2026 March Current

MARCH

2026

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Spokane Valley Chamber CEO takes job with Greater Spokane Inc. see page 10

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR PHIL CHAMPLIN PAGE 2

MEALS ON WHEELS ANNUAL WALKATHON PAGE 14

BEARS AND TITANS ADVANCE TO STATE PAGE 16

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• MARCH 2026

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

HUB Sports Centers Phil Champlin recognized as Champion for Play

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Phil Champlin, longtime executive director of the HUB Sports Center, has been named the 2025 Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, an honor that dates back to 2003.

Champlin, along with other award winners, will be honored at the annual Chamber Business Awards March 4 at 5 p.m. at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center.

a bustling facility in the midst of an expansion to add outdoor artificial turf multi-use fields, but it wasn’t always that way. It originally opened as Sports USA in 2003, but closed in 2005. A group of community members worked to revive it in 2007, but the first few years were a struggle to break even and Champlin often wondered if he would be forced to close the doors.

“2012 was really the year we turned that corner and figured out how to be self-sufficient,” he said. “When I started, the board met every week because we didn’t know what that week would bring.

It’s fun today to sit back and see how far we’ve come.”

Champlin took over the role of executive director of the HUB in late 2009. He was fresh off a decade spent working for a youth sports camp company, five years in California and five years in

Spokane. When his position was lost to restructuring, Champlin said he worried he wouldn’t be able to find a job that would let him be involved in youth sports.

He found an ad for the HUB position in the Sunday paper and immediately applied. Champlin said he was grateful to find a way to continue doing what he loves.

“That’s really where my passion is,” he said. “This position has given me the opportunity to lean into those passions.”

Today the HUB Sports Center hosts just about every sport played with a ball and some that don’t, including basketball, pickleball, volleyball, martial arts, wrestling, table tennis and boxing. The facility includes five full-sized basketball courts that can be configured in a variety of ways.

“We can do so many different

The award is named after Harry E. Nelson, one of the founders of the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1921 who also served as the organization’s president in 1926. Nelson also saw the need for a Spokane Valley newspaper and was co-founder of the Spokane Valley Herald in 1920. He was dedicated to bettering Spokane Valley through the Chamber until he died in 1959.

The HUB Sports Center is now

The HUB has always been focused on indoor sports, but that changed when a donor approached Champlin in late 2021 and offered to donate enough money to buy 17 acres of vacant land next to the facility for outdoor fields.

“After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I said okay,” he said.

Even though he was excited about the possibilities, Champlin still did his due diligence. He researched if there was a need for outdoor synthetic fields, if it was feasible to build the fields and if they would be sustainable. The answer to all three was yes.

Phase 1 was purchasing the land.

In Phase 2, two fields and a parking lot were put in. At that time, there were only two synthetic turf fields in Spokane County, though that has since changed. Three synthetic fields were just installed at Plantes Ferry Park and more are planned in Spokane.

“Our research showed the necessity of synthetic fields,” Champlin said.

Several notable Spokane Valley figures have previously received the Citizen of the Year award, including former mayors, business leaders and educators. It is the previous winners of the award who gather every year to select the newest honoree.

Champlin said he was surprised when he was told he was being honored with the award. “I looked at the names of people who have won in the past,” he said. “I don’t consider myself equal to that group.

I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for those people. Even just the consideration is very cool.”

activities here,” he said. “You’re not boxed in that you can only do basketball, you’re not boxed in that you can only do volleyball.

And as much as my pickleball players don’t like to hear it, you’re not boxed in that you can only do pickleball. We get to serve a wide base of the community because of all the things we can do.”

In this climate, grass fields are usually unusable between October and March or April. Using grass fields when wet risks damaging them, as does not allowing the grass time to recover between uses. All that can be avoided with a synthetic turf field, Champlin said.

The synthetic fields can be used year-round in all types of weather.

“We can schedule back to back to back events,” he said.

Photo by Nina Culver Phil Champlin Executive Director for the HUB Sports Center is being named 2025 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Business Awards on March 4th. Titled Champion of Play, Champlin has led the organization from foundation to stability and most recently to expansion!

The fields are lined for soccer, lacrosse and football and can be configured for other uses as well.

See CHAMPLIN, Page 5

MARCH 2026 • 3

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• MARCH 2026

Central Valley School District (CVSD) is connecting with our Central Valley community through this monthly Link.

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measured on scoreboards. They are found in the quiet high-fives after a play, the laughter during practice, and friendships that form, where barriers once stood.

Unified programs strengthen schools... Coaches say the change is immediate Unified Sports programs are strengthening inclusion across Central Valley schools by bringing students with and without disabilities together on the same teams. The program is modeled after Special Olympics Unified Sports, creating shared athletic experiences and moments of courage, connection and belonging in our schools.

Participation continues to grow, with 26 middle school and 287 high school students stepping onto courts, fields and lanes to compete in arts, basketball, bowling, kickball, pickleball, soccer, track & field and volleyball.

However, the real victories aren't

and profound. UHS Unified Coach Julisa Green reflects on the program, “It’s transformed what it means to be a Titan,” creating a space where every athlete is seen, celebrated and valued.

Students learn that teamwork is not about ability—it's about trust. Empathy grows. Confidence thrives. Students who perhaps went unnoticed, now walk the halls as proud athletes, knowing that they belong. “We've built belonging.

Our school culture is stronger, more inclusive and filled with Titan pride.”

CVHS Unified Coach Adrienne Williams sees the same transformation. Unified Sports, she says, “creates opportunities for students who might not otherwise participate in school athletics,” while also

building genuine friendships rooted in understanding. Participants become daily “ambassadors for inclusion, whether stepping onto the court or field, tying up their bowling shoes, sharing a high-five in the hallway or sitting together at lunch. The energy and support reflects the culture of belonging that Unified helped build for all Bears,” showing what acceptance truly looks like.

student plays and important role.” It reshapes school culture into something warmer, kinder and more connected.

In CVSD, the message echoes through every game and every cheer: together…

I… you… we… belong—creating infinite possibilities for every student who courageously steps onto the field, court or lane.

"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." - Ryunosuke Satoro The impact reaches far beyond athletics. Evergreen MS Principal Tim Teterud notes that “Unified Sports fosters empathy, builds pride and reinforces the belief that every

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Ciara Fivecoat is a enthusiastic senior at Spokane Valley Tech with a 3.1 GPA who has been enrolled at SV Tech since her freshman year. She is actively involved in the school’s EMT program while also participating in Running Start at Eastern Washington University, demonstrating her strong commitment to academic and career preparation. Ciara serves as Vice President of both the Knowledge Bowl Club and the SV Tech HOSA Club, competing on the varsity Knowledge Bowl team that is advancing to the state competition on March 20 and participating for the first time in the EMT event at the HOSA Conference on March 3. Known for her enthusiasm and leadership, she regularly volunteers her time to support school dances and fundraisers. After graduation, Ciara plans to earn her EMT certification this summer before attending WSU Pullman to pursue a degree in pre-med. Inspired by a Life Flight class presentation, she hopes to build a future as a Life Flight Paramedic or potentially an emergency room physician.

Duncan Mohorcich is a dedicated senior at Spokane Valley Tech with a 3.5 GPA and a strong passion for hands-on learning and creativity. Currently enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing program after completing Advanced Engineering, he is developing his skills as a machinist while also serving as the school’s cameraman, contributing photographs to the yearbook. Duncan has long been interested in building and enjoys working in his own home workshop, while also taking advantage of the North Idaho College shop space for larger projects. His favorite project has been constructing metal shelving with risers and wrap-around corners, showcasing both precision and problemsolving skills. After high school, Duncan plans to pursue an apprenticeship to begin earning hours toward his journeyman’s license, with the backup plan to continue his education in engineering technology if needed.

Erin Lundt wears many hats in the Liberty Lake community — and wears them well. As the girls basketball coach at The Oaks, she is passionate about mentoring young athletes, teaching discipline, teamwork and confidence both on and off the court. Her commitment to developing strong character in her players reflects the same dedication she brings to every area of her life.

Outside of the shop, he has been an active member of the school’s Disc Golf Club for the past 2.5 years, demonstrating his commitment to both technical growth and extracurricular involvement.

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Professionally, Lundt serves as a registered nurse at Clinic 4-0, where she provides compassionate care to patients and supports overall community health. She previously served as clinic director for Life Services, helping guide the organization’s mission and daily operations while supporting women and families during critical moments in their lives.

Outside of work, Lundt is deeply involved in her church, volunteering her time and leadership in ways that strengthen connections and encourage faith within the congregation.

At home, she and her husband are raising four children, balancing busy schedules with a strong focus on family. Whether courtside, at the clinic, or in the community, Lundt leads with service and heart.

Thanks you for all you do in our community

The Current

CHAMPLIN

Continued from page 2 Phase 2 was paid for with a combination of private donations and funding from Spokane County and the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office.

The facility sits just inside the boundary of Liberty Lake and the city contributed money from its Tax-Increment Financing (TIF) district.

Champlin is currently seeking funding for Phase 3, two more synthetic turf fields. The estimated cost of the project is around $7 million and so far Champlin has secured a $1.5 million Youth Athletic Facilities grant. “We’ve got possibilities out there,” he said.

“We’re always looking for more.”

Champlin said it’s important to raise the money so the HUB doesn’t have to take on debt, which would likely force an increase in prices.

It’s too important that the HUB remains affordable and provides a place for local kids to play, he said.

While Champlin was surprised to find himself among the distinguished winners of the Citizen of the Year award, Spokane Valley Chamber CEO Lance Beck said he’s not surprised that the committee of former winners selected him.

“He was on my board for seven years,” Beck said. “I’ve seen Phil operate directly. I think he’s very deserving of this recognition by the committee.”

Champlin has had a far reaching impact in the community both through his work with the HUB Sports Center and his time spent serving other local organizations, including the Valley Chamber, Beck said. “He’s always been engaged in the community,” he said.

People trust him, which is one reason the ongoing expansion to outdoor fields has been successful.

“Phil got the field project over the hump to the halfway point,” Beck said. “Sixty thousand additional kids got to play on those fields in the first 12 months.”

Beck first met Champlin when Beck worked with the Spokane Shock arena football team and was looking for a place for the team to practice. He asked Champlin if the team could use the HUB. Champlin turned him down because he

NEWS wanted to keep the facility available for kids, Beck said. “He’s been able to lead with grace and understanding while still staying grounded,” he said.

Champlin said he doesn’t deserve all the credit. “It’s not just me,” he said. “I’ve got a team here. I’ve got an amazing board of directors.”

Q: How did you come to the HUB Sports Center?

A: I have been blessed to be around sports and youth for most of my career. In August 2009, my role as VP of Operations with a youth sports camp company was eliminated and so I was searching for another position, ideally something involved with youth and sports, but I wasn’t sure that would be available. I was doing most of my job search online. I found an ad for the E.D. position with HUB Sports Center in the Sunday paper.

I applied for the position at the end of September 2009. After a couple rounds of interviews, I was offered the position and started at the end of October.

Q: What community organizations are you currently involved in?

A: I am on the board of directors for ESD 101, a member of the Mead School District CTE Advisory Committee, on the leadership team for the Spokane Christian Generosity Council. I’m a member of Greater Spokane Valley Chamber, GSI, and Post Falls Chamber.

Q: How would you describe your role in the community?

A: To be a good steward of our facility. To seek out opportunities to collaborate for the betterment of our youth and community. I believe that together we can achieve more than what we can do on our own. How can I facilitate connection between groups and help individuals and organizations better serve their constituents/clients and therefore better our community?

Q: What would you say is your primary goal as head of the HUB? A: To be a good leader for the organization and fulfill our purpose, “To provide events that have a positive impact on youth and the community.” To empower our team to be a good steward of our resources and maximize the

usage our of facilities, whether this is through strategic partnerships and collaborations or programs we create to fill a gap in service.

MARCH 2026 • 5

Q: What has been your favorite part of running the HUB?

move from an organization with uncertainty for its future to a valued community resource. And to be recognized for the work we are doing and given the opportunity to expand our capacity to serve.

A: Hearing and seeing stories of impact from events and activities facilitated by and/or hosted at HUB Sports Center. To be able to

A: I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

6

• MARCH 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.

Council passes emergency marijuana ordinance, bans kratom sales and use

By John McCallum Current contributor

The Spokane Valley City Council waived its three-touch rule at its Feb. 3 meeting and passed an emergency ordinance to reclassify retail marijuana as a legal, nonconforming use in the city. The move allows the city to revisit siting regulations for marijuana retailers after recent studies suggested a link existed between positive perceptions about marijuana through retail marketing and a higher likelihood of marijuana use among adolescents ages 14-18.

Voters approved the decriminalization of possession of certain amounts of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia in 2012.

Jurisdictions, including Spokane Valley, subsequently developed regulations limiting where marijuana production, processing and retail sales facilities can be located.

The only marijuana retail sales outlets allowed in Spokane Valley are those that were established prior to July 27, 2016 — with new outlets not permitted in any zoning district.

Spokane Valley Senior Deputy City Attorney Tony Beattie told council there are three marijuana outlets currently operating, one each in the Mixed Use, Regional Commercial and Industrial Mixed-Use zones.

While moving an existing retail marijuana outlet outside its zone would be a code violation, moving the outlet to another location within the zone they occupy is allowed.

The ordinance would prohibit any

The Current

relocation for a year while the city undergoes a process to update its marijuana siting standards, taking into account the potential for some zoning density changes coming out of its Comprehensive Plan update and the impacts named in recent studies — one of which was conducted for the state Legislature by the University of Washington and Washington State University.

“This (ordinance) would put a halt to that for the time being so we could figure out where we want to allow marijuana use in the future,” Beattie said.

He also noted there is a financial aspect to the issue — Spokane Valley has been averaging $180,000 – $280,000 annually over the past five years in tax revenue generated by marijuana sales. Distribution is made up of a proportional share of the revenues generated by taxes on marijuana collected within Spokane Valley and a per capita distribution based on population proportions.

“The majority of the funds come from per capita distribution,” Beattie added.

Council voted 6-1 to approve the ordinance, with Councilwoman Jessica Yaeger the only “Nay” vote. Yaeger said she didn’t want marijuana outlets moving near sensitive areas such as residential neighborhoods, but that there is a deeper issue.

As a long-time health care professional and director of a company that specializes in care management and end-of-life doula services, Yaeger said they have encouraged the use of natural products such as marijuana to help with aspects of this care.

“I’m not supportive just yet,” she said of the ordinance.

Council will hold a public hearing on retail marijuana siting at its March 17 meeting.

Council moves to ban Kratom use At its Feb. 10 meeting, the council voted 6-1 — with Yaeger voting nay — to approve the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of the natural drug kratom within city limits. The vote came after a presentation by city and law enforcement staff and public testimony.

According to information from the staff report, the federal Drug See SV COUNCIL, Page 9

MARCH 2026 • 7

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• MARCH 2026

Emergency — SV council waives rules and passes battery system moratorium

By John McCallum Current contributor

At its Feb. 3 meeting, the Spokane Valley City Council voted 6-1 to waive its standard three-touch rule and approved a one-year emergency ordinance setting a moratorium on a land use that was not conceived of when adopting zoning codes 10 years ago.

The ordinance deals with “Battery Energy Storage Systems” or BESS, and allows a public process to begin to determine where such facilities would be allowed in the city.

These facilities have become more prevalent in the United States and in Washington to store electrical power for future use.

City Attorney Kelly Konkright told council Spokane Valley does not currently have zoning codes regulating BESS sites. He added because utilities are allowed in all zones within the city, BESS installations would also be allowed, including potentially in residential zones.

When Spokane Valley adopted its zoning codes in 2016, BESS installations “were not known or anticipated as a potential land use.”

City codes, including those in many other jurisdictions, are subsequently “silent” on their regulations.

NEWS

power company Enel, batteries — the basic unit or cells of a BESS — are assembled into “modules,” which are in turn assembled into “racks” with a group of racks called a “container.”

Containers are typically over 19 feet long, 8 feet wide and 10 feet tall.

to be prone to “thermal runaway events” where a hazardous, uncontrolled chain reaction occurs when a battery cell overheats and creates a “feedback loop” with other nearby cells that releases more heat and energy.

An inverter is used to convert the alternating current (AC) supplied by the grid to direct current (DC) needed to charge the batteries. There are systems for cooling, control and safety and a transformer to raise the voltage prior to switching power onto the grid’s substation.

“These fires can last for days, especially when you’re talking about these larger facilities,” Konkright said.

A group of containers, auxiliary systems and transformer are called an “island.” An island is technically a self-sufficient BESS plant, and BESS installations can consist of several islands, which are then connected to an electrical utility substation for distribution to the grid.

Typically sizes of BESS installations range from 100 megawatts (one million watts or 1,000 kilowatts) to 300 MW, with containerized units ranging from 1MW to 5MW. Larger BESS facilities up to 1,000 MW are becoming more frequent, with Avista Utilities beginning contract negotiations for a 100 MW BESS to be built in Eastern Washington by 2028, according to a Jan. 26 news release.

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes failures of BESS installations has been declining since 2020, a report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council states there have been 22 fires at BESS facilities since 2019. The chemical nature of the batteries makes these fires difficult to fight, and can result in release of toxins into the air and ground.

BESS facilities are also known

On May 15, 2024, Gateway Energy Storage Facility in San Diego, California, experienced a BESS fire with continued flareups that lasted for seven days after, while on Jan. 16, 2025, a fire at a BESS facility in Moss Landing, California resulted in a 24-hour evacuation of about 1,200 residents. Both incidents required extensive environmental monitoring for weeks afterwards.

Konkright said a moratorium on BESS installations in Spokane Valley for up to a year would allow the city and its Planning Commission to develop standards regulating where they can be sited and how. A public hearing is required 60 days after the moratorium goes into effect to gather testimony.

That hearing has now been set for March 17.

According to the staff report, jurisdictions that allow BESS installations have imposed regulations such as increased property line setback distances, limits on the physical size of the facility and limits on noise and light pollution.

EPA recommendations include remote sensors and monitoring and a coordinated emergency response plan developed with local first responders.

The ordinance put in place applies to large BESS installations, defined as

“We don’t prohibit or permit them,” Konkright said. “It’s a completely unregulated area within cities codes and particularly Spokane Valley.”

A BESS is composed of groups of large, rechargeable chemical batteries, usually lithium-ion, that are equipped with power conversion and control systems and connected to the electrical grid. Because of their chemical makeup, these storage systems can present unique and difficult challenges should they catch fire .

According to the international

The Current

those above 2 MW. Councilman Al Merkel noted Tesla currently has an “off the shelf” battery product that can store more than this amount.

“Do we have any of those in the city?” he asked.

Konkright said he was not away of any, something City Manager John Hohman pointed to as a “gap in regulations” and therefore a need for the moratorium.

Merkel asked why the city felt the need to institute an emergency moratorium right now, rather than undergo the typical zoning code process. He questioned the need to waive the three-touch rule for the ordinance, and moved to amend the ordinance to six months, an amendment that failed to get a second.

Konkright said it was important to have sufficient time to take public testimony, conduct staff research and have the Planning Commission, as well as City Council, undertake its regulatory process. With the city’s Comprehensive Plan update process fully underway, Konkright said it was felt the Planning Commission already had a “high load” on its hands.

Following the typical code process also meant that if a company came into the city right now, there would be no standards Spokane Valley could hold them to regarding location and construction. The city’s only recourse in that instance would be to file an appeal to the Hearing Examiner.

“I couldn’t guarantee the Hearing Examiner’s decision would align with the city,” Konkright said.

Councilman Ben Wick noted the ordinance doesn’t preclude BESS locations, but puts them on hold for up to a year while the city undertakes its process. It was a similar move Spokane Valley undertook when Washington voters legalized marijuana in 2012.

“It gives us an important pause,” Wick said.

Photo courtesy of Enel

Councilman Mike Kelly said normally he would support Merkel’s stance to keep the city government “on task” and maintain a typical regulatory process. Given the lack of regulations, he added that he was supportive of the ordinance in that it would make BESS regulations part of the Comprehensive Plan update.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) built by international power company Enel is shown above. BESS installations are typically located near utility infrastructure, often renewable energy facilities such as solar or wind.

Council approved the emergency ordinance 6-1, with Merkel voting no.

The Current

SV COUNCIL

Continued from page 7 Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia, part of the coffee family. Consuming its leaves, through drinking a tea, smoking or other ingestion can cause stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at high doses, with potential side effects ranging from nausea, dizziness, tremors and in severe cases liver damage, seizures and psychosis.

The website WebMD notes kratom has been used to treat depression, relieve pain and opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms. It has also been used for fatigue and muscle cramps.

Kratom leaves contain two psychoactive ingredients, and can be crushed and put into a gel capsule for consumption. The DEA notes the drug is not controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act but is listed as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern.”

MARCH 2026 • 9

NEWS

The FDA adds it has not approved kratom for any medical use. Both organizations state kratom’s usage is on the rise, and it can be sold legally over the counter at health food stores, vape shops and online specialty stores, although as of 2026, seven states have banned it.

Washington’s Legislature proposed several bills regulating kratom’s use this past session, but none advanced to the governor’s desk. In a Feb. 24 Spokesman-Review story, the Panhandle Health District warned North Idaho residents in a Feb. 23 news release to “avoid all kratom products,” citing several local deaths from the drug.

The Spokane Valley ordinance establishes a new municipal code chapter and sets kratom sale and use as a Class 1 civil infraction with a $250 penalty for initial violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

Council also discussed options for a separate, $1,000 penalty attached to revocation of a business license for its sale.

A second and final reading of the ordinance has not been scheduled as of Feb. 25.

Council approves Barker Road project, safety grant applications At its Feb. 3 meeting, council approved a bid for reconstruction of South Barker Road from Appleway Avenue to Sprague Avenue. Selland Construction was the lowest responsive bid among 11 bidders on the project, coming in at $1,319,735.

The engineer estimate for the project was $1,962,571. The city has secured over $4.252 million in funding for the project, including $3 million from the state’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) and $1.083 million in federal funding.

Total expenditures for the project, including construction and right-ofway acquisition, were estimated at $2.365 million.

The project reconstructs Barker Road from Appleway to Sprague, widening it to three lanes and five lanes as it approaches the Appleway intersection. Included in the work are installation of bike lanes, sidewalks on both sides of Barker and stormwater infrastructure improvements.

Council approved the project 6-1, with Councilman Al Merkel voting nay.

At the Feb. 17 meeting, council voted 5-2 — Merkel and Councilman Mike Kelly voting nay — to approve a staff request to apply for funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) City Safety Program.

WSDOT issued a call for project requests, and indicated the ability to award $30 million in grant funding statewide.

The program is designed to help jurisdictions pay for projects that help reduce fatal and serious injury collisions. There are no matching funds required, however projects receiving awards must be fully funded between CSP and other sources.

Spokane Valley project targeted for funding requests and the amount requested are the Barker Road / Appleway Avenue roundabout at $4.3 million, Appleway pedestrian crossings at $1.3 million and citywide arterial pedestrian crossings at $1.1 million.

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COVER STORY

• MARCH 2026

Chamber Executive Lance Beck moves on to next challenge

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Lance Beck has been a familiar face at ribbon cuttings and Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce events for more than seven years, but earlier this year announced he would be stepping down from his role as Chamber CEO to become the new Chief Strategy Officer at Greater Spokane Inc. Beck led the Chamber through the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to hosting events on Zoom,

and strengthened ties between local businesses, particularly manufacturers, and the local school districts. In 2024 the Chamber partnered with the Central Valley School District to create Manufacturing Connect, which brought engineering and advanced manufacturing students at Spokane Valley Tech to visit three manufacturers a month for tours.

“We’ve found ways to forge relationships where maybe they didn’t exist,” Beck said.

Beck also launched an annual Youth Business Market to allow young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and talents. For the last three years, the Chamber has organized volunteers to go into local schools as part of The Amazing Shake, which focuses on teaching students professional behavior, including a crisp hand shake.

“We do every classroom of fifth graders in the Valley,” he said.

Chamber

membership

has

grown during Beck’s tenure and the organization’s budget has nearly doubled. Beck said he’s spent many hours meeting with business owners as well as people considering bringing their business to Spokane Valley. He said he enjoys getting to be a part of their journey as they make their dreams come true.

Beck’s journey started in north Spokane, where he grew up. He attended Whitworth University and his first job was as an account executive for the Spokane Shock arena football team. He would also add game operations and marketing to his resume while working with the team. “You get a feel for a community on some level,” he said.

“I knew the Valley community deeply from those activities.”

When the team shut down, Beck and his wife moved to the Oregon Coast, where both got jobs at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Though Beck’s title was director of marketing, it wasn’t unusual

The Current

to see him out with a rake just before opening, tidying the gravel paths even though his work would quickly be ruined by thousands of tramping feet.

“I always liked to grab the big rake and go out and rake the path and make it look like a zen garden,” he said.

After a few years, Beck and his wife discussed starting a family and realized that they wanted to raise their children back home in Spokane, where family was nearby.

The Chamber CEO position was one of several he applied for, even though he had zero experience working for a chamber of commerce.

At the time, the outgoing CEO had saved the Valley Chamber from bankruptcy, but the organization was still on shaky legs. “There weren’t a lot of strong, qualified chamber executives interested in the job,” he said.

Beck was offered the Chamber CEO position at the same time he got two other job offers in Spokane.

He opted for the one that he thought would be more of a learning experience. “This one was the one I was the most uncomfortable with,” he said. “It made me the most nervous.”

Beck points to his time spent raking at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which was a small enough organization that everyone does a little bit of everything. The Chamber operates similarly, Beck said. “I think that translated well when I came here,” he said.

At the time, Beck thought the position would be a good way to create relationships in the community and thought he’d stay for three years or so. He was hired in 2018 and only two years in, the pandemic hit. Under Beck’s leadership, the Valley Chamber became such an expert at keeping its membership engaged via Zoom meetings that he was asked to teach others how to do the same thing.

“We did such a good job of adapting and bringing things forward,” he said. “It was such a challenging window. We were small enough that we were able to adapt quickly.”

Photo by Nina Culver Lance Beck Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO has accepted the role of Chief Strategy Officer with Greater Spokane Inc and will be leaving the chamber in March after serving in the role since 2018.

The Chamber grew quickly once the pandemic eased and Beck was committed to continuing his role. “Chambers are so much of

The Current

COVER STORY

Contributed Photo Greater Spokane Valley Chamber CEO Lance Beck was a fixture at the Chambers signature events that included numerous ribbon cuttings across the Spokane region. In 2024, the Spokane Valley Chamber welcomed 136 new members, hosted 232 programs and events, including 31 ribbon cuttings. a balance,” he said. “They’re all relationship based.”

health treatment and the need for a new jail.

Though membership has grown, the Chamber staff remains small.

When there’s a vacancy of some sort, everyone steps in to help, Beck said. As CEO, Beck wore several hats and had to cover a wide range of duties, including chief technology officer.

“Lance reached out to the other entities and really drove the four entities to address the issue,” Wendle said. “He was critical in that.”

“I kind of like that,” he said. “I won’t miss the amount of time it takes.”

Chamber board chairman Chud Wendle, who served on the board under previous CEO’s before returning in 2021, said Beck has spent a lot of time focusing on healthcare, manufacturing and education and creating a strong staff.

Wendle said he believes that Beck’s “atypical” background without any Chamber experience allowed him to look at the big picture and create a new way of doing things rather than doing everything the way it had always been done. “One of his strongest traits is his ability to collaborate,” Wendle said.

In the wake of the failure of Measure 1 in 2023 to build a new jail, Beck stepped up, Wendle said.

He launched the Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force in collaboration with GSI, the Downtown Spokane Partnership, Waters Meet Foundation and Avista to examine a wide range of issues, including crisis response, the courts, mental

Beck also doesn’t fear being told no, Wendle said. “He’s a visionary,” he said. “He’s able to see the big picture and be proactive. He’s a very positive and charismatic leader.”

Beck also did the work necessary to strengthen the Chamber’s relationship with the City of Spokane Valley, Wendle said. “It’s a true partnership,” he said. “When I was on the board before, I never sensed that.”

Recently, Beck began to feel like it was time to move on. “I kind of felt like it was time because I’d done a lot of cool things,” he said. “I felt like I wasn’t learning anything new in my current role. I didn’t feel like this was my last job.”

Beck has worked closely with GSI over the years and taking a position there seemed like a natural step. He said he wants to continue learning new things and thinks what he’s learned in his time at the Chamber will translate well.

“Now I get to do the architect side,” he said. “That’s really exciting. I’m pleased with the reaction to where I’m going.”

He’s also looking forward to wearing a few less hats and

having a more focused role. “It’s a continuation in the sector,” he said.

“I think the focus shifts slightly.”

Beck’s new job will be to advance GSI’s strategic priorities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships and ensure alignment among economic development, public policy and business engagement.

“Lance brings a deep understanding of our regional economy, trusted relationships across the business community and a proven ability to turn strategy into action,” said GSI CEO Alisha Benson. “His leadership will help us build on the progress we’ve made and continue advancing our work at a truly regional scale.”

Beck said he thinks the Chamber is in a good position to continue moving forward under new leadership. “It’s at a very good spot to service our Spokane Valley community,” he said. “We all have big shadows in these roles. I feel really proud that there’s more belief in the entity that’s here now than there was when I arrived.”

Wendle said he was a bit surprised when Beck announced his departure. “We all know on the board that Lance is coming into the prime of his career and his abilities will take him far," he said. "He’s going to be in a critical role at GSI.” Wendle said Beck will be missed. “We’ll miss Lance, but he’s not going to be far, just a zip code away,” he said. “He’ll be on speed dial.”

MARCH 2026 • 11

What’s next?

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is currently advertising the CEO position and it will remain open through March 16.

A recruiter has been hired to assist with the process, said Board Chairman Chud Wendle. An internal hiring committee including several board members has been selected to vet the candidates and do two rounds of interviews before recommending someone to fill the position. The goal is to have a new CEO in place

by May 1.

There is no plan to select an interim CEO, Wendle said. Instead, Wendle and another board member will be stepping up to handle more day-to-day duties while Chamber Vice President Georgia Oxford also takes on more duties.

Outgoing CEO Lance Beck said his staff is capable of filling in once he leaves.

“What is obvious is the board is confident in the quality of our team,” he said.

Already nearly 40 applications have been received, Beck said, and he’s glad that the Valley Chamber is seen as a desirable place to be. “That’s a great sign,” he said. “That’s a sign we have a very strong entity.”

Wendle said that the Chamber’s positive experience with Beck, who had no chamber experience when he was hired, has made him keep an open mind about the background he’s looking for in the new CEO. “We really want someone who is adaptable,” he said.

“We want to make sure we have a leader who continues to be a visionary and focuses on the key industries in the Valley.”

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MARCH 2026 • 13

The Current

Argonne Library Closes for HVAC Replacement

By Ben Wick

Current Publisher

Monday March 2nd the Spokane County Library District will close the Argonne Library facility for three months in order to replace the HVAC System.

“This is the original HVAC system from when the building was built in 1990” said Spokane County Library District Finance Director Jason Link.

The district has been designating money annually in a capital project fund to make repairs such as this added Link.

The project is estimated to cost around $1.5 million and the district has selected McKinstry as the General Contractor for the project.

While the library will be closed to the public during the renovation, Curbside Pickup service will be available Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 2pm and Thursday from 2pm until 6pm and the mobile library LINC will be in the library parking lot on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm with a few exceptions including April 11th, May 2nd and May 9th.

The building will be closed to the public due to the location of the HVAC system, which is above the main entrance walkway between the library and administrative offices, explained Link. “We have to access

the existing unit from both sides in order to remove it so there was no way to get people in and out safely.”

According to the Spokane County Library website, the Argonne Library employees will still be able to process materials returned to the external library book drop but advise people wanting to return oversized items to use the curbside pickup during the scheduled days and times.

en p O w o N

The last major renovation at the Argonne library was completed in November of 2020 when the roof was replaced.

The Spokane County Library District also recently approved a similar HVAC replacement project for the Deer Park Library which is scheduled for later this year.

While the project hasn’t begun yet, the district plans to get it completed by early June and expects to reopen the building on Saturday June 6th before schools get out and the summer reading programs begin. “If anything changes people can visit our website to get current information,” said Link. “The district also sends out a monthly newsletter which people can subscribe to via the website (https://www.scld.org/) that will also contain construction updates.

If you are wanting to browse the book collections, participate in library events / Storytimes, or need assistance from one of the Librarians, the district shares that they are more than happy to assist you at one of their other locations including the new Spokane Valley branch located at 22 N Hearld Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, or the North Spokane branch located at 44 E Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99218.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum 12114 E Sprague Ave 509-922-4570 for more information Museum Hours Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm

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Age 7-17 $4 • Age 18-54 $7 • Age 55+ $6 • Retired Military $6 Active Military Free

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SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd Sunday, March 15 2:30–3:30pm

scld.org

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• MARCH 2026

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About and for Spokane Valley area seniors

Stepping Up for Seniors-

March for Meals Walkathon Returns to Spokane Valley

By Matthew Stephens Current contributor

As communities across the nation prepare to recognize the importance of supporting older adults, Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County is inviting residents to step forward — quite literally — in support of local seniors during its annual “March for Meals” walkathon, an event organizers say blends community connection, education and advocacy into one meaningful morning.

The nonprofit’s March for Meals event will take place March 6 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Spokane Valley Mall, continuing a tradition the organization has maintained for more than two decades. According to Marketing and Communications Manager Shelby, the local program has hosted the walkathon every year since 2002, making it one of the organization’s most recognizable annual outreach efforts.

“This event has always been pretty popular,” Shelby said. “We’re hoping for a good crowd again this year. It’s a chance for people to come together, learn more about what we do, and directly support seniors in our community.”

Participants can register for $25, a fee that organizers say directly translates into impact: the cost provides one meal per day for five days to a senior in Spokane County.

While fundraising remains an important component, organizers emphasize that March for Meals is equally about education and awareness — particularly around senior hunger and social isolation, issues that continue to grow locally and nationwide.

Community Outreach Specialist McKenna Benson said the event’s central mission is to help residents better understand both the services Meals on Wheels provides and the population it serves.

“Our main goals are to present information and awareness about our services and the people we serve, and also to raise awareness about social isolation within the senior population,” Benson said. “We also want to advocate for comfortable aging — helping seniors remain independent and supported in their own homes.”

Learning materials and informational resources will be available on site for attendees who want to better understand how Meals on Wheels operates throughout Spokane County. Staff and volunteers will also be available to answer questions about volunteering, donations and community partnerships.

The need for awareness, Benson said, is growing alongside rising economic pressures facing older adults.

“We’re seeing an increase in hungry seniors because of rising costs,” she said. “More people are having to look for help with food than before.”

Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County currently serves approximately 1,500 individuals each day across the county — a logistical effort made possible largely through volunteer support.

The organization operates roughly 60 delivery routes daily, reaching seniors and disabled residents throughout Spokane County.

Despite the scale of the operation, only three paid drivers are on staff.

The remainder of deliveries are completed by some of the more than 450 volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring meals are prepared and arrive safely and consistently.

Most delivery routes take between one and two hours to complete, meaning volunteers collectively contribute hundreds of service hours each week.

“That’s a lot of time being given back to the community,” Benson said. “Our volunteers are truly the backbone of what we do.”

Beyond delivering food, volunteers often provide an essential human connection. For many homebound seniors, the brief visit during meal delivery may be their

only social interaction of the day — or even the week.

National research supports that reality. Meals on Wheels programs across the United States serve approximately 2.6 million seniors annually and deliver roughly 244 million meals each year, while also helping combat loneliness and promoting independent living among older adults.

Studies show that more than 90% of participants say meal delivery helps them continue living independently, underscoring the program’s broader role as both a nutrition and wellness service.

The Spokane County walkathon is part of the larger national March for Meals campaign, which brings communities together each March to support local providers within the Meals on Wheels America network.

The nationwide effort highlights the growing challenges facing older Americans, including food insecurity and isolation.

Nearly 14 million older Americans experience food insecurity each year, and while Meals on Wheels serves millions, demand continues to outpace available resources in many communities.

Across the country, providers report rising costs for food, fuel and labor, while an aging population increases the number of seniors needing assistance. Many programs maintain waitlists as they work to expand capacity.

Local leaders in Spokane County say those national trends are reflected at home.

“The need is definitely growing,” Benson said. “That’s why community support and awareness events like this matter so much.”

Shelby said this year’s walkathon also represents continued recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many in-person community events — a challenge that significantly affected nonprofit outreach.

“When COVID was around, community events were essentially on hiatus for some time,” she said.

“We’ve started seeing annual increases in attendance now that people are getting comfortable meeting in public spaces again.”

For Shelby, the work carries personal meaning. Raised in a family of first responders, she said community service has always been central to her values.

“I’ve always been communityminded first,” she said. “I want to make a difference, and Meals on Wheels feels like the perfect place to do that.”

Benson shares a similar motivation. She said she had long hoped to work in the nonprofit sector and believes strongly in supporting local initiatives.

“When this opportunity came up, it was an easy decision,” she said.

“Supporting local first is something I really believe in.”

Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County delivers meals to seniors and disabled individuals living throughout Spokane County, helping residents remain in their homes while maintaining access to consistent nutrition and wellness checks.

That combination of nutrition, companionship and monitoring helps reduce hospitalizations and supports healthier aging outcomes, advocates say.

Locally, the nonprofit encourages residents to learn more about programs, volunteer opportunities or upcoming events by calling 509-9246976 or visiting www.mowgsc.org.

As March 6 approaches, organizers hope the walkathon will serve as both a celebration and a call to action — reminding the community that small contributions can create meaningful change.

Each registration, volunteer hour and shared conversation helps strengthen a network designed to ensure seniors are not left behind.

“At the end of the day,” Shelby said, “this is about neighbors helping neighbors. Every step someone takes at the walkathon helps us continue serving people who truly rely on these meals.”

For Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County, the March for Meals walkathon represents more than a morning event. It is a reflection of community compassion — one walk, one meal and one connection at a time.

The Current

MARCH 2026 • 15

PUZZLES

16

• MARCH 2026

The Current

Sponsored By:

www.hubsportscenter.org

CV boys advance in state hoops, University wrestlers excel at Mat Classic

By John McCallum Current contributor

CENTRAL VALLEY Boys basketball The Bears finished second in the Greater Spokane League 3A classification at 6-3, one game back of Mt. Spokane and third overall behind league champion 4A Gonzaga Prep.

Their finish earned them a No. 3 seed to the District 6 tournament, which they opened with a resounding 92-53 win over Mid-Columbia Conference 3A fourth-place and No. 6 seed Southridge.

CV got surprised by No. 7 seed University, 72-65, in the second round. Bounced into the consolation bracket, the Bears rebounded with a 66-52 win over Ridgeline and got 25 points from junior Orland Axton to defeat MCC regular-season 3A champion and No. 2 seed Kennewick 60-51 to advance to state as the district’s third seed.

CV was seeded 13th in the 20-team field, and faced 20th-seed Lakes (155) out of the Puget Sound League’s Nisqually Division at home, Feb. 24.

Junior guard Cameron Walls hit a shot at the buzzer to give the Bears a 52-51 win.

CV (18-7) traveled to Issaquah to face 12th-seeded Liberty of Renton (20-6) out of the King County Crown Crest Division in a second-round game, Feb. 28.

Girls basketball The Bears run at a second straight 3A state title fell short, ending in the District 6 playoffs. Central Valley went 5-4 in the GSL, finishing fifth overall and third among 3A teams behind University and Ridgeline.

The Bears earned a No. 5 seed and traveled to face No. 4 seed and MCC regular season 3A champion Southridge (18-7), falling 53-52.

Knocked into the consolation bracket, CV trounced Mt. Spokane 54-31, but ended their season one game short

of a chance to play for the district’s third and final seed to state with a 4637 loss to second-seeded Hermiston.

CV finished the season with a 1310 record.

Wrestling The Bears boys wrapped up their GSL season with a 6-3 record, second to University in the 3A standings and fourth overall.

At District 6 competition, CV had eight wrestlers qualify for state.

Braxton Beard and Eli Yackel both finished second at 144 pounds and 175 respectively, Dean Walton and Skyler Harty third at 165 and 215, Kaleb Kraus fourth at 190 and Owen Bendele, Ashton Campbell, Titus DeRoches and Jackson Ford all sixth at 113, 120, 157 and 285.

Beard and Klaus were able to mount the podium at Mat Classic XXXVII at the Tacoma Dome, Feb. 19-21. Beard placed fourth while Klaus pinned Montlake Terrace’s Owen Boswell for seventh.

Alexa Munn was the only CV girl to advance to state out of district competition where she placed fourth.

In Tacoma, Munn went 2-2, losing her opening match but winning her next two before being eliminated.

EAST VALLEY Boys basketball The Knights finished their season 3-9 in GSL 2A competition, 4-17 overall. They earned a No. 4 seed to the District 6 tournament, losing to No. 5 seed Clarkston 81-59 at home.

Girls basketball The Knights finished seventh in the GSL 2A classification at 1-11. Seeded sixth in the District 6 tournament, EV was eliminated in the opening round with a 61-29 loss to No. 3 seed West Valley, ending their season at 3-18.

Wrestling The Knights boys team went 3-5 in the GSL 2A, finishing fifth in

the seven-team classification. East Valley qualified seven for state out of districts: Connor Nicholson (150), Hunter Nicholson (165), Austin Flanigan (126), Kalob Riccelli (132), Mekhi Cameau (150), Logan Figueroa-Castor (157) and Julian Torres (215).

Hunter Nicholson was the only district title winner, defeating Deer Park’s Emmitt Priddy by fall in the second round. Nicholson went on to reach the podium at Mat Classic, placing sixth.

UNIVERSITY Boys basketball The Titans finished fourth overall in the GSL, third among 3A teams at 5-4, 14-9 overall. Seeded seventh in District 6, University pulled backto-back upsets, edging second-seed Kennewick 59-56 and topping GSL rival Central Valley 72-65 to advance to the 1-2 seeding game to state against Mt. Spokane.

The GSL regular-season 3A champs defeated U-Hi during the regular season, 73-66, and they doubled that margin in winning the district title, 72-57. Junior guard Sam Delegard led University with 15 points.

The Titans were seeded 15th in the 20-team state 3A field, and hosted 18th-seed WestCo North Conference regular season champion Monroe (19-4) on Feb. 24. After an 8-8 first quarter, the Bearcats outscored University in the remaining three periods to pull away for an 53-39 win, ending the Titans season at 1410.

Girls basketball The Titans were second in the GSL 3A standings at 6-3, fourth overall, earning a No. 3 seed to District 6 playoffs. They opened with a 59-49 win over No. 6 Kennewick of the MCC, and followed that with a 56-47 upset of No. 2 Hermiston to propel them into the title game against topseeded Ridgeline.

The state 3A fourth-ranked Falcons opened a 31-19 halftime lead and poured it on from there, downing University 65-40. The Titans drew a No. 14 seed in the 20-team state field, facing No. 19 Lincoln (Tacoma) on

Feb. 24.

University of Tennessee commit Oliviyah Edward scored 11 of her 26 points to help lead the Abes comefrom-behind 57-54 win over the Titans, outscoring University 16-2 down the stretch. University ended its season at 15-9.

Gymnastics Kyla Roberts represented the Titans at 3A state, Feb. 19-21 at Sammamish High School. The senior wrapped up her career with a 12th place finish in the bars, scoring a 7.950.

Wrestling The Titan boys had another outstanding season, winning the GSL 3A regular-season with a 7-2 record. At District 6 tournament competition Feb. 6-7, the Titans had five champions and qualified 14 for Mat Classic in Tacoma, but placed second overall as a team behind Hermiston, finishing 21 points back of the Bulldogs from Oregon.

Winning district titles were Colton Roberts (113), Czar Quintanilla (126) — his fourth title — Paxton Cunanan (150), Isaiah Ramirez (157) and Jaxon Lefler (190).

At 3A state, Quintanilla became the third GSL wrestler to win four state titles, taking place alongside his brother Clai who won four at North Central from 2014 – 2017 and fellow Titan Libby Roberts, who claimed her fourth girls title last year. Czar Quintanilla won his title with a 13-2 major decision over Capital’s Haziel Soto in the 126 classification.

Cunanan also brought home a state title at 150 pounds. The senior outlasted Avi Wylen of Shorecrest in an 8-4 decision for the title.

Placing for University were Roberts at 113, Ramirez at 157 and Lefler at 190, all taking third. As at districts, the Titans finished second to Hermiston for the state team title.

The University girls finished went 8-1 in GSL competition, losing only to Cheney. They qualified seven for state competition out of the District 6 meet, finishing fourth as a team, with Lily Cunningham (100), Denni See SPORTS SUPPLY, Page 18

The Current

OPINION

To the Editor, I am writing in response to statements attributed to Spokane Valley resident Mike Dolan in a recent Spokane Valley Current article asserting that I am “under investigation for the same allegations brought against Councilmember Merkel,” that I “deleted posts,” and that I “turned myself in” after knowingly violating social media policies. His statements are inaccurate and require corrections and I would like to address that here.

On June 24, 2025, a citizen, Bob West, submitted a complaint alleging that the City of Spokane Valley treated me differently than Councilmember Merkel because I had not been investigated as it relates to social media content.

Importantly, this complaint was not based on evidence that I had violated the law, but on Mr. West’s belief that certain social media activity should have triggered an investigation.

The following morning, before the City had even reviewed the complaint, I proactively contacted City Manager John Hohman to ask where he would like any and all records delivered. At that time, he indicated he would consult with City Attorney Kelly Konkright after I had explained that I believed Mr. West’s complaint was a records request. My intent from the outset was complete transparency and cooperation.

Much of Mr. West’s complaint involved posts that were clearly not city business and, in many cases, outside the City’s jurisdiction altogether.

Examples included reposts of community events, public news items, commentary on regional utility issues affecting Spokane Valley residents, and even a photograph referencing cloud seeding—despite the fact that the City of Spokane Valley has no authority over the sky. Other examples included personal posts, such as a warning not to feed ducks bread due to its harmful effects.

When I did occasionally re-share public information, I routinely included language such as, “I will not respond here—please go to my official Council page.” My purpose was to direct constituents to the appropriate, professional forum. My official council page had approximately 300 followers, while my personal page had nearly 2,500. Encouraging civic engagement on the proper platform

is not misconduct; it is responsible communication.

Under the City of Spokane Valley Governance Manual, Appendix H (Social Media Policy), social media content may be considered a public record if it constitutes city business. I have always taken that responsibility seriously.

Where content could reasonably be interpreted as related to city matters, I directed constituents to my official Council page and avoided substantive engagement on my personal account, consistent with the intent of the policy.

Approximately a month after the complaint was submitted, I was informed that an investigation had been opened and that a list of requested records would be forthcoming. Despite repeatedly asking for updates and this matter to be concluded, I have been told it may not wrap up until the end of February due to the investigator’s workload. As of today, I have not been contacted by the investigator for comment.

Nevertheless, I have cooperated fully. I have provided everything requested, including posts and photos that are indisputably not city business, as well as personal family photos. This prolonged process has significantly intruded into my private life and has had a chilling effect on my ability to communicate with constituents.

Contrary to Mr. Dolan’s claims, I did not delete posts. I state that unequivocally. I did not “turn myself in.” I responded immediately and transparently to what I understood to be a records request, as any public servant should.

This matter was never about proven misconduct. It stemmed from an allegation that the City had not initiated an investigation sooner.

Once raised, I welcomed scrutiny and complied fully. To characterize this as comparable to situations involving refusal to produce records or extensive private social media engagement later discussed in council meetings is misleading.

I will continue to cooperate in good faith, but I will not allow false statements about my actions or integrity to go uncorrected. The public deserves facts, context, and fairness.

MARCH 2026 • 17

About the Opinion Page The Current opinion page is intended to be a community forum for discussing local issues. Please interact with us by sending a letter to the editor or Liberty Lake Voices guest column for consideration.

Letters to the editor of no more than 350 words or guest columns of about 700 words should be e-mailed to editor@libertylakesplash.com or mailed to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. A full name and telephone number must be included for purposes of verification.

Views expressed in signed columns or letters do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its staff. Editorials, which appear under the heading "Current Editorial," represent the voice of The Current and are written by Publisher Ben Wick.

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Bippes (105) and Maci Holiday (110) winning titles.

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Boys basketball The Eagles finished third in GSL 2A at 9-3, 15-7 overall. They were seeded second in the District 6 tournament, earning a first-round bye.

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In the second round, West Valley easily dispatched No. 3 seed Rogers, 69-36. They advanced to face Pullman in the district title game and automatic berths to state, losing to the Greyhounds 56-39.

E NRIC HE D LIV IN G . LA STIN G VA LUE.

style

The Eagles drew a No. 13 seed in the 16-team 2A state field. They were to travel to Mount Vernon High School to face Lakewood (17-7) from the Northwest Conference on Feb. 28.

Girls basketball

THE

YO U WA NT

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The Eagles finished third overall YOU LOVE in the 2A GSL at 7-5, earning a No. 3 seed to the District 6 playoffs. After opening with a 61-29 win over East Valley, West Valley was eliminated with a second-round loss to eventual district champion and state 2A second-ranked Deer Park, 67-37, and finished the season 14-7.

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Both Matteson and Riley placed fourth at Mat Classic, with the Eagles finishing 13th as a team, one-half point behind Aberdeen.

The West Valley girls had four qualify for state out of districts: Lilly Graves (135), Sabryna Pasamonte (140), Olivia Schlosser (190) and Aviana Marek (130). Pasamonte went as district champion, pinning Clarkston’s Olivia Wyatt in the second round.

At state Pasamonte finished fifth, pinning Washougal’s Viviana Nicacio in the second round.

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Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 509-242-7752 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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The Current

LIBRARY

MARCH 2026 • 19 SPOK ANE COUNT Y LIBR ARY DISTRICT

Ty: He was one of Spokane’s upper portion is rural and was Author Ty original planners. As a civil once home to turn-of-the-century he platted most of the lumber mills. Each section has its Brown shares engineer, early additions, contributed to own identity. railways that serviced Janet: How did the river local history electric Spokane, and engineered the interest you as a topic of research?

Upriver Dam, which provides during two Ty: I have lived in the Little Spokane with drinking water.

Spokane River area for the majority the late 1800s, Riblet got of my life and have grown to library events intoIn designing aerial trams in

By Janet Hacker-Brumley, librarian Spokane County Library District

This year celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.

When discussing local history with a customer at Argonne Library, they recommended the history books by Ty Brown, local author and teacher. Based on that suggestion, we were able to bring Brown to the library to discuss two different topics.

The presentation “Byron Riblet: Forgotten Engineering Genius with Ty Brown” takes place at Spokane Valley Library (22 N Herald Rd) on Saturday, March 21, at 3pm. Also at Spokane Valley Library, you can attend Brown’s discussion of “Along the Little Spokane River: A Sense of Place” on Saturday, May 16, at 3pm.

While Argonne Library will be closed for a maintenance project this spring, the Friends of the Argonne Library have generously sponsored both of these events.

To learn more, I asked Ty Brown some questions, and he shared the following answers about himself, local history, and his books.

Janet: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Ty: I have lived in Spokane most of my life, especially on the north side of town. My passion has been history, mostly local Spokane history. I’ve taught high school history and English for the past 20 years and love my job. My wife, daughter, and I like to travel and enjoy the great outdoors.

Janet: What were some of Byron Riblet’s early contributions to Spokane? How did the growth of Spokane factor into his work on chairlifts?

Canada that transported ore from rugged landscapes to transportation hubs. Eventually, his Riblet Tramway Company, based in Spokane, was the largest in the world. During the Great Depression, mining interests decreased, and Riblet converted production to ski chairlifts. At the time, only one chairlift was functioning in America. His company established the second lift and, from there, dominated the industry for decades.

Janet: The subtitle of your book “Along the Little Spokane River” is “A Sense of Place.” What are some distinctions that make the river unique?

Ty: The Little Spokane River Valley has the unique distinction of being close to the urban environment of Spokane yet removed enough to give it its own sense of place. The lower end of the river is becoming increasingly open to public use, while the middle section is dominated by residential development, including two golf courses. The

Sew Many Crafts.

Sew Little Time.

appreciate its beauty. My family developed Wandermere Golf Course in the 1930s, and I became interested in its origins. My first book was about Wandermere, and this led me to researching all things Little Spokane River.

Janet: What’s a fact about each of these topics that might spark interest in people looking to attend your upcoming presentations?

Ty: The Riblet family is interesting in that most people don’t realize the company was not one person but three brothers who were involved with the business.

Byron Riblet, the engineer, was the brain behind one of Spokane’s most successful businesses. Yet his brother Royal, who built what is now Arbor Crest, gets most of the credit. Royal worked for his brother as a salesman until he was fired by Byron for fraud and other issues. The two brothers never spoke again.

In addition, the Little Spokane River story is one of history, human connections, and conservation of a beautiful, natural place.

Crafting & Art Supply Swap For all ages Bring your new or gently used art and crafting supplies to the library to swap for something different.

OTIS ORCHARDS LIBRARY 22324 E Wellesley Ave Saturday, March 7, 10am–1pm

Creativebug Online Classes & You Explore new things to create. It’s free with your library card.

Get started at scld.org/creativebug

scld.org

20

• MARCH 2026

The Current

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