Treva Lind

Technology that measures how eye pupils respond to light is showing promise in research as a pediatric screening tool for autism – with a goal for interventions as young as toddler ages, said a Washington State University researcher. Autism spectrum disorder affects communication and social interactions with others, but children on average aren't diagnosed until age 4, which misses crucial times when they're developing language and speech.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Stateline staple, it’s an event simply called the boat races. The nearest body of water is about 4 miles away.

A robotic arm exoskeleton being tested in Spokane is reaching to advance recovery for stroke patients.

Friends Ruben Villarreal and Tiffany Patterson started Mild Riders Scooter Gang about a year ago for rural-road weekly rides on scooters that typically have maximum speeds of 40 mph. In June, Villarreal had his 2019 Honda stolen, so club members and friends rallied on GoFundMe to raise dollars so he could get a new one. Villarreal is back in the saddle with a 2023 Honda Metropolitan.

For 12 seasons, Brad Bishop sprinted full-speed across the Spokane Indians baseball field, did handstands and joked with fans in farcical superhero persona – all to make ballpark recycling fun. This year, Recycleman's booming voice and top-of-the-dugout gymnastics are missing. Bishop has ended his stint as a mascot performer, mostly because the demands of his job as an applied behavior analyst.

It's a long way between Fiji and Spokane, and one longtime couple measures that beyond just physical distance. Jay and Jo Lal celebrate multiple milestones this year: 50 years of marriage, 25 years since his heart transplant at Sacred Heart Medical Center and more than 32 years here. He grew up in Fiji while she was raised in Australia, but today, they count being in this city with its medical care among their blessings.

Both Spokane – and some U.S. Treasury silver – played crucial roles in the nation’s rapid production buildup during World War II, when new aluminum plants here supplied material for Boeing-made bombers and other military planes.

Connor Thornberry, 15, perfected a smooth throw when he began as a rookie cornhole player two years ago. Then came his signature black Stetson, a birthday gift in September, and his competitor's title: Connor the Cornhole Cowboy. His mostly adult competitors describe Thornberry as a tough opponent in the popular bag-tossing game that's taken off as a sport, including ESPN coverage. Thornberry is now advanced level, with eyes on turning pro. He's set to compete in the American Cornhole League World Championships.

Spokane Regional Health District reported on June 14 that there were 77 confirmed influenza hospitalizations within Spokane County during the recent flu season. This time last year, the report had one hospitalization in the county during the prior season, and no one had died from influenza.

Louise Butler gave away her lawnmower years ago. She could do that – because over time – Butler slowly replaced all of the grass near her South Hill home with a patchwork of various wildflowers and perennials. February to October, blooms emerge in various hues with more flowers than she can name. A Spokane Symphony cello player, Butler enjoys tinkering outside to see the daily changes.

Gaining a win off the field, Mt. Spokane High School students recently aced a grueling 300-question sports medicine exam to clinch a national title. A team of 15 took the American Academic Competition Institute’s National Sports Medicine Competition test on May 19. With a collective score, they won its national top position in the medium-sized school division.

At the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum through Aug. 20, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit called "The Way We Worked” covers the diverse evolution of employment in the U.S., from agriculture and factories to a range of jobs boosted by flight and space missions. It explores racial inequality and early child labor practices.The museum also has created companion displays on regional employers.

As a child, Mary Kim took on the role of translator for her parents’ medical appointments. A couple of years before she was born, they had immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea. Now a Spokane medical student, Kim is working with other medical students to help the approximately 400 Afghan refugees here receive translated medical records, from Dari to English. A session is planned this fall.

This Father's Day, John Rothstrom marks first-time grandpa status. He plans to work the day prior in a 12-hour shift as an intensive care unit nurse, so Rothstrom told his daughter they'll figure out something for a family dinner. Flexibility is a norm for the Rothstroms, because he, his daughter, son and daughter-in-law are all nurses.

Despite this region's water-logged spring, the first day of summer on Tuesday ushers in an abundance of outdoor activities – and perhaps – warmer temperatures. In an eagerness to breathe fresh air, think about preparations now to guard your health while in the sun, so that problems don't spoil your outings.

Jasmine Linane-Booey felt drawn to language learning while living in Europe, first as a Gonzaga University student. Now, she wants to help children 5-12 in Spokane through new Spanish immersion summer camps.