Washington Voices

For 05-14-2009

Applications are being accepted for the 31st annual Washington State Patrol-Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp, to be held at the WSP Academy in Shelton, Wash., July 25 through July 31. The camp will include classes and demonstrations from the SWAT team, K-9, driving course, and defensive tactics. The purpose of the camp is to provide selected high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in law enforcement an opportunity to explore the various job opportunities in that field. It offers exposure to problems encountered by law enforcement officers on a daily basis and shows how to handle these situations in a professional manner. Many students who attend the academy go on to have careers in the criminal justice field.

For 05-09-2009

Three ambulance companies have expressed interest in bidding for a contract with most of the fire departments in Spokane County, but one has dropped out. Spokane Valley Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson said Paramedics Plus of Tyler, Texas, said in a letter Monday that company officials didn’t think they would have enough time to prepare a bid.

Minutes before the Argonne Road reconstruction project was scheduled to begin Monday night, Red Diamond Construction President Mike Schimmels requested a change at the regular Millwood City Council meeting. Schimmels asked the council to approve a different traffic flow configuration he believed would reduce the length of the project.

After an investigation, it appears that a fire that destroyed the home of Herb and Jean Davenport on May 1 was caused by faulty electrical wiring in the kitchen, said Spokane Valley Fire spokesman Bill Clifford. “It sounds like they had some previous electric problems into the home,” he said.

Monday Fire District 2 (Fairfield) – 7 p.m. at 17815 E. Truax Road.

A Spokane Valley Fire Department entrance examination is in limbo because of questions about when job seekers should have arrived for the test. A letter asked test-takers to arrive at the Decades Banquet Facility at the University Shopping Center a half-hour before their 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. test time, and some were turned away when they arrived after 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

The Spokane Valley Kiwanis Foundation recently funded a grant for $4,342.56 to Spokane Valley Partners, which is in the process of a major expansion of its community Food Bank at 10814 E. Broadway Ave. Spokane Valley Partners CEO Ken Briggs accepted the check, which will purchase an electric pallet truck.

Can’t afford to stay incorporated OK, Spokane Valley residents, listen up before it’s too late. You’ve seen the signs “Disincorporate Now” and “Sign Petition Here,” you’ve heard your friends or neighbors talk about disincorporation, and you’ve more than likely had a local Valley citizen volunteer knock on your door to ask for your support by signing the initiative petition for “Disincorporation of the City of Spokane Valley.”

Spokane Valley Mayor Rich Munson said he was unaware of constitutional prohibitions when he warned speakers to refrain from “personal attacks” during a public hearing last week, but he doesn’t think he did anything wrong. Two critics of the proposed Sprague-Appleway Revitalization Plan, Susan Scott and Mary Pollard, say they found Munson’s conduct during a hearing on the plan intimidating.

The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum has received a number of inquiries as to our property improvements and the restriction of access through museum property. The museum board appreciates the opportunity to provide the community with accurate information and facts concerning the museum’s property and plans. Changes to the museum property have caused some confusion. Historically, the Opportunity block survived change; the paving of a dirt road called the Appleway (a.k.a. Sprague Avenue) the widening of Sprague, parallel parking on Sprague and the elimination of parking on Sprague.

A pair of Spokane Valley roommates has been arrested in connection with a string of vehicle prowling and theft incidents at Spokane Valley and South Hill fitness clubs, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan. Jenalee J. Hall, 22, was arrested by patrol officers Monday after Property Crimes Task Force Det. Dave Herrin identified her as a suspect in crimes committed at Oz Fitness and other area clubs.