Voices

The goal of Somebody Needs You is to match donors with the specific requests of needy Spokane residents. The list of requests is coordinated by the Volunteers of America in cooperation with recognized social service agencies in Spokane. If you have an item to donate, please contact the social service agency directly. Donors who can deliver items are especially appreciated. If someone you know needs help, contact a local social service agency provider.

Five Spokane Valley teens have been referred to Spokane County Juvenile Court after a witness reported them to police for defacing freshly-poured concrete in the 13200 block of East Skyview Friday afternoon. The suspects, four 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old, were referred on felony malicious mischief charges after city officials and a concrete contractor estimated the cost to replace the concrete entryway at $1,100.

University Elementary School PTA will hold a car wash and rummage sale June 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 1613 S. University Road. Community members are invited to use this venue to sell their items. The cost to reserve a spot at the rummage sale is $10. A table may be rented for an additional $5. Rummage sale spaces must be reserved by June 20.

Recently, a leading United Nations official termed our current world food crisis as the "new era of hunger." While many of us feel the pinch through increased grocery and fuel prices, we have little to complain about in comparison to much of the world's population who spend 75 percent of their income on food. The "perfect storm" caused by high energy costs, climate changes, and skyrocketing oil prices is wreaking havoc throughout our world.

Fire District 2 (Fairfield) – Commissioners discussed future grant possibilities and vehicle maintenance. Chief Adam Branon turned in his resignation, effective Aug. 31. He will continue to work as a volunteer with the district. Commissioners will look within the department for a replacement for the unpaid position. (Source: Chief Adam Branon) Fire District 8 – Commissioners approved a contract with Belfor Construction to replace the roof on Station 82. The district is applying for a Safer Grant, which would pay for new personnel. Staff is preparing to go out to bid on staff vehicles and do a re-bid on a rescue/pumper truck. (Source: Administrative assistant Carol Trescott)

Fire districts and departments throughout Spokane County want to find out whether there's strength in numbers when it comes to ambulance service. They're forming a consortium to negotiate an ambulance contract that would set prices and service levels everywhere in the county except in Deer Park and Fire Districts 2, 11 and 12 in the Rockford, Waverly and Fairfield areas, which are served by volunteer ambulance groups.

A tragic Tuesday hit Bayview last week as three residents died on the same day, June 3. Archie Orth, a longtime resident, fisherman and golfer, spent much of his life driving trucks. He didn't have much hearing left for the last few years and it sometimes got in the way. On one such occasion, he was driving a dump truck for Athol Aggregate. Crossing the railroad tracks near Careywood, a train bore down on him, furiously blasting its whistle to no avail. The train hit Orth, threw him out of the truck and he landed, somehow, on the other side of the train. He survived that with shoulder and arm injuries. Unfortunately, he couldn't beat the cancer that had taken over his body.

Cheney High School has elected its Associated Student Body officers for the 2008-'09 school year. The officers are: Reese Martin, president; Desiree Winters, vice-president; Amy Schroeder, executive officer; Dennis France, executive justice; Alex Gustafson, activities coordinator; Meghan Kelly, secretary; and Kaitlyn Helsing, treasurer.

CHENEY – The Cheney Police Department responded to the following calls May 23 – June 6. May 23

Spokane Valley's compliance with state public disclosure laws was among the best in secret test, a state performance audit manager told the City Council Tuesday. City officials not only got it right, but got it fast in a statewide audit of how government agencies respond to requests for public information.

Attendant Care Registry – Free service matching disabled adults and children with personal-care providers; sponsored by Coalition of Responsible Disabled; 326-6355. Change Point! program – Ideal for women who are separated, divorced, or widowed, have a disability, or who have been incarcerated; provides free training in computers, resume preparation, job interviewing, communication skills, and conflict resolution techniques; sponsored by the Washington State Displaced Homemaker Program; contact Denise McKinnon at 279-6065.