July 2022 Current

J U LY

2022

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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

FREE

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

The people behind the mark Get to know candidates in the Primary Election coming August 2nd, page 10

DUFF PROMOTES INDIANS BASEBALL PAGE 2

LONG TIME EDUCATOR SET TO RETIRE PAGE 24

SVFD ASKS FOR LEVY LID LIFT PAGE 31

2

• JULY 2022

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Diamond Expert – Duff

a catalyst of local baseball brand

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Chris Duff first visited the Spokane area in 2000 as part of the club baseball team at the University of Montana. The Grizzlies ventured to Cheney to take on Eastern Washington University and Duff, a native of Georgia, was on the roster as a middle infielder and pitcher.

At the time, Duff had no idea that the Inland Northwest would become his future home and the sport he was playing would become his professional perch for two decades.

“It never crossed my mind that baseball would be a career path,” Duff said.

Duff grew up playing baseball and football in the Atlanta suburb of Smyrna, Georgia. By high school, he was focusing exclusively on baseball, also playing on select travel teams.

“Baseball was full-time, yearround,” Duff recalls. “I got just a little burned out. It felt like a job.”

Duff’s parents both had wellestablished careers in the corporate world when he was growing up. His dad worked for Norfolk Southern Railway and his mom was a marketing director with Bell South Corp., later acquired by AT&T. “I figured I’d move back to the Atlanta area after college and climb the corporate ladder,” Duff said.

After high school, Duff enrolled at the University of Georgia and spent two years in Athens but transferred to Montana before his junior year. Prior to the move, he researched schools across the country to find out which campus was closest to a snow skiing venue.

Montana won out with a proximity of 9 miles.

In Missoula, Duff majored in business with a marketing emphasis.

One day, in a computer lab, a fellow student mentioned he was headed to Spokane to attend a sports career job fair. Duff tagged along and, during the event, stopped by the Spokane Indians

booth to learn more about the region’s longest running professional franchise with a lineage that traces back to 1903.

“I zeroed in on the Spokane Indians,” Duff said. “They resonated with me.”

In January 2002, Duff suited up for the Indians’ front office, starting as an entry level promotions assistant. His main responsibility was to coordinate sponsorships sold in the off-season.

Growing up, Duff and his family rooted for the Atlanta Braves, a franchise that hit its stride in the 1990s when Duff was in middle school and high school. The team won eight division titles and five National League pennants in the decade and a World Series in 1995. While Duff imagined himself as a future player on his favorite team, administrative roles were never part of the game plan.

“Everybody wanted to play for the Braves,” he said.

As Duff’s responsibilities advanced with the Indians – he became director of promotions in 2002 and was promoted to assistant general manager the following year – any thoughts of trying his hand at the big leagues went away.

“When I first started, I thought about working for the Braves,” he said. “But I lost all interest in moving to the major leagues because I love the small business atmosphere and efficient decision-making that are so much a part of minor league baseball.

You really get to learn all aspects of the business.”

In 2006, at the age of 26, Duff was named vice president and general manager.

“The front office was small,” Duff says humbly. “Those titles sound better

Photo by Craig Howard Chris Duff has worked in the front office for the Spokane Indians baseball club since January of 2002 and currently serves as team president. The Georgia native made his way to the Northwest as a transfer student at the University of Montana following two years at the University of Georgia.

than they probably are.”

Customer service, employee development and facility oversight have been just a few of Duff’s tasks over the years. He has been part of every capital facilities project at Avista Stadium since 2002. When he became team president in 2016, Duff’s focus shifted to what he describes as “higher-level, more long-term” such as forecasting budgets and providing a vision and direction for the franchise.

“I’m not necessarily leading every game as an event,” he said. “So it’s not day-to-day like before but I’m still a resource for that.”

Duff is not averse to duties that may not be found in his job description. He regularly checks garbage containers around the stadium to make sure things stay tidy.

“I guess it’s just my way of leading by example,” Duff said.

The Indians’ staff now includes over 300 on gameday, seven interns and 25 year-round employees. Since transitioning from a short-season single-A franchise to a high-A baseball last season, the home game slate has increased from 38 to 66 as part of a season that runs April to September.

The Indians also transitioned MLB affiliates to the Colorado Rockies after 18 years with the Texas Rangers.

“With the old schedule, our opening day would have been June 17,” Duff said. “It’s an education process, a new business model.”

Duff and his wife Sarah are proud parents of two kids, ages 8 and 11.

Q: Growing up in the Atlanta area, you were an avid Braves' fan.

How much have you drawn upon the interest and enthusiasm that fan base has for that franchise in tailoring your marketing strategies with the Indians?

A: It’s really very different. A lot of the passion for the Braves revolved and continues to revolve around the product on the field and the players on the roster. Because we don’t have control of those areas of the business, we have focused the passion our fans have for the Spokane Indians around the impact we are able to have on the community and the overall experience at Avista Stadium. “Fan” is derived from “fanatic” and ultimately that See DUFF, Page 5

JULY 2022 • 3

The Current

WELCOME REVEREND ALISSA BERTSCH

M ayo r Pa m H a l e y Fea t u re d S p ea ke r C I TY O F S P O KA N E VA L L E Y

9:00am Traditional Service Children’s Sunday School and Nursery Youth Sunday School

We d n e s d a y, J u l y 2 7

Doors open at 11:30am Pro g r a m b e g i n s a t N o o n Ce n te rP l a c e Eve n t Ce n te r

115 N. Raymond Rd Spokane Valley 99206

509-924-7262

www.spokanevalleychurch.org

PRESENTED BY

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT: spokanevalleychamber.org | 509-924-4994

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit is HERE!

WORK YOUR WAY TO THE MUSEUM! 12114 E Sprague Ave 509-922-4570 for more information

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

This exhibit highlights 150 years of American culture in the workforce. Including connections and stories about local companies that helped build our community.

Additional support provided by:

We are open Wed - Sat 11 am-4 pm Additional parking on First Ave and Robie Rd

4

• JULY 2022

NEWS

The Current

Free summer meals provided at area schools, parks From Splash/Current News Sources

Good nutrition is essential for effective learning every day, all year long. Summer meal programs help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months. Please visit the following local school and community sites for free meals this summer: Meals offered at these sites, Monday through Thursday, June 20 – Aug. 11. No service July 4: Valley Mission Park, 11123 E. Mission (breakfast: 9 – 9:30 a.m./ lunch: 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.); Terrace View Park, 13525 E. 24th (breakfast: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m./lunch: 11:30 – noon); Edgecliff Park, 800 S. Park Road (lunch: 11 – 11:30 a.m.); Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place (breakfast: 8:30 – 9 a.m./lunch: 8 – 8:30 a.m.); East Valley High School, 15711 E. Wellesley (breakfast: 7:30 – 8 a.m./lunch: 11 – 11:30 a.m.)

Meals offered at these sites, Monday through Friday, June 23 – July 14 (breakfast: 8 – 8:30 a.m./ lunch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): McDonald Elementary, 1512 S. McDonald Road; Opportunity

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Brian Noble County Commissioner District 4 2608 S Seabiscuit Dr. Spokane Valley, WA 99037

Elementary, 1109 S. Wilbur Road; Riverbend Elementary, 17720 E. Mission Ave.; North Pines Middle School, 11900 E. Broadway Ave. Meals offered at this site, Monday through Thursday, June 23 – July 27 (breakfast: 10 – 10:30 a.m./lunch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): Mica Peak High School, 15111 E. Sprague Ave. Meals offered at this site, Monday through Friday, June 23 – July 12 (lunch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.): Spokane Valley Tech, 115 S. University Road To learn more about the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, visit www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids or call 1-866-348-6479 or text FOOD to 304-304 to find a site near you.

There is no registration or fee.

Children may come all or any days they wish. Meals must be eaten on site. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children.

Parents may bring their own meal but cannot eat meals set aside for children. Summer meal programs help children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow. Join us for meals at a site near you!

www.amaculate.com

The Current

DUFF

NEWS

Continued from page 2 is the goal – to create “fans” of your brand and product but a major league and a minor league team accomplish this goal in very different ways.

Q: You visited the Spokane area a few times as part of the club baseball team at the University of Montana. What were some of the primary influences that led to your decision to move here and begin your professional journey with the Indians?

A: I enjoyed my times in Spokane while I was in college but never considered it a place I would move to and ultimately settle into. I always assumed I would move to a large city and climb the corporate ladder like my parents did. It really never crossed my mind to live here until I met the Brett Sports group. That connection and comfort level opened my eyes to the rest of what Spokane had to offer. Once I understood all the great assets in and around Spokane, it was an easy decision to start my career in this community and with the Spokane Indians.

Q: What have been some of the biggest adjustments in going from a short-season schedule to the extended season?

A: There are more games! We have a culture of being on-site, handson, control freaks. With the season nearly doubling in length, it is just not possible to be at every event all of the time. Most of us have significant others and several of us have families.

Balancing that family life with the expectations of service that our fans and team have come to know has created new challenges. It has given opportunities for more of our front office team to step up into leadership roles. So ultimately, I think it will make us a more well-rounded team. It has really changed our entire business and we have adjusted how we hire, sell tickets, prepare the stadium, etc. It has been a unique challenge to re-imagine an established business that we have worked so hard to build. The game on the field has really changed as well.

Major League Baseball is implementing new rules to pick up the pace of play and create more excitement. The quality of play has also increased significantly, watching professional athletes that are two steps closer to the major leagues is a much more drastic difference than I anticipated. Overall, I think it is a really exciting time for our community and the Spokane Indians Baseball Team. Nearly doubling the amount

of professional baseball games being hosted at Avista Stadium is something we didn’t think was possible a couple of years ago but are excited to be able to provide the additional affordable family entertainment to our fans.

Q: The franchise has fostered a unique connection with the Native American heritage and people of the area when it comes to the team name and accompanying logos and branding. What part have you played in this collaboration and what have been some of your takeaways?

A: This relationship is extremely special and very unique. it is not something we take for granted.

The partnership has truly been a collaborative team effort with ideas coming from all levels of both groups.

The Spokane Tribe deserves a lot of credit for originally pushing us out of our comfort zone with a rebranding effort in 2006. We have been able to expand on that effort by incorporating additional Tribal elements and fully embracing the Salish language into the feel of who the Spokane Indians Baseball Team is. Otto Klein has been our primary point of contact with the Spokane Tribe but this is a partnership that is fully supported and embraced by the leadership of both organizations.

It is such a huge piece of our story and a great example of what communication, collaboration and understanding can do for a partnership.

Q: Has being part of the business of baseball diminished your interest in, or love of the game, as a fan?

A: My interest is not diminished but I wouldn’t call myself a fan in the traditional sense. I think I just watch the game differently. I don’t hang on every pitch but I do contemplate the decisionmaking and leadership styles of the players and coaching staffs. Anytime I attend a sporting event, I end up paying more attention to the flow of traffic, customer service, value provided, the show, the cleanliness of the facility, etc. So my interest is still high, I’m just interested in different areas than I once was. I find myself looking for ideas to bring back to Avista Stadium and the fans of the Spokane Indians.

Q: Finally, give us your best pitch.

Why should people make the Spokane Indians part of their 2022 summer?

A: Avista Stadium is a special place and you can feel it. Smiles and customer service are the priority and we work hard to provide a great value for your money.

Regardless of your interest in the game of baseball, I am confident you will have a positive experience and a memorable outing with your friends and family at a Spokane Indians’ game.

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6

• JULY 2022

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel 2022 May Malicious Mischief Hotspots

Published Date: 6/7/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH

Spokane Valley Districts

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

The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. The Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources.

Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 4562233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

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Summer heat safety Our first safety topic for July is heat safety. With warmer conditions when working inside and outdoors, it’s crucial to make sure everyone is protected. You should also ensure that everyone is up-to-date with the signs and symptoms of common heat-related illnesses and that they can identify these in themselves as well as in their colleagues.

Heat rash Heat rash is an uncomfortable rash that can be caused by blocked sweat glands, which then causes inflammation.

Symptoms: Red and bumpy skin, Prickly or itchy-feeling skin.

Heat cramps Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms. These can occur during heavy lifting and working in hot environments.

Symptoms: Tightening in the calves, arms, abdominal muscles, or back.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can be caused when your body is overheating.

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Symptoms: Headaches, Dizziness, Fatigue or exhaustion, Feeling sick or nauseous, Sweating, Pale and clammy skin, A high temperature, A loss of appetite, Extreme thirst.

Sun safety Sun safety is always crucial but it’s particularly important this month for two reasons — July is very hot and it’s UV safety awareness month.

When working outdoors, OSHA recommends: Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, Wearing UV-absorbent sunglasses that protect the eyes from both UVA and UVB rays, Drinking water every 15 minutes, Taking frequent rest breaks in cool or airconditioned areas.

JULY 2022 • 7

The Current

2022 May Burglary Hotspots

Published Date: 6/7/2022 Prepared by Spokane County Sheriff's RIG 9 Unit

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Spokane Valley Districts

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Mike Baumgartner Prioritizing Public Safety

Spokane County Building a Strong Treasurer Economy electmarykuney.com

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Protecting Your Family and Your Tax Dollars

Spokane County Clerk

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SPOKANE COUNTY COMMISSIONER • GOP

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• JULY 2022

Spokane Valley Considers big zoning changes targeting homless

By Lincoln DoWright Current contributor

Sprague Barker Intersection The City Council awarded a contract in the amount of $1,873,378 to Inland Asphalt for the reconstruction of the intersection with a single lane roundabout, upgrade pedestrian crossings, provide lighting for the intersection, and upgrade the stormwater system with adequate treatment.

COVID Relief Funding The City of Spokane Valley is receiving approximately $16 million from the federal government from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Previously the city council had allocated $1 million toward the

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LaunchNW initiative. After some discussion amongst the council they came up with the following allocation: $785,714 for the Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, $4 million to Spokane Valley Partners for a new facility, $5,998,535 for land acquisitions for projects such as affordable housing, $500,000 for Mental Health Assistance (to be awarded to community partners through a request for proposals process), $500,000 for Childcare Provider Assistance (also to be awarded to community partners through a request for proposals process), $842,857 for Law Enforcement Assistance, $1,379,386 for sewer infrastructure extension / improvements. The allocation was approved unanimously. Each of the projects or categories identified will now be researched further and brought back to the council as contracts to those funds going straight to recipients or staff will be begin the request for proposals.

Law Enforcement Contract The City of Spokane Valley contracts for police services from Spokane County, the basis within that contract establishes that the city pays the costs of the dedicated officers as well as its portion of the shared use officers / programs

The Current

File photo The Spokane Valley Police, which are contracted through the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, negotiate three year contract to increase salaries to be more competitive in an effort to attract more officers. Currently, the public safety contract is the largest expense for the City of Spokane Valley. that it uses.

The city staff highlighted that a significant change has occurred in the latest union contract between Spokane County and the two different unions representing the Sheriff Officers.

The major items included in the latest contract include: conversion

Contributed image Engineers designed drawing of the Sprague and Barker single lane round about, which is now under construction and in scheduled to be completed this fall.

of the longevity and on-call pay programs to an increase in regular pay; on-call rotation was eliminated with full-time on-call with an extra salary increase, an increase in deferred compensation match, annual bonus program for education, increase in clothing allowance from $1,088 to $2,200; changes to the vacation and sick accruals with a maximum accrual for vacation and sick; and in service training will be in addition to the normally scheduled shifts; and specialty units such as the air support unit, dive team, hostage negotiators, and traffic investigations will be provided additional pay.

This contract is a three year contract covering 2022 through 2024. While this contract has already helped the county in its officer retention and recruitment the increased costs to the city of Spokane Valley are estimated at $524,280 in 2022, $1,046,136 in 2023 and $1,419,525 in 2024.

Code Enforcement The City Council considers additional regulations around junk vehicles, vehicle parking and storage on private property, as well as camping on private property.

Proposals being considered include: Changing the exception for junk vehicles to one junk/unlicensed vehicle behind a fence instead of two. Limit the

The Current

total of operable vehicles/vessels stored on private property to as follows: Five operable vehicles, plus one recreational vehicle, plus one vessel (boat) on a licensed trailer subject to an exception for the five operable vehicles for additional licensed drivers living at the property.

Limit camping to a 30 day temporary permit for use of an RV and short-term tent camping (to no more than 48 hours) up to four times per year.

After receiving comments from a number of community members the City Council withdrew the motion to approve the amendments asking City staff to break up the proposal and hope to engage the community to get more input.

Willbur Sidewalk Project The City Council had previously received a grant from the Spokane Regional Transportation Council for the construction of a sidewalk on Wilbur Rd from Boone Ave to Mission Ave. This project will install a sidewalk on the east side of the road, widen the road to meet minimum street width standards, as well as installing curb, gutter, and ADA ramps.

The project was awarded to Northfork Enterprises, LLC in the amount of $715,813.50.

Community Services Regulations In 2021, the Washington State Legislature adopted Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1220 (HB 1220) regarding affordable housing and homelessness. Due to the pre-emption established in HB 1220, the City adopted Ordinance on July 20, 2021 establishing interim regulations to set reasonable occupancy, spacing and intensity of use regulations to regulate emergency housing, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.

The ordinance became effective immediately but could only be valid for a period of 365 days unless it were repealed, extended or modified. Those regulations will expire on July 19, 2022.

The Planning Commission forward the recommendation to city council which includes: Establishing five zoning categories including Emergency

NEWS

JULY 2022 • 9

Contributed image Map from the Spokane Valley Pocket Resource Guide for homeless/housing assistance identifies locations of housing services throughout the Spokane Valley and surrounding region. Zoning changes will impact where these services will be sited moving forward. housing, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and Transitional Parking.

In order to receive a permit for one of these uses the city would have the following requirements: Operators must update the Coordinated Entry System (CMIS) regardless of funding; provide an operations plan that must include staffing, security, neighborhood outreach with a designated point of contact, parking and parking lighting requirements, and onsite supervision.

These criteria also included occupancy limits which lowered from the cities interm regulations of 20 individuals per location in commercial zones and 8 individuals if in the residential zones to 10 individuals per dwelling in the residential zones and 20 adults in the commercial and multifamily zones and clarifies that children under 18 are not included in that count. However the planning

commission recommended that these facilities be required to be at least ½ mile away from another similar facility.

The City council modified the proposal to 1. Remove transitional housing from the spacing requirement; 2.

Change the spacing requirement for all other uses from ½ mile up to 1 mile; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to approve emergency shelters for up to 30 days when public health and safety conditions exist with an extension allowed by Council Resolution The council at the June 28th meeting suspended the rules and unanimously approved the proposal.

Upcoming Council Topics The Spokane Valley City Council meets each Tuesday beginning at 6pm and all meetings are open to the public in person as well as available online via

zoom. While it is preliminary and subject to change the city council is planning on discussing the following items in the month of July.

July 5th, continuing to hear more about affordable housing partners with a presentation from Reclaim Project (a local non-profit) as well as discussing the Sprague Ave Stormwater Department of Ecology Grant.

July 12th, discussing a potential grant opportunity from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) as well as getting an update on the Recreation Conservation Office grant possibility for Greenacres Park.

July 19th, beginning the discussion on councils goals and priorities for the use of Lodging Tax funds for 2023.

July 26th, voting on the project to put forward for the Transportation Improvement Boards grant opportunity.

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COVER STORY

• JULY 2022

County Commissioner Primary Spokane County Commissioner Mary Kuney has drawn two challengers for this year’s race for District 4, the first year where there are five commissioners instead of three on the ballot. The county was redistricted into five districts instead of three and each commissioner now has to be elected by the voters in their district rather than by a countywide vote.

Kuney, a Republican, has been a commissioner for the last four years.

She’s being challenged by Paul Brian Noble and Chris McIntosh, who are both Republicans. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary will advance to the general election in November.

Kuney, who’s father worked in the insurance industry, grew up in Spokane and in Iowa. Her family came back to Spokane to stay when she was in junior high school and she graduated from Central Valley High School before earning a degree in accounting from Gonzaga University.

She worked for an accounting firm in San Francisco for three years before the 1989 earthquake there convinced her to come home.

She worked for two accounting firms before taking a job with the state auditor’s office, where she stayed nearly 10 years.

She took some time off work to raise a family and then started Summit Tea Co. with a friend. She

sold out her share of the business and in 2015 began working as the chief deputy auditor in the Spokane County Auditor’s Office. She was appointed to a vacant county commissioner seat in 2017 and then ran for election in 2018 and again in 2020.

Kuney said she thinks her skills as a CPA and an auditor lend themselves well to her work as a commissioner. She likes to focus on making sound financial decisions and making sure what the money being asked for will be spent on.

“Those auditing skills, you’re always asking questions,” she said.

“I really have that same philosophy as a commissioner. I want to make sure we’re spending tax money wisely.”

Kuney said she wanted to become a commissioner because she wanted to be of service to the community. “As a whole, public safety is the number one issue,” she said. “People want to feel safe in their homes and community. We’ve funded the Sheriff’s Office, we’re looking at the new training facility on the West Plains.”

She said she’s proud that she helped get $1.5 million in state funding for the new Doris Morrison Learning Center being built adjacent to the Saltese wetlands just south of Spokane Valley. “I’m super excited at the opportunities for students and our citizens,” she said.

Kuney said she sees herself as a problem solver. “I truly believe I bring strong, common-sense oriented leadership,” she said. “I’m truly about looking at the issues, finding what the problem is and finding the solutions.”

She has served on the Hutton Settlement board of directors since

2009 and is currently vice-president of the Washington Association of County Officials.

Noble, who was born and raised in Yakima, came to Spokane Valley in 1992 to take classes at the ITT Technical Institute. “I had a very well-paying job by the time I left there,” he said. “I put myself through Bible school with that well-paying job.”

He became a pastor after completing a two-year program at the Assemblies of God Berean Bible School. He moved to Deer Park, where he worked as a youth minister at the Tri-County Christian Center for several years.

He was later a pastor at churches in Post Falls, Medical Lake and Sandpoint before becoming the lead pastor at Valley Assembly of God Church eight years ago.

While he was working in Post Falls, the congregation he led split into two. That prompted him to get involved with Peacemaker Ministries 18 years ago, which offers Biblically based conflict resolution services to organizations. He’s been the organization’s CEO since 2017.

“I’ve done government mediations as well,” he said.

Noble said he’s running for county commissioner because he feels that the public isn’t being listened to. “I really think we need the people’s voice back in those meetings,” he said.

He said he has the ability to disagree with people without igniting conflict. “I think I have a way of doing this being a Peacemaking fellow,” he said. “I can do it calmly and respectfully.”

He said he’s also concerned

Mary Kuney

Paul Brian Noble

Chris McIntosh

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

See COMMISSIONER, Page 16

The Current

Suzanne Schmidt

Fourth District Primary

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

State Rep. Bob McCaslin’s announcement earlier this year that he would step down and run for Spokane County auditor opened up his 4th District legislative seat, which has drawn two Republicans and one Democrat to the race.

The 4th District that encompasses Spokane Valley was where former Rep. Matt Shea served for six years.

The seat has been reliably Republican for years. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary will advance to the general election in November and many people see the primary as the race that will determine which Republican will advance.

MJ Bolt, a Republican endorsed

by McCaslin and Rep. Rob Chase, grew up in Weiser, Idaho, before moving to the Spokane area when she was 15. She attended Mead High School so she could play on the school’s golf team. “I pretty much was playing golf since I could walk,” she said.

She attended the University of Iowa on a golf scholarship for two years, where she started out studying international business and Russian. However, she soon changed her focus. “I found I enjoyed my humanities classes way better,” she said.

After her first two years she went Eastern Washington University, but left school and started a family before graduating. She was a longtime golf teacher in the area, teaching at Painted Hills Golf Course, Meadowwood Golf Course and The Links.

The Current

COVER STORY

Sheriff Race to the Primary

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Ted Cummings

MJ Bolt

She was appointed to the Central Valley School Board in 2011 and served through 2015. She was heavily involved in her children’s schools and serving on the school board seemed like a natural fit. She then ran for a seat on the state board of education, where she is now serving her second term.

Bolt said that she became more involved in policy issues in the last couple of years and then McCaslin and Chase asked her to run for the 4th District. At that point the other Republican in the race, Suzanne Schmidt, had already filed. “I didn’t really know Suzanne,” Bolt said.

“They felt I was best to represent the values in the 4th District and I trusted that. They have seen me in action. They know my heart is with serving the people.”

She said she’s concerned with the extent of the governor’s emergency powers during the pandemic, the loss of constitutional freedoms, excessive regulations for small businesses and parental rights in education.

“Parents are very concerned,” she said. “There are a lot of issues. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot that has come out of Olympia that is concerning.”

Bolt said she wants to see a better world for her children. “I believe I am about the people,” she said. “I’ve spent the last 15 years being a community advocate, advocating for the underdog, being anti-establishment. I’m not a rubber stamper. I believe I’d represent the people of the 4th District the best.”

Ted Cummings, a Democrat, grew up in Spokane and graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1979. “I left high school will no real plan to go to college,” he said. “I wanted to be a mountain man or a cowboy.”

He applied for a ranch hand job at Valhalla Arabian in Mead and worked there for nine years. When

the ranch shut down, he applied to the Kaiser Aluminum smelter in Mead because it was the only place he could walk in and get a well paying job. He started work with the company in 1988 and a decade later, left to work for Alcoa in Addy, Washington, when the Kaiser Mead workers went on strike. After five years he returned to work at Kaiser’s Trentwood plant.

He has served as vice president of the Washington State Labor Council, on the executive board of the Spokane Regional Labor Council and on the steering committee for the Washington Blue-Green Alliance.

He was recently appointed to the State Manufacturing Council.

Cummings has run for office before. He ran against Senator Patty Murray in 2016, partly because he didn’t like how she and other politicians handled the strike. “At the time, I was a political agnostic,” he said. “I probably voted more Republican than Democrat.”

In 2018 he ran against Matt Shea simply because he didn’t want him to run unopposed. He ran for a county commissioner seat in 2020 for the same reason and that’s also why he’s running for the 4th District. “I will never let a Republican candidate run unopposed if I can help it,” he said. “I’m in there again. There’s never been a better time to talk about politics.”

Cummings said that people can count on him to never lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do. He said all it takes is one person to stand against injustice, against hate. “To me, that is never a waste of time,” he said. “We must stand opposed to injustice, hate and division.”

Cummings said he doesn’t see Republicans denouncing hate speech and white supremacy. “If See FOURTH DISTRICT, Page 23

The retirement of longtime Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich has generated interest from three men interested in replacing him, all of whom either currently work for the department or formerly worked there.

Wade Nelson, John Nowels and Mike Zollars are all seeking the office and will be on the August primary ballot. The two who receive the highest number of votes will advance to the general election in November.

Nelson, who grew up on a cattle ranch near Creston, joined the Navy after attending classes for a year at Spokane Community College. “It just wasn’t my cup of tea at the time,” he said of college.

After six years in the Navy, he left the military and applied for positions in the Sheriff’s Office and at a local fire department.

He worked briefly for a software company while looking for a more permanent job, then was offered positions as a deputy and as a firefighter within days of each other.

“I chose the Sheriff’s Office because it fit my personality,” he said.

He started off in patrol but over the years amassed expertise that he would teach those who came after him. He was an emergency management incident commander, the search and rescue coordinator, the emergency operations team leader and led the women’s selfdefense program. Most recently he was a sex crimes detective, the department’s defensive tactics instructor and the patrol procedure instructor.

In June of 2021, Nelson took a leave of absence because he was worn out and concerned about the direction of the department.

“There’s some ethical issues with our department that I don’t agree with,” he said.

What pushed him to leave was Knezovich’s attempt to start a local training academy for deputies that

JULY 2022 • 11

was not certified by the Criminal Justice Training Commission. In the end, the CJTC decided not to certify the training program.

“It was a failing thing from the beginning,” Nelson said. “Because of our manpower, they were just working us to death.”

The number of deputies in the department is so low that they’re only reacting to crime, Nelson said.

“We’ve lost every proactive team we’ve ever had,” he said. “If it keeps going the way it’s going, we won’t have a safe community.”

Nelson said that many deputies have quit in recent years because they feel undervalued and mistreated by administration.

“Most of them could have stayed,” he said. “I watched a lot of good guys who left early.”

Nelson that neither Knezovich nor anyone else in the department asked him why he was going on leave or tried to get him to stay, despite the key roles he was filling at the time. His leave ended on June 1 and Nelson said he’s now working to file his retirement paperwork.

He said he’s running for Sheriff because several deputies asked him to. He said some members of the department don’t feel comfortable with the idea of Nowels, who was endorsed by Knezovich, winning the seat. “The guys that are working there trust me enough to do it for them,” he said. “I feel that if John Nowels wins, we are not going to change the course of the Sheriff’s Office.”

The department needs better recruiting, better training and more integrity, he said. “I will increase the numbers,” he said. “We will get our proactive policing back.”

Nowels, who grew up in Spokane Valley, worked at Central Pre-Mix after high school while he attended classes at Eastern Washington University. He started out planning to study chemical engineering, but switched to criminal justice. He did an internship with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and was hooked on local policing.

“Local law enforcement just became a natural fit for me,” he said. “I loved getting up and going into work.”

See SHERIFF, Page 16

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COMMUNITY

• JULY 2022

COMMUNITY EVENTS 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.

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 community-based service organization. For more, call 2262202.

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 2913722.

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 Falls Needlework Guild | 12 p.m.-3 p.m. first Thursday of the month at Senior Center at Mirabeau.

Open to anyone who enjoys cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint and other needlework arts. For more information, contact Chris Baldini at 509-993-8971. Hope to see you!

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 Farmers Market | 4 p.m. on Fridays, 2426 N Discovery Pl, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. Join us for our 4th season! Shop local for fresh produce, fresh cut flowers, baked goods, crafts, cider, beer, honey and more! Over 40 vendors, live music, and food trucks weekly.

Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | New distribution/service hours! No appointment needed, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

10814 E. Broadway Ave. Address verification required. For more info, call 927-1153 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

MUSIC &

of Arts and Culture, 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane. From the makers of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and Trolls, comes an extraordinary exhibition celebrating over 25 years of DreamWorks Animation.

Featuring over 350 items including rare and never-seen-before concept drawings, original artifacts, interactives, film clips, and more!

Tickets are $20.00 For more, visit northwestmuseum.org.

July 8 – 24 | Spokane Valley Summer Theater: Disney’s Newsies 7:30 p.m. or 2 p.m. depending on the night, University High School Theater Auditorium, 12420 E 32nd Ave. This Disney film turned Tonywinning Broadway hit inspires everyone to fight for what’s right and seize the day. Tickets are $41 per adult, $39 for seniors and military.

For tickets and more information goto www.svsummertheatre.com/ tickets July 9 | Spokane Symphony Special: Patriotic Pops. 9 p.m.

Pavilion at Riverfront Park, Spokane.

Watch the Spokane Symphony at a free concert before the City of Spokane’s Fireworks Show which starts at 10 p.m.

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 | 6:30 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 866-6354.

THE ARTS HEALTH & Mar 27 – Sept 1 | Dreamworks Animation: Journey from Sketch to Screen Northwest Museum

RECREATION

The Current

July 21 | Medicare Education – Presentation begins at 10 am, Providence Medical Park 16528 E Desmet Ct, Spokane Valley on the 2nd floor in the Sister Loretta Room. Lynda Sanders, Providence Medicare Community Specialist, will give a free presentation on the difference between Medicare Advantage and a Supplement, and when to enroll as you approach age 65. For more information, call 509 344 1360. No obligation to enroll in a plan.

July 8 - 10 | Summer Slam Basketball Tournament – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E Cataldo. The HUB Sports Center will host a series of summer basketball tournaments for high school teams (teams must be affiliated with a high school and all players must be from the same high school). Teams will play a minimum of 5 games over the three day tournament.

July 15 - 17 | Summer Slam Basketball Tournament – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E Cataldo. The HUB Sports Center will host a series of summer basketball tournaments for high school teams (teams must be affiliated with a high school and all players must be from the same high school). Teams will play a minimum of 5 games over the three day tournament.

Tues’s in July | HS Summer Volleyball League – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., HUB Sports Center, 19619 E Cataldo.

The Summer Volleyball league is a time for you to get your High School Volleyball season off to a great start.

The Summer League will have 2 levels of Competition, Varsity and Junior Varsity/Freshmen leagues

RECURRING Al-Anon Meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more, call 425344-9280.

The Current

COMMUNITY

Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m.,708 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 456-2125.

twice a month. For more info www. hubsportscenter.org/pickleball/

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 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

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.

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.

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 294-1664 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: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; $4 online, $5 at door. Pre-registered players have priority, limited availability for drop-ins. Clinics held

JULY 2022 • 13

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

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

Mindful Music & Movement | 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102-103, Otis Orchards. All are welcome to this session specifically designed for adults living with chronic health issues. Session addresses physical function, vocal wellness and strength, self-expression, breath work, movement, and increase of mood through music experiences, as facilitated by board-certified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. $10 per person. For more, email carla. carnegie@gmail.com or call 5927875.

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 &

BUSINESS July 27 | State of the City, Spokane Valley – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., CenterPlace Regional Events Center, 2426 N Discovery Pl. Find out how the city is working together with their partners to create a unique and growing community.

One where opportunity comes in new and different ways and how they’re moving intentionally towards a bright future for residents and businesses. Tickets are $35 per person and available online at spokanevalley.org.

RECURRING Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Ste. 101. Council study sessions are held the first, third and sometimes fifth Tuesdays

at 6 p.m., also in Council Chambers.

Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Millwood City Hall, 9103 E. Frederick Ave. Spokane Flag Museum | Sponsored by the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fairmount Memorial Association, details the rich history of the American flag, 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 via Zoom, For more information contact: President Mike Frucci, 509-927-2342, frucci101@ comcast.net. More at Spokanevalley.kiwanisone.org 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 15th of the previous month by emailing editor@valleycurrent.com. Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public. .

SPOKANE COUNTY INTERSTATE FAIR September 9th - 18th

sept 9 & 10 PRCA RODEO

sept 12 cole swindell

sept 14 elle king

sept 15 nelly

sept 16

sept 17 & 18

truck/tractor pulls

demo derby

Tickets available at

Fall Advertising Special 15% off Sept-Nov*

Call to reserve your space by August 1st

509-242-7752

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• JULY 2022

The Current

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

In academics and athletics, Karrah Pope leaves a sparkling legacy at Valley Christian School. The recent graduate served as ASB president her junior and senior years and was vice-president as a sophomore. She maintained a 3.97 grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society. She also competed in Knowledge Bowl for two years. Pope was a varsity standout in volleyball and an all-league player in basketball.

In track, she broke the school record in the discus with a throw of 115’4” and placed second at the state 1B meet this season. She finished eighth in the javelin and was part of the Panthers’ 4 x 100 state team. She has volunteered as a kids’ volleyball coach at the YMCA. Pope will attend Spokane Falls Community College where she hopes to compete in track, basketball and volleyball

Blake Sturgis took home first place in the javelin at this year’s 1B track meet in Cheney – but his throw of 184’ 9” would have also earned top prize at the 4A competition. The senior’s toss set a new 1B meet record and qualified as the 32nd best javelin distance in the nation. Sturgis also placed second in the shotput, third in the triple jump and seventh in the high jump at state.

In basketball, Sturgis averaged over 20 points a game and earned all-league honors. For the past two years, he was acknowledged by the Association of Christian Schools International for his achievements in sports and leadership.

He maintained a 3.4 grade point average and contributed to a variety of community service projects. Sturgis will continue his track, basketball and academic pursuits at the University of Dubuque in Iowa.

Most people know Peggy Doering as the longtime director of Valleyfest, the annual community celebration. Many may not realize that Doering had a distinguished career as an educator and started the first speech therapy program in the Meridian (Idaho) School District.

Doering earned a degree in speech therapy and elementary education from Gonzaga University and is currently part of GU’s School of Business Advisory Board and chair of GU’s Greater Spokane Valley Guild. She also serves on the Valley YMCA Advisory Board. She was named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2009. Doering has served as Valleyfest director since 1996. She is a member of the Elks service club and recently earned the organization’s Distinguished Citizen Award. Peggy and her husband Greg have been married 48 years and have three kids and three grandchildren.

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The Current

LIBRARY

Track your summer reading for a chance to win a prize

By Gwendolyn Haley, librarian Spokane County Library District

The benefits of reading—for everyone, at all ages—include things such as sleeping better, reducing stress, increasing general knowledge, helping concentration, improving empathy, and improving literacy. Plus, reading is great free entertainment.

This summer, reading also offers you a chance to win one of our prizes!

Summer reading is open to everyone, from babies to grownups.

You can read books found on our shelves as well as eBooks and audiobooks from OverDrive (Libby app), hoopla, TumbleBook Library, and TeenAudioCloud. All of our online reading resources can be found in our Digital Library (www. scld.org/digital-library).

The ultimate goal for summer reading is 600 minutes per person, which you can easily achieve by reading 20 minutes a day. For every minute you read, you can help

the library reach our county-wide goal of 200,000 minutes of summer reading!

To get started, you can register for the library’s “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” summer reading challenge on Beanstack at www. scld.org/beanstack. Track your reading, earn badges, and log summer activities directly on the website or by using the free Beanstack app.

Every badge you earn increases your chance of winning a summer reading prize. To participate in the prize drawing, you need to register on Beanstack (www. scld.org/beanstack). You will be automatically entered into the prize drawings for each hour of reading, up to 10 hours. You can earn additional entries for badges you get for completing activity challenges, such as sharing a book review, attending library programs, and exploring your community.

The summer reading prize drawings are sponsored by the

SCLD Online Authors Series kicks off with talks from awardwinning, bestselling authors

By Erin Dodge Current Guest Contributor

Spokane County Library District is offering a new program of online talks and discussions with awardwinning and bestselling authors, called the SCLD Online Authors Series.

This summer, you can view a mix of online author talks from “New York Times” bestselling authors and a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian.

When you register for an author talk, you have the opportunity to ask questions of the author.

Each month, SCLD Online Authors Series will have two to four author events. Each talk will be recorded, so if you are unable to make it to a live discussion, you can watch the recorded session later, at your convenience.

“The library’s mission is to provide resources, experiences, and

places that empower people to learn, explore, and succeed. By offering this online authors series, we are increasing the opportunities in our community for people to hear from authors and thought leaders, from the convenience of their own home,” shared Gwendolyn Haley, librarian and Public Services Manager at Spokane County Library District.

The lineup of bestselling authors in this series is diverse in topics, genre, and perspectives. They are writers of fiction and nonfiction, history and self-empowerment, global ideas and personal insights.

You may just find your stack of tobe-read books growing taller with the titles from this series.

July features talks from Alka Joshi, bestselling author of “The Henna Artist” and “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur,” on Thursday, July 7, at 6pm, and David Allen, creator

JULY 2022 • 15

Library Foundation of Spokane County. The drawing for prizes takes place on September 1, 2022.

The Library Foundation of Spokane County has sponsored 11 Family Outdoor Adventure Kit prizes that will be awarded to library customers, one for each SCLD library. Each of these kits includes a backpack, a Washington State Parks Discover Pass, binoculars, a handheld mini microscope, bug and specimen collection containers, the gofindit game (an outdoor nature scavenger hunt card game), field guides, and two books: “Day Hiking Eastern Washington,” by Rich Landers and Craig Romano, and “Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Night Sky,” by Howard Schneider (National Geographic Kids).

The Library Foundation has also sponsored one grand prize, a Family Camping Set, that includes a 4-person tent, two sleeping bags, a propane camping stove, and the gofindit game.

Summer is a great time for kids and adults to read what interests them. Stop by the library if you need help finding a good book, or several. Happy reading! of the GTD methodology and author of “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,” on Thursday, July 14, at 9am.

August brings us an event with Dr. Marcia Chatelain, historian, Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of “Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America,” on Wednesday, August 3, at 11am. Liz Moore discusses her international bestseller and NPR Staff Pick of 2020, “Long Bright River,” on Tuesday, August 9, at 6pm.

On Monday, August 22, at 6pm, you can sign up for the author talk with Michele Harper, author of the bestselling and NPR notable book “The Beauty in Breaking.”

Then, round out the summer with bestselling author, researcher, and executive advisor Liz Wiseman who will discuss her book “Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact” on Thursday, August 25, at 9am.

You can register for each of these author talks and more scheduled through September and October at www.scld.org/authors-series.

The Great Family CAMPING CHALLENGE Camping-themed activities to do together Create some camp food to eat & share No camping experience required For all ages ARGONNE LIBRARY Wednesday, July 20, 2–3:30pm OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Thursday, July 28, 2–3:30pm SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Friday, July 29, 2–3:30pm Sign up at www.scld.org/camping

www.scld.org

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The Current

COMMISSIONER

SHERIFF

that government regulations are too burdensome. “I think we’re over regulating our properties right now in the county,” he said.

Noble said he believes in several basic values: a free market, individual freedoms, the right to bear arms, freedom of speech, property rights and national defense. “I call myself a true Republican,” he said. “I believe in the constitution, that it’s we the people.”

McIntosh grew up in Orofino, Idaho, and Chewelah. After high school he joined the Air Force, where he served for four years. He attended classes at Walla Walla Community College and has held a variety of jobs, including as a sheet metal working, legger, mail carrier and waiter. He helped found a company called International Systems Engineering and Technology in the mid 90’s and then was a financial advisor for five years.

He then turned to real estate investing, founding Team Invest Pro in 2016. He’s run a real estate management company, Arcadia Springs Management, for more than a decade. He’s also a licensed real estate broker and a real estate agent.

McIntosh said he’s concerned about the homeless issue in Spokane Valley and is also concerned about election integrity. He said he’s heard many people express doubts about the election process. “I’m not accusing or saying there is fraud or shenanigans going on,” he said.

“We need our citizens to have faith and trust in the process. If there’s no fraud, let's prove it.”

McIntosh said he’s a longtime resident and business owner who cares about Spokane County. “I think Spokane deserves better,” he said. “That’s what I bring to the office, is that passion for the county.”

Nowels, who is currently one of three undersheriff’s, said he’s had a chance to work in all areas of the Sheriff’s Office during his career. “I’ve literally served in every division,” he said.

He’s worked in patrol, on the traffic unit, in undercover narcotics and in property crimes. He’s currently the division commander for the investigative and intelligence divisions. Nowels said he decided years ago that he would run for Sheriff once Knezovich retired.

He got a master’s degree in organizational leadership and attended the National FBI Academy.

“I’ve done the work and prepared myself to lead the agency,” he said.

He acknowledges that the department is in need of deputies.

“There’s a problem hiring everyone for everything in this country, especially for law enforcement,” he said. “We lost a lot of people to retirement. I think there’s a lot of factors that led to us not keeping up with attrition.”

Nowels said that if he’s elected, he wants to develop a community resource deputy form of policing in the department that is focused on community relationships. “I have the vision,” he said. “I think deep down, our people want to do that type of work.”

Deputies would need additional training for that type of work and the department would need to significantly increase staffing to do it, but Nowels is confident that he can do it. He said recent raises in deputy pay for those who have been with the department for several years has helped the department retain deputies. “Give me 18 months and we’re going to make a huge

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Mike Zollars

JULY 2022 • 17

The Current

difference,” he said. “We have really ramped up our recruiting efforts in the last three years.”

Since Nowels announced his run for Sheriff, an old disciplinary action has been brought back into the public eye. In 2020, Nowels was suspended without pay for four weeks after joking that “ex-wives should be killed.” The comment only became public during a lawsuit filed by former Deputy Jeff Thurman, who was fired from the department.

“My comment was not meant literally and it was not perceived literally,” he said. “I learned that as someone in a position like mine, I can’t say things like that. It was hyperbole. I’ve been married for 30 years. I don’t condone violence against women or anyone else.”

Mike Zollars grew up in Elk, north of Spokane, and took classes at Washington State University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. But after a year and a half, he decided that serving in the military wasn’t for him. He moved back home and began taking classes at Spokane Community College in police science. “I had a big reset,” he said.

He was invited to attend the reserve academy and became a reserve deputy, which is an unpaid, volunteer position. He was able to turn that into a full-time position as a Spokane County Deputy in 1989.

During his career he worked in patrol and worked in the traffic unit before being promoted to detective.

He served on the property crimes task force for six years. He also served on the SWAT team, was a marksman team leader and was a state marksman school teacher.

He was then a platoon sergeant and a traffic sergeant before being promoted to lieutenant and became

the unincorporated day shift patrol commander. He retired in September and then went to work with the Kalispell Tribal Police Department.

He has also been a volunteer firefighter with Spokane County Fire District 4 for 38 years.

Zollars said he always liked working in patrol. “I am far happier on the road helping people,” he said.

“That’s me.”

Zollars said that since he’s retired, he’s had deputies approach him to say that a “regime change” is needed in the department, so he decided to run. “As a former employee, I kind of understand it,” he said. “John should not simply be handed this job. I’m fresh eyes.”

The Sheriff’s Office is badly understaffed, Zollars said. The minimum staffing levels in Spokane Valley, which has a contract with the Sheriff’s Office, is six deputies and one sergeant. In unincorporated Spokane County, it’s 10 deputies in one sergeant. However, with vacations, training and illness, overtime is routinely used to maintain minimum staffing levels, Zollars said.

“I really want to look at increasing deputy staffing,” he said.

“We need people on the road, in the community.”

Zollars said he also took issue with the creation on an uncertified training academy. “I’m not going to go in and clean house,” he said.

“There’s a lot of stuff the Sheriff’s Office does well, but there are a lot of changes that need to be made.”

John Nowels

Wade Nelson

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• JULY 2022

The Current

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Read Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Reading 2022

Read!

Get outdoors!

Have fun!

Win prizes!

Sign up at scld.beanstack.org Or scan the QR code to get started.

www.scld.org

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• JULY 2022

The Current

JULY 2022 • 21

The Current

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Summer is just getting started at the library!

Our libraries have entertaining and informative programs to help you have a fun and productive summer.

For Kids & Families

Storytimes

For Adults

THE GREAT FAMILY CAMPING CHALLENGE

FAMILY STORYTIME

OUTDOOR TAI CHI

For all ages. Registration required ARGONNE LIBRARY Wednesday, July 20, 2–3:30pm OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Thursday, July 28, 2–3:30pm SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Friday, July 29, 2–3:30pm

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP IN SPANISH

Registration required ONLINE Monday–Thursday, August 1–4, 10–11:30am

TIE-DYE PARTY

Tweens, Teens & Families.

Registration required ARGONNE LIBRARY Thursday, August 4, 2–3pm SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Wednesday, August 17, 2–4pm OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Thursday, August 18, 2–3pm Register at www.scld.org/summer-2022.

STA Summer Passes for Youth Spokane Transit Authority (STA) offers the STA Summer Pass— providing free, unlimited rides to youth ages 6–18 and to students enrolled in school, up to and including grade 12.

In-person program, for kids ages 2–5 & their families SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, July 1–August 30, 9:30–10am ARGONNE LIBRARY Wednesdays, July 6–August 31, 10:30–11am OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Thursdays, July 7–August 25, 10:30–11am

FAMILY STORYTIME IN THE PARK

In-person program, for kids ages 2–5 & their families EDGECLIFF PARK 800 S Park Rd (Spokane Valley) Tuesday, July 5 & August 2, 10:30–11am TERRACE VIEW PARK 13525 E 24th Ave (Spokane Valley) Wednesday, July 6 & August 3, 10:30–11am VALLEY MISSION PARK 11123 E Mission Ave (Spokane Valley) Thursday, July 7 & August 4, 10:30–11am

ONLINE STORYTIME – LIVE

For kids ages 2–5 & their families.

Registration required ONLINE Thursdays, July 7–August 25, 6:30–7pm Register at www.scld.org/storytimes.

Get yours at The BookEnd at Spokane Valley Mall and Argonne, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley Libraries, while supplies last.

Learn more at www.scld.org/sta-summer-passes.

OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY Saturday, July 9, 9–10am

PICTURE BOOK CHAT

ONLINE Wednesday, July 20 & August 17, 1–2pm Watch on Facebook at www.scld.org/facebook.

EXPANDED FOOD & NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM (EFNEP)

Registration required SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 2–25, 1–2:30pm & Monday, August 29, 1–2:30pm

READING BUDDY VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION ARGONNE LIBRARY Saturday, August 6, 10am

Register at www.scld.org/events.

Medicare Programs

SCLD Online NEW Authors Series Registration is required for all Authors Series programs.

ONLINE The Henna Artist: Author Talk with Alka Joshi Thursday, July 7, 6pm Getting Things Done: Author Talk with David Allen Thursday, July 14, 9am Author Talk with Historian & Pulitzer Prize Winner Dr. Marcia Chatelain Wednesday, August 3, 11am Long Bright River: Author Talk with Liz Moore Tuesday, August 9, 6pm The Beauty in Breaking: Author Talk with Michele Harper Monday, August 22, 6pm Impact Players: Author Talk with Liz Wiseman Thursday, August 25, 9am Register at www.scld.org/author-series.

MEDICARE-RELATED COST SAVINGS

Registration required SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY Wednesday, July 13, 1–2pm ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 1–2pm

MEDICARE: GETTING STARTED Registration required ONLINE Wednesday, August 24, 1–2:30pm Register at www.scld.org/medicare-programs.

Illustrations by Jennifer Gibson for iRead, 2022

www.scld.org

22

• JULY 2022

The Current

JULY 2022 • 23

The Current

The Salvation Army Spokane and nomnom Convenience Stores collaborate for 13th Annual ‘Backpacks for Kids campaign 909 N. Division, 99202 Current news sources For the 13th consecutive year, The Salvation Army Spokane, in collaboration with nomnom Convenience Stores, will distribute 4,000 new backpacks with school supplies to local school children, grades K-12, at its ‘Backpacks for Kids’ event on August 17th at The Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana Avenue in Spokane.

To help with this major event, nomnom will be collecting funds at its convenience stores during the month of July.

Customers of nomnom are encouraged to make a donation. As a thank you, contributors will receive a coupon for a free 20 oz. fountain soda or 20 oz. coffee. Everyone who donates can also add their name to a special flyer that will be displayed in the local stores. nomnom has raised close to $500,000 for Backpacks for Kids over the years.

Since its inception in 2010, The Salvation Army has distributed 49,000 backpacks to local youth; allowing children to return to school with the tools needed to assist in their educational growth.

“We are extremely thankful for this continued partnership with nomnom Convenience Stores. With inflation, costs have gone up on everything, including backpacks and school supplies; impacting many local families.

However, these school items are necessary in helping children succeed in school, but added expenses for families during these challenging times,” said Major Ken Perine of the Spokane Salvation Army. “The goal of The Salvation Army and nomnom is to help parents save their money on backpacks and school supplies so they can focus on other daily expenses.”

Customers can donate to the Backpacks for Kids campaign by visiting any one of the following nomnom stores: Washington: Spokane

1523 W. 10th Ave., 99204 1023 W. Wellesley, 99205 2103 W. Northwest Blvd., 99205 1503 E. Illinois, 99207 3030 E. Euclid, 99207 2005 N. Hamilton, 99207 7902 N. Division, 99208 2020 W. Francis, 99208 6607 N. Nine Mile Rd., 99208 711 W. Hastings, 99218 2820 E. 57th Ave, 99223 4017 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd., 99224 Spokane Valley 10708 E. Sprague Ave., 99206 8215 E. Trent Ave., 99212 15019 E. Trent Ave., 99216 15504 E. 4th Ave., 99037 Airway Heights 1418 S. Garfield, Airway Heights, 99001 Liberty Lake 22304 E. Appleway Ave., 99019 Idaho: Coeur d’Alene 1427 Best Ave., 83814 For more information about The Salvation Army Spokane, visit: www.makingspokanebetter.org.

FOURTH DISTRICT Continued from page 11

they are against it, I don’t see them speaking out and renouncing it,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to get that from the other candidates.”

He has the people’s best interests at heart, Cummings sad. “I want everyone to know they have a Representative who will represent everyone,” he said. “We need to do the right things.”

Schmidt grew up in Libby, Montana, and earned an associate’s degree in business from the Flathead Valley Community College. While she attended school she worked as a tour guide and a park ranger at the Libby Dam. In 1971, a fulltime job opened up at the dam in the administrative office and she applied. She worked there for eight years before coming to Spokane to be with her husband.

She worked for Associated Industries for two years working on workers compensation claims, then went to Associated Builders and Contractors where she was the workers compensation program manager. In 2016 she became the CEO until she retired at the end of 2021.

“In my position at ABC, I represented employers and employees,” she said. “I worked with them to navigate the systems and agencies in Washington State. I

became very familiar with legislative policies and the rule making process.”

She has served on the Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation board, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce board and the chamber’s Education and Workforce Steering Committee.

Everything changed for the construction industry when COVID hit and the industry, like others, was shut down. Many contractors are small businesses and they were worried. “They were just so panicked and asking for direction,” she said.

Businesses were still struggling when the legislature met in 2021 and passed new taxes and regulations, Schmidt said. That convinced her that she needed to retire from her job and run for the 4th District. “I really saw where there was a need for someone with my skills and abilities,” she said. “I really think I can make a difference.”

Schmidt said she thinks the legislature needs to focus on the rising inflation and tax relief. She also doesn’t like the recent laws that have changed how police agencies in the state operate. Something also needs to be done about the high cost of housing.

“Honestly, it’s so big and multifaceted,” she said. “It needs to be resolved. It’s all about the Growth Management Act and zoning.”

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• JULY 2022

The Crest

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About and for Spokane Valley area seniors

Long time CV teacher Bernbaum Retires

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Central Valley High School counselor Larry Bernbaum ended his decades-long career in education in June the same way he began it, in a tan 1970’s era suit and wide, striped tie.

Bernbaum grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He never gave a thought to becoming a teacher until he was in high school. “There were a few people who were very influential on me and I wanted to do that for other people,” he said. “I did feel like I had a knack for the profession. I knew then that that’s what I wanted to do.”

He earned his degree in education from Ohio State University, then went west to Boise, Idaho. He’d been to a Boy Scout ranch in Arizona when he was 14 and decided then and there that he wanted to live somewhere out west. “I fell in love with the west and the Rockies,” he said.

He taught English and coached football in Boise for several years at the high school and junior high levels. He loved the work, but was disillusioned with the low pay and decided to look elsewhere. He taught for a year at Northwood Junior High in the Mead School District before landing at Central Valley High School in 1984, where he would remain for the rest of his career.

Soon after arriving at Central Valley, he decided to get a master’s degree and got it in counseling instead of English so he could expand his options. “When I was in college, I was a resident advisor and we got rudimentary counseling training,” he said. “I enjoyed it.”

As soon as he finished his master’s, an opportunity opened up at Central Valley High School.

He would be a teacher half time and a counselor half time for a few years before becoming a full-time counselor in the early 1990’s.

“I’ve always enjoyed being of service to people, helping people,” he said. “I felt like this was something I was very effective at. It’s hard to put a finger on, but kids feel comfortable sharing things with me that are very private to them.”

Bernbaum said it’s rewarding for him to be able to help people and is glad that students have felt that he was someone they could trust. “I feel deeply honored that they feel that they can trust me with that personal information,” he said.

Like many other things, Bernbaum’s job was upended during COVID. With no students stopping by his office, he did what he could over the phone, but said he didn’t like it because he was missing visual cues such as body language.

“A lot of the affective work didn’t happen,” he said. “We had a lot of depression and anxiety among our kids. I intervened on two suicidal kids over the phone.”

Though everyone is back in school buildings now, Bernbaum said he felt it was time to retire at the age of 65 after a 43 year career in education, with 38 of those years spent at Central Valley High School.

“I don’t feel burned out or turned out,” he said. “No one was pushing

Photo by Nina Culver

me out the door.”

His wife Jacquie just retired as a school counselor at Moran Prairie Elementary School. The two want to travel and Bernbaum said he wants to volunteer with the International Red Cross, both as a way to still help people and a way to see the world.

Over the years he’s written a novel, short stories and several essays and Bernbaum said he’s been thinking of a way to get some of them published.

One of his essays took second place in a writing contest sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Library. He also plans to keep writing new things.

He’s already taken one trip since he retired – to Boise. He reached out to several old co-workers and former students and invited them to lunch. When he left town 39 years ago, he left a bank account open that had about $3 in it. With interest, the account had grown to $116.

“The $116 partially paid for that,” he said of the lunch. “That was a lot of fun. It felt like I closed the loop on my career.”

Like many people, Bernbaum is a saver. Over the years he had amassed a collection of t-shirts that had sentimental value for him. As his career wound down, he asked a coworker, Karen Santora, to make him a quilt from the shirts. “Secretly, my colleagues paid for it,” he said.

He’d also saved the suit he wore on his first day to work in 1979, but there was a problem. It no longer fit. So a year ago, Bernbaum began to lose weight, eventually losing 70 pounds so he could fit in the suit again and wear it on his final day of work. The tie, shoes and belt he wore were also the original 1975 vintage.

“I took the suit off on the last day (of school) and I’ve been eating ever since,” he laughed. “I’ve got to curb that.”

As Bernbaum looks back over his career, there’s no great secret to his success. “Find something you love and make it your life’s work,” he said. “That way, every day will hold rewards for you and not just paydays.

“It’s been a very fulfilling career.

No regrets.”

JULY 2022 • 25

The Current

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• JULY 2022

The Current

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Work ethic propels WV’s O’Neal up baseball ladder

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

Easton O’Neal was 11 years old, playing in a select baseball tournament in Colville, when he mistakenly picked up a nonregulation bat and promptly crushed a grand slam on the first pitch he saw.

The home run was subsequently disallowed and the four runs erased from the scoreboard.

“He didn’t realize he was using the wrong bat,” said Eric Sandberg, O’Neal’s coach at the time. “Most kids that age, if that happens and the hit is taken away, they’re done for the day. Not Easton. He just moved on.”

The next time up, using a different bat, O’Neal sent a ball soaring beyond the outfield fence.

Rounding the bases, there was no hint of taunting or retribution.

“That’s just his personality,” said Sandberg. “Easton does a good job focusing on winning.”

Steady concentration and steely determination have carried O’Neal into rare prep baseball air, most recently as a sophomore at West Valley High School where he started as catcher this season and hit .392 with a .493 on-base percentage.

He was part of an Eagles’ club that finished 14-2 in the Greater Spokane League, capturing the 2A regular season title and advancing to state.

Easton’s last name is a familiar one to Eagle Nation. His dad, Don O’Neal, was the WV baseball coach from 2000 to 2014. Don played at University High before excelling at Whitworth and being signed to a free agent contract with the Detroit Tigers and spending a year in their minor league system.

Don said his son “has always been a student of the game.”

“He’s always paid attention and wants to learn more about baseball,” Don said.

Easton admits that his mom, Melissa, “probably get annoyed” that he and his dad talk mostly baseball around the house. For her part, Melissa often takes up responsibilities as chauffeur and chaperone, accompanying Easton to tournaments across the country.

This summer, his travels with a select team out of New Jersey have taken him to places like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Oregon.

“Honestly, I just feel lucky to be able to help,” Melissa said.

“Whatever it takes to help him chase his dream. Yes, there are sacrifices. Don works 16 hours a day sometimes to make sure it can happen for Easton.”

Easton’s path appears headed to Cincinnati after high school.

Earlier this year, he gave a verbal commitment to Xavier University, a Division 1 school in the Big East Conference that has emerged as a national name under coach Billy O’Conner.

“It’s a program that is definitely trending in the right direction,” said Easton.

A stellar student, Easton is already looking ahead to majors in finance or bio-med at Xavier. He has until the fall of his senior year to sign a letter of intent “At the end of the day, there are so many more factors that go into picking a college than just baseball,” he said.

Being selected in the Major League Baseball draft as a senior is also a possibility.

“I would love to get drafted out of high school but I’m also realistic about that, too,” Easton said.

Easton’s freshman season at West Valley was shortened due to the ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sophomore, he wasted little time proving he belonged among the GSL’s elite. In an 18-8 drubbing of rival East Valley on April 18, Easton collected two doubles and a triple. For the season, his slugging percentage checked in at .787.

“Easton’s obviously a very good player,” said Caleb Gray, a WV

August 1-3

Photo by Black Cobra Media Easton O’Neal hit .392 with a .493 on-base percentage this season for a West Valley squad that placed first the Greater Spokane League 2A division and qualified for state. The junior-to-be has committed verbally to play baseball at Xavier University in Cincinnati. teammate and senior standout.

“He’s always trying to get better.”

Sandberg, who coached Easton last summer with the Spokane Expos, said his work ethic and mental approach to the game set him apart.

“He’s a once-in-a-decade kind of player,” Sandberg said. “Easton has a high baseball I.Q. and works hard. He also holds his teammates accountable. He’s legit. I think he has a chance to play this game for a long time.”

With a dad who played college and professional baseball and coached for years – including many of his son’s youth teams – Easton said he doesn’t take for granted the mentoring and support from home.

“My dad has always been there for me,” he said. “I think he’s the greatest dad in the world. Anytime I want to play catch, hit or lift, he’s always there. He’s also always saying to me, ‘This is your journey.

I’m just here to help.’”

Despite a distinguished career of

his own, Don said his son is the best player in the family.

“He’s better than I ever was,” Don said.

Whether it’s playing for the Baseball Northwest club following his eighth-grade year or venturing to Arizona last fall as part of the Spokane Crew, Easton has gained experience that he says has enhanced his game and humility.

“Just stepping back, you realize you’re not that special,” he said.

“There are plenty of guys just as good as you. I’ve just got to work hard and compete.”

Melissa said beyond the honors like being named second team AllGSL this year, her son stands out as a good citizen. As a middle schooler, he befriended a student experiencing food insecurity, buying him food from the vending machine with his own lunch money.

“The fact that Easton is kind and respectful is the reward for me,” Melissa said. “I’m proud of him on a daily basis.”

JULY 2022 • 27

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The Current

Spokane Valley Fire Dept Levy Lift

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

The Spokane Valley Fire Department is asking for a levy lid lift on the August ballot, but after the recent sharp rise in assessed home values and property taxes for residents the department is promising to lower their other levy next year to ease the demand on taxpayers.

Fire departments are allowed to levy a property tax of $1.50 per $1,000 in assessed home value without approval from voters. But over time, as property values rise, the set rate does not collect the entire $1.50 and the money collected actually drops every year because fire districts and departments are only allowed to increase the amount they collect by one percent per year.

Before the recent valuations announced by the Spokane County Assessors Office, property values had gone up 50 percent in the last five years, said Fire Chief Frank Soto. In that time the department has only been able to raise its annual levy by five percent. The amount currently being collected is $1.04 per $1,000 in assessed value.

Many departments request an occasional levy lid lift, which raises the amount collected back up to the maximum of $1.50 per $1,000 in assessed value. Valley Fire last asked for a six-year levy lid lift 15 years ago, which was approved by voters.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department is funded entirely by

ON THAT NOTE two levies; the regular fire levy and a special maintenance and operations levy. Currently the regular fire levy covers 39 percent of the department’s budget and the M&O levy accounts for 61 percent of the budget. Most fire departments would prefer that those percentages be flipped because the M&O levy has to be renewed every few years and the funding is not guaranteed, Soto said.

“That’s the bulk of our funding and that’s a scary place to be,” he said. “We want to rebalance.”

The department’s annual budget is $44.1 million and $33.2 million of that is for wages and benefits. But there are other costs, including the price of diesel, which have been soaring in recent months. Based on current prices, the department expects to be hugely over budget for diesel this year.

“These are things we can plan for a little bit, but not like this,” Soto said. “We do need more money. The cost of doing business has gone up.”

If the levy lid lift is approved by voters, the owner of a $450,000 house will pay an additional $17.04 per month in taxes. The levy lid lift would last for six years before expiring, keeping the levy rate at $1.50 per $1,000 in assessed value for all six of those years.

Soto said the department is working hard to serve citizens and be as cost effective as possible. The department doesn’t just respond to fires and car crashes. They also respond to medical calls, swift water rescues, wildland fires and technical rescues. They perform community education and risk reduction activities, including installing smoke detectors in homes that don’t have them.

“We’re an all-hazard agency,”

JULY 2022 • 31

Soto said. “Eighty-two percent of our call volume is EMS in nature.”

The department has a cardiac arrest survival rate more than 30 percent above the national average because of the pit crew style of CPR used by the department, Soto said.

“We have saved 16 people last year alone, 16 people who were clinically dead,” he said.

The department is also one of only seven in Washington State to be accredited and is one of only six in the state to be rated a Class 2 department by the WSRB, which lowers homeowners insurance rates.

“We are not in the middle of the pack,” Soto said. “We’re leading the pack right now.”

While Soto argues that investing in the department by approving the levy lid lift is investing in everyone’s quality of life, he recognizes that the sharp rise in home values that were just announced will hit people in their wallets. The average increase in home values was 31 percent, which will cause property taxes to go up.

In response, if the levy lid lift is approved, the department will only ask voters to approve a $20 million

M&O levy next year instead of a $30 million levy as originally planned, Soto said. That would make the total amount collected by both levies drop from $2.71 per $1,000 in assessed home value to $2.35 per $1,000.

“We have the ability to lower that,” he said. “We reworked all the numbers.”

The department would put its capital construction plans on hold because of the loss of $10 million from the M&O levy, including plans to build an eleventh fire station and a new training facility, Soto said.

There would be a problem, however, if both the levy lid lift in August and the M&O levy next year don’t pass, Soto said. It would mean the closure of six or seven of the department’s ten fire stations, leaving what is left woefully inadequate to cover the rising number of calls the department is responding to. Valley Fire responded to an average of 63 calls per day last year and so far this year the number of calls is up by 10 percent.

“We’re busy,” Soto said. “We’re super busy. There’s no way three or four stations can keep up with this.”

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