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Read today's e-paper

Friday, May 16, 2008

Current weather:
77° F partly cloudy

Voices news

Published Thursday, May 15, 2008

Deer Park's GreenHouse turns 1

DEER PARK – The GreenHouse Community Center, which reaches more than 1,000 clients a month, is ready to do a little celebrating.

Rousso takes ban on online gambling to court

OLYMPIA – Lee Rousso dropped his bid for governor, but his quest continues. He wants you to be able to go to your computer and legally play poker online against other players. With real bets.

Letters for North Side Voice

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

In brief: Huetter Mansion topic of hearing

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m. on the second floor of Spokane City Hall on a proposal by Gonzaga University to move the Huetter Mansion at the Bishop White Seminary from its present location to a new location across Addison Street.

5K walk helps raise awareness of asthma

Asthma can kill. This frightening fact is one the American Lung Association wants brought to the forefront during the annual Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk Saturday, starting at the Valley YMCA and adjacent Centennial Trail.

Jessika Babb makes, sells jewelry

Jessika Babb wants a laptop computer; an $1,800 Apple MacBook to be exact. "The really skinny one," she said. Those things don't grow on trees and her mother suggested she start saving for it. So, Babb began thinking of a commodity to sell.

If you go: Blow the Whistle on Asthma 5K walk

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. Where: Spokane Valley YMCA, 2421 N. Discovery Place.

Plant sale, swap planned

Riverfront Farms and Holy Trinity Church will present a plant sale and swap, along with a raised garden bed work party Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in Evelyn's Garden at the Brandon Wagner Youth Memorial House, 2605 W. Boone Ave.

Gardening: Apple maggots must be controlled

Apple maggots are a fairly new but serious pest of apples in the Northwest. They were first detected in Portland in 1979 and have since spread to all the counties in Western Washington and to Spokane, Kittitas, Klickitat and Yakima counties on the East Side. Their presence in commercial orchards can have serious impact on an important element of the state's economy. Because of this, homegrown fruit technically can't be moved out of the area.

In brief: Strong Road plan subject of meeting

Owners of a 7.8-acre property at 1711 W. Strong Road want to develop 35 residential lots, and they have scheduled a community meeting to talk about the project on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Indian Trail Library, 4909 W. Barnes Road.

Rogers HS will host college scholarship meeting

Spokane Public Schools will present information about the College Bound Scholarship Program for middle-school students Wednesday at Rogers High School, 1622 E. Wellesley, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Neighborhood updates

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

8 vie for school board seats

The eight candidates vying for three open school board seats in the Lakeland and Post Falls school districts have differing philosophies when it comes to education.

In support of caffeine

Sometimes you just have to get that caffeine fix. And a little thing like a bad economy isn't going to stop you.

Spirit Lake in celebration mode

Look at us now.That's the slogan gracing the back of camouflage (in pink, for the ladies) baseball caps and T-shirts the Spirit Lake Centennial Committee is selling as the town celebrates its 100th birthday.

Where's Andy when you need him?

First, you need to know that my sister, Lil, is a good person with a sparkling driving record. Also, she's an exec for a large central California winery. People hop when she sez jump. Except for a Spirit Lake police officer who had some time on his hands Friday night. For more background, you should know that Lil received her only parking ticket ever – a $10 one – for misunderstanding signage a few years back in CdA's Third Street lot. And that she's fed up with my comments re: what North Idahoans think of Californians. Now, onward. Seems Lil was behind the wheel of sister Charlotte's Ford driving through Spirit Lake when she failed to notice that the driver of an oncoming car had blinked his lights, not once but twice. Worse yet, the car flipped a U-turn after she passed. Moments later, she was being lectured by an SLPD Blue for not pulling far enough off the road. Lil explained that she wasn't familiar with the area as she handed the officer her license. The patrol

Post Falls to unveil new water features

POST FALLS – Members of the Post Falls Water Feature Community Design Committee plan to unveil two new eye-catching water features to the community during Post Falls Days, June 6 through 8. Next to the Interstate 90 on-ramps to Spokane and Coeur d'Alene from Spokane Street in Post Falls, the design is reflective of the falls at Post Falls Dam.

In brief: Historical event planned

Post Falls' earliest history will be celebrated Wednesday at the Q'emiln Quest at Q'emiln Riverside Park.

New PF school to open in fall

It's down to final details for West Ridge Elementary School.Shortly after school lets out in June, the school district plans to begin setting up Post Falls' newest elementary school for the 400 students expected this fall.

Historic properties need to be protected

May is National Historic Preservation Month, a good time to recognize the importance of protecting our community's heritage and the value it gives to the community.

How to participate in historic preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation helps people protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them.

School lunch - Post Falls School District

For the week of May 19-23.

'I can't imagine doing anything else'

Growing up in Lewiston in the early 1980s, Joseph Hume had a different mindset than most teenagers he knew. Rather than picking up the keyboard to play games on the then-recently released Commodore 64 home computer, Hume preferred to lift the lid to see what made the machine tick.

Family calendar

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Events calendar

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Religion notebook

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Building permits

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Spirituality, imagination guides Heartworks Gallery owner

Stepping into Deb Blahuczyn's Spokane Valley home is an experience – a deep breath might emit from a visitor upon crossing the threshold. "Inspiration is the whole point of the gallery," she said, "That others might find that something special for themselves apart from what is here, if that makes sense."

It's party time for the Annuals

The annual invasion of the, er ... Annuals happens again this afternoon, as the event's 25th year kicks off in Bayview.

Youth soccer game results – total goal scorers

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Music and Arts

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

In Challenger Little League, everybody can play baseball

The crack of the bat. The smell of a new leather mitt. Fields dotted with tykes in colorful uniforms. For many residents the advent of spring means the start of another Little League season. Is there anything more American than kids playing baseball?

City hopes to develop dog park

Spokane might be a great place to raise a dog, but it's in the dog house when it comes to canine amenities.

Economy buzz hits coffee shops

With gasoline prices pushing toward $4 a gallon, are consumers trying to save money by cutting down on nonessential expenses such as espresso?

Your Voices

Q: Five people at Spokane Falls Community College were asked: This weekend is the Torchlight Parade in Spokane, which celebrates Armed Forces Day. Have you or any member of your family been in the military?

Spokane Public Schools hires new bus company

For the first time in decades, Spokane Public Schools is hiring a new bus company.Laidlaw, which was purchased by First Student last year, will make way for Durham School Services for the 2008-2009 school year.

Somebody needs you

The goal of Somebody Needs You is to match donors with the specific requests of needy Spokane residents.

Kids show their stuff in Junior Lilac Parade

Mead Middle School was the grand sweepstakes winner and Centennial Middle School of West Valley won its division and earned the best adherence to theme award in the marching band competition at Saturday's Junior Lilac Parade.

Apple maggots must be controlled

Apple maggots are a fairly new, but serious pest of apples in the Northwest. They were first detected in Portland in 1979 and have since spread to all the counties in Western Washington and to Spokane, Kittitas, Klickitat and Yakima counties on the East Side. Their presence in commercial orchards can have serious impact on an important element of the state's economy. Because of this, homegrown fruit technically can't be moved out of the area.

neighborhood notes

• The Rockwood Neighborhood Council will meet today at 7 p.m. at St. John's Cathedral, Jewett House, 127 E. 12th Ave.

lottery winners

Spokane-area lottery winners for the week of May 6-11 include: $100,000 – William Armstrong, Spokane

New Hope for community

COLBERT – The beautiful high-end housing developments that dot north Spokane County belie the fact that not all county residents are prospering. According to data from Spokane County's 2005-09 Consolidated Plan, some areas of unincorporated north Spokane County have between approximately 43 percent and 49 percent of residents considered low-income. In addition, Riverside school district has approximately 44 percent of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch and Deer Park Middle School has 49 percent who qualify.

Distinguished employess honored

Spokane Public Schools has recently recognized its Distinguished Classified Employees of the Year.

Family calendar

Ongoing
"Annie" - Presented by the Spokane Children's Theatre. Friday, May 23 and 30, 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, May 24, June 1 and 8, 1 p.m.; May 31 and June 7, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Spokane Community College, Lair Auditorium, 1810 N. Greene St. $10/adults, $8/age 18 and younger. 325-SEAT.

Expert predicts Hillyard revival

HILLYARD – A nationally renowned expert in neighborhood planning and redevelopment said Monday that Hillyard is the kind of urban environment that will likely see a revival in coming years.

Religion notebook

For Thursday, May 15, 2008.

Book lovers eat it up

CHENEY – While you can't have your cake and eat it, too, you may be able to eat your favorite book.

Texas sex offender arrested

A sex offender on the run from Texas authorities was arrested Friday after he tried to crawl in a boy's bedroom window, officials said.

Dragon coach honors roots

Not every high school baseball coach has the self-assurance to list Knights of Columbus parochial league experience on the first line of his résumé.

Valley mayor seeks federal funds for communications system

Spokane Valley Mayor Rich Munson has asked the federal government to pay for the emergency communications system that would be built with a 0.1 percent sales tax increase on Tuesday's election ballot.

Business up at local espresso stands

If espresso stands are a barometer of the economy, don't open your umbrella in Spokane Valley.Starbucks Corp. has just reported a 28 percent drop in quarterly profit, but Spokane Valley espresso shop owners say their business is up, not down.

Council sticks with higher development densities

The Spokane Valley City Council won't give back the big yards it took from Greenacres residents in a zoning flip-flop.

Rousso adds his two cents on allowing online poker

OLYMPIA – Lee Rousso's dropped his bid for governor, but his quest continues. He wants you to be able to go to your computer and legally play poker online against other players. With real bets.

Senior meals

For the week of May 19-23Monday – Riblets, hot red-potato salad, vegetables, dinner roll, pineapple tidbits.

Spokane Naval Trophy returns home

The Spokane Naval Trophy is making a brief visit home.For the past 100 years it has been recognized as the highest award given to a U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet surface vessel. It is a competitive award presented annually to the vessel demonstrating the highest proficiency in overall combat systems readiness and warfare operations. The trophy itself remains housed at the U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters in San Diego and a plaque is presented by the Spokane Navy League to the winning ship.

Possible increase for school meals in CVSD

A price increase in school lunches and breakfasts is looming in Central Valley School District.

Able Learner participants urge board to restore funding

Central Valley board members heard from several teachers, students and parents involved in the Able Learner program for gifted students, which will be reduced because of the district's budget cuts. They were upset about the program cuts and urged board members to restore funding to the program.

Police department gets new equipment

Liberty Lake police will soon have wireless-capable covert surveillance equipment and an additional roadside sobriety test unit, thanks to state and federal grants that are proving to be a boon for the small police department.

Mayor part of climate change group

Spokane Valley Mayor Rich Munson has been appointed to a state committee charged with reviewing proposals for dealing with climate change.

Feature creature

Red is an adorable middle-aged guy. He likes to be scratched and snuggled. He takes treats so gently from the hand. He is a confident little guy, looking for a warm lap to call his own. He weighs approximately 20 pounds.

College-bound Eagles

Melissa Mauro laughs at the memory.It was February and the defending state Class 2A high jump champion from West Valley decided to accept a track scholarship from the University of Montana.

Child Safety Day planned Saturday

A Child Safety Day will be held in the Liberty Lake Albertsons parking lot Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wal-Mart employees stop attempted theft of TV

Three Spokane Valley Wal-Mart employees were doused with pepper spray early Monday when a pair of thieves attempted to steal a flat-screen television and DVD player about 40 minutes after midnight.

Cheney council OKs well rehabilitation

CHENEY – The pump shaft of a city well that serves Cheney residents is so badly deteriorated that it needs to be replaced.

Karaoke draws a crowd

CHENEY – It's Wednesday night at Willow Springs Restaurant & Lounge in Cheney, and some of the regulars are arriving for the 9 p.m. start of karaoke.

Cemetery will irrigate with reclaimed water

MEDICAL LAKE – The new Eastern Washington State Veterans Cemetery will not only be a place for thinking about the past, but it will also be a place that will help ensure the area's potable water supply for the future.

Sunset students take lessons from different traditions

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – The students at Sunset Elementary School recently spent two days learning about Native American culture and got a chance to have a little fun, too.

Fundraiser gets support from community, schools

CHENEY – The seventh annual Cheney Relay for Life starts Friday. The theme for the fun-filled overnight team event designed to raise money for research for the American Cancer Society is "Viva Las Vegas – Don't Gamble with YOUR Life … Help us find a cure." At Relay For Life, teams of people take turns walking or running laps, trying to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Some latte stands feel buzz from economy

The morning cup of joe has become a luxury item in the past few years, with the rise of espresso houses around the area.

Volcanic activity may cool global temperatures

Planet Earth has certainly become more active in recent weeks, with an increasing number of earthquakes, including the 7.9-magnitude quake that hit western China Monday, leaving large numbers of casualties in Sichuan province.

Speaking in Salish

"way' sl'axt." Hello, friend.Little by little, small groups of students are learning this simple phrase – and many more – in Salish, the language of American Indian tribes such as the Kalispel, Spokane, Colville and Coeur d'Alene.

Thermal imager helps nab suspect

CHENEY – Cheney police used a thermal imaging device to help arrest a man May 7 who is suspected of stealing a Cat 950 B articulated front loader from a construction site at 142 S. Cheney Spangle Road.

High Five: Holly Jean Anderson

Birthday gifts go to dogs
My granddaughter Holly Jean Anderson, a student at Farwell, had her 11th birthday on April 23. While trying to plan a birthday party for her with some of her friends, her mom, Barbara Anderson, asked her what she would like to have for her birthday. She said she would love it if they would give her bags of dog and cat food to take to the Humane Society.

Cheney baseball team finishes strong

CHENEY – When Randy Elam took over the Cheney High School baseball program four years ago, the Blackhawks were toward the bottom of the Greater Spokane League.