Washington Voices

SCRAPS logical choice for animal control In the Aug. 4 Valley Voice, I learned that the city of Spokane Valley is considering using the Spokane-based SpokAnimal for animal control. I actually had to read the article twice because I could not believe this was even an idea that our Valley leaders came up with.

Working in downtown Spokane has its perks and Riverfront Park is one of them. Every spring I resume my lunch hour walks through the park relishing the exercise while experiencing some interesting moments. For the most part, my walks are the average run-of-the-mill type; sun on skin, the trickle of sweat, watching the ever-changing Spokane River.

Schools Mead High School Annual Picnic – Today, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Franklin Park Picnic Shelter. Call (509) 328-1517 for more information.

Upcoming Greenbluff Peach Tour – Friday. Enjoy a visit to the many orchards at Greenbluff to pick up a variety of fresh peaches. Meals are no-host. Cost includes transportation. Reserve your seat by Monday. For details call the Sinto Senior Activity Center, (509) 327-2861.

For the week of Aug. 13-17. Monday – Option 1: Salisbury steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, beets, dinner roll, cookie. Option 2: BLT wrap, mashed potatoes, beets, cookie.

The city of Liberty Lake no longer has a community development director. Mayor Steve Peterson announced Doug Smith and the city parted ways effective Aug. 3 at the City Council’s Tuesday meeting.

There were more than a few sighs of relief at some local fire stations after the results of Tuesday’s primary election were announced. Spokane County Fire District 9 and the Spokane Valley Fire Department both had replacement maintenance and operations levies on the ballot that accounted for more than half their annual budget. Both levies passed with flying colors, getting about 68 percent of the vote.

A flurry of fire calls kept Spokane Valley Fire Department crews hopping the week of Aug. 2-8. The 254 calls received during the week were again above normal, bumped up by the increase in fire calls and 188 emergency medical calls. The department sounded a second alarm for a fire at Precision Manufacturing at 711 N. Madson Road on Aug. 3. A fire was reported in an area where the company prepares metal parts and components for powder coating. Additional units were needed because 14 employees were exposed to potentially toxic smoke, said assistant fire marshal Bill Clifford.

My 50th high school reunion is this summer. Well, sort of. I actually graduated in 1963, but the committee that puts these things together decided – probably for reasons of critical mass – to celebrate the 50th with the class of 1962 in a big bash at a fancy resort in Miami. Whether it’s 49 or 50, I’m still not going to be there – and not just because it’s 3,057 road miles from my front door to Miami Edison Senior High School (I Mapquested it).

For 08-09-2012

Two local agencies are in a fight to determine who will provide animal control services to the city of Spokane Valley, but the results could reach a lot further than the city limits. Spokane Valley has contracted with the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service since it incorporated in 2003. Spokane County is looking to relocate SCRAPS and wants to offer services to Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane under a regional model, in part to share the cost of renovating a new building.

Palisades Christian Academy, 1115 N. Government Way, will have its third annual “Summertime Show and Shine” school fundraiser on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The benefit will feature hot rods, custom and classic cars and tricked-out pickup trucks. Food will be available.

Last week I mentioned that evidence suggests that we’re in a global cycle of wide weather extremes that’s been the strongest such cycle in more than 1,000 years. Based on climatological history, this 70-year cycle of extremes is not expected to peak for another 25 years. Until then, we should continue to see more extreme heat, cold, drought and floods. No one will argue that this summer across much of the U.S., especially east of the Rockies, has been one of the hottest in recorded history.