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Jj Johnson

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Voters decide future of Spokane Valley Leadership

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Wayne Fenton Brandon Fenton

Election Guide pages 11-16

Ben Wick

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S P O K A N E C O U N T Y R E D I S T R I C T I N G C O M 292 M I T T E E D R A F T P L A N C O M M I S S I O N E R D I S T R I C T S County Boundary Municipal Boundary Major Highway Road 0

2.75 Miles

5.5

HUFFMAN LEAVES LEGACY PAGE 20

YOUR VOICE NEEDED PAGE 27

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5

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MEET DERICK TABISH PAGE 2

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Leading by Faith – Tabish

a catalyst for success at Valley Christian By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

Derick Tabish seemed like the obvious pick to move into the head administrator’s role at Valley Christian School (VCS) after serving in an interim capacity for the 2006-07 year. Yet it wasn’t until spring of 2007 that the Montana native officially threw his hat into the ring. While the delay may have seemed puzzling to some, for Tabish, it was a matter of calling on a higher power for career advice. “My response was really to see what God had for me this year, if God called on me,” Tabish told the Spokesman-Review in August 2007. Tabish was hired to lead the Pre-K-12 private school that summer, continuing a tenure that began in 1994 and included nine years as elementary school principal. The professional crossroads for Tabish hearkened back to another critical choice in his life, one that would lead to new and enriching paths that have defined him for nearly 40 years. Tabish was 16 when he transitioned from his hometown of Missoula to Southern California. The move, Tabish recalls, had to do with his parents hoping a change of scenery would provide their son with more positive direction. “I wasn’t actively living my faith back then,” Tabish said. “I’d fallen away from what I knew. I was definitely hesitant to move but I knew I needed to make some changes.” Part of the challenge had to do with the absence of Tabish’s grandfather on his mom’s side who passed away when Tabish was

in the sixth grade. In junior high, Tabish stopped attending church. “He was a strong spiritual influence for me,” Tabish said. In California, Tabish joined a Christian youth group and soon began to feel a sense of purpose and belonging. On his 17th birthday, nearly 50 peers gathered to celebrate with him. The Christian school he went to in Escondido also made a difference. He excelled as an athlete, his grades soared from C’s to A’s and self-motivation became part of a new routine. “That’s when I realized the impact a Christian education can have,” Tabish said. “I was inspired there and I made faith my own. I realized that faith is not just religion or a set of rules but a living and loving relationship with God and other people.”

Following high school, Tabish enrolled at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego before transferring to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. After earning his degree, Tabish applied for teaching jobs in Washington, Montana and Idaho. Tabish began at VCS as a teacher in 1994 when the campus was located on 24th and Bowdish in Spokane Valley and was part of Valley Fourth Memorial Church. The school became an independent 501c3 nonprofit in 2001. Since 2004, Tabish has called the VCS campus on East Ninth in Spokane Valley his professional home. VCS occupies around 65 percent of the former University High School and rents out space to groups like Blessings Under the Bridge and ParaSport Spokane as a source of revenue. VCS purchased

Photo by Craig Howard Derick Tabish has served as head administrator at Valley Christian School since 2007 and worked at the private Pre-K-12 school since 1994 when he began as a teacher. The Montana native has been part of a growth trend that has seen over 200 student applications in the past year.

the 156,000-square-foot property on 23.7 acres from the Central Valley School District in 2017. When Tabish took over as head administrator at the start of the 2007-08 school year, enrollment was at 260. It is now over 470. VCS has received over 200 applications in the past year and seen all elementary classes and some secondary classes double. Around one-third of families access financial aid. Tabish and his wife Lucinda are proud parents of three children, all of whom attended VCS. Q: How does Valley Christian integrate a faith component into the everyday curriculum? A: One of the core values of Valley Christian School is a Biblical worldview emphasis in all aspects of its curriculum. In addition to each grade level having a daily Bible class, faith perspective is integrated into each subject with the recognition of God, through Christ, as the beginning foundation for understanding all knowledge, wisdom and truth. Q: You went through your own journey of faith in high school. What were some of the catalysts that helped establish your belief system and how did that path impact the career direction you decided to take? A: Each of us have a life narrative that has contributed to the shaping of who we are and will become. I believe that my parents were the starting catalysts of this, as they first introduced me to my faith and belief system. This was followed by other key mentors in my young life that steered me to a greater awareness of how my faith and values impacted life both when I chose not to follow them and when I made the commitment to strive to do so more purposefully. My peer relationships during that time were opportunities to reach out to others who were struggling with life and give them hope and encouragement through the faith that someone else had also shared See TABISH, Page 5

OCTOBER 2021 • 3

The Current

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING

“I would be honored to have your vote! Together we can lead our city toward a brighter future.” SPOKANE COUNTY SHERRIF OZZIE KNEZOVICH FORMER CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY MAYOR MIKE DEVLEMING FORMER CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY MAYOR DEAN GRAFOS FORMER CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY MAYOR TOM TOWEY FORMER CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY MAYOR DIANA WILHITE FORMER CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY COUNCIL MEMBER BILL GOTHMANN LIBERTY LAKE COUNCILMEMBER DAN DUNNE SPOKANE COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARY KUNEY SPOKANE COUNTY ASSESSOR TOM KONIS ENDORSED BY MAINSTREAM REPUBLICANS OF WASHINGTON ENDORSED BY REPUBLICANS OF SPOKANE COUNTY CHUCK and VIRGINIA ADOLFSON CHARITY BAGATSING-DOYL NATHAN BATSON WAYNE BROKAW PATRICK BURCH DEAN CAMERON SERENA CARLSON JOHN CARROLL LORI FEAGAN ED FETTIG DAVE FLOCK

CHARLIE FLORANCE STEVE FLORANCE LORI GARDNER PAMELA GOTHMANN LIZ GRAFOS MISTY GRIFFITH LANCE GUREL CINDY and TOM HALLETT TARA HASKINS TIM AND BECKY HATTENBURG JOANN HETH

DEANNA HORMANN DENAY HORNBERGER CAROL and DARYYL ISOTALO CHRIS JACKSON BRANDY JONES JOY KATTERFELD-SULLIVAN ART KEINATH MAX KUNEY GLEN LARSON ERIN LUNDT KATIE MACKAY DENA MAZZOLA BOB MCKINLEY DALE MCLAUGHLIN JESSICA MCLAUGHLIN BEVA MILES MARC MIMS ROBERT MOORE KARIN MORRIS BRANDON NEWBILL KEN OTTEMAN JOHN S PARDEE BRANDI PEETZ DAVID PERRY CATHY PORTER

ROBERT and SHARON RACE STEPHEN ROSS HAYLEY SCHMELZER RON SCHMIDT JULIE SHEPARD CAROL SNYDER CHRIS and MALINDA STEIN CHUCK STOCKER KATHY and TYRUS TENOLD KEN VORHEES ANDREA WALGREN RACHEL WARD BOB and DAWN WEST ADAM and AMANDA WICK DANICA WICK LAURA and TIM WICK TERRY WICK RICK WILHITE JENNIE WILLARDSON TARYN WILSON EMMA WOOLEY KAY WRIGHT MCGLOCKLIN RITA ZORROZUA

VOTE BY NOV 2

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• OCTOBER 2021

NEWS

Fire Chief Retirement By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Chief Bryan Collins has announced he plans to retire on March 1, prompting the Board of Fire Commissioners to launch a search to replace him. Collins, who arrived in 2013 after retiring from the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District in California as assistant chief, has seen the department through many changes. Valley Fire joined with the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane County Fire District 9 and Spokane County Fire District 8 in an agreement in 2015 to make mutual aid automatic, meaning that whichever department had a truck closest to an emergency would be sent. In 2017, the accredited department earned a Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau, making homeowner’s insurance less expensive for residents living within department boundaries. That same year, the department launched an Alternative Response Unit program to send a two-person team in a pickup truck to some medical calls. In 2020, the department hired its first female recruits in 20 years. Collins was also a strong supporter of the new Regional Emergency Communications Center when it opened in 2019 and served as the board chair for the center. It’s not possible to turn off being a fire chief, which regularly involves weekends, nights and holidays, Collins said. “There’s really no escaping it,” he said. “It’s very difficult to turn off your job, your

The Current

Chief Bryan Collins responsibilities. I’ve been doing this 38 years now. It’s just time for a break.” Though the last year has been tough in terms of regional firefighter deaths in the line of duty, that wasn’t a factor in his decision, Collins said. “That’s always been part of the business,” he said. “The COVID stuff has been challenging. It’s really not a factor, either, because challenge isn’t always a bad thing. For me, it’s just time to catch my breath.” Collins picked March 1 as his last day because it will be nine years to the day since he started the job with Valley Fire. It also gives the department plenty of time to find his replacement, Collins said, and have the two chiefs overlap for a few weeks. Collins said there are also a few things he’d like to finish before he goes, including work on the 2022 budget, working on employee wellness initiatives and adding more personnel to the department. “There’s a long list,” he said. “Some of that stuff will always be there.” He has enjoyed his time with the department, Collins said. “The organization had a vision,” he

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said. “When I came here, that was continuous improvement. We were able to do that in a lot of different areas. Operationally in the fire department we’re doing things a lot differently than we were eight or nine years ago.” While Collins was at the helm, the department also remodeled several fire stations and built a new fire station in Liberty Lake. The first steps have been taken toward building a new fleet maintenance facility and a new fire station on eight acres of land the district owns near Barker Road and Garland Avenue, which are expected to be complete in 2022 and 2023, respectively. There has been enough growth in the area to justify adding an eleventh fire station and the department has outgrown the current fleet maintenance facility on Sullivan Road, Collins said. The department is currently doing a study on what will happen with the old fleet maintenance facility, whether it will be repurposed to use as part of the district’s training facility or whether an all-new training facility is needed, Collins said. The analysis will likely be done before he leaves, but the decision about what to do with the analysis will be up to the next chief, he said. Though Collins won’t miss the 24/7 aspect of his job, he said he will miss the relationships he’s forged with city and community leaders. “I’ll miss the people,” he said. “The relationships we have out there with the cities and the folks in the Valley, they’re great relationships. People are just very genuine and caring.” It will also be hard to leave the firefighters working in the department, he said. “I have 200 firefighters that are special to me,” he said. “I have a lot of responsibilities for those folks. I’ve become attached.”

Collins said he’s also grateful for the leadership provided by the fire commissioners, who spend a lot of time and effort in their jobs for not much pay. “To a person, those guys have been fantastic to work with,” he said. “They’re really committed for the right reasons.” Fire Commissioner Patrick Burch said the commissioners recently voted to hire the Western Fire Chiefs Association to handle the search for a new fire chief. The association is run by a former fire chief, Burch said, and he’ll be able to find someone who will be a good match for the department. “He really knows the personnel,” he said. “Bryan Collins has pretty big shoes to fill.” The process is already underway. Western Fire Chiefs will narrow down the pool of candidates and then present a list of finalists to the commissioners, Burch said. The department will have a panel of community members interview each finalist and make recommendations to the commissioners, which is what happened during the last search for a new chief. “Ultimately it’s our decision as a board as to who the new chief will be, but we want the community input,” Burch said. The goal is to pick a new chief by the end of the year and have him or her in place before Collins leaves. The commissioners want to have an overlap of one month so the new chief can get up to speed, Burch said. Collins said he has no plans to move out of the area after he retires, but will relax with his wife of 34 years, Nancy. The couple has two grown children. Collins said he’s confident that the department will be in good hands after he leaves. “There will be someone who will come in behind me and continue to make improvements,” he said.

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The Current

TABISH

NEWS

Continued from page 2 with me. My career direction was additionally shaped by having opportunities to actively put faith into action. In college I became involved in several faith-based ministries, one in California called Ocean Beach Ministries that helped feed and care for the homeless, others like Action Against Hunger, missions trip experiences and times serving in churches in youth ministry. I eventually did an internship as a children’s pastor in a large church and realized teaching young people was the focus where God was calling me to. I ended up going the Christian education route in my final years of college and taking an elementary teaching position in a private Christian School in Southern California to start my career. Over the years I continued to see the value of faith integrated with learning in helping positively encourage and shape youth, becoming a principal and then administrator of VCS. Q: We hear a lot about negative peer pressure that kids face these days. Your personal experience speaks to how positive peer pressure can change the course of a life. What have you seen at VCS as it relates to the impact of nourishing peer influence? A: I have seen a lot over the years and many lives changed when students truly engage one another with the love of God. There are so many influences competing for our youth nowadays and they take their toll on self-worth and identity. Just because students are in a private school does not guarantee all of their peer relationships and influences will be nourishing. We have to strive to provide a school and atmosphere that encourages a loving school community and purposefully interact with students to have positive peer relationships. We work with our older students to positively mentor and role model for our younger ones and have some amazing classes of young people grow together to become like a family. Many of their relationships are life-long and a growing number of alumni have returned to the school to enroll their children because of the nourishing peer community they want for them also.

Q: Community service seems to be an integral part of the mission at your school. Why is this so important and what do students gain from these experiences of helping others? A: One of our core values is definitely service to one another, the community and the world. Without action faith is dead. I personally learned that in my youth and am encouraged that Valley Christian School emphasizes this strongly in our Pre-K-12 grades. Students gain a more well-rounded perspective of the needs that exist locally and internationally as they serve in area soup kitchens, food banks, shelters, nursing homes, doing community clean-up and other helping ministries that expose them to a broken and hurting world. Our annual Panther Project has helped us provide some of these experiences. We have traditionally also sent groups of our high school students on overseas missions trips to China, Russia, Guatemala and Europe, where life-changing experiences shaped these young people in a way that would never have occurred just inside the walls of the classroom. We even had an elementary teacher go on one of the trips to an orphanage in China and ended up adopting one of the paraplegic children. This adopted child was enrolled in the school and grew up to become one of our valedictorians and a world class para-athlete. This opportunity for this young man would never have occurred if someone didn’t reach out in such a profound way. Q: Finally, you have just embarked on a new school year that will undoubtedly present unique challenges and plenty of learning opportunities. What are your hopes for this year and what lessons do you want your students and staff to take away? A: We have definitely seen the challenges and learning opportunities in the past year-anda-half in a changing world and will again this year. One of the greatest lessons we are learning is resiliency and my hopes are that we will continue to grow and learn to lean on each other even more through both difficult and prosperous times, by the grace of God.

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel 2021 August Malicious Mischief Hotspots

Published Date: 9/15/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Spokane Valley Districts

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

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The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. 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. Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 4562233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

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• If you have the ability to do so, take a couple of minutes to walk around your residence and try to find a way to gain entry to your own residence. If you find a way, so will the burglar. • Put away all your loose electronics (laptops, tablets, cell phones, etc.) and any identification items away from view. • Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave… even if it’s just for a short time. • Install deadbolts on all exterior doors. • Make sure all exterior lights work and leave lights on when you go out. • Consider installing cameras and motion sensitive exterior lighting. • Trim trees and hedges

OCTOBER 2021 • 7

The Current

Spokane Valley Districts

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Published Date: 9/15/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Spokane Valley Districts

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IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A BURGLARY: •

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• The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department have a unit that specializes in Crime Prevention. The Crime Prevention Unit can come out offer you a free home evaluation survey. The purpose of a security survey is to assess the overall security of a physical property, identify security weakness, and provide recommendations to enhance safety and security for the property occupant. To schedule a survey contact Deputy Acosta 409-477-3119.

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property with an such as number.

• Consider participating in a neighborhood watch group. Call the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Venus Delcambre-Morris 509-4773055

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• Consider installing an alarm system. Having an alarm system will notify our dispatch of an alarm and we can be en route to your residence and possibly track a suspect after they have left your residence. We may even catch them inside. If someone breaks into your house and you have an alarm with sensors, when the alarm goes off, the alarm itself may prevent the suspect from going into your residence.

Published Date: 9/15/2021 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

Incident counts summarizes the events within 1/4 of a mile of each other. The heat map shows the density of events within the area.

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• When you’re away for ! ( a longer period of time, stop mail, newspapers, and other deliveries or have a neighbor collect them for you. Also, with winter approaching have the snow removed from driveway/sidewalks.

• Mark through engraving identification codeyour driver’s license

2021 August Burglary Hotspots

and

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away from doors.

0.5

11-15 >15 2 Miles

• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

NEWS

City Seeks Funding to enhance Homeless Outreach and City by Spokane Valley Council and Washington Manager to retire at end of 2021 generated residence / transactions. Deputy Council of County and By Lincoln DoWright

ordinance in place.

Current Contributor

The Council agreed to consider a complete streets ordinance and ultimately adopted the ordinance formalizing how the city considers all elements of a street during the design of projects. City staff have also begun working with possible granting agencies to receive a nomination for a Complete Streets Project award.

Complete Streets Program Adam Jackson, Spokane Valley’s Senior Engineer for Planning and Grants briefed council on a grant program the city hadn’t qualified for in the past, the Transportation Improvement Board’s Complete Streets Grant Program. He highlighted that in order to qualify for the program that the city would need to adopt a Complete Streets Ordinance. Jackson pointed out that the ordinance wouldn’t force the city to implement all street elements in every project but would be a framework that would highlight how the city considers each of the elements or users of the streets when considering projects, which as he noted what the city does already but without the formal

Homeless Housing Assistance Act Grant The Homeless Housing Assistance Act funds are generated by the Document Recording fees associated with real estate transactions. The City of Spokane Valley in a prior ordinance has delegated to Spokane County for the administration and management of these funds. It was anticipated that close to $600,000 of these funds were

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Tues. Nov. 16, 2021 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Hennessey Valley Funeral Home RSVP Arlette Popiel (509) 979-2255 Sue Tarman (509) 294-1664

City Administrator John Hohman and Housing and Homelessness Coordinator Arielle Anderson shared all of the activities that Mrs Anderson had been performing and learned since taking on the new role with the city. While the city has a lot of policy level discussions and decisions to make Mrs Anderson has also been working with and spending a great deal of time working on the street outreach going out and meetings and working with the homeless individuals across the city. Often times these interactions involved follow up on evenings and even weekends. The idea brought forward for city councils consideration was to apply for some of the HHAA funds to be able to hire either through a contract with another agency or another staff position that would help assist with the homeless outreach services within the city. During the initial discussions on the topic Mayor Ben Wick suggested to also include in the request the funding of the dedicated Police Officer position that the city was considering as apart of their 2022 Budget discussions. While staff came back with a recommendation to request $100,000 for a FTE Outreach worker with supplies and $80,000 for the additional Police Officer dedicated to the outreach program (50% of the anticipated cost of $160,000 per year). After some discussion and debate, the city council authorized the city manager to apply for $260,000 HHAA funds asking for full funding of the homeless outreach worker and additional dedicated Police Officer with Councilmembers Woodard and Higgins opposed. Collective Agreement The

Spokane

Bargaining Valley

City

State City Employees, Local 270V, AFSCME Union which represents the Spokane Valley City employees came to an agreement and adopted a collective bargaining agreement for the term of January 1st 2022 through December 31st 2024. The agreement maintains the cities performance-based merit system but with a additional 3% increase for all regular employees effective January 1st 2022. The agreement was passed by the city council unanimously. Park Signal

and

Mission

Traffic

One of the oldest traffic signals within the City of Spokane Valley using a span-wire to hold the traffic lights instead of the more modern light poles, the signal system at the intersection of Park Road and Mission Ave has seen its last days. While the signal has been being monitored for years, the wires had sagged and poles bent dropping the signals by 3” between May of 2019 and May of 2021. Then recently one of the poles was struck again dropping the signals by another 2”. Options for the council were to replace the signal with the more modern pole structures however that would also cause the need for widening the intersection and installing American Disability Act (ADA) curbs and ramps making the projected cost around $1.25 million. Another alternative which was recommended by staff was to remove the signal and replace it with a four way stop controlled system at the expense of $2,500 and work towards installation of the more modern signal design when additional funds could be found. Traffic Engineering Manager Jeremy Clark highlighted that the improvements at this intersection would not qualify for many grant programs based upon the traffic volumes at the intersection but recognizing the unplanned nature of this consideration was

The Current

recommending the all-way stop control with flashing beacons. Council agreed hoping that matching funds might be found somewhere with Councilmember Haley suggesting that the city should prioritize funding for the upgraded signal. Retail Recruitment Update In an effort to help enhance the cities retail offerings, in 2017 the city engaged Retail Strategies, a retail recruiter, to help. Their focus has primarily been on retail trade area research, quarterly updates of the City’s shopping center and retail corridors, and continuing retail recruitment efforts including representation at International Council of Shopping Center conferences and developing relationships with retailers, brokers, developers, and key industry contacts on behalf of the City. They gave an update on retail recruitment efforts for 2021. Bike Patrol Summary Earlier in the summer Police Chief Dave Ellis reinstituted a program that deployed the city funded school resource officers to a bike patrol while schools were out for the summer. Recaping the program the chief noted the accomplishments of the program as having increased visibility in hard to patrol locations such as along the Appleway Trail, Centennial Trail, Balfour Park, and Sullivan Park and had tremendous success in increasing community interaction and engagement. Over the summer with officers working flexible staggered shifts covering Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 8pm the officers worked with the cities housing and homeless coordinator to be a outreach contact with the homeless population and contacted 210 illegal campers, 133 of which were referred to services. They also worked with numerous businesses facing trespassing / homeless challenges. If staffing allows, the chief noted he would like to continue the program again next summer.

Outside Requests

Agency

NEWS

OCTOBER 2021 • 9

Funding

Since its incorporation, Spokane Valley has provided some funding for local economic development and social service agencies. In the 2022 budget process the city has set aside $244,000 for allocations however $43,000 has been committed for a contract with Greater Spokane Inc and $19,000 to the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, leaving $182,000 available to still be awarded. The City Council received applications and presentations from eight-teen agencies seeking the funding including: Elevations Children’s Therapy, Embrace Washington, Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, Greater Spokane County Rotary, HUB Sports Center, JAKT [the group organizing the Spokane Valley Farmers Market], Jewels Helping Hands, NAOMI, Northwest Winterfest, Project id, Spokane Valley Arts Council, Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, Spokane Valley Partners, Spokane Valley Summer Theatre, Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, Teen & Kid Closet, Valleyfest, and Widows Might. City council members are to submit their individual proposed allocations to the City Finance Directory by Oct 13th where they will be compiled and forwarded to the City Council for final allocations at the Oct 26th council meeting. Barker Road Trail The City of Spokane Valley’s project to widen Barker Road from the Spokane River to the limits where the Barker Road / BNSF Grade Separation project which began in 2018 has been broken into a number of phases and ran into another roadblock (or train-block) as the case may be this time. The agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad crossing has been a challenge for the project. In 2022 the plan was to complete the separated pedestrian trail which will run the entire length from the Spokane River to

Contributed image Pictured above is the Barker Road Widening Project, started in 2018, broken into mini phases. The next segment to be completed is the pedestrian trail, which is slated to be completed in 2022.

the Grade Separation Project but due to some troubling language in the proposed agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad around who is to be responsible for the crossing equipment moving forward the city wasn’t able to construct the whole trail but has been granted permission to build the trail from the river up to the UP-railroad tracks or approximately Euclid Ave. The project was awarded to Barcott Construction LLC in the amount of $301,966 with the plan for

construction to begin in Spring of 2022. City Manager Retirement City Manager Mark Calhoun announced his retirement from the city effective December 31st 2021 and that City Human Resource Officer John Whitehead will be before the council a the Oct 5th city council meeting to begin the discussions on the process for finding his replacement. Mayor Ben Wick thanked Mr. Calhoun for his years of service.

LIBRARY

• OCTOBER 2021

Spokane County LIBRARY DISTRICT

Fiesta en la Biblioteca Spanishlanguage Celebration in the Library

Recorrer la biblioteca en un evento bilingüe. • Comida gratis • Música • Actividades para niños Vea nuestra colección de libros en español y diferentes idiomas. Un programa para familias y personas de todas edades. SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 12004 E MAIN AVE Domingo 3 de octubre, de 4pm. a 6pm. Sunday, October 3, 4–6pm En colaboración con Hispanic Business Professional Association

www.scld.org

The Current

15 new digital resources that help students, businesses, researchers, knowledge seekers math, music, science, and more. By Erin Dodge

Current guest contributor

Spokane County Library District has added 15 new digital resources from Gale, the scholarly publishing company that offers Udemy, DemographicsNow, and the “In Context” series. Business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to start a business will find helpful information from “Gale Business Insights: Global” and “Gale Business: Entrepreneurship.” You can research global economies, industries, and companies and learn how to plan, fund, start and manage a new business or startup. You can access these resources at www.scld.org/business-resources. Students at any education level will find the information and resources they need for school projects, research, and reports within the “Gale In Context” series of resources for elementary, middle school, high school, and college. You can find these at www.scld. org/homework-resources. Get access to gated news content with “Gale OneFile: News,” a full-text newspaper resource that allows you to instantly search for articles by title, headline, date, author, newspaper section, and other fields. It provides access to

Spooky, fun activites for October!

By Gwendolyn Haley, Librarian Spokane County Library District

There’s a chill in the air—making this the perfect time to find some slightly spooky or just plain fun online events. The library has something for everyone from the seriously spooky to the lighthearted and even some cozy crafts. Enjoy a little ghost with your local history! The Ouija Broads, also known as Devon Kelley and Liz Wood, share hometown mysteries and legends during the library program “Spooky Spokane History” on October 16 at 11am. Teens and Tweens race against the clock to solve puzzles and

more than 2,300 major U.S. national, regional, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. Visit www.scld.org/ news-resources. For general knowledge seekers, “Gale General OneFile” offers a robust collection of magazines, journals, and more. If you are doing academic research, “Gale Academic OneFile” provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources. “Gale OneFile: Educator’s Reference Complete” for educators, administrators, and education students helps you gain insight on education issues, including administration, funding, and policy. With “Gale OneFile: Informe Académico,” you can search across full-text Spanish- and Portugueselanguage scholarly journals and magazines from and about Latin America. You can explore these online resources for research at www.scld.org/research-resources. When you are looking for information about health and wellness, literature, global issues, and more, Gale has you covered. The “Gale eBooks” collection includes specialized encyclopedias and reference sources as well as nonfiction books for children about save the world for humankind in “Zombie Escape: Solve the Mystery,” an online program with sign up options on October 27, 29, and 30. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Calling all fans of Tim Burton’s visually dazzling, imaginative, and creepy worlds! Brush up on classics like “Edward Scissorhands,” “Beetlejuice,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and then test your knowledge against other fans during online trivia on Saturday, October 30, at 2pm. “Building with Books: LEGO Storytime” returns on Tuesdays at 4pm, starting on October 5. Families are invited to listen to a story then create something inspired by the story using LEGO bricks or other building materials in your home. Quilters can use up their fabric stash while learning to create a three-part harmony quilt using tone

A comprehensive consumer health resource, “Gale Health and Wellness” provides authoritative information on a full range of health-related issues, including current disease and disorder information and in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices. “Gale Literature: LitFinder” provides access to literary works and secondary-source materials covering world literature and authors throughout history, including more than 132,000 fulltext poems as well as short stories, speeches, and plays. For anyone wanting to understand and analyze issue facing the modern world, “Gale In Context: Global Issues” supports global awareness and provides a global perspective while tying together a wealth of authoritative content. All of these digital resources have been made available through the Washington State Library’s Statewide Database Licensing Project. Library customers with indistrict library cards in good standing can access all of these digital resources by visiting the Digital Library at www.scld.org/ digital-library. to create an eye-catching design in our “Creativebug: Quilting Challenge.” Follow along with the video tutorials on Creativebug when it’s convenient for you, and then meet up online with other quilters to share your progress and socialize on Wednesdays at 7pm, starting October 6 through November 3. You can sign up for any or all of these library programs at www.scld. org/events. If you’re looking for more seasonal crafting fun, explore more offerings from Creativebug, which is available for free with an in-district library card in good standing. Creativebug offers classes for adults and kids of all ages on a variety of topics such as sewing, needlework, painting, and crafting of all kinds. You can get started at www.scld. org/creativebug. There’s always something to do at the library and online!

OCTOBER 2021 • 11

The Current

Special Election G u i d e 2021 Dear Readers: With the upcoming election heating up and the sea of political signs filling our streets, we at The Current wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with some information about the candidates seeking your vote this election cycle. It had become a tradition to bring you this election guide that showcases as many candidates as we

can get to respond. In order to give you more insight into who these people are we reached out to all of the contenders appearing on your ballot and asked them to please provide a 300-word response to the following questions (which we would publish at no cost). That is what you are about to read now. We asked them two questions; 1. What best qualifies you for this position? 2. What is the most important issue that needs

addressed? This year we have also added some fun questions! 1. Where is your favorite local place to eat? 2. What is your favorite book? 3. Most admired public servant? While not everyone chose to respond to our request, a good number have and we hope that you find their unedited responses helpful for your voting consideration. This year you can register to vote even on election day

by going to CenterPlace in Spokane Valley.

Thanks for reading The Current, we hope you enjoy it!

The Current Team P.S. If you have any feedback on how we can enhance the voter’s guide or if you found it valuable please let us know by emailing us at elections@ libertylakesplash.com or by calling our office at 509-242-7752

Vote by November 2

• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

Spokane valley council pos. 1 Where is your favorite local place to eat?

Rod Higgins Incumbant

Rod Higgins Plaza de Mexico JJ Johnson - Thrifty Scotsman Ben Wick TT’s BBQ Pam Haley La Plaza De Mexico Linda Thompson Fiesta Grande on 32nd Laura Padden Le Brothers Teresa (Tere) Landa Ron’s Drive In Bret Howell Wolf Lodge Stan Chalich True Legends Pam Orebaugh

Hay J’s or True Legends

Justin Voelker Dockside in CDA Carolyn Peterson Choo Choo Tortas Mike Bly Embers by the Lake

What best qualifies you for this position? A wealth of business experience blended with nine years of successful city government experience. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? There are actually two issues that are of equal importance: An acute shortage of law enforcement officers and

What best qualifies you for this position? I went to school here in Spokane Valley, I raised three children here, I am grounded here. Through this last December and for five years before, I was serving on the Spokane Valley Planning Commission, and I am still serving on the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force. I have served on Educational Committees, neighborhood planning committees, I coached girls’ softball for years. I am grounded here. The past couple of years we have seen tremendous change in the Spokane Valley, change that is ongoing, but change that can’t compare to what I have seen in my lifetime. In that lifetime, I delivered newspapers, I laid roofing, I worked in retail grocery. I

the growing problem of homelessness. Restraints imposed by our legal system have handcuffed our local ability to adequately deal with homeless ‘encampments.’ While some homeless are, through circumstances beyond their control, thrust into their situations, others choose to live the homeless life. Our city has chosen to assist those who want to find a path out of homelessness. We are ready to assist where we can. However, for those who do not want help, we don’t intend to make our city attractive. The general temperament of the nation has caused the profession of public safety to come under scrutiny.

In Spokane Valley we appreciate and value our law enforcement. I, for one, would take a very dim view of any attempt to defund our police. Recruitment and training must be revised to meet changing requirements and attitudes if that’s what it takes to meet an evolving society.

was a machinist, I learned to build buildings, I learned the value of building strong minds. That lifetime of DIVERSITY taught me the value of it, taught me how everyone has a gift, a strength, a passion to share. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? You and I agree we need to improve Public Safety, we’re all frustrated with the poor traffic flow. Protecting our neighborhoods and parks, the quality of life they provide, is critical, and addressing the housing shortage with development along our corridors and proper planning that brings the right kind of business opportunities is, of course, of must. Bringing people together to get things done is my strength. That is why from the Mainstream Republicans of Washington State to those

JJ Johnson Challenger

on the Magnuson Club have endorsed me. From the Unions to Republican PCOs have endorsed me. The current and every past Mayor (but my opponent) is on my team. I’m supported by business owners, developers, and those that work for and with them. My neighbors, my fellow Planning Commission members, my fellow coworkers at Spokane Public Schools, support and endorse me. Even the Sheriff calls me, “levelheaded”.

CHALLENGER DID NOT RESPON

OCTOBER 2021 • 13

The Current

spokane valley council pos. 7 Linda Thompson incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position? Honored to be currently serving as your Councilmember in Position 7, I am best qualified to serve you on our Spokane Valley City Council. Representing Spokane Valley on local, state, and national committees has enabled me to lead policy work through established relationships with elected officials, agencies, organizations, schools, and advocacy efforts benefiting our city. Believing strongly in the greatness of our community, I am committed to ensuring the best business, education, employment,

What best qualifies you for this position? As a life-long Valley resident, I want Spokane Valley to be a clean, safe city, a great place to live, work and have a family. Years of training and working as a computer programmer have helped me develop an analytical and organized approach to problem solving. My current job working with others on a development team to achieve goals, gain consensus, set priorities, and verify results will be valuable experience when on the City Council. Relationships are important and even if one disagrees on many issues, areas of agreement can be found. I have a good grasp of financial principles after serving on my church Finance Council for many years. I have knowledge of issues gained by studying hard, working hard, and doing the

and life opportunities for all citizens. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? I believe the most important issue to address is continually increasing citizen engagement within all areas of our public policy work. Being open and clear about policies/decisions will build trust and increase citizen participation as we address: Public Safety: Support for our Spokane Valley Police Department, with force multiplier Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort (SCOPE), is critical as we navigate the recent legislative changes on policing. Embracing innovation through provision of increased mental health services while ensuring our resources/ policies help our officers deliver exemplary enforcement of our criminal laws, traffic safety, domestic/other violence, and property crimes is essential. Infrastructure: Maintaining safe, structurally sound streets with effective storm water systems, safe

pedestrian travel, and bridges/ railroad crossings are among the highest public project priorities. Economic Development: Businesses succeed in vibrant communities that provide skilled workforce, support excellent schools, and maintain quality of life for their citizens. With our professional staff and strong economic partnerships, we are experiencing robust economic development. Neighborhood Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of neighborhoods means listening to citizens’ concerns, understanding issues, and planning for the future while honoring the history of community. Development is important as we build infrastructure for expansion of our economy. I am committed to preserving the ‘hometown feel’ of Spokane Valley. Please learn more about me at www.VoteLindaThompson.com. I will be honored to have your vote.

homework necessary to be prepared. Having served on the Sidewalk Snow Removal Committee (now disbanded) and successfully lobbied for traffic light revisions at 8th and McDonald has given me experience engaging with City Hall. People work hard to earn their money and I will work just as hard to spend their tax dollars wisely. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Public safety. This involves fully funding, supporting and staffing Valley Police and community support services. We want a cleaner and safer community! Gangs have moved into the Valley and brought their drugs and violence with them. City ordinances are not being effectively enforced regarding “nuisance” houses which has brought drugs, crime, safety and health concerns into our

Laura Padden Challenger

neighborhoods. Homelessness needs to be addressed by targeting the root causes. The goal is to create a path to stability and success for those who are willing to work at it. There is a host of issues associated with homelessness including increased crime, safety, physical and mental health, disease, displaced families and more. There are many challenges but Spokane Valley’s public safety must be improved.

Spokane valleySchool council Central Valley pos. 4 No. 2 Dir. Dist. Ben Wick

Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position? I am a 4th Generation Spokane Valley native, graduating from East Valley High School and Eastern Washington University. I am a local business owner, happily married with 4 young children, member of the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club, and have volunteered for many organizations and events. I am involved in our community and committed to working for the best future of Spokane Valley. While serving as your current City Council member, I have been selected as your Mayor by my fellow council members, achieved my advanced certificate of municipal leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, and represent all cities around the state on transportation and specifically strategic freight mobility investments. I have remained committed to the idea that our city remain a limited government living within its means without raising taxes nor going into debt and contracting for services with the private sector if at all possible. But more than that keeping an eye on the future and taking opportunities that come up which will help the city in the long run. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Funding our Transportation Infrastructure is the most important issue, we need to find ways to not only continue to improve our infrastructure to support all of the development but also maintain the network we have. None of us want our streets to fall apart but we need to be strategic on how we accomplish it. We have to get involved and advocate for grants and matching money for our projects, find lower cost ways to maintain our roads and take care of them before they get so bad they can’t be repaired. For every dollar we spend in maintenance and preservation we save up to eight dollars of reconstruction costs. CHALLENGER DID NOT RESPOND

• OCTOBER 2021

Central Valley School Dir. Dist. No. 5 Pam Haley Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position? I have been honored to serve as a City of Spokane Valley council member for 6 years. I hold a Master’s in Business and a Master’s of Science in Education and have been a small business owner for 26 years. I own Rainbow Connection Too childcare and am part owner in Parkview Early Learning Center. I build and manage a multi-million dollar budget each year and have a strong knowledge of how to prioritize projects. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? We have a housing shortage that needs to be addressed.

CHALLENGER DID NOT RESPOND

The Current

Central Valley School Dir. No. 2 Teresa (Tere) Landa incumbant

What best qualifies you for the position? My history in Spokane Valley, my passion for teaching children and my experience in education set me apart and qualify me for the CVSD District 2 Director position. I attended school K-12 here as did my mother, siblings, cousins, children, and great nieces. The quality of education we had allowed us to achieve post high school degrees and successful careers.

What best qualifies you for this position? My name is Bret Howell and I am running for CVSD School Board Director Position 2. My best qualification for this position is that I have two 12 year old boys that are currently in attendance in CVSD. My motivations are pure. I grew up and attended K-12 schooling in CVSD and am proud that my children are following in my footsteps. I will work hard to ensure that all children in CVSD have the best educational environment possible. I love this community and am proud to be an American. Serving the community that I live in would be a great honor. I have served the PNW for over 21 years as a Mechanical Engineering Consultant and I have an abundance of

After graduating from college I was hired in CVSD teaching at South Pines, McDonald, Opportunity, and Sunrise Elementaries before moving into administration. When Liberty Lake Elementary opened, it was my privilege to be the first Assistant Principal before I was promoted to district K-12 Curriculum Director. I knew staff and parents in many neighborhood schools and had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students in the classroom and Special Programs. After 26 years I left CVSD to accept a job as Superintendent in the Newport School District returning in 2009. I know our community and how public schools work. I also appreciate the top standing that CVSD has in our state. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issues

that need to be addressed are educating students and building better trust between the School Board and all members of the community. We need to work together to ensure our students get the same opportunities to learn and grow as I did to become successful adults. With learning loss during the pandemic, students will need a variety of programs to help them catch up. Many of our students also need social and emotional support after months of dealing with the disruption caused by the pandemic. In addition, the current divisive climate in our country has caused a level of distrust among some parents that we have not seen before. Through communication and transparency trust levels can improve.

experience managing teams, creating timelines, budgeting projects, and most importantly in problem solving. I work with lawyers, business owners, government agencies, and many other types of professionals on a regular basis. I am a confident public speaker and a very good listener. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The mental health of our children is the #1 issue we are facing today. Draconian mandates have done great harm to our youth both mentally and educationally. I strongly oppose, and will fight hard against, any poisonous Critical Race Theory curriculum. I oppose the governors Comprehensive Sex Education curriculum, and will advocate for this to be managed at a local level with a primary

Bret Howell

Write- In

focus on health. I am opposed to Socialism and Marxism and am an advocate for strong families and freedom of choice. I stand for Liberty and encourage people to look to God for guidance in these difficult times. I am anti-mandate and will work hard to support all parents choices for whatever options they think are best for their families!

OCTOBER 2021 • 15

The Current

Central Valley School Dir. No. 5 Stan Chalich Write- In

What best qualifies you for this position? I was born and raised in Spokane Valley and went through CV schools. For 50 years, I have been a teacher, coach and mentor. I have participated in numerous community issues. I care deeply about our community and work to listen to all sides before making a decision. I have taught thousands of students in my career in CVSD. I have been

What best qualifies you for this position? I am a nurse, a mom, and a Christ follower. Nurses must assess, critically think and implement solutions, and advocate. I would do all related to items that need addressed with the board including advocating for our children, teachers, and staff. I am also a nurse educator so I have experience in educational aspects. As a mom, I very much understand the importance of a high-quality basic education that prepares our children for success after graduation. It is vital that CVSD prepares children for trade schools, college, or other means to success after graduation. As a Christ follower, I understand the importance of a curriculum that does not go against our values. There are families with other,

the school representative to the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and I’m active in the Liberty Lake Trails Committee, the Watershed Committee, etc. I created a mentoring program with a local law firm, working with the Community Outreach Program with the federal courts and with the Spokane County Superior Court. For more than 40 years I’ve integrated government and the justice system in my teaching. I am from this community and will fight for our values. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? My opponents have been very clear on their intentions. They have established a nonprofit and filed a petition to recall our school board. Our schools are incredible. They are incredible because of the students, parents, teachers and

or no, religious beliefs. Our schools need to respect all beliefs and ensure they are not teaching against them. This is best done by focusing on high quality basic education free of any political agendas or indoctrination.. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue that needs to be addressed is the curriculum. Our children need high quality basic education to succeed. COVID has caused our children to fall behind in their learning and knowledge. We must use every resource to catch them up including ensuring that time and resources are spent on basic education and not political indoctrination. We must also ensure that we implement what is best for our children related to COVID policies. Our local children are struggling and many have

staff. They are also incredible because of the prudent stewardship of the school board and our superintendent. I could not stand by while bullies and extremists attempted a takeover of our schools. I’m seeking CVSD School Board Position 5 as a write-in because I see the need for a level headed candidate who knows and understands our community. I will fight for the welfare of our kids—I will work to keep them healthy and in the classroom, learning from our amazing teachers and striving toward a bright future. I never met anyone I didn’t like. I try to find the good in everyone. But I don’t like bullies. I’m asking you to write in my name, Stan Chalich, for CVSD School Board Position 5.

Pam Orebaugh Candidate

What is your favorite book? Rod Higgins Shogun JJ Johnson “Sapiens” by Noah Harari

Ben Wick Winds of War Pam Haley Anything by F. Scott Fitzgerald Linda Thompson Different Drummers by Lyle Hatcher and Don Caron Laura Padden A Man for All Seasons Teresa (Tere) Landa is The Cold Millions by Jess Walter Bret Howell Atlas Shrugged Stan Chalich With Malice Toward None - Biography of Abraham Lincoln

developed depression or other mental health concerns. Many cannot understand what is being taught due to the mask muffling words. We cannot simply focus on COVID prevention measures without looking at the bigger picture regarding how actions are affecting our children. We must analyze the consequences of a policy and determine the best way forward based upon a risk benefit analysis.

Pam Orebaugh The Bible Justin Voelker Shogun by James Clavell Carolyn Peterson anything Branden Sanderson Mike Bly Dune

• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

east valley school Dir. no. 3 Justin Voelker

Ballot Drop Off Locations

CenterPlace 2426 N Discover Pl Spokane Valley, WA 99216 Liberty Lake Library 23123 E Mission Ave Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Otis Orchards Library 22324 E Wellesley Ave Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Spokane Valley Library 12004 E Main Ave Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Argonne Library 4322 N Argonne Rd Spokane, WA 99212

incumbant

What best qualifies you for the position? I grew up in a military faI’m the best qualified candidate for this position due to a combination of experience, and education. I’m seeking reelection for a third term in office and have helped steer East Valley School District through many challenges serving as board president for three of my eight years of service.

What best qualifies you for this position? My family and I moved to East Valley the summer of 2017 and immediately fell in love. We had spent the past 10 years in the Air Force and we’re looking for a place to settle our 5 kids. The community feel is exactly what we were looking for. I chose to run for the East Valley School Board because I knew that this was a community that I wanted to fully be a part of. With 5 kids, EVHS (‘21) 11th, 8th (EVMS), 5th and 2nd (Trentwood), every decision that is made on ANY grade level directly effects our family. I want to be a part of those decisions.

My professional education and training in accounting and finance provide me with unique insight into the school district finances. I’ve used my insights to ensure that East Valley is financial stable and ready to serve the needs of our students and community. I have two children that have been educated in East Valley. One currently in high school and the second who graduated in June. Their educational journey through the school system has allowed be to make personal connections at all levels of the district. I’ve found that these relationships have greatly enhanced my knowledge of our challenges and successes in East Valley. This has

allowed me to better serve the stakeholders of the East Valley School District. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue that needs to be addressed for East Valley is adjusting the school environment for success in a post COVID world. It’s easy to be frustrated about the current situation. However, I feel it is a school board directors’ duty to ensure we listen to our community and move the district forward for success in the future. That the success must include all parties, students, parents, staff, and community.

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Right now, I feel the most important issues facing our schools are getting back to a sense of normalcy and balance for our kids. Getting kids fully back into the school experience. Then addressing the mental, social, emotional and the. Learning deficiencies that have happened over the past 18m.

Carolyn Peterson

Challenger

OCTOBER 2021 • 17

The Current

East Valley school Dir. No. 5 Mike Bly Incumbant

What best qualifies you for this position? I am a life long resident and graduate of EVSD and I have been serving on the board for two years. My family and I are quite active in the district and the community at large. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed?

Balancing safety and education as we work through this Covid pandemic has taken center stage. Through that lens, it is what can we do to make sure all our students are successful on their individual educational journeys that is most important to me.

Lost your Ballot?

Most admired public servant? Rod Higgins Mike Pompeo JJ Johnson Rob McCann

Ben Wick Abraham Lincoln Pam Haley Abraham Lincoln Linda Thompson U. S. Congressman John Lewis Laura Padden Ronald Reagan Teresa (Tere) Landa Ambassador Ryan Crocker Bret Howell Donald Trump Stan Chalich Abraham Lincoln Pam Orebaugh Ben Carson Justin Voelker President Dwight Eisenhower Carolyn Peterson Kristy Nome Mike Bly -

Now you can go online to get a replacement! Input your information and it will generate the correct ballot for you. Simply print it off and take it to a ballot drop off location. To utilize this service go to https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login

YOUR VOTE COUNTS

Gen. Colin Powell

• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

Eat, Shop

&Be Merry SHARE YOUR GIFT IDEA WITH THE VALLEY!

A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

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Distribution This guide is strategically scheduled to land November 22 and 23 — the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday. It will be distributed in The Splash (11,000 copies delivered to every address in Liberty Lake and available for free at more than 100 newsstands through Christmas) as well as The Current (26,000 copies delivered to 18,000 homes in Spokane Valley and at more than 250 newsstands throughout the greater Spokane Valley).

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OCTOBER 2021 • 19

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Clare Deyarmin has made it a point to excel at University High. The senior maintains a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is part of DECA, a program that promotes marketing and entrepreneurship, and serves as DECA president for Chapter 11, a region that includes all of Eastern Washington. She is vice president of leadership for the Washington DECA Officer Team. As a junior, she qualified for the DECA state competition after placing second in the regional travel and tourism category with fellow student Caden Roberts. Last year, she served as junior class president. Deyarmin is currently senior class vice president and in her third year as a varsity cheerleader. She has been accepted to Washington State University where she plans to major in elementary education with a goal of becoming a teacher.

Gage Jorgenson sums up his approach as a defensive lineman in five words – “I play with my heart.” At 6 feet, 220 pounds, the University High senior may not be the biggest player on the field but so far this season, he has made a definite impact. Through four games, Jorgenson has 20 tackles for losses, three sacks and two forced fumbles for the 2-2 Titans. He tallied a dozen tackles against Mead. Jorgenson, timed at 4.68 in the 40-yard dash, was named Greater Spokane League Honorable Mention as a junior. He has been part of the U-Hi wrestling squad since his freshman year and qualified for regionals twice. He is one of five team captains for football this season. “I’m working to become the best of the best,” said Jorgenson who has a goal of playing on the college level.

Lawyer, community volunteer, veteran, pilot, dad – Kyle Nolte fits all these definitions and more. The native of North Dakota is a graduate of Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University Law School. He also has his master’s in law from George Washington University. Between active duty and the National Guard, Nolte spent 15 years in the Army and eight years in the Air Force where he was part of the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG). While in the National Guard, he was named Non-Commissioned Soldier of the Year. A principal with Stamper Rubens law firm, Nolte is a longtime member and past president of the Greater Spokane Valley Rotary Club. He is also a past president and former board member with Camp STIX, a nonprofit program that advocates for children with diabetes. He is the proud dad of two kids.

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OCTOBER 2021 • 21

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Science from Home For kids ages 8 and over & their families Try out cool science experiments with things you have at home! Each week, Librarian Molly shares a science experiment using common household goods. October 2–December 18 Saturdays at 11am On our Facebook page: www.scld.org/facebook

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Crest

Spokane Valley Journalism will never be the same A tribute to Mike Huffman By Nina Culver

Current contributor

If something was happening in Spokane Valley, Mike Huffman was there. As the managing editor, chief reporter, photographer and page designer for the Valley News Herald, Huffman had his finger firmly on the pulse of Washington’s eighth largest city. Huffman died suddenly in his sleep on Aug. 10 of a suspected heart attack. He was 53. Former Valley News Herald owner Bill Ifft said he first met Huffman in 1990, when he worked at the Cheney Free Press. Back in those days, 10 employees put the paper out every week. “Mike was a big part of it,” Ifft said. “We’d gather and have a few beers after we were done.” Ifft said he remembers Huffman as friendly and humorous. “He was one of those people, always smiling, always had a joke,” he said. Huffman was born in Spokane in 1968 to Ted and Mary Lou Huffman. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1986 and studied journalism at Eastern Washington University. His job at the Cheney Free Press was his first in journalism. The only time he left the Spokane area was to work for the Glendale Star in Arizona for a couple years in

the 1990s. It proved to be a fortuitous move. “We met at a Fourth of July pool party,” said his wife of 17 years, Shannon. Huffman moved back to Spokane Valley and took the editor job at the Valley News Herald, where he stayed for more than two decades. His wife said he loved taking on the many roles required of an employee of a small newspaper. “He did it all,” she said. “He thrived on that. He was an independent guy.” Journalism was Huffman’s passion, his wife said. “He loved writing,” she said. “He just loved the creativity. Home away from home was at work.” Ifft said he was always confident that Huffman would do the job right. “When you do it the way we do, you’ve got to do everything,” he said. “He knew what he needed to do. He did it well.” Huffman’s wife said he loved being involved in the community. “I know he loved covering the city council, the opening of new facilities,” she said. And if he heard people saying things that weren’t true, he wasn’t afraid to set them straight, she said. “Mike always had his facts straight,” she said. “His knowledge of the Valley was immeasurable.” Huffman’s other passions included Marvel movies and comic

books as well as hockey. He followed the Spokane Chiefs and was a longsuffering Canucks fan. “That was just his team since he was little,” his wife said. “His dad’s a big hockey fan, too. I was a hockey widow.” In the fall of 2019, a new owner took over the Valley News Herald, the Cheney Free Press and several other small-town newspapers owned by Ifft. Huffman was laid off in April 2020. His wife said he spent his time taking care of his sister Keri Sue, who is disabled, and his father. “That was important to him,” she said. “His family was always number one.” Huffman was considering what to do next and whether he should be exploring other jobs, his wife said. His entire career was in journalism, except for a brief stint working for a railroad. “He didn’t know what to do,” she said. “That’s all he ever knew was journalism. He didn’t know how to do everything else.” Huffman was told that if he went back to work, he would have to cover Spokane Valley from the Cheney Free Press office in Cheney. But Huffman wasn’t sure if it would be possible to cover Spokane Valley well without being based there, his wife said. “They had just reached out for him to come back,” his wife said. “He was still on the fence about it.” Ifft said he knew the new owner had been trying to bring Huffman back. “He’d been trying to get a hold of Mike to get back to work,” he said. “Then we found out there would be no getting a hold of Mike.

The Current Brought to you by

Mike Huffman

It was a shock.” Ifft said he will remember Huffman fondly. “I have a lot of favorable memories of Mike,” he said. “He was a really nice guy and he was a hard worker. His family meant a lot to him, especially his sister.” His wife said she was in Arizona caring for her sick mother when Huffman died. He hadn’t been feeling well and she had been trying to convince him to go see a doctor. She said she hopes that Huffman’s decades of hard work in Spokane Valley are remembered. “Mike’s irreplaceable to the Valley,” she said. Huffman was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou. He is survived by his wife, Shannon; his father, Ted; and his sister, Keri Sue.

OCTOBER 2021 • 23

The Current

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

Local athletes soar to great heights at Paralympic Games By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo – Teresa Skinner has represented the Inland Northwest as an elite adaptive sports coach at each of these highprofile venues and more. As the eyes of the world turned to Tokyo this summer for the Paralympic Games, she was there once again, mentoring a pair of athletes from ParaSport Spokane and cheering on alumni from the program who proudly wore the Team USA colors. “This is the second largest sporting event in the world,” Skinner said. “It’s the best of the best competing on the largest stage. It’s really fun for me to be there for the culmination of what these athletes have worked for.” Jaleen Roberts of ParaSport Spokane soared to silver medals in the long jump and 100 meters in the games, held Aug. 24-Sept. 5. Susannah Scaroni captured gold in the 5,000 meters and bronze in the 800 while Hannah Dederick of Spokane Valley placed fourth in the 100 meters. Isaiah Rigo of Cheney (seventh in the 100 meters and 1,500 meters) and Richland’s Chelsea McClammer (sixth in the 800 and seventh in the 400) also sparkled in Tokyo. Scaroni was introduced to adaptive sports when she was a patient at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane. The native of Tekoa, a small farming town in Whitman County, Scaroni suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a car accident when she was 5 years old, losing the use of her legs. “The community was awesome,” Scaroni said of the support from Tekoa residents following the incident. “I was just really welcomed and integrated.” Scaroni met Skinner when she was the lead coach for Team St. Luke’s. She began participating in basketball and track and field and trained at Carroll College in Montana after graduating

Contributed photo Hannah Dederick, a recent graduate of Central Valley High School, was one of several local athletes who competed in the Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24-Sept. 5. Dederick placed fourth in the 100 meters and also competed in the 400 meters. from Tekoa High in 2009. After she transferred to the University of Illinois in 2011, Scaroni signed up for her first marathon. She did so well at the Chicago Marathon, she qualified for the Boston Marathon and, in 2012, represented Team USA in the event at the London Paralympics. In addition to her bronze and gold in Tokyo, Scaroni placed sixth in the marathon with a time of 1:41.04 and ninth in the 1,500 meters. As for the gold in the 5,000 where Scaroni set a personal best of 10:52.57, Scaroni knew she would face stern competition. China, Switzerland and Australia all entered racers with impressive resumes. “I didn’t expect to medal,” Scaroni said. “In the race, I was so surprised. I was just looking around like, ‘Where are they?’” Scaroni said the visibility of the Paralympics “lets people with disabilities know they have role models.” “I love overcoming the challenges that I have,” she said. “I was so proud of the hard work I put in to make this happen.” Skinner called Scaroni “an incredible athlete.” “From the outside, it looked for the first time like she realized she had

every right to win,” Skinner said. “I don’t think she’s realized how talented and deserving she is.” Scaroni said more grassroots programs are needed to bring adaptive sports to the forefront. She supports the idea of creating a curriculum for high school coaches to learn more about opportunities for athletes with disabilities. “Everything we do in life is one step at a time,” Scaroni said. “Each practice session, I try to do things better.” Of the 64 athletes representing Team USA in Tokyo, 30 were competing in their first Paralympics. The squad collected 104 medals at the games, trailing only Great Britain and China. One of those first-time Paralympians was Hannah Dederick, a recent graduate of Central Valley High School, who came into Tokyo with golds in the 100, 400 and 800 at the Move United Junior National Championships in Denver. Born in Suzhou, China, Dederick was left on the steps of a hospital as a baby and adopted by a family who moved to Spokane. She began training with ParaSport Spokane in 2015 at the age of 12. Dederick, who attended Liberty

Lake Elementary and middle school at Greenacres and Evergreen, missed the bronze in the 100 by a whisker, finishing with a time of 16.36. She also competed in the 400. “It was definitely a surreal experience, a whole other level from other international competitions,” Dederick said. “I really did want to medal. I knew going in, it was going to be tough. Now I have four years to improve upon the things I need to.” Dederick said the support of her coaches and teammates at CV was a catalyst in qualifying for the Paralympics. “They knew I was chasing Tokyo,” she said. “They were cheering me on in every race.” Dederick will continue her studies and sports at the University of Illinois this fall where she is on scholarship. “She’s only scratched the surface,” said Skinner of Dederick. “It’s the fun of knowing where they’re headed. It wasn’t until after she won gold as part of the Junior World Team that she realized wheelchair racing is fun and she might actually be good at it.” Skinner, who was joined in Tokyo by her husband and fellow ParaSport Spokane coach David Greig, said she was encouraged by the coverage of the Paralympics by NBC which included 17 additional hours as compared to the previous games. “It’s definitely better,” she said. “I saw more interviews. NBC was there and that was great but it needs to be on prime time where everyone can watch it. We have to ramp it up.” Skinner was hoping for around 50 inquiries to ParaSport Spokane during and after the games. Instead, she received only four. The next large event for the program – which has its home base at Valley Christian School in Spokane Valley – will be the Spokane Showdown Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, Oct. 16-17 at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake. “We talk about adaptive sports being a catalyst for life,” Skinner said. “I want them to achieve what they never thought was possible.” Want to find out more? To learn more about ParaSport Spokane, visit www.parasportspokane.org or contact Teresa Skinner at tskinner@ parasportspokane.org or 509-999-6466.

OCTOBER 2021 • 25

The Current

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Eat, Shop

&Be Merry SHARE YOUR GIFT IDEA WITH THE VALLEY!

A holiday guide for the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Otis Orchards, Newman Lake and Rockford areas

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Attention all Veterans, It's time for our Annual Day of Free Dentistry for Veterans! Spokane Family dental would like to show appreciation to all Veterans in the Spokane area. If you are a veteran, or know a veteran that could use some free dentistry, call or stop in to get pre-screened for Nov. 11, our Day of Free Dentistry.

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We make it easy to smile! Call us to schedule your appointment today!

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

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The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

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CIRCULATION

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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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OPINION

OCTOBER 2021 • 27

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Dear Editor,

We deserve a choice. That's why we were so excited to hear that Stan Chalich, who taught and coached at Central Valley High School for 49 years, has filed to be a write-in candidate for the Fifth Position on the CV School Board. Stan gives us a choice because the two candidates who made it through the primary are anti-mask and believe Critical Race Theory is a thing to be opposed despite it not being a subject within the CV curriculum. In his almost 50 decades, Stan influenced the lives of countless students as a social studies teacher and a beloved coach. His focus on civics, government and citizenship led to an award from the Washington Bar Association. Consider the irony that he is running against a nursing instructor who appears unconcerned with the health of our children and a retired military man who had to hide his Facebook Page because of his belief in Qanon conspiracy theories. We have always valued education and the teachers who influenced their growth. We cannot stand by quietly as someone would put the health of students, faculty, staff and support personnel at risk, and tell teachers they cannot address American history. A write-in campaign is a longshot. Former students, parents and colleagues who know the impact Stan Chalich has had on the fabric of the Valley need to get involved – now! Time is short and the future of our children is too much to risk. Dave and Lori Trimmer, Spokane Valley

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Index of advertisers Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Current.

Inland Empire Utility CC

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John Roskelley

Spokane Family Dental

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Simonds Dental Group

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• OCTOBER 2021

The Current

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RE-ELECT

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Redistricting Spokane County

Getting ready for five commissioners By Nina Culver

Current contributor

The Spokane County Independent Redistricting Committee is in the final phases of recommending new voting districts in order to expand the Spokane County Board of Commissioners from three members to five. The change is required because Spokane County now has more than 400,000 residents. The change will take effect in time for the 2022 elections. The committee, which includes two Republicans and two Democrats, was appointed by the state legislature. Robin Ball and Jim McDevitt represent the Republicans and Brian McClatchey and Natasha Hill represent the Democrats. The non-voting chairwoman, Elaine Couture, was selected by the Commissioners. The committee has been meeting every Tuesday since April, said Couture. She said she had just retired after a career as a registered nurse, most recently as the Regional Chief Executive for Providence Health Care in Washington and Montana. She said she’s not sure why she was selected, but she has experience at bringing people together to find solutions. “I have a health care background, not anything to do with politics or municipal government,” she said.

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“I personally have learned a lot in this process.” In creating the five new districts, the committee must make sure each district is as close to equal in population as possible and the districts should follow natural boundaries when possible. The group was required to have two public hearings to get input on the process, but they decided to host four information sessions and four public hearings, Couture said. “Going from three to five commissioners is a big deal,” she said. “I really commend the committee for taking this seriously. It may be another 30 or 40 years until these lines are redrawn. This will affect all of us.” Each committee member submitted their own proposed district map in a draft plan released on Aug. 24. It was soon decided to narrow the options to the maps submitted by McClattchey and McDevitt, labeled as options C and D in the draft plan available online at www.redistrictspokaneco.com. In Option C, District 1 would include most of Liberty Lake and a wide swath of north Spokane County that includes Deer Park and Chattaroy. District 2 would include a chunk of eastern Spokane Valley and most areas south of the Spokane, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake city limits. District 3 would include the West Plains and the parts of Spokane south of Interstate 90. District 4 would include most of north Spokane west of Nevada up through the Indian Trails area and along portions of Highway 291. The fifth and final district would include Spokane east of Nevada, Millwood, and portions of Spokane Valley. In Option D, District 1 would include everything in Spokane’s South Hill as well as the East Central and West Central neighborhoods. District 2 would include most of North Spokane. District 3 would look similar to District 1 in Option C, but Liberty Lake is excluded and the district would dip into the northern part of Spokane Valley. District 4 would include Liberty Lake, the southern portion of Spokane Valley and all of south Spokane County east of Highway 195. District 5 would include south Spokane County west of Highway 195, the West Plains and wrap up

ON THAT NOTE to north Spokane County areas that include the Long Lake area. Now those maps are being altered based on community feedback, Couture said. “These were drafts,” she said. “Now they have to be tweaked. Our goal is to get to one final plan the committee members can find consensus on.” If the committee cannot reach a consensus, the state legislature will determine the boundaries of the new districts. Couture said the committee members are determined not to let that happen because they want the decision made locally by people who are intimately familiar with Spokane County. “I still am very, very optimistic that this group will come together and submit a final map,” she said. “They have worked very, very well together. I think there will be some great debates coming up about how the lines should be drawn.” There will be other election changes in addition to increasing the number of County Commissioners to five. In the past, commissioners have been voted on by district in the primary election and countywide in the general election. Once there are five commissioners in place, each will be elected only by voters in the district they represent. “It won’t be based on a countywide vote,” Couture said. “That’s a big change.” Once the committee has selected a final district plan, it must be submitted to Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton by Oct. 23 for implementation. Though the process is nearing the final stages, there are still opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed districts. The committee meets every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. The final public hearing is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino at 100 N. Hayford Road in Airway Heights. All meetings can also be attended via Zoom, with a link provided on the Redistrict Spokane website. Comments can also be submitted via email to info@ redistrictspokaneco.com or by mail to PO Box 31508, Spokane WA 99223.

OCTOBER 2021 • 29

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S P O K A N E C O U N T Y R E D I S T R I C T I N G C O M 292 M I T T E E D R A F T P L A N C O M M I S S I O N E R D I S T R I C T S County Boundary Municipal Boundary Major Highway Road 0

2.75

5.5

Miles

Draft Plan Scenario D District District District District District

••

• • 231

1 2 3 4 5

• • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • •

•395 •

•2 •

• • 291

• • 206

• • 291

• • 53

•2 • •195 ••395 •

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• •

••

90 • • • •• • ••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • 902

• •

• • •• ••••••••

• •

231

904

• •

27 • • • • •• •• • • • • • • • • 278 58

•195 • • • • • • •• • • • • • • •

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• • •• ••• •• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •• • • • • • • •

• • 23

• • •• • • • • • •

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S P O K A N E C O U N T Y R E D I S T R I C T I N G C O M 292 M I T T E E D R A F T P L A N C O M M I S S I O N E R D I S T R I C T S County Boundary Municipal Boundary Major Highway Road 0

2.75 Miles

5.5

Draft Plan Scenario C District District District District District

••

• • 231

1 2 3 4 5

• • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • •

•395 •

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• • 291

• • 206

• • 291

• • 53

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• •

••

90 • • • •• • ••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • 902

• • 231

• • •• ••••••••

• • 904

•195 • • • • • • •• • • • • • • •

• •

27 • • • • •• •• • • • • • • • • 278 58

• •• •

• • •• ••• •• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •• • • • • • • •

• • 23

Page 7

• • •• • • • • • •

• OCTOBER 2021

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