2026 July Current

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GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

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• JULY 2026

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Roller Valley welcomes new but familiar owners

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

There was excitement in the air recently when Shaun and Jericho Pattison, owners of the Pattison’s North roller skating rink, announced that they had purchased Roller Valley.

Pattison’s North, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, has always been family owned. It was started by Shaun Pattison’s grandfather, Pat Pattison, in 1951 and he ran it until selling to Ben and Bobbie Winklker in 1974. The couple, Shaun Pattison’s aunt and uncle, ran it until selling it to him in 2006.

legacy will continue with people who truly understand and love the roller skating world,” she wrote.

“Thank you for every memory, every smile and every moment you shared with us.”

The Pattisons praised Oberemok’s work in a Facebook post they posted shortly thereafter.

“The Pattison family is honored to continue the strong community first spirit the Oberemoks built,” they wrote. “Thank you for keeping roller skating alive and thriving in Spokane Valley – we’re forever grateful.”

Jericho Pattison said Oberemok approached the couple about buying Roller Valley in November.

“We couldn’t talk about it, which was bad because we were really excited,” she said.

The Pattisons also did a Facebook post about the purchase, which got over 68,000 views. People seemed to be excited about the news, she said. “I was a little nervous about negative responses, but I don’t think there was one,” she said.

Jericho Pattison said it has long been the couple’s dream to own a second location, but weren’t interested in buying one not in the area. “We’re very hands on owneroperators and we wanted to be close enough to work it,” she said. “The Spokane Valley is a great location.”

The purchase will finalize on July 1 and the Pattisons plan to close Roller Valley for around six weeks to do a few renovations. Roller Valley currently has large tables that can be reserved for birthday parties and other events and Shaun Pattison said they want to create small party rooms like the ones at Pattison’s North instead.

“We just prefer rooms,” he said.

“We’re used to it. The rooms are very popular. They book up. People like their own space.”

He also wants to get the floor refinished and purchase all new rental skates. Getting the floor done, however, depends on the schedule of the one person on the west coast who specializes in refinishing skating rink floors. It’s a precision job with no room for error and a well-maintained floor is essential for a good skating experience, he said.

“It just enhances everything,” Shaun Pattison said. “The floor is the golden goose, so to speak.”

Some work has already been done, Jericho Pattison said. “They

recently replaced their carpet,” she said. “The kitchen has been remodeled, the bathrooms have been remodeled.”

“They did a phenomenal job with that,” her husband said. “We just want to pick up where they left off.”

The couple hopes to have Roller Valley, which will be renamed Pattison’s Valley Skate, open by mid-August. They plan to have the same operating hours, pricing and packages available at both locations, though the special events schedule will differ. “We’re going to do our best to mirror there everything we do here,” Shaun Pattison said. “We know it's successful.”

Business has been remarkably steady at Pattison’s North. The roller rink was nearly derailed during COVID and staff was laid off, but it has since rebounded fully, Shaun Pattison said.

“This rink is really steady,” he said. “It’s consistent year to year within about four percent. All we have to do is be open and we’ll succeed here.”

Roller skating seems to be on the upswing recently, he said.

Currently there are about seven new rinks opening each month across the United States, many of them in former big box stores, he said.

“Roller skating is very, very popular right now,” he said. “Popularity comes and goes, of course, but we’ve been pretty steady.”

Roller Valley, which is turning 50 this year, was purchased by Zhanna Oberemok nine years ago. “They took over nine years ago from the Hughes family,” she said. “They were going to close it down.”

Roller skating rinks are also popular destinations for field trips and end of school year parties. The couple said Pattison’s North was booked back to back with end of year parties for the first two weeks of June. That focus will be continued at the new location. “It’s our favorite time of year to work,” Jericho Pattison said.

Oberemok responded to a strong community outcry about the closure of the business and bought it. “We renovated it, revived it and brought it back to life,” Oberemok said in a Facebook post announcing the sale.

“We rebuilt its reputation, restored its place in Spokane’s heart and gave families a place to celebrate, skate and belong. Roller Valley became more than a business, it became a community staple once again.”

Photo by Nina Culver

Oberemok wrote that she was sure the Pattison’s would honor what she built. “Passing the torch to the Pattison family ensures that this

Roller Valley new owners Jericho and Shaun Pattison. The Pattisons are the owners of the Pattison's North Roller Skating rink which is celebrating its 75th year and is in its fourth generation of the family at the helm beginning back in 1951 with Shaun's grandfather Pat Pattison.

The couple will go back and forth between the two locations, assisted by a general manager at each rink.

They know it will be hard work, but they’re excited about it. “We’re looking forward to getting involved in the Spokane Valley community,” Shaun Pattison said.

See ROLLER VALLEY, Page 5

JULY 2026 • 3

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• JULY 2026

The Current

CVSD is connecting with our community through this Link.

District on the rise...

CVSD Recognized as a Washington “District on the Rise” Central Valley School District has been recognized as one of Washington's top-performing school systems in the 2026 Education Scorecard, a national report produced through a collaboration among researchers from Harvard University, Stanford University and Dartmouth College.

The report identified CVSD for rising scores in both math and reading, highlighting the district's exceptional academic growth compared to similar districts across Washington.

The Education Scorecard found that while Washington students continue to recover from learning disruptions, many districts remain below pre-pandemic achievement levels.

Despite state-wide challenges in math and reading recovery, CVSD was recognized for its sustained academic progress and district-wide commitment to student achievement.

Researchers highlighted several factors contributing to CVSD's success, including its district-wide Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, targeted intervention programs and ongoing investment in professional development.

The report also noted the district's collaborative structure across its 29 schools and focus on using student data to drive instructional improvement.

“Recognition by the Education Scorecard affirms the work happening in our classrooms every day,” said Superintendent John Parker. “While we’re proud of that progress, we remain focused on continuously refining our practices so every student benefits.”

Parker credited the district's success to a shared commitment among educators, staff, students and families.

“Our success is the result of intentional, systemwide work—grounded in strong, data-driven PLCs, curriculum, consistent professional development and a relentless focus on each student’s individual needs,” Parker said.

SUMMER OF SOCCER EXPANDED SERVICE

spokanetransit.com/soccer

Enhanced service frequency from June 1 to July 25 on key routes for getting around during the Summer of Soccer.

“That coherence across our district is what’s driving stronger outcomes and meaningful gains for all learners.”

The recognition reinforces CVSD's ongoing commitment to ensuring every student has access to highquality instruction and the support needed to succeed.

More info at: www.CVSD.org/Awards

The Current

NEWS

ROLLER VALLEY Continued from page 2

The couple has two children, a 22-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. Both have worked at the family rink during summers, but Shaun Pattison said he doesn’t know if either one will end up running the business after they retire.

“I guess it would be cool,” he said. “Am I pushing it on them?

Absolutely not. This is a passion business. You have to have a passion for it.”

Q: How did you get into the roller skating business?

A. Shaun’s family has a deep history in the industry, operating skating rinks since 1936. At one point, his family owned seven different rinks across Washington, each managed by a different family member. I actually met Shaun when I started working for his parents at their Federal Way location while I was in high school. We managed that facility together until 2006, which is when we officially purchased Pattison's North from Shaun’s aunt and uncle, Ben and Bobbi Winkler.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about operating a roller skating rink?

A. What we find most rewarding is providing a fun, safe environment where families can enjoy quality time together. Beyond the business

itself, we value the long-term relationships we have built with our patrons and the opportunity to work with our local community and various organizations.

Q: What is the hardest part about running a roller rink?

A. The most challenging aspects are the significant time commitment and the constant demands of facility maintenance. As owner-operators, we are very involved in the dayto-day upkeep to ensure the venue stays in top shape for our guests.

Q: What made you want to buy Roller Valley?

A. We have always had a goal to expand our presence while remaining within the Spokane area.

Because we are hands-on owneroperators, we felt we simply could not pass up the opportunity to take over this location and grow our footprint here.

Q: What are your future plans for the venue?

A. We plan to enhance the facilities by adding private party rooms, resurfacing the skating floor, and expanding the parking lot to better accommodate our guests. Our overall goal is to give the venue a "mini facelift" and align its offerings with our Northside location. This will include standardizing our hours of operation, pricing, party packages, school fundraisers, field trips, and membership options across both locations.

Photo by Nina Culver Roller Valley new owners look forward to enhancing the facility by adding private party rooms, resurfacing the skating floor, and other amenities that are already available at the Northside location.

JULY 2026 • 5

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• JULY 2026

The Current

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

The maps provided depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries, Malicious Mischief and Thefts. The Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources.

Citizens who have been a victim of crime are encouraged to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 4562233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH

July is one of the most exciting months of the year.

From barbecues and camping trips to fireworks, boating, and days spent at the lake, there are countless opportunities to make lasting memories with family and friends. While summer fun is something we all look forward to, it’s also important to take a few simple precautions to keep everyone safe.

Beat the Heat Summer temperatures can climb quickly, especially during July. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, lightcolored clothing and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning whenever possible.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen faster than many people realize, particularly for young children, older adults, and those participating in outdoor activities.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.

Protect Your Pets

Your furry friends need extra care during the summer months.

Hot pavement can burn a dog’s paw pads in seconds. A good rule of thumb is the 7-Second Rule: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Walk pets during the cooler morning or evening hours, provide plenty of fresh water, and never leave them in a parked vehicle.

The Current

Fireworks Safety Fireworks are a favorite July tradition, but they also cause thousands of injuries and fires every year. Whenever possible, attend a professional fireworks display rather than lighting your own.

Water Safety Whether you’re swimming, paddleboarding, boating, or enjoying a day at the lake, water safety should always come first.

Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating or participating in water sports.

Never swim alone, supervise children at all times, and avoid alcohol while operating any watercraft. Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is keeping an eye on swimmers.

Grilling Safely Outdoor grilling is a summertime favorite, but it’s important to use caution.

Place grills on a stable surface away from homes, decks, and overhanging branches. Never leave a hot grill unattended, and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area. Clean grease buildup regularly to reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Stay Alert Outdoors July is also prime season for biking, hiking, and neighborhood walks.

Wear helmets when riding bicycles, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours. If you’ll be outside after dark, wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to remain visible.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing accidents and injuries. By staying hydrated, protecting your family and pets, practicing fire and water safety, and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy everything July has to offer with confidence.

From all of us, have a safe, funfilled, and memorable July!

JULY 2026 • 7

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• JULY 2026

SV council approves six-year, $252 million transportation plan

By John McCallum Current contributor

The Spokane Valley City Council has approved a list of infrastructure projects totaling over $252.86 million it hopes to complete over the next six years should funding present itself.

The six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) features 41 projects the city is eyeing for work between 2027 – 2032. These range from major construction on bridges and intersections to street and arterial reconstruction and preservation to local access paving, pedestrian and cycling safety and stormwater work.

Spokane Valley senior engineer Kristen Armstrong said in order to be eligible for any grant funding, projects must be listed on the sixyear TIP. “This is a document that reflects projects of local and regional significance,” she added.

Some of the projects in that dollar amount include project work done in 2026 but being financially closed out in 2027 while others, such as the Pines Road / State Route 27 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Grade Separation, are ongoing over the next several years. Also included in the latter is $3.35 million for Sullivan Road preservation from the Spokane River to the Union Pacific Railway tracks, $8.95 million Barker Road reconstruction from Sprague to the southern city limits and the $4.325 million Broadway preservation from Havana to Fancher, all of which are slated to end in 2027.

Three of the larger projects on the list are on the council’s legislative agenda, meaning they are projects council members will lobby for when traveling to Olympia for state Legislature sessions or Washington D.C.

NEWS

on the federal level. These are the $71.757 million Barker & Interstate 90 Interchange (Mission to Appleway), the $43.56 million Sullivan & Trent Interchange and the $25.08 million Argonne & I-90 bridge.

The city has already secured approximately $22.4 million in federal and non-federal funding for engineering and right-of-way acquisition on the estimated $50.7 million Sullivan & Trent project and has appropriated nearly $8 million in costs so far. Just over $1 million has been secured for preliminary engineering on the Argonne Bridge project.

As part of the resolution approving the TIP, the council made a change to how it reviews some of the grant funding requests in order to streamline the application process. Instead of bringing all grant application requests to council, those that are part of the city’s Legislative Agenda staff will “pursue any and all eligible funding avenues necessary to deliver the project without further action required

by City Council so long as staff provide notification to City Council of the funding opportunities as they become available and are pursued by staff.”

“All other grants would continue with business as usual,” Spokane Valley Engineering Manager Adam Jackson said.

While bridge projects are among the largest in the TIP, the list mostly includes projects that feature the reconstruction or preservation of stretches of arterials and other roads.

Armstrong explained reconstruction work occurs when a roadway is in such poor condition that safety concerns are created while preservation involves roads exhibiting some wear and tear but where grinding of old asphalt and overlaying of new can keep the road in good condition and not require reconstruction.

Some of these projects take place along with stormwater system work, such as the $5.87 million Northeast Sewer Extension, the almost $9 million Ridgemont Estates Street & Stormwater and the $3.45 Carnahan Street / 8th Avenue to the city limits projects.

Also included is work at key intersections such as the $6.9

million SR-27 and 16th Avenue project and the $3.5 million Mirabeau & Mansfield project, along with three others totaling $9 million.

Just over $34.9 million is proposed for a number of projects falling into four categories of annual work: Local Access Street improvements and citywide safety projects at $7 million each, citywide multimodal projects at $5.42 million and $7.5 million for Street Preservation Projects. Local Access Street projects feature street repair in six neighborhoods such as Carnahan, Hillcrest and Ponderosa while the 12 street preservation projects include more work on Sprague from Fancher to Herald and McDonald to Sullivan, Dishman-Mica, Vista (Appleway to Mission) and Bowdish and University from Sprague to Mission.

Citywide safety and multimodal projects range from improvements for pedestrians and cyclists such as sidewalks, arterial crossings and signalization that increases safety and use of non-motorized transportation.

Multimodal improvements feature work on the Appleway, River Loop, Millwood and Centennial trails.

During council questioning, Councilman Al Merkel addressed several projects, including the just over $1.32 million Appleway Trail & Stormwater improvements from Farr to Dishman-Mica. The project involves trail improvements for pedestrian and cyclist safety, with the city securing grant funding from the Spokane Regional Transportation Council to cover the work.

Merkel asked Jackson if the project involved any impacts to traffic along Appleway. Jackson said it did not, with all of the work taking place “behind the curb.”

Merkel also raised questions about the Sprague preservation projects, asking Jackson if the one from Herald west to Farr involved lane reductions. Jackson said it did not, and it is primarily a grind and overlay work to preserve the roadway.

Merkel eventually proposed an amendment to pull three items from the TIP in order to vote on them separately: the Argonne

The Current

Bridge, the Sprague preservation projects and all of the pedestrian / cyclist safety projects. He also proposed removing language in the resolution changing the grant application process for council legislative agenda projects.

Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger asked why these projects.

“I want to vote on things I believe in,” Merkel said.

“You don’t believe in sidewalks for people to walk on?” Yaeger asked.

“In general, I believe in sidewalks,” Merkel said. “I just don’t believe in some of these projects.”

When asked by Councilman Mike Kelly to further explain his amendment, Merkel said he was concerned about sidewalk work on the Argonne Bridge and how it will impact nearby property owners and didn’t think the city should be spending money on pedestrian / cyclist work, especially on Appleway Trail in east Spokane Valley, as part of the TIP. “And the Sprague project I still believe that is going to be a continued road diet,” Merkel said.

Merkel was a vigorous opponent of the $4.5 million 2024 Sprague preservation project from University to Herald that not only provided new stormwater swales, improved pedestrian crossings, new surface and upgraded Spokane Transit Authority bus stop at the library but reduced the number of lanes from five to three.

City Manager John Hohman said the Argonne project was a bridge replacement that added a third lane and not just sidewalks, which could be part of the conversation given the proximity to several area schools.

“There are no property owners along that stretch, except for the Department of Transportation,” Hohman said, adding the project was also on council’s federal legislative agenda.

Merkel’s amendment to remove those projects for separate vote failed 4-2, with Kelly voting yes and Councilman Ben Wick absent.

The vote on the TIP resolution also passed 4-2, Merkel and Kelly voting no.

The Current

SV council approves 32nd Avenue, local access street projects

By John McCallum Current contributor

Construction projects — current and future — were the main Spokane Valley City Council action items on agendas in late May and June. These projects included planned pavement preservation work on 32nd Avenue by University High School and the city’s annual local streets pavement maintenance work.

32nd Avenue gets upgrade At the June 9 meeting the council voted unanimously to award a nearly $3.87 million contract to Red Diamond Construction for asphalt replacement and other upgrades of 32nd Avenue from Pines Road to State Route 27. Red Diamond, headquartered in Spokane Valley on North Flora Road, was the lowest responsive bid out of two opened for the project on June 3 and came in with an amount 25% lower than the engineering estimate of $4.5 million.

The project features removal of the existing road surface and replacing it with over 22,200 square yards of new asphalt along the one-mile stretch of 32nd Avenue. Also included in the work is installation of a new 18-inch diameter water main, upgrading of existing concrete ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, stormwater system improvements and Integrated Traffic System (ITS) upgrades of the signalization at Pines Road and 32nd near Browns Park.

Work was scheduled to begin June 22 and will take place in

NEWS

two phases. Phase one will close 32nd between Pines and McDonald Road while phase two will close the avenue between McDonald and SR-27.

project. Inland was the lowest responsive bidder among five contractors submitting on the project, with the engineering estimated put at $1.95 million.

Full road closure is expected through Aug. 17. University High School will be accessible during construction.

The project scope involves replacing existing pavement and improving stormwater facilities in multiple locations in the Aloha East area and culde-sacs in the Ridgemont/ Vera Crest neighborhood. The scope includes installation of stormwater underground injection control (UIC) wells to help with drainage and longterm road protection.

The project is fully funded through a combination of grants and city and other revenue sources and totals just over $5.46 million. The largest contributor is a $2.3 million federal grant from the National Highway System that is distributed through the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The city is also using $674,000 from its Pavement Preservation Fund, and $620,500 from the Stormwater Management and Aquifer Protection funds.

Aquifer funding is provided through the city’s portion of Spokane County annual fees for the Aquifer Protection Area while stormwater funds come from fees collected by the county on behalf of the city.

Pavement preservation is funded through transfers from other funds and grants.

Also, at the June 9 meeting, the city entered into an interlocal agreement with Model Irrigation District No. 18 for reimbursement by the district for installation of the new water main. The district needs to install the main within the limits of the project and requested the city include it as part of its bid documentation.

The agreement will have the district reimbursement the city for its portion of the installation, estimated at $1.866 million.

Costs include the district’s share of traffic control, construction management and testing.

Local street repairs to begin At the May 26 meeting the council voted unanimously to award a not-to-exceed $1.8 million contract to Inland Asphalt Company for the annual Local Access Streets

According to the Department of Ecology, UIC wells — commonly called drywells — are structures built to allow water to flow into the ground under the force of gravity. Injection wells are built deeper than the largest surface dimension, could include perforated piping and are designed to capture and infiltrate stormwater.

The Local Access Streets program is funded through fees and taxes such as the utility tax, motor vehicle fuel tax, solid waste road wear fees and transfers in from other funds.

The fund was budgeted in 2026 for almost $7.57 million, with $1.5 million allocated to the current project along with $450,000 from the Stormwater Fund.

In 2022 the council agreed to a unit-priced approach to street preservation work similar to what the city uses for stormwater and street maintenance work.

While the city plans to conduct this year’s work on the Aloha East and Ridgemont/Vera Crest neighborhoods, the work may be adjusted based off the unit rates.

City to apply for bridge repair grant At the June 19 meeting council unanimously approved a staff request to submit the proposed Sullivan and Trent interchange project for discretionary grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s

JULY 2026 • 9

(FHWA) Bridge Investment Program (BIP). The FHWA made $2.48 billion available for project funding this fiscal year, with an application deadline of June 29.

Awards can range from $2 million – $100 million and require a 13.5% non-federal funding match. Funding can only be used for “future eligible expenses,” making costs the city has already expended on project design and right-of-way acquisition ineligible for this grant.

The city has secured approximately $22.4 million in federal and non-federal funding for engineering and right-ofway acquisition on the estimated $50.7 million project. Spokane Valley is applying for over $23.92 million in BIP funding, which if awarded would require $7.5 million of not yet secured, non-federal funding.

“These non-federal funds can be local funds or from potential state programs like FMSIB, TIB, or legislative appropriations,” staff noted in its report to council.

Earlier this year the city also submitted a $21 million grant funding request application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the Sullivan / Trent project.

According to the project’s website, the scope of work involves replacing both Sullivan Road bridges over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway tracks and four lanes of Trent Avenue. The current signalized interchanges will be replaced with two new roundabouts, one on Sullivan and the other on Trent / State Route 290, along with other improvements to decrease traffic congestion, improve vehicle capacity and increase mobility and safety.

BIP funding award notifications are projected by Sept. 30, 2026.

Funding would need to be used

by Sept. 20, 2034.

10

COVER STORY

• JULY 2026

Washington state’s 4th Legislative District races head to the primary drawing multiple candidates

By Nina Culver

The Current

Contributed photos Candidates who have declared for Washington State 4th Legislative District Representative position 2, Republican Bob Curtis (left), Incumbent Republican Rob Chase (middle), and Democrat Rob Tupper (right).

Current contributor

There’s no shortage of candidates in the 4th Legislative District as four Republicans compete to replace outgoing state Rep. Suzanne Schmidt, who decided to run for a Spokane County Commissioner seat instead of filing for re-election.

In position 2, a Democrat and a Republican have stepped up to challenge incumbent Rob Chase.

The state needs to look at its budget, Long said. “Whey they can’t make their budget, they come across with a new tax,” she said.

“Government is best when they govern the least.”

In Position 1 the candidates are former longtime Central Valley School Board member Debbie Long, Trailbreak Cider owner Trent Maier, Air Force veteran Hillary Pham and Navy veteran George Wagner.

Pham holds a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Washington and is working on a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University. After high school she served at Fairchild Air Force Base for five years, including three years as a healthcare administrator and two years in financial management.

She left the military in 2023.

Long, who will mark 30 years as the accounting manager at Rockwood Retirement Community in August, is best known for her 20 years on the Central Valley School Board. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration.

Long said she knows how to manage taxpayer dollars and has previously testified before the legislature and served on state boards and committees. “It’s about listening,” she said. “It’s about public service. My heart is with the small businesses. I understand what it takes to run a business in the public sector.”

She said she disapproves of the state’s recent approval of an income tax targeting millionaires.

“Right now they’re going after the millionaires,” she said. “Are they coming after us next? There has to be an end cap added. It can’t go down to us.”

Long said gas taxes are too high and the Climate Commitment Act puts the burden on employers who have old buildings.

Pham worked for now Senator Michael Baumgartner when he was Spokane County Treasurer and as an assistant to Rep. Rob Chase from January 2025 until earlier this year, when she resigned to run for office. She currently works as a Vietnamese interpreter.

Pham said she has always been involved in serving her community, including her time in the Civil Air Patrol and as a student senator at the University of Washington.

“I’ve been working in student government my entire life, really,” she said. “I’m here to continue to serve my community.”

She said affordability is one of her top concerns, pointing to the state’s high gas tax that sends quite a few Washington residents over the Idaho border in search of

cheaper gas. She said she wants money collected from the gas tax to be used only to maintain roads and bridges. She also objects to the state’s Climate Commitment Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stating there needs to be a better way to measure if progress is being made. The Act requires large polluters to buy allowances for their emissions.

“I want to keep our district thriving and successful and affordable,” she said.

Maier, who holds a degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, came to the area to take a job with Schweitzer Engineering in Pullman 20 years ago. When he was looking for a change, he attended culinary school in Seattle and then returned to Pullman to open a cidery. He moved to Liberty Lake and opened Trailbreaker Cider in 2019. He and his brother-in-law also run an engineering firm.

Maier has not previously run for office, but currently serves on the boards of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Spokane Inc. Maier said it was his experience as a small business owner that prompted him to file for office. “I see a lot of fiscal, tax, regulatory and policy effects on small businesses,” he said.

He believes the state relies on taxes collected from small businesses too heavily. “We’ve seen essentially deficit spending in this state for some time now,”

he said. “We’re seeing businesses close around us at a faster rate than we’ve seen before,” he said.

He also doesn’t like the state’s new income tax on millionaires. “I don’t support it,” he said. “I think it’s a poor way to do tax reforms.”

Wagner has lived in the area since he was five and after high school worked in the hardwood floor industry for seven years before joining the Navy. He retired after serving as a recruiter for 21 years.

He currently runs a small business doing hardwood floors.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Ashford University and a master’s in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. Wagner’s previous political experience includes working as an assistant to state Rep. Jenny Graham for about a year.

Wagner said he decided to run for office because he’s concerned with the lack of affordability and what that means for his seven children. “I don’t see them able to realize the American dream,” he said. “I think affordability is the number one. My wife and I even feel it.”

He said he’s also concerned that constituents are not listened to by many legislators. “We don’t have a voice,” he said. “It’s spend and tax. They’re just running the state aground.”

Wagner said he’s not in favor of the Climate Commitment Act because it only adds to the costs of goods and services. “I don’t believe

The Current

there is a crisis,” he said. “I’ve had to raise prices significantly to cover the cost of materials.”

He said the state needs to take reasonable measures without regulating businesses into oblivion.

“I think they go about it the wrong way,” he said.

Statewide K-12 education funding should also be reviewed given that Washington is ranked 31st in the nation for education quality, Wagner said. He believes that parents like himself who pay tuition to send their children to private school should not have to pay property taxes to local school districts. “I believe there should be relief for parents who send their kids to private school,” he said.

Long said numerous people asked her to run for the 4th District seat. “I have business experience, I have government experience,” she said. “I think I can do this. This is not a career move for me. I want to get in, make a difference and move on with life.”

She said she’s prepared to make a change. “It takes listening skills, it takes leadership skills,” she said.

“We can turn this state around.”

Maier said he has been endorsed

by Schmidt and just wants to have an impact. “I’m not trying to get into politics for the rest of my life,” he said. “I think I have knowledge on these subjects, applied knowledge and on the legislative side. I want to be able to hit the ground running in our district.”

Pham said she believes she has an edge over her opponents because of her recent experience in the legislature as an assistant and she knows how the process

JULY 2026 • 11

COVER STORY

works. “You need someone like me who is effective and efficient,” she said. “There’s continuity and that’s important in the policy making area.”

She said she wants to focus on being an advocate for residents of the district. “I am a candidate who listens first,” she said.

Wagner said he has experience standing up to support his people in the face of higher ranking officers and said he will bring that to the legislature. “No one is standing up for us,” he said. “I’m going to stand up for your rights, to be heard.”

In Position 2, Chase is being challenged by Republican Bob Curtis, an Army veteran and former TSA employee, and Democrat Rob Tupper, now retired after a career that included teaching at Mead High School and working in the oil industry.

Chase, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and operations management from Eastern Washington University, has previously worked in real estate and as a security guard. He has held numerous public offices and was elected Spokane County Treasurer in 2010 and 2014 and as a state representative in 2020. He lost his seat in 2022 and won his current 4th District seat in 2024.

He previously ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Spokane County Commissioner and Spokane Valley City Council.

Chase said he’s running for reelection because he believes in the work. “I think I’ve done a good job when I’m serving,” he said. “I enjoy it.”

Chase has long supported the idea that Washington should break into two different states, which would require approval from Washington voters as well as the approval of the federal government.

His new plan suggests dividing the state into two autonomous regions, with Eastern Washington forming the Columbia Region.

“We would have representation,” he said.

better

Chase has proposed a bill to create a task force to study the proposal. He said it won’t matter that Eastern Washington will lose revenue generated in the West side of the state. He said the Columbia Region would have lower taxes and fewer regulations, which will attract businesses. “That would more than make up for what we would be missing,” he said. “I think we’d have enough resources.”

Chase said he’s talked to Governor Ferguson about the idea.

“I said, ‘Keep your money, just give us our freedom,’” Chase said.

Chase also has concerns about voting integrity and said the voter rolls need to be “cleaned up.” He pointed to a report on the 2020 election by Seth Keshel, whom NPR identified as one of four top election deniers in the country in 2022.

Keshel has traveled the country pushing the theory that Biden did not win the 2020 election and that early voting should be banned and all voters should have to re-register.

Chase said Keshel’s report identified 300,000 “phantom” votes in Washington State in the 2020 election. Chase said those were people who either don’t exist or shouldn’t be on the voter rolls.

“You can do a lot of mischief with that,” he said.

Chase said he sent a letter to Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs urging the state to comply with the federal government’s demand that states should turn over voter information in every state. Several Republican-led states have complied. “I think they should cooperate with that effort,” he said.

Curtis was born and raised in Spokane, with stints in El Paso, California, Frances and Belgium during his childhood, following his father’s career in the U.S. Army. He came back in 1973 and graduated from Rogers High School. He served in the Army for 20 years, retiring in 2002, and then worked at TSA until 2024, working first as an airport screener and then as a transportation security inspector.

His only previous political experience was serving as a precinct committee officer from 2020 to 2022. “I was never really involved in politics much,” he said. “The two years as PCO really gave me an insight into what’s going on.”

Curtis said he decided to run because he certainly can’t do any worse than the politicians who he believes are not addressing the real problems affecting people in the district. “I’m trying to get back to the grass roots of politics,” he said.

“We should be listened to. They work for us, not the other way around.”

He said he wants to identify frivolous funding and make sure Eastern Washington gets its fair share of funding. He’s also not in See PRIMARY, Page 13

Contributed Photos Candidates who have declared for Washington State 4th Legislative District Representative position 1, a position previously held by Suzanne Schmidt who has filed to replace Spokane County Commissioner Mary Brooks, (from left to right) Republican Hillary Pham, Republican Trent Maier, Republican George Wagner, and Republican Debbie Long.

12

• JULY 2026

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Ava Hubble is an accomplished senior at University High School who has embraced every opportunity to grow academically, athletically, and through service. She has earned a 3.6 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and participates in Leadership Class. In addition to her time at U-High she also participated in the Running Start program and graduated with an AA equivalency.

She was also honored to be selected as one of the 2026 Lilac Princesses and has enjoyed her time on the Royal Court. Her volunteer work includes making Valentines for Veterans, sorting food for 2nd Harvest Food Bank, and serving at Valley Real Life on Sundays. A dedicated athlete, Ava has competed on the Titan varsity slow pitch softball, fast pitch softball, and basketball teams. Ava plans to attend Eastern Washington University in the fall pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in American Sign Language. With the goal of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist in order to help kids with hearing impediments to be able to speak

Quinn Lipke is an outstanding senior at University High School who has excelled in academics, athletics, and community service. He has earned a 4.0 GPA, a 1420 SAT score, and completed rigorous courses including Calculus BC, AP Research, and AP Government and Politics. Quinn is a state-qualifying javelin athlete on the Titan Varsity Track and Field team and a member of the Titan Varsity Basketball Team. He has also demonstrated leadership through National Honor Society, Crimson Crew, freshman class president, and the Swing Dancing Club. For the past three years, Quinn has volunteered with the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council and will serve as a volunteer javelin coach with the Spokane Valley Flash Track and Field Club this summer. He will attend the University of Southern California to study Human Aging and Development on a pre-med gerontology track, continuing a proud family tradition.

SABRIEL WICK, was the recipient of the Spokane Valley Police Chief’s Citizen Commendation Award.

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During an assembly at Greenacres Middle School, Spokane Valley Police Chief David Ellis recognized Sabriel for spearheading efforts with the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club to obtain Paw Patrol stuffed animals, which were later donated to the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane Valley Fire Department.

The first responders from these agencies will give the stuffed animals to young children during traumatic or stressful incidents to help comfort them.

This small gesture can make a challenging situation a little easier for children to cope with.

Congratulations, Sabriel!

Your dedication and compassion for members of our community in need serve as an inspiring example for all.

Thanks you for all you do in our community

JULY 2026 • 13

The Current

PRIMARY

asked Chase about how that deficit would be addressed, Chase said it wouldn’t be an issue.

favor of the so-called millionaire tax to tax the income of people who make more than $1 million.

He said really it’s a new income tax with a $1 million deduction, forcing people to fill out the tax forms even if they don’t qualify and forcing the state to spend money processing all the forms.

“Rob Chase just waved it off,” he said. “I don’t see it as being viable.

It’s an unsound endeavor, fiscally.”

Continued from page 11

There’s also no stop-gaps to ensure that the income tax isn’t later expanded to include people who make less than $1 million.

“They’re going to drop it,” he said.

“I can guarantee it.”

Curtis doesn’t think much of Chase’s plan to split the state in two.

Chase’s plan doesn’t account for the fact that federal funding flowing to the state will go to Olympia and Eastern Washington won’t get its share. Eastern Washington would get less funding, not more, he said.

“It’s not going to fix that,” he said.

There also needs to be changes in K-12 education funding, Curtis said. He said he doesn’t understand why there’s been a push to have every school in the state provide free breakfast and lunch for all students while funding for other areas, such as extracurricular activities, suffers.

He believes schools should provide free or reduced priced meals to students based on family income and not give free food to families who can afford to pay for it.

“We could have these extracurriculars back for that money,” he said.

Tupper grew up in Hawaii and California because of his father’s service in the U.S. Navy, then lived in Alaska for 16 years. While in Alaska he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Kenai Peninsula College and worked in the oil industry. After moving to the area in search of gentler winters, he got a teaching degree from Whitworth University and taught at Mead High School for four years.

Tupper said he was inspired to run for office after attending a gathering where Chase was talking about his idea to split the state in two, which he believes is a terrible plan. He said Eastern Washington residents get $1.33 back from Olympia for every $1 sent there.

When someone at the meeting

Liberty Lake

When Tupper filed to run for Chase’s seat, Chase was unopposed.

“I saw there was nobody running against Rob Chase,” he said. “I thought, if not now, when?”

Tupper does have concerns about proposals to ban the use of gas or propane in homes, which he said is impractical for those who live in rural areas. He’s also worried about the proliferation of data centers, which require large amounts of power and water to operate.

“I’m fearful that someone is going to make a sweetheart deal and get power at a low rate,” he said. “It’s just an enormous power suck. I don’t think it’s of any value to our region.”

The legislature also needs to support small businesses and work on affordable housing solutions, Tupper said. Like his Republican opponents, Tupper also has concerns about the state’s new millionaire tax. He said he would like to add language that it will always be limited to millionaires and that the tax rate will be adjusted upward for inflation. “That was an oversight when the Democrats pushed that bill forward,” he said.

Chase said he was able to get three bills passed in recent legislative sessions. “It comes down to experience,” he said. “When I’ve been in office, I’ve done well.”

Curtis said he represents a Republican alternative to Chase. “If you want change, that’s what I’m about,” he said. “I think I will be the candidate more willing to listen.”

Though the 4th District usually elects Republicans, Tupper said voters should give him a chance.

Democrats hold a majority in the state legislature and too often Republicans don’t have a voice in what laws are passed, he said.

Electing a Democrat will give residents of the 4th District a voice, he said.

“I would want to represent everybody by being in the room where decisions are made,” he said.

EVENT SCHEDULE Liberty Lake Yard Sale 9 AM - 5 pm Saturday, June 20

4th of July

2 pm - 10 pm Saturday, pavillion park

Movie Nights - start at dusk

Thursday, JULY 3 NATIONAL TREASURE Pavillion Park Saturday, JULY 11 BAD GUYS 2 River Rock Park Saturday, JULY 18 CAPTAIN AMERICA Pavillion Park Saturday, JULY 25 ZOOTOPIA 2 Pavillion Park Saturday, AUGUST 8 SUPER MARIO GALAXY Pavillion Park Friday, AUGUST 14 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON River Rock Park Saturday, AUGUST 15 HOOK Pavillion Park Saturday, AUGUST 29 WICKED FOR GOOD Pavillion Park

Shakespeare in the Park

5 pm Wednesday, AUGUST 19 “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” Pavillion Park

Spokane Symphony - Lud Kramer Memorial Concert 6 pm, Saturday, SEPTEMBER 5 Pavillion Park

Cops & Cruisers

8 Am - 3 pm, Saturday, SEPTEMBER 12 pavillion park

Brought to you by

JULY 2026 • 15

The Current

S P O K A N E

C O U N T Y

L I B R A R Y

D I S T R I C T

Kids Free Afternoon Snack Kids ages 1–18 can get a free snack year-round on the following days and times.

SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd Monday–Friday, 3:15–4:15pm When libraries are closed, snacks are not available.

Find more information at scld.org/snack.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

scld.org

16

• JULY 2026

The Crest

The Current Brought to you by

About and for Spokane Valley area seniors

Spokane Transit and Spokane County Library Funding seek voter approval

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Both the Spokane Transit Authority and the Spokane County Library District have measures on the August ballot seeking funding to maintain existing services.

Countywide voters will decide on whether or not to renew the STA’s 0.2% sales tax, which amounts to two cents on a $10 purchase. The tax was last approved in 2016 and is set to expire in 2028. The proposed renewal has a 20-year sunset clause, meaning if approved it will expire in 2048.

“It’s just a renewal,” said STA Chief Communications and Customer Service Officer Carly Cortright.

STA is attempting to renew the sales tax early because it has been selected to receive an $82 million federal grant in 2027 for the Division Street Bus Rapid Transit Project, which is similar to the City Line that runs between Browne’s Addition and Spokane Community College. Cortright said the Federal government wants to see 20 years of

projected income before finalizing the grant, so STA officials are attempting to show that the sales tax revenue will continue.

Along with fares, sales tax revenue provides most of STA’s annual budget.

It’s necessary to maintain the services STA offers, which have expanded in the last decade, Cortright said. Over the last 10 years, the agency added 35 percent more service time, most of it in the evenings and weekends. The City Line was built along with new transit centers in the West Plains, at SCC and at Mirabeau.

The STA board of directors also recently approved a new mobility on demand pilot program called STA Link in the Spokane Valley and Latah Valley areas. It will allow people to request a ride on demand in an underserved area, providing curbside pickup. There are plans to expand that service if the sales tax renewal is approved, Cortright said.

While most of the sales tax revenue would be spent on maintaining existing services, some would be spent on one-time projects, Cortright said, much like the revenue paid to build new transit centers in recent years.

The organization does have a higher amount of reserves than normal and Cortright some of that will be spent on one-time projects as well. “Reserve money should never be used for ongoing expenses, because eventually it runs out,” she said. “We are planning to invest it back into the community.”

If the sales tax renewal is not approved, STA would have to look at reducing services, Cortright said.

Since the renewal is going on the ballot early, however, there will be time to run it again if it does fail in August, she said.

More information is available online at www.spokanetransit.com/ sta-proposition-1.

Meanwhile, the Spokane County Library District is asking voters to approve a levy lid lift to allow them to collect 45 cents per $1,000 in assessed home value. The current levy rate is approximately $0.33 cents per $1000 assessed valuation (AV), so the proposal would raise the levy rate by $0.12 cents per $1000 AV The district serves unincorporated Spokane County as well as the cities of Millwood, Fairfield, Cheney, Deer Park, Medical Lake, Spokane Valley and Airway Heights. There is also a mobile van that visits various locations and small towns such as Rockford, Spangle and Waverly.

By law, library districts are allowed to collect up to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed home value, said SCLD Executive Director Patrick Roewe. The last time the library district collected that much was in 2019 and the amount collected has eroded steadily since, he said. This year the district is collecting 33 cents per $1,000.

“As property values rise, the rate drops,” Roewe said.

As the rate drops, agencies are only allowed to increase their tax revenue by one percent per year, which isn’t enough to keep up with inflation.

That forces libraries, fire districts and other entities that are allowed up to a certain limit to occasionally put a levy lid lift request on the ballot.

Though the limit is 50 cents, the district is only asking voters to approve a lid lift to 45 cents per $1,000, Roewe said. “Forty-five cents should give us enough revenue,” he said.

Much of the revenue would be spent on maintaining services, but Roewe said there are plans to spend some of it maintaining the district’s 11 libraries. The district recently completed a facilities assessment of their buildings and identified about

$1.7 million in annual maintenance needed over the next five years. That includes new roofs, updated HVAC systems and additional security cameras, Roewe said.

Another big push will be to increase the district’s digital collection. “They’re more than half our checkouts,” he said. “The demand is high.”

The catch is that the library doesn’t just buy an e-book once and then keep it forever. E-books expire. Some are good for 10 checkouts, others are time limited, Roewe said. “There’s a variety of lending models out there,” he said. “Some are checkout based and some are time based.”

E-books are also more expensive, Roewe said, with each e-book costing four to five times more than a physical book. But demand for the e-books is high and it’s an easy way to add new titles without having to come up with shelf space, Roewe said.

The levy funding also allows the library district to provide free programs for adults, children and teens as well as other services, including the ability for people to reserve meeting rooms for free.

Roewe said that in 2025, people made 9,237 meeting room reservations throughout the district.

“We provide all our services at no additional costs to customers,” he said. “We want to keep everything accessible.”

If the levy lid lift fails, the district would have to make cuts that could include reducing hours, closing library branches and charging for meeting room rentals, Roewe said.

Several open houses are planned to provide more information about the levy lid lift. They are from 5 to 7 p.m. July 7 at the Cheney Library, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 9 at the Rockford United Methodist Church, from 3 to 5 p.m. July 9 at the Fairfield Library, from 2 to 4 p.m. July 14 at the Medical Lake Library, from 3 to 5 p.m. July 16 at the Moran Prairie Library, from 2 to 4 p.m. July 21 at the Deer Park Library, from 5 to 7 p.m.

July 23 at the North Spokane Library and from 5 to 7 p.m. July 28 at the Spokane Valley Library.

More information is available online at www.scld.org.

The Current

JULY 2026 • 17

PUZZLES

18

• JULY 2026

The Current

Sponsored By:

www.hubsportscenter.org

HUB Sportscenter Encourages kids to play outside this summer

By Brooke Masters Current contributor

This summer, HUB Sports Center is bringing back Play Unplugged and giving kids across the Greater Spokane Valley area a reason to put down their devices and head outside. The goal is simple: get kids moving and engaged with their community, all while having a great time. Registration is open now, and while the program is geared toward elementary school-aged children, the HUB notes that older or younger kids are also welcome to join. The program started on June 17th and will run through October 2nd.

The program is centered on providing motivation to get out and

explore the community. Kids earn a "Brag Tag," a plastic collectible similar to a military-style dog tag, for every activity they complete.

Each tag carries a point value, and parents are encouraged to set their own family rewards once a child reaches a certain number of points.

Points can also be tracked online and used for prize drawings at the HUB's Family Fun Festival in October.

Shea-Lynn Gerred, the HUB's Program Coordinator, said the Brag Tag challenges are designed around accessibility as much as fun. She explained that the goal isn't to keep kids away from technology forever, but to build an understanding that some of life's best moments come from playing, creating, and connecting. That philosophy shows up in the variety of tags available, which stretch well beyond traditional sports and include activities like reading and drawing.

Brag Tags are sponsored by local businesses and organizations, so earning one means visiting a real place in the community. For instance, to earn the "Gardener" tag kids can stop by The Plant Farm and

tell staff how to grow and care for a plant. One of Gerred's favorites this year is the Fossil Finder tag.

For that challenge, kids become paleontologists for an afternoon, heading outside to find three things that could become fossils someday, a leaf imprint, a shell, a feather, or an interesting rock. They draw or write about what they found and where, then visit the Liberty Lake Municipal Library to pick up the tag. Other tags encourage kids to engage in different kinds of play.

The Bike Rider tag asks kids to ride a bike while wearing a helmet, then tell WA Trust Bank about their adventure. The American Spirit tag invites kids to dress in red, white, and blue and show it off at the City of Liberty Lake office building.

Play Unplugged is not new to the area, and Gerred said many families return year after year. She has heard stories of kids repurposing old tags long after a summer ends, scanning them as pretend grocery items or using them as power-ups in superhero games. Even once the event has ended, the tags are still a fun item that children find creative uses for. Part of what keeps families coming back is the flexibility of

Contributed Photo Three examples of the brag tags that kids can earn apart of the Play Unplugged program this summer. Each with a local business or community group sponsorship and nearly 20 available so far.

the reward system. Parents can set their own goals and incentives, so a child who reaches a certain point total might earn a trip for ice cream, a movie night, or whatever treat makes sense for that family.

That layer of personalization means Play Unplugged fits into different households in different ways.

Families looking for more summer fun can also plan around Brag Tag College, a one-day event planned for July at HUB Sports Center where kids can complete multiple Brag Tag challenges in one place. The exact date is still to be announced. The Family Fun Festival in October will offer a similar opportunity, giving families one more chance to play, take part in activities, and pick up a few final tags before the program wraps up for the season.

The program is free for kids and families and supported by local sponsors. For the businesses involved, sponsoring a tag is a way to give back to the community while also gaining visibility among local families. When a child walks into a library or a local bank to pick up a tag, they are building familiarity with the places and people that make up their neighborhood. For some families, a Brag Tag challenge may be their first visit to a business they did not know was there. The HUB has described local visibility as one of the program's specific goals, but the benefit goes both ways: businesses support a fun summer activity for local kids, and the program gives families a reason to visit and get to know those same businesses.

Beyond the points and prizes, Gerred said the larger hope is that families walk away with moments and memories. The program asks kids to set down their screens, but it offers a season's worth of reasons to bike, build, read, garden, and explore alongside the people and businesses that make up their neighborhood.

Whether a Brag Tag leads a family to a library, a bank lobby, or their own backyard, Play Unplugged is betting that the best parts of summer still happen unplugged.

JULY 2026 • 19

The Current

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• JULY 2026

The Current

Upriver Fire Update Current news sources

Size: 213 acres Start Date: June 16, 2026 Cause: Human Caused Location: Adjacent to Upriver Drive, north of Spokane River, Spokane County, WA Containment: 60% Personnel: 303 Structures Lost: 14 primary residences and 4 secondary structures (confirmed) Current Conditions: All Level 3 evacuations have been lifted and evacuation levels have been reduced to Level 1 in affected areas.

Fire activity remains minimal, containment continues to increase, and firefighters have transitioned from active suppression to mop-up and patrol operations. Yesterday, crews continued gridding operations (searching for remaining smoldering material) 300 feet into the interior of the fire perimeter. Crews continue to evaluate and mitigate post-fire hazards (smoldering stump holes and fire-weakened trees) within Camp Sekani and surrounding

wooded areas.

Crews also continued work around residential areas, checking

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duff, vegetation, and downed woody material for hidden heat sources. Spokane County Fire District 9 and state mobilization resources continue supporting suppression efforts.

Today: Operational efforts remain focused on protecting structures and other values at risk.

Winds are expected to increase throughout the day while relative humidity remains low. Crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter for any remaining hotspots that could become active.

Residents may continue to see smoke from isolated areas within the interior of the fire; however, these areas are not expected to contribute to additional fire spread.

Select engines and crews have been prioritized to provide rapid initial attack should any new fire starts occur within the surrounding areas.

As containment continues to increase throughout the day, crews will continue backhauling equipment from the fire perimeter and demobilizing resources.

Resources will either return to their home units or be reassigned to other incidents within the region.

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Evacuations: Evacuation levels have been reduced, with Level 1 (Be Ready) remaining in effect in portions of the fire area. Residents returning home should remain aware of post-fire hazards, including weakened trees, ash pits, damaged

infrastructure, and the potential for isolated hotspots. Evacuation notices are issued by Spokane County Emergency Management and Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC). To check the evacuation status of your home please visit the interactive evacuation map located on the SREC website: https://srec911.maps.arcgis. com/.../lookup/index.html...

The evacuation center was closed on June 18 due reduction in evacuation levels to the current condition.

Community Connect Public Information Opportunities: Local fire officials, agency representatives, and public information officers will continue staffing Community Connect events at Pasadena Park Church of the Nazarene (8822 E Upriver Drive, Spokane Valley) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM today.

Information available will include Upriver Fire updates, recovery and disaster assistance resources, and other community services. All community members are welcome.

Safety Message: To ensure safe passage for emergency vehicles, residents and visitors are asked not to block roads, gates, or trails at any time. If you fly a drone, we cannot fly firefighting aircraft. Unauthorized drone activity may immediately impact aerial firefighting operations.

The Current

LIBRARY

JULY 2026 • 21 SPOK ANE COUNT Y LIBR ARY DISTRICT

continue mobile library services, Library District seeks levy expand safety and security in and around the libraries, and increase the digital collection of eBooks, restoration for maintenance audio downloads, and streaming in the future. offerings. The levy requires a simple and operations materials Voters will be asked to restore majority (over 50%) voter approval

By Jane Baker

Spokane County Library District

Spokane County Library District (SCLD) is asking voters to consider a levy measure to fund daily operations and maintenance for the 10 SCLD libraries during the August 2026 primary election. This measure requests to restore the property tax levy rate to keep library services at existing levels, increase digital materials, and maintain facilities.

Passage of this levy is necessary for long-term sustainable funding of the Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, North Spokane, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley libraries, as well as SCLD’s mobile services.

Approximately 97% of SCLD’s funding comes from property taxes. The current levy rate is approximately $0.33 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation (AV). SCLD’s Board of Trustees has determined that this level of funding is not enough to support the present level of services and available materials provided by SCLD, nor is it enough to meet the demand for services and

the property tax levy rate that funds daily operations and maintenance of the libraries to $0.45 cents per $1,000 AV, which is below the statutory maximum allowed of $0.50 cents per $1,000 AV. This levy restoration would raise the levy rate by $0.12 cents per $1,000 AV. “While the current levy rate has fallen to its lowest amount we’ve seen in the past 25 years, we believe asking for the full statutory rate is not necessary at this time,” said Patrick Roewe, SCLD Executive Director.

Projections estimate that a home valued at $350,000 in Spokane County would see an annual increase of $42.00 or $3.50 per month.

Over 681,000 visitors came to SCLD libraries last year, checking out 2.2 million items with digital eBooks and audiobooks accounting for half of those items. More than 66,000 people attended programs, and over 9,200 people placed meeting room reservations.

If approved, SCLD will preserve core library service at existing levels, maintain facilities to ensure comfortable customer experiences,

to pass.

If the measure fails, SCLD will pursue other revenue sources such as charging fees for meeting room use, postponing major maintenance projects, such as HVAC replacement and roofing repairs, and begin determining what programs, library hours, materials, and personnel need to be reduced, with the eventual closure of one or more libraries.

We are holding Public Information Open Houses at SCLD libraries, where you can ask questions and learn more about the plans for levy funds. One takes place at Spokane Valley Library (22 N Herald Rd) on Tuesday, July 28, 5–7pm.

Earlier in the month, you can attend an Open House during the LINC Rockford Community Visit in the parking lot of the Rockford United Methodist Church (217 S 1st St) on Thursday, July 9, 1:30–2:30pm and later that day at Fairfield Library (305 E Main St) at 3–5pm.

For more information, including Open Houses at other SCLD libraries, visit scld.org/levy.

Put these events at the tricera-top of your list: • Prehistoric Creatures (That Aren’t Dinosaurs) • Dinosaur Discovery Fun • Cookie Decorating • 3D Printing Family Fun: Animal Track Stamps • Dog Man Supa’ Adventures: Activities & Crafts • Escape Room with a Twist Make this summer ext-roar-dinary!

Find out more at scld.org/summer-events

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22

• JULY 2026

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Liberty Lake Hosts Volunteer and Service Expo

By Ben Wick

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On Thursday June 18th, the City of Liberty Lake hosted a new type of community expo, an expo of community organizations that depend on volunteers. Liberty Lake Mayor Pro Tem Dan Dunne shared he first learned about the idea while attending an association of Washington cities event where the City of Maple Valley described a similar event that they put on. “I know that there are people who want to get involved in our community but don’t know how” said Dunne.

Dunne working with the City organized 10 community organizations that weren’t necessarily non-profits but were groups that were looking for or are powered by volunteers.

“I am sure there are others but wanted to start somewhere” added Dunne who explained that depending on the response could see the event growing into an annual community event.

The organizations included:

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Liberty Lake Kiwanis, who were highlighting their summer events including the Liberty Lake Yard Sales and the 4th

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their organization on a variety of civic and recreational projects.

Liberty Lake Community Engagement Committee, was there connecting with community members sharing their mission of being a conduit for the city to get feedback from the community and encouraged people to apply to join their committee.

Friends of the Liberty Lake Library, were sharing about their book sales and encouraging member to join their organization and help support the Liberty Lake Library program.

Photo by Ben Wick Community members check out local area organizations at the Liberty Lake Volunteer and Service Expo to explore new ways they can get involved in the community. of July activities encouraging more community members to join them in organizing these important events.

Liberty Lake Parks Arts Commission, who

and was

highlighting their mural projects and parks improvements that are coming together based upon community feedback and participation.

HUB Sports Center, who was

sharing about their program encouraging kids to be active over the summer by ‘Playing Unplugged’ and earning tags / prizes by accomplishing activities sponsored by local community businesses.

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary, was sharing more about their mission and seeking people interested in joining their club as well as promoting their upcoming Rotary Rim Ride happening September 12th and 13th this year.

Ridgeline Falcon Boosters, who are the community members and parents of Ridgeline High School students who come together to support the students and clubs across Ridgeline. They were already seeking volunteers to help operate their concession stand during the home football games this fall.

Liberty Lake Better Together, was promoting their recent Rock Garden and Goat statue dedication and encouraging community members to join

Spokane County Emergency Management, was highlighting one of their programs, the CERT Program, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) where community members can volunteer to help support local first responders during critical incidents. They highlighted a recent example of the program where their volunteers recently helped the Red Cross stand up fire shelters during the recent wild fires.

Liberty Lake Lions Club, highlighted a number of their programs including collecting eye glasses for those who cannot afford them, sponsoring the sensory garden next to city hall, and helping support families in need during the holidays.

River District Farm, was sharing about their farm and farm store which are both seeking volunteers to continue to build strong connections between local farms and the local community.

Drawing a crowd of more than 30 people, Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Dunne shared that he felt the event was a success. “My goal was to have get around 20 people to come.”

At least one community member approached the event sharing that they had recently joined the Liberty Lake community and wanted to get involved. “That is exactly who we wanted to connect with”

24

• JULY 2026

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