Mission Park No Longer Has Caretaker

Valley Mission Park no longer has - or needs - a watchdog.

That’s the decision of Spokane County Parks and Recreation director Wyn Birkenthal.

This week, workers removed the manufactured home along Mission, in which longtime park caretaker Evelyn Nelson had lived.

“Years ago, when the park was first established, there used to be horrendous vandalism,” Birkenthal said. In 1977, Nelson moved onto the property. The house belonged to her; she lived rent-free in the park in exchange for keeping an eye on the property.

Some months ago, Nelson’s family decided she needed assisted-living care. She moved, and the manufactured home had been empty since then. Finally this week, the home was sold and moved.

With the growth of homes and apartments along Mission, Birkenthal said, he doubts there’s any need for a caretaker for the park. Eventually, the county will re-landscape the trailer pad.

“It’s a good opportunity because the seniors center was always separated from the park” by the home, Birkenthal said. New landscaping will help tie the center in with the park.

Waste positions open

Spokane County Commissioners are accepting applications for four openings on the solid waste advisory committee.

Anyone interested in being considered for appointment is invited to submit an application and resume to the commissioners. Application forms are available in the commissioners’ office, 1116 W. Broadway or by calling 456-2265.

The application deadline is June 25.

Rummage sale

Spokane Valley Good Samaritan Village is holding its second annual rummage sale next Saturday to help raise money for improvement projects.

The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Village, 17121 E. Eighth.

Computers, large and small appliances, lawn and garden supplies, artificial flowers and plants, books, kitchen and household items, furniture, clothing, building supplies and tools will be among the items available.

An Early Bird hour starts at 8 a.m. for a $2 donation. Free coffee and doughnuts will be available while supplies last.

Money raised will be used to help fund projects such as relandscaping the grounds to make them wheelchair accessible and purchasing picnic and patio furniture.

The Good Samaritan Village is a non-profit health and retirement center.

Irrigation district turns 75

The Orchard Avenue Irrigation district turns 75 this month.

To celebrate, the district will hold an open house at its office, 7415 E. Marietta, Monday through Friday. The offices will be open from 9 a.m. until noon each day.

“This community has been such a close-knit community, the people have moved in and lived her practically all their lives,” said Lora Sampson, the district’s office manager.

Kenny Harrington, whose father was on the original board of directors back in 1920, will be there daily telling stories about the early days of the Valley.

Kay Palladin-Bennett, who still lives in the home her father built when she was born about 80 years ago, will talk and have tea with women visitors on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Ernie Henrichson, who moved to the Valley from Nebraska in 1949, will tell stories each day, too.

On Flag Day, Friday, staff will hold a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. “We’re raising a flag for the first time here,” Sampson said.

For information, call 926-4563.

, DataTimes