Serendipity –Cox recognized for unique impact at EVSDBy Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor
It is a simple, fun exercise in communication that pre-dates the cell phone, landlines and maybe even the telegraph. Two cups, typically made of paper or plastic, are connected with twine or string, creating a rudimentary, yet effective, device that would make Alexandar Graham Bell proud.
The key to the contraption – and the ability of two people on either end to hear and speak to one another – is the conduit in the middle.
For three decades, a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) named Teri-Anne Cox has served as the compassionate, patient and enthusiastic channel between students in the East Valley School District (EVSD) faced with speech challenges and the family, friends, classmates and teachers who wait eagerly on the other end.
“I want these students to know I’m there for them always,” said Cox, now in her 30th year at EVSD and 36th as an educator. “We emphasize small victories and keep a high bar for them. I want them to be functional and communicate in a real-world setting.”
Cox was honored for her unique impact at the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards on March 27 as Educator of the Year in the East Valley School District. The recognition came after “a unified vote” from her colleagues, according to EVSD Superintendent Brian Talbott.
“Teri-Anne is just a gem,” said Talbott. “She has the ability to realize where the student is and find a way to connect with that student and their family in a way that empowers them.”
Cox began with EVSD in the 1994-95 school year and has taught at a variety of sites, mostly on the elementary school level. She is currently stationed at Trent Elementary.
Leslee McLachlan, a retired teacher from East Farms Elementary, said Cox “always has the best interests of the kids at heart.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s difficult or inconvenient, Teri-Anne does what’s best for kids,” McLachlan said. “She’s always going above and beyond.”
Cox was in the fifth grade when she saw “The Miracle Worker,” the film depicting the true story of Helen Keller and her determined teacher Anne Sullivan. The lifechanging influence that Sullivan had on Keller, helping her reach great heights despite lacking vision and hearing, made a significant
impression on Cox, paving the way to her career as an SLP.
“I wanted to be like Anne Sullivan,” Cox said. “I could see that giving people a chance to express themselves and communicate was valuable.”
Cox is a native New Yorker who spent her early years in the Bronx before moving with her family to Long Island when she was in the first grade. When she was 9, her parents divorced and Cox and her younger sister were raised by their dad, a banker who commuted to Manhattan each workday.
Cox recalls her fourth-grade teacher helping her through some challenging times after her mom and dad split up. Her grades stayed strong despite the transition at home.
“My teacher was one of my saving graces,” Cox said. “I valued
school a lot and was a good student.”
Cox taught herself American Sign Language and continued her studies at Geneseo University in upperstate New York after graduating from Lindenhurst High School in 1982. She majored in speech pathology and graduated with honors in 1986.
“I really hit the ground running,” Cox recalls.
Cox enrolled at the University of Michigan after her undergraduate work was finished. She completed her master’s degree in 1988 and afterward headed to Japan with a missionary effort called The Good Shepherd Movement. She would meet her future husband Timothy, who was also part of the outreach group, during that time.
After a year in Japan, Cox accepted a job in Boston working with autistic adults. Timothy had returned to his home in Spokane by then and, following a year in Boston, Cox moved to the Inland Northwest after securing a job at Sacred Heart Hospital, helping patients recovering from brain injuries and strokes. In 1992, TeriAnne and Timothy were married. They are proud parents of three grown boys, Jerry, Evan and Leo.
Q: As a transplanted New Yorker, what have you grown to appreciate most about living in the Inland Northwest?
A: My New York friends and family would ask me if I thought the pace was slower living out west, and I promptly responded with “Nope, the pace is in the person.” As I reflect upon my full and rich life that I have made here in the Inland Northwest, it is a place to work hard and play hard! I especially enjoy getting out in nature, hiking, biking, running and feel in awe that I can find myself on a lake or on a trail where no other person is in sight. That would not be the case back east.
Q: What was it about the story of Anne Sullivan and her impact
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on the life of Helen Keller that inspired you at a young age?
A: As a fifth grader, watching “The Miracle Worker” movie, I was struck by Anne Sullivan’s commitment and acceptance of Helen Keller, especially at first encounter. Anne was willing to meet Helen “where she was at” emotionally and physically, as well as being willing to think creatively and “out of the box” in a way to reach Helen in her dark and silent world. I can still replay the scene in my mind where Helen learned the word for “water!” I thought about how I might be able to do that for someone one day. There’s a saying by W.Ward, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
Q: Are there some common misperceptions that people have when it comes to overcoming barriers to communication?
A: Yes. Some people might see things in black and white on this topic. A deaf child may not be totally deaf with hearing aids, a nonverbal child might be thought to not speak at all, when in actuality, that child may be able to communicate verbally given a specific context or use of visuals or reading text to facilitate the expressive output or communicate by interacting with others, taking turns or engaging in a game, even if no words come out. It all counts as communication skills. One of my parents shared how her son, diagnosed with autism and mostly nonverbal, was able to respond to his crying little brother by picking up the dropped toy and returned it to him, where promptly the little brother said, “Thank you,’ and that nonverbal son replied, “You’re welcome.”
Q: You seem to have found a very stable home in the East Valley School District. What is it about the culture there that has provided you with such a reassuring home for over three decades?
A: The East Valley School District is like the Inland Northwest is to New York – small, but not that small. The EV administrators and staff have been tirelessly dedicated in their mission toward serving students, their families and the
community in every building that I have had the privilege to work as an SLP: Trent, Trentwood, East Farms, Otis, CCS, EVMS, EVHS, including buildings/schools that no longer exist, like Skyview Elementary and Mountain View Middle School, back in the day. I have treasured my time with my EV colleagues and community. East Valley has been on the cutting edge of engaging in visionary practices for kids for years, as noted when I travel to conferences/workshops.
Q: How has the general acceptance and implementation of special education practices progressed in the time that you’ve been an educator?
A: In a time of increasing awareness about equity and fairness, I have seen an overall shift in general education acceptance of our students with special needs in their classrooms, programs and extra-curriculars. There has been a “push” for inclusionary practices statewide where our students from special education programs are having increased access to their same-aged peers for lunch, recess, music, art, P.E., library and academic time, as appropriate. At EVMS, I witnessed a “reverse inclusion” program occurring, where the general education peers went into the special education classrooms engaging with our most impacted students, playing games, interacting in conversations and reading books.
Q: I’m guessing you could write a book on this question, but what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your work as an SLP?
A: I get great rewards from serving others, paving a pathway to helping a child find his/ her voice; supporting a teacher with communication-challenged students and offering advice to families. Each child is a journey. Each program is a journey. I am always up for the challenge. I could be looking in a mirror with a child helping her say “L-sounds” correctly, or modeling how to write a summary statement for a fifthgrade student or teaching sign language to music to a class or simply encouraging a student to look at the teacher for directions… it all brings great joy to me!
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The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. The Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 4562233, if not in progress, to report a crime.
1. Check electrical safety
Look for damage
Damaged cables and cords are an electrical hazard. Replace any cables or cords that have frayed wires or damage to the outer casing.
Check your power strips
Take a little time this May to make sure power strips aren’t overloaded, and double-check that they have a surge protection feature.
Cover unused outlets
Curious fingers can lead to serious injuries. Plastic safety caps are an easy solution to keep those kiddos safe.
2. Test for asbestos, lead, and radon
All three of these substances can cause harmful long-term effects like lung and nerve damage after years of exposure.
Test for asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance used as a fire retardant. It’s often found in materials like insulation, adhesives, concrete, and some types of vinyl in older homes.
Test for lead
Lead was a common ingredient in paints, plumbing, and even cosmetics until the late 1970s. If you live in a home built before 1978, there may be traces of lead left in your home.
Test for radon
Radon is a radioactive byproduct of decaying uranium. It can leak into homes through cracks in the foundation and basement. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Early symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain.
3. Touch up fences and pathways
After winter snows and spring rains, your fence and pathway might not be looking their best.
Mend your fence
Replace any boards or reinforce them with extra rails to make the fence more secure. If this sounds intimidating, find a local professional to help out.
Patch pathways
Cracks and potholes don’t happen overnight, but it’s all too easy to put off treating them. Large cracks and uneven surfaces can be a hazard to you and your neighbors who walk around the area.
4. Prepare for pool season
Check the pool cover
Before getting your hands wet, take a look at the state of your pool cover. Check for black mold, tears, or damage that could have left your pool full of contaminants.
Fish out debris
Leaves, sticks, and toys can all find their way into the pool after months of not using it. Start the cleaning process by skimming the pool for large debris with a net.
Clean the pool
Start by reassembling the filtration system, removing plugs, and cleaning your nets and accessories. If the water level dropped over the closed season, add more to the pool. You can test the levels of the water with DIY strips to get an idea of how much cleaning you’ll need to do. Balancing the chemicals helps keep it safe to swim in and reduces cleaning later.
Store chemicals safely
5. Prevent mosquitoes
If you service your own pool throughout the summer, be sure to store your chemicals properly. Keep them on a shelf or in a shed nearby away from kids and pets. And be sure to always cap the products tightly when you’re done.
The National Safety Council also recommends childproofing around your pools and hot tubs. So make sure you keep the cover on your pool or fence locked when it’s not in use.
Now is the time when mosquitoes start breeding in many areas of the country. Preventing these pests from multiplying is easy.
Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs, so be sure to dump any pots, buckets, swings, or other items that have water in them. Also, empty and scrub kiddie pools and birdbaths every week to get rid of any eggs or larva.
Spokane Valley Districts
Spokane Valley’s City Council finally approved its updated Governance Manual at it April16 meeting — but not before another round of verbal sparing between council members.
Council, with assistance from city staff, began the manual revision process in April, 2023. The previous council Governance Manual Committee met several times to discuss revisions, with the new committee composed of Mayor Pam Haley, Councilman Rod Higgins and new Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger meeting Jan. 19, Jan. 31 and March 1.
The committee presented its
recommendations to the entire council at the March 12 meeting. Much discussion centered on adding language delineating individual council members use of social media, what can be posted, how and where it’s posted and retained under the state’s Public Records act.
Discussion has also revolved around council conduct of its meetings, and how potential investigations into a council member is implemented.
At the April 16 meeting, Councilman Al Merkel tried to get council to discuss new language in the Council Meetings chapter under the “Respect and Decorum” section in which member remarks be relevant and confined to the topic being discussed “as determined by the Presiding Officer, subject to appeal to the Council body.”
Merkel said the latter was contrary to what council had agreed upon at the March 12 meeting, which was to have that determination made per Robert’s Rules of Order, what many consider the official authority on how to democratically conduct meetings. Haley noted governing bodies don’t have to follow Robert’s Rules, and the
discussion degenerated into another “point of order” exchange between Merkel and Higgins.
Haley interrupted this by calling for a vote on the question, noting council has gone over the manual revisions many times and that more discussion wasn’t warranted.
“We’re not going to pick it apart because we’ve done that in a previous meeting,” Haley said. “There was not a consensus then nor will there be a consensus now.”
Council denied the question 5-2, with Merkel and Councilman Ben Wick voting in favor. They then passed the motion to adopt the manual 6-1, Merkel opposing.
That led to Merkel launching into a speech about his dissent, which was cut off by Higgins, who said he didn’t believe Merkel had such a right.
“There is under section 7, as I pointed it out last time,” Merkel said.
The section states that “Any Councilmember shall have the right to express dissent from or protest verbally or in writing, against any motion, ordinance or resolution of the Council and have the reason therefore entered in the minutes.”
Allowed to continue, Merkel declared he felt all of the revisions to the manual were directed at him, especially changes in the Chapter 5 regarding investigations. Merkel is currently under investigation by a city-hired outside investigator looking into a claim of employee harassment.
Merkel said he has never received any notification who made the complaint, what the charges are, and as such was being denied his rights to “due process” under the U.S. Constitution’s 6th Amendment. He advocated these points be included in the governance manual.
At this point, City Attorney Kelly Konkright broke in, telling “anyone listening” to the meeting that the 6th Amendment applies only to individuals going to trial, not to people under investigation. Konkright asked people to think about police investigations.
“How many law enforcement officers have you seen bring in a, allow the accused to confront the victims?” he asked, then paused for a moment.
“You don’t, because it’s not a 6th Amendment right,” Konkright continued. “That is a trial right. It is not an investigative right.”
“To counter what was just said, are you not supposed to provide the charges to the person being charged?” Merkel asked.
Konkright said that is done when proceeding to court.
“This is not a court,” he continued. “This is not even a criminal investigation. This is an investigation of allegations of workplace harassment, which is a confidential investigation. It is protected by the Public Records Act during the investigative phase.”
Merkel asked Konkright if he was talking about the manual or his investigation, to which the city attorney replied the investigation since the Councilman felt his rights were violated.
Merkel continued to voice his objections to not including those rights in the manual, saying “using a lot of key words and lawyer talk to avoid the key fact that charges, witnesses should be provided to the person being accused.”
“Point of order,” Higgins interjected. “Mr. Merkel has invited all of this. He’s tried to blend the two (his investigation / governance manual). They didn’t blend, can we move on.”
Haley agreed, noting employment law is “completely different” and protects people making harassment claims.
Council voted again and adopted the new manual 6-1.
A review of the minutes from the March 12 meeting confirm Merkel’s assertion regarding the “Respect and Decorum” issue. Language from the minutes stated “consensus was met to include the language ‘per Robert’s Rules of Order’ in the section in question, Chapter 1, Section C, subsection 6.
At the April 23 meeting, Deputy City Manager Erik Lamb, sitting in for City Manager John Hohman, explained it was Hohman’s understanding at the time that the language to be included was as per the March 12 meeting. But in putting the language into the manual, staff made changes because “the verbatim language” created ambiguity and they were trying to provide council’s “identified stated goal.”
“It’s unfortunate that that was not communicated at the time that the change was made,” Lamb said, adding in the future staff would highlight areas they believe may cause confusion so that council can
review and come to consensus on clarification.
Pipeline relocated for Pines separation project
Despite the above conflicts, Spokane Valley City Council did manage to conduct some other business with its April meetings.
At the April 16 meeting, council approved action items dealing with an aspect of the upcoming Pines Road / BNSF Grade Separation project. Council waived its “three touch” and approved modification of a 25-year franchise agreement with the Yellowstone Pipeline company to allow it to relocate a section of a petroleum products pipeline impacted by construction of the grade separation project.
Design work on the project indicated the parcel where the railroad underpass is slated to be built would interfere with Yellowstone’s current pipeline, which was installed in 1952. To keep the project on track, and allow Yellowstone to implement its plans to relocate the pipeline to a different configuration in the area, an ordinance modifying the agreement was needed.
“We want them to begin construction efforts and get out of the way before we can do the bridge construction,” city engineering manager Erica Amsden said. Amsden noted Yellowstone was ready to begin their project within a couple of weeks once the modifications were legally codified.
Council also approved a motion to execute an agreement to reimburse Yellowstone and its parent company, Philips 66, $1,331,304 for its expenses in relocating the pipeline. The money comes from the $48 million project, which is fully funded with federal, state, local and city funding.
Councilman Merkel asked why the city was paying for the relocation and not Yellowstone.
“They have an easement for the current location and the city is requiring relocation,” Amsden said. “We don’t own the right of way and so we can’t force the relocation without proper compensation.”
Senske contract puts Parks further over budget
At its April 23 meeting, council approved a $325,002 contract with Senske Services for janitorial and event services at Spokane Valley parks. The contract includes a $50,000 contingency for special events services.
Parks & Recreation Director John Bottelli told the council the contract would require an additional budget amendment to cover the costs. The department’s 2024 maintenance budget was approved at $1,618,105, but three new contracts for landscape maintenance totaling $1,617,686, $224,276 for wages and benefits, $85,000 for new vehicles, $167,000 for other expenses and now the janitorial contract have escalated that to $2,419,165.
The department was already looking at a budget amendment of $668,752 to cover current contracts and expenses — the Senske contract will require an additional $132,308.
After discussions on how to cut costs and encourage more contractors to bid for park services, in August, 2023 City Council approved changing the way Parks were maintained by allowing breaking the various work requirements into individual contracts, instead of issuing one for all services.
Senske and ABM Industry Group, LLC, were the only two contractors to bid on the janitorial and events services contract.
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone - their 20th anniversary! For two decades, the museum has played a pivotal role in preserving the greater Spokane Valley region's rich heritage and is helping shape the future by educating and enlightening community members of all ages.
The Building; The Largest Spokane Valley Artifact
It would not be a complete story to talk about the exhibits and sights that can be seen at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum without talking about one of the Museum’s largest remnants of the past: the Opportunity Township Hall.
At the end of the 19th and into the 20th century, the Spokane Valley region looked completely different than it does today. With the prime land location of being surrounded by water, the Valley’s orchards and farms flourished and prospered, and in 1909 the Township of Opportunity was organized by agriculturists. Sitting above an aquifer added an additional source of water for the orchards and the Valley became one of the State of Washington’s top producers of apples.
Residents and community members needed a location and building to house their seat of government and chose local Spokane architect and Opportunity resident C. Harvey Smith to design a building.
Smith, who was born in
Ottawa, Kansas had moved to Spokane after graduating from high school and billed himself as an architect beginning in 1903. He had previously designed homes and businesses in the Spokane area and was approached to design the Opportunity Township Hall.
Smith designed the seat of governance in Spanish Colonial Style. The stucco façade remains to this day and invokes memories of a time gone by when buildings were built for both visual appeal and functionality.
Completed in 1912, the Hall was a popular place for social gatherings from weddings, community dances and roller skating to a Smallpox vaccination clinic and housing the Valley’s first library. It was the hub of community events.
Over the course of the Hall’s life, it has seen the Valley grow from its humble days of orchards and farmers to buildings and subdivisions. The
Township remained in governance until state legislators revoked the right of townships to levy property taxes in 1969. Unfortunately, the property rich Opportunity township lost its main source of revenue and was disorganized after a vote by Spokane County electors in 1974.
The Hall sat empty and forgotten until the newly formed City of Spokane Valley acquired it in 2003 and Jayne Singleton, who worked on the City of Valley Incorporation had the grand idea to bring life back into the building by having it become a repository of the Valley’s history.
Creation of the Museum
Singleton had long been known to enjoy history and after struggling to find history specifically for the Valley area, she had a nagging idea to help solve the problem. Her idea would have to wait, while the City of Spokane Valley went through incorporation in 2003, but in 2004 the deed to the Opportunity Township Hall was handed over to the Spokane Valley Legacy Foundation.
“The building spoke to me when I first started thinking about a museum. Why doesn’t the Valley have a museum?” Singleton remembers thinking while working on the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 80th anniversary event. “I really couldn’t find much in one place. Things were scattered here and there!”
Singleton began a non-profit organization and after writing a proposal about the building and a heritage museum for the Spokane Valley, she made the presentation the City Council who had taken seats just a year before.
“They all voted unanimously, because they saw that having a museum for the valley helped the city know its identity,” Singleton succeeded in the presentation and during Memorial Weekend in 2004 renovation began on the exterior of the building.
The Hall remains alongside Sprague Avenue just as it did in 1912, but now nestled between a brick building and the museum parking lot. Singleton was successful in having the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During renovations, Singleton began working on the exhibits, with the main idea to have a chronological display, starting with the geological formation of the Valley then moving on to human habitation.
This exciting exhibition looks at the history of fairs in the Spokane Valley. Starting with the first fair in the region in 1886, organized by Francis Cook. The first fairs in the region were fruit fairs with upwards of 80,000 people attending to view agricultural products and implements. The exhibit will showcase how those fairs helped bring Expo ’74 to the region. An original gondola car from the Spokane Falls gondola ride will be housed indoors and will allow visitors to get up close with history! The exhibit will be on display from May 3rd through September 6th.
Mullan Military Road Conference
Tickets can be purchased through the museum website at www. spokanevalleymuseum.com/ event/mullan-road-conference. The cost is $100 per guest for the conference.
Mullan Military Road Exhibit
Before the Mullan Military Road Conference, the museum will open an exhibit on April 30th showcasing the Mullan Military Road. Pictures of the road markers will be displayed.
Museum’s 20 Year Celebration
On July 20th from 1 to 5pm, invited guests will enjoy music, refreshments, raffles, and fun at the museum. There will be local speakers and time to view the current exhibits. For more information call 509-922-4570.
American Revolution
While the exhibits were taking shape, the Spokane Valley community became excited and began donating items that would be displayed at the museum.
“People with armloads of things, there was just this excitement that ‘Yes! We have this museum!’” Singleton had already studied quite a bit about the Spokane Valley history and early volunteering and was just as excited as fellow residents to see the items coming in including pictures, clothes, furniture, dishes and more!
Singleton would roam the Valley, ever on the lookout for an item or building that would catch her eye and hopefully lead her to a treasure trove of artifacts.
On one such occasion in Otis Orchards, Singleton was attending a flea market when she looked at the building and thought, “what was this building? It spoke to me. This building has history. And so, I went inside, and asked some questions. I suspected it was an apple warehouse. We went downstairs to this big old building and there was this equipment from the apple
packing days. Labels, apple boxes, labels pasted on the walls! It was awesome. We have those items now outback of the museum.”
Attitude and Gratitude for the Museum and the Future
Singleton and her team of museum volunteers host a wealth of information about the Spokane Valley region and curate exhibits for the residents of the area to enjoy and find information.
“We ask ourselves, is this going to resonate? Are people going to want to know about this?” The process of selection can be a simple idea from a board member or community member. Singleton explains that an exhibit they have created on a small scale, but would like to enhance, is about the Township Hall itself.
“This building is extremely unique. Not just the architectural style, but the fact that it’s still standing when so many other historic buildings are gone. It catches your eye.”
Community members continue to donate items to the museum and receive a handwritten thank you note for their donation and support
The Mullan Military Road was significant to the Valley since it was the only road that crossed the Spokane River in the area at Plant’s Ferry. The 642-mile road was built by Lt. John Mullan and traversed from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton between the years 1858 and 1862. During the threeday conference, attendees will learn about the history of the road, its importance to the area, the local 4 monuments marking the road in Spokane Valley and additional history.
The conference will be held over three days, starting Friday May 31st at 5pm at the Heritage Museum, followed by presentations on Saturday June 1st at the Mirabeau Park Hotel, and concludes with excursions across the area.
of the education of the Valley. “It’s an attitude of gratitude for all the donations! And it continues to prevail. I am always in a state of gratitude.” Singleton explains about receiving items.
Exhibits begin to take shape coinciding with anniversary events locally and nationally, such as the Apollo exhibit memorializing the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission. In addition to anniversary events and exhibits focused solely on Spokane Valley, some exhibits may have a broader appeal, such as a Civil War exhibit.
One thing that carries through
The museum is working with members of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapters to bring this exhibit to life. Opening date will be announced soon and will be updated on their website when confirmed.
On A Wing and A Prayer
For the 20th Annual Heritage Program, a history of Felts Field will be presented at Center Place Event Center on November 9th. This event is the annual fundraiser for the museum and is by reservation only. There will be a silent auction, presentation, raffle, and other programs during the event. The presentation will go into details of how Felts Field played an integral part of the nation’s history of flight as being the third airport in the county to be licensed. To reserve a seat or for more information, call the museum at 509-922-4570.
is the core mission of the museum, to collect, preserve, and exhibit the history of the Spokane Valley for the inspiration of the community, and to share our history with visitors who seek to enrich their knowledge of the heritage of this region.
“I’m looking forward to another 20 years!” Singleton shares about the future of the museum. “We are the stewards and keepers of the history of Spokane Valley and we’re very dedicated to keeping this building preserved as well.”
Items can be donated to specific exhibitions, or to the museum for archival purposes.
May 4| Mermaid Storytime @ Barnes and Noble – 11am. Join for a swimming good time with mermaids. There will be time for questions and pictures with the mermaids. Barnes and Noble, 15310 E Indiana Ave.
May 10| Fill the Pot – 4 to 7 p.m. Give mom the gift of greenery or plant something for yourself. Prepurchase a pot online and then during the time, will up your pot at the planting station with an array of annuals, perennials, and veggies to choose from. $12.99 per pot. Plant Farm, 14208 E 4th Ave. For tickets, spokaneplantfarm.com.
May 10| Dried Floral Arrangement Workshop – 6 to 8 p.m. An evening of dried flower arranging with Julia Culp of HazelRue. Each participant will make a medium bouquet using dried flowers of their choosing in a ceramic vase. 12+ only. Mulberry Market Co., 17325 E Sprague.
May 11 | Inland NW Toy Show Classic – Vintage toy, recent toy, and all sorts of collectables!! Over 75 exhibitors with hundreds of tables. Early Bird -$10, General Public- $5 , kids 12 & under FREE. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 4572 E Broadway.
May 11| Potion Making: Potions
Full of Sunshine – 2 to 5 p.m. A funfilled day of potion making where you’ll create magical concoctions full of sunshine and good vibes! Centerplace Spokane Valley, 2426 N Discovery Pl. Tickets $10-$20, more info Centerplacespokanevalley.com
May 17| Goat’s Milk Soap Making
Workshop– 6 to 8 p.m. You’ll be going through the entire soap making process from start to finish. Using locally sourced goat’s milk to create a silky smooth soap. 18+ only. Mulberry Market Co., 17325 E Sprague.
May 17-18| Pine Street Market Parking Lot Sale –10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pine Street Market, 12107 E Sprague
Ave. Everything from vintage, retro, and antique to homemade and hand sourced.
May 24| Metal Stamped Ring and Bracelet Class – 6 to 8 p.m. Learn the basic of personalized jewelry making. Mulberry Market Co., 17325 E Sprague.
ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire, though there is no age limit. 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.
Spokane Bicycle Club | 6 to 8 p.m., weekly on Thursday evenings, Spokane Valley Library, 22 N Herald Rd, Spokane Valley. Meeting places, routes, and ride leaders change from week to week, a tailgate party typically follows each ride. All are welcome. For more, call Dave at 509.868.5984.
Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. All are welcome. For more, call Dave Sorg at 509.868-5984.
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.
Grange Meeting | 2:00 p.m., third Sunday of the month, TriCommunity Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more, call 509.385.4082.
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. millwoodpc.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.
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. Lunch served Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by bingo from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dinner served Fridays 5:30 p.m. More at www.foe3433.com.
Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MondayFriday 10814 E. Broadway Ave. No appointment necessary. For questions and info, call 509-927-1153
Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 6:30 – 8:30 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 | 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
weekdays at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. Activities include 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 509-926-1937 or visit spokanevalleyseniorcenter.org.
May 15-23 | “Nunsense” – 7:30 p.m. May 15-17 and 20-23 at Central Valley High School Theatre, 821 S. Sullivan Road. Join the CVHS Theatre Company for this This riotous show is set at a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Expect to laugh until your belly hurts with their antics!. Doors Open 30 minutes prior to show, and tickets ($12 to $14) can be purchased at cvtheatre.com.
May 9-17 | “legally Blonde the Musical” – 6:30 p.m. May 9-17 and 2:00 p.m. May 18. at University High School Theatre, 12420 E 32nd Ave. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-GoldwynMayer film, tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and she successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. Tickets $15 at uhs.ludus.com or at the door.
Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:00 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 509-8666354.
May 3 | Storybook Princess and Fireworks Night – 6:30 p.m., Spokane Indians Avista Staduim, 602 N. Havana. Tickets $11-$20. For more and tickets mlb.ticket.com.
Al-Anon Family Meetings
| Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Opportunity Christian Church, 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 509-456-2125.
Decreasing Anger Group |The Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call at 509-444-8387 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.
Fly Tying Group | 9 to 11 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Veterans, Active Buty, Reserves, and Guard are welcome! For more, call 509-444-8387.
GriefShare Support Group | The ONE Church, east entrance, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. join at any time. Designed to help cope with loss, whether recent or years ago. For more, 509-926-3254
HUB Sports Center | 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including:
• Pickleball drop-in: 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. $5.50/ person online $7/at the door.
• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Homeschool PE and Fit for YOUR Life. See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.
Mindful Music & Movement | 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards. For adults desiring a distanced social experience that is designed to support emotional well-being, gentle physical
movement, cognitive support, and enhanced communication in a fun and relaxed way. $10 per person per class. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 509-592-7875.
Central Valley School Board | 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, EVSD administration building, 2218 N. Molter Rd, Liberty Lake.
East Valley School Board | 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 3830 N Sullivan Rd.
West Valley School Board | 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, WVSD administration building, 3219 N Argonne Rd
Spokane Valley City Council | Regular meetings held Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall, 10210 E Sprague Ave.
Millwood City Council | Regular meetings at 6 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 Stan 509-842-4740 or visit fairmountmemorial.com/southpines-cemetery.
Spokane Valley Kiwanis | 12 p.m. Tuesdays. Shari’s Restaurant, 320 N Sullivan Rd. 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.
WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR:
• Public Safety to Ensure Safe Neighborhoods
• Tax Relief for Working Families
• Supporting Small Business and Workforce Development
Spokane Co Commissioner Mary Kuney
Spokane Co Commissioner Josh Kerns
Spokane Co Commissioner Al French
Spokane Co Sheriff John Nowels
Spokane Co Treasurer Michael Baumgartner
Spokane Co Assessor Tom Konis
Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis
State Senator Jeff Holy
State Representative Mike Volz
Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas
Liberty Lake Councilman Chris Cargill
Millwood Mayor Kevin Freeman
Former Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite
Former Spokane Valley Council Brandi Peetz
Former Spokane Co Commissioner Kate McCaslin
Former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward
Barry Baker
LaVerne Biel
Kim & Scott Chaffin
Tanner Chaffin
Sarah Cottam
Bill & Pam Gothmann
Gordon Hester
Gayle Jaqueth
Frances Lykins
Arin LaMountain
Brenda McKinley
Shane Miller
Deb Moddy
Kim Please
Bonnie Quinn
Susan Schuler
Chud Wendle
Tyson West
Scott Wetzel
Rick Wilhite
Steve Wulf
Nothing like the present to get a jump on the future.
The Spokane Valley City Council followed that mindset to hire a consultant to help construct a list of five priority goals for 2026 during two council retreat sessions in February and April.
Led by Marketing Solutions founder and president Andrew Ballard as facilitator, the council engaged in a number of exercises at a five-hour Feb. 13 meeting, such as visioning the city in the year 2035, prioritizing four public safety focuses and an exercise where participants list and discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT Analysis) on various city issues. At the April 9 regular meeting, council utilized a four-step method of “brainstorming” ideas and concepts, consolidating concepts through identifying duplicates, prioritizing these by voting and finally framing the top-five concepts as goal statements.
Not surprisingly, public safety emerged on top. Introduced by Councilman Rod Higgins as “Crime down by 25%,” the goal morphed into a desire to see better public safety response by the end of 2026.
Part of that morphing came with input from Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis.
“Personally, I would be concerned with putting a number on it because there are so many factors,” Ellis said about crime causes. He added some of those factors are economic conditions, the weather — crime increases in warmer months — availability of detention services, courts and population.
Through the four-step process, the council eventually identified their top goal in 2026 as “Increase public safety response to ensure everyone feels safe in Spokane Valley.”
Council’s second goal in 2026 is to “Expand more home ownership
opportunities so more local people can own homes.” Councilman Al Merkel expressed reservations about this, which originally included a quantified increase of 25% more opportunities by 2026. He questioned whether the city had the strategies in place to do this.
“Are you concerned you won’t be able to come up with this?” Ballard asked.
“I am,” Merkel said. “Not within a two-year time frame.”
Mayor Pam Haley said one strategy the city currently has is obtaining more land for the use by nonprofit housing organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. City Manager John Hohman added that developing plans for encouraging more affordable housing in Spokane Valley would be part of the city’s comprehensive plan updating process this year.
“Do you think you can get them (Habitat for Humanity) out here in seven quarters?” Ballard asked Haley.
“Yes, absolutely,” she replied.
Council 2026 priority goal number three is “Continue economic development efforts to maximize business growth.” Merkel, who originally proposed “rethinking development to equitably distribute costs between residences and businesses” suggested switching “economic” and “business” in the sentence.
Councilman Ben Wick, who proposed the economic development tie with business growth, disagreed, noting the city has an Economic Development Department, and keeping economics first would maintain consistency with that approach. Council agreed by a 6-1 vote.
Goal number four emerged as the intent to “Maintain our strong financial position.” In proposing this, Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg said he was thinking of the city’s conservative approach to maintaining a balanced budget.
“We strive with everything we do to be financially responsible to the taxpayers,” Hattenburg added.
Goal number five is to address the issue of homelessness in Spokane Valley. Council debated using language that cast the issue in somewhat harsh terms, such as addressing the “homelessness problem.”
“Homelessness is a problem, but we’re talking about humans,” Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger said.
Council also debated whether the issue could be “solved,” as some suggested.
“Are we going to solve our homeless problem by 2026?” Merkel asked.
“I don’t think the homeless problem is going to go away,” Councilwoman Laura Padden said, suggesting using something along the lines of “aggressively strive to reduce.”
Other members wanted to make sure references to outside partners working on the homelessness issue were included in any goal statement.
“We are not going to do this on our own,” Yaeger said. “We don’t have the funding. We don’t have the staff.”
An initial run at a goal of “Utilize strategic partnerships to aggressively reduce Spokane Valley homelessness” was approved 4-3. Wick asked those dissenting how they could reword the
goal so a more unanimous approval took place, noting a lot of the city’s efforts to date have centered on also preventing homelessness.
In the end, the goal was revised to “Utilize strategic partnerships to aggressively reduce and prevent Spokane Valley homelessness.” Higgins felt the reference to the city was important to include.
“We don’t want to get lumped into (the city of) Spokane,” he added.
The city paid Market Solutions $4,321 to facilitate the two-day retreat. It’s the first time the city has used a consultant to determine council goals.
“Using a facilitator for a Council retreat is a best practice,” Spokane Valley Communications Manager Jill Smith said. “It’s difficult for the city manager or other staff to facilitate and participate at the same time and it is important to have an impartial third party to help with the decisionmaking.”
Smith said in hiring Marketing Solutions, the city interviewed four candidates, selecting Ballard “based on his vast relevant experience facilitating public sector retreats.”
According to Marketing Solutions website, Ballard is a graduate of Ford Marketing Institute, has worked at over 500 events across the country as a keynote and TEDx speaker, trainer and workshop facilitator and has authored the book “Your Opinion Doesn’t Matter.” He started Marketing Solutions, based in Mill Creek, Wash., in 1997.
Prior to that, he was an executive director for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, worked for a CBS broadcast affiliate and the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise.
Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday with books about wildfire prevention and taking care of our forests and the environment.
Get started at www.scld.org/smokey-bear
www.scld.org
The city of Spokane Valley is gearing up to spend over $20 million in capital improvement projects this summer and fall. It’s an amount containing a mixture of estimated projects and projects already awarded, but doesn’t include one high-ticket item getting underway.
The latter refers to the Pines Road / Burlington Northern Grade Separation Project, part of the city’s “Bridging the Valley” campaign that also includes the completed grade separation project at Barker Road. The estimated $48 million project — of which $43.9 million in non-city funding has been secured — realigns Pines Road to the east by constructing an underpass beneath the BNSF tracks, creates a two-lane roundabout at Trent while providing stormwater system and lighting improvements, Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) installation and upgrades to the nearby Centennial Trail trailhead.
According to city staff, work on the project could begin this year with construction of the BNSF bridge along with utility relocations.
Sprague Avenue Stormwater and Multi-Modal Project
One of the more controversial projects to emerge from the Spokane Valley Public Works drawing boards recently, the Sprague Avenue Stormwater and Multi-Modal Project addresses contamination of the city’s sole source of drinking water — the Spokane Valley / Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer — through treatment of stormwater runoff in the section of Sprague between South University and South Herald roads.
According to city information, stormwater currently drains into drywells located within the road bed and then infiltrates untreated into the aquifer. The project will provide treatment by building bio-infiltration swales along this stretch of roadway.
Because of existing underground
utilities, limited right-of-way access and existing street trees, to construct the swales the city will reduce Sprague from five lanes to three, removing the north and south outside lanes. The project includes a new, signalized pedestrian crossing from City Hall to the remodeled Balfour Park and the new Spokane Valley Library branch, a “high-performance” Spokane Transit Authority bus stop, new ADA-compliant curbs and ramps, dedicated bicycle lane, traffic signal improvements and new pavement.
Public Works Director Bill Helbig said the project was “originally scoped” for stormwater only in 2014. In 2019 it grew due to the city being awarded grants from STA and the Washington State Pedestrian and Bicycle Program for transit and pedestrian improvements.
When presented to City Council in December, 2022, the estimated cost for the three-lane option was just over $1.7 million. Additional project requirements and council-increased stormwater fees in 2023 designated for enhanced stormwater treatment prior to infiltration into the aquifer has expanded that to just over $4.58 million, of which almost $3.32 million of funds for the fully-funded project must be used for stormwater improvements.
“To address this new stormwater direction, the stormwater treatment facilities proposed are much more effective in treatment than what was
identified in 2024,” Helbig said. “Also, with the focus on enhancing the City’s stormwater system, the aging stormwater infrastructure within Sprague Avenue is being replaced.”
The city conducted a pilot project in fall 2022, shutting down the two southern most lanes of Sprague for six weeks to ascertain traffic impacts from converting it to a three-lane roadway. The results indicated the reduction increased the road’s traffic volume in that area from its current peak-hour 20% of capacity to 27%, and while average traffic speed increased slightly, excessive speeds of 50 miles per hour or greater dropped 33%.
Staff told council at the December 2022 meeting — during which council gave its consensus to proceed — that they contacted 21 of the 22 businesses in the area, meeting with 17 in person, all of whom they said were supportive. Of the others, two provided written support while two did not reply.
An online survey yielded different results. Of the 292 people who replied, 63% were opposed to the lane reductions — some with very strong, accusatory opinions — while 32% were supportive. In stories on the project, local television news outlets portrayed it as focused on speed-reduction, not stormwater.
One of those in opposition is newly-elected Councilman Al Merkel. Merkel has repeatedly brought up his opposition at meetings, questioning
staff’s local business claims by saying his interviews with some owners indicated they are opposed to the project.
He has repeatedly called for either reconsideration or cancelation of the project be put on the council’s advanced agenda for discussion. None of his motions has received a second, including a motion at the March 26 meeting to “at minimum” hold a town hall on the project for community input.
Bids for the Sprague Stormwater and Multi-Modal Project were to be opened on April 27 at City Hall. While the number of bids submitted was unknown at press time, Helbig said there was a lot of interest in the project, with over 20 contractors requesting bid documents.
Work begins at Pines and Mission, 16th Avenue
Two projects are already proceeding.
The North Pines Road / Mission Avenue Intersection project was awarded to N.A. Degerstrom, Inc. in August, 2023 for $1,549,863.60, but with the understanding it wouldn’t commence until 2024. Work began on April 15, and is slated to continue until completion sometime in August.
Improvements to the intersection include a dedicated right-turn lane from southbound Pines onto See SV CONSTRUCTION, Page 29
Lily Sullivan juggles a lot at East Valley High School – but she makes sure to find time and space for peace of mind. The senior is a volunteer with the Peer Mentoring program which focuses on positive mental health and, in Sullivan’s words, “helps students cope with the stress of school and balance life demands.” She maintains a 3.68 grade point average and is part of the American Sign Language (ASL) National Honor Society, helping with interpretation as school events. She is also a teacher’s assistant and tutors kids in ASL. Sullivan was named a Spokane Scholar in World Languages for her work in ASL. She is also an outstanding track and field athlete and four-year letter-winner who competes in the discus, shotput and hammer throw. Sullivan will continue her pursuits in sports and academics at Montana Tech University.
Three-sport letter-winners are not common on high school campuses these days but Hunter Anderson is an exception. The senior at East Valley High School has competed in varsity football, basketball and soccer and currently leads the Knights in goals (eight) and assists (seven) on the pitch. In a 5-0 win over Clarkston, Anderson had a say in each EV score with two goals and three assists. In a game against Rogers, he found the net on a free kick of around 40 yards, a feat he previously accomplished as a sophomore against Clarkston. The left wing was named to the All Greater Spokane League second team as a sophomore and junior. He has been a varsity starter since his freshman year. Anderson plays club soccer for Eastern Washington Surf SC. He plans to continue his soccer career in college.
Keirsten Lyons shines as a Gold Star Mom. You will often find her meticulously caring for the Heroes Garden near the Spokane Vet Center in Spokane Valley. Lyons’ son, U.S. Marine Sgt. Jake Hess, passed away on Jan. 1, 2014 while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Heroes Garden is part of the Washington State Falen Heroes Project. “Keirsten and her Gold Star group have made the Heroes Garden more heartfelt, more accessible and a place that honors Gold Star families and their loved ones,” said Joe Dumlao, a Veterans Outreach program specialist. Lyons also helps coordinate the “Boots on the Ground” display each Memorial Day honoring fallen service members. Lyons said the Heroes Garden has made the sadness of loss “more manageable.” “We can decide to take our energy and grief and channel that into something good,” she said.
office,” Ritter worked with DAR member RaeAnna Victor to design and create the garden. “The state of Washington’s legislative funded the entire Veterans Memorial. It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to those that have given their all.”
The marker and garden stand in front of the veteran memorial pillars that can be viewed while strolling through the park. Standing proudly over the pillars and garden is the American flag and on Saturday was waving in the breeze, as if in support of the dedication.
and community members, came together to honor and pay tribute to those who have served.
On a crisp and blustery Saturday this past April 20th, The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored the memory of fallen soldiers by dedicating a Never Forget Garden at Balfour Park in Spokane Valley.
The inspiration for the Never Forget Garden stems from the hallowed ground of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, where the remains of unidentified American soldiers from past wars rest in eternal peace. The Society of the Honor Guard developed the concept of the Never Forget Garden, inviting Americans to plant their own gardens as a visual representation of our unwavering commitment to recognizing, remembering, and honoring our veterans and first responders.
The Never Forget Garden Marker stands as a symbol of our duty to never forget those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of America.
The newly constructed Balfour Park is now home to the recently completed garden, a special place for Americans to reflect and contemplate what defines us as Americans.
The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Ester Reed Chapter worked extensively with the City of Spokane Valley’s senior engineer and project manager for the construction of Balfour Park and the Veterans Memorial, Glen Ritter to erect the garden. “One of the first things that we did was apply for a grant from Senator Padden’s
The ceremony, hosted by the DAR Ester Reed Chapter was filled with solemnity and respect. Members of other chapters of DAR from Spokane and beyond joined with local officials including City of Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley, veterans, service members,
Haley gave a proclamation that April 20th, 2024, would be known as Tomb of Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Day. She included in her presentation words of remembrance, “Open your heart to allow these plantings to speak, to reflect upon the deeds of those who we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid, and to think about those immutable truths that define us as Americans secured by their full measure of devotion.”
“The Spokane Daughters of the American Revolution created and dedicated there Never Forget Gardens as a way to personally thank our patriots and their descendants and to ensure the continued respect of all military members and one of
the nation’s most sacred symbols.” Haley urged “citizens to join in our city’s effort to recognize and thank those veterans and their families for their service.”
Standing proudly next to the service pillars were members of the Combat Vet Riders. Unbeknownst to them, the seven veteran riders were the number needed to stand one veteran per pillar. The riders President, Robert Hemming, known as Jeremiah on the road, says, “We saw the event on Facebook.” Hemming shares, “We respect the ones that have fallen and the ones that are serving. This garden means honor and reflection of service.”
The marker is flanked on either side by a Niphetos rose, the same type of rose that is believed to have been placed on the casket of the soldier to be buried in the Tomb. The rose is translated from Greek as “snowing” or “falling snow” and is a pure white tea rose tracing it’s origins back to 1841 in France.
Rob Hill, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Chaplain, attended the event dressed in his American Revolution attire along with other members from the local Spokane Chapter 1. He was part of the honor guard presenting the flags and honoring the duty with the Pledge of Allegiance. “We belong to Spokane Chapter 1, which was the first chapter in the Pacific Northwest. It’s still around since 1895.” Hill explained, “It’s a blessing, the things that we need to remind ourselves of. It's so easy to get caught up in our lives and not know the whole picture and not remember why we’re here. We have groups like DAR and SAR standing for what’s right and remembering our forefathers that gave their lives, that we might have lives today.”
As the Never Forget Garden takes root in Balfour Park, it will serve as a place of solace, reflection, and gratitude for all who visit. May it forever remind us of the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of those who have answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.
By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor
The week had gone well for Central Valley softball standout Sofia Morales.
In three games, beginning April 15, the senior came to bat 11 times and collected nine hits while leading the Bears to a 2-1 record, including wins over Ferris and North Central. The hit parade added to a season in which Morales is hitting .583, a slight uptick from her junior year where she finished with a .529 average en route to first team All Greater Spokane League honors.
Yet on this Thursday evening, with a road game against an undefeated University squad scheduled the following afternoon, Morales was doing anything but resting on her laurels. She was planted in the batting cage, honing her swing to prepare for a matchup against U-Hi senior pitching ace Maliyah Mann.
“She said, “I’m facing Maliyah tomorrow, I have to be ready,’” said Sofia’s dad, Cruz Morales.
For the last two seasons, Morales has won CV’s “110-Percent Award,” given to players who go the extra mile and exemplify a steady work ethic. Cruz said the recognition epitomizes Sofia’s approach to every practice and game.
“We’ve always heard that from her coaches, that she’s a great teammate, coachable and a hard worker,” he said. “For me, it’s that respect for her coaches that really stands out.”
The trait of resilience could also be added to the list. As a sophomore on CV’s slowpitch team, Morales suffered a strained hamstring before
the state tournament. Undaunted, she remained in the lineup and went 12 for 13 with 10 runs batted in as the Bears defeated second-ranked Bothell and third-ranked Moses Lake before losing to top seed Chiawana in the championship. Morales has earned All GSL first team honors in slowpitch the last two seasons.
“Sofia epitomizes what being a Bear is all about – hard work, grit, toughness,” said CV head coach Joe Stanton. “She is clutch and consistent.”
Sometimes, the journey for Morales has meant taking a step back.
After a sophomore fastpitch season that featured more struggles than she was accustomed to, Morales spent a month-and-a-half away from her favorite sport.
“I didn’t have a good mentality,”
Morales recalls. “I was having doubts about my abilities. That summer, I just took a break from softball. I regained my love for the game. It just made me appreciate it more.”
As a sophomore, Morales stewed over a strikeout total that was high for her standards, As a junior, she struck out only once in 51 at-bats. In the field, she played solid defense at third base and knocked in 26 runs while finishing with a .636 on-base percentage.
Stanton said Morales has become an offensive force through “hard work and dedication to being a great hitter and having a great approach at the plate.”
Last November, a few months after Morales rediscovered her enthusiasm for softball, she was invited to share her insights and
energy for the game on a goodwill trip to Mexico City. Over the course of week and a half, she helped coach a youth clinic and played with a local club team.
“It was great to see how popular softball is there,” Morales said. “It was a really cool experience.”
Morales points to her family as a steady foundation for her success on and off the field. Her parents are fixtures at every game and her two older sisters also played softball at CV. She walks over to her dad before the start of every game as a reminder to stay calm and focused.
“He just tells me to play like I can and be me out there,” Morales said. “It’s just a reminder that he’ll be there for me. I’ve always had a lot of support from my family in that way.”
Cruz said the pre-game check-ins are about helping Sofia play to her potential.
“It’s not coaching, it’s just positive words,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s just about providing reassurance.”
Stanton said Morales sets a tone for her teammates through the way she approaches the game.
“Sofia is a quiet leader,” he said. “She leads by an example that elevates those around her.”
In the classroom, Morales has stepped up her determination this year and seen it pay off. She has earned all A’s and B’s as a senior and had her grade point average up to a 3.4 last semester. She also volunteers with Bears Support Bears, a club that promotes students looking out for each other.
When the current fastpitch season comes to a close, Morales will have earned eight varsity letters – four in slowpitch and four in slowpitch. She will continue her softball and academic pursuits at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene where she will be joined on the roster by former GSL foes like Mann. Her goal is to latch on to an NCAA Division 1 program. Not surprisingly, one of the draws at NIC was the proximity to family.
“I wanted to be close to home,” Morales said.
May is National Small Business Month, a celebration that promotes the entrepreneurial spirit found in our communities and recognizes the small businesses and entrepreneurs who play a crucial role in strengthening local economies.
Spokane County Library District (SCLD) is celebrating small businesses with programs and a prize drawing. To enter the drawing, simply visit Argonne Library and fill out the quick form, telling us which Millwood small business you love and why. The library will hold a drawing from the submitted forms, and the winner will receive a gift card to their chosen local business. The prize is sponsored by the Friends of Argonne Library.
Teens can explore a wide range of engaging and free activities at local libraries this month. Opportunities include leadership projects, art, digital video, and the exploration of other cultures.
If your teen is looking for an opportunity to make a difference in our local community, Spokane Valley Library is looking for young leaders in grades 7–12 who would like to serve on our Teen Leadership Council. The council has finished two service projects during this school year: making pet toys for SCRAPS and planting trees in the newly expanded Balfour Park. The teens in the council are currently working on a zine project for families with young children who attend storytime.
Teen Leadership Council meets during the school year (October–
You can also participate in three other communities in Spokane County: Cheney, Deer Park, and Medical Lake. Libraries are accepting forms through May 22, during open hours. Prize drawings will be held May 23–25.
Sign up for workshops and tours that highlight local, small businesses and organizations. Learn about the vibrant business district that provided the essentials for the residents of early Millwood as well as the historic homes and varied architecture of this unique area during the “Millwood Historical Walking Tour.” Afterward, the group will gather to enjoy refreshments provided by the Friends of Argonne Library.
This guided walking tour is for adults and teens and led by local historian Greg Mott. Registered participants will meet up in Millwood on Saturday, May 4, at 2pm. Sign up at www.scld.org/ millwood-tour.
Learn how to change a bicycle tire the proper way during the workshop “Bicycle Tire Replacement.” Robin DeRuwe
June) on the first Wednesday of each month. The council offers teens a chance to build their service hours, help shape library programs, and make a difference in our area. Upcoming meetings are Wednesday, May 1 and June 5, at 5pm at Spokane Valley Library.
“Teen Hang Out & Create” takes place at Spokane Valley Library every Wednesday in May at 4pm. This one-hour program offers teens a chance to hang out, study, and try out a new creative activity, with snacks provided by the library.
For a chance to capture their unique view of the world, teens can sign up for “Documentary Filmmaking” to gain skills that help them capture the world around them on film. Participating teens learn how to direct, record, and edit their own video using the equipment in The STCU Studio at Spokane Valley Library on Wednesday, May 15, at 5:30pm. Sign up at www.scld.org/ stcu-studio-events.
Teens, tweens, and adults can “Experience Virtual Reality” at Spokane Valley Library on Tuesday,
from Fitness Fanatics also goes over how to perform a safety check on your bike before each ride. This program is for adults and takes place on Monday, May 6, at 6pm at Argonne Library. You can sign up at www.scld.org/bicycle-tire.
Other National Small Business Month events include a “Hatha Yoga” session at Cheney Library and a “Historic Downtown Cheney Walking Tour.” You can sign up for these at www.scld.org/events.
If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, you can gain skills and knowledge at the library to help your business grow and thrive.
During “Social Media Basics for Business” presented by a SCORE Spokane business mentor, discuss the basics for setting up a business page or account and creating business ads on social media platforms. The presenter will also discuss your specific questions and the latest trends in social media. This workshop takes place online on Thursday, May 16, at 12pm and requires registration. You can sign up at www.scld.org/ score-business.
Share your memories, photos, and memorabilia from Expo ’74 in our libraries and online during the month of July.
May 21, from 3pm to 6pm. During this program, you use an Oculus headset to explore virtual worlds with Brink Traveler, Beat Saber, SpaceEngine, or Nature Treks. Sign up for a 20-minute session at www. scld.org/virtual-reality.
Aspiring teen artists can create themed art during “Designing a Star Wars Temporary Tattoo-ine,” using skin-safe markers and by creating a removable tattoo sleeve at Argonne Library on Tuesday, May 21, at 4pm.
May is also Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. With the rise in popularity of K-Pop music groups such as BTS and Blackpink, Spokane Valley Library is hosting “K-Pop Music & Dance: A Look at South Korean Popular Culture,” on Thursday, May 23, at 4pm. Hyun Schroeder from the Spokane Korean Language School teaches participants new dance moves and shares with us the wide range of music in this genre.
You can find library events for teens throughout Spokane County at www.scld.org/teens-events.
Have a Spokane World’s Fair story to share? Let us capture it on video!
Submissions accepted through May 10.
SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 S Herald Rd
ARGONNE LIBRARY
4322 N Argonne Rd
OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY 22324 E Wellesley Ave Learn
Pines Road is as common to Spokane Valley residents as cheese is to pizza. Four lanes of traffic with a turn lane flanked by businesses both new and old traveled by vehicles numbering in the thousands per day. Yet there was a time not too long ago when Pines Road was little more than a dirt path traveled by horse and carriage across arid soil. In 1905, the trio of D.K. McDonald, R.A. Hutchinson, and A.C. Jamison embarked on an ambitious journey by purchasing 3,000 acres of arid land, founding Modern Irrigation and Land Company.
As the Spokane Valley transitioned from rural farms and orchards to urban development, Modern Electric Water Company (Modern) adapted its focus from being an irrigation provider to supplying power and water for residential and commercial needs. The company's strong fiscal health and longevity are ensured through the foundation of the 1905 Agreement, which outlines the rights and privileges of landowners in terms of water and electric service. This agreement guarantees the payment of all incurred debts through property lien rights, ensuring the conservative cost-based operating model benefits all customers.
As a customer-owned, notfor-profit corporation, Modern is committed to serving the interests of its customers. The utility is governed by a locally elected 5-member Board of Directors who determine policies and advise the General Manager on all utility matters. General Manager Joe Morgan has been with the company since 1995 when he was hired as a Journeyman Lineman. At the annual shareholder meeting held since 1905, shareholders are allowed to vote. Landowners receive one vote per acre.
Board President Dave Thompson has served on the board for the past 23 years and shares “I’m just pleased to be able to support the shareholders. And work with Joe and this great staff and crew here.”
Modern has among the lowest electricity rates in the state and the country. They achieve this by relying on clean and renewable hydroelectric power for 85% of their energy supply.
The company's board of directors works to keep rates as low as possible in the interest of their customers.
The Spokane Valley sits above a lush and fulfilling aquifer, but water can still become tainted once pumped to the surface. 250 samples were collected from Modern’s water supply in 2023, all of which yielded clean results.
Modern is actively involved in customer support and has a responsive customer service team that handles a significant number of incoming calls. In 2023, the team handled over 34,000 incoming calls, addressing customer inquiries and concerns promptly.
“The people out in the field are the face of the company,” Morgan explains about the quality job that the employees at Modern provided. “They do a phenomenal job. Our people in the field are amazing at the jobs they do and the customer service they provide.”
They have also been involved in various community development and revitalization projects and provided financial assistance to residents and businesses during the pandemic. “You feel like you can make a difference here,” Morgan shares about his reason to make Modern his career. “We’re small enough that one person really can make a difference.”
Modern’s commitment to community shone brightly during the COVID-19 pandemic. When there was an unprecedented demand for food programs but a severe shortage of funding, Modern took a proactive stance by fully funding various programs throughout the area.
The company provided substantial assistance by offering a $50 bill credit to all residential customers and a $500 bill credit to all our commercial customers. During the 2023 holiday season, Modern once again showed its appreciation to its customers with $50 bill credits.
Modern has also contributed to programs focused on community youth development and aiding individuals and families affected by homelessness, substance abuse, trauma, and more. Modern also supports underprivileged youth, Valleyfest, the local business community, and the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, they sponsor
a program for hearing-impaired children, provide food assistance for senior citizens, and participate in various educational initiatives in schools.
In addition to providing some of the lowest utility rates in the nation, Modern informs their customers and shareholders with useful information to help them conserve water and protect against misinformation.
Modern acknowledges the popularity of solar energy, but remains neutral in terms of partnering with any specific vendor, contractor, agency, or program. Their focus is on serving customers fairly and for the longterm, adhering to state requirements for net metering. To protect customers from scams, they caution against exaggerated claims made by some solar contractors, which may mislead property owners about the benefits and cost-effectiveness of solar systems. Modern emphasizes that solar systems are costly, with a return on investment taking 23-30 years. They insist that customers, not contractors or solar companies, must sign applications and agreements related to net metering. Online resources are available for customers to verify information or seek answers to any questions. Modern Electric Water Company's core mission is to provide safe, reliable, cost-based electricity and water to the Spokane Valley and surrounding areas.
With spring just around the corner, Modern honors their legacy of farming and growing plants providing
information on growing the ideal species for our area. Planting native plants this spring offers numerous benefits for both the environment and homeowners, as mentioned in an article by Modern Electric Water Company. Native plants have adaptability to local conditions, such as climate, soil, and weather, making them more resilient to survive in the Spokane Valley area. One significant advantage is that native plants require less water compared to non-native species and generally do not need irrigation. This not only saves water but also saves time and money on maintenance. Native plants also help control erosion and stabilize soil with their deep root systems, preventing soil erosion and reducing water runoff. They contribute to preserving biodiversity by providing a habitat for wildlife, sustaining resilient landscapes, and promoting overall environmental health. Additionally, native plants are low maintenance, have higher survival rates, and offer a wide range of textures, colors, and heights, enhancing the natural beauty of any landscape.
Thompson is proud to be “on the finest board of directors in the Pacific Northwest. The Manager is in the top three in the Pacific Northwest and the staff is in the very top five!”
For more information about Modern Electric Water Company and its services, you can visit their main office at 904 North Pines Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, or contact them at 509-928-4540.
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westbound Mission, two dedicated left-turn lanes on eastbound Mission onto northbound Pines, restriping the intersection to make the thru-left lane on westbound Mission into a dedicated left-turn lane, stormwater drywell and catch basin installation and improvements as well as traffic signal work to improve flow.
“The city has been actively coordinating the signals within the Pines Road corridor for several years,” Helbig said. “The ongoing coordination will continue after the project is completed.”
First phase project work will be at night, 8 p.m. – 6 a.m., while secondphase construction, beginning May 17, takes place during the day from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. with no night work. The final phase, starting around June 27, will move back to night only.
Residents around Evergreen Middle School will see construction this summer as the council awarded a $1.1 million contract to Shamrock Paving for asphalt grinding and inlay of 16th Avenue between South Evergreen and South Adams roads. The work includes curb ramp revisions and installation of ITS conduit.
Both of these projects are fully funded using a mixture of city, state and federal funding.
A project that could soon come before City Council is the Bowdish Road Improvements Project. Bid openings were slated for April 23 on the estimated $4.3 million project that features work on Bowdish from East 12th to East 22th avenues including road widening and new asphalt, new sidewalk on the east side of the road, bicycle path, stormwater infrastructure improvements, improved lighting and a traffic circle at Bowdish and 16th Avenue.
Besides $2.75 million in city money, funding for the project includes a $1.55 million grant from the state’s Safe Routes to Schools Program.
Another project forecast this spring is the Trent Avenue Access Control Safety Improvements Project. The estimated $350,000 work includes constructing concrete islands to create protected turning along Trent at the intersections of Dale, McDonald and Evergreen roads.
Projects tabbed for this summer begin with resumption of the city’s Local Access Pavement Preservation
Services Program. The city is looking at asphalt replacement and stormwater infrastructure work on streets in the Castle / Aloha West and Marley Heights neighborhoods.
The estimated $1.5 million in Castle / Aloha West includes streets south of 32nd to 35th, including the latter, east of Dishman-Mica and University roads and west of Pierce. In Marley Heights, the city’s $450,000 estimated work features contracts for aggregate and slurry seals to Indiana Avenue from Park to Vista roads and all side streets.
Also this summer is a $1.5 million asphalt replacement with concrete on Indiana from Sullivan to the Interstate 90 on-ramp, a $130,000 project installing reflective backplates on city traffic signals and installation of a 2,000-foot long waterline from Sullivan Park to north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
City engineer Robert Lochmiller told City Council during a presentation at their Feb. 20 meeting that the cost of the waterline project was estimated to be $650,000 in 2023.
“We’re still updating our cost estimate for 2024,” he added.
Finally, construction should begin on the city’s proposed cross country course on 46.13 acres of land north of the Spokane River near Flora Road. The city is using $4.4 million of lodging tax revenue to build the course, water and sewer facilities, irrigation and parking.
In January, 2024, the city received approval from the Washington State Project Review Committee to utilize the Progressive Design Build (PDB) process for construction. The PDB is a process where design and construction of a project are procured from one entity.
Spokane Valley Economic & Development Director Mike Basinger told the council at its April 23 meeting that after advertising for requests for proposals, the city had received two potential applicants. After a length review and evaluation process by a selection committee composed of city staff with “expertise in the field,” Basinger said they had selected Walker Construction and SPVV Landscape Architects to receive the project.
Council gave him consensus at the meeting to bring a contract forward at the April 30 meeting for consideration and possible approval.
Additional amenities of the estimated $7 million facility such as a clubhouse, restrooms, concessions and other items will be constructed as funding becomes available.
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More than a dozen miles of Spokane’s Centennial Trail will remain closed until Labor Day as construction crews work on the first phase of improvements to enhance safety and recreational facilities at the state park.
The park commemorates Washington State’s Centennial Birthday. According to the Friends of the Centennial Trail nonprofit, the trail attracts more than 2.5 million visitors each year who come from across the world to walk its miles and take in the beautiful sights along the Spokane River.
Work began in the centennial year of 1989 along the same stretch of the closure and took three years to complete. When it was finished, the entire trail encompassed 10.5 miles, but today, the trail is 64 miles long, spans across two states and multiple counties, and was named a National Recreation trail by the United State Department of the Interior.
“Community leaders at that point really realized there was an opportunity to bridge recreation throughout Spokane County and also bring it into Stevens County,” Friends Executive Director Loreen McFaul said. “To have something like a recreation trail parallel to the Spokane River…and is bookended by Lake Coeur d’Alene and Long Lake…you have this unbelievable span that welcomes anyone where they’re at.”
The asphalt trail travels through three distinct zones in Eastern Washington, and it’s the third stretch between a trailhead known as the Donkey Islands at Maringo in Millwood and the State Line trailhead that crews are working on. Historically, the land the trail covers was inhabited by the Spokane People, a interior Salish speaking Indigenous population that now
resides on a reservation around Wellpinit in Stevens County.
Heavy machinery and large vehicles, such as an asphalt truck, will move across the 14-mile span while sealing pavement cracks, repairing damaged sections of the trail, and resurfacing the entire segment with a fresh overlay of asphalt. Other projects include replacing bollards, refreshing markings, and tuning up information kiosks.
Before any of the trail specific repairs can happen, crews must trim trees and chip them to prepare for the equipment, while the utility access vaults and storm drains built into the trail will need to be raised to meet the new trail surface. Once those items are completed, work on repaving the surface and adding trail amenities can begin, and the project will hopefully wrap up early fall.
“This section of the Centennial Trail was some of the first pavement laid out over thirty years ago,” Rex Schultz said. Schultz works as the community engagement manager for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s Inland Northwest and Blue Mountain area. This asphalt overlay project will provide a smooth trail surface for many years to come.”
The current project has been years in the making and required cooperation at all levels of government and in the nonprofit sector. Between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the parks and recreation departments of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Spokane County, the park is cared for and overseen using state dollars through the cooperation of the nonprofit, Friends of the Centennial Trail. Together, the five bodies form a coordinating council and share a mutual responsibility to steward the state park. The nonprofit is the civilian arm and is funded completely through private donations from community members.
Friends of the Centennial Trail matched a grant donation the coordination council received from a grant program through its maintenance fund, contributing $10,000 toward the upcoming work. Their match donation came from the nonprofit’s Trail Builder Fund, which anyone can donate to by visiting their website, but their primary funding comes from their membership fundraising activities.
“Becoming (a member)...has really been the longstanding way
that many of our community friends and supporters have given over the decades to the trail,” McFaul said. “It started with medallion support over 30 years ago and continues with kind of annual fund gifts from those people.”
Closing a significant portion of the trail just in time for Summer isn’t ideal, but McFaul and Schultz both emphasized that the scale of the equipment and the nature of the work presents major safety hazards to the public.
“No one wants to close the trail, that’s not our goal here, but at the same time, it’s just like road construction; there’s only a short window,” McFaul said. “The thing that leads and directs all the traffic for the asphalt projects is the plants, and those things close in November.”
In the meantime, McFaul encouraged anyone hoping to enjoy the closed section of the trail to enjoy the other 50 miles of available trail through the project. She also warned that law enforcement and park rangers will have a presence during construction to prevent trespassers.
As for what the future holds for the state park and the greater community as a whole, McFaun said she wants to see the trail evolve into a major alternative to cars when navigating the Inland Northwest. She’s referring to a concept called ‘active transportation’, or the act of traveling without a motor vehicle. In order for that to happen, McFaul said administrators need to figure out a way to welcome people from all backgrounds while making sure everyone feels safe.
“There’s a lot of litter, there’s a lot of illegal camping, and people feel unsafe that are on the trail,” McFaul said. “People who want to recreate on the Centennial Trail…visitors and residents alike…have a right to do so safely and to feel secure and safe. That’s really important for us.”
In the much nearer future, additional phases of construction will address different sections needing repair work to ensure the trail endures for another 30 years. To support future projects, donations to the Friends of the Centennial Trail or participation in surveys provided by the state parks and recreation commission are encouraged.
