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.

Spokane Valley Councilman Ben Wick, his wife Danica and daughter Sabriel, 3 months, arrive at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum for the celebration of the centennial of its building, the former Opportunity Township Hall, last Thursday. SR photo/Colin Mulvany

There are a lot of good stories to be had in today's Valley Voice, so let's get started. Reporter Lisa Leinberger stopped by the 100th anniversary celebration of Opportunity Township Hall last week. The Hall now houses the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. The museum is also getting ready to host its annual history tour on Oct. 6.

The construction of the Spokane Valley Fire Department's Station 6 has hit another snag. Representatives of the department say there have been numerous design problems that have led to delays and construction is reaching a critical point. If the alsphalt isn't put in before it gets too cold the department can't move in.

The Spokane Valley City Council voted Tuesday to not raise 2013 property taxes by the allowed 1 percent, saying this just isn't the time to raise taxes even though the vote means residential property owners will only save 76 cents per year.

The Central Valley School District is taking a look at whether it should continue it's pay-to-play policy, Lisa reports. The school board is taking a look at how much playing sports costs and whether the fees have impacted how many students sign up.

There are a few interesting topics on the agenda for tonight's Spokane Valley City Council meeting, including a public hearing on the proposed 2013 budget and the first reading of the ordinance to set the 2013 property tax. If you have comments to make about how the city plans to spend its money, now is your chance. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague.

The council is also scheduled to vote on how much money to award to the economic development and social service agencies that requested funding. There is also a vote scheduled on an interlocal agreement with the Spokane County Library District that would cover the purchase of property on Sprague Avenue for a library and proposed park expansion.

There may be a decision made on animal control in Spokane Valley at tonight's City Council meeting. The 6 p.m. meeting will start with a public hearing on the animal control proposals the city has received from SCRAPS and SpokAnimal (the city currently contracts with SCRAPS). If you have thoughts on the issue, it looks like this may be your only chance to have a say. After what may be lengthy presentations from 10 outside agencies seeking economic development money, city staff will make a recommendation to the council as to which animal control proposal is best. The council will then decide which entity to begin contract negotiations with.

To top off the meeting, which I'm expecting could easily run four hours, the council will also discuss 2013 property tax rates. If you are feeling brave enough to sit through the whole thing, join me at City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague.  

The town of Fairfield has rescheduled its public hearing on the proposed 2011 property tax levy to 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 at City Hall, 218 E. Main. Also, the Fairfield council voted this week to raise sewer rates $3 a month in 2011 and an additional $2 a month in 2012 and 2013.