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.  

West Valley senior Corbin Smith, left, tapes the wrist of sophomore cheerleader Kensley Seacrest under the watchful eye of sports medicine instructor Keith Eggleston at West Valley High School on Tuesday. SR photo Jesse Tinsley

Good Monday morning, everyone. I hope everyone had a nice, restful holiday. I wonder how many people are having turkey sandwiches for lunch today? Anyway, on to some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on the sports medicine program at the new Spokane Valley Tech. It joins other new programs for high school students that include aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Spokane Valley city councilman Ben Wick is nearly fninished with his first year on the city council. He talks about his role on the council and how that fits in with his work and personal life. We also have some details on who has applied for open positions on the city's planning commission and Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Correspondent Steve Christilaw has a story on the coming basketball season at Central Valley High School and Freeman High School.

Tyler Saunders, left, a senior from Mead High School, gets tips on how to safely mount a new cutting tool on a large milling machine from veteran machinist Cal Christen at Spokane Community College on Friday. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

Welcome to another Monday morning. We've got several highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Reporter Lisa Leinberger recently spend another day at the East Farms STEAM Magnet School for an entry for her ongoing East Farms Diary. The school, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, arts and math, had a day of hands on activities where students could do everything from making a clay pot to throwing a football.

Lisa also met up with students taking classes through the new Spokane Valley Tech skills center that is still under construction. The center is bringing together the Central Valley, West Valley, East Valley and Freeman school districts. The program is also open to students from other districts.

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson recently signed up to be tested on a driving simulator that the city's insurance company brought to town. It tested the reactions of city employees to bad weather, failed brakes, blown tires and other scenarios.

Rob Bockemuehl cleans around a water valve as a road grader prepares the intersection of 24th Avenue and Evergreen Road for paving, Aug. 27. SR photo/Dane Pelle.

Today may be the first day of school for many, but it is also the day to get caught up on some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice. Some major Spokane Valley road construction projects are wrapping up, much to the relief of drivers. There are still a few small projects coming up, but none will last longer than two weeks.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger stopped by the groundbreaking for the new Spokane Valley Tech skills center in the old Rite Aid at University and Sprague. The building was purchased by the Central Valley School District for a new skills center, but it will also be used by the West Valley, East Valley and Freeman school districts.

The annual Valleyfest event is fast approaching and there are several new things coming during this year's three day festival. The new items include discounts and coupons at local businesses, a new walk benefitting Down Syndrome research and Babyfest.