Voices

Responding to a national report earlier this year that traces of pharmaceuticals are showing up in America’s drinking water, the Spokane Water Department has spent about $3,000 to test the city’s water supply for drug residue. The results showed no traces of pharmaceuticals from samples taken from two city wells.

Schools University High School Class of 1998 – Friday-Saturday. Visit www.cvsd.org/university or e-mail uhighclassof1998@hotmail.com.

Garden and landscape design is the art of taking advantage of the elements in and around a garden. Sometimes it’s to highlight a unique tree or a planting of favorite plants. Maybe it’s to provide outdoor entertaining space or privacy. Sometimes, though, a garden’s design is dictated by an element so bold and dramatic that gardener can do nothing more than frame it with equally bold plantings and architecture.

Picture Perfect is a scrapbook of the people and events that make your life in Spokane Valley special. We’ll publish your slice-of-life photographs for free. Just send them in via e-mail and include caption information, such as names, ages and locations, and provide a daytime phone number in case we have questions.

Spokane Public Schools is accepting applications from interested community members to fill a vacant school board position. The board will be looking for someone who understands the importance of stewardship for the community’s children and is eager to be a part of a board whose responsibilities are assuring that all students attain the skills necessary for success in today’s world.

Cheney Public Schools has announced new staff and staff relocations. Cheney High School

For 08-21-2008

For the week of Aug. 25-29 Monday – Swiss steak with gravy, au gratin potatoes, spinach, potato roll, fruit cocktail.

Organizers have been gearing up for it for a whole year and it’s finally here – Spirit Lake’s Centennial Celebration over Labor Day weekend. The four-day extravaganza, in recognition of the town’s first 100 years, promises extraordinary activities, exciting action, and plenty of adventure from the little town that likes to party – and yes, they will have a parade. Spirit Lake will be rockin’, according to Centennial organizer Marc Kroetch, with a promise of “something for everybody.” For those seeking adventure, the city’s Centennial Mountain Bike Ride might be just what you are looking for. Those seeking less strenuous late-summer activities might enjoy the new downtown walking tour, sampling some Dutch-oven cooking, tasting a little wine, watching a blacksmith swing his hammer, or just enjoying some great music. Kid’s activities will include storytelling, foot races, and the chance to help decorate a teepee.

Before they approved a resolution proclaiming September as Voter Education Month, before they banned cyber-bullying, before they adopted a $308 million budget, the board for Spokane Public Schools last week swore in two teens to join them at the table. Rogers senior Kayla Fenci and North Central senior Zachary Zappone are student advisers, meaning they don’t get a vote on business that comes before the board, but are encouraged to give their input.

Three people were sent to the hospital Monday afternoon after their personal watercrafts crashed into one another on Newman Lake about 2:15 p.m., said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. According to marine Deputy Wade Nelson, 23-year-old Brian A. Riehle, of Newman Lake, was operating a Jet Ski with his girlfriend, 18-year-old Elizabeth Shadwell, of Indiana, on the back.

For 08-21-2008

Public officials are soliciting comments on a proposed wildfire protection plan for Spokane County. The plan identifies fire-prone “urban interface areas” and recommends ways to deal with brush and other fuels. It also promotes public awareness of wildfire problems.