August 2019 Current

AUGUST

2019

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Manufacturing Interest Hands-on academy part of effort to stem shortage of skilled workers page 10

SHERIFF DIGS IN FOR FINAL TERM PAGE 2

SENIORS ‘REVE;’ IN NOVEL NEW COMMUNITY PAGE 18

TAC MERGING WITH LIBERTY LAKE THEATRE PAGE 31

NEWS

2 • AUGUST 2019

Bearer of the Badge

Knezovich begins final term as sheriff

By Craig Howard Current Contributor

Before Ozzie Knezovich became Spokane County’s top law enforcement official, he earned his stripes as a sergeant.

Yet most don’t know the story of how close Knezovich came to passing on the promotion that would eventually lead to four terms as a county sheriff.

In late 2005, Knezovich’s predecessor, Mark Sterk, announced that he would be retiring from the sheriff’s post. Knezovich, who was serving as SWAT team supervisor at the time, initially had no interest in the job.

“When Mark Sterk decided to retire early, everyone pretty much knew that (former Spokane Valley Police Chief) Cal Walker was the heir apparent,” Knezovich said. “People started asking me to run for sheriff, but I wasn’t really interested. Two years before Sterk retired, a friend of mine, Mark Werner, asked me if I was going to take the sergeant’s test and I said, ‘No.’” Werner, who now serves as Spokane Valley police chief, persisted.

“I finally told Mark if he bought half the books, I’d buy the other half, and we could switch books in the middle,” Knezovich recalls. “And so we did. After studying for about 10 minutes, I closed the book. My wife looked at me and asked why I wasn’t studying. I told her, ‘I really didn’t want to do this.’”

Knezovich took the test despite setting his books aside. When the results were posted, he was the only one who passed.

“I was shocked,” he said. “That’s how I became sergeant, and that’s how I eventually was asked to become sheriff.”

Around the time his peers were asking him to run for sheriff, Knezovich and his wife attended a high school football game in Reardan.

“I’ll never forget that night,” Knezovich mused. “The guy taking tickets looked at me and said, ‘So you’re running for sheriff.’ I was stunned. I asked my wife who he was, and she said he was a SCOPE (Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort) volunteer and then said something that stunned me, ‘You don’t realize how many people

Photo by Craig Howard Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich is in the first year of his fourth term after earning 86 percent of the vote in last November’s general election. The Wyoming native served in the Army before starting a career in law enforcement that has spanned 29 years.

expect you to do this, do you?’ When we got to the bleachers, people started coming up to me, slapping me on the back and congratulating me on running.”

A conversation at home followed.

“Later, my wife and I sat at the kitchen table and talked about it,” Knezovich recalls. “I said, ‘If I’m going to do this, it’s going to be all or nothing. I don’t want to be a politician who only shows up every four years to get someone’s vote.’”

While Walker was endorsed by Sterk and the local Republican Party, Knezovich became the surprise successor when the Spokane County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint him as the county’s 25th sheriff on April 11, 2006.

Knezovich defeated Walker in the Republican primary election later that year, collecting 63 percent of the vote. He won his first four-year term that fall, surpassing James Flavel with 75 percent. In 2010, Knezovich ran unopposed. Four years later, 71 percent of voters chose Knezovich over Doug Orr. Critics of Knezovich, including Rep. Matt Shea of the 4th Legislative District, Spokane Valley City Council Member Arne Woodard, Mayor Rod Higgins and the late Scott Maclay, have emerged over the years. In 2018, Maclay legally changed his name to DumpOzzie Dot Com in a campaign to oust the sheriff. While Maclay died in a motorcycle accident prior to the general election, the most vocal opponent of the incumbent sheriff remained on the ballot. Knezovich won his bid for a fourth term with 86 percent of the vote.

“I was asked during the last election, ‘Why are you running again?’ I said, ‘Because I still believe in you. I still believe in the people of Spokane County and my nation,’” Knezovich said. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives and in our community.”

Knezovich presides over an agency that polices Spokane County with the exception of Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, Cheney and the city of Spokane, which operate their own departments. Between deputies and support staff, the county department includes over 300 employees. The city of Spokane Valley’s police agency operates under the county sheriff umbrella via municipal contract.

The Current Knezovich has announced that this will be his final term, concluding a career in law enforcement that began 29 years ago. He would like to go into teaching after his last tenure ends in 2022.

A native of Wyoming, Knezovich was an honors student at Rock Springs High School, where he excelled in football and wrestling.

He was recruited as a defensive end by a few smaller schools but had his heart set on the University of Wyoming. He earned a spot on the team as a walk-on before transferring to Weber State as a junior. There, Knezovich played football, majored in management, marketing and law enforcement and put himself through school working rigorous hours in open pit mining and on the county road and bridge crew.

From an early age, Knezovich had career goals of being a police officer or a soldier.

“My dad served in U.S. Army special forces,” Knezovich said. “I intended to be a career soldier.”

Knezovich enlisted in the Army and spent time in Korea and Fort Bragg, N.C., over three years of active duty. His military duty included a year in the Wyoming National Guard.

The next chapter of Knezovich’s professional journey brought him back to his home state in a dual role that included public safety and utility management. Hired as the police chief in the town of Superior – population 350 – Knezovich also served as the community’s water plant operator. While in Superior, he started an after-school Taekwondo class that helped kids stay out of trouble.

“You have to give kids a goal,” Knezovich says. “They want structure and standards. They need someone to care about them.”

Knezovich remained in Wyoming for his next career stop, accepting a job as a patrol officer in his hometown of Rock Springs.

He soon found himself filling the role of a relief supervisor and being assigned to start the town’s first school resource officer program.

Knezovich moved onto Washington next, serving as a patrol officer in Olympia. He moved to Spokane in 1996 and has been with the county sheriff’s office ever since.

See KNEZOVICH, Page 3

The Current

KNEZOVICH

Continued from page 2 Q: Do you feel that county sheriff should be an elected position?

A: Yes, and I’ll tell you why. As a citizen, you have direct control of your law enforcement because you have an elected sheriff. If a sheriff is appointed, you don’t have that control. A politician or group of politicians have control of law enforcement and the position becomes a political pawn at that point. An elected sheriff has to pay attention to the people who he serves. I would highly recommend that the elected part of the office of sheriff never change. You have a voice with an elected sheriff.

Q: You’ve run and won in four elections now. What do you like about campaigning for office?

A: The only part I like about campaigning is I get to go out and talk to people. I don’t like asking people for money. When people give you money, they try to attach strings. If you’re thinking you’re going to get something by endorsing me, you’re not. I just don’t play that way. I’ve lost a few supporters because of this,

NEWS

but that’s OK, I won’t change. If you support me the only thing you’ll get is the best service I can give this community.

Q: There seems to be more awareness of the impact of PTSD and other conditions brought about by what officers face in the field. What is the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office doing to help officers deal more effectively with the stress and trauma they experience on the job?

A: That’s an area the general public just doesn’t understand.

Law enforcement’s attitude toward PTSD has changed, thank goodness.

When I first started, the attitude was, “Deal with it.” We’ve seen that mindset doesn’t work. We now do our best to help our deputies having problems but we’re still not real good at it. I try to make sure that our young deputies coming in read one book – “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement and Families”

by Dr. Gil Martin. It gives them an idea of what the work can do to you. It explains why we have such a high divorce rate and high rate of alcoholism and other issues. My goal is that they retire with their families

intact and healthy and being healthy themselves.

Q: When it comes to criminal justice, how would you sum up your stance on incarceration versus rehabilitation?

A: I think you need a blend of both. Society seems to think it’s an all or nothing situation. Especially right now, it’s like, “Just let them all out.”

Well, that doesn’t work because if you don’t have accountability, people don’t change. It’s just like everything else, there has to be an incentive to change. If you take a look at the programs the Spokane County Jail had when I operated it, they were designed to help people get their lives back together – moral reconation training, job search, parenting classes, the whole gamut.

There’s been a lot of people come up to me on the street and say, “You probably don’t remember me but thank you. You made that difference.” I think it helps and it works, but it can’t just be programs.

Smart Justice mandates two things – if you violate your programing, you are immediately and swiftly held accountable. In order to do that

AUGUST 2019 • 3

you have to have an empty jail bed.

Accountability and an empty jail bed, two things our criminal justice system does not have.

Q: Tell me about your idea behind the Spokane County Human Rights Commission?

A: The idea behind that came from a wonderful lady by the name of Lisa Rosier. She was active with the city of Spokane Human Rights Commission and had always said we needed something countywide.

So I challenged Mayor (David) Condon to take this countywide.

Lisa and I started working on that.

We brought some very good people in and worked to make it happen.

It took three years but we got it up and running. We’re still struggling because we’ve only been able to go one layer deep into the various communities. The goal is to bring people together to solve issues. Our goal is probably more relevant now than ever.

Q: You have the distinction of starting a school resource officer program at the Rock Springs Police

See SHERIFF, Page 14

4 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

Two challenging Burch on SVFD board

By Nina Culver Current Contributor

Spokane Valley Fire Commissioner Position 1 is currently held by Patrick Burch, who serves as the board chair.

Two people have filed to run against him in the August primary, Randall “Randy” Bean and Bradley Mertens. The two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to the general election in November.

Primary ballots are due Aug. 6.

Following is a breakdown of each candidate in the race.

Patrick Burch Age: 56 Education: Graduated from Anaconda (Montana) High School and earned an associate’s degree in industrial electronics from North Idaho College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management and management information systems from Eastern Washington University in 1997 and an MBA from Washington State University in 2010.

Occupation: He previously worked as a quality assurance engineer for Advanced Input Devices, as an engineer for Boeing, as a financial controller on the AWACS program in Saudi Arabia and as vice president of operations at MediServ in Hayden, Idaho. He’s been the business manager and co-owner of Neurotherapy Northwest since 2006. He also previously served in the Navy Reserves for eight years.

Political experience: Appointed to his current position to fill a vacancy in 2016 and elected to his seat in 2017.

Family: Married with two children.

Finances: Burch has chosen the minireporting option, pledging to raise and spend less than $5,000.

Burch said he’d thought about becoming a fire commissioner years ago, but didn’t want to challenge any of the commissioners at the time.

“I liked them all and didn’t want to run against them,” he said.

Instead he volunteered with the department’s Community Emergency Response Team and was involved in the volunteer Fire Corps.

When a commissioner moved away and resigned from the board, Burch applied for the vacant seat and was appointed. He said he’s proud of the

work the department has done, including becoming accredited and lowering the department’s fire rating, and wants to continue to be involved.

“We have great firefighters; we have great leadership,” he said. “We have a really good team of people.”

The Spokane Valley Fire Department has become a model department after it went through the stringent accreditation process, which requires regular renewals, Burch said.

“It really forces us to look at best practices,” he said. “That’s just great for everybody.”

The growth of the area the department serves -- which includes Spokane Valley, Millwood, Liberty Lake, Otis Orchards and portions of unincorporated Spokane County – is creating challenges, Burch said. More people means more calls, and it can be a challenge to keep response times down, he said.

“We know where our growth areas are,” he said. “We know where we need to put our stations.”

Burch said people sometimes don’t understand that the board of fire commissioners only set policy for the department.

“Fire commissioners don’t manage the day to day operations of the department,” he said. “We have a chief for that.”

Burch said his experience gives him the needed qualifications for the position. If elected in November, this will be his first full six-year term after being appointed to his seat, Burch said.

“I just started,” he said. “This gets to be my six-year term. There’s more going on, more to do.”

He said running for re-election has forced him to get out of his comfort zone.

“I’m not really a self-promoter,” he said. “I am doing it to serve the citizens of the community. I have no other agenda.”

Randall “Randy” Bean Age: 54 Education: Graduated from Deer Park High School and graduated from paramedic school at Spokane Community College in 1999.

Occupation: He previously worked for Deer Park Ambulance as an EMT for a year before going to work for AMR in 1997. He retired in 2016 and then worked with Life

Flight for three years. He also worked as a volunteer firefighter with Spokane County Fire District 4 for 24 years. He is currently disabled due to a back injury he received while serving in the U.S. Navy for two years.

Political experience: He previously served two terms on the Deer Park City Council.

Family: Married with 12 children and nine grandchildren.

Finances: Bean has chosen the minireporting option, pledging to raise and spend less than $5,000.

Bean, who has lived in the Valley since 2016, said one of the main reasons he’s running for the board of fire commissioners is because he sees a need to improve communication between the command staff and the firefighters.

“I think certain things can be improved on,” he said.

He said he also wants to focus on fiscal responsibility, particularly when it comes to legal issues.

“The department sued the battalion chiefs union, saying they were not exempt,” Bean said.

The department ultimately lost, but both sides spent a lot of money on lawyers, he said.

“I’m only one voice,” Bean said. “Can I change everything? No. I can sure have an opinion on things. I will do my best to ensure we’re doing what’s right.”

Bean said he’s heard people complain that firefighters are paid too much, but said he disagrees.

“I believe Spokane Valley Fire offers an excellent product,” he said. “Valley Fire is among the very top. You have to offer good benefits and a good salary to attract people.”

Bean said he thinks his experience as a former city council member and his longtime work as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic make him uniquely suited to the job.

“I have that knowledge of budget and city government and how that all works,” he said. “I think I have something to offer our community and help our fire department grow and excel.”

Bradley Mertens Age: 39 Education: Graduated from West Valley High School and earned an associate’s degree in fluid power from Spokane Community College. He also graduated from paramedic school in Maryland.

Occupation: Firefighter with Spokane County Fire District 8.

Political experience: None.

Family: Married with one daughter.

Finances: Mertens has given $60 to his campaign and reports no other donations.

Mertens grew up in Millwood and returned home three years ago. He said that given his job with Fire District 8, it was only natural to run for a seat on the board of fire commissioners.

“I’ve always wanted to be involved a little bit more with the community I live in,” he said.

Crews from Spokane Valley Fire and Fire District 8 frequently respond to calls together under a mutual aid agreement, and Mertens said that’s given him a chance to get to know some of the firefighters working for Spokane Valley Fire.

“I was asked to run by some of the firefighters to get a different voice on the commission,” he said. “Right now they feel like their voice isn’t being heard.”

He said he believes there needs to be better communication between the administration and the firefighters and between the board of commissioners and the public. He said that when the commissioners are considering important issues like building new stations and buying new trucks, the public often doesn’t know about it and is unable to give input. He’d also like the board meeting time changed from 4 p.m. so more people can attend after they get off work.

Mertens said he’s concerned about a recent remodeling project to expand Station 8 to make room for a tiller truck, which is longer than a standard fire engine. A tiller truck has a rear steering position that allows the truck to fit into tight spots. Mertens said the department already owns one tiller truck and he’s not sure a second one is needed.

“Those are questions that I would bring to the table,” he said. “Is this really necessary?”

He also believes that the department should take another look at staffing.

“My number one thing is always firefighter safety,” he said. “Staffing is good, but I think it could be better on some apparatus.”

Mertens said he’s moved around a lot because his wife is in the Army, but that’s allowed him to work in many different departments and get more ideas about how departments can function better.

“I have the experience,” he said. “I’ve seen different fire systems and different EMS systems around the country. I have the understanding of what the firefighters need.”

The Current

NEWS NEWS

SVFD Report From Current News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 89 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from May 15 to June 14: Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 1,554 emergency calls from June 24 to July 24: Emergency Medical Services 1,255 Motor Vehicle Accidents 86 Fires 95 Dispatched and Cancelled En Route 35 Building Alarms 42 Service Calls 20 Hazardous Materials 10 Vehicle Fires 4 Technical Rescue 2 Other 2 Moving Violation – At 9:47 a.m. June 26, SVFD responded to a moving violation in which a vehicle hit a pedestrian near the Exit 289 Interstate 90 onramp. While putting his car in park, a man ran over his foot. The owner of the vehicle said his car popped out of park, and while he was trying to stop it from rolling, the vehicle ran over his foot. He was awake and alert with injuries that were not in a dangerous area of his body. He said he was just trying to stop his car from rolling backwards and got caught under the door. He declined transport from medics.

Alarm System – At 11:35 a.m.

June 29, SVFD responded to an alarm at the LDS Church on 21022 E. Wellesley Ave. They investigated the area and building and found everything to be normal. Members of the LDS community were still in the building. Finding nothing

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wrong or needed, crews returned to service.

Water Rescue – At 2:29 p.m.

July 1, SVFD responded to a water rescue call near Mirabeau Park and the rocky launch site. A caller reported an overturned kayak on the river. No people were actually seen in the water. A dive team was dispatched. The caller was located on the Centennial Trail and was waiting to direct crews to the overturned kayak. Other kayakers were also on the water and moving past the overturned kayak. They did not appear to be concerned. Other trail users and bikers also had not seen any people near the overturned kayak. Crews determined there was no hazard or people needing assistance and returned to service.

Working Fire – At 3:53 p.m. July 14, SVFD responded to a dispatch call to East Heroy Avenue, where smoke was reported coming from the roof of a house. When crews were a block out, smoke was visible. All occupants of the home were outside and safe. The fire was upgraded to a working attic fire. Valley Engine 1 was assigned to pull a backup line to the bravo side of the house from Engine 2. Crews were able to contain the fire. Once control of the fire was confirmed, Valley Engine 1 cleaned up supply lines and returned to service. Engine 2 completed the remainder of the needed duties and returned to service.

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Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships for the children and spouses of military men and women killed or disabled in service to America. Since 2007, Patriot Golf Day has been our number one source of financial support.

Help us continue to change lives through the game of golf by participating in your courses’ Patriot Golf Day.

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NEWS

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Folds of Honor Patriot Golf Day Tournament

The Current

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Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

AUGUST 2019 • 7

The Current

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances of a particular crime were reported at that location.

Spokane Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

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Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

1 2 3 4+

Prepared By: Regional Intelligence Group 9 Spokane County Sheriff

SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH The Spokane Valley Police has a tremendous increase in reported vehicle prowling since the spring weather has arrived.

A surprising number of vehicle prowlings involve unlocked/ locked vehicles, many with wallets, purses, electronics and firearms viewable from outside the vehicle.

To reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of a vehicle prowling,I encourage citizens to not leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle. Be especially mindful of this if you are parking at a trail head or large storefront parking lots.

8 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

NEWS

Spokane Valley Council Report

and Industrial zones. A number of restrictions would be placed on them, and home delivery would not be permitted.

The following decisions, topics and updates came before the city of Spokane Valley during July meetings.

The Planning Commission had held a public hearing on the issue and recommended approval by the Council on a vote of 4-1. Council voted 6-1 for approval, with Council Member Linda Thompson dissenting, stating the state has not provided funds to cities they promised when recreational marijuana was approved.

By Bill Gothmann Current Contributor

Ninth Circuit Court imposes new rules about homelessness City attorneys informed Council of a 2018 case of Martin v. City of Boise in which the Ninth Circuit Court ruled the city cannot prevent sitting, lying or camping on city sidewalks, parks or property if there is no home or shelter space where they could reasonably go to sleep. The court further ruled that if a shelter is restrictive, or requires religious services, or has religious symbols in its rooms, these would not qualify as a shelter.

The ruling was narrowly tailored, but its effect seems quite extensive. City attorneys across the state are wrestling with the ruling.

The City of Boise is appealing the ruling. Since there is disagreement between the Ninth and Eleventh courts, there is a good possibility the matter could be decided by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, however, the city is within the jurisdiction of the Ninth and must obey the Ninth’s ruling.

Barker roundabout to be paid for by state State Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, appeared before Council to update members on the Barker to Harvard Improvement Project being included in the Senate Transportation Budget, which has been signed by the governor. It was quite an accomplishment to get this through at a time where there were no added funds to the budget.

The project makes improvements to Barker Road and Harvard Road along I-90 and provides a crossover on Henry Road. The Barker Project is the only part occurring within the city and provides a roundabout plus a widened I-90 onramp heading east. Padden noted the Henry Road crossing has a direct benefit to Spokane Valley, especially to students attending the new Selkirk Middle School, where 35 percent of the students are expected to be from Spokane Valley, and the new Ridgeline High School, where 40

percent of the students are expected to be from Spokane Valley. Safety and economic development are expected to be enhanced, also.

At one point, the bill provided an undue burden on Spokane Valley in the event of a cost overrun. That was changed, but then it put all the burden on Liberty Lake. Upon Padden’s speaking to the legislative staffs, the mayor of Liberty Lake, and the city manager of Spokane Valley, they developed a proviso whereby Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will pick up 100 percent of any cost overrun on the Spokane Valley part of the project, and Liberty Lake will pick up the cost of any overrun on the Liberty Lake part of the project.

WSDOT has contracted with Spokane Valley for the city to do the design of the Barker project and be reimbursed by WSDOT, since this is a state project for a state highway.

Police busy in second quarter Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner reported that citizen calls for police services were up by less than 0.1 percent in the AprilJune quarter compared with the same period last year, whereas those receiving an officer response were up by 5.79 percent. Officerinitiated incidents were down by 12.71 percent, reflecting their spending more time on calls for service, leaving less time for officer initiated incidents.

Two lateral deputies are to start field training in August, and four to six new hires are expected to start pre-academy training in October.

During the first half of 2019, the Spokane Valley Investigative Unit charged 207 persons, with 44 being booked and 163 charged by affidavit. There were 328 felony and 155 misdemeanor charges. This unit recovered over $100,000 in stolen property and addressed 46 chronic nuisance properties while initiating 34 search warrants.

Marijuana license approved

transportation

Council approved an ordinance to permit transportation of marijuana between production, processing and retail stores. They would be permitted office space and truck parking space in Regional Commercial, Industrial Mixed Use,

Projects considered for capital reserve fund There is about $4 million in the capital reserve fund that is not allocated. Staff suggested allocating $1.2 million to the street Operation and Maintenance fund, $750,000 to the Pines Grade Separation Project, $1 million to parks, $500,000 to the Sullivan and Trent Interchange, and about $500,000 to address future surprises or challenges.

Recognizing the shortage in road funds, some council members reluctantly permitted the street funds to remain on the list while insisting that a more permanent solution be found. Several members also wanted more funds to go to the Pines project. Staff noted that grants received could affect Council’s decision on the Pines project, so staff will study the question to better define the challenge.

Lodging Tax Committee goals

Advisory

The city assesses a lodging tax of 2 percent to hotels and motels, expected to net about $650,000 next year. The purpose of the tax is to increase tourism within the city. Agencies submit proposals to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for their review and approval. The state requires the Council to approve only those amounts chosen by LTAC, similar to a line item veto, or they can send the entire package back to LTAC. Note that these are public funds that belong to the city, but Council cannot change the amounts dictated by LTAC. However, under RCW 67.28.1817, a municipality may propose “a change in the use of revenue received under [RCW 67.28],” but must submit the proposal to the LTAC for review and comment. Then, the LTAC must be given at least 45 days to

review and provide comments prior to final action by the municipality.

This delays awarding the funds, adversely affecting agencies’ budgets.

Council met to consider goals for LTAC for this coming year.

These include doing those activities permitted by the law such as tourism marketing, special event and festival marketing, operation and capital expenditures of Centerplace, and operation of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations. Council considers lodging revenues important, but the committee can also consider such things as shopping, dining and overnight visits.

A second lodging tax of 1.3 percent is assessed that is to be used for capital expenditures for tourism-related facilities that generate overnight guests at lodging facilities. The city is in the process of determining where these funds might go.

City to buy lighting for East Indiana crosswalk CHAS Health has purchased property across the street from its office complex on Indiana for the purpose of parking and was required by the city to provide a crosswalk and lighting. CHAS Health is agreeable to install the street lights identified by the city.

However, because the long-term operations (including power bills) and maintenance of the street lights will become the city’s responsibility, CHAS would like the city to acquire them from CHAS. Staff agreed to this and so did Council. Council had already set aside $110,000 in the 2018 budget for lighting. The new cost is anticipated to be less at $72,000.

City proposes sewering north of the river The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funds to a consortium within the county, of which Spokane Valley is a member.

Spokane Valley’s share is about $270,000. Staff brought forward a proposal to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the consortium for sewering the mobile home community east

See SV COUNCIL, Page 9

The Current

SV COUNCIL

being vacated

Continued from page 8 of Barker, generally from Spokane River to Euclid. Spokane County Environmental Services would install a sewer line and pave the roadway to full width, with the city providing financial support, potentially through its Street Wear Fee and Aquifer Protection funds.

The city proposes using its CDBG grant to assist eligible homeowners with sewer connection fees. Spokane County Housing and Community Development would manage this portion of the program. Council directed staff to move forward on this proposal and bring specifics back for Council approval.

Spokane Valley tourism outreach

increasing

Spokane Valley provides a grant of $48,000 from its Hotel/Motel Tax receipts to Visit Spokane with the objective of increasing tourism to Spokane Valley. Visit Spokane provided the Council with results from that grant. They have increased the size of their Regional Visitor Guide this year from 48 to 80 pages, printing 100,000 of them. There is a two-page spread on Spokane Valley entitled, “Fun, Food, and Shops in Spokane Valley.” Visit Spokane is also producing 10,000 illustrated maps of Spokane Valley for hoteliers for their patrons that show outdoors, food and beverage sites within the City. Visitors to the city’s VisitSpokaneValley.com website have grown considerably since the digital marketing campaign began.

Visit Spokane works with a company called Adara to derive figures for the hospitality industry.

After someone goes to VisitSpokane. com, Adara can identify the number of rooms booked, how much they spent on the room, where the person is from and whether they booked in Spokane, Spokane Valley or Liberty Lake. Based upon these figures, the known impact to Spokane Valley on known hotel bookings was $25,593 for the January to May time period.

The actual figure is probably much higher, since it’s estimated only about 40 percent were part of Adara’s data. Visit Spokane is working on new software and will soon be able to tell the return on investment of the city’s grant.

Industrial area rights of way

AUGUST 2019 • 9

NEWS

Council unanimously approved a city-initiated ordinance vacating rights of way in the northeast industrial area of Tschirley, Long, Greenacres and Rich roads. The Planning Commission had held a public hearing on the issue and then voted 5-0 to recommend approval to the City Council. This will improve the usability for economic development of the adjacent parcels.

The areas are unimproved and are not required for current or future public access. The new Garland Avenue between Barker and Flora will serve industries in this area.

Baldwin and Glenn Road near I-90 to be vacated Council unanimously approved of the vacation of Baldwin and Glenn Roads near I-90. The Planning Commission had held a hearing and voted 4-1 to approve vacation of these two parcels while excluding the proposal to vacate University Road to retain the option of a future use of a University Road overpass of I-90. Staff computed a purchase price of $3,762.25 to the applicant in accordance with the city’s vacation policy.

match it with a $460,000 investment.

The Argonne and Montgomery Intersection improvement would provide concrete pavement. The request is for $1.973 million, and the city would match this with $767,000.

The Park Road Sidewalk project would provide a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side of the street from Mission to Sharp avenues. The ask is for $440,000, with the city contributing $293,000. The Farr Road project would provide a 6-foot sidewalk from 6th to 8th avenues on a yet undecided side of the street.

The city would provide an $86,000 match to TIB’s $344,000. Council agreed to submit all four projects.

Council briefs

• Council Member Linda Thompson was elected to the Board of Directors of the Association of Washington Cities. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that serves its members through advocacy, education and services. AWC represents Washington’s cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch and with

regulatory agencies.

• Council Member Brandi Peetz has earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities.

AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King noted, “The elected officials who earn this certificate demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to bring new ideas back to their community.”

• Due to the extended absence of one of the planning commissioners, the mayor appointed Raymond Friend as interim planning commissioner with the term to expire at the end of 2019.

• Council approved $10,102 to pay its part for a 2020 Census Coordinator for the Spokane Regional Transportation Council.

• Staff reported that a threeparty agreement involving Central Valley School District, apartment owners and the city is being developed to provide a street crossing for North Pines Middle School.

CERB application Council approved applying for a Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) grant. The grant would study how to support businesses along the Appleway Trail such as seating, signage, landscaping, and parklets.

The project would cost $25,000, with the City paying $6,250 and the rest being paid by the CERB grant.

City to apply for Tranportation Improvement grants The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) has issued a call for applications for grants. TIB was created by the State Legislature to administer funds for street and sidewalk improvements funded by three cents of the state’s gasoline tax. Projects require a 20 percent minimum match from the city. Staff recommended two proposals under TIB’s Urban Arterial Program and two proposals under TIB’s Sidewalk Program. Mullan Road Preservation would improve the Broadway to Mission segment, provide ADA ramp upgrades and signal improvements. The city is asking for $1.84 million from TIB and would

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COVER STORY

10 • AUGUST 2019

Manufacturing academy offers students hands-on career training

Wagstaff Inc. spearheads program to address shortage of skilled workers

By Keith Erickson Current Contributor

The good news first. A robust economy and recordlow U.S. unemployment means business is booming for Spokanearea manufacturing firms.

Unfortunately, while large global contracts continue to pour in, many manufacturers are struggling to find workers needed to fulfill the orders.

The demand for skilled welders, machinists, fabricators and other manufacturing jobs continues to grow, while interest in those specialized fields is trailing off.

“We have a shortage for these jobs like crazy,” said Wade Larson, human resources director for

Wagstaff Inc., an international chill casting company based on Flora Road in the Spokane Valley.

“Last year, for the first time, the machining program at Spokane Community College was not filled to capacity,” Larson said. “The deficiency is getting worse.”

Eager to elevate interest and awareness, Spokane-area manufacturing companies joined forces this summer to create the Production and Manufacturing Academy, a four-week high school internship program designed to allow students to explore careers in production and manufacturing.

The initiative provides students with hands-on experience related to product creation, design, building,

Photo by Keith Erickson Brennen Lilya, 16, East Valley High School, works on a birdhouse.

production, sales and customer relations, Larson said. It is

The Current

dumb jobs for kids that can’t handle college,” Larson said. “The truth is, these are skilled jobs that involved a very technical skillset. These are jobs that require complicated calculations and intricate design and assembly knowledge — it’s not welders and fabricators just slapping metal together.”

And the salary is very competitive, Larson said. Locally,

“These are skilled jobs that involved a very technical skillset and require complicated calculations and intricate design and assembly knowledge—it’s not welders and fabricators just slapping metal together.”

--Wade Larson, Wagstaff Inc. especially organized for students interested in welding, machining, production and management.

Larson said part of the problem in filling these positions is the stigma associated with the industry.

“There’s a belief that these are

in-demand manufacturing jobs start at around $40,000 annually with benefits. Higher salaries await workers in larger metro areas.

Increasingly, Larson said, advanced manufacturing companies are turning to internships to develop, grow and retain a skilled workforce. Internship programs combine on-the-job learning with related instruction in technical areas to produce qualified, highly productive employees for careers requiring precision skills.

“Internship training ensures workers have the knowledge and competencies companies need for today and tomorrow,” Larson said.

Local educators are applauding the local firms for putting on the manufacturing academy.

“It’s absolutely a beneficial program,” said Amy Tellinghusen, career and technical education director for the East Valley School District, a partner in the academy.

“As the need for skilled labor has increased, we have been hearing more from these companies about wanting to partner in programs like this because they don’t have enough workers,” said Tellinghusen, who was instrumental in organizing the four-week program.

“Programs like this help build up the future workforce as the need for skilled labor has increased,” she said.

For Tellinghusen, the academy hits close to home. Her son, Bryce,

See WAGSTAFF, Page 11

The Current

COVER STORY

AUGUST 2019 • 11

Local Wagstaff workforce 400 strong

Celebrating its 73rd year, Wagstaff Inc. is a family-owned corporation based in the Spokane Valley with offices in Kentucky, China, Dubai and Russia. Employing about 500 people worldwide, 400 workers are based in the firm’s Spokane Valley operation.

The firm specializes in designing and building complex fabricated equipment and is a world leader in aluminum casting technology and equipment.

Products include pressure vessels, gloveboxes, new and refurbished components for hydropower plants and remote handling equipment and specialized containers for nuclear materials.

“When you look at our company, most of our customers are international,” said Wagstaff human resources director Wade Larson. “Locally, our biggest customer is our employees. They are our biggest investment.”

Photo by Keith Erickson Learning woodworking skills from left, Marly Kracher, 16, home schooled; Logan Jess, 16, University High School; Olivia Perkins (with mask); 17, Shadle Park High School; and West Valley HS shop teacher David Leinweber.

Production and Manufacturing Academy a united effort

WAGSTAFF

Wagstaff Inc., took on the leadership role in the summer intern program. The firm partnered with several other local manufacturers to offer the academy: • Pyrotek • Mackay Manufacturing • Altek Innovative Manufacturing Solutions • Integration • Hotstart Inc.

Continued from page 10 a 16-year-old student at University High School, enrolled in the training.

As he recently worked a bandsaw during a daylong academy session at West Valley High School, the teenager voiced excitement about the hands-on learning opportunity.

“I’m here because I really wanted to pinpoint which areas of trade I wanted to get into,” said Tellinghusen, who plans to attend a two-year trade school and pursue a job in manufacturing after he graduates. “I was really interested in welding but have discovered I love working with wood.”

Sponsors for the four-week academy also include Greater Spokane Inc., which works with hundreds of local businesses and organizations to advocate for the region, drive strategic economic growth, and champion a talented workforce.

“Our goal is to strengthen and engage students in these career opportunities through on-site learning workshops that showcase the highly valued occupations and employment paths these industries incorporate,” said Cassidy Peterson, GSI’s Career Connected Learning Program Manager.

If interest level in the Production and Manufacturing Academy is any indication, program organizers have something to be upbeat about.

Larson said 71 students applied for 20 internship slots. Nine of those accepted into the academy were girls.

Several manufacturing firms joined Wagstaff Inc. to offer each participating intern a $2,000 stipend.

It’s great incentive, Larson said, but only breaks down to slightly more than minimum wage considering the work put in by the students.

“It’s 40 hours a week for four weeks—that’s a huge commitment all the way around,” Larson said.

Aside from the $40,000 spent on stipends, he estimated academy sponsors chipped in another $20,000 on materials.

The academy provided an opportunity for students to experience the stages of production—from design to manufacturing and even sales and marketing. Students were divided into four teams, each producing a different product: Bird houses, cornhole boards, cutting boards and cell phone boomboxes.

Students produced 25 units of each (except the larger cornhole boards; they produced 10).

“They made it, sold it and had to figure all this stuff out just like real life,” Larson said.

Intern Aeden Charbonneau, a 16-year-old student at Medical Lake High School, said he applied for the academy to broaden his professional potential.

“I see it as a chance to learn

general life skills and blossom my interest in engineering,” he said.

While the program provides a great academic experience for students, Larson said the manufacturing firms also benefit.

“It allows us to keep the pump primed and get more kids interested in the whole realm of manufacturing and production,” he said. “By combining classroom instruction with real-world experience, participants gain handson experience in a live workplace setting that will prove valuable for years to come.”

In its first year, the four-week Production and Manufacturing Academy will be offered annually and is expected to grow, Larsen said.

“We are building this bike as we ride it,” he said. “Part of the beauty of this partnership is that it’s not just Wagstaff, it’s other manufacturers interested in taking these kids into real-life settings and showing them what manufacturing is all about.”

If student feedback is any indication, the first year was a

Photo by Keith Erickson Bryce Tellinghusen, 16, University High School, works with wood.

major success, said Tellinghusen, the career and technical education director at East Valley High.

“After just three days of the program, I sat down with the students and asked them to give one word to describe the experience, and I heard ‘exciting’, ‘awesome’, ‘challenging’, and I heard a lot about the teamwork aspect,” Tellinghusen said.

COMMUNITY

12 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS

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Aug. 2 | Barefoot in the Park – 4 to 9 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake.

Car show, beer garden, drop-in pickleball and live music from Cover 2 Cover.

Aug. 3 | Barefoot in the Park – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Pickleball tournament, free family activities, dog agility demonstrations, drone racing, Dick Frost Magician Show, Youth Commission talent show, ultimate frisbee, beer garden and live music.

Aug. 3-4 | Advanced Driver Training Course – 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. sessions each day, Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds, 404 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley. Free classes offered to teen drivers and permit holders by the Ford Foundation. Sign up for free at drivingskillsforlife.com, or learn more by contacting Bruce Gryniewski at bruceg@gallatinpa. com or 206-409-7138.

Aug. 9 | “Mary Poppins Returns” – 7 p.m., Mirabeau Point Park, Spokane Valley. Free movie starts at sunset, with family activities an hour before movie time.

Aug. 10 | Storytime at The BookEnd – 10:30 a.m., The BookEnd at Spokane Valley Mall. Entertaining stories from favorite books. For more, visit scld.org.

Aug. 10 | National Night Out Party – 4 to 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Mall, west side parking lot. Free event includes face painting, helicopter landing, mounted patrol, K-9 demonstration, border patrol, kids games, vendors, mall rides, free hot dog dinner with beverages and ice cream. Enter to win Silverwood passes with a can of food for Northwest Harvest. For more, call 477-3055.

Aug. 10 | “Incredibles 2” – Dusk, Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark. org.

Aug. 16 | “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” – Dusk, River Rock Park, Liberty Lake’s River District.

Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

Aug. 17 | “Mary Poppins Returns” – Dusk, Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake.

Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

Aug. 22 | Selkirk Middle School Dedication Ceremony – 5:30 p.m., 1409 N. Harvest Parkway, Liberty Lake. Celebrating the opening of the newest middle school in the Central Valley School District. For more, visit cvsd.org.

Aug. 25 | Paws in the Pool – 1 to 3:30 p.m., Valley Mission Pool, 11405 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley.

Annual event for dogs 65 pounds and under (1 to 1:45 p.m.) and 66 pounds and over (2 to 3:30 p.m.), $5 per dog.

Pre-registration recommended at spokanevalley.org.

Aug. 28 | Touch-a-Bus Storytime – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Library. In partnership with Spokane Transit Authority, families are invited to hear stories about buses and enjoy a ride around the block on an STA bus. For more, visit scld.org.

Aug. 29 | Ridgeline High School Groundbreaking Ceremony – 5:30 p.m., 20150 E. Country Vista Drive, Liberty Lake. Celebrating beginning of construction on new Central Valley School District high school set to open in 2021. For more, visit cvsd. org.

Aug. 30 | “Black Panther” – Dusk, Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake. Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark. org.

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. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc.spokane.edu.

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. For more, call 599-2411.

Café Card Club | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays, On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy., Valleyford.

Play pinochle, cribbage, or hearts.

For more, call 951-7039 or email onsacredgrounsrising@gmail.com.

Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/ Catholic-Singles-Mingle.

Free Last Sunday Lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. on the final Sunday of every month in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this communitybased service organization. For more, call 226-2202.

Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m.

Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org.

Rockford Crochet Class | 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. Free classes. We have crocheters, knitters, embroidery, quilting and needlepoint. Come and share what you are doing. For more, call 291-3722.

Rockford Historical Society | 11:30 a.m. second Friday of the month (February to November), The Harvest Moon, 20 S. First St., Rockford. For more, call 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 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

The Current place Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10814 E. Broadway Ave. 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, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (reserved for age 60 and over and physically-handicapped people with limited mobility). Address verification required. To make an appointment, call 927-1153, ext. 10, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants can access a comprehensive library, engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at svqgspokane.com.

Spokane Valley Senior Citizens Association | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Activities include

COMMUNITY

bridge, billiards, book club, Red Hat Ladies, Mahjongg, ACT II classes, foot care, Medicare assistance, monthly excursions to Northern Quest Casino, Meals on Wheels location and more.

Annual dues are $25/single or $45/ couple. For more, call 926-1937 or visit spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.

MUSIC AND THE ARTS Aug. 9-18 | “Mamma Mia!” – Various times, University High School Theater, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. This Spokane Valley Summer Theatre production is billed as “the mother of jukebox musicals.” For tickets and more info, visit svsummertheatre. com.

Aug. 31 | Lud Kramer Memorial Spokane Symphony Concert – 6 p.m., Pavillion Park. Free concert, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park.

RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road.

Four-part, a cappella harmony,

men’s barbershop chorus. More at pagesofharmony.org.

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m.

Tuesdays, Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799.

HEALTH AND RECREATION Aug. 3 | Picklin’ in the Park Pickleball Tournament – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pavillion Park, 727 N. Molter Road, Liberty Lake. Friendly, blind draw tournament part of the Barefoot in the Park festivities. For more, visit hubsportscenter.org.

Aug. 8 | 23rd Annual Valley Chamber Golf Tournament – 1 to 7 p.m. (11:30 a.m. check in), MeadowWood Golf Course, Liberty Lake. Networking, fun and prizes. $100 per player, $400 per team.

Sponsorships available. For more, visit spokanevalleychamber.org.

Aug. 14 | Play Unplugged Brag

AUGUST 2019 • 13

Badge College – 3 to 6 p.m., HUB Sports Center, Liberty Lake. Free event encouraging kids to put down electronics and get out and play. Multiple Brag Badges can be earned at this event. For more, visit hubsportscenter.org.

Aug. 24 | Liberty Lake Throw Down – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Orchard Park, Liberty Lake. Cornhole tournament raising funds for Friends of Pavillion Park and the HUB Sports Center.

Event at Liberty Lake’s newest park also includes side games, youth activities, beer garden, food trucks, live music and more. Cash prizes of up to $1,000; registration $60 per team. For more or to register, visit pavillionpark.org.

Aug. 31 | Baskets for Babies Disc Golf Tournament – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., High Bridge Disc Golf Course, Spokane. Fundraiser for Spokane Valley-based nonprofit. For more, visit basketsforbabies.org.

RECURRING Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Opportunity Christian Church, 708

See CALENDAR, Page 15

CHOOSE WISELY

Your Vote Counts

Brandi Peetz endorsed by former Mayors Diana Wilhite, Tom Towey, Dean Grafos and former councilmen Chuck Hafner and Bill Gothmann

Ballots must be mailed by AUGUST 6

E FISCAL CONSERVATIVE E COMMITTED TO SPOKANE VALLEY ECONOMIC GROWTH E STRONG SUPPORTER OF FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

WWW.REELECTPEETZ.COM Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Brandi Peetz PO Box 14932, Spokane Valley, WA 99214 Phone: (509) 714-0443 Email: reelectpeetz@gmail.com

14 • AUGUST 2019

SHERIFF

Continued from page 3 Department in Wyoming early in your law enforcement career. What makes this a valuable program in schools?

A: An effective school resource officer can have a major impact in kids’ lives. It’s a very, very important role if it’s done right. They also ensure the security and safety of the school. Another plus is that the program frees patrol deputies up to deal with issues affecting the rest of the community.

Q: There continues to be a significant decline in applicants for law enforcement jobs in most areas across the country. What are you seeing here in Spokane County when it comes to interest in this field?

The Current combining their law enforcement services because it’s cheaper and provides better service. However, for some city of Spokane Valley politicians, it’s a political platform.

Q: What can the average citizen do to help your agency keep the community safer?

A: Get involved. Whether it’s Neighborhood Watch, SCOPE, etc.

The more eyes we have and the more people we have looking out for our community, the better off we’re going to be.

Q: Along those lines, you’re involved in many community causes as a volunteer and board member. A partial list includes Salvation Army, Arc of Spokane, Frontier Behavioral Health, Daybreak and more. Why is this important to you?

A: I think it’s important to be part of these groups because I learn the issues facing them. I just wish I was fulfilling those roles better than I am now. The last two years have gotten busier for me, and I seem to have less time to attend meetings. Whenever a group asks me to join, I say, “Look, I can’t guarantee you I’m going to make every meeting, however if you have a project or a need I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Q: What are some of the keys to an effective police agency?

A: Passion and training. You have to have passion for what you’re doing. I truly believe that training is the key. The better trained your staff, the more competent and confident they are. You have to have passion and continue to learn. As a leader, you have to live it. If you’re going to lead an organization, there has

to be trust. People don’t follow or trust what they don’t know. The same is true for public trust. I go to community events because I love my community, and I want to hear from them. I don’t send someone else out to do it. I go. It shows both the community and our deputies that commitment to service is important from the top down. Our deputies get it, and that is why we have the reputation we have. The truth is, I have a lot of great people working for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office that do a great job and make me look really good. At the end of the day, it goes back to the conversation my wife and I had 14 years ago at our kitchen table. If I’m going to do this, it’s going to be all or nothing.

I’m going to give our community all I have. I hope I’ve lived up to that promise.

A: It’s a crisis nationwide.

There are agencies out there with $20,000 signing bonuses. Bellevue (Washington) I think is at $20,000, and they’re still having trouble.

It’s kind of a perfect storm. You have the Baby Boomer generation retiring now and then you have activists, politicians and media ginning up this great disrespect toward law enforcement. It’s going to take a while to overcome this, but I’m optimistic. The economy is also working against us. When you have an economy like this, you’re competing against other career fields, and those careers aren’t under constant attack.

Q: Over the years, there has been conversation among some factions about the city of Spokane Valley breaking away from the county sheriff’s office and starting their own police department. What are your thoughts about that?

A: It would be the worst thing to happen for the city of Spokane Valley and for the county if that were to take place. It would cost the citizens of the Spokane Valley millions more to replicate the services we provide.

Look at the city of Lakewood on the west side. They got dragged into that mindset to separate from Pierce County and the costs of their law enforcement went through the roof.

Worse, doing so is not the trend. The trend is regional services. Across the nation, cities and counties are

File Photo Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich pictured with Spokane Valley City Council Member (and The Current Editor and Publisher) Ben Wick recently at Mirabeau Park.

AUGUST 2019 • 15

The Current

brought to you by Student of the Month Going into her senior year at East Valley High School, Destiny Hillyard will need to be adept at scheduling. Along with serving as ASB president, Hillyard is part of EV’s chapter of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and Key Club. She is also a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and golf. The senior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and takes several AP classes. She is also in her fourth year as a member of Washington Drug Free Youth. Through NHS and Key Club, Hillyard contributes to a variety of community service projects that benefit nonprofit causes like Second Harvest Food Bank. She served as class president her freshman and sophomore years.

Hillyard was part of East Valley’s state runner-up basketball team last season.

She would like to pursue engineering in college.

CALENDAR

Continued from page 13

N. Pines, Spokane Valley. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon/Alateen family groups can help. For more, call 4562125.

Decreasing Anger Group | 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call Steve at 8934746 to make an intake appointment.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location. Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com.

Family and Friends of Addicts| 6 p.m. Wednesdays, The ONE Church, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Support group utilizing tools and principles to help navigate relationships with addicts and finding peace, strength and hope. For more, call 590-2422.

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

When the West Valley football team takes the field this season, Kobin Carver will be one of the key returners. The senior plays running back, receiver and cornerback and has lettered since his sophomore year. Last season, he was named to the All Great Northern League second team as a running back. In a victory over Pullman, Carver rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns. In track, Carver is a standout in the sprints, excelling in the 100-and 200-yard events as well as relays. He took fourth at last year’s state 2A meet in the 200 and eighth in the 100. He was part of WV’s state championship 4 x 400 relay squad and was named the Eagles’ team MVP for track. Carver maintains a 3.1 grade point average and will be part of the senior leadership team.

Ian Robertson does not hail from Spokane Valley but the longtime resident has made a significant impact in his adopted community. He served as pastor of Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene from 1999 to 2007. He was a catalyst, along with Max Spalding, in preserving the HUB Sports Center as a community recreation site. Robertson served on the Spokane Valley City Council and the city’s Planning Commission. He was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and was CEO of the Community Service Team.

The native of Scotland is the founder of the ChangePoint Northwest Center for Housing dedicated to home ownership and economic development for veterans, seniors and the working poor. Ian and his wife Valerie have been married 60 years and are parents of two grown sons.

GriefShare Support Group (Mondays)| 6:15 to 8 p.m. Mondays, The ONE Church, east entrance, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley.

Most recent program began Feb. 20, but join at any time. Designed to help cope with loss, whether recent or years ago. For more, call Sue at 2941664 or Jere at 710-3354.

GriefShare Support Group (Thursdays) | 10 a.m. Thursdays, Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E. 20th Ave. Most recent program began Jan. 17 and runs 13 weeks, but join at any time.

If you have lost a loved one and are dealing with grief, stop by to share or just listen. For more, call 926-1545.

HUB Sports Center | 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/non-seniors.

• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life.

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

Military Sobriety Support Group

| 10 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. For more, call Steve at 893-4746.

Mindful Music & Movement | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as Parkinson’s, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. $10 donation suggested.

Facilitated by board-certified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592-7875.

Yoga in Rockford | 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Rockford Park, 20 W. Emma St., Rockford. In case of inclement weather, classes will be held at Dave’s Autobody, 8 W. Emma St.

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

Come visit your Spokane Valley Neighborhood Financial Center located at 615 N Sullivan Road

800-233-2328

Thanks you for all you do in our community Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers.

Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave. Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley. For more, call 9262753 or visit fairmountmemorial. com/south-pines-cemetery.

Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m.

Tuesdays, Valley Hospital Education Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave. More at spokanevalleykiwanis.net.

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

Submit items for The Current Community Calendar by the 10th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent. com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

Brought to you by

AUGUST 2019 • 17

The Current

Open Gym For All Ages - Fridays 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Instructional Classes offered morning, afternoon, evening and weekends for all goals & abilities toddler through adult

Summer Camps start June 24th, Sign up now!

2515 N. Locust Road Spokane Valley 99206

509-315-5433

Bitty Bee Mondays & Wednesdays weekly from 9:30am – 12:30pm!

Movie Night- evening of fun, friends, gymnastics, popcorn and movies!

www.spokanegymnastics.com

18 • AUGUST 2019

The Current Brought to you by

Want to sponsor this section?

Ask us how! 242-7752

About and for Valley seniors

‘Revel’-ing in amenities

New senior community boasts high-end living

By Tie Lemerond Current Contributor

Sitting on 4.38 acres, Revel Spokane offers 132 independent living apartments available to lease on a month-to-month basis to people 55 years of age and older.

Revel Spokane is owned by The Wolff Company, which is based out of Scottsdale, Ariz. But has roots in Spokane. Alvin J. Wolff Sr. founded the company in 1949 with a $1,500 loan from his brother. He rose to the top of the residential brokerage market in Spokane Valley and then launched the company’s development activity.

In 1973, Alvin J. “Fritz” Wolff Jr. took over the business and really began to focus on the multifamily sector. He was joined by his four sons in the late 1990s, each one bringing their individual strengths and expertise to the firm.

Revel Spokane is managed by The Wolff Resident Experience Company. The six pillars of wellness guide the philosophy at Revel Spokane and their lifestyle program, Lumin Living. By focusing on six areas -- physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational and emotional -- Revel Spokane is able to offer individually tailored opportunities and one-of-a-kind experiences that keep their residents connected, engaged and curious.

“We know if we are successful in taking care of our team members, they’ll take good care of our residents,” Cory Wolfenbarger, senior vice president of operations, said to applause at a grand opening event June 12.

Executive Director Ann Byers is joined at Revel Spokane by a staff of 24.

“It’s an honor to be working with such great people,” she said.

Revel Spokane was designed to serve the growing number of older adults in the greater Spokane area looking for an active and independent lifestyle. They hope

to cultivate a vibrant and thriving community full of individuals who are living their most authentic lives, making lifelong connections and aging successfully in the process.

The property is approximately 40 percent occupied. Future residents have many floor plan options to choose from, including studios, one bedroom and two bedroom-two bathroom units. Property amenities include spa, salon and barbershop, fitness studio, theatre room, creative studio, resident gardens, outdoor seating areas, barbecues and a dog park. There are also housekeeping, dry cleaning and laundry services available, and seasonal menus are provided by a celebrity chef, Beau MacMillan, in the restaurant.

The grand opening event drew a large crowd of potential residents, community members and community supporters.

“If there’s one thing I know about the Wolff family, it’s that they do it right, they do it nice and they do it with good intent,” Spokane Valley

Council Member Arne Woodard said.

Mayor Rod Higgins added: “When somebody puts the time and investment into our city, it’s up to us to make sure we recognize them, welcome them and do everything we can to help them be successful.”

As for Chef McMillan, the TV personality was up for the challenge to set the bar and do something different.

“I’m all in,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of something innovative and special. I’m glad (they) called me. The journey starts now, and it’ll continue to grow. I look forward to growing and nurturing this property and being a part of this community.”

Residents who are already part of the Revel community were also represented at the grand opening.

“It’s a good place for somebody who wants an easier lifestyle,” resident Barb Andrews said. “The building is new and beautiful, and I really like the hours of the restaurant.”

Added fellow resident Buck Brumblay: “I felt it was time in my

life to do it or not do it, so I did. I retired from the Army after 20 years, and I’m very happy with the lifestyle change. The managers here are very concerned about everybody.”

Leon Lewis likes the people and going to Tai Chi on Mondays.

He enjoys all of the classes offered and going on outings with other residents.

“We’ve went on carriage rides, to the theatre, the museum, a car show and to farmers markets,” he said, adding that Revel’s restaurant has the best salmon.

Helen Duey was among the first residents to move into the building in February 2019. She enjoys the group outings, going to the creative classes and listening to lectures.

“Revel Spokane opened at an ideal time as the need and desire for flexible lifestyles focused on all areas of wellness is growing,” said Byers, the executive director. “People want a lock-and-leave home that gives them the freedom to live life on their terms.”

Revel is located at 16807 E. Mission Parkway in Spokane Valley.

Photo by Tie Lemerond The June 12 grand opening for Revel Spokane showcased the various amenities of the high-end 55+ community.

AUGUST 2019 • 19

The Current

PUZZLES

Valley Chamber

Membership

CONNECT.

EMPOWER.

INNOVATE.

Why Join the Chamber?

Our Vision We are the unifying business force dedicated to community vitality and economic prosperity for the Greater Spokane Valley.

Membership Benefits Regardless of the size or type of business, Chamber membership provides an affective means to network with business leaders, share ideas and receive valuable insights on common business challenges. Our membership provides: - Opportunity to collaborate and network - Members-only discounts - Referrals to member businesses - Sponsorship and advertising opportunities

Community Car Wash Benefiting Central Valley High School Bears Lacrosse Sunday, August 11th 11am - 4pm Liberty Lake Town Center $8 donation per vehicle Find us on Facebook or contact any CV Bears Lacrosse athlete to get your ticket in advance.

Or just drive thru that day!

Thanks for your support!

Advocacy Programs We advocate for public policy changes and programs that stimulate and sustain growth for business. Our Government Action Committee consistently reaches out to elected officials at all levels of government to keep you informed on the latest developments.

Upcoming Events 23rd Annual Golf Tournament Thursday, Aug 8th Government Action Program Monday, Aug 12 Transportation Committee Program Thursday, Aug 22 After 5 Networking Event, Mirabeau Park Hotel Wednesday, Aug 28 Register online at spokanevalleychamber.org

The Network The Network allows professionals to meet twice per month in a networking environment to exchange leads and business refers.

It is intended to be a tool for members to cultivate their business.

Current Groups: The East Valley Network The Greater Valley Network The Spokane Network The Liberty Lake Network The South Hill Network The North Spokane Network

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

20 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

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Multi-Sport Day caps Valleyfest weekend

By Michelle Valkov Current Contributor

The Sunday of Valleyfest is called Multi-Sport Day for a reason.

Sept. 22 is the third and final day of the 30th annual celebration, and it’s all about getting heart rates up and showcasing Valley scenery.

Multi-Sport Day includes a 5K run, a 10K run, a duathlon, a triathlon and a free family bike ride.

All events start at 8 a.m. with the exception of the family ride, which begins at noon.

The pair of runs are focusing in on the student population this year, with Valleyfest inviting teachers, students and school staff to earn money for their physical education programs. The PE grant is $150 awarded to the school with the most school spirit and the school with the most signed-up participants.

“Seems like even with Bloomsday, the run races are kind of seeing a decline in attendance, and that weekend is also Happy Girl, which is a race that targets women, but we are probably not going to attract those people because they aren’t going to run two races in one weekend,” said Stephanie Hughes, Multi-Sport Day co-chair. “So, because Valleyfest’s mission is to provide activities for kids, we are going to try to target that audience with our race.”

said the kayak and canoe option (or two-person boat option for teams) makes this possible.

The 5K race costs $25, while the 10K is $30. The Duathlon is $30 for an individual or $50 for a team of two. Triathlon registration is $40 for an individual, $55 for a team of two, $70 for a team of three or $95 for a team of four. Registration is due by 10 a.m. Sept. 16 for all events in order to receive a T-shirt, and is available at valleyfest.org.

The Family Bike Ride includes four leader-guided routes to choose from at distances of 6.8, 8.8, 13.5 or 15.6 miles. All are free. A mail-in registration form is available online, or check in at 11 a.m. the day of the event to participate.

Around 200 people signed up for Multi-Sport Day in 2018, and this year the goal is 300, Hughes said.

She and co-chair Katrina Abel are dreaming up possible awards to

encourage more participation.

“We have to create some kind of excitement, and we are trying to think of ways to make it bigger,” Hughes said. “We are really trying to push the PE grant, and hoping we have enough people to break even.”

The draw for past participants includes how scenic the races are, the lowkey feel to the event and the fact the event is never overly packed, Hughes said. Another plus is that the events are all contained within the Valley community.

told me about the changes she had been making in her life to become healthier, and she had friends that helped her train, and she told me that the whole experience was life changing for her,” Abel said.

“Hearing someone say that is great, and that’s what I think the whole event is about.”

Complete information on parking, event routes or other aspects of Valleyfest’s 30th anniversary weekend are available at valleyfest.org.

“Valleyfest is an event that brings the community together, and it is also an event that is not expensive,” Hughes said. “I like that aspect of supporting families in the community and helping provide free entertainment.”

Abel, who is also a health and wellness instructor at the YMCA, said she is excited to be on the other end of the event this year, helping to plan instead of participate as in years’ past.

“Last year, a triathlon participant

Both races are Bloomsday Second Seed qualifiers.

The Duathlon is sandwiches two 5K runs around an 11-mile bicycle ride, while the Triathlon replaces the first 5K run with a 1.5-mile kayak or canoe trip downstream the Spokane River from Mirabeau Point Park to Plantes Ferry Park.

“This is an opportunity to highlight the city and the river, and get people on canoes or kayaks,” said Hughes, adding that a lot of people want to do triathlons but don’t want to get in the water. She

Submitted photos Past participants in Valleyfest Multi-Sport Day enjoyed scenic runs and bicycle rides, as well as kayaking on the Spokane River.

AUGUST 2019 • 21

The Current

SUMMER FAMILY FUN! Aug 8 - Dollars In Your Dog Night Aug 9 - Star Wars Night Aug 10 - Star Wars Night Aug 15 - Comic Book Hero Night Aug 16 - Harry Potter Night Aug 23 - Storybook Princess Aug 29 - Halloween Night

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The Current

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Rockford Report

By Micki Harnois Current Contributor

From improvements to events, exciting things are happening in the Rockford community.

New playground equipment is currently being installed in the City Park, funded by the Innovia Foundation. The new livestock barn in the fairgrounds is completely finished with grant money from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Avista is furnishing the town with a new electronic readerboard with funds from a program that helps small rural towns with tools for economic development.

The Rockford Lions Club will host the 11th annual Hot Rockford Nights car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17. More than 100 cars will be on display in the City Park.

To participate, call Jane Dashiell at 370-4192. The entry fee is $15 and

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increases to $20 the day of the show.

The first 100 entries will receive a dash plaque. Food is available at a low cost, and golden-oldies will be heard through the park to add nostalgia to the event. Admission for the public is free.

The Rockford Historical Society is sponsoring a book review at 1 p.m.

Aug. 9 following its regular meeting at Harvest Moon restaurant. “Not Forgotten: A Pacific Northwest Family Brings Their Soldier Home” was written by local author Dave Reynolds, and it focuses on the stack of letters his uncle, Verne Zornes, sent home while serving on several missions in the Army Air Corps during World War II. His last letter home, for example, showed the adventure and excitement he was experiencing as a young man from rural Spokane County “seeing the world.” Reynolds will hold a booksigning after the meeting, and $5 from each book sold will be donated to the Rockford Historical Society.

He will also be at the Rockford Museum during the Southeast Spokane County Fair Sept. 21-22.

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The Current

LIBRARY

Volunteering for the Reading Buddy Program

By Melanie Boerner Current Contributor

Are you looking for a rewarding and engaging way to serve your community and work with children?

If you answered yes, then the Reading Buddy Program may be the right fit for you. Spokane County Library District is currently recruiting for this highly successful program, looking for adult volunteers to spend one day per week for about 45 minutes fostering a love of reading with an elementary school student.

Reading Buddy volunteers serve as mentors to their “little buddies.”

We never ask that you teach a child to read. As a mentor, you’re focus is just to foster a love of reading and form a positive relationship around books with your student. It may be the only one-on-one time the student gets each week in a school setting.

Snacks, books, activities, and games are provided by Spokane County Library District for the Reading Buddy Program. Upon arrival at the school, Reading Buddy volunteers give their students snacks, read with them for about 20 minutes, and then play a literacybased game or activity for the remainder of the session. The time flies by because it’s so much fun!

The Reading Buddy Program currently serves 10 schools in Spokane County. Schools are chosen based on a number of factors, including the rates of children receiving free and reduced lunch and the number of students meeting language arts standards.

The elementary schools we work with are always appreciative of the volunteers and the fact that they are giving their time to students who truly benefit from the activities and

AUGUST 2019 • 23

one-on-one time.

New Reading Buddy volunteers are asked to commit to an 8-week session and are encouraged to stay a whole school year to continue working with the same student, whenever possible. Consistency has been a key factor to the success of this program.

So I encourage you to volunteer as a Reading Buddy. It’s a rewarding and engaging program that will have you looking forward to reading and spending time each week with your student.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering as a Reading Buddy is encouraged to attend one of the two scheduled orientation sessions: at Argonne Library on Monday, August 26, at 9am and at Spokane Valley Library on Saturday, August 31, at 2pm.

You can also find more information and apply to be a Reading Buddy Volunteer at www. scld.org/volunteer. I look forward to hearing from you!

Blacksmithing at North Spokane Library draws spectators

By Erin Dodge Current Contributor

Within the creative spaces of The Studio at Spokane Valley Library and The Lab at North Spokane Library, Spokane County Library District has hosted creators who have taught program participants how to shoot professional-level film, take memorable photographs, reupholster furniture, decorate cakes and cupcakes, sew something special, paint landscapes, illuminate manuscripts, write poetry, bind books, and more.

This August, the Library District has partnered with a nonprofit group that won’t fit inside the library. But they do fit in the parking lot. At North Spokane Library, Columbia Fire & Iron will teach adult participants the basics of blacksmithing, using their mobile forge, in two sessions. Bleachers will be set up for spectators to watch and learn as well.

“Spectators there will see us making simple items like nails, leaves, coat hooks, and bottle openers,” said Steve McGrew,

president of Columbia Fire & Iron. “We will keep up a running dialog with spectators, explaining what we’re doing and answering questions.”

You can come out to watch “Blacksmithing at the Library” at North Spokane Library on Saturday, August 24, at two sessions. The morning session is 9am–1pm and the afternoon session is 2–6pm.

Participant registration for both sessions is expected to fill up fast, and participants must be at least 18 years old. To learn more about the event and register online, visit www.scld.org/blacksmithingevents.

When asked if someone is interested in blacksmithing but hesitant or uncertain that they would be able to do it, McGrew replied, “We tell them that they should try it. We have taught 12-year-old kids and women over the age of 70, plus policemen, professors, doctors and accountants. Anybody can do it.”

“I’m usually one of the few, if not the only, women hammering

at our events, and I’m excited to change that,” said Mallory Battista, board member of Columbia Fire & Iron. “It’s not all about strength.

I have learned that technique and hammer control are more important than muscle.”

Imagination also plays a part in what blacksmiths create. “A master blacksmith can make practically anything you can imagine that’s made of metal—gates, railings, window grilles, BBQ and fireplace tool sets, sculptures, shop tools and more,” said McGrew.

Battista added, “I’ve made a lot of things for my house: a pot rack, a dinner bell, a coat rack, trellises for the garden. I create jewelry. There are a lot of things you can make.”

To learn more about Columbia Fire & Iron and their upcoming events, you can visit their website at www.columbiafireandiron.org.

If, like me, you like seeing how things are made, I encourage you to come out to the North Spokane Library to see the hot fire of the forge and iron getting turned into something cool and useful.

Summer Family Read Celebrations We’ve read all summer.

Time to celebrate!

For all ages

Photo credit: Alan Bradley

Family Summer Read Celebration with Grace Lin Special appearance & reading by author Grace Lin Crafts, activities, & door prizes CENTERPLACE 2426 N DISCOVERY PL Thursday, August 8 6:30–8:30pm

Celebrate Your Summer Reading Games, crafts, & activities for the whole family OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Tuesday, Aug 13, 3:30–5:30pm ARGONNE LIBRARY Thursday, Aug 22, 1–3pm

www.scld.org

24 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

Riverfront parcels spark Millwood debate

By Nina Culver Current Correspondent

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The Millwood Planning Commission recently voted to recommend changing the Comprehensive Plan designation on two riverfront parcels of land in the face of strong opposition from the neighborhood – a controversial decision the City Council has delayed taking action on until its August meeting as it wades through a bevy of public comment.

The two vacant lots are located next to 8319 E. South Riverway, just inside the city limits. The two lots sit side by side and each is about 60 feet wide.

The area close to the street is flat, but the riverbank is steep, and there is no beach. The city purchased the lots in 2016 and stated at the time it wanted to put a park there.

The proposal before the planning commission would change the Comprehensive Plan designation on the lands from residential to public reserve. At a recent planning commission meeting, City Clerk Christina Janssen said the zoning of the land would remain the same.

“At this time the city has no immediate plans to develop the land,” she said.

All the documents prepared by the city say that no project is currently envisioned for the land, including a letter from Mayor Kevin Freeman.

“When the city determines how the parcels will be used, the city will then apply for a change in the zoning designation for the parcels,” he wrote.

“At that time, the city will tender a specific project proposal for the purposed of a SEPA environmental review.”

The letter also references the need for additional parks in Millwood.

More than a dozen people attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the project, citing the small size of the lots, the narrowness of the street and the strictly residential nature of the neighborhood. Dozens more submitted written comments opposing the project. The city has also received some written comments in favor of a small neighborhood park.

Several of those in attendance pointed to a series of emails sent by then city clerk Tom Richardson to the Spokane Conservation District in September 2016 as the city was making plans to purchase the land. Richardson

See MILLWOOD, Page 25

AUGUST 2019 • 25

The Current

MILLWOOD

Continued from page 24 was requesting funding to help pay for the two lots.

“The city would like to acquire them for a park,” he wrote.

Richardson also included a twopage proposal for a South Riverway Park. “The city envisions a small paved parking lot for five vehicles, a picnic area, possibly a restroom, viewing platform, canoe/kayak launching system and a raised stairway down to the water,” the proposal reads.

The same proposal refers to the shoreline as “very steep” and just 200 feet away from a boat launch located in the Spokane Valley city limits.

Attorney Milton Rowland, who represents a group called Millwood Citizens Preserving Neighborhood Integrity, said the city staff repeatedly saying no park is planned for the property is an “intellectual charade.”

In a letter submitted to the city, Rowland wrote that the city’s proposal is “threadbare almost to the point of disingenuousness” and doesn’t address Growth Management and SEPA requirements.

“The commission is being asked to pretend that it does not know what those lots will be used for,” he said.

In addition to the emails from Richardson, the city’s intent to put a park on the property is well established in public comments and documents.

The planning commission held a series of public meetings in 2017 to get public input on what to do with the riverfront property. At the end of the process, the commission recommended that “the parcel be used for a neighborhood park with access to the river.”

Millwood resident and attorney Spencer Harrington has submitted several lengthy objections to the city and organized a letter-writing campaign, submitting more than 70 identical letters opposing the project signed by different residents.

He wrote that the city is engaging in “illegal spot zoning.” Both he and Rowland have submitted appeals to the city’s Determination of Nonsignificance that states that the city’s designation change proposal will have no environmental impact.

Rowland wrote that calling the proposal a non-project action on the environmental checklist, as the city does repeatedly, is a “ruse” to hide the fact that it will open up the lots for park use “with substantial impacts on the shoreline, the quiet of the neighborhood, and many wildlife and vegetation habitat that appears to be irreplaceable.”

Rowland said once the land is

designated public reserve, “installation of a park can proceed without further review,” he wrote. “Millwood will have completed an end-run around SEPA.” Harrington raised many of the same concerns in his letter appealing the DNS. “The city appears to believe it can ignore the fact that its intent is to put a city park on these parcels,” he wrote.

“The city’s SEPA checklist and DNA determination is in clear bad faith.”

Resident Ross Simmonds told the planning commission the road is narrow in that area.

“Parking is a huge issue,” he said.

“This is a tiny little lot. It’s not big enough for parking, bathrooms and canoe launching. We want to nip this in the bud.”

Commission chairman Kelly Stravens said their job is to consider a comprehensive plan designation change and see if it fits the criteria.

“No specific use has been assigned to it,” he said. “It wouldn’t be appropriate to consider it as a park.

The city could park trucks there. We don’t know the intent of the use at this time.”

“About all we’re saying is it will be used for the public and not for housing,” said commissioner Bobbie

Beese. “People have been saying there should be some sort of river access. To have the city own it and not be public reserve would be a deficiency.”

Stravens said the change would simply allow the public to use the property.

“Because we’re not talking about a specific use, there will be no impact,” he said. “There’s no indication that city will throw a park up.”

Some of the people gathered to oppose the project laughed at Stravens’ comment, and he chided them about the need to be quiet during the meeting.

Stravens said any proposed use of the property would come before the

planning commission, and there would be time for more public comment then.

“I think the application has met all the criteria,” he said.

The commission voted to recommend that the city council approve of the Comprehensive Plan designation change for the parcels.

Commissioner Mike Ankney voted no.

Though two attorneys have sent letters to appeal the city’s DNS, city attorney Brian Werst said the city has no appeal process. If anyone wants to appeal the city’s decision, they would need to do it through the Growth Management Hearings Board, Werst said.

You’re invited!

Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate these two events in August – commemorating our next school construction milestones!

Selkirk Middle School Dedication Ceremony

Western Dance Center

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Ceremony 5:30-6:30; Tours 6:30-8PM 1409 N. Harvest Parkway, Liberty Lake

Salmon Barbecue Dinner

Sunday, August 25 from noon to 4 pm

A Green Bluff apple wood fire adds a special flavor to the salmon as it cooks on the 50 foot grill. It is generously coated with our very own secret sauce as the racks move slowly down the line.

63 years of BBQ experience

Dinner includes potato salad, baked beans, & dinner roll with ice cream cup & cookies.

Coffee, iced tea & milk included.

Picnic tables on the grass, under the trees.

Wheelchair & walker accessible with assistance.

No reservations needed

Free Entertainment in the hall from 2 - 3 pm Plenty of Free Parking Adults $15 Seniors (65+) $12 Kids (12-) $10

Ridgeline High School Groundbreaking Ceremony Thursday, August 29, 2019 Ceremony 5:30; Tours of school site 6:30-7:30PM 20150 E. Country Vista Drive, Liberty Lake

we

are

CVSD

!

CVSD is dedicated to providing vital schools with a safe, quality learning environment for our community. Thank you to Central Valley voters for your support in building these schools!

509-558-5400 | www.cvsd.org

26 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

News Droplets Ballots due Aug. 6 Ballots for the Aug. 6 primary election can be postmarked by that date or turned in at one of 24 drop box locations countywide, including local libraries.

Voters can still register and vote in person up to the date of the election at the Spokane County Elections Office, 1033 W. Gardner Ave. in Spokane. For more, call 4772320.

Outside agency funding available The City of Spokane Valley is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations that provide economic development activities and social services that directly benefit Spokane Valley citizens.

Each year, the Spokane Valley City Council sets aside funds in its budget to support such organizations and activities. Efforts that have been funded in the past include assistance with medical care for low income individuals, promotion of the arts,

a social services provider, regional economic development efforts and others. Award amounts vary.

The city encourages applications from organizations that have not applied in the past. Qualifying organizations are invited to submit applications for funding in the 2020 budget. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. Aug. 9 to be considered.

More information is available at spokanevalley.org, city hall or from Sarah Farr at 720-5041 or sfarr@ spokanevalley.org.

will provide each crew with an opportunity to say thank you to community members that help them in different ways to acknowledge someone for their help and assistance,” said Spokane Fire Marshall Greg Rogers. “It is something so simple that could make a big difference in our community.”

Eighty vouchers were provided initially to launch the program in March. Each SVFD apparatus carries 5 vouchers to hand out when they are on a call and notice a citizen demonstrating good citizenship.

SVFD saying thanks with Starbucks Spokane Valley Fire Department and the Starbucks at Pines and Sprague joined forces earlier this year to honor those demonstrating good citizenship. When firefighters respond to a call and find a citizen already on hand helping, they offer more than just a thank you: Starbucks has a $4 thank you reward card for SVFD Firefighters to give along with that thank you.

“The Starbucks program

Acreage added to Antoine Peak Spokane County’s Conservation Futures program added 230 acres of high quality habitat and recreation land to the Antoine Peak Conservation Area, located just north of the city of Spokane Valley.

Starting at the valley floor and climbing 700 feet up, this acquisition preserves critical winter habitat for white-tailed deer while also creating the opportunity to develop a “valley-to-peak” trail experience.

“This acquisition was a not-tomiss opportunity to expand the Conservation Area in big way by preserving its ‘front yard’ at the edge of the city of Spokane Valley.

Without Conservation Futures, there’s no doubt in my mind that this property would have been subdivided and developed in the near future,” said Paul Knowles, Special Projects Manager for Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department.

The property includes a yearround spring that flows through the center of it, mature Ponderosa pine forest, large rock outcroppings and a former homestead site, which still retains large, spring-fed silver maples.

“This is another successful case of how the Conservation Futures Program works with willing sellers to preserve unique and significant examples of Spokane County’s natural heritage,” said Doug Chase, Director of Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department.

“We’re excited to embark on the next steps of planning for this

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The Current

property’s future as part of Antoine Peak Conservation Area.”

Chair of the Board of Spokane County Commissioners Mary Kuney added, “This purchase is one of many Conservation Futures acquisitions that help elevate Spokane County’s status as an outdoor recreation mecca, attracting new residents and businesses seeking first-class trails within a short distance of their front steps.”

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28 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

The Neighborhood Sound a bulletin board to share life moments

The Sound will return next month. Want to share something on The Neighborhood Sound? Send it to TheSound@valleycurrent.com

Community Droplets to experience hunger and this gravely threatens behavior, school SVP launches youth summer performance, academic success and food program cognitive development.

In collaboration with Greater “Vulnerable youth need support Spokane Food Truck Association to navigate systems of support,” and Giving Back Packs, Spokane said Lynn Markez, Communities In Valley Partners is launching a Schools Site Coordinator. “Having summer extension of its Food For food in their stomachs can help give Thought program. The goal of this a large piece of security to keep program is to eliminate barriers them grounded and assist them in to access and provide youth with making appropriate choices and a safety net for summer food achieve change.” insecurity.

To resolve this throughout the Food insecurity is defined as school year, the Food for Thought having limited access to adequate program provides weekend meals food due to financial and other for homeless students within the resources. Children without homes four Greater Spokane Valley school are twice as likely as other children

OPINION

districts (CVSD, EVSD, WVSD and Freeman). For the 2016-17 academic year, 851 students within the four districts registered as homeless.

Currently, nearly 450 of those students are served by the weekend meal program.

To bridge the summer service gap, numerous agencies and businesses are serving as emergency grocery pickup sites for students to access kits containing a 2-3 day supply of food. In addition, the Greater Spokane Food Truck Association is equipping students with punch cards to redeem at any association food truck.

“No kid should ever go hungry,” said Tony Epefanio, Greater

Spokane Food Truck Association President. “We all can work together and fix this problem.”

Each student can redeem up to 55 meals through the summer and participate in the region’s food truck events. To combat transportation challenges, summer youth bus passes have generously been provided by Giving Back Packs and GSFTA Gives Back.

“The need for these homeless teens is overwhelming, especially in summer when all the safety nets provided through the school structure are removed,” said Cal Coblentz, CEO of Spokane Valley Partners. “We believe the most important thing we can do to create true poverty change is to help these kids change their stars. This summer program is a first of its kind and we are all very excited to see this collaborative effort come to life.”

Scholar athletes honored The Greater Spokane League announced its spring winners of the NECA/IBEW scholar athlete awards for spring sports.

For Central Valley High School, honorees were Molly McCormick (track and field) and Reece Bumgarner (soccer). For University High School, honorees were Makayla Marshall (softball) and Fraser Robertson (soccer).

U-Hi duo honored Hannah and Megan Carver from University High School earned a $2,500 scholarship and were honored as 2019 Students of the Year by the local chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The students participated in a leadership development program that includes a fundraising competition benefiting LLS.

AUGUST 2019 • 29

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Index of advertisers

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

22

Spokane Interstate Fair

3

Amaculate Housekeeping

27

Kathrine Olson, DDS

Banner Fuel

27

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

5

BECU 5

Liberty Lake Farmers Market

30

Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce 19

Central Valley Lacrosse

19

Liberty Lake Orthodontics

9

Spokane Valley Summer Theatre 24

Central Valley School Dist

Spokane OBGYN

29

25

Northern Quest

32

Stateline Plaza

Committee to Reelect Brandi Peetz 13

Pioneer School

26

Valleyfest 27

Cornerstone Pentecostal Church 30

Simonds Dental Group

Folds of Honor

12, 32

22

Vision Marketing

27

Spokane County Library District 23

Western Dance Center

25

Greenstone 30

Spokane Gymnastics

17

Inland Empire Utility CC

Spokane Indians

21

Service Directory

6

12

29

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30 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

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The Current

ON THAT NOTE

TAC merges with Liberty Lake theater

By Michelle Valkov Current Contributor

Liberty Lake Community Theatre and Theater Arts for Children are now one and the same. Effective July 17, LLCT and the Spokane Valley-based children’s theater have merged into one theater, currently known as TAC Liberty Lake Theatre, although the official name is to be determined.

TAC will close its current location on Pines and relocate to the present LLCT location at 22910 East Appleway Ave., Suite 2.

Kyle Smock, president of TAC for four years, said he believes this merger has the right ingredients to succeed, despite the industry track record.

“Typically, theater mergers in Spokane haven’t always gone successfully,” Smock said. “I don’t think there’s been any successful merger, but we felt that by combining our two creative resources and not trying to gather the same audience from the same area we would make a more successful community theater together.”

LLCT Founder Jennifer Bergman agreed.

“I think we already have an excellent theatre in Liberty Lake.

I don’t think having more people involved is a bad thing,” Bergman said.

LLCT approached TAC about the merger for reasons such as growth changes and board members either stepping or moving away. Bergman herself desired to spend more time with her kids.

TAC was initially hesitant, Smock said, not wanting to jeopardize the community and mission built since its 1995 founding.

“After the meeting to finalize the merger, everyone realized that all goals were aligned and we all want the same thing for community theater,” Smock said. “We all see the benefits.”

TAC is also excited for the fresh start and the addition of new blood and energy from the younger LLCT, which was founded in 2008. Smock added the Liberty Lake group brings great sponsorship relationships

and community support. TAC’s experience will be a plus as well.

“We know how to make productions work, what makes them work within budgets and what systems work in place,” Smock said.

TAC is also well known for focusing on providing opportunities for young people who haven’t been on stage before, Smock said, with about 30 percent of every TAC show cast new to theater.

Over the years, the theaters have been completely supported by ticket sales, fundraisers, donations and sponsorships and are each registered nonprofit organizations.

A celebration of the merger and fundraiser for the 2019-2020 season will be held at Trailbreaker Cider in Liberty Lake from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 3.

The event is free and family friendly and includes fundraising auctions and games.

On Aug. 10, an final event will be held at the 2114 N. Pines Road, Suite 3, location to say goodbye to the old theater and to give up the annual “TACy’s” awards.

The new season will begin with “The Music Man” in October 2019 and will feature four main stage shows and three smaller shows. Auditions for the October production were not available at press time but are expected in late August, so check the theater Facebook pages for updates.

The news has been well received by many old hands of both theaters.

“I think the merger is a great opportunity for our theater,” said Hudson Kahler, 15, vice president of the TAC youth board and an actor for 10 years. “It’s a better location and safer neighborhood. It will be great to have new people to interact with.”

Kady Cullen, 15, who has been participating in theater since she was 8 and has been with TAC since she was 9, said she thinks this is a great opportunity.

“Two amazing local theaters will come together and create something that will help both communities and more teens. I can not wait to carry on TAC’s spirit and join Liberty Lake,” Cullen said.

Added Kendall Boren, 17, a veteran of LLCT: “Although change can be uncertain and scary at times, I think this is a change we can all welcome and celebrate. I’m excited to see what happens.”

Erika Kahler, Hudson’s mom, said the family moved to Spokane eight years ago, and TAC has become an extended family to them.

Their kids have learned acting, fundraising, organizational and leadership skills.

“We have had kids that are really shy and not real confident, and you give them a script and a show to put on and you have a cheering

AUGUST 2019 • 31

audience; they come out a totally different kid,” Smock said.

Smock moved to Spokane six years ago from Los Angeles, where he worked in many different aspects of the entertainment industry and theater. His daughter wanted to audition for a play, and they auditioned together. It is how he found TAC. It re-inspired his love for theater and what it does for the kids that are ultimately putting on that show.

“One thing I would like to see as a result of this merger is an increased partnership with the larger theaters in town,” Smock said.

Submitted photos Theater Arts for Children was founded in 1995 to give local youth more opportunities to take to the stage. TAC and Liberty Lake Community Theatre announced plans to merge in July.

32 • AUGUST 2019

The Current

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