In brief: ROOTS plans candidate forum

An Otis Orchards group will present a forum Wednesday for candidates seeking the position being vacated by state Rep. Lynn Schindler, R-Spokane Valley.

Candidates who have said they plan to attend include Republicans Ray Deonier, Matt Shea and Diana Wilhite, and Democrat Tim Hattenburg.

Also, state Sen. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley, will address the forum briefly, according to Cindy Marshall, forum committee chairwoman for the sponsoring Residents of Otis Orchards Taking a Stand.

The organization already has heard McCaslin’s challenger, Democrat Judi Owens.

Marshall said the organizers will direct a few land-use questions to the candidates and then open the forum to questions from the audience.

ROOTS was formed last May by Otis Orchards residents who want to protect their neighborhood from annexation and urban development.

The 4th District candidates forum will be at 7 p.m. at Otis Orchards Elementary school, 22000 E. Wellesley Ave.

– John Craig

MIDILOME

U-Hi ensembles plan concerts

The University High School choral department will feature six vocal ensembles during a two-night concert series Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. The year-end performances will take place at the University High School’s Performing Arts Center, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. Admission is free.

The concert on Tuesday will feature the Titan Jazz Choir, the University Choir and the MAN! Choir.

On Wednesday, the Lirico Chamber Singers, Chanteuse and the Concert Choir will perform.

U-Hi choir teacher Russell Seaton directs all the performers during the concert series, titled “Like a Voice on the Wind … We Say Goodbye.” Year-end awards will follow the Wednesday concert. For more information, call 228-5240.

– Treva Lind

Millwood

West Valley Days next Saturday

The 14th annual West Valley Days celebration is coming up next Saturday at Millwood Park. The annual parade and carnival is sponsored by West Valley SCOPE. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the former Suzy’s Restaurant, 9611 E. Trent Ave., and travel on Grace to the park at Frederick and Stout.

The festivities in the park will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be bingo, carnival games, a live deejay and a free bike raffle. New this year is a silent auction. Food items will be available for purchase. The event, which draws people from all over the area, is a major fundraiser for West Valley SCOPE.

– Nina Culver