Spokane Valley firefighter Paul Turcotte carries an enlarged photograph that represents a shooting victim as rescue crews participate in a mass casualty training exercise Wednesday at the department’s old administration building. SR photo/Dan Pelle

Good Monday morning, everyone. As another week starts, we've got some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. The Spokane Valley Fire Department has started using a new triage system for mass casualty events and tested it in training last week. Pediatric patients are now evaluated differently and colored tags are tied onto vitctim's limbs to identify their condition.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger has details on the new home of the Liberty Lake Community Theatre. The group started five years ago and has been bouncing from location to locations, even rehearsing in  private homes.

Correspondent Jennifer LaRue has a story on Martina Whelshula, executive director of the youth rehabilitation facility Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations in Spokane Valley. she was recently named a health champion by the Washington State Public Health Association.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam has a report from Millwood, where finishing touches are being put on a plan to install a sidewalk on the north side of Buckeye Ave. between Argonne and Vista roads. The project will be completed before school starts in the fall.

Central Valley High School biology teacher Phil Plesek, center, talks about DNA with a group of Evergreen Middle School eighth-graders Wednesday at Spokane Valley Tech. Eighth-graders from Spokane Valley schools have been taking tours of the tech education center where career and science-oriented classes are available. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

Good Monday morning everyone. I'm fairly certain it's still spring, but that wind is making for a chilly day today. While we wait for it to warm back up again, we can take a look at some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story about Evergreen Middle School students who visited Spokane Valley Tech to learn about the career and technical education classes and programs it offers.There's an open house coming up this week for students who are interested in attending.

Newman Lake Fire and Rescue is looking at using volunteers and a temporary help to replace a retiring deputy chief. The issue will likely be discussed again during the district's regular fire commissioner meeting tonight. Spokane County Fire District 8 got some input from citizens last week after hosting a series of public meetings on the district's strategic plan. Residents offered suggestions on how the district can improve as well as identifying what the district does well. 

The Millwood City Council approved its draft Shoreline Master Program, according to a story by correspondent Valerie Putnam. The council made changes to the section that governs public shoreline access on private land. The council also awarded contracts for an irrigation project and resurfacing the city tennis courts.  

Lucy Tivis, 8, and Jerrol Olson, principal of Ponderosa Elementary in Spokane Valley pose for a photo at the school Wednesday. Lucy nominated Olson to be Principal on Parade, selected by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

Good Monday morning, everyone. As usual we have a roundup of highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on Ponderosa Elementary School principal Jerrol Olson, who was named this year's Principal on Parade by the Friendsly Sons of St. Patrick. Olson and the student who nominated him, 8-year-old Lucy Tivis, got to ride in Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade.

I caught up with Ed Mertens for a look back at the numerous incorporation efforts he was involved with before the city of Spokane Valley finally incorporated in 2003. Saturday the city held a birthday bash and Mertens planned to attend to celebrate the city's success.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam has an update on the Millwood City Council meeting, where the council voted to vacate an alley behind Millwood Presbyterian Church and also tinkered with the public access language in its Shoreline Master Program.

Coming up this week, Spokane Valley Tech will have open houses on Wednesday and Thursday for high school students that will be juniors and seniors in the fall. Students can also get information on free summer classes.

During auditions for “I Hate Hamlet,” fight coordinator Brian Rempel, left, and Ignite! Community Theatre’s artistic director, Scott Finlayson cross swords, while Richard Donnelly waits to audition for the role of John Barrymore. “I Hate Hamlet” opens April 12. SR photo/Colin Mulvany

I'm bringing everyone the highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice a day late this week. I took yesterday off to spend a little quality time with my comfy recliner and my lap cat.

The city of Spokane Valley hosted a public meeting last week to talk about a proposed stormwater project planned for this summer in the Valleyview neighborhood. There has been problems with runoff on the west side of Dickey Road washing out some areas and flooding a street. The city plans to install underground piping to take the runoff down the street to a swale it will built on land it owns on 11th Avenue.

Correspondent Jill Barville wrote a story on the new home of Ignite! Community Theatre. The group is now putting on performances in the Spokane Valley Partners building. Correspondent Valerie Putnam reports that the city of Millwood is on solid financial footing thanks to increases in water rates and not spending as much as budgeted in some areas.

Reporter Nicole Hensley reports that the Central Valley School District is looking as new textbooks for history, civics, psychology and sociology classes. The books the district currently uses haven't been updated since the 1990's. Some students and their parents are helping evaluate possible textbooks.

This afternoon I got a call from a woman who didn't give her name. She said she grew up in the Millwood house that was donated to the Spokane Valley Fire Department for a training burn this week. Her family sold the house last summer and it is the new owner that donated it to the department for training. She talked of her experiences growing up there and playing in the neighborhood. Her childhood pets are buried in the back yard. She said she was sad to see the house burn Tuesday but is glad that firefighters were able to get some useful training out of it.

I spent some time shivering in the cold this morning watching the Spokane Valley Fire Department doing training fires in a donated house near Empire Ave. and Woodruff Road in Millwood. The training is mainly for the benefit of eight recruits going through the department's training academy. I spoke to one who called himself the “oldest recruit,” a 51-year-old former KXLY radio DJ. Expect to see heavy smoke and some flames from the house later this afternoon. I'm told they plan to burn it to the ground starting at about 2 p.m. Look for my story and photos by SR photographer Tyler Tjomsland in Thursday's Valley Voice.

Joshua Bailey, 5, enjoys a kiwi during lunch with fellow kindergartners on Wednesday at Broadway Elementary in Spokane Valley. SR photo/Tyler Tjomsland

There is a strange, golden orb in the sky on this Monday morning. While we are enjoying some sunshine, check out some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on an experiment in Central Valley schools to serve lunch to half-day kindergartners. It's being tried at Broadway Elementary, where 72 percent of students quality for free or reduced price lunches.

Valleyfest organizers are once again waiting to see if they will receive lodging tax funding from the city of Spokane Valley. For the second year in a row the organization was not recommended to receive any by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam has a story on the discussion at the recent Millwood City Council meeting over the public access requirement for properies on the shore of the Spokane River under the state-mandated update of their Shoreline Management Program.

The town of Fairfield is looking for donations of personal hygiene items for gift baskets for local teens. There is still a week to make a donation. SCRAPS is also looking for donations as it hosts several adoption events and fund raisers during December.  

Central Valley High senior Alex Moore poses for a photo on Tuesday in Spokane Valley. Moore will receive the YWCA Young Woman of Achievement Award later this month. She excels in math and science and competes for her school’s cross country team. SR photo/Tyler Tjomsland

Sorry this edition of Saturday's Valley Voice highlights is late. My computer didn't want to speak to the network for most of the morning. But now I'm up and running again, so here we go. A new Wal-Mart store is opening on the west end of Spokane Valley on Wednesday. While the ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. may be a bit early for some, the grand opening promotions and samples will continue all weekend.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger has the third entry in her East Farms Diary. She has been spending time at the East Farms STEAM Magnet School that focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This week's story checks in with volunteers at the school and what they contribute.

Lisa also has a story on Central Valley High School senior Alex Moore, who will recieve the Young Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA next week. Her list of achievements in school and in the community is quite lengthy.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam reports that the City of Millwood is facing a deficit in 2013. More meetings and public hearings are planned to discuss the issue. Their neighbor, the City of Spokane Valley, voted last week to not take the allowed 1 percent property tax increase.

Machines operated by Piersol Construction scrape dirt from the Flora Road landing along the Spokane River on Thursday. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

It's another sunny Monday morning, so enjoy the sun while we still have it. A look at the calendar shows that October is just around the corner. Meanwhile, we have some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has her first entry in the East Farms Diary. She will be spending time at the East Farms STEAM Magnet School in East Valley as it transitions from an elementary school and wrote about her first day in class. She gave blog readers a preview last week.

The Department of Ecology is working on several Spokane River beach cleanups to remove and/or cap sites contaminated by heavy metals flowing in from upstream. Right now they're working on Flora Road and a spot near Barker Road is next.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam reports that the city of Millwood made changes to its medical marijuana dispensary license rules. Correspondent Steve Christilaw spoke to 1962 Central Valley High School graduate Bob Keppel, who was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame for his achievements in track.

Well, this isn't really a surprise. The Spokane Valley Fire Department fire marshal has issued burn restrictions for Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood. After so much hot and dry weather, it wouldn't take much to spark a wildfire. All open burning and most types of recreational fires are banned. Backyard barbecues, portable outdoor fireplaces and other patio/deck warmers are still allowed.

The burning restrictions will last until the fire danger drops. You can check out the fire department web site for more details.

The driver accused of running over a 2-year-old girl in a bicycle trailer and then driving away appeared in court Monday. Gonzaga University law student Timmy Nguyen has been charged with hit-and-run and vehicular assault. The girl he is accused of running over is still in the hospital with skull and wrist fractures. Police say she was likely saved by her bicycle helmet. Read today's story by Meghann Cuniff and Sara McMullen for more details.

Broadway Elementary summer school student Connor Dehn, 9, keeps an eye on his computer-programmed Lego car as it heads to a target Thursday. SR photo/Colin Mulvany

Yesterday was a nice respite from the heat, but it looks as though our sunshine is back this morning just in time to take a look at the highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on a summer school class at Broadway Elementary focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Students used pop bottle rockets to study flight and then built Lego cars to use on an obstacle course.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam has a report from the recent Millwood City Council meeting, where residents spoke their mind about the new water rate increases. The town of Fairfield has started a new recycling program after a lengthy discussion and so far the program seems to be a success.

University High School grad Hank Frame, who plays golf for Washington State University, won the recent Lilac City Invitational golf tournament. Correspondent Steve Christilaw talked to him about his win and about the golf program at WSU.  

Daisy Hanson and Kelsie Brulotte splash around in the Millwood wading pool Thursday. Community donations made it possible for the pool to reopen after being closed last year. SR photo/Dan Pelle

Sorry I wasn't on the blog Friday. I snuck out for a day off before the high temperatures made me feel like a chicken roasting in the oven. While it's still relatively cool this morning I've got some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger checked in at the popular Millwood wading pool. The city planned to close and destroy the pool, but residents objected and then took it a step further by raising the $10,000 needed to repair the pool. Now kids are again happily splashing away.

The Spokane Valley City Council appointed former planning commissioner Fred Beaulac back to a vacant position on the commission. He will serve out the term of Marcia Sands, who recently resigned. The council also heard a report on a development agreement negotiated with the owner of land on Conklin Road. They previously voted to allow the land to be rezoned as high density residential only if an agreement was reached to increase setbacks and limit density.

Correspondent Steve Christilaw spoke to University High School football coach Rob Bartlett, who is continuing a family tradition of coaching. He now holds the same job as his father did.

Bobbie Beese, left, and Betsy Mott are seen in their store on Tuesday at the Corner Door Fountain and Books in Spokane Valley. SR photo/Tyler Tjomsland

We have another cloudy Monday morning out there, but we also have another batch of Saturday Valley Voice stories as well. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on Corner Door Fountain and Books in Millwood that is owned by three siblings. The store has an eclectic mix of art, books, gifts and more.

The Spokane Valley Business Association met last week an heard a presentation on a planned city project to add stormwater swales to Sprague Avenue between Park and Thierman Roads. Some business owners are concerned about street trees blocking their signs while others are pleased to see some green come into the neighborhood.

The Spokane County Hearing Examiner recently ruled that Liberty Lake homeowner Lloyd Herman can keep most of the improvements he made to his lakeshore property without the proper permits, but he must shrink the size of a cabana/beach house that he built. Stairs and bulkheads will be allowed to stay because they held stabilize the slope, the hearing examiner wrote.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger visited a English language development class at North Pines Middle School attended by young immigrants from all over the world. The students were presenting photo stories and some talked about where they came from.

Some Millwood residents upset about a recent 14 percent water rate increase visited the Millwood City Council meeting to complain about the rate hike. Correspondent Valerie Putnam reported their concerns about paying too much for water this year.

Spokane Valley pools are open now and we have details about open swim times and swim lessons. The Spokane Valley Fire Department renamed several fire stations last week and the names of one or two might surprise you.

Alyssa Hilsiker, 4, dances her way down the street while marching in the West Valley Days parade with her fellow dance students from Company Ballet School in 2005. SR file photo.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Saturday is the annual West Valley Days celebration in Millwood. It all starts with a parade down Grace and Stout at 11 a.m. that will end at the Millwood City Park at Stout and Frederick. There will be activities in the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including carnival games, booths, prizes, a live DJ and food. There will be drawings in the free bike raffle at 1 and 2:30 p.m. (must be present to win) and a silent auction kicks off at 2 p.m.

This event is the 18th annual fundraiser for West Valley Scope and is a good place to take the family for some fun. Here's hoping it doesn't rain!

Third-graders Audrina Gainey, left, and Stephanie Sawchuk, right, wear ball gowns and munch on a lunch served by parents and teachers May 24, at Sunrise Elementary. The event, called the Fairy Tale Ball, was a time to dress up and practice proper dining etiquette. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

There's a lot to check out in today's Valley Voice, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in. I almost wish I was at Sunrise Elementary when reporter Lisa Leinberger was there last week to check out the third grade Fairy Tale Ball because it sounds like so much fun. The students dressed up in their finest clothes and snacked on food made by their parents.

If you are looking for things to do this weekend, you have a couple of options. The grand opening of Greenacres Park is Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The park has a playgroung area with splash pad and sand box, restrooms, a large picnic shelter and play fields. Saturday is also West Valley Days in Millwood, which includes a parade, carnival and free bike raffle.

The Spokane Valley City Council discussed their second thoughts about accepting the donation of a sculpture in a new entry to be built at Appleway and Thierman next year. Several council members suggested putting the work of art in Balfour Park instead so people can get up close to it.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department will have a replacement levy on the ballot in August. It currently provides 53 percent of their annual budget and there was discussion this week on what would happen if the levy fails. Six of the department's ten stations would close and staff would be cut from 180 to 76.

A dock sits below the Coyote Rock development Tuesday. The Washington state Court of Appeals ruled that docks installed at the development were illegal. SR photo/Tyler Tjomsland

We have a ton of good stories for you in Saturday's Valley Voice, so let's get right to it. The Washington State Court of Appeals recently ruled that the docks at the Coyote Rock development are illegal after a lawsuit filed by the Department of Ecology, but the court didn't examine one of the issues presented by the DOE and the environmental groups that joined the lawsuit.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a great story on students at Summit School, who sent their teacher light-hearted threats in iambic pentameter to convince him to allow them to put on a shortened, clown-based version of “Hamlet.” Lisa also reported on vandalism of the sheds at the East Valley community garden. Police quickly arrested the group of teens responsible, but students were left to clean up the mess.

A goup of Girl Scouts has come through in a big way for the town of Millwood. Correspondent Valerie Putnam reported on their successful effort to raise enough money to repair the town's wading pool. The Spokane Valley City Council seems willing to explore contracting with SpokAnimal for animal control services instead of SCRAPS. City staff is still in the information collecting stage.  

PE teacher PJ Jarvis, center, explains where black-eyed peas fall in the food groups during a nutrition lesson at Opportunity Elementary School. Jarvis was selected as the elementary school teacher of the year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

There were a bunch of good stories in Saturday's Valley Voice, so let's take this sunny Monday morning to look at a few highlights. Reporter Lisa Leinberger had a story on Opportunity Elementary physical education teacher PJ Jarvis, who has been named elementary school teacher of the year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey made his first State of the City speech last week. The work done by the city's first council and the policies the city set have allowed Spokane Valley to weather the recent economic downturn fairly well, Towey said.

Spokane Valley is owed over half a million dollars in unpaid gambling taxes, but apparently there is not much hope that the back taxes will ever be collected. A Spokane Valley firefighter was injured recently by a knife while trying to put out a mobile home fire, but his injury was not serious.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam stopped in at the Millwood City Council meeting, where Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich reported that Millwood's crime rate is down. The council also discussed its shoreline management plan.

Girls Scout Cadette Troop 2436 members, from left, Emma Porter, Victoria Harding and Mariah Bechtel ask Argonne Village Yoke’s shopper, Ron Irwin, far right, to buy cookies or donate money to help save Millwood’s wading pool. Irwin bought two boxes of cookies. SR photo/Dan Pelle

It's here. Road construction season is about to begin and in today's Valley Voice there is a map of upcoming projects, plus details on which roads to avoid when. The big three are being impacted this year - Argonne, Sprague and Sullivan.

A local Girl Scout troop is focusing on fundraising efforts to save Millwood's wading pool. Correspondent Valerie Putnam has a story on their efforts. The city wanted to close the pool to save money, but the girls are determined to have the pool repaired instead.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger talked to students from West Valley High School who are entered in a robotics competition. Each team is given bins of parts to build a robot in six weeks that must complete required tasks. Teams from East Valley and Central Valley are also competing.