Voices

Fire District 13 (Newman Lake) – Commissioners voted to change the meetings to 6 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month. They also authorized the sale of a 1973 International Tender as surplus. (Source: Secretary Rosa Ingram) Fairfield City Council – The new city clerk is Mary Kinsey. The council got an update on renovation work at the Community Center. The council voted to update administrative fees, raising the water and sewer connection fees and implementing a late fee for billing. The council also discussed the need to raise animal licensing fees in the next budget due to an increase in SpokAnimal's rates. They also voted to continue their membership in the Spokane County consortium for Community Development Block Grant funds for 2009-11. (Source: Town clerk Mary Kinsey)

Westview students honored Westview Elementary recently celebrated Kids of Character. Students recognized are listed by their grade level.

Timberlake Junior High in Spirit Lake recently announced their first semester honor roll. Students are listed by grade level. Eighth grade

Ferris Coach: John Thacker

The saga of Baywinkle, winter moose resident in Bayview, is over. Shortly after 11 a.m. March 14, the Bayview resident set out on an all-expenses-paid trip to Bonners Ferry. Fearing human injury, Idaho Fish and Game tranquilized the moose, loaded him onto a trailer, and, after determining the animal was breathing comfortably, set out to relocate him.

Central Valley Coach: Chuck Bowden

Kootenai County Wilde Idaho Development, Rathdrum, commercial site disturbance, valued at $141,898.

For 03-20-2008

CHENEY – Last month's big snowstorms brought a big overtime bill to the Cheney Police Department, with officers racking up more than $4,000 and logging 106.5 overtime hours while helping residents dig out. Meanwhile, thefts in Cheney were on the rise in February compared to January, according to the Police Department's latest monthly report.

There was no shortage of volunteers when teachers at West Valley City School asked for volunteers to make a presentation at an environmental education summit held in downtown Spokane. More than a dozen students made videos to be shown at last week's conference even though they didn't get a grade or extra credit. "It seemed like a good thing to do," student Madi McHenry-Kroetch said.

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.

Spokane Valley City Council members bowed Tuesday to the adage that sometimes you can't win for losing. The council tried to get a swimming pool renovation project back on track in February when the only construction bid was nearly $593,000 more than the city's estimate.

Area churches are celebrating Holy Week. Here is a sampling of some of the many services that are being offered. “The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 E. 12th Ave., will observe Maundy Thursday with a soup supper in the Great Hall at 6 p.m. A Maundy Thursday Eucharist will be at 7 p.m.

In the past parents in the East Valley School District have had the final say in whether their child was held back a grade. But after the school board passed a new policy last month, the final determination now rests with the principal. The policy will take effect during the 2008-09 school year, said Jan Beauchamp, assistant superintendent for academics. Even though it's called a retention policy, it's really aimed more at getting students to participate in academic interventions such as after-school programs and summer school, she said. The policy was changed at the request of several principals, said East Valley Middle School Principal Mark Purvine. He was part of a group compiling statistics required by the federal No Child Left Behind law that noticed students who had been recommended for academic intervention but didn't participate continued to struggle years later. Students participating in summer school and other programs, meanwhile, showed gains.

Ongoing Christian Youth Theater-North Idaho Spring classes - Spring 10-week session begins Tuesdays for ages 6-18. Beginning classes in drama, dance and voice. Specialty classes, stunts and combat, hip hop dance, and improv also offered. Intro to musical theater for 6- and 7-year-olds. Showcase performance for all students on June 3. Students between ages 8-18 may also audition for "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" to be performed May 30-June 9 at Lake City Playhouse. Students can register through the first two week of classes and at auditions. 4-6 p.m., The Altar Church, 901 E. Best Ave. $175 for 20 hours of instruction. (208) 819-9281.