Washington Voices

Cheney could get the property that was once Myers’ Mobile Home Park and some land owned by Thomas E. Myers in Spokane if the city wins its case in the Court of Appeals later this summer. The city council agreed to enter into a general release and settlement agreement with Myers, the owner of the mobile home park, which was closed last year after a long battle between the city and Myers.

Graduation day at EWU is a time for praise, celebration and an influx of traffic to the city of Cheney. This Saturday will see multitudes of eager students and proud relatives descend on the campus for the 2009 commencement ceremony starting at 8:30 a.m. with a graduate line-up in the central mall. EWU Campus Police Det. Quincy Burns, who has coordinated traffic since 2005, said he estimates from 8,000 to 10,000 people will be in the stands at Woodward Field this weekend. “When I first got here, traffic was a nightmare, but now it runs pretty smoothly,” he said. A command center and assistance from other agencies helps move motorcades from the freeway, into parking lots and, afterward, out the backdoor down Salnave through Tyler in order to alleviate bottlenecks.

The May 21 Voices article (“Words of hope reach hungry ears”) left us at a loss for words.

A public forum was held last week to gather input on plans for dividing a large area of the West Plains between the city of Spokane and the city of Airway Heights. Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, Airway Heights Mayor Matthew Pederson, and Spokane County Commissioner Bonnie Mager met with business leaders and residents at a conference center east of Airway Heights to address concerns over the proposed annexation.

The Spokane Valley City Council plans to act Tuesday on City Attorney Mike Connelly’s initiative to reopen negotiations for county-owned land to extend Appleway Boulevard. Connelly’s plan calls for the city, Spokane County commissioners and the Spokane Transit Authority each to appoint a representative in mediated negotiations. City Manager Dave Mercier is to present the proposal to the other parties if the council approves next week.

Employment, Education and Training – For Spokane County residents who have been laid off from work or have low income; provided through WorkSource at (509) 532-3140. Employment and Training – For low-income youth, 16-21 years old, in Spokane County; contact Next Generation Zone at (509) 532-3040.

Regarding the reprint of the DAR story in Thursday’s South Hill Voice (Real Daughter of DAR buried in Spokane, May 28), neither the original nor the reprint included an important issue that has haunted this organization for generations.

AAA Division The Cubs defeated the Twins 6-5 for the league title at Central Valley High School.

Today “Team Up!” Exhibit – Explore the science of sports and test your basketball, tennis, soccer and football skills while learning about math and physics. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit www.mobiusspokane.org. Mobius Kids, River Park Square, lower level, 808 W. Main Ave. $5.75/general, $4.75/seniors and military, free/age 1 and younger. (509) 624-KIDS.

The First Church of the Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd., will present the Heritage Singers, a gospel ensemble, Wednesday at 7 p.m. The group has performed throughout the United States and in more than 50 countries.

Records were set and Greenacres and Evergreen divided up titles during the Spokane Valley Middle School all-league track meets. Greenacres was undefeated in Class A boys and girls competitions to finish ahead of Evergreen. Evergreen won both Class B boys and girls to finish ahead of the Bruins.

Here is a list of state placers at the state high school track and field championships May 28-30: Central Valley

More traffic lights, improvements to crosswalks and a possible roundabout at the Craig Road intersection were among proposals for a stretch of U.S. Highway 2 which runs through Airway Heights. The Washington State Department of Transportation has recommended several improvements on Highway 2 after completing a route development plan from the Lincoln County line to Interstate 90 near Spokane. The proposals were presented last week at an open house in Airway Heights.

OLYMPIA – Struggling to pay your property taxes? Some low- and middle-income homeowners can delay paying those taxes.

Children often grieve much differently than adults. They may express their sadness and anger in indirect ways or keep the feelings well-disguised from adults. Hospice of Spokane and Hospice of North Idaho understand this dynamic and so to help grieving children in the Inland Northwest, the groups sponsor Camp Chmepa for children who have experienced loss of a loved one. “Countless children throughout our region are introduced at an early age to the complex mix of emotions that make up grief. Sometimes handling grief is a tremendously challenging task for youngsters and they need help,” explained Dale Hammond of Hospice of Spokane.

After a long winter and cool and wet early spring, the Inland Northwest finally received some nice and warm weather in late May and early June. The warmest reading thus far for 2009 was 88 degrees on June 4 at Spokane International Airport. Two days later, temperatures dropped by as much as 20 degrees. The clash between the warm and cool air also triggered several funnel clouds in Lincoln County last Saturday. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or injuries.