On an early August evening, 50 butterflies were released from mesh containers into a Coeur d'Alene garden, as families listened to music and watched the insects fly. In many cultures, legends described butterflies as symbols of rejuvenation, hope and rebirth. Some oral traditions referred to them as being able to take messages to deceased loved ones.

Green View Farms has sixth and seventh generations working on acreage that includes an 1878 homestead site, near Fairfield, Wash. Today, the farm grows different crops but predominantly wheat and bluegrass seed, the latter requiring years of tinkering to produce better yields without burning. A byproduct of grass straw also is growing in demand. Lonnie and Marci Green's sons Jordan and Derek are slowly taking on more responsibilities.

A future for regional Kentucky bluegrass seed production looks green again. There are gains in developing new grass seed varieties that can produce yields up to about four years, along with a market in livestock food production and overseas demand for grass straw, said Paul Dashiell with Seeds Inc. The industry had to adapt after a ban against field burning, a previous practice to increase yields that ceased in the 1990s in Washington, and around 2007 in Idaho except on some tribal land.

Devin Rogers and Joleigh Foster had nowhere to stay in Spokane when doctors said their second child had a congenital heart condition and would require several months in a neonatal intensive care unit after delivery.

As a teenager, Jackie Charlebois dreamed of national shows as a figure skater. That looked promising when a prominent coach asked her to train with him in Florida. A year's work with figure skating choreographer Doug Mattis ended when illness forced her to go home. Charlebois packed her skates away for more than 20 years, but now, at age 43, she's made a comeback – so well that she has landed on ice again in a national spotlight for two years in a row.

Danica Dart is steering toward Nascar-style contests. That goal meant seeking to qualify to race 200 laps at Stateline this past Saturday. Never mind that she isn't old enough legally to drive across Spokane. Danica, 14, entered the event alongside her best friend, Kaidyn Moran, 16, a Kennewick resident. Both say it's a family-centered sport.

With fewer young kids in summer recreational baseball compared with 20 years ago, the trend is concerning to Spokane Valley Baseball League president Bill Kreider, who wonders if traditional ballpark play during the season's warm days is fading away.

Pickleball is picking up in Spokane. About 4,000 players regionally are part of Spokane-based PNW Pickleball Association, started four years ago. More resources help people find spots to play via USA Pickleball Association, Facebook groups and the association's Pickleball Playground site. The city plans more courts at area parks. Pickleball became the state's official sport June 9.