Jody Lawrence-Turner

The Spokane Valley Fire Department bought Millwood's firetrucks and absorbed its full-time firefighters, and the small town contracted with the department about a year ago to man the Millwood station. If voters decide to annex Millwood into Valley Fire's coverage area, it would be the final step, officials say. Instead of contracting with the town, the fire department would tax Millwood residents directly, as it does patrons who live in the city of Spokane Valley. Town residents would see their property taxes increase.

Wayne Foster arrived first at the Bloomsday starting line – 4½ hours early. The 42-year-old showed up at 4:30 a.m. to make sure he would be at the front of the massive pack.

Not just any stud was good enough for the Stewarts' "little Peanut." He had to have the right build and a pleasant personality.

The donated running shoes didn't drive 8-year-old Cory Dahl to the finish line on Saturday. It was his determined spirit. The new white and blue Nikes "definitely helped me run faster," he said after his mile-long run.

Mike Thompson wasn't a typical boy who dreamed of becoming a firefighter or a policeman when he grew up. The desire to be a firefighter came when he was in his early 20s. Thompson was finishing a four-year tour with the Marine Corps in 1970 when a relative suggested he think about fire service as a career. Thompson, now 57 and with more than 30 years of firefighting experience, became the Spokane Valley Fire Department chief in late February.

The 5-year-old girl tapped her pink cowboy boots in time with her fiddle playing as she performed Saturday at the 37th annual Northwest Regional Fiddle Contest for the first time. Elk, Wash., resident Macy Morgan was the youngest participant at this weekend's competition held at East Valley High School. The competition continues today.