Liam Kennedy, left, and Jaden Conwell, both 8 years old and students at Adams Elementary, read pen pal letters from schoolchildren in Ghana, Wednesday. The most recent letters included talk of Christmas activities. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

I'd wish everyone a good Monday morning, but it's no longer morning. At least it's still Monday! Once again we have some Saturday Valley Voice highlights to mention. The Spokane Valley Police Department saw great success on emphasis patrols for vehicle prowling and garage burglaries at the end of 2012. The department is currently looking for a way to keep that success going within current staffing. The effort took four officers off patrol and reassigned them for a month.

Reporter Nicole Hensley came up with a couple of great stories. Fourth graders at Adams Elementary have been sending letters to pen pals in Ghana. The students also raise money to help pay for school improvements for their pen pals, such as tables in the cafeteria and used computers. Central Valley High School basketball score keeper Bill Pierce has been inducted into the school's Hall of Fame for his three decades of service to the school.

Nichole also has a report on how the city of Liberty Lake allocated its lodging tax money.

Saturday's Valley Voice is going to be packed with good stuff. Even though Monday is a holiday, I plan to drop in and post some links. But if you can't wait that long, tomorrow you can check out our newly redesigned Voices web page that just pops with pictures.

The Fairfield City Council held a public hearing this week to discuss a proposal to add a 6 percent utility tax on electrical bills to help pay for street maintenance. A crowd of about 20 residents turned out, which is a large showing in a town of only 587 residents.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department arrested Anthony W. Sotin in connection with two recent arson fires. He was indicted by a Federal grand jury this week. His lengthy criminal record includes a previous conviction for arson.

Both Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake have been having problems with garage burglaries lately. Police urge people to lock up at night to foil the thieves that are apparently roaming the neighborhoods in the early morning hours looking for crimes of opportunity.

Reporter Lisa Lienberger talked to some Ness Elementary students who spent part of their day recently helping hand out food for Second Harvest at Millwood Presbyterian Church.