We've got some great reads in today's Valley Voice. Correspondent Cindy Hval has a powerful story on the Santos family, who were involved in a collision with a drunk driver last summer. The family has been supported by the community as they slowly recover.

Recently retired Spokane Valley City Council member Bill Gothmann recently took a look back at his work with the city that dates back to before incorporation. He talked about his accomplishments and frustrations, but said overall that he has no regrets.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger attended the first Liberty Lake City Council meeting with new mayor Steve Peterson. It was a well attended, festive meeting with the swearing in of Peterson and two new council members. It was announced during the meeting that councilman Ryan Romney has resigned. The city is now accepting applications for a replacement to finish his term.  

This photo shows the interior of a house on the 13200 block of East 24th Avenue that burned. Piles of charred, shoulder- high debris had to be removed. The damage is estimated at $160,000. Photo courtesy the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

Batten down the hatches so you don't blow away in the wind and take a look at some of the stories we had in Saturday's Valley Voice. A group of Millood residents is upset that the city council wants to tear out the wading pool in the city park to save money. But insurance and maintenance issues may spell doom for the popular pool. The council is taking another look at the issue.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department spent several hours at a fire in the 13200 block of East 24th on Feb. 17 because the house was so cluttered. The home is not currently habitable and the owner did not have insurance. That fire topped events for the week ending Feb. 23.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger talked to former Liberty Lake mayor Steve Peterson last week. He has filed paperwork with the Public Disclosure Commission to run for mayor in November. He lost that seat in 2007 to the current Liberty Lake mayor Wendy Van Orman.

Electronic books are apparently becoming more and more popular and the Spokane County Library District has greatly expanded their ebook collection by partnering with Project Gutenberg, which offers free downloads of classic books.