree Tim Lane State Farm Totally spun True Nature Creations, LLC Umpqua Bank Un Papillon Usborne Books and More USS Bismarck USS Crusader Vera Water and Power ViP's Magnetic Jewelry Warhorse Karate Washington State Parks Waste Management WSU Master Gardeners WSU School of Pharmacy-Spokane WSU Spokane County Ext

Modern Electric Water Company proudly supports Valleyfestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to provide a safe, family oriented festival for the Spokane Valley residents and neighboring communities to enjoy.

*Not all booths included, those available at the time of publication.

Valleyfest Event Guide

The Current

SEPTEMBER 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

Valleyfest Shuttle Saturday, September 22, 2018

Where to park: 1 Â? Â

Â?

Â?Â? Â?

Saturday, September 22 only

8:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00pm Â?Â?

Ride the Valleyfest Shuttle FREE all day!

Mirabeau Point Park & Ride

Spokane Valley Mall

Red Robin

spokanetransit.com

KXLY Coats 4 KIDS Saturday, Sept. 22 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

CenterPlace Regional Event Center 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Mirabeau Point Park â&#x20AC;˘ 13500 E Mirabeau Pkwy, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Sponsored by: KXLY, Spokane Transit Authority, Spokane Valley Mall & Valleyfest The Spokane Valley community has a history of generously supporting the KXLY Coats 4 Kids drive. Valleyfest partners with KXLY, Spokane Transit Authority, & Spokane Valley Mall to gather coats for kids in need. Drop off new and gently used coats in bins located at CenterPlace Regional Event Center and Mirabeau Point Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. All donations will be given to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;KXLY Coats 4 Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charity and to kids throughout the Spokane community to use this school year.

About Valleyfest

Valleyfest, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that began in 1990, produces a 3 day community festival in September. A volunteer driven work force strives to plan, produce, and advocate for the finest cultural events in the City of Spokane Valley. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences. The Valleyfest mission is to produce community driven, safe, family oriented, visually dramatic festivals. Valleyfest exposes the talent that enrich the Spokane Valley region and celebrates the visual and performing arts, education, science, and recreation so the entire community can experience them. Valleyfest Events: Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration Valleyfest Auction Miss Spokane Valley Coronation Valleyfest Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation Valleyfest/Festival

Valleyfest.org

Miss Spokane Lion Club Bed Hearts of Gold *PARADE Parade PARTICIPANTS Valley Royalty Races Friday, Sept. 21 • 7:30 pm Friday, Sept. 21 • 6:15 pm The Current

24 • SEPTEMBER 2018

Grand Marshal Hutton Settlement Children’s Home 141 Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard American Medical Response Aqua Duck Defender of the Aquifer Baha’is of Spokane Valley BECU Bowdish Middle School Band Camp Fire Inland Northwest Celebrate Davenport Chewelah Community Float City of Spokane Valley Mayor and Council Members City of Spokane Valley Snow Operations Club Miata Northwest - Inland Empire Chapter Cub Scout Pack 439 Dick and Dody Dodd Eastern Washington ATV Association El Katif Shriners Evergreen Middle School Marching Band Girl Scouts Service Unit 431 Golden Services LLC Guardians of the Children Hugs and Noses, Volunteers for Shriners Hospitals for Children Inland Empire Mustang Club Inland Northwest Carting Dogs InTec - East Valley’s Project Based High School Jake’s Doghouse Personal Delivery Service Jr. Chef Cooking Club los clowns MultiCare Valley Hospital Northwest Window & Door Opportunity Elementary PrimeSource Credit Union Progress Elementary S.C.O.P.E. University Selkirk CMO South Spokane Shrine Club Spokane Transit Authority Spokane County Clerk - Tim Fitzgerald Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich Spokane County Young Marines Spokane Dog Training Club Spokane Elite Dance All Stars! Spokane Gymnastics Spokane Kennel Club Spokane Sea Cadets Spokane Valley Library Spokane Valley Fire Department Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner Spokane Vet Center The Inlander Umpqua Bank University Elementary School Valley Assembly of God Valleyfest Hearts of Gold Float/Royalty Waste Management West Valley School District Whitman County Shrine Motor Patrol

2018 marks the third year of the Miss Spokane Valley scholarship program.

Spokane Valley, WA • Starting at North Gillis Road

Spokane Valley, WA • Between North Gillis Road & Perrine Road on E Sprague

2018 marks the 7th Annual Lion Club Bed Race. Enter your team of 5 to compete in this FUN event! Sprague Avenue closes at 6:00 pm and the human-powered transportation street party begins! The entry fee for a team is $150.00 and includes a spaghetti dinner the night before the race, T-Shirt, beverage and a goody bag for each participant. There will be beds to rent for $25, which will be donated to the nonprofit “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” Staging will begin at 5:45 pm in the N. Gillis Rd parking lot. Rules and heats will be announced 10 minutes prior to the start of the race. For more details, contact Wendy at vanormanby5@aol.com.

The Hearts of Gold parade is a staple of Valleyfest and continues to recognize those in the Spokane Valley who give back to the community with their “hearts of gold.”

Candidates are selected based on their performance in a panel interview, as well as their public speaking abilities— each candidate delivered a speech (“What Spokane Valley means to me”) and answered several questions onstage. Distinguished community leaders served as judges to select Queen Georgia Goff of University High School, Princess Kylie Nelson of Freeman High School, and Princesses Amy Bethmann and Krystal Bates of University High School. These four young women will serve as ambassadors of their region and will continue to represent Valleyfest and the City of Spokane Valley during their year of reign. The Royalty Court has made appearances at community parades and festivals throughout the summer, and welcomes visitors to Spokane Valley. Please keep in mind sophomore and junior girls attending high school in Spokane Valley are invited to apply to Valleyfest’s 2019 Royalty Program.

Come watch our wide variety of parade entries, including animals, custom and classic cars, floats, bands, clowns, Miss Spokane Valley Royalty, and more! Grand Marshal: Hutton Settlement Children’s Home For more information about Hutton Settlement visit huttonsettlement.org Sprague Avenue closes to cars between University Road and Pines Road at 6:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018.

High Quality American Hemp CBD Products

2018 SPOKANE VALLEY FIRE department

open house

*Not all parade participants included, those available at the time of publication.

CBD Tinctures, Topicals and More Hemp Clothing and Accessories

AND MUCH, M UCH MORE!

Special Valleyfest Discount

10% Off all CBD Products Visit our booth for more information about Hemp and non-psychoactive CBD products 877-TNC-HEMP (877-862-4367)

Valleyfest Event Guide

Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk

The Current

Saturday, Sept. 22

Discovery Park - 2426 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Robotics and STEM

Car Show Saturday, Sept. 22

SEPTEMBER 2018 • Pancake Breakfast

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Great Room

Registration: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Judging: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

CenterPlace Regional Event Center Great Room

Awards: 3:30 pm

Sponsored By:

New football coaches set tone at EV, Freeman

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor East Valley football head coach Adam Fisher has given way to a new leader, understandable since his electrifying receiver son, Rodrick, will likely be in the Washington State Cougar lineup as a true freshman. Adam’s replacement, Tom Griggs, was most recently coach at from North Central. Another new coach, Freeman’s Ben Cochran, was previously head coach at Rogers. “Being here’s a breath of fresh air to be in a community that really supports football,” Griggs said, “And having guys who are true football players.” Cochran has relatives here and had lived in the Freeman area. His child went there before they moved to the

Final Point

Former hoops standout Nagel now glued to golf

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor Retired Central Valley basketball coach Rick Sloan tells this tale on one of his former players, CJ Nagel who, during his days as a Bears’ hoopster, wore long, curly locks. “I was convinced that the reason he was fouling out of so many games was that his hair was drawing unneeded attention to himself,” Sloan said. “After discussing this with CJ, we came to somewhat of a compromise. The compromise was if you foul out of another game you must get a haircut. Needless to say after the next game, CJ came to school with a fresh haircut.” Nagel, whose name still pops up on Bears’ all-time statistic lists, played some basketball in junior college, but his life and career took a distinct turn from the court to the fairway. He became a golf course professional, landed in the small town of Shelby, in north central Montana, and as of Aug. 3, took a

South Hill. “I kept my eye out there,” Cochran said. “I went to a small school and when the opportunity came, I said, ‘Hey, that’s great.’” New coach, new Knights Tom Griggs got into coaching in an unusual way. He had walked on the WSU football team and injured his back but didn’t want to leave football. A friend mentioned an open assistant coach position at Pullman, he took it and things went from there. The Knights of 2018 will look different from past years. “We’re doing a little more ground and pound, a little more into a consistent ground game and play some tough defense,” Griggs said. The Knights have a turnout of 60 players. “We have a big group of seniors this year and a big group of sophomores,” Griggs said. Beefing up the junior class is a priority. Good news is most of the Knights’ starting linemen return. “Four of the five offensive linemen are back,” Griggs said. “That’s been the strength of our team.”

“At quarterback we’re new and the skill positions are new except for a couple of guys.” Among the expected starters are Zach Honegger and Dom Curillo at running backs and linebackers. Returning offensive linemen are Jacob Browning, Zach Holt and Aaron Harris, plus A.J. Juris. All those guys play both sides of the ball. Quarterback spot is between Henry Stevens and Casey Nowak. Nowak is a hockey player who decided to give football a try his senior year. “I knew watching them, Fisher did a nice job,” Griggs said. “It seemed too good to be true to take the reins from a good coach who was here 19 years and did the right thing.” Freeman, meet Frosty The late Frosty Westering is a coaching legend in college winning three NAIA national championships and never having a losing season with his unusual approach.

Look him up on line and you become mesmerized by his holistic approach to football, the antithesis of today’s NCAA game. In an article by David Guterson, the writer was told by Westering that “winning is a byproduct of learning to live decently, shaping players lives and influencing their hearts and minds.” Cochran played for Westering on a national title team and has adopted that philosophy in his coaching style. He has two playbooks, one for X’s and O’s and one for the inner game. For instance, he took the players to the YMCA, playing games and having fun “to build a culture.” That culture has produced what Cochran says is a junior class that is farther along at this point than any other he’s coached. “These kids are so smart.” Sturdily built Jace Phelan is the junior quarterback. Jackson Whitaker, Dakota Steiger, Will Campbell (a running back who is “slicker than snot,” said his coach), Kaleb Ohler and Paysen Phelps are youngsters to watch.

similar job at Twin Lakes golf course in Rathdrum. How he arrived at golf is an interesting story. After exploring other vocations, Nagel decided he wanted it to be sports-related. Basketball didn’t come about, so he reasoned there were two sports you could play all your life – tennis or golf. “So I chose golf and everything fell in place,” he says. He had been on the grounds crew at Trailhead in Liberty Lake a couple of summers, would golf there and “was starting to get decent at it so it wasn’t an out of the blue thing.” Golf academy advertisements on TV piqued his interest and he found one at Hilton Head in South Carolina. “My mission was to move away from Spokane and get away as far as I possibly could and that was probably as far as I could.” Shelby ranks up there. It wasn’t so much to be a teaching professional as the merchandising part. After graduating, he wound up in Shelby where he has spent the last seven years. Shelby has a declining population of some 3,300 people including prison inmates. “There are 700,” he said,

deadpanning, “I can’t get any of them to play golf.” “Basically my job is to run the pro shop and merchandising and overseeing events,” CJ says. “I even herd cattle off the golf course. That was fun.” When we talked, he was herding a group of 25 youngsters to a junior event, something he does around the state. He admits it was quite an adjustment moving there, but there are perks. “My wife (the former CV and CCS soccer standout Jill Giroux) and I know every person in town,” he said. There also are drawbacks, like the town rumor mill. A new resident heard he had been attacked by a Bear (imagine a bear mauling a Bear.) “Can I see your scars?” “Something came up and came around and back again,” Nagel said. Not that Nagel has entirely put basketball behind. He also helps coach at Shelby High and allows he wouldn’t mind pitching in at his alma mater if asked. The 2003 CV grad was a key on a team that finished fourth in state. He had a career high 26 points and ranks 35th on the school’s all-time scoring

list and was honorable mention AllGSL when he wasn’t fouling out. “I was in (CV career scoring leader) Derek (Taylor’s) shadow,” Nagel says. His best game, he added, was a 20-point, 19-rebound performance in a non-league game. Golf and basketball go hand-inhand, Nagel believes. They are both about hand-eye coordination and moving the body in certain ways. But the more he teaches, the more he realizes you don’t have to be athletic to play. “It’s a skill game and if you teach skill then you can play better,” he says. “Athletes learn skills faster. The greatest part of it is no matter how good you get you can always get better.” With two young children and Jill a bank manager, both intend to stay close to Liberty Lake where their parents reside while they work. Nagel said it was always their plan to move closer to home. The Twin Falls position opened up and eventually he could move into head position and “run the shop again.” “It fell into my lap, everything lined up and it’s just awesome,” he said.

The Current

WV, CV football seeks to revisit playoff success

By Mike Vlahovich Current Sports Editor What do they do for an encore? Both Central Valley and West Valley football teams finished among the top four in their respective state classifications last year and coaches Ryan Butner (CV) and Craig Whitney (WV) are tasked with filling some really big shoes. It didn’t help matters that smoke from fires, coupled with a lingering air inversion, forced teams inside for much of pre-season practices, hardly ideal conditions to prepare. “You can’t tackle much,” Butner said. “It’s weird playing on a hard surface like that.” Passing plays are limited, tackling nearly impossible, he said. “When we did get outside you could tell the timing was off.” Whitney quipped, with a ring of truth, that an assistant told him, “Hey, it looks good tonight, maybe we can practice at 9 p.m.” Both teams lost key players through graduation, but both seem set at quarterback. The Eagles took a huge hit in the line where several 300-pounders played, pardon the pun, huge roles in WV’s season. CV is without graduated All Greater Spokane League quarterback Grant Hannan and talented receivers and defensive backs. But the line and a healthy junior quarterback, Matt Gabbert, will make the transition easier. Eagles rebuild

U-Hi works to build on last season’s success

SPORTS

To say West Valley is rebuilding may be an understatement. Gone are the 300-pound linemen who were an immovable force. Gone are Whitney’s son Connor, who could crack the lineup at Idaho as tight end-linebacker and guys like quarterback Blake Transue and all-purpose Collin Sather who provided the lion’s share of offense and among the half a dozen players who have gone on this fall to give college football a try. “Our freshman line is bigger than the seniors and juniors,” Whitney said. On the plus side, junior Matt Allen shared productive time at quarterback and now is heir to the throne. “Blake gave us something and Matt would give us something and that really helped,” said Whitney. “Matt will really have to step it up and distribute the ball. He’s a good decision maker. Just give him a little time to make a play.” Among his targets are receivers/ defensive backs Hunter Tiffany and junior Alyjouah Rollins, Grant Conrad and Brian Andrews. The linemen aren’t big. Returnees include Gavin Sheppard, Seth Feist and Gabe Johnson. “The last two years we were 22-3,” said Whitney, adding that he wasn’t putting pressure on this year’s team. “But there are expectations.” Bears share wealth During CV’s run to the state semis last year Hannan was difficult to stop. He could pass, but it was his command of the field and rushing that propelled the Bears. What do you do now that he’s graduated? “Only one thing you can do is play in the state championship,” Butner

Valley, would have been to use more play action because the Bears had nine defenders within five yards of scrimmage. “We could have taken advantage of that,” Daniel said.

Current Sports Editor

The game wound up featuring plenty of offensive fireworks with a score that tipped back and forth.

University came close to earning a state playoff berth in the Greater Spokane League’s rugged 4A division last season.

The Titans return nine starters from that team, but graduated 13 including size up front, including BYU recruit Campbell Barrington.

It was a team with a massive line and the league leading rusher. But if head coach Adam Daniel had his druthers, what he took from the game against state semifinalist and rival Central

This year U-Hi will run the same power offense that ran the ball up to 50 times a game and passed maybe 10 or 12 times but put the game in returning quarterback Gavin Wolcott’s hands. Last year

By Mike Vlahovich

said, adding this caveat. “I said early-on we don’t want to compare ourselves to last year’s team. It’s a fresh start for everybody.” But he added, the Bears have the same goals as last year and that’s to be practicing and playing in November. Junior quarterback Matt Gabbert will be a key. The star-crossed athlete was set to play as a freshman and broke his collar bone. He was figured to contribute last year and broke the other collar bone. Since the end of last season the 6-foot-4 athlete has gained 35 pounds and weighs 224.

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 39

“He has more arm strength and has matured as a person as well,” Butner said. “He’s a very talented kid we want to showcase more.” Hunter Chodorowski was a revelation at running back last season and has bulked up to 215 muscular pounds. Wyatt Wickham, a 280-pounder, will be in his fourth year in the line on varsity. Beyond that there were question marks, but Butner was pleasantly surprised at camp with the newcomers. “How do you replace the seniors?” he had wondered. “We plugged in (new players) at summer camp and it was like ‘Wow!’”

The West Valley Eagles will look to continue their success of the last two seasons in which they have gone 22-3 and reached the state 2A semifinals last year. Junior Matt Allen will take over the reins as starting quarterback this season. Photo by Mike Vlahovich

he completed 75 percent of his throws. “We’ve changed philosophy a little bit and will put the ball in the hands of the quarterback a little more,” Daniel said. “We’ll probably be more balanced this year with the run and pass.” The team, he added, will be fine at running back and “really, really” good at receiver. U-Hi still has size up front offensively in David Jackson, who Daniel said, at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, is on college radars. “He passes the eye test,” said the coach. Joining him is junior Tanner Madison who goes 6-2, 310. Add McCoy Starkey and “those

guys will give us a chance to be pretty successful.” Chris Taylor and Ashton Beach (a 250-pound fullback) bolster the running game. Wide receiver/ defensive back Kye Duplessis provides the speed. “I think we are very capable on offense,” Daniel said, quipping, “We look good coming off the bus.” U-Hi won three games his first year as coach. They won seven, counting a round-robin playoff contest, last year and the coach is aspiring for an extra win or two. All games against 4A playoff contenders are at home. “I’ve got to coach them,” Daniel said. “I want to continue to improve on our success.”

The Current

40 • SEPTEMBER 2018

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER Have you been a manager? Do you know computers? Do you want to work together towards a safer neighborhood and city?

Your experience is what make SCOPE work! Join us! There is a station near you!

Central Valley

Elk

Medical Lake

Trentwood

124 S Lefevre St, Spokane scopemedicallake@spokanesheriff.org

2400 N. Wilbur #79, Spokane scopetrentwood@spokanesheriff.org

(509) 928-3807

(509) 292-0188

Deer Park

EWU/Cheney

North

316 E Crawford, Deer Park scopedeerpark@spokanesheriff.org

612 3rd St., Cheney scopecheney@spokanesheriff.org

9507 N. Division Ste E, Spokane scopenorth@spokanesheriff.org

115 N. Evergreen, Spokane Valley scopecv@spokanesheriff.org

(509) 276-7848

40116 N Elk Camden Rd, Elk selk@spokanesheriff.org

(509) 559-5679

(509) 299-7525

(509) 927-9490

University

(509) 477-6377

(509) 477-2582

10621 E. 15th Ave, Spokane Valley ScopeUniversity@SpokaneSheriff.org

East

Fairchild

S.C.O.P.E. Main

Valley Mall

4904 N Harvard Rd #1, Otis Orchards scopeeast@spokanesheriff.org

110 W Arnold St, Fairchild AFB scopefairchild@spokaneCounty.org

12710 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley scopemain@spokanesheriff.org

14700 East Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley SCOPEVM@spokanecounty.org

(509) 922-3150

(509) 954-8485

(509) 477-3376

(509) 893-3934

Edgecliff

Liberty Lake

South

West Valley

522 S. Thierman Rd, Spokane scopeedgecliff@spokanesheriff.org

23127 E Mission Ave, Liberty Lake scopelibertylake@spokanesheriff.org

4827 S. Palouse Hwy, Spokane

3102 N Argonne Rd, Millwood scopewestvalley@spokanesheriff.org

(509) 477-6345

(509) 755-1143

(509) 842-7570

(509) 477-0629

Programs and Services Training - Traffic Control (Flagging) - Sheriff 's Office - Sheriff 's Front Desk -School Patrol - Community Sex Offender Notification - Graffiti Program - Crime Stoppers - Community Services - Centennial Trail Patrol Mounted Patrol - Pawn - Radar Watch - Valley Mall Crime Prevention Office - Victim Call Backs - Business Relations & Checks - C.O.P. (Citizens on Patrol) - S.I.R.T. (SCOPE Incident Response Team) - Neighborhood Watch - Operation Family I.D. - Latent Finger Prints - Disabled Parking Enforcement - Bicycle Safety Abandoned Vehicles To find more information regarding these programs and services please see our website or call us

Thank you Spokane County Residents Our mission is to provide a safe living environment for the community. To increase citizen’s awareness of, and involvement in, community-oriented services in partnership with the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office. To foster community spirit.

509-477-3376 • www.scopespokanewa.org

The Current

Current SVFD Report – Sept. 2018

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,451 emergency calls from July 23 – Aug. 22. Incidents included: • House fire – July 29 – An improperly extinguished cigarette on the upper deck of a Liberty Lake home in the 1300 block of South Wright Boulevard caused a fire shortly after 8 p.m. SVFD Liberty Lake Engine 3 spotted a smoke column while refueling their fire engine in downtown Liberty Lake and as the crew headed south to investigate, calls to 911 came in reporting a house on fire. Firefighters responded to find the entire home fully involved in fire and the resident safely outside with her dog. Despite the steep terrain and dry brush, firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to neighboring homes and brush. The house was a total loss with damage estimated at $280,000. • Brush fire – Aug. 3 – Shortly after 9:30 a.m., SVFD firefighters responded to a reported brush fire in the 24700 block of East Rosewood Avenue. They arrived to find smoldering arborvitae bushes and numerous residents armed with garden hoses. Firefighters overhauled the scene to ensure the fire was out. The homeowner said he was using his gas-powered lawn trimmer when he noticed smoke coming from under the bushes and believes exhaust from the trimmer ignited the bushes. The fire in the highly flammable arborvitae bushes grew quickly as the homeowner called 911 and neighbors used their hoses on the fire. Burn Ban – As of July 16, outdoor recreational fires and open burning are restricted due to high fire danger in the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated Spokane County. This means any outdoor fire without a chimney – including campfires and backyard fire pits (with or without screens) – are prohibited. Open burning of fields, yard waste and garbage is always prohibited. Learn more more at www.spokanevalleyfire.com • Water rescue – Aug. 6 – SVFD firefighters and the water rescue team responded to a report of a man yelling for help in the middle of the Spokane River, shortly before 3 p.m. As firefighters were locating the man, just west of the Denny

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 41

Ashlock Foot Bridge, a passing power boat pulled him on board and took him to the north side of the river where he was met by SVFD paramedics. The adult man and his friend were attempting to swim across the river when the man became exhausted and unable to continue. He was fully clothed in long pants and shoes and had started to slip below the water when he was pulled from the water. He was not wearing a life jacket. The man was transported to the hospital in stable condition. His friend made it to shore safely. • Motor vehicle accident – Aug. 8 – Firefighters responded to a reported auto/pedestrian accident in the 10700 block of East Sprague shortly after 7:45 p.m. They arrived to find a 55-year-old woman lying in the street near the curb. A witness said the woman had fallen out of her motorized wheelchair while traveling down the sidewalk. The witness also said the woman was heading home from a nearby bar when the accident occurred. She was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. • Water rescue – Aug. 14 – Shortly before 4 p.m., firefighters and the SVFD water rescue team responded to a report of a ski boat in distress on Liberty Lake. The caller reported a loud noise on the boat followed by water starting to fill the back end of the boat. At least three people were reported to be on the boat. As crews were responding, Liberty Lake police reported that the boat made it to shore on the northwest side of the lake. A responding AMR ambulance crew spoke with the boat occupants and reported that they were all OK. • Extrication – Aug. 17 – A 27year old man was extricated by firefighters after a T-bone traffic collision where he became trapped in his vehicle. The collision occurred at 6 p.m. near the corner of Bowdish and East Seventh Avenue. The man was transported to the hospital with back and neck pain. • Condominium fire – Aug. 19 – An improperly discarded cigarette caused a two-alarm fire at the Central Park Condominiums, 6019 E. Sixth Ave., shortly after 8:30 p.m. The fire claimed the life of the elderly male occupant of the ground-floor unit where the fire started and damaged or destroyed 15 units in the 69-unit structure before firefighters stopped the blaze. Units from Spokane Fire Department and Spokane County Fire District 8 assisted SVFD crews in battling the blaze with seven engines, four ladder trucks, two brush trucks, and over 45

firefighters. One firefighter was treated at the scene for a heat related injury. Red Cross was on the scene assisting affected residents. A reminder that SVFD provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire. com. Annual SVFD Open House – Sept. 29 – Everyone is invited to join us for a day of free family fun from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at our SVFD Training Facility, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. Watch live fire demonstrations, spray a real fire hose and see fire engines, trucks and a helicopter. Meet firefighters and try on their gear. Enjoy hot dogs and beverages before you take home cool giveaways. Visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com or call 892-4155 for information. By the numbers: • Fires* - 134 • Emergency medical service 1,133 • Motor vehicle accidents - 84 • Hazardous materials - 16 • Building alarms - 60 • Service calls - 16 • Vehicle extrication - 2

• Water rescue - 3 • Rescue Task Force - 3 *Brush, commercial, residential, rubbish, vehicles and unauthorized burning About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles. SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington. SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

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The Current

42 • SEPTEMBER 2018

Back to school means emphasizing safety, awareness

By Benjamin Shedlock Current Correspondent Summer break is over for your carefree morning commute. Those relaxing days of clear driving to work are yielding to busy school zones, crosswalks full of kids and busses loading passengers on your favorite shortcut. Local law enforcement is reminding drivers to build in extra time for their commute and stay focused on the road. After all, it’s not just your own commute that you’re responsible for. “The one thing that I really like to stress is that community safety comes from the community,” said Crime Prevention Officer Chris Johnston of the Spokane Valley Police Department. “People need to be good with the idea that they need to watch out for each other.” As a new school year dawns, the Current has compiled a checklist for those of us who have turned in our

backpacks and graphing calculators for parking permits and drive-through coffee. Leave the phone (and extra time) To accommodate the added traffic, drivers should give their commute times a comfortable cushion and wait until they get to the office or home to check emails or texts. “Don’t be distracted,” said Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner. The extra cars, busses and increase in students using crosswalks will slow down traffic. The presence of student pedestrians is another good reason to put down the phone. Although some drivers might still be getting used to the state restrictions on distracted driving, Werner reminds us that they are in full effect. The fine for using a personal electronic device while driving will set you back $136. Teach your (pedestrian) children well Although drivers are responsible for slowing down and focusing, parents of student pedestrians should help them learn to walk to school safely. “Pedestrian traffic is going to be increased, because some of the kids will be walking to school,” Werner said.

Parents should make sure their children use the sidewalk whenever possible. When there is no sidewalk or alternate route, teach kids to walk facing traffic instead of using the right side of the road. When it comes time to cross the street, have students use crosswalks managed by a crossing guard. Drivers have plenty of incentive to stop for those cardboard stop signs. Failure to stop for crossing guards will cost them $228. And of course, “look left and right before crossing the road,” Werner said. If your child is starting at a new school, walk the route with your child a few times to make sure they are familiar with it. And for those younger kids getting to school under their own power, teach them to “be aware and vigilant,” Johnston said. “Don’t go into the van to see the puppy.” Slow down for school zones Drivers will encounter the most children around schools, so they should consider school zones especially when deciding how much time they need to pad their commute. The extra time will be a bargain, because school zone violations carry the heftiest fines school-year scofflaws might face.

Fines for speeding in a school zone increase sharply with your speed. The scale starts with a $225 ticket for going just 1 mile-per-hour over the limit. Keep speeding up, and you could face as much as an $820 fine. Stop for busses Bus stops create another place where pedestrians and drivers converge. Students may have to cross the street to get on or off the bus and they can be hard to see. Drivers must wait to pass busses from the time they stop until they start moving again. “This is a big one,” Werner said. “When that bus stops, and the paddles are out and are loading and unloading children, make sure you stop until that bus has closed the door, put the paddles in, and drives away.” And if you do cheat the stop sign, the $430 school bus paddle violation will stop you cold. In case of emergency Werner emphasizes that safety is not only an issue on the way to school. He encourages parents to make sure their emergency contact information on file with the school is up to date. Parents should also let teachers know if their children have food allergies. Finally, parents should understand the schools’ emergency procedures, according to Werner. “If there’s a lockdown, what does that mean?”

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The Current

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The Current

44 • SEPTEMBER 2018

SE Spokane County Fair rolls into Rockford this month

By Craig Howard Current Editor For Carrie Roecks and other residents of Rockford, it is the highlight of the year. The Southeast Spokane County Fair will celebrate its 74th year of fun and festivities Sept. 21-23 and for Roecks, the mayor of Rockford and a longtime fair volunteer, it’s a time for her town to shine. “It brings everyone together,” she said. “For people who haven’t seen each other in a long time, it’s like a reunion. For people who are new to the area, it’s a chance to see what Rockford is all about.” Roecks began donating time to the fair in 1980 as organizer of the popular Saturday morning parade down First Avenue. She has also served as president and secretary of the fair board, organized the craft exhibits and now is director of a department that coordinates the Fine Arts entries and judging. Roecks points out that the food vendors at the fair represents local nonprofits, service clubs, churches

and schools like Freeman and Liberty. “That money from the food goes right back into our community,” she said. Roecks took her daughters, Heidi and Nicki, to the fair when they were growing up – both to have fun and to pitch in as volunteers. Now Heidi is vice president of the fair and Nicki is part of the board of directors and in charge of the fun run. The fair draws around 3,000 visitors over its three-day run. Admission is free and has been for as long as anyone can remember. The first Southeast Spokane County Fair was held in October of 1945 with the town of Waverly as the host. A year later, the spectacle moved to Rockford where it was housed in colorful circus tents. The fair includes staple like the 38th annual Harvest Hustle 5K run set for Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:45 a.m. with the start in front of Dave’s Auto. The grand parade follows at 10:30. The Lions Club will once again host the pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Over the years, the well-attended social meal has become a popular stop for politicians gearing up for the general election. The 26th annual Harvest Hoops 3-on-3 tournament starts Saturday and runs for two days while

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participants in the Soapbox Derby will gather with their prized cars at NAPA Auto beginning at noon on Saturday. The last day of the fair will feature Equine Game Day at the ballpark beginning at 9 a.m. and the Olson Brothers, an emerging CountryWestern band at 2:30 p.m on the main stage. Fairgoers will have no shortage of categories to peruse, from cereal grains and forage to quilting to fruits and vegetables. Prize-winning livestock will be on display along with blue-ribbon winners in areas like sewing, photography, food prep and canning, sewing and crafts. Kaitlyn Strahl has the honor of being Southeast Spokane County Fair queen this year. Ryan Hicks is the fair princess. "The Southeast Spokane County Fair has always been a big part of my life,” Strahl said. “When I was younger, I remember going through the parade with my sister and my cousins. Going to the fair became a tradition for me and I made sure that I would be able to go to the fair every year.” Mary Lou Benson moved to Rockford in 2006 and quickly became a big fan of the town’s signature event. She began volunteering seriously in 2017 and, this year, will be overseeing the Lego and recycling exhibits as well making sure display cases are in their proper place. As a Rockford Lion, she will also help out at the bingo tent. “There are so many vendors at the fair with such a variety of things,” Benson said. “I think it speaks to the diverse talents of the people around here.” Shortly after Benson moved to Rockford from the East Coast, she dropped by Banner Bank in town. There she talked to Vivian Plank, an avid fair enthusiast, who asked Benson if she crocheted. “Vivian asks everyone that,” Benson laughed. “The first year I entered the fair, I won a blue ribbon for a crocheted afghan. That’s probably one of my favorite fair memories.” As for those who have never been to one of the state’s longest running fairs, Roecks said it’s worth the trip to Rockford. “Even if you don’t want to spend money on food or carnival rides, you can just walk around the fair,” Roecks said. “I think people will appreciate the small-town friendliness.” Want to go? The 74th Southeast Spokane County Fair runs Sept. 21 (noon to 8 p.m.), Sept. 22 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sept. 23 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) To learn more, visit www. sespokanecountyfair.com.

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

danica@libertylakesplash.com

EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com OFFICE MANAGER GRAPHICS

Paula Gano

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Hayley Schmelzer

hayley@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Larry Passmore circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Ball, Nine Culver, Bill Gothmann, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Mike Vlahovich The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current. Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $12 for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions must

be received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month. Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery. Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Call 242-7752 for more information. Advertising integrity Inaccurate

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The Current

Spokane County Interstate Fair gears up for 67th rendition By Linda Ball

Current Correspondent It’s time to get your fair on and enjoy all of the elements of a traditional county fair at the 67th annual Spokane County Interstate Fair, which kicks off Sept. 7 and runs through Sept. 16 with a clever theme of “Lettuce Turnip the Jam.” New this year will be a kids’ stage featuring a variety of family-friendly entertainment. The big draw will be the country band and winners of the 2018 ACM vocal group of the year award, Old Dominion, which will take to the stage Sept. 10 at the Grandstand. Fair spokesperson Erin Gurtel said that all of the elements of a good, old-fashioned fair such as the rodeo, tractor pull, crafts and critters will all be on hand, along with two carnival areas. Also this year, the Professor Smart Science Show, which has educated and entertained hundreds of thousands of people across the country, will add a fun and educational twist. Trained as a juggler and comedian, Todd Victor brings science to life with his story telling and demonstrations. He incorporates many audience volunteers so be ready to learn and laugh and perhaps be part of the show. There will be more laughs when comedian Jeff Foxworthy takes the stage Sept. 12 at the Grandstand. North Stage events, included in the price of admission will include a slew of talented regional and local artisans and performers. Back by popular demand are the racing pigs on the South Lawn. The pigs will race every day. Also daily on the South Lawn kids will use their muscle power to attempt pulling kid-size tractors. Kids 4-7 weighing under 60-pounds can register at the wool riders only arena to ride a sheep in the mutton-busting competition. The 32nd annual PRCA Rodeo will be held Sept. 7-8 and will feature barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronco riding, steer wrestling, team-roping and tie-down roping. The event is sanctioned by the Professional

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 45

Rodeo Cowboy’s Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Tickets are available at the Fair and Expo office or TicketsWest.com. During the fair, tickets will go on sale daily at 10 a.m. at the Grandstand Arena ticket booth. Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo 2018, Mary Jane Lowry will make appearances. America’s Got Talent contenders in 2011, the Zuma Zuma Acrobats, will dazzle the crowd with daring maneuvers and their remarkable feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. The acrobat’s unique approach has allowed them to develop a signature “human pyramid” move. The troupe started performing in Kenya and has toured throughout Europe and Australia before coming to the states in 2003. African music, drumming, dance and chants will add another dynamic layer to the performance. Want to go? The Spokane County Interstate Fairgrounds are located on the western fringe of Spokane Valley at 404 N. Havana. Admission to the fair is as follows: adults - $11; seniors - $8 (65-plus); youth - $8 (ages 7-13); military - $8 (with ID); 6 and under free. Fair hours are: Sept. 7 -15 - 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. Grandstand tickets can be purchased at the fair or in advance at TicketsWest.com.

Love The Current? Support our partners. The Current is committed to serving the Greater Spokane Valley area through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage. Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:

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Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Current’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Current’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@valleycurrent.com. With story ideas, contact editor@valleycurrent.com.

The Current

46 • SEPTEMBER 2018

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The Current

ON THAT NOTE

Standout season for Currentsponsored softball team

practices in mid-May and wrapped up at the end of July with a postseason tournament. Games were played at the four-plex at East Valley High School.

Current Editor

“We had some great hitters on our team,” Nicole said. “I’d say our strength was that most of our players had played before. The ones that hadn’t played before caught up quickly.”

By Craig Howard

Nicole Sternod may have summed up the season best for the 12U fastpitch softball team sponsored by the Greater Spokane Valley Current. “We had a darn good summer,” said Sternod who served as an assistant coach for the squad. Her husband Chris was the head coach. Tyler Nostrant was the other assistant. The team went through the Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association season undefeated at 10-0. The campaign began with

SEPTEMBER 2018 • 47

Strong pitching – led by Katherine Kovich and Mackenzie Sternod – was a catalyst for this year’s success, along with stellar defense and consistency at the plate.

The roster of 13 players included representation from Evergreen Middle School, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Spokane Valley and several other Catholic schools. The season included an All Star Game and Tournament Weekend. The Current squad went into the tournament as the top seed and won its first three games. The

A 12U fastpitch softball team sponsored by the Greater Spokane Valley Current went 10-0 in the Spokane Valley Girls Softball Association regular season this summer (pictured with their medals above). The team placed second in the league's post-season tournament. Contributed photo second-seeded team, sponsored by HuHot restaurant in Spokane Valley, was the second seed. The first post-season matchup between the league’s top two teams saw the Current club lose its first game of the season, 2115. The second game, for all the marbles, also went to the challengers, 13-10. “We didn’t like to lose but they really battled,” said Nicole. “They had to win three games in a row on the same day and they did.”

Stellar defense, consistent pitching and reliable offense were keys to the Current softball squad's success this year, according to assistant coach Nicole Sternod. The season began with practices in mid-May and wrapped up at the end of July with games at East Valley High School.

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Still, the Current team can reflect on an exceptional season and a regular season championship. Nicole said the group had “great team dynamics.” “They were awesome,” she said. “They all got along. We didn’t

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have any issues. They all had fun, played great and practiced good sportsmanship.” Last month, the players and coaches were treated to a congratulatory party at Roller Valley, courtesy of Ben and Danica Wick, co-owners of the Current and Liberty Lake Splash. As for the sponsorship of the team affecting her awareness of the Current – a publication that now features a circulation of 25,000 across greater Spokane Valley – Nicole said she has become a follower. “I live in Liberty Lake, so I knew about the Splash, and read it,” she said. “I didn’t know the Current was the sister paper until this summer. Now we read both.”

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The Current

48 • SEPTEMBER 2018

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