In brief: Work to close southbound Sullivan Road Bridge

SPOKANE VALLEY – The southbound Sullivan Road Bridge is closing this morning and all traffic will be shifted onto the northbound bridge as demolition of the southbound bridge begins.

There will be two southbound lanes and one northbound lane available during the first phase of the Sullivan Bridge construction project, which is expected to be completed by early 2017.

“The important thing is that the corridor will remain open,” said Jim Dingfield, Sullivan Bridge project engineer.

Dingfield encouraged commuters to seek alternative routes, if possible and practical.

Wide loads and oversize loads will be allowed in the southbound lanes, but the northbound lane is only 11 feet wide.

“We’d recommend northbound oversize loads find an alternative route,” Dingfield said.

The next bridge to the east is on Barker Road and traffic toward Spokane Valley Mall may use Evergreen Road to Indiana Avenue.

The southbound bridge is expected to be done in mid-2016 after which all traffic will be moved on to the new bridge, as the northbound bridge undergoes restoration and repairs.

The entire project should be done by early 2017.

Forgotten officer added to service

SPOKANE – The annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Spokane County Courthouse Cul-de-sac, 1100 W. Mallon Ave.

This is the 28th annual ceremony, and added to the memorial this year will be a forgotten officer, Deputy Sheriff James M. Bennett from the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, whose end of watch was July 14, 1911.

Also, the Medal of Honor will be presented to William Davis.

A candlelight vigil in honor of fallen officers will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the same location. It’s presented by the Spokane Chapter of the Behind the Badge Organization.

Wine tasting to benefit programs

NORTH SPOKANE – The Spokane American-Italian Club will host its annual wine-tasting party to benefit the club’s scholarship and charitable programs from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Appetizers will be served and there will be a silent auction.

The tasting will be at St. Thomas More Hall, 515 St. Thomas More Way, with free parking. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 per person or in advance by calling Ron at (509) 994-8639 or Ansano at (509) 928-9186.

Store’s BBQ-Fest set for Saturday

SPOKANE VALLEY – Falco’s will host its sixth annual BBQ-Fest on Saturday at the shop.

There will be barbecue demonstrations on various grills. Samples of meats, side dishes, baked goods and desserts made on the barbecues will be available.

Grills and accessories will be discounted and there will be prizes and drawings throughout the day.

A portion of sales from the event will go to Operation Spokane Heroes, a local military support organization. Falco’s also will collect donations for the group.

The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the store, 9310 E. Sprague Ave.

For more information, call (509) 926-8911.

Library bond vote to be discussed

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Business Association is hosting Jane Baker, Spokane County Library District’s communication and development officer, at its regular meeting on May 14 at 7:30 a.m.

Baker will talk about the upcoming library bond election and the facilities needs of Millwood and Spokane Valley.

A Spokane County Library Board member will be part of the presentation.

The meeting will be in the board room of held at Spokane Valley Fire Department’s Administrative Building, 2120 N. Wilbur Road.

Group announces park concerts

NORTHWEST SPOKANE – The Northwest Neighborhood Association has announced its summer concert series for Audubon Park.

The association will host the Spokane Jazz Orchestra on July 9; Men of Rhythm, July 23; and Spectrum, Aug. 6. All concerts will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Members of the public are invited to gather for the concerts to enjoy the music and possibly some food brought to the park for the occasion. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed under city park rules.