In brief: Council to consider Mann Center plan
The Spokane City Council has scheduled a public hearing for Monday on a redevelopment plan for the Mann Army Reserve Center in Hillyard.
During its regular 6 p.m. meeting, the council will consider a formal redevelopment plan that provides details on an advisory committee recommendation that the council accepted in March.
That recommendation includes converting the existing office and shop areas to educational uses; turning a vacant piece of land into a gateway for the Hillyard business district; and allowing undeveloped parking areas to be sold for private development.
The military has declared the Mann Center as surplus because it is building a new facility at Fairchild Air Force Base. The city has a May 8 deadline to submit its plan.
– Mike Prager
Northwest Spokane
Park Board taking pool ideas
Public comment is being sought by the Spokane Park Board Wednesday on the best location for building a new swimming pool in Northwest Spokane.
The meeting is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Residents of the area have been debating choices among Shadle and Loma Vista parks and Joe Albi Stadium. The Park Board is expected to decide which location will get the new pool to replace the former pools at Shadle Park.
Parks officials have received petitions from two groups both favoring and opposing Loma Vista Park along Alberta Street at Columbia Avenue. A pool at Shadle could be located near the existing branch library if that site is chosen.
– Mike Prager
Shadle Park
Student honored for milk-themed art
Shadle Park High School senior Jeayoung Yoo received an honorable mention for her entry in Safeway’s third annual Lucerne The Art of Dairy contest. Yoo’s entry, titled, “Let Them Drink Milk,” depicted a bejeweled Marie Antoinette holding a full glass of milk out to gaunt-faced peasants.
Safeway District Manager Craig Johnson and Shadle Safeway manager Dan Stelzer on April 29 presented Yoo with a $1,000 check from the corporate office. As a surprise, the Seattle Safeway Division matched that amount.
In addition, Shadle art teacher Kathy Pattee received $1,000 to spend as she pleases and another $1,000 for use in the school’s art department.
To read the original story and see the accompanying video, go to www.spokesmanreview.com/ local/story.asp?ID=239701 &page=all.
– Cindy Hval
Emerson/Garfield
‘Doll Shop’ shows begin tonight
North Central High School will present its 22nd production of “Doll Shop” today, Friday, Saturday, and May 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the school, 1600 N. Howard St.
Produced for the first time in 1929, “Doll Shop” was started by Elsa Pinkham, the girls physical education teacher from 1918 to 1959.
The story revolves around a long-abandoned doll shop. The shop’s original owners left clues for someone to find store’s deed.
Pinkham thought anyone who wanted to perform in the show should be allowed, and that tradition continues today.
The show will include favorite numbers from the past, including a performance by an all-male kazoo band.
New numbers in this year’s show will include a percussion number and a performance by a freshman garage band.
In conjunction with the school’s centennial celebration, the production will also have an alumni matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are available at the North Central business office or at the door if they are not sold out.
Prices are $7 for the general public and $6 for seniors and those with North Central GSL cards.
For more information, call the school at 354-6300.
– Lisa Leinberger
Five Mile Prairie
Grange hosting garden event
Five Mile Prairie Grange, 3024 W. Strong Road, will host its second annual Spring Garden Day on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local experts on lawn, garden and landscaping will be on hand to provide advice and share their products and services.
Five Mile Prairie Grange has been serving Five Mile, its members and the surrounding area since 1929, striving to make a difference in the community.
Call (509) 953-3533 or e-mail fivemilegrange@hotmail.com for more information.
– Rainey Coffin
Spokane
Week promotes traffic safety
Spokane’s Pedestrian, Transportation and Traffic Committee is celebrating the 10th annual Traffic Awareness and Pedestrian Safety Week through Sunday.
During Safety Week, drivers are encouraged to slow down and obey speed limits, making Spokane neighborhoods safer.
On April 29, a tree-planting ceremony was held near the Red Wagon in Riverfront Park to honor pedestrians who have been hit or killed in traffic accidents.
For more information, contact Gail Prosser at 456-7588 or Rod Minarik at 625-6737.
– Rainey Coffin
Spokane Tree City for fifth year
Spokane is continuing its official designation as a Tree City USA for the fifth year running, city parks officials said last week.
The designation requires that a city have a tree care ordinance, a department or board to oversee tree care, a community forestry program that has a sufficient budget and an Arbor Day observance.
The program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
“Being a Tree City USA helps present the kind of image that most citizens want to have for the place they live or conduct business,” said Nancy Goodspeed, parks spokeswoman in a press release. “The Tree City USA signs at community entrances tell visitors that here is a community that cares about its environment.”
– Mike Prager