In brief: Munson elected head of AWC

Spokane Valley councilman Richard Munson has been elected president of the Association of Washington Cities, a position that also includes chairing the board of directors and presidency of the AWC Risk Management Corporation.

Munson, who has served on Spokane Valley’s Council since the city’s incorporation in 2003, was elected at the AWC’s annual business meeting on June 15.

Munson said he looks forward to helping determine the direction of the organization and its staff. “It’s a great honor,” he said of his election to the office, “and humbling to be selected by my colleagues.”

Munson will serve as AWC’s top elected official for a year. He has been a member of the organization since his election to the Spokane Valley City Council in 2003, and has served on its board of directors since June of 2003.

– Staff reports

Umthun retires from Valley Fire

One of the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s three battalion chiefs retired last month after almost 24 years with the department.

Dave Umthun began his career at the department in 1983. He worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant of paramedics in 1988 and attained the rank of captain in 1996, said department spokesman Bill Clifford. Umthun retired May 31.

Fire Station No. 6 Captain Ken Capaul will take his place as battalion chief, Clifford said.

– Peter Barnes

NEWMAN LAKE

Flood zone meeting tonight

The Newman Lake Flood Control Zone District annual summer meeting is scheduled tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Tri-County Grange on Starr Road.

“It’s important we get the waterfront assessed residents to this meeting,” Sharon Cusic said.

TRENTWOOD

Fundraiser for 5-year-old patient

Parker Brown is fighting cancer for the second time in his life. He is 5 years old.

Parker and his family live in Omak, and travel to Spokane for treatment every week.

A group of friends and area businesses are organizing a garage sale to benefit Parker and his family. Organizers are asking for donations to support the fundraiser and items for the sale. They ask donors to bring items to Connie Eigell by Friday at 13501 E. Trent Ave. Drop-off arrangements can be made in advance with Eigell by calling 953-3839.

The sale will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 13501 E. Trent Ave. Donations and proceeds will be given to Parker’s family through the Sparrow Club, a nonprofit organization that assists children in medical crisis.

– Staff reports