October 2016 Current

OCTOBER

2016

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DE LEON FOODS PREMIERES IN VALLEY Page 12

SCIL PROVIDES CRITIAL VOICE Page 10

APPLEWAY’S LAST APPLE TREE Page 47

Special Election Guide Page 19

2 • OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

The Current

The Park Bench

Election Engineer – Dalton has served as county auditor since 1999

By Craig Howard Current Editor Growing up in Priest River, Idaho, Vicky Dalton was diligent about completing her homework. Then there was the work at home.

Dalton pitched in with a variety of chores on the family farm, tasks that ranged from tending a massive garden to raising chickens, pigs and steers and gathering firewood to heat the home and cook. The garden duties included canning the vegetables harvested each season.

Dalton and her three siblings may have been raised in a rural setting but they also saw the world transitioning into the space age – literally. Dalton was born on May 5, 1961, the same day that astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into orbit as part of the Mercury mission.

Dalton’s dad drove a logging truck and her mom worked in a grocery store and oversaw the family farm each summer. The work ethic Dalton learned early on carried over to pursuits outside the home. When she entered elementary school, Dalton discovered an aptitude for reading. By sixth grade, she had gone through most of the school library’s collection.

Dalton stayed in her home state for college, attending Idaho State University in Pocatello. She emerged in 1982 with a bachelor’s in Business Administration/ Accounting and followed it up with another degree in Business Administration/Computer Information Management.

After college, Dalton latched on

Vicky Dalton has served as Spokane County auditor for nearly 18 years. The Idaho native spent time as a certified public accountant and as the county’s internal auditor before moving into her current role.

Photo by Craig Howard with several CPA firms, working in the field for six years. Her career began in audit and tax areas. Later she shifted primarily to auditing job training programs for the federal Department of Labor. Dalton is still a professional certified public accountant in Washington with previous accreditations in Utah and Idaho. She served as president of the Washington Association of County Auditors from 2011-2012 and is certified as a government finance manager and an elections administrator.

Dalton spent a decade as the internal auditor for Spokane County, having the rare opportunity to work with every department and employees at every layer of county government. She ran for county auditor in the fall of 1998.

Her victory in the general election would pave the way for a new career overseeing elections among many other aspects of an office that now includes 42 full-time positions.

Dalton has faced challengers on the ballot over the years, but

emerged victorious five times.

The position is responsible for four diverse offices, including elections, recording/marriage licensing, vehicle licensing and financial services.

Q: When you were an undergrad at Idaho State University, did you ever have any idea that you would go on to become a county auditor?

A: No, I planned to become a CPA and a tax attorney. I did become a CPA but discovered that the federal tax system did not fit my moral standards. Thankfully, I worked on financial audits of local governments. These audits fascinated me because I saw the impact that local governments have on everyday life. Eventually, I had the opportunity to work for Spokane County and help make change happen at the local level as the internal auditor. I didn’t contemplate running for office until my boss, the county auditor, mentioned the possibility that he would retire. I realized that as the

county auditor, I could make more change and more improvement happen on a broader scale than I could as an internal auditor.

Q: Do you think most people, even those who vote, have any idea what an auditor's responsibilities entail?

A: The responsibilities of the county auditor are so diverse that most people are truly surprised when they learn about my four offices – elections, recording/ marriage Licenses, vehicle licensing and financial services. Almost every resident of Spokane County will be served by one of my offices during the year.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

A: Every day is an adventure and a challenge. While most of the operations in the four offices are routine, I never know what is going to happen when I wake up in the morning. Recently, there

See DALTON, Page 3

The Current

DALTON

OCTOBER 2016 • 3

NEWS

Continued from page 2 was a recall petition filed with the Elections Office. My office is involved in many of the steps in the recall process so we had to provide background information, including to the news media.

Q: With the general election coming up, there has been a lot of talk about candidates and issues. Do you tend to see more interest and a better turnout during a presidential election year?

A: While a normal November general election generates a 55 to 65 percent turnout, the presidential dlection every four years generates over 80 percent turnout. People are more likely to vote in the presidential election because they are more familiar with the presidential candidates than with any other race or issue.

Q: How do you think the change to a mail-in ballot has affected voter interest and participation?

A: Time has become the most precious resource in our daily lives.

Rather than having just one day to cast their vote, voters have nearly two-and-a-half weeks to vote with vote-by-mail. Voters use this time to obtain information about those issues and races and to get their ballot back to us to be counted.

Another advantage is that voters know their races and issues when the ballots arrive. When voting was at poll sites, I was always amazed at the number of voters who would walk in, look at the ballot and say “I don’t know anything about these issues on my ballot.”

Overall, I think voters are much more knowledgeable and informed with vote-by-mail.

Q: Why do you think more registered voters don't cast ballots?

A: Voter turnout is driven by two factors – voter interest and media coverage.

The highest turnouts occur when the ballot contains an issue/race that is interesting or controversial. Recent examples are the initiatives to legalize marijuana and the initiative to privatize liquor sales. Media coverage and advertising also increases turnout.

When messages are constantly viewed on the television and Internet or heard on the radio,

it reminds voters to vote and to return their ballot.

Q: Every so often you need to run for re-election if you want to remain auditor. What parts of the candidate/campaign process do you like and what aspects are not your favorite?

A: Every four years, county elected officials are up for election.

During the campaign season, I appreciate the greater opportunity to talk with people about my offices, what we do and how we impact everyday life. The aspect of campaigning that I dislike the most is asking for money, so I do a very frugal campaign.

Q: I hear you're an accomplished knitter and quite good at restoring antique knitting equipment. Where did that start?

A: My grandmother, who emigrated from Russia at 16, was a seamstress. Although she died when I was 5, I gained my love of fabric and yarn from her. I’ve sewn for as long as I can remember. I learned to knit at 7. My first loom was purchased at a yard sale in 1990 and more have been added since, including one built by an aircraft designer. The first knitting machine was acquired in about 2000 and has been joined by several more, including two circular sock knitting machines, built in the 1910s.I find the equipment fascinating. I love to tear the machines apart, refurbish them and put them back together.

I enjoy figuring out how they work.

The knitting machines from the 1910s are elegant in their simplicity and efficiency. he electronic knitting machines from the 1990s use the same basic process but the addition of computer control creates highly complex patterns

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Q: Are there any parallels between your favorite hobbies and your duties as an auditor?

A: Actually, my hobbies of knitting, sewing and refurbishing equipment have a lot in common with elections, recording, licensing and accounting.

Success is accomplished by setting a clear goal, knowing your subject, planning the steps carefully and knowing how to deal with any problems that arise.

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4 • OCTOBER 2016

NEWS

Valley road construction continues into autumn

of the same project, Wilbur between Boone to Broadway and Rego from Bates to Wilbur will be closed around the clock to all but local traffic through Oct. 3 for stormwater improvements.

The following is a list of transportation improvement projects in the city of Spokane Valley this month and beyond:

Northbound traffic remains reduced to one lane with vehicles are restricted to 10 feet wide or less.

Oversized vehicles should use Barker or Pines as alternatives.

From Current News Sources

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

44th from Locust to Ponderosa - Reduced to a two-lane gravel roadway with speeds reduced to 15 mph from through Oct. 7.

44th from Schafer Branch to Ponderosa - Reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekdays through Oct. 7.

“Eat, Shop and Be Merry” is a special cover section that will champion what the Valley area has to offer in the way of gifts and food. Advertise in this holiday guide aimed at area consumers and businesses — and as a bonus we’ll include your idea as part of our story featuring can’t-miss local gift ideas. Restaurants are encouraged to advertise and contribute a tantalizing menu item for our article on dining out.

On November 21 and 22, the guides will be distributed throughout the greater Valley area via The Splash and The Current. The December issues are strategically scheduled to land before Thanksgiving, just in time to remind residents about supporting local businesses on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26) and throughout the holiday season.

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Appleway from Park to DishmanMica - Remains reduced to two lanes around the clock through October for street improvement work with sidewalk, lane and temporary side street closures. Brief interruptions to driveway access may also be expected with those affected notified directly in advance. Local access and access to businesses will remain available.

Bates, Rego and Wilbur - Bates from Boone to Rego will be narrowed with flaggers directing traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. As part

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Sullivan Road Bridge replacement project:

Turns from Indiana onto northbound Sullivan are reduced to one lane.

One southbound lane will be closed at Flora Pit Road during working hours.

Expect nighttime signal work at Sullivan/Indiana with flaggers directing traffic. Date/time to be announced.

On all projects, signs and/or flaggers will direct traffic through or around the work areas.

Expect congestion and delays.

Those whose destinations are outside the project areas may wish to use alternative routes.

The city of Spokane Valley reminds motorists to observe posted speed limits, obey traffic and sidewalk detours and use caution when driving through construction areas.

Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement

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The Current

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We are looking for freelance writers. Send inquiries to publisher@libertylakesplash.com For information on advertising options and sponsorship opportunities, email advertise@libertylakesplash.com P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

509-242-7752 www.libertylakesplash.com • www.valleycurrent.com

The Current

NEWS

Argonne project brings improvements to busy thoroughfare From Current News Sources

A stretch of the busiest arterial in Spokane County is undergoing a major overhaul that is expected to take approximately two months.

A $1.2 million project on Argonne Road from Maringo (just north of the Spokane River) to Wellesley began on Aug. 8 and will continue until mid-October. The project involves replacing aging asphalt, upgrading stormwater facilities, replacing failing drywells, updating curb ramps to bring them into ADA compliance and improving traffic signalization at Upriver Drive.

County officials acknowledge that the road work has put a strain on local motorists.

“For all its improvements, the project will also make this stretch of Argonne extremely difficult to navigate and motorists should expect delays,” said Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter, county spokesperson. “For instance, traffic will be reduced to one-lane in each direction and there is no detour in place for Argonne Road. Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes.”

Wheatley-Billeter emphasized that all efforts are being made to ensure that property owners have

access to their homes. Spokane County inspection staff and the contractor, Inland Asphalt Company are making every effort to notify property owners when access will be limited. Working hours begin at 7 a.m. and go to 5 p.m. Some days are longer, but officials say the work will never continue after dark (unless there is an unforeseen emergency with utilities).

The project and its accompanying delays are having an effect on the town of Millwood where Argonne serves as a main street through a commercial corridor. Millwood City Clerk Tom Richardson has seen the impact of the work, but acknowledges the upgrade is important for a thoroughfare that carries so many motorists each day.

“Argonne is serving as the de facto north-south freeway,” Richardson said. “It is one of the main connectors between north Spokane and the Spokane Valley.

The project has been very disruptive to the Millwood community and the region. Unfortunately, these disruptions are necessary. We just hope the project is completed as quickly as possible that so our residents and businesses can get back to normal.”

The total cost of the project is $1,220,000.

The state Transportation Improvement Board is providing 60 percent of the of the funding. The other 40 percent will be paid out of Spokane County’s road and stormwater funds.

For more information, go to h t t p : / / w w w . s p o k a n e c o u n t y. org/257/Public-Works.

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6 • OCTOBER 2016

Help from Hank – Local businessman left legacy that benefits community

By Staci Lehman

Current Correspondent He’s been gone over 20 years, but Hank Grinalds is still giving to the community.

The Spokane businessman left a large bequest to the Spokane Valley Rotary Club and other area groups upon his death in 1995 that is still helping people today.

“He left us 5 percent of his estate, which amounts to about half a million,” said Mike Payson, immediate past president of Valley Rotary.

Two decades after Hank’s passing, through investments, that money has grown and helped many people.

NEWS

The Current

“We typically give away 32,000 to 38,000 a year,” said Payson.

“All directed toward seniors in the Valley.”

Grinalds moved to Spokane in 1946 after being stationed at Felts Field during World War II while serving in the Air Army Corps. He started out working for a glass company, then opened his own, Acme Glass, in the late 1950s.

Tom Markson, who served with Grinald in Rotary, says his business flourished for a reason.

“He was probably the toughest businessman in town but he had a kind heart for seniors,” said Markson.

Grinalds died of cancer at the age of 67. His will specified that the money left to Rotary be used to help older people. One of his daughters, Nancy Mortlock, who still lives in the area, said this was because there weren’t many services available to seniors at the time. In the 1970s, Grinalds, serving as president of the Spokane Valley Rotary Club, spearheaded an effort to build a senior center in Spokane Valley, one of the first of

Spokane Valley-based Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels is one of several nonprofit agencies to benefit from funds left by the late Hank Grinalds, a local businessmen with a heart for seniors who passed away in 1995.

Photo by Staci Lehman its kind in the region.

senior centers before that.”

“He didn’t feel it was being addressed in Spokane Valley at the time,” said Mortlock. “I can’t remember that there were any

According to Markson, that center on Mission Avenue had to eventually relocate.

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“The building began to sink because it was built on a landfill that no one knew existed,” said Markson.

There were efforts to save the building but it was eventually demolished and is currently the site of the dog park overseen by the city of Spokane Valley on Mission Avenue. Even so, that first senior center wasn’t a total loss.

These days, the Spokane Valley Senior Center, facilitated by the city of Spokane Valley, has its home in the spacious CenterPlace building in the Mirabeau Point area.

Recognized as a thriving hub for seniors from across the area, it all started through the generosity of Grinalds.

Besides Rotary, Grinalds also left endowments to Northwest Christian School and Whitworth College, among others. At the time, the amount left to local causes was reportedly approximately $3 million.

“He gave away 95 percent of his wealth to charity,” said Markson.

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Rotary passes their portion of the money on to social service agencies in the form of grants each

See GRINALDS, Page 45

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 7

NEWS

Painting with a Twist brings fun, accessible art to Valley

By Mary Anne Ruddis Current Correspondent

Deborah Jirasek, owner of Spokane Valley’s Painting with a Twist, was working as a nurse caring for Alzheimer patients the first time she experienced the power and relaxation of creating a work of art.

“I was actually scared of drawing,” she said. “My daughters took me out to paint and I was amazed that I was able to create a painting.

Being a nurse was very rewarding but extremely stressful. It was a great stress release for two to three hours. I could relax and let go.”

Deborah has one daughter who was living in Spokane when she and another of her three daughters moved here two years ago from Houston to open Painting with a Twist. The grand opening took place on Aug. 4 with 45 painters. The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Sept. 8 to welcome the new business.

Jirasek chose the Painting with a Twist franchise because she was hooked on the concept and wanted to start a business that was fun and bring laughter and stress reduction to as many people as possible.

She was also impressed with the support given to franchises and philosophy of the business to give back in their local communities.

Painting with a Twist Spokane Valley is managed by Jirasek’s daughter, Elizabeth, and employs four artists who have all gone through special training at the company headquarters. The special training ensures that franchises provide a consistent fun experience at all locations.

Painting with a Twist celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 8. The new business on Sprague Avenue in Spokane Valley held its grand opening on Aug. 4 with 45 painters.

Photo by Mary Anne Ruddis maximum of 36. Participants are given step-by-step instructions as they follow along and create their own version of the chosen work of art. The studio has beer, wine, champagne, mimosa and various sodas for purchase.

Class sizes can range from four to 20. A typical size is at least eight.

If reservations include at least 10 guests, the host can choose the painting they wish to use from the vast art library available.

online or by calling during office hours from noon to 6 p.m.

Classes range in price from $35 to $55 depending on the class.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 413-9892 or go online at https://paintingwithatwist. com/spokane-valley.

Painting parties can be booked on-line seven days a week.

Because of the liquor license, no under 21 years old is allowed on the premises. They do offer kid/ teen/family friendly classes for kids 7 and older off-site at local restaurants.

Other programs offered are team-building exercises for local businesses. The artist will create a sketch ahead of time on multiple canvases. Each employee paints a piece of a mural that can be displayed at the business as a reminder of the team unity.

After six months with the business, the artist can create an original work to become a part of the distribution system for classes to use nationwide.

There are many ideas from having your bridal party gather to a date night where the couple each paints half of the painting to create a whole, to holiday parties and family reunions. A “Paint your Pet” class is another fun variation where the artist sketches your pet prior to the class and then you attend and paint your pet’s picture.

The facility at 11703 E. Sprague features two rooms, a main studio that can accommodate 48 painters and a party room that holds a

The business also offers an opportunity to give back to the community. Offered to a different 501(c)3 non-profit each month,

“Our artists really care a lot about the people,” said Jirasek, “They make each class unique and fun.”

“Painting with a Purpose” is a company-wide program that pledges at least 50 percent of the proceeds from the class to a local charity. On Oct. 12, 60 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Meals on Wheels. The class is from 7 to 9 p.m. and you can sign up

Sunday October 16th 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

under 21 allowed $35 per seat For more information or to to see other events go to our website

paintingwithatwist.com/spokane-valley (509) 413 9892 studio196@paintingwithatwist.com

11703 E Sprague Ave Suite B3, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

8 • OCTOBER 2016

The Current

NEWS

City, library district mull over future of Balfour property

By Lincoln Dowright

Current Correspondent In October 2012 the city of Spokane Valley and the Spokane County Library District (SCLD) signed an agreement to purchase eight acres of property along Sprague Avenue adjoining Balfour Park. As part of the agreement, the city would purchase the property in totality and then sell a portion (which ended up being around 2.82 of the eight acres) to the library district for the development of a new library.

Also included in the agreement was a buyback clause that provided if the library was not able to pass a bond measure within five years, the city would buy back the property from the library district at the same price.

While the efforts to pass bond measure to build a new library building have been narrowly defeated in the last two attempts, the SCLD board of directors have indicated they would like to switch gears and find ways to maximize the existing library facility. The district has been working with an architect to develop options. In order to fund the renovations, the library district board is requesting that the Spokane Valley City Council amend the agreement and buy back the property a year early.

“We feel like we are trying to fail forward, listen to the voters and do the best with the resources we do have,” said Nancy Ledeboer, SCLD director.

Mayor Rod Higgins encouraged Ledeboer and the district to not abandon the idea of a new library.

“I don’t think this issue is dead and we would like you to reconsider,” Higgins said. “We can help you get this done. This is an important part of what we are trying to create, our community center. Lets’ talk some more and see if we can work something out” Council Member Mike Munch asked about raising private donations to lower the overall costs.

Construction on the new rendition of Spokane Valley City Hall continues in earnest. The project broke ground on June 9.

Photo by Craig Howard “I feel like the quick and easy way is to ask for a bond,” he said.

Other bond proposal options were discussed and ultimately the city asked SCLD to reconsider its request to advance the buy-back clause.

City legislative agenda With little debate, the City Council adopted its 2017 legislative agenda which identifies the priorities the city will advocate for with state leaders over in Olympia. They are: • Support legislation clarifying Valley water providers’ water rights • Transportation funding request for the Barker Road/BNSF grade separation project • Funding amenities

Appleway

Trail

• Protection of the local state shared revenues (i.e. try to maintain the revenue sharing of taxes collected at the state level such as liquor excise taxes and marijuana revenues).

• Protect businesses by reforming state regulatory burdens Draft comprehensive plan The comprehensive plan, which sets the public policies and goals for development across the city, is being considered for a major change. The process started more

than a year ago and was recently released as a draft. The document is scheduled to be discussed at multiple public hearings to collect citizen input (the upcoming hearings are schedule for the planning commission on Oct. 6 and then on Nov. 8 to the City Council with hopeful adoption on Nov. 22.

The major changes being proposed within the draft include making it focused on economic development, data driven (by utilizing other studies the city has had completed recently) and making it more concise, navigable and easier to understand overall.

The significant land use changes include: • Consolidation of the two multi-family density zones into a single high-density multi-family designation • Designation of new areas for parks and open space (land around Mirabeau Park and the Appleway Trail) • Change of the fffice space designation to corridor mixed-use to allow more flexibility within the zone • Designate new areas for neighborhood commercial development at major intersections in close proximity to existing

neighborhoods • Change the zoning of property along Trent Avenue to allow more light industrial uses • Consolidation of the light and heavy industrial zones into a single designation • Consolidation of some light density residential into higher density designations Garbage contracts

collection

services

Council also discussed the contracts for which providers are allowed to provide garbage service to the resident and commercial businesses within the city of Spokane Valley. The original agreements were in place before the city was incorporated so this is the first opportunity that Spokane Valley has had direct involvement in the negotiations.

The city has selected a consultant (Epicenter Services, LLC in the amount of $47,500) to assist them in development of an request for proposals (RFP) to look at options and achieve the best possible rates for the citizens and businesses of Spokane Valley. Draft RFPs have been distributed to some of the major players to get their feedback

See SV UPDATE, Page 9

The Current

NEWS

SV UPDATE

Continued from page 8 in how the RFP can be stated to give the best possible pricing.

The final RFP will be issued and published in late September or early October with a submission deadline of December 2016 or January 2017 Sidewalk snow removal penalties

OCTOBER 2016 • 9

and

ice

The proposal to increase penalties for businesses and residents that fail to remove the snow and ice from their adjoining sidewalks got a cold

reception from council with Council Member Ed Pace requesting a task force be created comprised of city staff, two council members and a few members of the public such as a representative from Peter’s Hardware to dig into the issue more and come back with a proposal.

Mayor Higgins suggested that if anything was to be implemented this season it would need to be in place before Nov. 1.

Topics agendas

added

to

future

Council Member Caleb Collier requested a response to proposed state legislation banning assault-

style weapons and high capacity magazines that the city consider a proclamation declaring Spokane Valley be a Sanctuary Second Amendment City. The topic received numerous council member support.

Council Member Ed Pace requested that the city consider changes to the oath of office based on the citizen comments received (adding references to enforcing the Constitution) and what the parameters are for changing the oath of office for future council members.

At the request of numerous council members who wish to

consider having the Spokane Valley take a position of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (a proposal currently being considered at the federal congressional level) a public hearing will be held at the Oct. 18 meeting.

Councilmember Pam Haley requested that staff look at the intersections of Eighth and Ninth and McDonald due to citizen comments of a high number of accidents in the area.

Pace requested that the city consider a resolution identifying/ quantifying the city’s support or contributions for Valleyfest.

We want to hear from YOU Want to see your name in print (for all the right reasons, of course)? Or maybe you just want to help point out great ideas for content worth sharing with your neighbors? The Splash and The Current are community newspapers, so if you are part of the greater Valley community, we want to know what’s important to you.

We like to say there are 4 of us, and there are more than 100,000 of you. Maybe one of the questions below applies to you? If so, you can help us out.  Have an event you want to share with the community?

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We can include your event in our Community Calendar. We would also appreciate the opportunity to help you get the word out about your business by advertising in our paper(s). We can even help develop the ad for you.

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Well, what do you know? Let us add you to our list of recurring Valley events in the near future that will be well-suited for clubs and organizations that have regular meetings. Send us the info.  Do you celebrate?

We want people to know about everything from your new baby, to your upcoming wedding or anniversary, to your incredible office or sporting achievement. Photos, announcements, honors — please send!  Want to be a distribution spot?

We have over 250 distribution spots for our publications, but we are always looking for one more. Let us know and we wil get you signed up as a pick up location.  Are you a local freelance journalist?

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We thought so. Perhaps you have a favorite order at a Valley eatery? Before you clean your plate, get your picture taken with your order and send it to us. Include the place, order, cost and why you love it. It’s just one more way we can point one another to all the best the Valley offers.

You are The Splash and The Current. E-mail publisher@valleycurrent.com so we can share the things that are important to you.

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10 • OCTOBER 2016

Valleybased SCIL a watchdog for residents with disabilities

By Jamie Borgan

Current Correspondent According to Bill Kane, the Spokane Center for Independent Living (SCIL) may be the area’s “best kept secret.”

Kane, who has been SCIL’s executive director since February, has been involved in the independent living movement for 25 years, mostly on the East Coast.

He says, for him, independent living is not a job, “it’s a passion” as he has advocated for those with disabilities for the last quarter century. The independent living movement for people with disabilities started in the 1960s and is a philosophy based on principles of self-determination, equal opportunity and self-sufficiency.

SCIL opened its doors in the Spokane Valley three years ago at 8817 E. Mission Ave. The organization, formerly known as CORD (Coalition for Responsible Disabled) was previously located near downtown Spokane on Maple.

Kane says the move has brought in a more mixed clientele, including Valley residents along with clients who previously accessed services in Spokane.

Services offered by SCIL include life skills, peer support, help with budgeting and connections to other resources in the community. SCIL services are much more about seeing clients as individuals and adapting the services delivered to meet client needs. With a staff of nine and a few volunteers, Kane says they see about 260 clients per year and are the only crossdisability organization in the area.

Kane says that his staff, though small are the most dedicated people he’s ever worked with and that they’ve made his transition to executive director easy. SCIL serves anyone who identifies as having a disability, regardless of what definition of disability they meet.

Kane says that people with disabilities face unique challenges like finding accessible housing,

Spokane Center for Independent Living (SCIL) moved into a new office in Spokane Valley three years ago. The agency provides support and resources for local residents with disabilities. From left to right: Kevin Ulrich, Bill Kane and Marie Fitzpatrick.

Photo by Jamie Borgan accessing transportation and finding employment.

Legislation now mandates that 25 percent of newly constructed units be accessible, but the accessibility standard doesn’t always match the needs of a particular client.

Despite programs designed to connect people with disabilities with employment, 75 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed, according to Kane.

SCIL tries to address these disparities and help connect clients to resources that can help with these particular issues, though Kane says the biggest obstacle people with disabilities face are society-imposed stigmas.

Kane hopes to raise the profile of the organization and provide more education to the public on people with disabilities. A recent manifestation of this was the Spokane Disability Rights parade, held in Riverfront Park on Aug.

20, in conjunction with Unity in the Community.

Approximately 60 people turned out to walk and wheel in the parade; SCIL board member Kelly Parry-Munger was one of the organizers and several SCIL staff members participated in the parade.

Kane has visions for the direction of the organization, including adding a Consumer Directed Personal Assistance program, allowing people to hire and work more directly with their own care aids, so that they don’t have to have a stranger in their house doing personal care tasks. Recognizing what a huge issue transportation is for people with disabilities, Kane also envisions starting a transportation program with a wheelchair van to provide rides to clients, filling gaps left by current transportation services. Kane says that though he is new in his role, he can already see the organization

“evolving to what we need to be.”

Though the organization currently receives the majority of their funding through the state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Kane hopes to start adding fundraisers to SCIL’s repertoire to expand the diversity of services offered. This is just one of many ways he can envision the public connecting more deeply with SCIL’s work. He’s also actively recruiting board members and volunteers to help with various aspects of the organization’s work, although he makes it clear that his is a working board, and that he needs vibrant community-minded board members willing to roll up their sleeves.

For an opportunity to connect with SCIL and learn more about their organization, including ways to volunteer, call 326-6355. SCIL’s office is located at 8817 E. Mission, Suite #106 and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 11

Candidate Forum

October 12, 2016 6 pm - 8 pm University High School Theatre

All are welcome to join us!

Come hear what your potential County Commissioners have to say and meet other candidates vying for your vote.

The Current

12 • OCTOBER 2016

De Leon Foods recently opened up a site at 15530 E. Sprague Ave. near Sullivan, adding to a similar store/restaurant/deli on the north side of Spokane that has gained a substantial following over the years.

Photo by Craig Howard

De Leon Foods premieres in Valley with familiar panache

By Steve Christilaw

Current Correspondent Sergio De Leon and his family take tortillas seriously – and they definitely think you should, too.

The De Leon family recently expanded their Mexican grocery/ deli/tortilleria, De Leon Foods, with a second store at East Sprague and Sullivan in Spokane Valley.

“The driving reason behind opening the second store was to be able to expand our ability to make tortillas,” Sergio De Leon said.

“We want to expand our business with area restaurants and our

new location gives us the room to expand the operation.”

The family recipe calls for fresh, local ingredients to make a vastly superior tortilla. Local wheat is used to make flour tortillas, and purees rather than powders add flavorings.

bigger fryer for making tortilla chips – especially their popular “12th Chips” for Seahawks games.

“That idea came from my son,” De Leon said. “He loves the Seahawks

and wanted to do something for them, so we came up with the idea

See DE LEON, Page 13

“If you’re putting all that effort into making a steak, for example, why wouldn’t you want the besttasting tortilla to serve it on?” De Leon asked. “That’s our sales pitch to local restaurants.”

Now that the family as the space, the next step is to upgrade the tortilla-making machinery.

“We’re going to purchase a bigger machine so that we can do more and do it faster,” he said. “We won’t have to increase our manpower, but we’ll be able to make more tortillas and be able to do it less expensively. We are planning to have that going by the middle of next year.”

Also on the way, he said, is a

Plenty of natural light and festive colors characterize the restaurant space at De Leon Foods. The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican favorites at reasonable prices.

Photo by Craig Howard

The Current

DE LEON

Continued from page 12 of making blue and green chips.

That was really popular. We had people waiting in line for up to two hours to get blue and green chips because our little fryer was working at its capacity.

The new location features a sizeable deli that will allow the family to expand its catering business – a business that runs in the family.

“My father has been featured on ‘Rachael Ray,’” Sergio explained.

“He has a business in Portland, Oregon (Tortilleria y Tienda De Leon's) and it was featured on her show – ‘The 64 Best Tacos in the Country.’ And he was featured on Aaron Sanchez’ show on the Food Network, ‘Taco Trip.’ A lot of the recipes we use in our deli and with our catering are the recipes he developed.”

The family caters a range of events, including weddings and parties and any given evening sees plenty of dishes heading out the

OCTOBER 2016 • 13

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door for family meals.

“For Cinco de Mayo we were asked to cater a business event for 500,” De Leon said. “So in addition to our regular business we were able to handle a very big event.

That was good.”

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The stores are always looking for new and better ideas – in part because their ideas catch on everywhere.

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“That happened with our Seahawks chips,” De Leon laughed.

“Pretty soon everyone was doing blue and green chips. People kept saying we should trademark out chips, but unfortunately you can’t trademark a color. But I really don’t mind. We’ll keeping looking for new things to do.”

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Regular trips to New Mexico led to the annual Hatch Chili Roast event that happened here in late August.

“I used to see that when I was traveling and I thought it was interesting,” De Leon said. “So we brought it to Spokane and it’s very popular. We had people driving all the way from Montana to buy big bags or roasted chilis.”

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Colorful pinatas and a wide variety of products line the aisles at De Leon Foods in Spokane Valley.

Photo by Craig Howard

COMMUNITY

14 • OCTOBER 2016

29th annual

Fall/Holiday Handcrafters Bazaar October 28 & 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Millwood Community Presbyterian Church 3223 N. Marguerite Rd, Spokane, WA 99212

Handcrafts, quilts, photography & baked goods All proceeds go to community needs.

For more information, call 924-2350

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The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Sept. 29 | HUB All Star Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m., Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road. Come meet the HUB All-Stars from staff to community leaders to local youth.

Proceeds from the breakfast go to the HUB Sports Center, a 501c3 nonprofit. Funds will be directed by the donor toward programs like HUB 360 (an afterschool program for at-risk middle school students), HUB camp scholarships for disadvantaged youth and/or the HUB capital campaign to secure this facility for the benefit of future generations.

Oct. 1 | Eastern Washington Genealogical Society's Fall Workshop, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m., Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 North Wall Street. A dozen classes will be presented with a potluck lunch at noon. Cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, call 328-0786.

Oct. 1 | HUB-apalooza Family Fun Festival, 3 to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Celebrate the HUB’s ninth anniversary at this free community event featuring sports like basketball, futsal/soccer, pickleball and martial arts as well as a jump house, kids’ activities and local sports mascots. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www. hubsportscenter.org.

Oct. 8 | Spokane Valley Fire Department open house, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., SVFD Training Center, 2411 N. Pioneer Lane.

Enjoy a day of free family fun at the SVFD annual open house. Watch live demonstrations, take pictures in fire gear and on fire engines, enjoy refreshments and more.

Retired Arson Dog Mako will also be making a guest appearance.

For more information visit www. spokanevalleyfire.com.

Oct. 8 | West Valley School District Family Connections Day, 10 a.m. to noon, WVHS, 8301 E. Buckeye. West Valley families and the general community is invited to this resource fair with over 20 local agencies and nonprofit groups represented. There is no charge to attend. The event is part of WVSD’s Strategic Plan Community

Engagement initiative.

Oct. 22 | Fall Compost Fair and Leaf Festival, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd., Spokane. Spokane County residents who complete the activities at this event receive a free compost bin provided by the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System. For more information, call 625-6580 or go to www.spokanecountysolidwaste. org.

Sept. 17-Oct. 30 | Green Bluff Apple Festival. This celebrated collection of farms and orchards in north Spokane has been featured in numerous national publications including Town and Country and is a traditional autumn favorite among tourists and locals alike.

The festival includes straw mazes, many varieties of apples, music, arts and crafts, pumpkins and more. For details, visit www. greenbluffgrowers.com.

Nov. 1 | Halloween candy dropoff, 4 to 8 p.m., KiDDS Dental, 1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B, Liberty Lake. Receive $1 per pound for excess candy, protect your teeth from holiday decay and support a good cause. In the last eight years, Dr. Jared Evans’ office has shipped over 7,000 pounds of candy to American military troops.

Candy must be unopened and children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Dr. Evans at 891-7070 or info@GrowUpSmiling.com.

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.

More at www.sccel.spokane.edu/ ACT2.

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 5 to 6 p.m., third Friday 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.

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-SinglesMingle.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Tuesdays 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.

Grange potluck and meeting | 6 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Tri Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake.

A potluck will be followed by a 7 p.m. meeting for this communitybased service organization. Call Jerry at 509-226-2202 or email jerrylpeterson@comcast.net.

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.

Liberty Lake Farmers Market | Takes place each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 8 at Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. The market features local food and farm vendors, artisan crafts and baked goods, live music and more. For more, visit www. libertylakefarmersmarket.com.

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.

Millwood Farmers Market | Runs every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 28 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 visit millwoodfarmermar.wix.com/ market.

The Current

COMMUNITY

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | 6:30 p.m., the first Monday of each month. Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. More at www.pancan.org or 534-2564.

Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford.

Activities include hairpin lace, knit, embroidery, needlepoint, and arm knitting of infinity. More at 8924412 or 291-3722.

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 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 advanced-age seniors — age 60 and over — and/or physicallyhandicapped 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.

MUSIC & THE ARTS Sept. 16-Oct. 2 | “On Shaky Ground” at Ignite! Theatre, 10184 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Shows featured Sept. 1618, 23-25, 30 and Oct. 1-2. Tickets run $12-$15. For tickets or more information, call 208-352-0727.

Oct. 28 | Handcrafters Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. Call 924-2350 for more information.

RECURRING

OCTOBER 2016 • 15

Join us!

Country Jammers Dance | 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., first and third Sunday of the month. Newman Lake Grange, 25025 E. Heather Lane, Newman Lake. Free (donations welcome). More information at jandg2@comcast.net.

Drop-in Square Dance Lessons | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (through May 18). Western Dance Center, 1901 N. Sullivan Road. Square dance lessons for $3 per person; no partner needed. More at 270-9264.

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 four-part, 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 2184799.

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 Spokane Valley Writers’ Group | 6:15 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lakeside Church, 23129 E. Mission Ave. This supportive critique group welcomes adult writers. More at 570-4440.

Teen Writers of the Inland Empire | 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays).

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Teen writers (grade six and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 893-8400.

See CALENDAR, Page 16

The

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CALENDAR

Continued from page 15 HEALTH & RECREATION Oct. 15-16 | HUB Hustle Basketball Tournament, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Cost per team is $250$280. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www.hubsportscenter.org.

The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage readers have come to rely on. This free newspaper is available at more than 150 high-traffic places around the Valley, including the following locations: Albertsons Barlows Restaurant NEW Fieldhouse Pizza and Subs Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt KiDDS Dental Liberty Lake City Hall Liberty Lake Golf Course Liberty Lake Library Liberty Lake Portal Building Palenque Mexican Restaurant Pawpular Companions Trailhead Golf Course True Legends Grill Twisp Cafe and Coffee House Walgreens Washington Trust Bank NEW Yoke’s Fresh Market Would you like to carry The Current in your place of business? Contact us at circulation@valleycurrent.com.

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Oct. 22 | Superheroes vs.

Villains Pickleball Tournament, HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo, Liberty Lake. Join in with the North Idaho Pickleball Association for this second annual event. Superhero or villain attire required. This will be a blind draw round robin tournament. Cost is $35. Registration deadline is Oct. 14. To learn more, call 927-0602 or visit www.hubsportscenter.org.

RECURRING HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Badminton open gym: 7 to 9 p.m. Tues., $5/person • Basketball open gym: Noon to 1 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., $4/person • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $2/seniors ($4/non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Modern Farang-Mu Sul, and Zumba Aerobics. See website for cost and times.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Page 2

LOCAL LAKE NAMESAKES

Page 14

COUPLE FINDS

VALENTINE’S PEARL Page 22

Special Election Guide Page 19

Wick Enterprizes

Publishing House

“Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement”

509-242-7752

www.libertylakesplash.com

Sept. 30 | Blessings Under the Bridge – “A Night on the Living Stage” awareness and fundraising event, 6 to 8 p.m., Hotel RL, 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane.

Liberty Lake residents Mike and Jessica Kovac founded this nonprofit to bring hope, food and other essentials to the homeless population in greater Spokane.

There is no charge for this event but attendees are encouraged to bring a pair of donated socks. To learn more, visit www.butb.org.

Oct. 5-Nov. 16 | Growing Up Again:

COMMUNITY

Parenting Ourselves, Parenting Our Children, noon to 2 p.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. A free, seven-week class based on the book co-authored by Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson. This course offers information about ages and stages of development, ways to nurture our children and ourselves, as well as tools for personal and family growth. This class is offered to veterans and their significant others in any stage of parenting. Veterans hoping to reflect on how they were raised in an effort to resolve current issues stemming from childhood are also encouraged to attend. Call 4448387 for more information.

Oct. 11 | Access Spokane Job and Resource Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Red Lion at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane.

Held in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This event is wheelchair accessible and ASL interpreters will be available on site. To learn more visit www.wdcspokane.com/access or call 444-8387.

Oct. 12 | Candidate Forum, 6 to 8 p.m., University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Spokane County commissioner candidates will debate the issues and answer questions from a local panel.

Candidates from other political races will also be represented at informational booths. Email ben@ libertylakesplash.com for more information.

Oct. 15 | Navy Birthday Ball, 5 to 9 p.m., Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln. Email kerry.c.hannah@ gmail.com for tickets or details.

Oct. 18 | Avista Energy Fair, 4 to 7 p.m., East Valley High School Cafeteria, 15711 E. Wellesley. Avista employees and community service providers will be on hand to answer questions about energy efficiency, bill assistance, community resources, weatherization and other topics.

There will be complimentary food and beverages, door prizes and activities for the kids. Call 4958500 for more information.

Oct. 22 | Free Web design course, Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave. If you have interest in learning how to build a custom website, consider attending the Saturday morning

The Current

classes at Otis Orchards Community Church. You will become skilled in designing full custom, mobile friendly, advertisement free sites that can be used to tell others about a hobby, vacation, family news, your church or business. The course will cover the technical side of web site development. Learn more and register for the course at www.webclass.otischurch.net.

Oct. 27 | Ode to Opportunity – SNAP’s 50th anniversary luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Celebrate 50 years of Spokane County’s community action agency at this special event featuring keynote Sister Madonna Buder, the “Iron Nun” who has completed over 350 triathlons and, at 86, is currently featured in her own Nike ad. The event is free but attendees are encouraged to donate to SNAP. For more information, call 456-7627 or visit www.snapwa.org/events.

RECURRING 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.

Spokane Valley Rotary | Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesdays. Darcy’s, 10502 E. Sprague Ave. More at www. svrotary.org.

Find us on Facebook!

The Current

Researching elections in 2016

By Carlie Hoffman

While other states require citizens to wait in long lines and take time off work to vote, Washington’s process uses mail-in ballots. Because it is so voter-friendly, I know exactly what new bills and measures are up for a vote and when local, statewide and which national elections are taking place. I also have so much more time to research my decision.

Here are some of my favorite places on the web to find out more information about candidates and initiatives.

Spokane County Elections – http://www.spokanecounty. org/178/Current-Election This is the one-stop place for

Financial literacy for tweens, teens and grown-ups

By Erin Dodge

Tweens, teens and the grownups in their lives can explore a new traveling exhibit at the Spokane Valley Library designed to teach about money and financial literacy.

“Thinking Money: A Financial Exhibition” approaches themes like wants vs. needs and preparing for a rainy/sunny day through adventure stories, interactive digital content, as well as fun activities.

On opening day, Oct. 22, tweens, teens and their families can also participate in a day full of financial education programs. During the hands-on budgeting game, your family will negotiate how to spend your allotment of beans used to pay for things like housing, food and entertainment.

Any parent who has had to explain why the latest toy or digital game isn’t in the budget will appreciate the learning this game brings for the whole family. Another program focuses on what tweens and teens need to know to avoid identity theft, a growing problem

LIBRARY great information about everything up for vote on your mail-in ballot.

Using the Voters’ Guide from the Washington Secretary of State’s website (https://www.sos.wa.gov/ elections/), it is easy to get the scoop on what exactly each measure entails as well as bios of candidates.

Vote Smart – http://votesmart. org/ When overloaded with information, it can be hard to figure out who to listen to, especially when everyone has their own agenda. This site is particularly useful, unbiased and factual.

Search for a candidate to get their voting records, bio, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements and campaign finances.

Ballotpedia – https://ballotpedia. org/ This resource is like an encyclopedia of politics. There

for minors. Also, teens and parents looking towards the college years get the know-how to complete the FAFSA for college financial aid, an often confusing process.

At all district locations, there are over 25 additional financial education programs on topics such as becoming debt free, couponing and smart shopping, transitioning financial management for seniors, saving for college and outsmarting scammers. Four libraries will also participate in two document shred days. The district has a financial program for just about everyone.

The Thinking Money exhibition runs through Saturday, Nov. 26.

The series of financial education programs begin Oct. 1 and runs through December. For more information on the exhibition and programs, please visit www.scld.

OCTOBER 2016 • 17

are entries on candidates, ballot measures, budgets, and so much more—each written and curated by a professional staff of writers and researchers who are committed to neutrality.

FALL 2016

Politwoops – http://politwoops. sunlightfoundation.com/

g n i k n i Th Money

Dedicated to documenting tweets deleted by politicians, this website is mostly for fun and general interest.

Whether minor messaging changes or major gaffes, this nonpartisan site shows you “the tweets they would prefer you couldn’t see.”

There is still time to register for the general election taking place on Nov. 8. The deadline for registration, address changes, and other updates is Oct. 10. You can register to vote online or by mail.

Learn more by visiting Spokane County Elections at http://www. spokanecounty.org/207/Registerto-Vote/.

A traveling exhibition designed to teach tweens, teens, and adults about financial literacy topics in an understandable and fun way.

org.

As part of the grant for this exhibit, Spokane County Library District is partnering with Junior Achievement of Washington to bring a Thinking Money after-school program to North Pines Middle School. In the program, students learn economic principles through activities that cover topics such as personal finance, identifying education and career goals and how international trade affects our daily lives.

Other area schools and groups are invited make an appointment to tour the Thinking Money exhibition at Spokane Valley Library by calling at 893-8400 or online at www.scld. org/thinking-money/.

Thinking Money was developed by the American Library Association in partnership with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Oct 22–Nov 26, 2016 Visit scld.org/thinking-money for details.

Made possible by: American Library Association with FINRA Investor Education Foundation

The Current

18 • OCTOBER 2016

Funds when you need them Variable rates as low as

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As a not-for-profit credit union, BECU is committed to helping our members make smart financial decisions.

We offer super low rates and we’ve waived appraisal fees because we want to help our members get ahead in life.

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Federally insured by NCUA *The rate for the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on the highest Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal as of the date of any rate adjustment plus a margin (3.74% APR as of 9/1/2016). APRs do not include costs and rate may vary monthly (maximum 18% APR) and are subject to increase after account opening upon default. During the credit advance draw period, payments equal monthly payments of interest, subject to lesser of $100 or your balance and principal is not reduced. At the end of the draw period, your monthly payment will increase equal to the principal and interest amount necessary to pay the loan balance over the remainder of the loan term amortized over 180 months. The actual rate may be higher than the advertised rate for loans exceeding 70% combined-loan-to-value (CLTV) or if you have lesser creditworthiness. Not every applicant will qualify.

The APR for a Fixed Rate Advance (FRA) as of 9/1/2016 is as low as 3.99% APR. FRAs provide for up to 15 years of fixed monthly principal and interest payments, depending on the amount advanced. FRAs are subaccounts of a HELOC. Owner-occupied property must be located in one of the following states: WA, OR, CA, AZ, KS, MO, IL and PA. Non-owner occupied property must be located in the State of Washington. Certain third party costs may apply that range between $0-$1,999, depending on the location of the property, the amount of the loan and other factors. Additional state or local mortgage fees or taxes may apply. Property insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance required. Home Equity Line of Credit Account Fixed Rate Advances provide for up to 15 years of monthly principal and interest payments, depending on the amount advanced. An Automated Value Model (AVM) may be obtained in lieu of an appraisal at no cost to member.

The Current

Special Election Guide

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 November.

In order to give you more insight into who these people are we reached out to all of the candidates appearing on your ballot and asked them to please provide a 300-word response to the following three questions (which we would publish at no cost).

1. If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

2. What qualities would you bring to the office?

3. What do you see as the role of the office you are running for and why would you be a good person to fill it?

While not everyone chose to respond to our request a good number have and I hope that you find their unedited responses helpful for your

voting consideration.

In addition to the information listed in the following pages we have partnered with Central Valley High School, University High School, and Mica Peak High School to host a candidate forum to give you the opportunity to come and hear directly from our Spokane County Commissioner candidates and individually connect with a number of the other candidates. The event is free to attend and will be held on Wednesday evening Oct. 12 at 6pm in the University High School Theater. We really hope you are able to take the opportunity to attend.

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

Ben Wick Publisher 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 me at ben@valleycurrent.com or by calling our office at 509242-7752

OCTOBER 2016 • 19

2016

Candidate Forum

October 12, 2016 6 pm - 8 pm University High School

All are welcome to join us!

Come hear what your potential County Commissioners have to say and meet other candidates vying for your vote.

The Current

20 • OCTOBER 2016

County Commissioner 1 intrusive government overreach Knowledge of what small businesses go through, being a small business owner myself. Having worked for the Washington State House of Representatives, for six years, I understand how government works and how it can best serve the people

Josh Kerns

My top three priorities will be, first, to make Spokane County more business friendly, to encourage our existing businesses to expand, and to attract new companies to locate here to provide more jobs for our community. Second, to work with law enforcement to combat property crimes and keep our streets safe. Third, to protect our private property rights from

The role of the County Commission is to provide legislative and administrative services to the county. We must identify the needs of the people and ensure the county is addressing those needs. My experience as a small business owner and working for the largest legislative body in the state has allowed me see a lot of the good that government can do, but also a lot of the bad that government can do. I will work to make Spokane County the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Candace Mumm

Keeping our community safe will be my top priority as your County Commissioner. Protecting residents from property crimes, keeping our roadways maintained, and supporting our emergency responders are all vital functions of the job. I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the Spokane County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and many local Firefighters’ Associations (IAFF’s).

My elected experience includes service as a Spokane City Councilwoman (2014-present), Spokane Plan Commission President Five Mile Neighborhood Vice-Chair, and the WA Department of Commerce Community Economic Revitalization Board.

My professional experience includes: CEO/Owner Smartland housing company; American Express Financial Advisor; Managing Editor KXLY-TV/Radio, Spokane County Stormwater Task Force; Stakeholder Manager-Five Mile Neighborhood Pedestrian/ Bicycle Plan; Emmy award-winning news producer/reporter for ABC & NBC affiliated television stations.

I hold an MBA Graduate degree from Gonzaga University, a Bachelors in Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University. I have been endorsed by both the Spokane and Washington State Education Associations and served on the Mead Schools Capital Facilities Planning Committee.

Other community service includes

County Commissioner 2 compromising our quality of life.

Andrew Biviano Three critical challenges will determine the future course of Spokane County. First, we must urgently reform our criminal justice system, which consumes 75% of our budget. Second, we must grow our economy by increasing employment and incomes. Third, we must make wise land use decisions that allow us to grow without

I am the only candidate with decades of actual on-theground experience working within the criminal justice and mental health systems—as a mental health case manager, federal prosecutor, and civil rights attorney. This experience provides irreplaceable firsthand knowledge of the strategies that make us safer (such as prevention, treatment, and supervision), as well as those that cost an enormous amount while actually increasing crime (such as the overuse of incarceration).

I am best positioned to bring all sides together to save money while increasing safety and improving the lives of those in the system.

My career has also focused on fighting for workers, who are the

true drivers of our consumerbased economy.

Our current county leadership has not addressed the stagnant wages of the middle class and has allowed county employees to continue making 20% less than similar workers in comparable counties. This depresses wages for everyone, and deprives our businesses of a huge potential customer base.

It’s time to reward hard work again.

While development is a great thing, we need a balanced land use policy that considers the needs of all of us, rather than only serving developers. Sprawl causes overcrowded schools and roads, hurts the environment, and increases the costs we all pay for public services. It is time to have a government that works for you and your neighbors.

Thank you for your vote!

Shelly O’Quinn

My name is Shelly (Maak) O’Quinn and I am your Spokane County Commissioner. I bring a unique background to the commission that includes diverse experiences from small business development in Honduras to running a homeless mission/ outreach ministry to business and non-profit management in our local community. I was born and raised in Spokane Valley (CVHS grad). I graduated from Whitworth in 1997 and earned an

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 21

4th District State Representative the Five Mile Prairie Grange, Whitworth and Knox Presbyterian Churches; VOA/Crosswalk; Spokane Junior League and Friends of Five Mile Schoolhouse.

As a citizen and elected official, I have worked hard to make Spokane a better place to live. I see the role of the County Commissioner as one who supports municipalities like Liberty Lake and the Valley.

Over the years I have worked with many mayors, city council members, neighborhoods, and hundreds of citizens to pass a collaborative Comprehensive Plan and a balanced budget. I have earned the endorsement of the Mayors of Millwood and Airway Heights, big and small businesses, and others detailed at www.CandaceMumm.com.

As your County Commissioner I will work to have your voice heard about taxes, affordable government, smart growth, public safety/justice improvements, transportation and schools. I would appreciate your vote!

Matt Shea I am currently serving as 4th District State Representative. I have faithfully lived by the motto: Less Tax, Less Government, More Freedom!

My record demonstrates that I am not afraid to take tough votes or advocate for the policies that will ensure a better future for our children and grandchildren so that they can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit

of happiness.

When legislation comes before me it must pass three tests: 1) Is it constitutional according to the original intent of our Founding Fathers and our God-given unalienable rights?; 2) Can it be done more efficiently in the private sector?; and 3) Can it be done within existing revenues, rather than raising taxes? That’s why I have signed the “no new or increased tax pledge” and have fought tooth and nail to get government out of the way of our small businesses so they can create jobs.

Three areas that I have become very passionate about through my service of country and state is the defense of The Constitution, public safety, and our state’s ever challenging transportation issues.

I work with a group of pro-liberty legislators, and I am proud to say that we are going on the offense

against “Big Government” with the Freedom Agenda, which is now officially the most successful slate of conservative legislation in over two decades! Several of our successes include increasing gun ownership rights, expanding the use of composite materials in construction (directly affecting manufacturers in Spokane County), and eliminating cost prohibitive regulations on daycare providers that would have otherwise gone out-ofbusiness – building coalitions around issues of principle is changing “business as usual” in Olympia. I am proud that the Freedom Agenda bills that were signed into law are getting the citizens of Washington working again! My role and calling are to protect our God-given unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the ability to defend the same.

4th District State Senator MBA from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in 2001.

I ran for public office because I have a passion to serve and I believe I can make a difference in my community. The following are my priorities.

Protecting our Community I have been a leader in reforming programs for the mentally ill, protecting victims of domestic violence, and standing-up for personal property rights against unwarranted government actions.

I will continue to push for change and work to bring common-sense reforms to the criminal justice system.

Creating Jobs In order to protect the quality of life we value, we must have a vibrant economic environment.

With the tremendous growth expected in industries like health sciences, research, biotechnology, and manufacturing, Spokane County is positioned for economic success. I will continue to fight for these opportunities to ensure

future generations in Spokane County have the opportunity to thrive.

Saving Taxpayers’ Money Your local government should be efficient, nimble, and focused on customer service. Since elected in 2013, I have implemented new approaches to government, including an emphasis on lean management and transparent project improvement. We have improved customer service and saved taxpayers’ money, but I’m not done! With your support, I will work to make Spokane County the state’s flagship government, renowned for innovative leadership and customer-oriented services.

As a commissioner, my job is to listen to my constituents and advocate on their behalf as we perform the day to day operations of county government. I believe my experience, tenacity, integrity, and compassion make me the most qualified candidate for this position.

I would appreciate your vote!

Mike Padden

My priorities: 1.

Jobs and the Economy: a. Reduce regulations and lower taxes to create an expanding economy and produce sustained job growth. b. Provide more oversight to reduce government mismanagement, fraud and abuse. This saves taxpayer’s dollars and increases funding for vital services. c. Department of Corrections, DSHS and WSDOT are agencies badly in need of reform and would be top priorities. d. Reduce the rate of growth of the state budget to match the population growth and the rate of inflation.

2.

Enhance Public Safety:

a.

Reduce from 5 to 4 (or fewer) the number of DUI’s that constitute a felony. b.

Fight property crimes by passing the habitual property offender bill c.

Continue my efforts to fight human trafficking. d.

Continue efforts to end the erroneous early releases of convicted felons.

3.

K-12 education continues to be a budget priority. We need to ensure that dollars go into the classrooms in a way that emphasizes academic excellence and measurable results.

I have lived and raised a family in the 4th District giving me an understanding of our values and priorities. My past experience representing the 4th District as a member of the State House, my time as a District Court Judge and 5 years in the State Senate help me effectively advocate those values and priorities in Olympia. I am known as being strong on principle with a willingness to engage all Senators to move good legislation forward or to oppose harmful legislation.

The role of the Senator is to represent the voters that elect you in the legislative arena and to be a resource in dealings with issues citizens have with state government. My experience, knowledge and ability to work with others have helped forge coalitions that have gotten positive results for our district and constituents.

The Current

22 • OCTOBER 2016

Lieutenant Governor

Spokane County Superior

rights for all Washingtonians. As an attorney and as someone who has taught legislative procedure at Seattle University Law School for three years, I am uniquely qualified to make constitutional and parliamentary rulings, and to help ensure the legislature passes bills and budgets that meet our constitutional obligations. As a legislator with a proven track record of bipartisanship, I will preside fairly and effectively over the state senate.

Cyrus Habib

As Lieutenant Governor my top priorities would be to help ensure full funding of our education system, per the McCleary ruling, to capitalize on Washington’s uniquely diverse economy to promote economic development and grow jobs in every corner of the state, and to lead on modernizing the Legislature to make government more inclusive, transparent, and accessible for all Washingtonians.

Washington State deserves a Lieutenant Governor who will use the powers of the office to ensure that the Legislature passes constitutionally sound budgets that fully fund education and workforce training, to champion economic policies focused on creating high quality and well paying jobs throughout our state, and to fight for civil and human

Besides the constitutionally set duties of presiding over the state senate and filling in as acting Governor when necessary, the Lieutenant Governor acts as the state’s chief economic development officer. As a startup lawyer, I worked with entrepreneurs to grow new businesses, and in the Legislature I pioneered legislation that expanded access to capital and empowered small business development.

Drawing upon my experience working in both the public and private sector, I will use the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to market our state as a great place to live, visit and do business. I would take the lead on revitalizing legislative and community efforts to promote trade, and bring tourism and new business home to Washington.

Ward Andrews Judicial elections are often overlooked. Voters are asked to elect a non-partisan candidate based upon name recognition, a brief candidate statement and word of mouth. Incumbent Judges are rarely challenged.

Spokane County, it is time to choose change.

Important

If elected, my top three priorities will be: • Serve and protect citizens of Spokane County.

the

• Embrace change of pending civil and criminal reforms to reduce court congestion and save taxpayer dollars.

Spokane County Superior

Voter registration deadline is October 10

Go to http://www.spokanecounty. org/207/Register-to-Vote to get signed up before it is too late!

decisions affecting legal rights of citizens in civil and criminal cases are decided daily by our judges.

While not everyone will be pleased with the decisions made, I can assure you that if your case is assigned to me, I will studiously prepare, patiently listen, respect all litigants, court staff and counsel.

In addition, I will bring balance, fairness and an even demeanor to the courtroom.

Tim Fennessy I am a candidate for Spokane County Superior Court, Position 11. The Superior Court is the main trial court for our State and hears matters involving criminal law, family law and civil cases. As a trial lawyer for over 30 years, I have practiced with and against some of the best lawyers in Washington,

appearing in civil cases ranging from adoption to water rights.

My experience in the Courts has provided the necessary seasoning to strengthen the local judiciary by diversifying the knowledge and make up of our local Superior Court bench.

As a civil trial lawyer, it has been my privilege to represent individual community members in disputes.

Throughout that practice, I learned over and over again how important it is for litigants to feel that their points were actually listened to in order to accept the final verdict.

I married Nelou Haghighi, a Persian woman who relocated to Spokane with her parents, Fery and Ahmad Haghighi following the Iranian Revolution.

We have raised our two children

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OCTOBER 2016 • 23

Court Judge Position #10 • Open access to the courts to all.

A judge should make wellreasoned, sound decisions based upon the law as it is written.

As a trial attorney for over 25 years, I have gained valuable experience in the courtroom while successfully representing thousands of individual and business clients. I have also served as a court appointed and private arbitrator and mediator.

Add my courtroom and life experiences to the fact that I have a solid work ethic and I fully qualify for the position I seek, Spokane County Superior Court Position 10.

I would be honored to receive your vote.

Linda Tompkins

Priorities First: Access to justice and the courts.

Cost, language and disability barriers, complex procedural requirements, and delay are preventing a huge number of folks from even filing a case. Over 70% of low income individuals have civil legal needs and of those, 82% cannot access a lawyer so they try to represent themselves

in court. Frequently unsuccessfully.

To address these issues, we need to support courthouse facilitators, volunteer lawyers and legal service providers to assist litigants, use court forms that are user friendly, and electronically streamline filing and case management.

Second: Reducing/eliminating the revolving door of criminal recidivism [repeat offenses].

Therapeutic courts successfully blend treatment and accountability.

Lower risk offenders whose crimes largely revolve around drug addiction have shown a likelihood of returning to work, homes, family, and education/job training through intensive court-supervised programs. Drug court has proven to successfully reduce recidivism from highs of 70% down to 1020%.

Third: Mental health related crime.

Individuals and families are increasingly plagued with untreated mental health issues that frequently

bring them in contact with law enforcement.

Courts have become the place of last resort to balance the gravity of the offense with the mental status of those charged. Treatment is most effective, but the challenge is availability in secure settings.

Qualities Experience, integrity, professionalism, intelligence, decisiveness, a strong work ethic, and the ability to treat everyone in the courtroom with dignity and respect.

The Role of the Judge Since 1997, I have brought the above qualities to the Spokane Superior Court bench and have fulfilled my role to remain current in legal developments, carefully research, consider evidence and arguments, and give an impartial decision based on the evidence, the law, and the constitutions of Washington State and the United States.

county bar association and thereby enrich our community through inclusiveness and diversity.

My third priority is to work diligently to fulfill the purposes of the Smart Justice Initiative of the MacArthur Foundation Grant.

significantly higher than all other current candidates in all categories such as legal ability, temperament, integrity, relevant legal experience and suitability for the position.

Court Judge Position #11 in Spokane and are proud of our Community. I was raised in Libby, Montana with the belief that when you are able to offer something back, it is your civic obligation. I am in this election because of my commitment to justice, to fairness and to the election of judges called for by the Washington Constitution. I understand the rules whereby the facts are to be presented and know how to apply the law as it is written or has been interpreted by the higher courts, which are the essential roles of the Judge at trial.

If elected, I will work with the other Superior Court Judges to seek ways to contain the costs associated with the administration of justice and to streamline the way the system works in all of its facets.

Greg Sypolt My top three priorities are: to continue to expeditiously resolve civil and criminal cases utilizing my extensive trial experience and leadership on the court; to continue to pursue the goals of the Bar Association’s Diversity Section, which I created in 2004.

The purpose is to recruit and retain minority attorneys in our

My entire judicial career over the last twenty years has been one of unswerving dedication to public service. I continue to aspire to be the kind of judge I believe I always have been; diligent, well prepared, open-minded and respectful of all who appear before me. Above all, I continue to adhere to the rule of law, with dedication to reaching a just and fair result. These qualities are evident in ratings I received from Washington Women Lawyers: Exceptionally Well Qualified; recent Bar Poll results in which I rated

My role as a judge is to uphold the constitution and laws of the state and of the United States and to be a neutral decisionmaker in the wide variety of cases which come before the court.

I am an experienced judge who has made the tough decisions throughout my long career. My enthusiasm for this job is undiminished despite not being “new” at it and I relish the opportunity to address the issues of access to justice and disproportionality in the criminal justice system.

The Current

24 • OCTOBER 2016

Insurance Commissioner

Mike Kreidler

Mike Kreidler is a strong and independent voice willing to stand up to powerful industry interests as an advocate for insurance consumers.

In his first four terms as insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler saved consumers in our state over $300 million in auto and homeowners’ insurance by cutting excessive premium rates. His consumer protection staff has helped thousands of Washingtonians recover over

Eliminate the use of credit scoring in setting insurance premiums for homes and autos.

This practice is unfair and discriminatory.

Register third-party medical benefit managers to learn how they control and restrict patient access to providers.

Qualification for the office I am the longest-serving elected Insurance Commissioner in the nation and have the expertise and knowledge to serve another term. Consumer protection has been my mission since I began serving as Insurance Commissioner in 2001. During my tenure, Washington consumers have saved over $300 million in auto and homeowners’ insurance by the work my office has done to cut excessive premium rates.

I want to continue to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare – another lifelong goal. We have the opportunity to build on our early successes and make refinements that will benefit all residents of our state.

$160 million.

The people of our state deserve quality, affordable health insurance.

Mike Kreidler has worked tirelessly to make sure that insurance companies can no longer deny coverage.

He is proposing legislation to stop patients from receiving surprise bills resulting from emergency medical services. He will continue working with community, business and legislative leaders to further reduce the number of uninsured in our state.

Mike Kreidler is a proven leader who has served the people of Washington with dedication, fairness and hard work.

Priorities End surprise medical bills.

Consumers deserve protection from unexpected emergency-room charges that add hundreds to thousands of dollars to their bills.

Consumers should not be caught in the middle between insurers and medical providers over billing disputes.

Richard Schrock My top priority is to enable individuals and small businesses to purchase an affordable health insurance plan that provides the kind of coverage they want. I will fight annual soaring insurance premiums that far exceed annual inflation rates. Premiums hikes were just approved by the Insurance Commissioner that will raise insurance prices by an

Commissioner of Public Lands

Hilary Franz

How we manage Washington’s public lands and waterways will determine how we adapt to climate change, protect our air, water and food sources, and safeguard our timber, shellfish, and agricultural economies. Our next Commissioner must be a conservation steward, a partner for rural economies, and an advocate for clean energy.

As Commissioner of Public

Lands, I will bring a life-long connection to the people and places of this state. I have spent 20 years as an environmental land use attorney, a local government official and an Executive Director of a state-wide non-profit, working throughout the state in almost three quarters of the communities, protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of working farmlands, forestlands, and waterways, and developing a nationally recognized energy program to reduce carbon pollution and increase clean energy jobs. I have worked for years with the Legislature and Governors to secure legislation and funding for housing, environment and transportation, including helping pass the largest transportation package in Washington State history. I understand well the issues that divide communities around the environment and economy, and I have the policy and science experience, the skills and track record of bringing diverse stakeholders together, working

through the issues, and forging long-standing solutions that are a win for the environment, communities, and local economies.

With your vote my top priorities will be: 1. Improving forest resiliency and wildfire management – implementing wildfire prevention plan, growing our forest restoration economy, and working more collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies to fight fires effectively.

2.

Sustainably managing state agricultural, forestry, and aquatic lands to strengthen our agriculture, timber and aquaculture economies; and 3. Increasing clean energy solutions like wind, solar, and biomass on public lands -adopting a landscape approach to energy development, setting renewable energy goals, improving transparency, and ensuring local job creation.

Steve McLaughlin 1.

Increase trust revenue for our schools & protect the vitality of rural communities.

2.

Restore healthy forests to reduce carbon emissions & protect endangered species.

3.

Implement wildfire prevention plans.

For the first time in my life, I was compelled to run for office.

During the reconstruction

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OCTOBER 2016 • 25

Governor average of another 13.1 percent this coming year.

Obviously, Olympia regulators are not looking out for you - the consumer. As Insurance Commissioner, I will not approve premium increases nor higher co-pays and deductibles that cannot be justified. I will hold the line on surging hikes in auto, property and casualty insurance.

The Insurance Commissioner’s Office needs to be led in a different direction. I will expand competition amongst insurers to enable give consumers more choices. Your doctor - rather than someone working for an insurance company - should determine what treatment is best for you and your insurance plan should pay for it. No more second-guessing doctors by insurance companies or surprise bills. I am qualified to replace the 16-year incumbent but most of my experience has been in the private sector. I led this state’s

efforts I led for the Okanogan community that suffered a summer of catastrophic wildfire, I saw the devastation first hand, felt what people felt. I realized my 25 years of service in the Navy, and leader of organizations comparable in size to DNR, could help the people of WA state. As an Incident Command Instructor, I have proven skills, and understand the requirements of the job. Improving our initial attack, empowering local people, and coordinating with multiple fire jurisdictions will help save homes and property. The primary role of DNR is to manage the State Trust Lands and return revenue to the beneficiaries. With drought, climate change, and disease, we must restore healthy forests to avoid catastrophic wildfire.

Actively managing our forests, will create jobs for local communities.

As Executive Officer at Naval Station Everett, I

economic development efforts for four years as the Governorappointed Director of the State Commerce Department. I an now in my sixth year serving my community as an elected Fire Commissioner. I clearly have the ability to institute much needed reforms to improve how the scandal-plagued State Insurance Commissioner’s Office regulates.

Electing someone new as our state’s chief regulator of insurance companies will make insurance more affordable and responsive to consumer needs.

I will not cater to special interests nor accept illegal campaign contributions from out-of-state law firms representing insurers.

As Commissioner I will act to effectively defend the public’s interest by enforcing our state insurance laws to protect consumers.

partnered with the Stillaguamish Tribe to restore a stream near Jim Creek Wilderness area, restoring the first return of King Salmon since WWII. I led efforts to permanently preserve the last remaining old-growth spruce stand, with 1,400-year-old trees, by shepherding the process to name the reserve after navy forester, Walter R. Briggs. I am a conservationist at heart. I’ve been connected to the land and sea my entire life. The 1,800 employees of DNR deserve the experienced, balanced leadership I will provide.

My vision is that lands and natural resources management in Washington State will be the national model for state lands management through our efforts to provide balanced solutions to all of the issues affecting the management of our public lands and land trusts.

helped transform government to defend middle class jobs; focused on tourism, transportation, reducing air and water pollution and restoring habitat. I was recognized for taking on ‘crony capitalism’.

Bill Bryant

I listen, and I’ve heard loud and clear what people want.

They want a government that cares about them. They want a governor who is effective -- a unifier, not a career politician.

They want a governor who will scrutinize programs, fix broken bureaucracies, respect our tax dollars. They want a governor who will focus on children learning, traffic moving, prisons working; on controlling taxes and protecting our environment.

My background is in business.

I built a company that operates on both sides of the mountains, that helps Washington’s farmers export their crops. I pull people together and fix problems.

As an elected King Co/Seattle port commissioner, I cut taxes without sacrificing services;

Here’s what I’ll do as your governor: 1. Give every kid an equal chance to get ahead by funding and innovating schools. 2.

Reinvent high school by including pre-apprenticeships for those not college-bound. 3. Reduce traffic jams by emphasizing capacity, better roads and efficient transit.

4. Rebuild the state budget from zero, reexamining every agency, tax incentive and program. 5. Put a moratorium on new regulations until current ones are justified or eliminated. 6. Preserve working farms and forests; restore salmon, steelhead and orca populations.

My agenda isn’t ideological, it’s not partisan. It’s about us, pulling together, so people can get good jobs here, afford houses, raise families and retire here in this natural beauty we all love and want to protect.

Imagine a governor who works with both Republicans and Democrats, who makes government better, not bigger.

It’s time government listened.

It’s time we pull together and start getting stuff done. It’s time.

Ballots will be mailed Oct. 19 - Oct. 21 and must be post marked

by Nov. 8

The Current

26 • OCTOBER 2016

State Auditor

Pat McCarthy

The next State Auditor needs to have demonstrated an ability to lead and manage a large government organization.

I have a proven track record in leading a large government entity, Pierce County, the second largest County in the State of Washington, through the largest recession in recent history. I managed through that recession and resized our operation consistent with the resources we had to keep the county fiscally stable.

I bring those skills and ability to lead the State Auditor’s office.

The public wants and needs to rely on

State Treasurer those of us who lead organizations to do our jobs, to ensure fiscal responsibility with their tax dollars. You rebuild the public’s trust in stewardship of the office through good communication. I would meet with the various stakeholders and listen to the concerns or strengths they perceive about this office. I would listen to the staff who currently run the office. I would listen to the public at large, holding town forums and digital meetings on changes they would like to see. I would then put together a plan on improving communication with the public and instituting changes where appropriate.

I have a strong desire to restore confidence in the State Auditor’s Office.

I have a hands-on understanding of the local governments the office is charged with auditing. I have interfaced with the State Auditor’s Office for many years in different elected capacities, as a School Board Director, County Auditor, County Executive, and in my service on the public boards and organizations.

I believe in public service and have dedicated myself and my life’s work to service of all kinds. No matter the time, place, or role, I have made accountability, transparency and integrity hallmarks of my public stewardship. I would do the same as State Auditor.

U.S. Senator

Patty Murray

I am running for reelection to keep fighting for Washington state families and to keep working to break through the gridlock in D.C. to get results.

I consider my job as Senator to be to listen to the people I represent, then go back to Washington, D.C. to fight for your values and priorities and do everything I can to get results that help you.

My highest priority is making sure our government is doing everything it can to help create jobs and grow

nonpartisan as possible.

Duane Davidson

1. Bring more transparency to the State’s Finances 2. Build better relationships between local and state government. Local government is the most important in the entire spectrum of government for delivering services to the average citizen.

3. Decrease the level of politics within the Treasurer’s office. The Treasurer’s office should be as

I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). I was an Assistant State Auditor, and since 2003 (4-terms) serve as the Benton County Treasurer.

I have served as the president of the Washington State Association of County Treasurers for three terms. My work history has provided me the knowledge and skills to do the job of State Treasurer. For a complete list of my endorsements which include legislators and county officials from both parties, please review my website at www. duanedavidson.org.

I see the Treasurer’s office as the taxpayer’ banker. As previously stated the office should stay out of partisan politics as much as possible.

The County Treasurer position is a good training ground for the state treasurer office. Many former state treasurers were previously county treasurers.

Superintendant of Public the economy in Washington state in a way that works for all families, not just the wealthiest few.

As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I am never going to stop fighting for local veterans. I have been disappointed with some of the problems with the VA, and I continue to push them to move toward a system that works better for veterans in Spokane and around the country.

I was proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to fix the broken No Child Left Behind Law, and I am very hopeful that next year we can work together to make college more affordable and tackle the crushing burden of student loan debt.

I am proud to be one of the few members of Congress who has been able to break through the gridlock and dysfunction and deliver results for Washington state families.

I come home every weekend frustrated that I couldn’t get more done, and I go back to the other Washington every week energized by my time in the state and ready to keep working to help make our government work better for the people it represents.

in a timely manner.

Erin Jones o Create a vision and craft a blueprint of public education along with key stakeholders. o Advocate for full funding of basic education. o Address our testing systems, to create a model that is less burdensome on our students and teachers, and provides the information necessary to improve instruction

I have devoted 25 years to serving students, families, and communities in and around schools.

I have served as a classroom teacher on both sides of our state, Assistant State Superintendent and School District Administrator. I have trained over 20,000 teachers and staff on best instructional practices to promote equity. I have demonstrated excellence by closing opportunity gaps in the classroom, and was recognized for my work as the Milken Educator of the year for Washington State while at Rogers high school in Spokane, Washington State PTA Educator of the Year, and White House Champion of Change for Education Excellence for African Americans. I bring a visionary leadership style, experience working with large budgets, leading large groups of people and the hands on knowledge of our system from doing the work,

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 27

Gates’s investment firm), managed $70 billion of assets.

Education: MBA, Emory University BBA, Accounting Management, Columbus University

Michael Waite You deserve a finance professional — not a professional politician — as your State Treasurer.

Professional Experience: Senior VP of Operations, Bentall Kennedy, managing $11.1 billion of assets.

Head of Accounting, Cascade Investment (Bill & Melinda

and State

You deserve honest and understandable management of our State’s finances. For too long, the professional politicians elected Treasurer have helped put us $20 billion in debt. Now Washington has the 6th highest state debt per person in the nation.

This deficit spending is unacceptable. I will lead us in a different direction.

I’m the only candidate with the high-level private industry experience to bring much needed change to the Treasurer’s office. My professional finance background, and commitment to integrity and

open government, have earned me endorsements from former Attorney General Rob McKenna and Independents, Democrats, and Republicans across our state (see HireMichaelWaite.com).

As Treasurer, I will fight for you against the dangers of increasing our debt, or hurting our economy with a state income tax. I will honestly present financial information to taxpayers and, most importantly, prioritize efficiency, accountability and decreasing state debt. That way we can increase the money available for schools, public safety, our social safety net, and community infrastructure, instead of spending $2 billion every year on debt payments to Wall Street. I’ve thrived as a finance professional by delivering for clients — now, let me deliver for you. Please vote Michael Waite for Treasurer.

Ballot Drop Off Locations 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

Instruction and doing so with excellence.

OSPI must be the visionary for public education. Unfortunately, there has been no clear vision from OSPI that all of our districts, and the legislature can work from to ensure our system is providing the best education to every student, and ensuring it receives the resources necessary to operate at its best. In this role, it will be my responsibility to advocate for our students first. I am the best person for this job because I am a visionary and believe that with proper partnership high quality education for all students is possible. I have a proven track record of closing gaps and advocating for equity and full funding of basic education.

I have established relationships in all sectors of society including the political, community, business and education that I will leverage in this position.

and as a budget and education policy executive at our State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for over 14 years. I’m endorsed by Democrats and Republicans in Spokane County and around the state.

Chris Reykdal My name is Chris Reykdal and I am running to be our state’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction, the person in charge of overseeing all of the public schools in our state.

I am running for this office as a former teacher and school board member, a current state representative (Vice-chair of the House Education Committee),

My top three priorities are to equitably fund our schools, recommit to career and technical education, and to simplify our excessive standardized testing system. I will submit a budget plan to the Legislature and Governor to show how we can fully fund our schools with bipartisan solutions. I will ensure students can demonstrate proficiency of the standards via career and technical education programs as one graduation pathway. And I will decrease the amount of time we spend on federally mandated standardized tests!

Each year, OSPI is responsible for allocating and apportioning $9 billion to the 295 school districts in our state. I am the only candidate who is qualified to do this, having worked in budget and education policy for nearly two decades.

In addition, my experience in public K-12 and higher education is robust – from student, to teacher, to parent, to school board member, to a finance executive in our state’s community and technical college system, to vice-chair of the House Education Committee.

My experience in public policy, education policy, public finance, and budgeting makes me the most qualified person for this executive job. Kids, parents, taxpayers, and voters are counting on a leader who has a history of delivering results!

The Current

28 • OCTOBER 2016

Supreme Court Justice Position #1 decide cases fairly, based on the law rather than emotion, and I am an independent thinker. As my long list of publications demonstrates, I have avoided the “group think” that often characterizes the ivory tower and is all too evident on our court.

I will bring much needed balance and independence to our state’s highest court.

David DeWolf

I am running to serve on our state’s highest court for two reasons.

First, I have the background, the ability, the temperament and independence to make a significant contribution.

Stanford University and Yale Law School were early preparations. As a professor at Gonzaga Law School, my career is teaching students to love the Constitution and the rule of law. And as an author, my books are regularly cited in courtrooms throughout the state.

I have the judicial temperament to

The second reason I want to serve on the Court is because the Washington Supreme Court has led our state to the brink of a constitutional crisis. In the most serious challenge to constitutional government in our state’s history, the McCleary decision has held “the State” in contempt, imposed a $100,000 per day fine on us, and is threatening to close our schools. It has led the state treasurer to recommend a new 5% state income tax. This is not the proper role of the court. The judiciary is the branch of government we turn to for protection when government invades our rights. Now our courts are trying to force on us policies that our elected representatives have rejected.

I will lead the fight to restore the checks and balances for which the founders of our country risked their lives. Please log on to my website, dewolfforjustice.org, for more information and ways to join my campaign.

her. Justice Yu has been recognized with multiple “Judge of the Year” awards from the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington Association for Justice, and others.

Justice Mary Yu’s commitment to the community extends beyond the bench.

She is Co-Chair of the Minority Justice Commission; Co-Chair of the Leadership Institute; and Board Member of FareStart.

Justice Yu has served as a mentor to hundreds of young attorneys and emerging leaders around the state.

Mary Yu

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu understands that every decision the court makes impacts the lives of ordinary people. During her fourteen years as a trial judge, she heard hundreds of criminal, civil, and family law cases. She approaches each case with an open mind, to decide cases impartially. Justice Mary Yu has earned a reputation for fairness, integrity, and treating everyone with respect.

Justice Mary Yu is rated Exceptionally Well Qualified, the highest possible rating, by all of the bar associations that have rated

Justice Mary Yu is the first Asian and the first woman of color (Asian and Latina) to serve on the Washington Supreme Court.

Yu was raised in Chicago by immigrant parents – her mother came from Mexico and her father from China – and she is the first in her family to graduate from college.

Justice Mary Yu endorsed by hundreds of citizens and community leaders serving the public, elected officials throughout Washington, and organizations representing thousands of Washingtonians.

Learn more online justicemaryyu.com/

at

http://

Retain Justice Mary Yu on the Washington State Supreme Court, Position 1.

Supreme Court Justice Position #6

Dave Larson 1. Restore public trust in the Court; 2.

Restore properly functioning relationships between the three branches of government; 3. Improve the way courts address untreated mental illness and addiction.

My qualities and experience

I have been a trial judge for Federal Way Municipal Court for 8 years. Prior to that, I was the President of the Federal Way School Board and was the architect of Federal Way’s Fair Funding lawsuit.

I know education and I know education funding.

I was a civil trial attorney for 23 years handling cases in state and federal court. I have a proven record of accomplishment for making organizations better by building bridges through confidence and trust. I took the position as a judge on Federal Way’s court in a time of great controversy and turned the court around. I have been given recognition for my work in domestic violence prevention and for my work in civics education. As your justice, I will bring a fresh and needed perspective due to my trial court experience that gives me a keen

understanding of the impact my decisions will have on the lower courts, law enforcement, and the public.

The role of the office The role of a Supreme Court Justice is to rule on the cases that come before the court based on the law and constitution, not on personal opinions or agendas.

In addition, the Supreme Court aloes sets the tone and direction of the lower courts. We need to have leadership on the court that will coordinate with other agencies of government to address problems such as mental illness, addiction, and domestic violence. I will be a voice for reforms in the justice system that will institutionalize decency through the use compassion, dignity, and restorative justice.

Charlie Wiggins Personal Statement: The McCleary case is probably the most important issue in this judicial election.

My opponent began his campaign by criticizing McCleary and the court’s pressure on the legislature to adequately fund education. I firmly believe that we have

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 29

Secretary of State

Tina Podlodowski

Tina Podlodowski offers a proven 30-year track record of elected and community leadership, and the technology and management experience to get voters participating in our democracy again. She’s currently working with auditors and leaders in all 39 counties on improvements like postage-paid ballots, more ballot drop boxes, and automatic voter registration.

A successful high-tech

done the right thing in the McCleary case and one reason I want to continue to serve on the court is to continue to press the legislature to comply with the constitutional mandate that education of our children is the paramount duty of the state.

A second issue that I’m concerned with is the role of the Supreme Court in protecting the rights of minorities. I have written opinions calling for revision of our procedures to give better protection to minority rights and I would like to see them implemented during my next term.

Third, I want to continue to work to ensure that the poor have access to the courts to assert their rights.

The role of the Supreme Court is to administer justice

businesswoman, Tina is qualified to champion neglected reforms to support Washington businesses and safeguard our tax dollars. She will invest responsibly in a voting system that works for everyone, not a particular political party.

Washington used to be a leader in elections. But under the current Secretary of State voter participation has declined to a record low of 38%, with over one million eligible citizens still unregistered. Like many partisan Republicans, the incumbent has routinely opposed the Washington Voting Rights Act and other voting innovations like Election Day registration and pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds. We must do better.

Tina is the only candidate endorsed by the non-partisan Women’s Political Caucus of Washington – and she is supported by county auditors, elected officials, community organizations, and voters of all parties who agree with Tina: “Every voice matters.

Every vote counts.”

by resolving cases brought before the Court with justice and insight, to render opinions that explain the reasoning of the court in clear and accessible language and to protect the rights of those who cannot protect themselves or their legal rights.

Essential qualities that I bring to the office include personal integrity; impartiality, or the ability to set aside personal biases and opinions when considering a case; independence from the influence of special interest groups; experience representing clients in hundreds of different cases in all areas of law; a strong work ethic; ability to work with all different kinds of people; and a heart for justice.

Archives into a single facility to make our operations more efficient and to better preserve our state’s historic documents.

Kim Wyman

My first priority is keeping our voting system accessible and secure in a number of ways, including by bringing a statewide voter registration and election management system online in 2017. Washington is consistently ranked in the top states for voter security and participation, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

My second priority is to move Washington’s Presidential Primary earlier in the year. This year, over 1.4 million people cast a ballot.

If the primary had been held in March, we would have seen much higher turnout. Our state deserves a meaningful Presidential Primary and I will continue to fight for one My third priority is consolidating our State Library and State

I received my absentee ballot the day after an election when my husband and I served overseas.

The result: I am passionate about ensuring that every eligible person has the opportunity to vote. I have overseen over 100 impartial and accurate elections.

I hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and I am a state and nationally certified elections administrator. I am the only candidate in the race who has overseen an election. I will keep Washington’s elections accessible, secure, and fair.

My highest duty as Secretary of State is to ensure our elections are well-run, and that is why experience matters so much in this job. I am proud to be trusted by those who know elections best – county auditors, elections directors and former Secretaries of State. I am endorsed by nearly 60 Democrats, Republicans and independent elections officials.

I will always protect the voting rights of all people, put the voters above partisan politics and will keep our state a national leader in elections.

The Current

30 • OCTOBER 2016

U.S. House of Representative Congressional District 5

Cathy McMorris Rogers Three big priorities that I have been leading on for Eastern Washington are substantive VA reform, better forest management and restoring representative government.

Our veterans deserve prompt and compassionate care – this remains one of my top priorities.

We also need to ensure our forests are properly managed so we do not experience the

devastating wildfires we endured last year. We face a serious problem in the United States — people feel they’ve lost their voice in government. Far too many government programs have gone years, even decades without being reauthorized, leaving the American people less able to effectively review, rethink, and possibly eliminate government programs. I introduced the USA – Unauthorized Spending Accountability – Act, to restore the “power of the purse” to the American people and save hundreds of billions in spending.

I have also been leading an effort called the Congress of Tomorrow to review how Congress is currently structured, the rules that govern us, and how we conduct the people’s business.

We need to rethink government form the top to the bottom and restore the people’s voice in their government.

As someone who grew up on a

farm, worked at my family’s small business, was the first one in my family to graduate from college, and later I became a wife and mom of three, I know I have lived the American Dream, and I work every day to rebuild that Dream for our children and grandchildren. Since first being elected to the House I believe I have earned the trust of my constituents and praise on Capitol Hill for my hard work, conservative principles, bipartisan outreach, and leadership. I am the Co-Chair of five Congressional caucuses: Military Family, Down Syndrome, Lumber, Neuroscience, and the Rural Health Coalition. I believe that I am smarter and more capable of passing important legislation that will benefit all of Eastern Washington. I am honored to serve and hope to have your support again in this election.

veteran’s healthcare to wealthy, profit-driven corporations that don’t have experience holistically treating veterans. The veterans I’ve spoken with agree that the VA is still the best health care provider, and the majority of Americans agree.

more opportunities than we did to flourish. Even though our economy has lifted since the Great Recession, it’s still not where it should be. I am committed to creating jobs for those who need them and providing a positive influence for our young people.

From raising four children to serving as the CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, my background gives me the kind of real-world experience that we need in Congress.

In 2006 I filed a landmark lawsuit against Teck Cominco, a Canadian mining company that had been dumping heavy metals for decades, and forced the cleanup of the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt.

My environmental knowledge also allowed me to implement a nationwide model for sustainable forest management practices while I was CEO of my Tribe.

My top three priorities are veterans, the environment, and job/economic growth. My opponent wants to hand over

I know what it’s like to grow up in poverty. My wife and I have committed our lives to making sure that our young people have

An elected official serves his or her people. I have been serving others my entire life, all the way from a child in foster care to a CEO of a multi-million dollar enterprise. I have the muchneeded compassion that is lacking from D.C. and the ability to bring the experiences of a variety of individuals to Congress. I’m not a career politician or someone trying to climb the ladder of success, but rather someone who cares so deeply about my community that I decided to run for Congress to make a change.

Joe Pakootas

Thank you to all of the candidates who took the time to respond and answer our questions for this Special Election Guide. We appreciate the hard work you are putting in and your willingness to serve our commmunity in these public service roles.

Thank you to the staff of The Current for your hard work in creating this special feature as a public service to our community.

Please note that these statements were provided by the candidates or their staff and have been printed ‘as is’ and without any editing by The Current.

Brought to you by

Frankenstein Footprints

MATERIALS: Frankenfoot (child’s foot) Paper Green paint Decorations (we used eye stickers, sharpies and puffy paint) INGREDIENTS: 1. Dip foot in paint and carefully make a print on your paper. Allow to dry completely before moving on to further INGREDIENTS: steps.

Piecrust (either make or buy) 2. Put eyes, scars, Pie filling (about ½ cup) mouth, bolts and any DIRECTIONS: other decorations on 1. Cut 10 rectangles 2” x 4” out of your pie crust. your “Frankenstein.”

Use the same 2. Cut the remaining crust into thin strips between 3. technique to create 1/8-1/4” wide.

3. Spread about 2 tsp. of filling down the center. other monsters, such as Bride of Frankenstein.

Moisten ¼” edge to seal the strips to.

4. Place the strips in an overlapping way to look like a mummy.

5. You can place raisins for eyes 6. Bake 350 degrees until golden. We added a drizzle of icing.

Two crusts make about 10.

Mummy Pies

H appy H alloweeen

The Current

32 • OCTOBER 2016

What do mummies like to listen to on Halloween?

Wrap Music Which ghost is the best dancer?

The Boogie Man What is a vampire's favorite dance?

The Fang-Dango Books We Recommend “Vunce Upon a Time”, J. otto Seibold, 2008 (ages 5-8)

Dagmar, a vegetarian vampire prefers candy to blood. He learns about Halloween and conquers his fear of humans to bravely go trick – or – treating. A fun new take on Halloween with whimsical bright artwork.

“13 Days of Halloween”, Carol Greene, 2009 (ages 4-8)

Fantastic bright illustrations grab your attention in this fun twist on the Christmas carol you know. The rhymes are great, singing is fun but the art is fantastic.

“Frank was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance”, 2006 (ages 2-8) Funny little rhymes make for a great read aloud that kids will memorize quickly and ask for often, not just Halloween.

“Cinderella Skeleton”, Robert San Souci, 2004 (ages 4-10) Not the Cinderella tale with a glass slipper that you’re used to. A definite new spin with terrific artwork that’s worth a read.

Look-a-like Vegetable Facts Walnuts have creases resembling your brain. They have B9, Omega-3 and more vitamin E than any other nut Tomatos have chambers like your heart and are loaded with lycopene and vitamin C. Celery contains sodium and silicon that your body needs to help keep your bones strong.

Bananas look like a smile and contain a protein that changes during digestion to serotonin, a natural mood booster.

Onions look like your bodies cells.

They aid in clearing waste from cells.

World Vegetarian Day on October 1 which has been celebrated since 1977, kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 33

PACE Trait -

Congratulations to Auria!

RESPONSIBILITY Being accountable, the pursuit of excellence, and the exercise of self control

She’s the latest

KiDDS Dental No Cavity Club winner!

Auria won a $25 gift card to Build a Bear and a photo session with

Call our office to schedule an appointment to see if your child is cavity-free!

891-7070

Grow Up Smiling!

1327 N. Stanford Lane, Suite B, Liberty Lake 509.891.7070 www.GrowUpSmiling.com

Find out about all of our events and contests on Facebook!

Animal Facts

Every month we feature information on a different animal. Cut them out and collect them all!

TARANTULA

Banana Spiders

INGREDIENTS: banana pretzel sticks raisins DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut banana into one inch pieces.

2. Break 4 pretzel sticks in half for each spider.

Insert 4 pretzel pieces in each side of banana.

3. Carefully push two raisins into the banana for eyes.

4. Eat up!

- Tropical and subtropical, not found in Europe - Up to 5” body, 11” leg span, 1-3 ounce, 8-15 years, nocturnal - Venom is weaker than a bee - Paralyzes its victims then uses secret enzymes to liquefy them so they can be sucked through strawlike mouth openings - Makes noise by rubbing bristles on legs together - Molts - Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula is the world’s largest spider

The Current

34 • OCTOBER 2016

Author Spotlight

y r r a c S d Richar 1919-1994 Richard was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. After he graduated, he like many other artists, enrolled but then dropped out of business college.

He studied art before he was drafted into the Army during WWII where one of his jobs was drawing maps. After the war, he worked for several magazines until he started illustrating children's stories and Little Golden Books.

In the early 1950's, he began writing his own stories. He wrote over 150 books that have been published in over 20 languages and has sold over 100 million copies for over 100 million dollars.

The Animals'Merry Christmas 1958 ages 3-10

The original of this book is not just our favorite Richard Scarry book but one of our favorite Christmas books as well. The newer versions have been altered and some of the stories like "The Lion's Plum Pudding" have been omitted which makes us sad.

The Golden Book of 365 Stories 1955 ages 3-10

The perfect bedtime story book. There's so many to choose from and most of the stories are very short so you can read a few and still be on time.

Richard Scarry's The Great Pie Robbery and Other Mysteries 1969 ages 6-9

The perfect first crime mystery book. It has a trio of stories and the illustrations are an excellent example of Scarry's style capturing all of the animals expressions perfectly.

PACE Trait for October – Responsibility

By Cheri Scandalis

Dogs and cats have been domesticated and in our homes for 10,000 years. They not only depend on us, they are in fact, required to have a guardian to exist in our country. They absolutely depend on us. Our responsibility to them begins long before they actually enter our homes, and our heart.

Anyone considering an animal companion would do all considered a great favor to educate themselves about dog/cat guardianship responsibilities prior to making that commitment. The unfortunate consequences of irresponsible pet guardians in our country looks like some pretty staggering numbers.

Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide. Each year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized.

At Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary, we receive more pleas for help than we could ever keep up with. We do the best we can and with the help of volunteers, fosters, private donations, our partnering veterinarian, Mountain Empire and our pet food and supplies source, Pawpular Companions, we have rescued almost 300 animals this

year. We are responsible for 68 permanent resident animals at the sanctuary and many more animals in foster care.

These statistics have been greatly reduced in our country over the last several decades with increased spay and neuter programs, as well as humane education and awareness via animal welfare groups. However, we still have a long way to go.

Fortunately, living in the 21st century, we have access to so much information! A complete dissertation can be found instantaneously, right at our fingertips, regarding just about any subject matter. All we need do is type our query in the Google subject box and hit “return.” A responsible pet guardian will fetch a great deal of helpful information: “What to consider before choosing a Pet,” “How to be a responsible pet owner," "Meet your Match,” “Adopt Don’t Shop,” and “The importance of dog obedience."

It is so very important to do your research! A little bit of homework is not only helpful but crucial to the outcome of meeting and bringing home our best match. A responsible pet guardian will exercise some foresight to pave the most optimal opportunity for a lifetime of success with their animal companion. Those who get pets without learning about the breed, not realizing what they are committing to are the first

to abandon them.

Read books, ask experts about the pet you are considering and factor in whether or not you’ll be able to afford a pet, spend the necessary amount of time with them, and meet their mental, emotional and physical/energy needs before making that decision.

Make sure nobody in the household is allergic. Be certain everyone in the household is onboard with the new furry friend. And be responsible!

Provide shelter, nutritious food, spay or neuter your pet, vaccinate, microchip to bring your dog home, license to protect your pet and support our local animal control, exercise, commit to health, training is not optional! It is essential! And make a plan for end of life care.

Animals are for life. Animals should not be abandoned because you are going to have a baby, they bark too much, get injured, develop health issues, got too old, or because their families decided to move or get divorced.

Pets are a commitment, they are a privilege, they are for life.

Be a canine Ambassador! Be a responsible pet guardian!

Cheri Scandalis is the president and co-founder of Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary. She is a mother, wife, grandmother, an animal advocate and a voice for the voiceless.

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 35

From the Valley Floor

for the low voter turnout in May of 2002, the front doors of City Hall may have never opened.

By Mike DeVleming

(Editor’s note: “From the Valley Floor” is a new column in The Current featuring contributions from longtime residents of the greater Spokane Valley area.

This month’s guest columnist is Mike DeVleming who served as the inaugural mayor of the city of Spokane Valle after incorporation in 2003.)

Spokane Valley – The Early Years Let me tell you a little secret. For some, this is going to come as a surprise but Spokane Valley was far from ready to become a city.

The community lacked a real focus on what we wanted to accomplish with an incorporation.

The incorporation committee struggled to paint a clear picture of what kind of city we would become. All of us supporting the incorporation effort couldn’t even convince the majority of Valley citizens that incorporation was what needed to happen. If it wasn’t

and relieved exhales by the council and the early staff.

The incorporation team did a fantastic job of showing the Valley citizens what “could be.” We saw charts and graphs that that painted a nice picture of the benefits of incorporation. There was a real chance we would see a greater amount of our taxes stay right here in the Valley. A stronger police presence was almost a guarantee and, of course we, the Spokane Valley citizens, would be able to make our own decisions about our future. Yet, when it came down to it, much of the “yes” vote was a result of the fear that Spokane would gobble us up and nobody in the Valley wanted that to happen.

As I recall, the mood of the council relaxed a great deal after that first budget approval. Oh, the council had our differences of opinion and they weren’t going to take a back seat just because we had a balanced budget. All seven of us were like-minded and very conservative but we each had certain issues that were very important to us individually.

It was a bit of a wrestling match as we tried to get these issues on the early agendas. As mayor, I made the final decision on council meeting agendas and that led to some spirited discussion of early morning cups of coffee with the council, one on one.

Even after that first City Council had been sworn in and the paint on the disincorporation signs had not yet dried, there continued to be nail biting right up until our first city budget was in place. Would the existing tax base really be able to provide all of the services that our citizens were accustomed to let alone the added services we were promised? Needless to say, the first budget presentation resulted in a great deal of satisfied smiles

Council Member Mike Flanigan was so good at making me and the rest of us relax and look at the big picture. He was fiercely rooted in the Valley and always had that as his North Star. Yet it was easy for him to look at the lighter side of council business. He would joke that he was just hoping to get a date out of the this, but now he was too busy to go out. I was the second youngest person on the council and it seemed that Mike knew the rest

of the council members so much better than I. He was great about helping me communicate better with the rest of the council. I still miss our lunches together.

Getting to know Rich Munson was probably my biggest challenge.

Rich was so ready to be a council member and had his eyes on the mayor’s chair from the first day of campaigning. Initially, Rich didn’t like the fact that he wasn’t making the final decisions on everything but he dug in hard and volunteered for every committee and every board position available. Once City Hall was established in early 2003, Rich settled into his council member’s desk and spent countless hours poring over various reports, staff provided research and anything else he could get his hands on.

Dick Denenny had and still has the heart of a child. A lifelong skier and motorcycle rider, he was constantly full of mischievous energy. One of my absolute favorite stories about Dick took place in Washington, D.C. There were about four or five of us there for the annual National League of Cities Conference. Dick, Diana Wilhite, Gary Schimmels and

See VALLEY, Page 45

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The Current

36 • OCTOBER 2016 Brought to you by

About and for Valley seniors

Meals on Wheels volunteer leaves nurturing legacy

day I came back and cleaned out his refrigerator for him.”

Mark Laskowski, assistant director at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, says that extra effort is just Gil’s way.

“It’s not common among volunteers but some have that dedication outside of Meals on Wheels,” he said. “It’s a neat winwin across the board.”

Laskowski, who has worked with Fischer since he was hired at MOW two years ago, says the 90-yearold is known for his compassion.

Staci Lehman

Current Correspondent Gilbert “Gil” Fischer sits at a table at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels in Spokane Valley, looking at a list of clients. It’s one of the last times he will deliver food and encouragement to people who have become his genuine friends.

After three decades as a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, the 90-yearold is “retiring.”

“To me, it’s people people,” Fischer said.

serving

Meals on Wheels (MOW) serves a lot of people. The organization provides delivered meals to homebound senior citizens and those with disabilities, as well as at 13 communal lunch locations throughout Spokane County. Last year MOW was a resource for over 270,000 meals.

Having been a MOW driver since 1986, Fischer has delivered a lot of them himself, along with an ear to listen and a sense of compassion.

“For some people, this is their only meal a day,” he said.

Fischer didn’t set out to be one of the oldest and longest-tenured volunteers MOW has ever had. He took up community service when another part of his life ended.

Fischer had worked for a plastering company and was feeling the effects of lifting heavy bags of plaster every day for years.

“My wrists hurt as bad on Monday as they had on Friday so the doctor told me to quit,” said Fischer. “I quit altogether and that was when I started doing volunteer work.”

And not just volunteer work for Meals on Wheels. Over the years,

“I don’t think there is a single person who meets Gil and isn’t inspired by his dedication and concern for others,” he said.

Gilbert “Gil” Fischer (center) has served as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for the past 30 years. He is stepping away from his role at the age of 90 but still hopes to helps with some lighter duties at the MOW office on Sprague near Pines.

Photo by Staci Lehman Fischer has also spent many hours volunteering at Family Promise, St. Anne’s Children and Family Center, Crosswalk and United Methodist, the church he has attended since 1979

Fischer says it’s hard not to be concerned about people who depend on him.

“They’re thankful for receiving the meal and I get into conversation with some of them, see how they’re doing,” he says.

Fischer also checks in with his fellow volunteers to see how they are doing. He shows up early before his shift every Monday morning to enjoy coffee with the other MOW volunteers.

“There are several guys here from my church,” he said. “We harass each other.”

When not volunteering or visiting, Fischer does some yard work around the Spokane Valley home he shares with his wife of 37 years, Kay, who also spends time volunteering. He walks at the Spokane Valley Mall and has an interest in most things electrical.

Fischer’s days of delivering food will end this month, but he says the MOW staff and volunteers haven’t seen the last of him. He’s hoping to find a few light duties he can help with around the office.

“As far as the people here, they’ve been very nice to work with – and the other drivers that come around here.”

Want to help?

Meals on Wheels is in crucial need of volunteers. The time commitment averages about one to two hours a week. If you can help, go to www.gscmealsonwheels.org/ get_involved or call 924-6976. If you cannot physically volunteer, the organization says donations of money are always needed as well.

Call the number above to make a donation.

For three decades, Fischer has worked one or two days a week at MOW, one day a week at St. Anne’s and many other hours distributed over other nonprofit groups.

Despite his love for the work, he is being forced to step away from most of his volunteer work due to a health issue. A new volunteer, a MOW client herself, is stepping in to take over his route. Even so, many of Fischer’s clients will miss the man who goes the extra mile for them, from checking on their well-being to mailing their letters and more.

“I got involved in doing projects for the clients, changing light bulbs, stuff like that,” Fischer said.

“Another guy asked me to put the food in his refrigerator. I noticed it needed to be defrosted so the next

In addition to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Fischer has donated time to a variety of local causes.

Photo by Staci Lehman

The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 37

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WV quarterback Wright on track with reliable line

By Mike Vlahovich

Current Sports Editor A rock and roll song of yore by the group Spirit, “I’ve Got a Line on You” is apropos relative to West Valley football.

The Eagles boast six linemen who weigh 270 or more, which has made things substantially easier for second-year quarterback Hunter Wright.

“I added it up and it could be almost 2,000 pounds of beef and we could go 210 at fullback,” WV coach Craig Whitney said.

Knowing there’s that much protection becomes a confidence boost. “(Hunter)’s saying ‘I’m all right,’” Whitney added After three games the evidence is clear. Wright was WV’s leading rusher averaging nearly nine yards per carry. He’d completed 54 passes on 77 attempts (70-plus percent) and had accounted for 1,125 yards and 10 of the team’s 13 touchdowns with but a single turnover that, he contends, should have been whistled an incomplete forward pass. He attributes much of it to this year’s offensive line.

The year before he said he committed a turnover every game but one on a team that finished 5-5

SPORTS

The Current

overall because he’d been under more pressure.

“Without a line you can’t do as much,” Wright realized. “It’s a big difference. They’ve improved a lot.”

So has he. Wright is bigger (20 pounds heavier, a couple inches taller, up to 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds), faster and stronger translating into wins over two Greater Spokane League schools and a 45-18 thrashing of 1A Colville, which had beaten them last year and reached the state finals a year earlier. WV has scored a combined 102 points while allowing 46.

“With the strength piece and speed piece you get confident,” Whitney said of his QB. “With the size up front it’s a solid spot for the team to be.”

Football has consumed Wright since he was small, so much so that he’s become a one-sport athlete.

“I used to play other sports, now it’s just football,” he says.

He started with basketball in the first grade. His father, Kevin, who graduated from Lewis and Clark, had played basketball and was a decathlete at Whitworth University.

Hunter also played Pop Warner football successfully until ninth grade, originally as a receiver, but was switched to quarterback in sixth grade and has been a work in progress at the position ever since.

“Coaches just told me I needed to switch so that’s what I worked on,” he said.

When he was young he had a knack for making plays, according to his current coach. “He’d spin at the right moment and make something happen,” Whitney said.

West Valley quarterback Hunter Wright has led the Eagles to a 3-0 start this year, including wins over Shadle Park and North Central. Wright credits the protection of his offensive line for his success as a second-year signal caller.

Photo by Mike Vlahovich Last year, his first as WV’s starter, he found himself improvising more leading to mistakes.

“I turned the ball over a lot more than should have and that was not good for us,” Wright says.

Despite it all, including sharing QB at times, he did throw for more than 15 touchdowns. His style is more Russell Wilson than Tom Brady.

“I can stay in the pocket but consider myself a dual threat,” Wright said. “I have pretty good knowledge, which is probably the best thing. If things break down I can scramble. Obviously, there were different games we should have won (last year), but we had

too many turnovers and that was on me.”

So he spent the spring and summer improving footwork, throwing different kinds of passes, learning to read coverages, “pretty much everything,” with an eye to continuing the game beyond high school. The result has been a hot start for the Eagles with an eye on the Great Northern League schedule that begins Oct. 7 at home against Pullman.

“He’s one of my favorite all-time guys,” Whitney said of his field general. “He’s a ‘yes, sir’ guy, a program guy and done the things needed to be a success.”

And they have a line for him.

The Current

Sports Notebook

three matches last year.

By Mike Vlahovich

Current Sports Editor When Odessa won the state 1B volleyball tournament there were no hyphens/slash school names attached as has become common as rural school enrollments continue their decline creating the necessity to pool their athletes.

It served notice – pardon the pun – that McKinzie Turner’s coaching was remarkable.

She’s West Valley’s gain.

Turner was hired to take an Eagles program that had something like five matches the past four seasons after reaching the post-season.

over won over last

They’ve already matched that, including a telling win over rival East Valley. The Knights, with a couple recent state trips, swept

Final Point - Awards banquet of yore recalls simpler time of sports

By Mike Vlahovich

Current Sports Editor My son was in middle school and experienced the thrill of a lifetime when he caught a pass thrown to him by Chicago Bears football legend Walter Payton. Payton was in town as a guest speaker at the annual afternoon Spokane Sports Awards luncheon and banquet later that evening.

For decades, the banquet was highlight of the sporting season.

It was so well known it once was featured in a Sports Illustrated story. The entertainment was centered around furniture store owner and raconteur Dick Pratt in his role as master of ceremonies.

There was a time when you could afford to bring high-profile talent like Payton to entertain. Not just one major sports figure but upwards of three, often including the Heisman Trophy winner, before remuneration demands along with rising sports salaries became prohibitive.

SPORTS

WV’s losses came against Greater Spokane League’s Mt. Spokane and Great Northern League foe Pullman.

The Wildcats had been to eight successive 3A state tourneys until last season and the Greyhounds are a returning state qualifier.

Four returning seniors – Brooklyn Graham, Kim Anderson, Claire and Lilly Sinner - have played major roles. Setter Jaylynn Buehler averaged 23 assists during the first five matches and Kaitlinn Mullin has brought diversity listed on the roster at three positions.

They are two of six juniors on a roster that includes six sophomores.

Central Valley is starting over in many ways, although Sydney Johnson and Paige Wollan played key roles on last year’s state placer.

The Bears had one win early in the season.

University revolves around junior Rachael Schlect, one of the top Today the death of the event, like that of a good friend, sorrowfully yet inevitably we mourn its passing. The institution, nearly 70 years old, and the Inland Northwest Sportswriters and Broadcasters efforts were in vane and we’ve called it quits.

SWAB’s president in perpetuity (yours truly) has been deposed (mercifully.) It only seemed like I’d been in office forever.

The awards began in 1948 when civic leaders and sports media collaborated to choose the first Inland Empire athlete, coach and team of the year. Back then virtually the whole of the Inland Empire from the Canadian Border through the whole of Eastern Washington into Idaho and Montana was fair game.

Walla Walla High School football, Kellogg basketball, Missoula basketball, University of Montana football, Yakima American Legion baseball and Yakima skier Phil Mahre were among those early winners.

The voting geography eventually was condensed to the Spokane area and North Idaho.

In 1963 the athlete category was divided into amateur and professional. By 1972, the Amateur Female Athlete was added. Central Valley distance runner Annette Hand, who went on to Oregon and national acclaim – and last October was inducted into the Inland Northwest Sports Hall of Fame – won the award in both 1987 and

players in league.

Talk about a turn-around Central Valley’s football team was waxed in its first game of the season by 37 points against Coeur d’ Alene. A week later they turned the tables, crushing Lake City 42-0.

Then, CV won 38-27 (one time leading by 24 points) in its GSL 4A match against Mead on the sturdy legs of running back Braeden Orrino who carried the pigskin 31 times for a 177 yards (it seemed closer to 300).

The team was likely 4-1 after beating Mt. Spokane 14-7 by the time it faces the final 4A schools, beginning Oct. 7 against Ferris and followed by Lewis and Clark, University and league favorite Gonzaga Prep.

Orrino was unstoppable against the Panthers and quarterback Conner DeGeest impressed with his strong arm. In three games he passed for nearly 600 yards.

1993.

The Youth Awards luncheon began in 1978, a place for countless high school athletes to meet and witness peers, teams and coaches honored, including locals like CV two-time football winner Tyree Clowe and U-Hi sprinter Anthony Buchanan.

The banquet met its demise years ago, victim of the escalating athlete salaries and changing times.

A couple years back the shift from civic endeavor to quasigovernment fiat – the Spokane Sports Commission – ended the luncheon, citing youth indifference as the reason. Personally, I believe internal personal differences over control probably played the major part. The SSC, which put on the luncheon, created its own awards gathering a few years back and left the media high and dry.

Without a venue the SWABs senior and junior awards presentations lately were given brief acknowledgment in the Spokesman-Review and on KHQTV. We decided this summer that the lack of a visible forum like the lunch wasn’t worth the substantial time and sweat that went into compiling ballots with scant recognition and called it quits.

And so we grieve.

I had become involved in 1971, my second or third year in the business, when West Valley track coach Duane Ranniger told me he

OCTOBER 2016 • 39

Freeman was even more impressive while winning three games by a combined score of 124-0. Over the final two games, quarterback J.T. Neely accounted for seven TDs passing and rushing.

Ben Darcy scored six times, rushing 19 times for 216 yards in one of them.

Twice in its first three games, East Valley led into the fourth quarter against GSL teams but lost. They were ahead 28-12 at one point against Shadle Park, a game in which quarterback Christian Johnson threw for 233 yards and four touchdowns. Colin Spendlove had eight catches for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Rodrick Jackson contributed four catches for 84 yards and in the Knights’ victory over Lake City compiled an incredible 212 yards on five grabs.

Bears’ soccer off to stellar start

See NOTEBOOK, Page 40 was speaking at the weekly SWABs lunch at the Shack Restaurant downtown. It was a place to pick up a story from the guest speakers who came from colleges, high schools and other athletics. Sports information directors updated the media about upcoming events.

Afterwards all the TV sports guys did film interviews outside the eatery.

I walked up to the podium after that first lunch and asked how to join. Then-president, the recently deceased Ed Sharman, said, “pay $5 to that man over there (secretary Ken Merkel).” Two years later I was somehow the president and subsequently stuck with the job when Valley sports broadcasting icon Dick Wright died some 20 years ago.

We collaborated with the Greater Spokane Sports Association on the banquet by compiling the awards candidate list and ballots while that group handled banquet and lunch details.

Camaraderie and civic pride made for great times but times change.

Rising costs, media people moving in and out of town who didn’t get involved in our sports history and changing sports emphases took its toll.

And so the SWABs ride reluctantly into the sunset and youngsters like my son don’t have the opportunity to meet their sports heroes up close and personal.

The Current

40 • OCTOBER 2016

NOTEBOOK

four games totaling 11, including games with four and five RBIs.

It’s an understatement to say Central Valley’s girls’ soccer team is young.

Mead and Gonzaga Prep could make it a four-team GSL race that typically has gone down to the two Valley schools.

Continued from page 39

There are only two seniors, led by Natalie Cabiad, and 15 players are sophomores or younger, including Maggie and Dori Ames.

During a 3-1 start, sophomore Maggie had scored a team high five goals. Cabiad and sophomore Kailyn LaBrosse had three each and was one of four players, including frosh Dori Ames, with two each.

The Bears blanked University, whose Kelsey Crosby had four goals early in the season.

East Valley got off to a 4-0 start in the Great Northern League.

Micaela Verdal led the Knights in scoring with seven goals a third of the way through the season. Chloe Gellhaus and Renay Hoffman were other main contributors.

Freeman’s Brynn Van Orden has six goals for a team that was 1-2 in the Northeast A League and 3-3 overall.

Same song, next verse

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University may be chased by different prey, but the Titans slowpitch softball team is in their accustomed spot atop the GSL early in the season.

Although the pitching is new, familiar faces fill most other positions with leadoff hitter Kirsten Anstrom fittingly leading the way, considering her place in the batting order. She hit safely in the first six games, totaling 15.

Macie Reynolds stood out in fastpitch softball last spring and has made an impression in slowpitch this fall for Central Valley.

Reynolds hit safely in her first

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CV harriers stride on There’s a pack mentality in cross country, but the CV boys’ cross country team has it in spades.

During two early invitational meets the Bears won in Bend, Oregon where eight runners, led

by Isaac Nicholls, placed first, fourth and seventh-through-12th with less than a minute separating them.

A week later the team, on the strength of that depth, CV won the sophomore and junior categories at the Highlander Invitational in domineering fashion.

Nicholls won the senior race on the flat and shorter Shadle Park course, timing 13:03. The junior boys won 23-61, on the strength of three runners – winner Gabe Romney, Will Grassl second and Fielding Demars fourth.

The sophomores were second through fifth, Ryan Kline running CV’s fastest time of 13:02 and winning 14-62.

The nine runners were separated by 51 seconds. Seven of those ran between 13:02 and 13:34 and four of those were separated by just 18 seconds.

Both boys’ and girls’ teams won their Greater Spokane League openers with sweeps of Shadle Park, the five boys finishing in a virtual dead heat in first and just 23 seconds separating five girls.

The boys didn’t fare as well against North Central, getting swept by the 10-time state champion, but the girls remained unbeaten.

The Current

The Indian side of the 1858 Horse Slaughter

HISTORY

By Jayne Singleton

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum Director The year 1858 was the turning point in conflicts between Indian tribes of the Spokane and Coeur D’Alene prairie and the encroaching interests of the white settlers. Fur traders, missionaries and gold seekers were followed by farmers and stock raisers who continually staked land claims in areas not open to white settlement and without consideration to the tribes.

These conflicts led to the tragic slaughter of approximately 800 horses on the Spokane River near Liberty Lake. Preceded by battles at Four Lakes and Spokane Plain, the horse slaughter remains an event that is mourned by Indians and whites alike to this day.

Suspicion spread through the tribe as Col. Steptoe’s march was reported to be headed to Fort Colville but he was not on the direct road that would take him there. Steptoe was in pursuit of the Indians who killed several miners. Nez Perce scouts “warned” the Coeur d’Alenes that the army is coming to take their land and their women. On May 17, Col. Steptoe and the Coeur d’Alenes battled near present-day Rosalia.

Cpt. Taylor and Lt. Gaston are killed in the clash.

The Coeur d’Alene’s relate that two Army Soldiers were killed on the ground as they were crawling through the grass to attack Indian women.

Col. George Wright was ordered to the Spokane Prairie to put down Indian uprisings, bring swift “justice” to Indians accused of killing white settlers and, as some believe, avenge Col. Steptoe’s defeat at Rosalia.

The battles of Four Lakes and Spokane Plain were the beginning of Wright’s campaign which ultimately ended with the hanging of Qualchan and several other Indians. On his way to try to secure a peace treaty with the Coeur d’Alenes on the morning of Sept. 8, the tragic horse slaughter story began.

Clouds of dust were observed by the Army over the area above Liberty Lake. A detachment was sent to investigate the source of the dust. A large herd of horses was being driven east. Col. Wright observed the following:

The Horse Slaughter monument was moved from its original location to another site in the Valley.

Photo courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum “I marched at sunrise on Sept.

8 and at the distance of nine miles discovered a cloud of dust in the mountains to the front and right and evidently a great commotion in that quarter. I ordered Major Grier to push forward with three companies of dragoons and I followed with foot troops. he distance proved greater than was expected, deep ravines intervening between us and the mountains but the dragoons and the Nez Perce, under Lt. Mullan were soon seen passing over the first hills. After a smart skirmish, they succeeded in capturing at least 800 horses.”

“They had discovered the Indians were driving off their stock to the mountains, which they had nearly reached.

Our horsemen were obliged to dismount on account of the nature of the ground and, after a sharp skirmish, succeeded in capturing the whole band, consisting of 900 horses.”

After the horses were herded on Sept. 8 toward the rest of the command at the river, a meeting of officers was held to determine what to do with the herd.

“At first Col. Wright was not disposed to kill the horses, thinking them too valuable,” recalled Cpt. Keyes. “I told him I should not sleep so long as they remained alive, as I regarded them the main dependence and most prized of all the possessions of the Indians, who would find a way to stampede

them.”

Chief Andrew Seltice (as told to son Joseph Seltice): “Wright came into the Valley and destroyed everything the Indians had. Chief Seltice said that the soldiers burned three stacks of his hay. There was much hay in the Valley, which was all destroyed. In the roundup of horses and stock, he lost more cattle than horses. His stock was up in the hills near Liberty Lake so he didn’t lose most of his herd.”

Saltese or Seltice Lake is named for Chief Andrew Seltice. He was a peacemaker and kept much of the tribe out of the conflict. Seltice had this recollection: “Col. Wright came up in the fall, and after the battles of Four Lakes and Spokane Plain, killed 900 horses or more at Horse Slaughter Camp.

This put Indians on the ground with winter coming. Our people just wanted to be left alone and not have settlers coming into our lands. You will read the stories of the military, they wrote the story the way they wanted it seen, our people tell the story of what really happened at the battles of 1858.”

In a Sept. 15 letter to Gen. Clarke, Wright described the damage and revealed his thinking: “900 horses and a large number of cattle have been killed or appropriated to our own use; many houses, with large quantities of wheat and oats, also many caches of vegetables, camas [bulbs], and dried berries have been destroyed. A blow has been struck which they will never forget.”

Many years later some questions still remain, including whose horses were they?

If they belonged to the Snake River Indians, why were they driving them up from that country?

Would the Coeur d’Alenes allow other tribes to graze their horses on their land? If the horses were Coeur d’Alene’s, who did they belong to?

Chief Seltice said he did not lose horses and his were all in the hills above Liberty Lake.

Wright attributes ownership of the horses to Til-co-itcks or Til-co-ax.

He was suspected of stealing horses from the Army in the Walla Walla Valley. Destroying his horses would be perceived as just retribution and could merit a promotion for Col Wright.

Eyewitness Accounts In his book, “The Indian Side of the Story,” William C. Brown interviewed two Indian women in 1930, who were riding with the herd captured near Liberty Lake.

Alla-leen-ti was about 12 at the time of the horse slaughter. Girls and

OCTOBER 2016 • 41

boys and old women were driving their stock east, trying to stay ahead of Wright’s marching column.

Her account places ownership of the horses as belonging to the Poy-ahkin, a Snake River Palouse Indian and his brother. She said the horses carried the quarter moon brand.

Brown also interviewed another eyewitness who was along the drive of horses in 1936. Yu-mahtway is Snake River Palouse and Alpowa Creek Nez Perce.

She says the horses were carrying the Shoos-pah-ween brand, a cross or plus sign. She told Brown they are moving the horses away from the Snake River to save them from the Army and other tribes. Both girls indicated that there were cattle on the trail drive also.

Coeur d’Alene tribal members also claim that the horses were theirs. No mention has been made of a brand that their horses would be carrying that we know of. Did the horses belong to another Coeur d’Alene chief? Why is there no mention of brands on the horses in any of the Army reports on the Horse Slaughter? Horses and other Indian property were traded amongst the tribes at Pow Wows. Could the slaughtered band be mixed because of that?

We may never know the whole story. Regardless of who owned the herd, it is a tragedy by any measure.

The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum has produced a DVD with more historical facts on the topic available for purchase.

The Horse Slaughter of 1858 marked a low point in interactions between the native tribes of the Inland Northwest and white settlers. Military personnel destroyed 800 horses in an attempt to hamstring the Indian cause. A monument commemorating the loss was dedicated many years later.

Photo courtesy of the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

The Current

42 • OCTOBER 2016

STA asks voters to invest in public transit From Current News Sources

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If this proposition is approved by voters, STA will receive up to an additional two-tenths of 1 percent of local sales tax. This means that for every $10 retail purchase, STA would receive up to an additional 2 cents in sales tax. For the average household in Spokane County, this would be an impact of about $2 a month or $24 a year. The tax increases would take effect in phases: • A one-tenth of 1 percent increase in local sales tax effective April 1, 2017

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• A second one-tenth of 1 percent increase effective April 1, 2019 • Both sales tax increases expire no later than Dec. 31, 2028 unless renewed by voters If Proposition 1 is approved by voters, STA would: • Maintain the existing transit system by replacing buses and vans at the end of their useful life • Improve fixed-route bus service with higher frequency, more passenger conveniences like shelters and real-time schedule information, and extended hours on weekends • Expand transit service to new areas and construct new and enhanced park and ride lots In April 2015, STA proposed a similar ballot measure that failed.

STA incorporated feedback from voters and consequently, the ballot measure in November 2016 will ask for a smaller tax increase, create a quicker timeline for new services throughout the region and apply the tax increase in phases over a three-year period.

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The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 43

Safety Scroll Are your smoke alarms expired?

By Chief Bryan Collins

Spokane Valley Fire Department Expiration dates are everywhere – from the “best by” date stamps found on grocery store items to limited two-year warranties on home appliances. Electronics, such as cellphones and computers, require constant updates and upgrades before they ultimately become obsolete and require replacing.

Yet many people are unaware that the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in our homes also expire and should be replaced

smoke and CO alarm safety and maintenance.

and replace alkaline batteries twice a year

The Spokane Valley Fire Department wants to help keep our community residents safe and asks that you take a few simple steps to make sure you have working smoke alarms and CO alarms in your home:

• Develop and practice a home escape plan to get everyone out quickly and safely in a fire

• Know the age of your alarms.

To do this, remove the alarm and look for the manufacture date printed on the back.

Cheif Bryan Collins every 10 years. In laboratory tests, the internal mechanism in the alarms that detects the smoke or CO has a 30-percent rate of failure after 10 years, with the rate of failure increasing with the age of the alarm.

This fall, the Spokane Valley Fire Department proudly joins fire departments across the country in promoting the “Don’t Wait, Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years” campaign in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week. This campaign aims to improve community safety by raising awareness about

• Replace smoke and CO alarms that are 10 years old. This applies to both battery powered and hardwired units.

If you have questions about smoke and CO alarms or need assistance checking or replacing your existing alarms, please contact the Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at 8924153 or submit a request for a free Home Fire Safety Visit online at www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

• Be aware that combination alarm units that detect both smoke and CO have shorter lifespans, typically five to seven years.

Check manufacturer specifications to determine when to replace combination alarms.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be installed on each level of your home.

•

Test smoke alarms monthly

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OPINION

The Current

Dear Editor: The Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who participated in the sixth annual Rotary in Motion (RIM) ride. We would especially like to thank all of the volunteers for their help and support to make this event a success! Volunteers included the Christian Motorcycle Club, the Bike Hub, Nancy Brubaker and all of our Liberty Lake Rotarians. Momentum Ink printed our very cool techshirts. The Liberty Lake Jimmy John’s sandwiches were enjoyed by everyone!

We appreciate the support from our major sponsors including The Spokane Sports Commission, Washington Trust Bank, Greenstone, Meadowwood Technology Campus, Baker Construction, Liberty Closing and Escrow, Vista Window Cleaning, Mountain Dog Sign Company, Storage Solutions, Swiss Tech Precision, Frost Consulting, Inland Insurance, Well Life Pharmacy, Yoke’s, The Kitchen Engine and State Farm Emily Osborne Agency.

This year’s family 5-mile RIM ride was held on Saturday, Sept. 17 and the 15, 25, 50 and 100-mile routes were held on Sunday, Sept. 18.

The Liberty Lake Rotary Club was thrilled to set a new record with 437 cyclists participating this year!

Each route included supported rest stops with great snacks, some of which were donated by Yoke’s. We had 60 cyclists complete the 100mile challenge ride and 132 cyclists completed the 50-mile scenic ride around Hauser and Newman Lake.

The proceeds from this year’s ride will benefit the Liberty Lake Rotary Club including various projects in our local Liberty Lake community.

Please visit our Facebook page and mark your calendar for the seventh annual Rotary in Motion (RIM) Ride, Sept. 16 and 17, 2017.

Mandy Desgrosellier

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com

GRAPHICS EDITOR

Danica Wick

danica@libertylakesplash.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Open

for information contact publisher@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Dean Byrns circulation@libertylakesplash.com

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Steve Christilaw, Craig Howard, Staci Lehman, Jayne Singleton, Mary Anne Ruddis, 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.

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Correction

The September issue of The Current included a story on the Spokane Valley City Council which indicated that the City Hall project “has an anticipated cost of $14.4 million.” The actual total project cost is $14,150,000 which is $250,000 less than the $14,400,000 budget estimate established in 2014. The Current regrets the error.

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The Current

OCTOBER 2016 • 45

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VALLEY

GRINALDS

myself had walked about two miles from our hotel down to the Lincoln Monument.

year. While the money is spread throughout the area, a few groups are regular recipients.

Gary’s knee had been acting up so we hailed a cab for the ride back to the hotel. Dick had been his usual spunky self and tossed a 50-dollar bill from the back seat to the cab driver to cover a $15 fare.

Diana handed the $50 to the cab driver and told him to keep it. The look on Dick’s face as the cab drove away was priceless. I lobbied Dick to become the first mayor. He would have been great at it.

“There are two major ones – Valley Partners and Meals on Wheels,” said Payson, former Rotary president. “He was very much about Meals on Wheels.”

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.

Other recipients include Frontier Behavioral Health, SNAP and the Valley YMCA.

Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:

Continued from page 35

In his late 20s, Steve Taylor was wise beyond his years. Winning my first election would have been much more difficult had Steve not stepped up and guided me through the process of a campaign. Steve knew how the political machine ran. He understood it at the federal level and it was clear to him how it worked at the local level. Of all of us, Steve may have been the one who was most ready to govern.

Not everything went perfectly smooth in those early years. We were routinely pressed to change the city name or put the entire incorporation issue up for another vote. “The Great Library Debate” was our first real test. We thought we knew what the community needed, yet it was not what they wanted.

The Spokane County Library District has a very good library system and had very strong support system in those early years. The reality was that much of the Spokane County Library’s funding that was collected in Spokane Valley was being used for the entire district. Couple that with the fact that the existing library was woefully undersized for a city the size of Spokane Valley. When the council and staff saw a way to provide a higher level of service without raising taxes, we started down that path. Undoubtedly, we were met with strongest resistance.

I still believe that had we pushed through, we would have a greater level of library services today. We will never know.

At the end of the day, the first City Council and staff ultimately gave this new city of Spokane Valley a direction and a focus that all citizens can be proud of.

Continued from page 6

Mortlock agrees her father was generous, but also had other words to describe him.

“I would say hardworking is definitely at the top of the list,” she said. “But also charitable, adventuresome and fun-loving.”

ENRI CHED LI VI NG. LASTI NG VALUE.

lifestyle

Payson and otherTHE Rotary board members sometimes hear from thankful recipients about how the money benefitted their clients. One organization is holding a luncheon for Rotary members this month in appreciation. Grinalds’ daughter says she receives appreciation often.

THE

YOU WANT

commun

“I often get letters from students,” she said. “I get them annually.”

When asked how this makes her feel, Mortlock says, “Like he did the right thing. I’m just pleased that he chose at the end of his life to look beyond himself.”

quality

Clark’s Tire and Automotive • Family Medicine/Healthy Living Liberty Lake THE

YO U D ES ERVE

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Liberty Lake Orthodontics

Financial • Spokane County Library District New homes Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur As for the impact that money has in Spokane,Thrivent made, Payson says it’s too large to calculate. gr e e n s t o n e h o m e s . c o m “For 20 years, we’ve distributed Index of advertisers an average of $30,000 a year,” he Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Current. said. “That’s a big number. I’ve got to feel it has an impact.”

48

Amaculate Housekeeping

14

Healthy Living Liberty Lake

Andrew Biviano

43

Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Counci 14l

Spokane County Library District 17

BECU 18

Jim Custer Enterprises

15

Spokane Realty-Courtney Hanks

“We drive around Spokane Valley and see people sitting near freeway entrances asking for money,” he said. “And we see people who are comfortable. We don’t see that huge population that’s in between those two groups.”

Candace Mumm

46

KiDDS Dental

33

Central Valley Theatre

43

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

Cornerstone Penecostal Church

38

Millwood Community Presbyterian 14

CS Motorsports

42

Mr.Sandless 9

Custom Fit Lighting

15

Pacific NW Construction Services 46

Evergreen Fountain

While Payson didn’t know Grinalds, he says what he knows of him fits well with the Rotary mission.

Gary Keller

“Rotary is a community service organization,” he said. “But in reality, it’s a bunch of people looking to make their community better.”

40

Simonds Dental Group

Payson says the need for help is more substantial than most people realize.

5

Spokane Roofing

5 42

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 46 Spokane Valley Fire Department 42 Thomas McLaughlin

13

Painted Hills Preservation Association 46

U-High Craft Fair

3

37

Painting with a Twist

Waste Management

3

44

Rockin’ B Ranch

44

Greenstone 35

Shelly O’Quinn

40

Service Directory

Donna’s Dance Studio

6

7

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 • OCTOBER 2016

Valley Chamber

HIGHLIGHTS

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INNOVATE. INNOVATE.

October program focused on a Creating a Winning Culture “A winning culture doesn’t just happen.

You build it.” Terry Gurno Great company cultures attract and retain the best talent, build an excellent reputation, increase productivity and, ultimately, help your business grow. Our October program, ‘How to Create a Winning Culture,’ will empower YOU to be a catalyst for change, even if you’re

Fri., Oct. 21 Spokane Valley Event Center 7-9 a.m.

Register at spokanevalleychamber.org Special thanks to our underwriting sponsor: Numerica Credit Union

not the leader.

Presented by highly-regarded speaker, coach and trainer, Terry Gurno, this

SAVE THE DATE

program is designed to motivate and

Nov. 18

equip you to build and maintain the

Annual Meeting, Keynote Speaker: Dr. John Tomkowiak, Dean, WSU College of Medicine

foundation you need to create a winning culture in your business.

Terry Gurno’s passion is centered on inspiring leaders to bring out the greatness in those they lead and helping people discover their purpose, ignite their passion and live an epic life. He most recently modeled these aspirations through his own journey across the finish line as a 2016 Ironman.

Have you ever wondered about what is happening with the Painted Hills Golf Course?

Join us Wednesday October 19 at 6:00 pm Horizon Middle School Have your questions answered

Dec. 16 Business Connections, Program: “Stories of Good Will” To register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org chamber events.

1421 N. Meadowwood Ln. Liberty Lake, WA 99019 | 509-924-4994 | www.spokanevalleychamber.org

Paid for by Mumm for County Commissioner (D) PO Box 18526 Spokane, WA 99228

The Current

Branch to the Past – Preserving Appleway’s last apple tree

By Steve Christilaw

Current Correspondent Out where Appleway Avenue nears the state line, Richard Connelly found what he believes is the street’s last remaining namesake.

A single, ancient and forlorn apple tree.

Not a tree sculpted for ease of harvest nor cultivated to provide the sweetest fruit. No, this tree is, if nothing else, stands as a survivor from another time still producing fruit that long ago stopped being picked.

“This poor thing couldn’t have picked a worse spot,” Richard said.

“It’s already leaning over from where they pushed it aside to install the gas line and I’m sure they cut off some its main roots that were in the ditch when they did that.”

Himself a transplant from Seattle, Connelly felt sorry for the tree and he’s gone out of his way to provide it with some much-needed TLC. “Have you ever read the book ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein?” he asked. “I loved that book and, if you remember, the tree ends up giving everything it has and winds up dead at the end of the book. I don’t want this tree to end up that way.”

Connelly has gotten in the habit of bringing a bucket of water with him and dumping it nearby to help the tree cope with the heat of summer and, in an effort to help curb its need for water, he made sure it was pruned.

“I thinned it down and cut off some of the growth so it doesn’t need so much water,” he said. “I hope some other people can chip in and bring by buckets of water on their way to state line so that it can keep going.”

Why? “Well, this is the last tree left on Appleway,” he said. “What’s going to happen if this tree dies? We’ll have to just call it ‘Way.’” So he’s trying to give back to

ON THAT NOTE

OCTOBER 2016 • 47

this Giving Tree by telling its story before this real-life tree meets the same fate as its fictional namesake.

“What we need to do is get some people to adopt this tree and help take care of it,” he said. “It’s a piece of living history and I don’t want to see it gone.”

So, what is Richard’s idea for making sure this leafy landmark doesn’t go by the wayside? He is appealing to the jurisdiction that the tree calls home – Spokane County’s easternmost burg, a place that just happens to be an official “Tree City” through the Arbor Day Foundation.

“I know it’s kind of a Hail Mary, but I would love for the mayor of Liberty Lake to come see this tree and adopt it,” he said. “It can be the official tree of Liberty Lake. We have a state tree, right? Why not have a city tree? So hey folks – skip the puppy and adopt our last Appleway tree!”

Connelly grew up in Western Washington and has fond memories of the apple trees on his grandmother’s rural property.

Around the same time, he would go with his mother to a fruit cannery in Kirkland, with, in his words, “all of the machines, steam bubbling vats and wonderful smells.” As an adult, he helped develop 500 acres in Stevens County consisting of 20acre ranchettes.

“There were a host of fruit trees, planted by pioneers, that needed TLC,” Richard said. “I was happy to volunteer for this duty and reconnect with my early memories.

These are the connections that the lucky children out there with instructive parents, are eternally grateful for.”

Connelly first discovered Appleway’s distinctive tree in 2006 when living in Liberty Lake.

“I had to pass this tree on my way to mom's current house in Hayden, Idaho,” he said. “I think that I have reconnected with the lessons I have learned from mom and grandma and reinforced by “The Giving Tree.” We go through life nowadays trying to appear so sophisticated and urbane but our lives depend on the giving tree and all of its plant relatives. None are so great as those who stop to appreciate the lowest and most important among us, who nourish us and the animals who make us smile. Appreciating and helping the Giving Tree makes me a much better person and parent.”

One of the last vestiges of the Valley’s rich farming past – a solitary apple tree – can still be found on the eastern fringe of Liberty Lake. Spokane Valley resident Richard Connelly, formerly of Liberty Lake, discovered the tree in 2006 and has cared for it ever since.

Photo by Craig Howard

When the Valley was Apple King

There was a time when the greater Spokane Valley was known as the region’s apple growing capital, challenging agriculturally rich areas like Yakima and Wenatchee. By 1922, as many as 12,000 acres were being cultivated with apples emerging as the major crop.

According to “The Spokane Valley: A History of the Growing Years” compiled by Florence Boutwell, Valley apple production reached its peak in 1924 but then began to decline as dairy farming and crops like the Heart of Gold cantaloupe and berries left apple orchards behind.

In this excerpt from Boutwell’s book written in 1970, Channon Price chronicles the rise and fall of the Valley’s apple industry: “Early in the century, everyone was thinking and talking apples and planting apple trees. Sprague Road became the Appleway. The intersection at Appleway and University was Apple Center. Later we had Appleway State Bank, Appleway Mercantile, Appleway Fuel and Appleway Chevrolet.

We had apple blossom parades with a queen and everything. In the fall, after harvest, we had apple shows. Everyone dreamed of the day when their apple trees would be full grown and they could count so many apples on

a tree that would fill so many boxes and sell for so many dollars. They wondered what they would do with so much money.

Meanwhile, they planted berries and vegetables between the rows to make a living.

The nightmare in the dream was that the soil of the Valley was not deep enough or rich enough to support a grown bearing apple tree. As the trees grew larger, the apples grew smaller. Around the apple picking plant they used to joke about buying berry bullocks for the apples and putting Jonathan apples in strawberry crates.

Many of the varieties were good but not suitable for storage and shipment. The local market could not use all the apples. Those suitable for eastern shipment were often consigned to eastern commission firms and all too often the grower would get back a freight bill instead of a check.

The knockout came in the 1920s. The trees were in a weakened condition from lack of nourishment and the strain of producing crops of apples. They were so severely damaged by long extremes of cold weather that many of them had to be destroyed.

The Valley, however, was not left without hope. People had learned that living in the Valley was nice. The damaged orchards were replaced by paved streets and beautiful homes.”

The Current

48 • OCTOBER 2016

Would like to acknowledge all who have served our country in military service that live within the Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake communities in our November edition.

Please submit a photo along with name, branch of military and years of service to danica@libertylakesplash.com

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