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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Tell city about gargantuan potholes

As Spokane Valley’s record snow and ice recedes like glaciers from the last Ice Age, residents are finding some mastodon-size potholes – and city officials want to know where they are.

To report such cold-weather street damage, call the city’s pothole hotline: 688-0171.

City officials ask those who call outside business hours to leave a detailed message describing the pothole and its precise location. Callers also are asked to give their names and a daytime phone number in case there are any questions.

Potholes also may be reported by clicking on the “Report a Pothole” link in the city’s Web site at www.spokanevalley.org.

East Valley

EV students to make up days in February

Students in the East Valley School District will have to give up most of their mid-winter break in February to make up for the four days lost to winter weather in December and January. Students will attend classes on Feb. 17 through 19 and June 19. Students will still be out of school on Feb. 20 as planned.

Superintendent John Glenewinkel made the decision to make up the days after requesting input from parents and district staff. He got more than 100 e-mails in response. “It was pretty overwhelmingly in favor of using the February days,” he said.

School districts seem more inclined this year to make up lost school days instead of applying for waivers from the state as they did last year. “We have a contract to teach and provide instruction for 180 days,” Glenewinkel said. “If at all possible, we need to honor that.”

Many teachers already have travel plans made for February, and Glenewinkel said he will strip staff from the district office to serve as substitute teachers if necessary. “We felt like we can make it work,” he said. “We’re going to work hard to accommodate staff that has travel plans.”

Spokane Valley

City’s business plan available for viewing

Spokane Valley’s 2009 municipal business plan – in which city departments set their goals – is available for public inspection.

City officials use the plan to focus their resources on anticipated needs. They also measure the efficiency of their performance and make sure their plans conform to the city’s “strategic financial plan.”

To view the business plan, click on the “What’s New” link on the city’s Web site at www.spokanevalley.org or go to City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague Ave.

John Craig Nina Culver John Craig