RIVER CROSSING
Sports enthusiast, family man, and student focused leader - Quinn LeSage
By Ben Wick Current Publisher
Growing up in Helena Montana, the youngest of three brothers, Quinn LeSage grew up loving the outdoors and everything it brings. From hunting to fly fishing LeSage would be outdoors if he can.
Along with his connection to outdoors it didn’t take long for another all American interest to set in as well. His passion for sports, or more specifically baseball, began at the age of 9 years old. He had an opportunity to join the Helena Brewers baseball team, the minor league affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, as a Bat Boy.
“Sports became my whole life, my two older brothers were already active in baseball so it was an easy fit” said LeSage.
After graduating from Capital High School in Helena, LeSage continued his education at the Columbia Basin Community College, where he met is wife Mary. He was playing on the college baseball team, she was on the college volleyball team. It was a match made in heaven.
From Columbia Basin Community College the pair moved to North Carolina to attend Cambell University where LeSage played on their baseball team before graduating and moving back to Bellingham, WA with his wife who got a job teaching and coaching at Mt. Baker High School.
“I was in the bleachers of my wife’s volleyball coaching game, when the same person that hired my wife talked to me about joining the school as a Career and Technology teacher” said LeSage. In those days the career class covered topics including manufacturing, digital media, and web design.
It was through the mentorship of that administrator that LeSage began attending the Grand Canion University program to get his Masters in Educational Administration and became the Assistant Principle and
Athletic Director at Mt. Baker High School.
During this time LeSage his first two sons, Sawyer and Finn, which made him want to move closer to family.
“My wife grew up in West Valley School District and Liberty Lake” said LeSage.
In the spring of 2018, he interviewed in hopes of becoming the assistant principal at University High School, which allowed them to move back home.
Then in the fall of 2021, as Selkirk Middle School was finishing its construction and the district was staffing up the new school, an opportunity was open for the Principle of Greenacres Middle School.
“What drew me to Greenacres is our community,” said LeSage. “I feel very fortunate to have the responsibility and opportunity to help the kids of my neighborhood.”
LeSage embodies the mission at Greenacres of being a ‘Student First’ philosophy. “We want to expand the opportunities for students to feel belonging not just in education but in enrichment as well,” added LeSage. “The multitude of clubs helps build connections for the students.”
This same philosophy LeSage brings to his home life as well. His sons
Saywer (11) and Finn (9) are at Liberty Lake Elementary School; and daughter Jessie (6) and started kindergarten at Liberty Creek Elementary School. They are already active in sports playing basketball, football, baseball, as well as learning how to play the piano. “We try to get them involved in as many things as possible.”
Q: You grew up participating in sports, especially baseball. While your competitive playing days may be over, are there lessons derived from your experience as an athlete that have carried over into your adult life?
A: To me the most important thing that anyone can gain from being part of a team, whether it be in an orchestra, robotics team, chess team, or athletics are the life lessons that you inevitably learn by participating. Discipline, resilience, communication, toughness, problem solving, time management, work ethic, and selflessness are just some of the lessons that I was able to take from my experiences. Everyday provides us an opportunity to practice these skills whether it be as a husband, father, principal, or friend knowing that we can always improve ourselves. I have no regrets about those experiences as they really have the ability to become the fabric of one’s character.
Q: It seems like mentors have played a role in your professional journey, how important is mentorship to the next generation?
A: Mentorship is everything! I was lucky enough to have incredible mentors in my life starting with my parents and brothers. There were also many teachers, coaches, and administrators that saw something in me and invested time in me in ways that I am forever thankful for. One program that we are very proud of at Greenacres Middle School is our peer mentor program in our Comprehensive Instruction classes, where our general education students guide, mentor, and work with our students with disabilities. Our teachers, Katelyn Godfrey and Lisa Pollman, had a vision and do an incredible job putting it into practice everyday. I believe it significantly benefits our students, both disabled and non-disable, in life well beyond the walls of our building.
See LESAGE, Page 4
Contributed photo
Greenacres Middle School Principle Quinn LeSage (upper left) poses with his family, wife Mary (upper middle), son Sawyer (upper right), son Flynn (lower left), and daughter Jessie (lower right) after a recent youth baseball tournament.
LESAGE
Continued from page 2
Q: Being close to family was an important consideration in your decision on where to locate after attending college, what led you to locating in Liberty Lake?
A: My wife’s side of the family have deep roots in Liberty Lake dating back to her great grandparents Homer and Della Neyland, who owned and operated
Sandy Beach Resort. I myself am an implant. In addition to family, I think what drew us most to this community is not only its natural beauty, but most importantly the great community of people that are passionate, supportive, friendly, and care deeply about preserving and improving the area for generations to come. I also wanted to serve the community that I live in as a principal. Liberty Lake provides a “Sandlot” type childhood for our kids and we are fortunate enough to
your self time, skip the line at the dealer ship any make or model vehicle, with no impact on your war r anty!
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have incredible friends here to share that with. Liberty Lake is a special place and places like this are hard to find.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about being a father and husband?
A: What I enjoy most about being a father and husband is the deep sense of connection and responsibility I feel towards my family. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching our children grow, learn new things, and discover the world with fresh eyes. I love sharing the small moments with them because the small moments are the big moments. The bond we have as a family is a constant source of strength and joy in my life. My family is my “why”. What I enjoy most about being a husband is the day-to-day teamwork, strategy, and mutual love that we share for each other attempting to take full advantage of the days that we have. My wife flat out makes me a better human. She is loving, caring, funny, tough, hard working, an absurdly good mom, and is constantly striving to be better herself and our family. By no means are we perfect!
Q: You took the helm at Greenacres Middle School right as the school split with the opening of Selkirk Middle School. What interested you in stepping into the role as principal during that time?
A: What interested me most about Greenacres Middle School was a combination of several things including an incredibly talented staff, supportive community with exceptional kids, rich history and tradition within the area, and the idea of serving the community in which I lived. A school’s identity will change any time a new school opens. My goal has always been to preserve all of the amazing traditions and systems that made GMS successful, but also infuse new life into areas that potentially needed it. We may not be the newest/shiniest building, but it’s not about the physical structure, it’s about the people in it.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most about your time at Greenacres?
A: I got into education because I had a passion for working with and hopefully inspiring people to maximize their potential. It is no different at GMS. I love our
staff, I love our students, I love the supportive and passionate community members that make GMS great. I believe that education is the world’s most important work, and there is no better thing on earth than to see a teacher light the fire of a student. We strive to inspire daily and that’s what I love most about GMS.
Q: Speaking of the importance of community. You are also active in the Liberty Lake Community, what got you interested in helping with Liberty Lake Better Together and the Bites to Go Program?
A: Marla Larsen, a former educator and long-time Liberty Lake community member reached out and asked if I would be a part of a brainstorming meeting to hopefully marry these two organizations together for the betterment of our community. That got me fired up and I take no credit for the heavy lifting of this project. What interested me most about this was the thought of helping students in need. There are many students in our community that do not have all of their basic needs met, and if we can capitalize on the generosity of this community to help get food and goods into the right hands that’s awesome! It’s easy to say yes when it directly helps those in need.
Q: You are a man on the go, with demands in your professional and personal life. How do you find a healthy work-life balance?
A: This is honestly my achilles heel. I am a person that when I choose to be invested in something I go all in and sometimes it’s to the detriment of other aspects in my life. My profession is extremely demanding as is making sure that I am a quality husband and father. I’m learning that balance is an ebb and flow and it requires a lot of give and take.
Q: Finally, as we look to the new year. What are you looking forward to in 2025?
A: I’m looking forward to new opportunities to learn, collaborate, and make a positive impact both in my personal and professional life. I can’t wait to spend more quality time with my family, creating memories and maybe even ski a little and get on a river to fly fish. Also, I can’t wait to coach the Liberty Lake Yard Goats baseball team this spring.
Student of the Month
You will find Freeman High School senior Vance Coyner, volunteering around the school. Coyner is a part of the Freeman Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club who regularly volunteers to work the concessions around the school as well as partnering with the Spokane Chiefs Hockey Team for their Teddy Bear Toss program collecting stuffed animals for the Christmas Bureau. Back at school Coyner is no stranger to advanced classes either, last year he was recognized for his AP honors for passing four AP Honors tests concurrently while maintaining his 4.0 GPA. In addition to his community service and academics, Coyner is also a sports fan playing football, basketball, and baseball at Freeman HS. Vance has also represented the Scotty’s at state competing in the FBLA’s Sports & Entertainment Management program. Coyner hopes to play football in college and is considering a career in the medical field.
Athlete of the Month
Alena Cochran the path to victory has been in the making for 12 years. The Freeman High School Senior started playing club soccer at a young age. First with the Washington East soccer club then for the Surf Soccer Club for the last 11 years. “Soccer has been my whole life” recounts Cochran. “I’m a very competitive person, I like to challenge myself and my friends not only academically but especially outside of school.” The team cocaptain and defensive mid-fielder recently led the Scotties 21 to 0 for an undefeated state championship in Federal Way. Alena maintains a 3.75 GPA, participates in National Honor Society as well as taking advanced art classes. Her current goal is to go to college in order to become an occupational therapist.
Citizen of the Month
Jay Rydell is a community pillar having served children his whole life. Jay was raised in Great Falls Montana, and attended college at the University of Montana Western in Dillon where he met his wife Sandy. They will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this August. Rydell moved to Liberty Lake in 1971 and never looked back. With a career in teaching, coaching and school administrative work at the Central Valley School district he made impression on numerous families within the community and continues to do so even though he retired in 1997. Jay was recognized as this years Spokane Valley Kiwanis Clubs Kiwanian of the Year and leads the clubs Finance and Fundraising Committee organizing the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Food booth at the Spokane County Interstate Fair. Jay has also never stopped coaching and continues to be involved with numerous school sports events including volunteering for Track and Field meets and parking cars at the spring baseball practices in Arizona where they spend their winters.
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.
2024 November Theft Hotspots
SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH
The IRS warns taxpayers to avoid charitable donation scams
The Internal Revenue Service warns taxpayers to avoid promoters of fraudulent tax schemes involving donations of ownership interests in closely held businesses, sometimes marketed as “Charitable LLCs.”
Taxpayers should remember they are always responsible for the accuracy of information reported on their tax return. Participating in an abusive scheme to reduce their tax liability can result in assessment of the correct tax owed, penalties, interest, and potentially fines and imprisonment. Charities also need to be careful they do not knowingly enable these schemes.
While taxpayers can properly deduct donations of closely held business interests, unscrupulous promoters sometimes lure taxpayers into schemes involving false charitable deductions. These schemes typically encourage higher-income taxpayers to create limited liability companies (LLCs), put cash or other assets into the LLCs, then donate a majority percentage of nonvoting, nonmanaging, membership units to a charity while the taxpayer maintains control of the voting units and reclaims the cash or asset(s) directly or indirectly for personal use. The promoter sometimes has control over the charity that receives the donation.
IRS investigating abusive transactions
The IRS is currently using a variety of compliance tools to combat abusive donations, including thorough audits of tax returns and civil penalty investigations. The IRS has seen hundreds of tax returns filed using this abusive charitable contribution scheme. IRS active promoter investigations and taxpayer audits in this area have resulted in a promoter pleading guilty and others being criminally convicted of this scheme, including a donor who pled guilty to obstruction.
To avoid penalties, interest, and potential fines or imprisonment, the IRS encourages taxpayers to watch out for abusive transactions marketed by
unscrupulous promoters.
Abusive scheme design
In the “Charitable LLCs” scheme, promoters create documents establishing the LLC for a fee. They then assist in the transfer of the taxpayer’s assets to the LLC and create documents that purport to transfer membership units in the LLC to a charity. The promoter might supply an appraisal supporting the valuation for the claimed gift and might even provide a list of charities willing to accept the membership units or identify a single charity that will accept the donation.
Promoters might incorrectly advise clients that they can retain control and legally access the cash or other assets transferred to the LLC for their own personal use after the donation. Promoters might also execute an “exit strategy” for taxpayers to buy back their contributions at a significantly discounted price after a period of time.
Generally, taxpayers cannot deduct a charitable contribution of less than their entire interest in property, and retaining rights to control the donated interests or buy back assets will disqualify the transaction as a deductible charitable contribution.
Watch for red flags
Taxpayers should be wary of any scheme that involves transferring assets to an LLC, followed by the “donation” of a majority percentage of nonvoting, nonmanaging, membership units to a charity as a “charitable contribution” while the taxpayer retains control over and access to the assets.
Taxpayers should scrutinize transactions that include potential red flags. A few examples are described below:
Promoters marketing a transaction as a way to grow wealth in a “tax-free environment” and claim charitable contribution deductions.
Promoters marketing a plan that requires the creation of one or more entities in order to make a charitable donation.
Creating entities that do not engage in any business activity to facilitate a charitable donation.
Donating an interest in an LLC that loans cash or other assets back to the taxpayer or a related party.
The promoter assists the taxpayer in the creation of intellectual property to fund the LLC prior to the donation.
The taxpayer uses the LLC funds to purchase life insurance policies benefitting their heirs or a related party after the donation.
The taxpayer retains the ability to reclaim the donated LLC interests from the charity for less than fair market value.
2024 November Burglary Hotspots
Spokane Valley Districts
2025 Community Engagement Challenge
By Ben Wick Current Publisher
Each year as we take time to be with family and friends we realize we have so much to be thankful for and we can’t help but think about those who might not have as much as we do. In that spirit we wanted to dedicate this edition to highlighting a few of our local non-profit organization that are doing some amazing things to help our community. As you look to 2025 and think about what your goals are and what you want to accomplish, we at the Spokane Valley Current challenge everyone to make some time to volunteer with or consider a donation to help support these or one of them many other organizations that support
our community.
Partners Inland Northwest (formerly Spokane Valley Partners)
For nearly 35 years Partners Inland Northwest has served families in our community, from food to clothing and most recently diapers. Partners helps serve our neighbors at their point of crisis. Unfortunately, that need has grown dramatically in recent years with a 400% increase since 2019 to now serving over 180,000 people each year. That’s 200 households needing service daily with an average of 20 new households reaching out every day.
Spokane Valley partners provides over 1,300 tons of food per year, 52 tons of clothing per year, and is operated primarily by volunteers with 17,533 hours of volunteers service helping keep the service going.
“We would love to report that the worst is over, and the tide is shifting, but unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be our present
reality.” Dr Cal Coblentz, Chief Executive Officer for Partners Inland Northwest.
As you consider how to spend quality time with your friends, family, or coworkers. Consider hosting a drive, volunteering for a few hours together, or assisting through financial contributions.
A $500 contribution will provide three meals a day for a family of four for a year; $96 will diaper a baby for a year.
Thanks to a private donor, every dollar given will be matched up to $10,000.
HUB Sport Center – ‘Fields for our Future’
A project that started nearly four years ago when a donor came up to HUB Executive Director Phil Champlin and said ‘We love what you are doing indoors, have you thought about outdoors?’
Doing a little research Champlin quickly found what sparked his heart and solidified the plan. ‘Kids are being turned away’ especially
from places to play football, lacrosse, and soccer in our area. Champlin sprang into action.
The Fields of our Future is an exciting expansion project for the HUB Sports Center. Currently in phase 2 of construction and fundraising (with phase 1 being the securing of the land) the HUB has raised over $5.1 million of the $7.93 million goal to build two synthetic turfed fields, an expanded parking lot, and a building for restrooms, team meeting space, and an area to support the field maintenance equipment.
The two synthetic fields were able to open this last fall along with the additional 160 parking spaces with support for electric vehicle charging stations. However additional contributions are needed to bring the building with permanent restrooms and maintenance facilities to fruition. The long term plan for the expansion includes an additional three fields, pickleball and tennis courts, inclusive playground, path
Contributed Photo
connection to Selkirk Middle school and more.
The only other facility in our region able to provide access to the synthetic fields for kids to be able to play on year-round is the Dwight Merkel facility at the former Joe Albi Stadium area in Spokane which offers two synthetic fields. All other synthetic field facilities are privately owned and not open for public use.
Since opening the two fields in October, the HUB Sports Center has already seen enough demand to have them booked 5 days a week through March of 2025.
If you are wanting to make a lasting impact on our community, consider a donation to help keep this momentum going.
Family Promise
Contrary to common knowledge, family homelessness is the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in the United State today and the Spokane Valley is no exception.
Family Promise specializes in connecting homeless families with those in their own neighborhood, increasing support networks and re-enforcing the skills needed to maintain housing.
This year in Spokane County over 3,100 students will experience homelessness, over 746 of those are from the Spokane Valley School Districts.
City of Spokane Valley contributed one time dollars to Family promise to pilot their FLASH program (Fast Leasing and Supportive Housing). The program was anticipated to help 80 people from 25 families for the one year pilot however the they were able to help over 200 people from over 50 families and prevented the trauma on the children by getting them into housing more rapidly. “Not only are we getting people housed faster but its far less expensive than the traditional mass shelter model” according to Family Promise Executive Director Joe Ader.
However the cities pilot funding is running out and the typical grant funding from the state and federal government cannot be used for prevention so the FLASH program is in danger of ending.
Family Promise does have a
COVER STORY
support center in Spokane Valley supporting the community and donations to support Family Promise and possibly help extend their homeless prevention program can be made online at familypromiseofspokane.org or by mail to Family Promise of Spokane, 2002 E Mission Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
The Favored Few Support Crew Supporting military service member quality of life, mental health, wellness and morale.
The Support Crew group, consisting of Honorary Commanders and Civic Leaders, seeks to strengthen the overall quality of life of our military personnel and families stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. Funds raised will be used to provide grants for initiatives and events that will provide mental health, wellness and/or quality of life to support this project. Tonya Murray, FFSC Director states ‘As civic and community leaders we are taking on the responsibility of supporting in ANY way we can so that our airmen can stay focused on their mission.’
Examples of programming that may be funded through grants from the Favored Few Fund include purchasing school
worldwide — so that one day, all children will wake up in communities that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive.
For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.
The Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club was founded in April of 1975 and has been serving the Spokane Valley Community since then. While we meet weekly with invited speakers from around the community, we also engage in monthly community service projects and support leadership development opportunities with our local high schools via their Key Club Student groups.
supplies for junior enlisted, filling and maintaining the on-base food pantry, deployed family picnics and events, as well as educational and support programs.
Spokane is such a supportive military town. When groups want to put on a mental health supporting event, take families to a ball game, do a picnic etc, it usually falls outside of what can be funded by the Air Force, so they have to ‘solicit and fundraise for donations which is where this fund comes in.
We at Favored Few Support Crew are honored to bring this fund to Fairchild and are excited for the positive impact it will make in the lives of our Airmen and their families. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at favoredfewcrew@gmail.com
Checks can be mailed to: Innovia Foundation 421 W. Riverside Ave, Suite 606 Spokane, WA 99201. Please indicate Favored Few Support Crew Fund in the memo line.
Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club
One of the many service clubs around Spokane Valley. Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Kiwanis strives to be a positive influence in communities
Are you ready to help create communities that let all children thrive, prosper and grow? It’s pretty easy to do! Simply email president@spokanevalleykiwanis. org to learn more about one of their upcoming meetings and stop by to check it out.
Their current service project is their First Responder Toy Fund Drive, a donation drive to provide new stuffed animals (Paw Patrol) for the Spokane Valley Police and Spokane Valley Fire Departments so that they can help provide comfort and enhance relationships with children they encounter. “Often times, when we come into contact with children it is on one of the worst days of their life” says Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. “The Paw Patrol Stuffed animals help us make it a little bit better.”
Last year the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club was able to raise $8,000 to purchase 500 stuffed animals for each department however the need far outpaced the availability, and the stuffed animals only provided a 6 month supply. For information on how you can help this project email president@spokanevalleykiwanis. org or checks can be mailed to Spokane Valley Kiwanis, Attn: First Responder Toy Drive, PO Box 1275, Spokane Valley, WA 99037-1275
Contributed photo
The Crew has established the Favored Few Support Crew fund to support the overall quality of life of military personnel and families at Fairchild AFB.
Magic for Muggles: CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES
For families & kids 5+
Celebrate the new year, Hogwarts style. Explore crafts and activities, including charms, care of magical creatures, quidditch practice, and more.
SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd Thursday, Jan 9, 3:30–4:30pm
OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY 22324 E Wellesley Ave Thursday, Jan 23, 3:30–4:30pm
ARGONNE LIBRARY
4322 N Argonne Rd Saturday, Jan 25, 10:30–11:30am
The Crest Constitution, state law limits citizenship status inquiries
By John McCallum
Current contributor
About and for Spokane Valley area seniors
When it comes to undocumented immigrants, federal and state statutes make it pretty clear what law enforcement agencies can and cannot do regarding asking for identification, detention and participating in federal investigations.
How this applies to other state and local agencies, such as those in Spokane Valley providing social services including services to the homeless, is a bit murkier.
The former was the subject of a last-minute presentation at the Nov. 26 Spokane Valley City Council meeting by Spokane County Sheriff John F. Nowels and Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis. In setting up the presentation, Spokane Valley Mayor Pam Haley noted council has been discussing the city’s homeless program and five-year plan in meetings the past several months.
“However, we are aware of some incorrect information that is out in our community about our program,” Haley said.
It was a reference to a Nov. 22 email from Councilman Al Merkel to constituents accusing the council and city of spending homeless program funding on undocumented immigrants at the expense of Spokane Valley resident citizens.
“I am absolutely flabbergasted to find that the supposedly ‘Republican’ led Spokane Valley City Council finds it TOO DIFFICULT to simply ask for IDs and make sure that ONLY LEGAL RESIDENTS SHOULD GET TAX FUNDED CITY SERVICES,” Merkel wrote (his emphasis). “I was dismayed to find out that we don’t even ask this question a city presentation that showed illegals ARE getting services now??!!??”
In his presentation, Nowels singled out elements of the U.S. Constitution and the Keep Washington Working Act, passed with bipartisan support in 2019, that pointed to law enforcement’s responsibilities regarding immigration status. Nowels said the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment’s prohibition of unlawful search and arrest warrants is one such provision.
According to the Clearwater Law Group, a Tri-Cities-based law firm specializing in immigration law, the Fifth and 14th Amendments also establish rights for undocumented immigrants. The Fifth Amendment states “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” while the 14th Amendment describes a legal obligation to all governments to provide equal protection of the laws to all persons on U.S. soil.
“There are certain amendments and constitutional rights that are extended to illegal immigrants,” Nowels told the council. “That is very clearly defined.”
Nowels said his first impression of the Keep Washington Working Act was “not favorable,” but over time in working with the Act feels it is one of the better pieces of legislation recently passed. He pointed to three provision of the Act limiting law enforcement’s approach to undocumented immigrants.
According to the Washington Attorney General’s website FAQ sheet on the Keep Washington Working Act, referenced by Nowels, law enforcement cannot collect information on a person’s immigration, citizenship status or birth place. The one exception is if there is a connection between that information and the investigation of a violation of state or local criminal law.
“Unauthorized presence in the United States is governed by federal law and is not, by itself, a crime,” the AG notes.
The Act also prohibits law enforcement agencies from “providing any ‘non-publicly
available personal information’ about any person (including those subject to community custody) to federal immigration authorities in a noncriminal matter — such as a civil immigration matter — except as otherwise required by state or federal law or a lawfully issued court order.”
The Act does not prevent officers from sharing information about a person’s status they might otherwise know about. It notes while federal law does not require agencies to assist federal authorities such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with immigration enforcement, agencies must honor warrants and subpoenas signed by federal judges. Doing so does not violate the Act’s provisions.
“Again, sharing information,” Nowels said. “Not detaining, not taking into custody.”
Nowels said they also come into contact with crime victims who are undocumented, in which case there is no reason to ask for their status. Nor would officers in the course of regular, non-criminal contact with the public seek to find out this information, and Nowels added he didn’t know what factors they would use to base their decisions upon.
“Just know it’s not just criminals who we come in contact with who might be here unlawfully,” he said. “There are from time to time witnesses and victims of crime who we run into as well.”
When it comes to contact with the homeless, Nowels said their first concern is finding out what the situation is, and if not of a criminal nature, humanely help the individuals involved.
“Let’s make sure they’re not causing problems in the park, let’s make sure they have food, let’s make sure they have shelter and we can deal with the other stuff later,” he said.
During questions from council, Merkel said he believes the Keep Washington Working Act applies only to law enforcement, and not agencies providing social services,
including those offered by the city. He noted local homeless outreach officers have social workers accompanying them on calls, and that the Act might prevent officers from asking about citizenship status, but not social workers.
“I think the Keep Washington Working Act applies to everybody, it’s not just law enforcement,” Nowels replied. “It applies to every person, is my understanding.”
According to the Washington AG, under RCW 43.17.425, the Act prevents other state departments from assisting “in the investigation or enforcement of any federal registration or surveillance programs or any other laws, rules or policies that target Washington residents” based on a number of factors including immigration or citizenship status.
These agencies include the departments of licensing, labor and industries, employment security, health, health care, social and health services, children/youth and families, agriculture, retirement systems, services for the blind and transportation.
“The Keep Washington Working Act sets statewide policies that require all state agencies to ensure that they collect the minimal amount of personal information from people in Washington, and that the information collected cannot be shared with immigration agencies, unless required by law,” Department of Social and Health Services Office of Communications and Governmental Affairs Assistant Director Norah West said in an email. “It also requires that services be provided regardless of immigration status, unless required by law.”
The Keep Washington Working Act also provides for civil penalties for agencies and jurisdictions that violate its provisions, something Nowels pointed to. City attorney Kelly Konkright also pointed out Washington’s anti-discrimination act — RCW 49.60 — prevents denying services to individuals based upon citizenship or immigration status.
“Because if you ask for that information, and if you have that information, and if individuals want to make allegations of discrimination, they will be able to establish knowledge of their immigration status and poor treatment, differential treatment based on that status,” Konkright said.
“Just having that information opens you up to the further possibility of being sued,” he added.
According to Spokane Valley Police Department statistics for 2024, from January through October, homeless outreach officers made 1,347 citizen contacts, with 459 unlawful camping contacts and 37 shelter referrals. In November and through Dec. 17, officers enacted 151 citizen contacts and 108 campsite contacts, with two individuals admitted to shelters, four admitted to stabilization/treatment services and three permanently housed.
In a Dec. 12 interview, Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis said officers would enforcement actions if a crime occurred during contacts. Their original intent with citizen contacts is to provide help.
“Our first choice is we want to get them into a better place,” Ellis said.
As for asking for identification, Ellis said it depends on the situation. If there is no crime, there is no reason to ask, and even then, all they need to produce is their name, not paper ID.
“We don’t ask about their citizenship status,” Ellis said. “The Keep Washington Working Act is pretty clear.”
PUZZLES
By John McCallum
Current contributor
EAST VALLEY
Boys basketball
Valley high schools swing into winter sports action
Head coach Ty Fowler returns six letter winners from last year’s team that went 3-18 overall and winless in the Greater Spokane League’s 2A classification. The team has six seniors and seven juniors.
Fowler said key players for the Knights are seniors Michael Martin, Tyson Rigby and Jon Patton. Martin (guard, 5 feet, 8 inches) is East Valley’s “facilitator” on offense, someone who is a capable scorer “but also has great court vision and is able to find the open man.”
At 5-11 guard, Rigby is fast and has “a great motor,” and will cover the court on offense and defense. Patton (6-3 forward) brings height to the Knights’ front line, along with 6-3 juniors Brady Flahavin and Malaki Nunn, and also has “an unbelievable motor who should help grab rebounds.
“We have to be able to limit turnovers and finish defensive possessions with rebounds,” Fowler said of his team’s keys to success.
Fowler sees West Valley and Pullman as the team’s to compete for the GSL 2A title. Pullman returns as champion from last year, while the Eagles finished third.
The Knights were still looking for their first win as of press time, Dec. 16. East Valley opened with losses to Idaho schools Lewiston and Bonners Ferry along with
Washington 2B Asotin.
Girls basketball
Tierre Warren takes the helm of the Knights’ girls program having previously assisted with the boys’ team for two seasons. East Valley was 1-20 overall last year, it’s lone win coming in GSL 2A action against Rogers.
The Knights lost only two players to graduation from last year’s team, and added two new players this season. Returning starting forward Italia Salina, a junior, was an All-GSL 2A honorable mention last season. Joining her in the front court will be junior forwards Abilgail Dach, Jocelyn “JC” Weger and senior center Aleix Griswold.
“The inside and outside attack of junior forward Ava Payne and sophomore forward Nellie Goggin will give us stability in the front court,” Warren wrote in an email.
East Valley hopes to get some outside scoring from the tandem combination of senior shooting guard Hannah Rasmussen and junior guard Aspen Seamone, with point guards sophomore Weather Salinas-Taylor and senior Roxann Smith bringing quickness to the back court.
“Senior guard Fasai Xiong, and sophomore guard Emmery Fatzinger bring a different dynamic to the team,” Warren said.
East Valley will relay on consistent scoring, strong rebounding, tough defense and a “will to win” as keys to their success.
Warren said the GSL 2A classification as continuing to be strong. Shadle Park has moved to 3A, but the GSL added Deer Park, former 1A state-runner up in 2024, to its lineup.
“Deer Park is the team to beat,” Warren said. “With all their players coming back, it will be a challenge not only for us but
www.hubsportscenter.org
also for the league to continue stepping their game up.”
And of course, Warren felt one should not overlook perennial contenders Pullman, Clarkston, West Valley and Rogers. Even with a tough schedule, Warren believes East Valley will be competitive.
“I’m very optimistic we can finish in the middle of the league,” he said. “That will depend on our play. I believe we will surprise and shock the league with our vast improvements.”
As of Dec. 16, the Knights were 1-2, dropping their first two games to Idaho schools Lewiston and Bonners Ferry but knocking of Washington B school Asotin.
CENTRAL VALLEY
Boys basketball
The Bears will have some riches on the hardwood this season with seven letter winners returning for head coach TJ Milless from a young team that went winless in the GSL, 2-20 overall. That number includes all five of their top scorers from 20232024: sophomores Orland Axton (guard/forward, 11.9 ppg) and Cameron Walls (guard, 8.5 ppg), seniors Branson Olson (guard/ forward, 8.4 ppg) and Hunter Bernhard (guard/forward, 6.2 ppg) and 6-6 sophomore center Emerson Lippoldt (5.4 ppg).
“Our offensive strategy prioritizes creating and maintaining advantages, leveraging spacing, effective screening, and quick decisionmaking,” Milless said in an email. “Success is measured by shooting more efficiently and more often than our opponent.”
Defensively, look for the Bears to be aggressive, attacking opponents.
“Our commitment to defensive focus for 32 minutes will determine our success and is the difference between us being a poor team, an average team, a
good team, and a great team,” Milless said.
Milless anticipates the GSL to be fairly evenly matched this season, with any team capable of meeting another team any night of the week. Gonzaga Prep, Mt. Spokane and Mead will be the teams to beat, while Cheney could be a sleeper team if opponents don’t match up with their tough, physical and disciplined style of play.
“I think with the experience we have coming back we can compete with any team in the league,” Milless said.
Central Valley is 2-3 in nonleague action through Dec. 16. The Bears opened with a win over Eastmont from East Wenatchee, and after losses to Lewiston (Idaho) and Richland, downed Ferris before losing to Mt. Spokane.
Girls basketball
Seven letter winners return for the team that finished third in the GSL last year and just missed a chance at a 4A state tournament appearance, losing to Chiawana in the game for District 8’s third spot in the tournament. The Bears wound up the season 8-2 in league, 17-8 overall.
Head coach Jason Wilson’s team will have some firepower offensively. Senior forward Brynn McGaughy transfers from Colfax High School, and has so far been averaging 18 ppg while hauling down 11.5 rebounds per game. Wilson said she is the topranked player in Washington and 21st in the nation by ESPN and has signed to play at the University of Washington.
Seniors Eden Sander (16.5 ppg, 9 rpg and 4 assists per game) and Keana Gosney (10.8 ppg, 4 rpg) will make up the Bears back court along with senior Gabbie Wilson and junior Gracie Lanphere. Sander is a two-time All-GSL first-team selection and 2023-2024 Defensive Player of the
Year while Wilson and Lanphere are All-GSL Honorable Mention picks, Wilson twice.
“Offensively we play fast. We think we have an advantage doing so,” Wilson said. “Defensively we like to pressure with our presses and turn teams over so we can get out and run.”
Other key returners for the Bears are sophomore guard Drae Domebo (All-GSL Honorable Mention), junior forward Aspen Henry (All-GSL Honorable Mention) and senior guard Blaine Parker. Newcomers include McGaughy and freshman forward Olivia Patshkowksi.
If the Bears are to make another postseason run, and perhaps go deeper, Wilson said they need to stay healthy and believe they have the “talent to play in Tacoma this year.” Domebo is currently out with an injury, and Wilson said getting her back will improve Central Valley’s chances.
“The league will be tough as always,” Wilson said in an email.
SPORTS SUPPLY
“We must be ready to compete every night out. Our goal is to win the league, play in Tacoma and bring home a trophy.”
Mead is the three-time defending GSL champion, with Gonzaga Prep, Ridgeline and University projected to be postseason challengers as well.
Gymnastics
Head coach ArReal Blakesley has three letter winners returning among the 13 gymnasts on the varsity squad: junior Dakota Buege and seniors Makenzie Moll and Kylie Morais. Those three, along with sophomore Lilah Haymore, will be top contenders for the Bears in vault/beam/floor and bars, with “some great new talent” in freshman Kennedy VanEtten and Briella Jewell.
“I believe the key to our success this year is going to be teamwork,” Blakesley said in an email. “We have an amazing group of girls that are pushing each other. They want to see growth and success and work
hard every day in the gym to achieve this.”
The Bears placed 14th at last year’s 4A state meet with just Morais and Moll making the trip. Morais placed eighth in beam while also competing in the allaround, floor, bars and vault. Moll competed in all-around and vault
“I believe that with hard work, we are going to have at least four all around state qualifiers and we could even make it to state as a team,” Blakesley said. “We are going to rock the 2024/2025 season.”
Boys wrestling
Nine letter winners return for the Bears this season. Last year’s squad finished 4-5, sixth in the GSL 3A classification.
Head coach Jacob Fry said Bayden Beard, 22-9 at 190 pounds in 2024, Braxton Beard, also 22-9 at 138, and Wally Palmer, are wrestlers to watch in 20242025. Both Beards advanced to Mat Classic XXXV, with Bayden
Beard placing seventh at 190.
“Keys to success will be establishing a new culture of toughness and perseverance,” Fry said about the coming season. “There is no secret to good wrestling. Each individual on our team must be resolved to be unbeatable in every aspect of their life.”
Fry sees Mead as the team to beat in the GSL, with University always being a tough meet and Cheney “up and coming.”
“Central Valley Wrestling is full of young athletes who are hungry to improve,” Fry wrote in an email. “We will likely finish in the middle of the GSL... for now. The future is very bright.”
The Bears are 0-1 in 2024-2025, losing 53-27 to Mt. Spokane on Dec. 11.
Responses from coaches for other East Valley and Central winter sports teams, along with those from West Valley and University, were not received by press time, Dec. 17.
New things to check out: tabletop roleplaying games for kids, teens, adults
By Gwendolyn Haley, librarian Spokane County Library District
Spokane County Library District (SCLD) has exciting news for game enthusiasts, indoor adventurers, and storytellers across Spokane County!
SCLD was awarded a grant to bring tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) to our community. You can now explore new worlds, embark on grand adventures, and solve cozy mysteries—made possible with your library card!
These games are available to borrow from our Library of Things collection, and you can place a
Winter Reading Challenge encourages you to “Be a Reading Machine”
By Erin Dodge Current Guest Correspondent
The library invites you to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge: “Be a Reading Machine” during January. Each person is challenged to read a total of 300 minutes (or more), beginning January 1 and continuing through January 31.
Discover compelling stories, new information, and a gratifying sense of accomplishment. All reading counts toward your total— reading with a child or pet, listening to audiobooks, reading magazines or graphic novels—so read what you love!
hold to reserve them through our catalog (catalog.scld.org).
Unlike traditional board games, TTRPGs are all about collaborative storytelling and imagination. With the help of a Game Master (sometimes called a Guide or Facilitator), players work together to tackle challenges and create an epic narrative.
Whether you’re venturing into the magical realms of “Dungeons & Dragons” with our starter set, exploring a magical school in “Kids on Brooms”, or solving mysteries with matronly sleuths in “Brindlewood Bay,” there’s a game for everyone!
For families, there’s “Magical Kitties Save the Day” and “No Thank You, Evil,” perfect for younger adventurers and siblings of different ages. Each player gets to pick their character and special abilities or attributes and then work together to win the day!
For those craving a unique experience, try “Alice is Missing,” a game where players
You can power up your reading with just 20 minutes each day. Claim victory by tracking your progress to earn badges with Beanstack. You can also complete activities to reflect on your reading journey and goals, earning even more badges.
The activities provide you with questions to think about your reading. Reflect on your past reading habits, and set reading goals for the month or the whole year. Identify a support person to help you stay on track. Describe what you think makes a person a reading machine. Imagine how you can make sure your daily routine includes logging your reading. Plan how you will celebrate your achievement of completing the reading challenge.
One way to stay motivated with your reading is to play Beanstack’s virtual bingo with the badges you earn. Each badge you collect gets you closer to bingo! Can you get it in different directions—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally? Aim for the ultimate bingo
communicate entirely through text messages. Or check out “Inspirisles,” where you use American Sign Language to bring peace to a kingdom.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of TTRPGs, these games foster creativity, teamwork, and social connection. So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to embark on your next adventure!
You can learn more about each game, including short videos sharing how to play, and get the links to borrow them at scld.org/ ttrpg-news.
The addition of tabletop roleplaying games to our collection is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, with funding administered by Washington State Library. Break From Reality Games in Seattle donated the GripMat, and Wizards of the Coast/Hasbro donated the D & D Starter Kit.
by gathering all badges to complete the whole card!
The Beanstack website can be accessed at scld.beanstack. org. And you can find the link for the Beanstack mobile app at scld.org/beanstack-app. The mobile app even has a timer you can activate with just the tap of your finger, making tracking that much easier.
Get personalized book recommendations from Beanstack based on your reading interests, helping you discover new titles and authors in SCLD’s collection. You can also add your book review to Beanstack to help other readers find their next read. And check out others’ reviews to find yours.
The whole family can be added to Beanstack with one login—making for easy access and tracking.
SCLD encourages readers of all ages to challenge themselves to become reading machines this winter. Learn more, including special hashtags to share on social media, at scld. org/winter-reading-2025.
Puzzle It Out!
Exercise your brain and have fun while doing it!
Jigsaw Puzzle & Board Game Swap
Trade in your jigsaw puzzles and board games for a new challenge.
Trade-ins must have all pieces and can be for any age.
OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY
22324 E Wellesley Ave Saturday, Jan 4, 10am–1pm
ARGONNE LIBRARY
4322 N Argonne Rd Wednesday, Jan 8, 5–7pm
National Puzzle Day Competition: Library vs Library
Which library will finish the quickest? Help your local library claim Puzzle Day victory!
Competition begins: Wednesday, Jan 29, 12pm
Learn more at scld.org/puzzle-events
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CONTRIBUTORS
John McCallum
Valley council reprimands Merkel for email
By John McCallum Current contributor
After passing the 2025 budget in mid-November, the Spokane Valley City Council wrapped up most of its 2024 business with passage of ordinances concerning permit procedures and surplus land donations, a resolution on the 2025 fee schedule — and issued a reprimand of one of its members.
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At the Nov. 26 meeting, the council took the unusual step of reprimanding Councilman Al Merkel. The council reprimanded the first-year council member for an email he sent that members and city staff claim misrepresented the city and council’s position on homeless funding.
In the Nov. 22 email to constituents, Merkel alleged the city, with council support, was spending social services funding on undocumented immigrants at the expense of Spokane Valley residents who are U.S. citizens. The email, titled “Spokane Valley Funds Illegals” alleged Washington law only prohibits law enforcement from asking individuals suspected of being undocumented for identification, and that the city has the legal ability to ask for ID and deny services to individuals not producing it, or at least withhold services until legal residents are taken care of.
City Manager John Hohman said Spokane Valley is bound by law to provide these services to individuals who ask without asking them for identification. If the city were to ask for ID, the procedure would carry the potential for civil penalties, including lawsuits, if claims of discrimination were made.
State law prohibits denying services to individuals based on a number of factors, including immigration and citizenship status. Hohman said if the city followed Merkel’s ideas, they would be separating out individuals for non-service.
“Is that really what we want to do here? I don’t think so,” he added.
Merkel claimed Hohman and the council’s position was a “gross mischaracterization” of what matters to Spokane Valley residents, and most people were supportive of his stance on identification requirements. He also claimed 99-100% of activity with homeless individuals is dealing with “illegals,” but provided not data to back this up.
Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger said spending social service funding only on citizens is “not a compassionate way” to treat individuals in the city. She also said council members took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, which includes amendments protecting rights of all individuals on U.S. soil, and that Merkel’s end goal with all of this was to become mayor of Spokane Valley.
“Over my dead body will that ever happen,” she said.
Council voted 6-1 to reprimand Merkel for his conduct.
Council adopts 2025 fee schedule
The council voted unanimously at its Dec. 17 meeting to adopt a
NEWS
new fee schedule for 2025. Fees account for 6.76% of recurring revenues, just over $4.3 million of $63.65 million, in the General Fund and 98.56% of recurring revenue, $6.17 million of $6.26 million, in the Stormwater Management Fund.
Proposed areas of increase include the Community and Public Works Department, where increases in planning fees and building fees will take place. Additionally, the stormwater utility fee increases to $61.
Parks and Recreation also proposed fee changes, three of which were increases in wedding reception fees at CenterPlace for the Great Room multi-use banquet hall, senior center lounge with dance floor and West Lawn Plaza. Rentals of city ball fields was removed from the schedule since this is now being provided by an outside entity, with a refunds/ cancellations policy section added to the Recreation and Aquatics schedule as well as for Park Reservations.
Permit procedures, surplus land donations updated Council unanimously approved the second reading at
the Dec. 17 meeting of an update to its land use permit process. Other jurisdictions in the state are updating their processes as well in response to changes adopted in April 2023 by the Washington Legislature meant to streamline project reviews and provide a more concise timeline in which to conduct and finish these reviews. Also added are partial permit fee refunds for failure to complete reviews according to the established timelines.
Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance updating the city’s policy for donation of surplus land. State laws allow cities to “donate, grant or sell” city-owned real estate for less than fair market value if doing so is for public benefit, particularly for affordable housing.
The ordinance specifies the transfer must be used solely for public benefit and provides a remedy should the property cease to be used as such. It also requires the recipient to pay all costs of the transfer, the transfer must not violate any bond covenant or impair an existing contract, be consistent with local zoning and land use regulations and
the recipient be selected through the city’s request for proposals process.
The ordinance also includes a new section codifying the process for making grant awards of public funds for lawful purposes, such as providing benefits to the poor and infirm.
Sunshine recycle contract renewed
The council voted 6-1 at its Dec. 17 meeting to enter into a 20-year contract with Sunshine Recyclers for residential and commercial waste and recycling disposal. The previous 10-year contract was set to expire at the end of 2024.
According to the staff report, Sunshine will charge solid waste collection beginning Jan. 1, 2025 of $126.23 per ton, $19.81 minimum of 300 pounds. Organics, yard waste and food scraps, will be charged at $71/ton, $13.40 for a minimum of 390 pounds.
No administrative fee will be assessed on these uses in 2025, with annual fee adjustments being calculated at 95% of the current Consumer Price Index. The administrative and maintenance fee will be set annually by the City Council.
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