Making a scene: Quinn Johnson, who plays Bobby Strong, and Shelby Horton, who plays Hope, in the University High School drama department production of “Urinetown” perform a scene during a dress rehearsal March 29 at U-Hi. SR photo/Colin Mulvany

I was driving home yesterday when I realized I hadn't posted highlights from that day's Valley Voice. Whoops. So here we are with an entry in the “better late than never” category. The city of Spokane Valley is looking at changes to several law enforcement related contracts it has with Spokane County. Both jurisdictions are interested in making changes that will save the city money.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on the University High School production of “Urinetown” that opens on April 11. She also has a story on the National Geographic Bee at Pacific Lutheran University that will include several local students, including two from Spokane Valley.

Lisa did triple duty and also has a story on longtime Inland Northwest Blood Center volunteer Ernie Dieterich, who died recently. If you donated blood at the organizations' mobile donor coach, you might have seen him. He would drive the coach, hand out juice and do whatever else was needed.

Taylor Gatts, a University High School senior, launched a nonprofit organization – Kids Against Cancer – for her culminating senior project. Gatts has been raising funds for children’s cancer research, working with children with cancer and even shaved her head to donate her hair to Locks of Love. SR photo/Dan Pelle

Today is Thursday, which means it is time for another round of Valley Voice highlights. Reporter Lisa Leinberger talked to University High School senior Taylor Gatts about the Kids Against Cancer nonprofit organization that she founded as her senior culminating project. She even shaved her head to donate her hair to Locks of Love to show support for children with cancer.

Children's Book Bank organizer Mike Frucci was recognized by Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey with a community recognition award this week. The book bank donates new and used books to children under the age of six in the Spokane area.

There is a group of women at the Broadway Court Estates independent living center that have been meeting at least once a week to create prayer shawls for a local ministry. They turned out 32 shawls in the first two months. They seem to be having a good time while they do it, laughing and joking while their hands work.

A man being arrested by a Liberty Lake Police officer tried the popular “Officer, these aren't my pants” defense when suspected oxycontin and drug paraphernalia were found in his pockets. He was apparently unable to identify the true owner of the pants, however.

It’s almost time for a victor to be declared in Tuesday’s Stinky Sneaker rivalry game between Central Valley and University High School.

This year’s theme: Shoempa Loompa, which is a play on the mythical people from the book Charlie and Chocolate Factory.

Because the theme must be tied to the coveted trophy, a sneaker, thus the Shoempa Loompa, according to students presenting at Monday’s Central Valley School District board meeting.

You’ll recognize the Central Valley H.S. fans by their blue t-shirts and the cheer leaders who are reportedly dressing up as Shoempa Loompas.

The girls’ basketball game begins at 5 p.m. at their Spokane Arena and the boys’ team begins at 7:15 p.m. For pricing information, check here.

Interesting to note: music will be provided at the game by members of the Central Valley marching band and once the game is over, some of their instruments will be packed away for a nearly 2,500 mile long drive to Washington D.C. where they’ll be picked up once again for a parade that happens only once a year.

In Thursday’s paper, look for a story on the marching band’s last weekend of practices leading up to their flight to Washington D.C. for the President Obama’s inauguration day parade.

Kristie Gaffney and her younger children, twins Keaton, left, and Kyra, right, 12, stand in their living room Wednesday. Gaffney has turned her home into a not-too-scary haunted house with decorated walls, animated figures, statues and pictures. They live in Greenacres. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

We've got another damp Monday morning here in the Northwest, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in for some Saturday Valley Voice highlights. Reporter Lisa Leinberger talked to Spokane Valley resident Kristie Gaffney, who has gone all out in decorating her home for Halloween. Most of it is modeled after the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

A lot of people probably don't know that there is a tiny Spokane County Sheriff's Office crime prevention office in the Spokane Valley Mall. I must say that my interview with the two deputies who work out of the office was the first time I've ever had someone get up and run out of the room in the middle of an interview. They were called on to stop a shoplifter from leaving the mall. Their job is mostly working with the community by offering classes and presentations on a wide variety of crime prevention topics.

Lisa also has a story on the University High School production of “Les Miserables.” The elaborate musical with a huge cast will take the stage starting Nov. 1. And about that stage - it now revolves. Construction was completed over the summer.

Last week the Spokane Valley City Council spent a lot of time discussing what comprehensive plan amendments the city should consider this year. Amendments can only be considered once a year and the application deadline is Nov. 1.

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.

Andrew Croneberger, a U-Hi senior, practices at school during a portrait session May 2. Andrew was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at a very young age. He finds solace in his music and can replicate any song just by listening. SR photo/Tyler Tjomsland

Here it is, as promised - the annual graduation section of the Valley Voice. We've got lists of every graduating senior at schools in the Spokane Valley area, plus a few schools in other areas that also draw students from the Valley. Reporters and correspondents have written stories profiling one notable student from each high school. Some of these teens have really exceptional stories to tell. I can't link to them all, but here's a sampling.

University High School senior Andrew Croneberger is a star student, athlete, musican and composer. He also has Asperger's syndrome. Valley Christian School senior Crystal Heden was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4, but she hasn't let that slow her down. Central Valley High School senior Gaven Deyarmin bears the scars from two near death experiences, but he still managed to excell at basketball, football and track while also bringing home a 3.92 grade-point average. East Valley High School senior Jake Foust already has his own business. Contract Based Education senior Jamal Davis is back on track after being side tracked by alcohol, drugs and some time in jail.  

There are many more great seniors to read about. See them all on the Voices page here.

Some of Holy Trinity’s congregation went to a newly formed church, leaving Holy Trinity with about 50 members. The church also left the ELCA synod and joined an smaller denomination, LCMC. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

It looks like we get a sunny Monday morning for a change. We can take a look at some highlights from Saturday's Valley Voice while I mull the wisdom of working a regular shift the day after working the night shift. Reporter Lisa Leinberger has a story on the new University High School principal (and former engineer) Alan Robbins. He has strong roots just next door in Montana and will start his new job on July 1.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has been through a lot of change in the last year. The congregation nearly merged with two others, but the final vote failed. Nearly half the congregation left and the pastor quit. In moving forward the congregation decided to switch denominations.

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce said last week that it wasn't being forced out of its location on East Sprague. There was some confusion about initial statements that the Chamber was moving because the building was being sold.

Spokane Valley councilman Arne Woodard is known for his ties. Many are bright, loud and a few are a bit wild. He owns about 60 of them and since his appointment to the council last year, Woodard has tried to wear a different tie every Tuesday night. SR photo/Dan Pelle

Saturday's Valley Voice was so packed with stories that I'm really not sure how we fit them all in. Here's your chance to take a look if you missed them. Spokane Valley City Councilman Arne Woodard has been making a name for himself by wearing colorful and unusual ties to council meetings. He thinks the ties make him more approachable and they fit his sense of humor.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger has several stories on local schools. The East Valley School District is considering purchasing portable classrooms for its elementary schools to create room for seventh graders. There will be a public hearing on the subject during the school board's meeting Tuesday. Lisa talked to students at University High School last week who were taking part in a distracted driving demonstration. They tried texting while driving and also driving with special goggles that simulated a drunk person's vision.

Students at University Elementary School spent some time last week planting seeds to grow in their new donated greenhouse. The students seemed happy to get out and have fun in the dirt.

Nineteen people have applied to serve on Spokane Valley's new economic development committee. The story includes a list of those who have applied. Mayor Tom Towey will make his appointment recommendations on Tuesday. Last week there was a public hearing regarding a retroactive substantial development permit being sought by a Liberty Lake homeowner for shoreline improvements that were put in without a permit. The owner, Lloyd Herman, was ordered to remove the improvements but has not done so.  

Junior Darbi Dobson, a thrower with the East Valley High School Knights track team, practices throwing the discus during practice at EVHS. SR photo/Jesse Tinsley

We had technical difficulties over the weekend that stopped our main Saturday Valley Voice stories from posting on the web, but they're up now and ready for your perusal. The Spokane Valley City Council continues to consider purchasing property at Sprague and Herald from the Pring Corporation to be used to expand Balfour Park and partner with the Spokane County Library District on a new library. This particular piece of property has been the topic of discussion before and the city was previously asked to consider buying it in 2007.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger talked to students at Broadway Elementary School who have been collecting used ink cartridges and old cell phones for years, raising $25,000 to buy new technology for the school. Lisa also has a report on a community forum scheduled for tonight to present the finalists for the University High School principal position.

Correspondent Steve Christilaw talked to a former volleyball player turned shot put and discus thrower at East Valley High School. Darbi Dobson is one of the top throwers in the state.

University’s Jared Miller drives to the hoop between two Lake Washington defenders. Photo courtesy of Patrick Hagerty.

Spokesman-Review reporter Greg Lee was a busy man yesterday, checking in with the Spokane Valley basketball teams playing at State in Tacoma. If you haven't checked out his stories in today's Sports section, here are some links for you. The University High School boys beat Lake Washington and the girls beat Seattle Prep. The Central Valley High School boys bested Garfield of Seattle and the girls won over Eastlake. Correspondent Mike Vlahovich watched the Valley Christian boys win over Sunnyside Christian at the Spokane Arena. Correspondent Michael Anderson was in Yakima to see the Freeman High School girls beat Granger to advance.  It's great to see all our teams doing so well. Good luck!

A University High School student was arrested very early this morning after a search of his home turned up a gun he allegedly displayed during a fight in Browns Park across from University High School yesterday. Students reported to school administrators that Benjamin Washington, 18, flashed the gun threateningly during the fight. Police obtained a search warrant for the home and found two guns inside. Washington was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm. Click here for more details.

At the Spokane County regional fire dispatch center, dispatcher Mike Cappellano monitors a call of a tree that fell onto a house Wednesday. SR photo/Colin Mulvany

Well, judging by our wild weather this weekend, I guess it is still winter. Today's chilly temperatures may not stop teenagers from wearing shorts, but it makes a perfect day for the rest of us to sit inside with our coffee and get caught up on Saturday's Valley Voice.

The Spokane Fire Department runs a fire dispatch center that serves all of Spokane County and last year they purchased some new software that allows calls to be sent to firefighters sooner. Response times have improved as dispatch times have improved.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger spent some time with Freeman Elementary School students portraying each of the nation's 44 presidents in a fun “wax museum” event. Lisa also has a story on the retirement announcement made by West Valley Superintendent Polly Crowley. She will leave the district at the end of the school year after seven years as superintendent.

Correspondent SteveChristilaw checked in with the University High School boys basketball team last week before their regional game with Kennewick as they looked back on their season.

A community forum to discuss the qualifications wanted for the new University High School principal will take place tonight from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the school library, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Those attending will have the chance to fill out a questionnaire about what characteristics they want the new principal to have and what challenges are facing the school.

Current princopal Daryl Hart has announced that he will retire at the end of the school year.

Alysia Brewer, rear center, leads a Zumba exercise class at Eastpoint Church in Spokane Valley Tuesday. SR photo/Christopher Anderson

It's Monday morning again, though a slipperty one, and therefore time to take a look at Saturday's Valley Voice. The first phase of the Ponderosa Ridge development south of 44th Avenue just outside the Spokane Valley city limits has been given the go-ahead by Spokane County Commissioners. The Ponderosa Neighborhood Association has decided not to file a legal appeal, but plan to keep pushing their concerns that there aren't enough roads out of the neighborhood if an evacuation is required.

Churches are apparently expanding to include popular Zumba exercise classes. Correspondent Jill Barville checked in with three Spokane Valley churches about the classes they offer.  Correspondent Steve Christilaw has a story on University High School assistant coach Dave Orndorff. This year he is coaching two of his sons and his nephew.

Greenacres Liquor Store manager Natalie Murphy and owner Keith Peterson are confident that their location and loyal customers will enable them to successfully compete against big-box stores when state-run stores close and liquor sales are privatized. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

If it's a Tuesday morning in a holiday week, it's time for the Saturday Valley Voice highlights. Liquor stores from Millwood to Liberty Lake to Greenacres are considering whether to stay open under the new rules in place under the intitiative that passed to remove the state from the liquor business. Everyone seems unsure how things will work under the new rules, but some are determined to stay open. Others are planning to close.

Repoter Lisa Leinberger talked to University High School principal Daryl Hart, who plans to retire this year. He has been at the school for eight years, topping off a 38 year career in education. The Spokane Valley City Council discussed the city's snow plowing policy and whether the rules about plowing the residential streets on the Valley floor should be changed.

Correspondent Steve Christilaw has a story on the girls basketball team at West Valley High School. It's a young team, but coach Loren Carlon appears confident that the team will rebuild.

University High School sophomores Ashley Lewis and Lindsey Knight sign holiday cards and attach them to toys for children adopted by their Titan advisory period class. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

It's another lovely Monday morning, which means it is time for the Saturday Valley Voice highlights. Reporter Lisa Leinberger spoke to students at University High School who participated in the school's annual Adopt-A-Tot toy drive.

The Spokane Valley Police Department has been accredited by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. They are the only contract law enforcement agency in Washington to take this step. The Spokane Valley City Council voted to lower the speed limit on a stretch of Mission between Flora and Barker in Greenacres. The city is also considering whether to keep the traffic light at Sprague and Progress.

Correspondent Steve Christilaw has a story on second year Freeman boys basketball coach John Graham. He brought a new style of coaching to the school that has apparently been successful.

The Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard rehearses Tuesday for the Northwest Association for Performing Arts Championhips to be held Saturday in Hillsboro, Ore. The band made history by winning first place at the University of Oregon Festival of Bands at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., last weekend. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

The Central Valley High School Marching Band and Color Guard have had “Unflagging success“ according to a story by Lisa Leinberger in Saturday's Valley Voice. The band recently won first place in the University of Oregonal festival of Bands after putting in hundreds of hours of practice. Lisa also has an education column packed with news about local schools, including a production of “Beauty and the Beast” at University High School.

Former SR reporter Mike Vlahovich wrote an obituary on Spokane Valley “institution” Harry Larned. He was a co-founder of the Sports Creel and a former Spokane County Commissioner and Spokane Valley Fire Department Commissioner.

The Spokane Valley City Council disagreed over allocations recommended by the Lodging Tax Committee. There was also discussion of accepting a second round of applications for the lodging tax money. No decisions were made; a vote is scheduled for the Nov. 15 meeting.

City of Spokane Valley staff members hosted a developer's forum last week to share improvements being made to the permitting process and to get suggestions for further improvement. There was a surprisingly good turnout for the 7:30 a.m. meeting and the crowd was friendly enough to crack a few jokes.  

Diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease as a teenager, Cindy Bergdahl has not let her vision impairment stop her from teaching fourth grade at McDonald Elementary School, or competing in triathlons. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

As promised, we brought you a bunch of interesting stories in Saturday's Valley Voice. Correspondent Cindy Hval talked to McDonald Elementary School teacher Cindy Bergdahl, who teaches and competes in triathlon despite being visually impaired.

A University High School student has come forward to say she reported to the school in the spring that teacher Michael Cronin had touched her inappropriately. Central Valley School District has launched in investigation into the allegation. This comes after Cronin was put on paid administrative leave in August while the district checked into recent criminal convictions.

Former SR reporter Mike Vlahovich wrote about longtime Spokane Valley resident Joe Custer, who led Vera Water and Power and was heavily involved in the community. We also have an analysis of Spokane Valley City Council campaign ad claims that the city's budget was increasing 7 percent a year until the new council took over.

We've got a few good stories coming your way in Saturday's Valley Voice, so look for it on your porch in the morning. I have a follow up story on University High School teacher Michael Cronin. A student has come forward to say she complained to school officials about Cronin's behavior this year and the Central Valley School District has launched a new investigation. I have also put together an ad watch story that looks at claims made in some Spokane Valley City Council candidate advertisements.

Former SR reporter Mike Vlahovich has put together an feature obituary on Joe Custer, longtime Vera Water and Power CEO and community activist. Custer passed away a couple of weeks ago.

Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Chamberlin hands out “Stickman Knows” tattoos, reflective stickers and wristbands at Otis Orchards Elementary School as a part of International Walk to School Day on Wednesday. The school has improved the safety of children walking and biking to school and being picked up by parents after school. SR photo/J. Bart Rayniak

The big news from Saturday's Valley Voice is University High School teacher Michael Cronin being put on paid administrative leave and sentenced to serve nearly a year in jail. I first wrote about him in 2009 after he was put on leave while the Central Valley School District investigated allegations that he had inappropriately touched a female student and a female staff member while allegedly drunk at school. His alcohol related arrests have continued to mount, which led to the jail time. There's also an update on the results of a state investigation into the 2009 allegations that was recently completed.

Reporter Lisa Leinberger went to University Elementary School last week to check out a new nutrition and cooking program being offered to students. She also has a bunch of school news in her Inside Our Schools column this week.

Correspondent Valerie Putnam attended last week's Millwood City Council meeting, where the council voted to move forward with two road construction projects. Grave Avenue and Laura Road will be widened and the intersection of Empire Ave. and Fowler Road will be improved.