2026 October Current

OCTOBER

2026

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

FREE A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

CRETA LUND TURNS 100 YEARS OLD PAGE 2

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

SV POLICE CHIEF PROVIDES PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE PAGE 25

VALLEY SCHOOLS SPORTS SWING INTO ACTION PAGE 30

2

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

to Alaska. “I really didn’t do much a hiatal hernia. The family believes stuff for kids.” Creta Lund he had a blood clot. Lund sold the The couple had two sons, Ron fishing, but he liked it,” Lund said. She recalled one trip where the family homestead and bought a and Ben. Her husband loved horses looks back and they generally owned between couple got more excitement than they condo in Kalispell. By that time Ben and eight at a time. Bernard was bargained for while fishing in the Lund was living in the Spokane area at life as she four chairman of the local Backcountry ocean when their boat got stuck in and she would use Amtrak to go back Horsemen organization and the two a whirlpool. “We got caught up and and forth for visits. She retired from teaching exercise would often set off on horseback trips down to the bottom we went, but we celebrates classes when she was 88, but through the Bob Marshall Wilderness came back up,” she said. also helped the Forest Service 100th birthday and She recalls being in the whirlpool remained living in Kalispell until two years ago, when she moved to maintain trails. Lund said those were By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Creta Lund has lived a life of adventure in her 100 years. She went fishing in Alaska, horseback riding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness and once got stuck in a whirlpool. “Few girls have had as many adventures as I’ve had,” she said. Lund grew up in Norton, Kansas, with one brother. She was adopted and said there was never any information about her birth mother or why she was put up for adoption. Her family speculates that her birth mother may have been young and unwed, but no one knows for certain. Her father worked as a teacher and for the U.S. Post Office at various times. The family also owned a hotel and Lund recalls helping clean the rooms as soon as she was old enough. Once she finished high school, she went to Bible school in Gordon, Nebraska, where she met her future husband, Bernard Lund.

“good times.”

“Dad put her on a horse and she loved it,” said her son, Ben Lund. “They went on many trips.” The couple owned 10 acres and leased 40 more, primarily growing alfalfa. Once they experimented with growing mint, which Bob Lund hated because he and his brother had to weed it. The boys were often doing chores around the small homestead. “We were always working,” he said. He said his father was always willing to try something new, though none of it ended up being very profitable. He also bred jackasses for use as pack animals in the backcountry. Bernard Lund also enjoyed fishing, and the two took several trips

for what seemed like a long time, unable to break free, until the whirlpool finally spit them out.

After Lund retired, she found herself at the Kalispell Senior Center. She soon found herself teaching a weekly exercise class based on a program Lund created with a partner. Her class was popular, with her fellow seniors showing up each Wednesday to exercise with her. “We did Sit and Be Fit for many years,” she said. After all these years, Lund doesn’t recall exactly how she got the idea to start an exercise class, but she was used to teaching. “It just seemed natural,” she said. Her husband died in 1999, only three weeks after what appeared to be a successful operation to repair

an assisted living center in Spokane Valley. “It was time to get her close to us,” her son said.

Her room in the assisted living center features several prominent photographs of her and her husband on horseback, plus numerous smaller photographs marking memorable moments in her century-long life. Lund has always been health conscious and in recent years has been taking a regimen of vitamins to help her stay healthy. When asked what she attributes her longevity to, she paused. “Should I say Sit and Be Fit?” she said. Her son said he’s grateful for his mother’s good health. “We don’t have near the issues so many families have,” he said. “We’re so blessed.”

Lund said she knew he was the one for her. “He was very, very kind,” she said. Bernard Lund also had a love of adventure and Lund said she knew when she married him that her life was going to be an adventure. Her husband attended classes at Ball State University for his teaching degree while Lund worked for Bell Telephone. With his degree in hand, the couple moved to Kalispell, Montana, where he worked first as a teacher then as a guidance counselor. Lund took on a job in special education classes because she liked helping the children. Lund said as part of her job in the special education classroom she did “everything but spank them.” “We went on a lot of trips,” she said. “Special education provides a lot of

Photo by Nina Culver Creta Lund has had many adventures over the last 100 years. Lund grew up in Norton, Kansas and went on to Bible School in Gordon Nebraska where she met her future husband and they moved to Kalispell Montana where she became a special education teacher. Two years ago Lund move to Spokane Valley to be closer to her son Ben.

OCTOBER 2026 • 3

The Current

2 GREAT CLUBS. 1 LOW PRICE. Everything you need.

Your gym. Your time.

Call Us! 509-891-2582

Go to our Website for more info

MORE EQUIPMENT

MORE CLASSES

23410 E MISSION AVE., LIBERTY LAKE

• Estate Planning • Probate and Trust Administration • Long-Term Care Planning • Free Initial Consultation

(509) 994-1599 • www.tate-lawoffices.com 23403 E Mission Ave, Suite 215, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

No attorney-client relationship is created by this ad, or your use of this ad. Neither your receipt of information from this ad, nor your use of this ad to contact Tate Law Offices, PLLC (hereinafter “the Firm”) or one of its lawyers creates an attorney-client relationship between you and the Firm. You will become a client of the Firm only if you sign an engagement agreement setting forth the scope of the Firm’s engagement, the fee arrangement, and other relevant matters. As a matter of policy, the Firm does not accept a new client without first investigating for possible conflicts of interests and obtaining a signed engagement letter.

MORE HOURS

A MORE HEALTHY YOU

504 N. BARKER RD., SPOKANE VALLEY

EVERY SATURDAY 9A M - 1PM SHOP • EAT • CONNECT

B U Y OU T TH E M A R K E T L A S T D AY O F TH E 2 0 2 6 S E A S O N O C TO B E R 1 0 t h VisitUs At LLFarmersMarket.com Or find us on Facebook

4

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

CVSD Replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy

Same Rate. Same Mission. Our Students.

What voters are being asked to decide on November 3, 2026: Central Valley School District’s current EP&O levy expires at the end of 2027. The EP&O levy sustains student programs, activities and safety measures that state and federal dollars do not fund. CVSD has had a voter-approved EP&O levy in place for more than 50 years. Students in every school benefit from each levy dollar. In order to sustain these programs, a voter-approved replacement EP&O levy is required. Voters will decide whether to approve a three-year replacement levy for collection in 2028, 2029 and 2030.

16% of CVSD’s annual costs fall above the state funding model

100%

14%

Extracurricular Activities & Athletics

Teachers, Nurses & Certificated Staff

$5.8M of $5.8M

$17.0M of $118.0M

The Estimated Rate The current EP&O levy rate is $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The replacement levy is estimated at a maximum rate of $2.50 per $1,000 for all three years.

Bridging the Gap

What the Levy Funds The EP&O levy provides 16.2 percent of the district’s general fund revenue. State and federal funding does not fully cover the staffing, programs and services CVSD currently provides. Levy revenue supports: • Teachers and staff beyond state funding

35%

95% Substitutes $4.5M of $4.8M

• Extracurricular activities, athletics and fine arts

13%

Facilities, Utilities & Insurance

Transportation $1.2M of $9.3M

$4.5M of $12.7M

• Special education programs and student supports • Nurses, safety and security • Curriculum and instructional materials

13%

• Ongoing maintenance and operations

Special Education

Support Staff

$5.8M of $43.9M

$5.4M of $26.4M

20%

Voting Information Ballots mailed October 14 -16. Election Day is November 3, 2026. Registration info at Vote.gov. Find more details, frequently asked questions and the levy calculator at cvsd.org/levy.

11% Child Nutrition

Estimated Annual Levy Tax

Collection Year

Estimated Maximum Rate

Maximum Levy Amount

for a Median Assessed Home Value of $418,000

2028

$2.50/thousand

$48,900,000

$1,045 ($87/mo.)

2029

$2.50/thousand

$50,550,000

$1,045 ($87/mo.)

2030

$2.50/thousand

$52,400,000

$1,045 ($87/mo.)

Amounts increase based on expected growth and to reflect the district’s projected operating budget, including anticipated inflation and the cost of operating schools.

Levy estimator at cvsd.org/levycalculator

$1.0M of $9.2M

10% Materials, Supplies & Operating Costs $3.2M of $32.6M

The Current

NEWS

Council gets incomplete budget city’s 2026 rate of 79 cents picture, use of perThe$1,000 of assessed property value provided almost $14.34 state property million in revenue. With $200,000 estimated for new construction for trail tax receipts, the 2027 levy amount

OCTOBER 2026 • 5

NEW Apple Crop, Locally Grown

property tax amounts to 8% of the overall tax pie property owners pay, with Central Valley School District taking the largest amount at 37% followed by Fire District 1 at 24%.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm Multiple Varieties Available

By John McCallum

comes to $14.58 million.

Current contributor

When divided by the over $18.4 billion of overall property values estimated by the County Assessor’s Office, the new levy rate would increase by 0.001715 cents over the 2026 rate.

Thacker’s Orchard

Spokane Valley’s 2027 budget process is coming to a head, although some key information was missing at press time. Specifically, what the city can expect in charges for law enforcement services from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. As of the Sept. 15 council meeting the city is forecasting appropriation of almost $91.79 million, including capital expenditures of $51.62 million. Including in capital expenditures are $18.76 million for street projects, $3.88 million for park projects, just over $9.03 for street preservation work, $12.91 million for railroad grade separation projects and $4.5 million for stormwater projects. Helping cover 57.36% of these expenditures is almost $29.61 million in grants the city anticipates receiving. The city estimates receiving almost $71.84 million in revenues for the General Fund, revenues generated by property, sales and other various use taxes and fees. The amount reflects a 5.14% increase over the amended 2026 budget of $68.32 million. The General Fund is the largest of the 31 funds included in the budget. By comparison, Spokane Valley’s $148.4 million 2026 budget included an adopted General Fund budget of $70.6 million, with the remaining 30 funds amounting to $77.8 million. With property tax revenue accounting for 20.24% of overall recurring General Fund revenue, the council is also discussing upcoming changes to the property levy rate due to preliminary city valuations and whether or not to take a state allowed 1% increase to the existing rate. Spokane Valley’s

Taking the allowed 1% increase would provide an additional $143,372. Spokane Valley city councils have voted not to take this increase for 16 consecutive years. The preliminary budget presentation is scheduled for the council’s Oct. 6 meeting. Two more public hearings are scheduled. Council must adopt its 2027 budget on Nov. 17. Flora Park 30-year easement approved The council voted 6-1 at the Sept. 22 meeting to approve an agreement with the Washington State Parks Department allowing the city to proceed with development plans for 16 acres of property along the Spokane River’s north bank next to the new cross country course at Flora Road. The 30-year easement will allow the city to develop its Flora Park River View Trail project that will provide trail access along the river and loop around the cross country course. City Parks Director John Bottelli said the easement will enable the city to not only complete its trail plans but also provide services to the forested property that included forest health work and wildland fire reduction measures. In response to a question from Councilman Mike Kelly, Bottelli said the estimated maintenance costs for the property would be “minimal.” “I think $20,000 to $30,000 a year is where we would start See SV COUNCIL Page 8

now en rch Op ru Ma th

Starting at $.89 per lb

17015 E Valleyway (& Flora) Spokane Valley 509-926-7604

NO AI DATA CENTERS VOTE FOR...

Rachelle Miller County Commissioner #4 Paid for by People to Elect Rachelle Miller

6

• OCTOBER 2026

Introducing the

The Current

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 October in Spokane Valley brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, changing weather and plenty of seasonal activities. As families enjoy pumpkin patches, fall sports, Halloween events and more time outdoors, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe throughout the month. One of the biggest seasonal changes is reduced daylight. Drivers should be especially alert during morning and evening commutes, when pedestrians, bicyclists and children may be harder to see. Slow down in neighborhoods, watch carefully at crosswalks and intersections, and use headlights whenever visibility is reduced. Pedestrians and bicyclists can help by wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight or using bike lights when traveling after dark. Falling leaves can also create unexpected hazards. Wet leaves may become slippery on sidewalks, driveways and roadways, increasing the risk of falls and making it more difficult for vehicles to stop quickly. Piles of leaves can also hide curbs, potholes, toys or other obstacles. Keep walkways, driveways and steps clear, and use extra caution when walking or driving after rain. October is also a good time to prepare your home for colder weather. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly, and replace batteries when needed. If you use a fireplace, wood stove or portable heater, inspect it before regular use and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.

The Current

Never leave candles, fireplaces or space heaters unattended, and make sure children and pets stay a safe distance from heat sources. As temperatures drop, furnaces and heating systems begin working harder. Consider having your heating system inspected, replace dirty filters and make sure vents are clear. Families should also review their emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, basic first-aid items and necessary medications. Power outages can happen during fall storms, so keeping these supplies in an easy-toaccess location can make an unexpected outage much easier to manage. Halloween brings additional safety considerations. Children should wear costumes that fit properly and allow them to see, hear and move easily. Reflective tape, glow sticks and flashlights can make trick-ortreaters more visible to drivers. Younger children should travel with a responsible adult, while older children should stay in groups and follow a planned route. Remind children to cross streets at intersections, stay on sidewalks whenever possible and never dart out from between parked vehicles. Drivers should be especially cautious on Halloween evening and in neighborhoods hosting seasonal events. Reduce speed, avoid distractions and expect increased pedestrian traffic. Taking a few extra seconds to carefully scan driveways, intersections and crosswalks can make a significant difference. Finally, Spokane Valley residents should be prepared for quickly changing fall weather. Keep jackets, blankets, a flashlight and basic emergency supplies in vehicles, especially when traveling outside the city or into higher elevations. Cooler temperatures can arrive quickly, particularly in the evenings. A little preparation goes a long way. By slowing down, staying visible, checking home safety equipment and preparing for colder conditions, families can safely enjoy everything October in Spokane Valley has to offer.

OCTOBER 2026 • 7

8

• OCTOBER 2026

SV COUNCIL

Continued from page 5 and it would be a discussion to bring forward as soon as we start planning for 2028,” he added. The city is requesting $600,000 in capital funding from the state in the upcoming biennial budget for use in developing the river trail. If approved, trail construction could begin in 2027. Councilman Al Merkel was the lone no vote on the easement agreement. Merkel said he felt the move was “putting the cart before the horse” and there wasn’t a rush to do something with the property right now. “From my perspective, this all hinges on if the state gives us the $600,000,” he added. Councilman Ben Wick disagreed, noting it’s never a certainty when the state will move on any agreement and there was no commitment on the city’s part to the trail. “I’d like to strike while the iron is hot,” Wick said. “This gives us the option to build, but we don’t have to.”

The Current

NEWS

Interstate Fair & Expo/Avista Stadium complex.

allows lodging funds for fairs and festivals too.

The city implements two specific tax rates on hotel / motel overnight stays that go into two different funds. Spokane Valley’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has already dedicated $1 million from the 1.3% fund for infrastructure improvements related to the proposed $44 million ice sports complex to be built and operated by private entities.

Councilwoman Pam Haley said the purpose of the lodging funds was to help bring tourism dollars to Spokane Valley so the city “wouldn’t need to charge citizens for everything.” She added that focus could “unfortunately” push out local festivals that don’t bring in visitors.

The committee also voted to use revenues in the 2% fund to support the first five years of operations of the facility once opened, $600,000 in 2027 and 2028 and $550,000 annually from 2029 – 2031. In voting against the resolution council members Merkel and Wick expressed concerns about limiting the funding to these six priorities and not considering applications from other groups such as fairs and festivals. Wick said he understood the focus on “destination development.” “But I don’t want to be just that,” he added, noting state law

The city will begin taking event applications later this year with awards announced in early 2027. Council approves application, receipt

grant

The council approved a pair of resolutions at meetings in September — one authorizing the city to apply for funding for a stormwater project and the other to receive money for a police motorcycle. Council voted 5-1 at the Sept. 8 meeting to authorize staff to apply for grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding Program. The city is seeking funding for

estimated construction of $2.5 million for the Montgomery Stormwater Improvements project on Montgomery Avenue between Argonne Road and the Montgomery/Mansfield roundabout. The application is for $2.125 million from Ecology, with the city providing $375,000 in matching funds. The city received a $212,500 grant in 2023 for engineering on the project. Councilman Merkel was the lone no vote. Councilwoman Haley absence was excused. At the Sept. 15 meeting the council voted unanimously to receive $30,978 from the Department of Justice annual JAG grants for purchasing a new motorcycle for the Police Department’s Traffic Division. The grant will cover most of the $43,470 motorcycle with the difference covered by the department’s Traffic Designated Unreserved Fund. Fund revenues come from driving under the influence (DUI) restitution.

Lodging tax funding priorities debated Also at the Sept. 22 meeting, council voted 5-2 to establish priorities and goals for use of the city’s lodging tax funds. The funds, which are paid by people staying overnight in Spokane Valley hotels, can be used per state law for tourism marketing, marketing and operations of special events and festivals, operations and capital expenditures of tourism related facilities owned by a municipality and operations only of tourism related facilities operated by nonprofits. In adopting the resolution, council agreed to fund projects and events that align with six “product opportunities” spelled out in the city’s 2023 Tourism Strategic Plan and Project Development Prioritization. The six areas are the city’s new cross country and cyclocross course, the proposed ice sports facility, Whitewater Park and enhancements or renovations to the county’s Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, the city’s CenterPlace Regional Event Center and the

Photo courtesy of the city of Spokane Valley Spokane Valley’s City Council approved a 30-year easement of 16 acres of property owned by the Washington State Parks Department (shown in red cross hatch in the photo) between The Course cross country and cyclocross course and the Spokane River near Flora Road. The property could be developed into the River View Trail system.

The Current

OCTOBER 2026 • 9

10

M0690_Suzanne Schmidt for County Commissioner_Piece 1.pdf

• OCTOBER 2026

1

9/8/26

2:17 PM

The Current

SUZANNE SCHMIDT Proven Leader for Spokane County

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

­

K

As your County Commissioner, Suzanne will:

Election Day: November 3

vote4suzanne.com

Paid for by Suzanne Schmidt for County Commissioner (R) 9116 E Sprague Ave #470 Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Your Move. My Mission.

STORAGE MADE EASY. SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON.

Open 7 days a week with friendly on-site staff, we make storage simple. Enjoy easy access for large vehicles, spacious units (up to 14x72), and new drive-through options—all backed by top-tier security. WWW.EAGLEROCKRVBOATSTORAGE.COM

208.773.8510 Conveniently located between Coeur d’ Alene, Id and Spokane, Wa on Beck Road one mile north of I-90. (Idaho Exit 1)

BRENDA MCKINLEY 509-850-HOME (4663)

VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Brendamckinley@windermere.com

$450,000

1109 N Balfour Ct, Spokane Valley, WA 99206

5BED/2BATH 2,388 Sq Ft

509-850-HOME (4663) Brendamckinley@windermere.com

Special Election G u i d e 2026 OCTOBER 2026 • 11

The Current

Dear Readers: With the upcoming election heating up and the sea of political signs filling our streets, we at The Current wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with some information about the candidates seeking your vote this election cycle. It had become a tradition to bring you this election guide that showcases as many

candidates as we can get to respond. In order to give you more insight into who these people are we reached out to all of the contenders appearing on your ballot and asked them to please provide a 250-word response to the following questions (which we would publish at no cost). 1. What best qualifies you for this position? 2. What is the most important issue that

needs addressed? Again this year we added some fun questions to also get to know more about the candidates personality! 1. What is your favorite community event? 2. What is your favorite place to volunteer? 3. Who is your favorite public servant? While not everyone chose to respond to our request, a good number have and we hope that you find their

unedited responses helpful for your voting consideration. For those who haven’t registered to vote or accidently lose your ballot, you can register all the way upto election day and/or get a replacement ballot in person by going to CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley. Thanks for reading The Current, we hope you enjoy it!

The Current

Vote by November 3rd

12

• OCTOBER 2026

What is your favorite community event?

The Current

U.S. Representative District 5 Michael Baumgartner Incumbent

Michael BaumgartnerBloomsday Carmela Conroy- Spokane County Interstate Fair Suzanne Schmidt- Spokane County Fair Rachelle Miller- Liberty Lake Yard Sale Callie Gee - Pig Out in the Park Michael Cathcart Annual Lunar New Year Celebration Dave Lucas - Bloomsday Elliot Robison- Terrain’s Summer Bazaar Preston McCollam- too many to choose Mike Valerien- Spokane in Bloom Garden Tour Deanna Crull- Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day Nicholas Ulrich- The Interstate Fair Michael Addams- Spokane Indians baseball Hillary Pham- Memorial Day Community Pancake breakfast Trent Maier- 4th of July Fireworks Rob Chase- Spokane RiverKeepers Rob Tupper- County Fair Karina Wallace- The Spokane Interstate Fair Colleen Melody- Bloomsday Scott Edwards- Bainbridge Island 3rd of July Street Fair Sean O’Donnell- rodeos Dave Larson- Seahawks games

What best qualifies you for this position? I love Eastern Washington. I’m convinced this is the best place in the world. I was born and raised on the Palouse, and my wife and I are raising our five children here. I’m a proud WSU alum and I spent eight years serving in our State Senate, building relationships throughout our community that have been invaluable as your

What best qualifies you for this position? I am a third-generation Eastern Washingtonian. My grandfather laid stone at Grand Coulee Dam. My dad was a union railroader. My mom worked for Ma Bell. I worked my way through school, earned my law degree at the University of Washington, and came home to Spokane as a deputy prosecutor, holding violent offenders accountable and seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault. Then I spent nearly 25 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, in Afghanistan, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and Pakistan. I negotiated trade agreements that opened

Representative. My priorities are those of Eastern Washington. In Congress I’ve fought for lower taxes for working families, smaller government, and more freedom. I kept my promise to help secure the border, and cut waste and fraud. I helped pass the first Farm Bill in 8 years through the House, and to enact laws increasing military salaries. I’ve been guided by local experts, convening policy advisory groups on issues from law enforcement to agriculture and healthcare. My office has responded to more than 180,000 emails and calls, and helped hundreds cut through red tape. My background overseas

and as a diplomat in Iraq has supported my efforts to ensure warm relations with our trade partners and allies in a complex world. Our community is deeply divided on many issues. I believe everyone deserves to be heard and treated with respect. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Our most important issue now is affordability: we need to keep taxes low, reduce regulation and secure fair trade agreements, particularly with Canada and China. It was critical to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon, but I’m hopeful the Middle East will stabilize and fuel costs will come down.

markets for what we grow here, worked alongside our military, and helped Americans in trouble far from home. As Consul General in Lahore, I helped manage one of the most serious crises between the United States and Pakistan in recent memory. My first ambassador in Tokyo was Tom Foley. He told me the job of a public servant is to find solutions for the people you represent. That is the job I want to do. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Prices. Families in Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley and the West Plains are paying more for groceries, gas and school supplies than they

Carmela Conroy

Candidate

did two years ago. Tariffs drove costs up and closed overseas markets for Washington wheat, apples and cherries. I will work from day one to end the tariff chaos and reopen those markets. I will fight to keep rural hospitals open, protect Medicare and Medicaid, and stand up for Fairchild and the military families who call the West Plains home.

OCTOBER 2026 • 13

The Current

County Commissioner District 4 Suzanne Schmidt Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position? I have lived in the Spokane Valley for nearly 30 years. My children and now grandchildren have attended schools in the Central Valley School District. I am very involved in my community. I have volunteered hundreds of hours serving my community. Having served as the President/CEO of Associated Builders and

What best qualifies you for this position? I’m Rachelle Miller, running for Spokane County Commissioner in District 4. I’m a fourth-generation Washingtonian, a small business owner, and a mom who couldn’t just sit by after learning about plans for massive, unregulated AI data centers right here in Spokane County. Over the past twentyeight years, my work in advocacy and social work has taught me how public systems operate and how to make them listen to everyday people. When I saw what was happening, our community rallied behind a write-in campaign after the filing

Contractors, I dedicated my career to representing businesses and their employees. I worked with nearly every agency in Washington, I know we can do better as a state to cut red tape and empower families, workers, and small businesses to succeed. If elected as Spokane County Commissioner, I will continue to fight for small businesses and oppose government overreach at the county level. As a county we need to push back on the state. I will fight for more local control. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Spokane County has several issues that are looming over us as we into 2027. There is a deficit in the County budget that has to be addressed by the

current Board of County Commissioners. The budget will be approved by the end of 2026 but, will directly impact public safety and services in 2027. I have been attending the budget discussion online for the last few months and intend to continue through the end of the year. Another issue facing the county is the completion and submission of the GMA comprehensive plan. This will determine opportunities for new housing, economic development and infrastructure in the county. The comprehensive plan is at the “Planning Commission” with public hearings taking place. The issue of Data Center zoning restrictions and regulations are being addressed with these public hearings.

deadline and pushed us straight through the primary. Folks are ready for a fresh voice. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Our most pressing challenge is protecting our drinking water. The Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer supplies over 600,000 of us, and it can’t become an unlimited utility for out-of-state tech giants. Closed-door talks without resident input just don’t cut it. Spokane County isn’t for sale, and our next commissioner needs to be a watchdog, not a rubber stamp. When I’m not digging into county policy, you’ll find me with a cup of

Rachelle Miller Candidate

coffee at the rink as a Spokane Junior Chiefs hockey mom. My favorite place to volunteer is our local animal shelter when kitten season hits. In the summer, my annual favorite events are the Liberty Lake yard sales and Fourth of July fireworks, which always turn into neighborhood barbecues.

What is your favorite place to volunteer? Michael BaumgartnerUnion Gospel Mission Carmela Conroy- Second Harvest Suzanne Schmidt- Habitat for Humanity Rachelle Miller- Local animal shelter Callie Gee - Habitat for Humanity Michael Cathcart Northeast Youth Center Dave Lucas - Northwest Scouting Council Elliot Robison- Washington Native Plant Society Preston McCollam- In schools Mike Valerien- Second Harvest Food Bank Deanna Crull- Truth Ministries Nicholas Ulrich- Tom Foley Debate Tournament Michael Addams- CASA Partners Hillary Pham- Liberty Lake Rotary Club Trent Maier- Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Rob Chase- gather signatures for initiatives Rob Tupper- community garden Karina Wallace- Domestic violence shelters Colleen Melody- My kids’ elementary school Scott Edwards- American Red Cross Sean O’Donnell- Mock trial judge for high school students Dave Larson- Puget Sound Honor Flight (Guardian)

14

• OCTOBER 2026

Who is your favorite public servant?

The Current

Spokane County Auditor Callie Gee

What best qualifies you for this position? My education and professional experience in accounting and finance directly prepare me for the responsibilities of Spokane County Auditor. I hold degrees in Accounting and Finance from Washington State University and have worked in public accounting, including preparing and reviewing complex financial and

tax filings for corporations, partnerships, and individuals. I understand how important accuracy, accountability, and strong internal controls are when managing financial information. I also bring experience running part of my family’s small business, giving me a practical understanding of how government systems affect businesses and working families. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Election integrity and protecting vote-by-mail are critical. The federal government is actively seeking to restrict local election processes and voting rights. The Auditor’s Office administers elections, and Spokane County has a

responsibility to ensure they remain secure, accessible, and reliable while maintaining public confidence in the process. The county also needs to continue modernizing its systems, improving communication, and addressing errors quickly and transparently when they occur. That includes using technology to improve services and strengthening processes to reduce errors. As Auditor, I will bring a fresh set of eyes and a financial professional’s attention to detail to making sure the office works effectively for everyone in Spokane County.

What best qualifies you for this position? As a parent of two children and a member of the Spokane City Council for nearly seven years, I think a lot about their future. Will they grow up believing their voice matters, their vote is protected, and their government can be trusted? The Auditor’s Office plays a central role in building that trust. On Council, I’ve led budget reforms, served as the City’s Finance Committee Chair, and championed transparency and public accessibility. I spearheaded rewriting the redistricting process to prevent future gerrymandering and have taken on regional issues and leadership responsibilities. I currently chair the Spokane Regional Health District. Before Council, I worked

in the State Senate, managed government affairs, and led a business and civic advocacy organization. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? • A steady, well-managed transition is critical as leadership changes for the first time in 28 years. The office faces serious budget cuts amid the County’s financial shortfall. I’ll work with my team and County Commissioners to protect core services and uphold high standards. • After months of challenges and costly inefficiencies, fully implementing the County’s new payroll system is a top priority. • Elections must be secure, accurate, and conducted in the open. I’ll expand post-election

Michalel Cathcart

Candidate

Michael BaumgartnerPresident Reagan Carmela Conroy- Tom Foley Suzanne Schmidt- Veterans Rachelle Miller- Jeannette Rankin Callie Gee - Amber Waldref Michael Cathcart - Tim Fitzgerald Dave Lucas - First responders Elliot Robison- Sarah Dixit Preston McCollam- The one who works hard everyday for the good of others without caring who gets the credit for it. Mike Valerien- Judge Shelley Szambelan Deanna Crull- Court Judge Szambelan Nicholas Ulrich- My wife Claire Michael Addams- Ronald Reagan Hillary Pham- Arlene Fischer Trent Maier- Anyone who picks up litter & trash Rob Chase- Ron Paul Rob Tupper- Mr. Rogers Karina Wallace- Frances Perkins Colleen Melody- The paramedics who saved my husband’s life Scott Edwards- My father Sean O’Donnell- Maureen Haggard Dave Larson- Former Chief Justice Gerry Alexander

Candidate

audits and increase public access to observe the process and results. I’ll also take corrective action to ensure the ballot errors from the primary don’t recur. My goal is to strengthen public trust through more sunlight and greater accountability. I’d truly be grateful to earn your vote. Learn more at cathcartforspokane.com

THIS RESPONSE WAS SUBMITTED LATE

OCTOBER 2026 • 15

The Current

Spokane COunty Clerk Dave Lucas Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position? Real Life experience matters. I am the most qualified candidate in this race for Spokane County Clerk with my years of experience as Cheney Municipal Court Administrator, and my equally important experience in executive level leadership experience gained during my nearly 22 years

of service as a Marine Corps Officer. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with experience leading an artillery regimen of over 2,000 personnel and responsible for budgeting millions of dollars in maintenance and operational expenses. This experience has uniquely prepared me to provide the finest service possible to the Citizens of Spokane County. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue with regard to the race for Spokane County Clerk is leadership experience. I am the only candidate with any previous real life work experience leading any organization or

managing any budgetary tasks. Experience matters and will directly impact the quality-ofservice the Citizens of Spokane receive when interreacting with the court system and seeking access to justice. Ensuring the highest level of service and unobstructed access to justice for our Citizens must be at the forefront of discussion for any candidate running for County Clerk.

Serving the greater Spokane Valley since 1985 Residential and Office Cleaning Licensed and Insured Hourly Rates

Experience Matters 20 years legal experience including 10 years judicial (full-time on the bench)

THIS RESPONSE WAS SUBMITTED LATE Endorsed by judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement.

What best qualifies you for this position? As a sixth-generation Spokane County resident, my roots here run deep. I serve as chair for the local chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, a volunteer leadership role where I celebrate our region; few things ground you in a sense of place quite like an intimate knowledge of local flora. Beyond location, I also love our people. My favorite event is Terrain’s Summer Bazaar, where I’m always hunting for good handthrown mugs. I also love visiting the Spokane Valley Farmer’s Market, where I used to snag a loaf from Lucky Lady Bread before their hiatus. Honestly, running for

office wasn’t my original plan for this year. However, I believe people are tired of a crumbling bureaucracy and are hungry for new energy. I was deeply inspired by Sarah Dixit, a peer who stepped up to improve access to local government. Her journey showed me that I, too, could use my skills to make a clunky system actually work for everyone. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? I am running because the County Clerk role aligns perfectly with my professional expertise. Currently, I work as a Business Intelligence Analyst at CHAS Health, where I leverage optimization and technology skills daily. My role involves navigating

Elliot Robison Candidate

For Our Community and working around complex, legacy document databases to support professionals and the public alike. Our community currently faces long wait times, and the Clerk’s Office is bracing for an upcoming county budget crisis. My business optimization skills are perfectly positioned to mitigate these challenges by modernizing our systems with ambitious, practical solutions.

Paid for by Committee to Elect Mike Valerien, PO Box 6073 Spokane, WA 99217

16

• OCTOBER 2026

Spokane County Prosecuter Preston McCollam

The Current

District Court Judge 2 Mike Valerien

What best qualifies you for this position? Experience matters in the courtroom, and I have the most judicial experience in this race. You want someone who is prepared to take on the serious responsibilities of judge. I am an Air Force veteran and have over 20 years of legal experience, including 8 years as an Assistant City Prosecutor

and 10 years as a full-time court commissioner for Spokane Municipal Court. I have a proven track record of managing high-volume court hearings efficiently and effectively. This level of competency is crucial when people’s freedom and rights are at stake. I am ranked Exceptionally Well Qualified by the Spokane County Bar Association and endorsed by judges, prosecutors, public defenders, as well as law enforcement and court staff organizations (to view the full list visit VoteMikeV.com). What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Throughout this

campaign I have spoken with many Spokane County residents. The most common concern I hear expressed is that offenders should be held accountable for their criminal behavior. I believe in accountability and want to improve public safety. Sentencing should make offenders less likely to reoffend in the future. To do this, courts need to keep meaningful data and use the data to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted while consistently communicating this information to the public. I would appreciate your vote in November.

What best qualifies you for this position? Experience. I have 25 years as an attorney and 7 years of judicial experience on the Spokane County District Court bench, where I seek to be elected. From handling complex trials in Spokane Superior Court to appellate matters with the Court of Appeals, to representing children, parents, veterans, and individuals navigating mental health challenges. I’ve seen our justice system from every angle as a judge, prosecutor, defense, and advocate. Today, I am currently

the civil judge for Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Airway Heights Court Commissioner, an appellate justice for multiple jurisdictions, a pro tem commissioner for Spokane Superior Court, all while also assisting members of the Spokane Tribe of Indians with cases. I have experience, perspective, and understand that being a judge is a position of service to their community, both on and off the bench. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Transparency. The

Deanna Crull

Candidate

Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position? I am a working prosecutor, not a politician. I bring nearly thirteen years of frontline experience earned through thousands of cases and hardfought battles in Spokane County courtrooms. I have never backed down from difficult decisions or complex prosecutions. When others stepped away from adversity, I stepped toward it. The honesty, grit, and willingness to fight for crime victims has earned me the respect of county leaders, law enforcement partners, and the community I serve. Spokane deserves an experienced, steady prosecutor who puts people before politics, public safety before public perception, and justice for victims above all else. That is the standard I have followed my entire career. I have handled many of the most serious and tragic cases in our region, including homicide, assault, trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes against children. My mission is simple: pursue justice without fear or favor. That means protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, and applying the law with integrity and common sense. As a husband and father of four, I’m deeply invested in the future of our county. I believe in personal responsibility, strong families, safe neighborhoods, and a government focused on its core duties rather than political agendas. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The greatest challenge confronting our community is the current collision course we are on with the increasing mental-health crisis and the escalating drug epidemic. Washington’s current approach is not working and pretending otherwise only prolongs the harm. I am a prosecutor with the honesty, accountability, and a willingness to confront this crisis head-on.

OPPONENT DID NOT RESPOND

Incumbent

only way to restore community trust is through openness in our proceedings, our decisions, and ensuring accessibility to witness the process firsthand.

OCTOBER 2026 • 17

The Current

district court judge 4 Nicholas Ulrich

What best qualifies you for this position? I was born and raised in Spokane and am committed to serving the Spokane community. I have spent the last four years as a Judge Pro Tem for the Spokane County District Court and have dealt with countless matters there. I have also spent the last decade as a litigator, litigating criminal and civil cases in state and

federal courts. I currently work at the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a Section Chief, and I have extensive trial experience. In addition to my litigation work, I also train lawyers around the country for the National Association of Attorneys General on the law, litigation and trial skiIls. I am the only candidate rated Exceptionally Well Qualified for this position by the Spokane County Bar Association. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The District Court operates on outdated technology and uses paper files. The Court needs to be modernized. The Administrative Office of the

Courts is implementing new technology, which our court will have in the next year. This will present an opportunity for our court to embrace the new software and systems and find efficiencies to modernize the court. We need judges with experience who are comfortable implementing changes and finding efficiencies in workflows. I serve as a Section Chief in the Attorney General’s Office and supervise over 80 attorneys and paralegals. I have handled this type of modernization at the AGO for my division and am well-positioned to do the same for the District Court.

What best qualifies you for this position? I currently serve as the Prosecutor for the City of Cheney and have spent the past five years as a Judge and Commissioner Pro Tempore in Spokane County, presiding in both District and Superior Court settings. My legal experience is broad, including criminal defense, prosecution, family law, domestic violence matters, and civil practice. In addition to my legal career, I served 24 years in the United States Air Force and Washington Air National Guard, enlisting after the events of September 11, 2001, and retiring as a commissioned officer.

That service, combined with my MBA, shaped my ability to lead in high pressure environments, make disciplined decisions, and maintain order while treating people with respect.. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? A central issue facing the courts is balancing accountability with meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation. Community safety depends on appropriate responses and accountability for unlawful behavior. At the same time, therapeutic and problem solving programs can be highly effective for individuals who genuinely

Michael Addams

Candidate

Candidate

want and need support. These approaches should complement one another, but accountability is key to improving public safety.

State Rep. District 9 Karina Wallace Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position? I put myself through college, earning my degree in 2017, and worked as a CNA while pursuing nursing school until lupus made that path impossible. Since then, I’ve become a Washington State certified Peer Support Specialist and betrayal trauma recovery coach, and I’ve volunteered extensively at domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and WorkSource — services I’ve also relied on myself at different points in my life. I know these systems from both sides of the desk, and that firsthand experience is exactly what I bring to representing this district. I’m running a true grassroots campaign — I accept no corporate PAC money and no lobbyist donations, because I don’t want to owe anyone except the people I’m asking to trust me with their vote. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? The most important issue facing our area right now is healthcare access. Rural communities already have thin options, and this year’s scaled-back ACA premium tax credits are making coverage even harder to afford for working families. Alongside that, I’m focused on real accountability: cracking down on corporations that pay poverty wages while hiding executive pay, and bringing transparency to lobbyist influence in Olympia. People deserve a government that answers to them, not to donors. I didn’t set out to become a politician. I’m running because I believe ordinary people need to step up when the systems meant to help us stop working — and I’m ready to do that work for this district.

OPPONENT DID NOT RESPOND

18

• OCTOBER 2026

supreme court justice #4 Sean O’Donnell

The Current

District 4 State Rep pos. 1 Trent Maier

What best qualifies you for this position? I have tried very hard over the last 8 year to become an integral part of the community in which I live, work and play. Between owning & operating our businesses in Liberty Lake, and enjoying the natural surroundings we are blessed with in this region, it honestly has been a dream come true for this kid from rural Mid-

Michigan (where it’s pretty flat and pretty boring). The Liberty Lake community specifically has been very welcoming to us, but during this campaign I have also had a chance to see our entire 4th Legislative District for what it is – a wonderful place to call home! It’s in this spirit that I decided to run for this position to be able to stand up for our way of life here on the far edges of Eastern Washington, and push back against policies that are not serving our citizens well, even if they were implemented with the best intentions. . What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? I have witnessed firsthand the effects of increased taxes and regulations on

small businesses like Trailbreaker, and have come up with real-world solutions to those problems that I believe need to be heard in Olympia. Affordability for citizens and Accountability for our government are the two main priorities I am taking with me in January, and I truly appreciate all of the support that it will take to get us there!

What best qualifies you for this position? As a former Air Force Captain, my leadership training shows a strong work ethic, perseverance, and resourcefulness. After my military service at Fairchild Air Force Base, I continued to serve at the Spokane County Treasurer’s office. Where I understood how local government serves the people. Also, the Washington Policy Center, has equipped me with skills, knowledge and connections to solve problems. Additionally, I worked in the WA State House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant. I will hit the ground running, with proven experience in Olympia for the last two legislative sessions. I understand the

pressing issues affecting our communities, developed good working relationships and can navigate the challenges with passion and commitment to represent you well. You can trust that I am your most dedicated serviceoriented person to be your best advocate.. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? To be successful and pragmatic, I will focus on common cause issues such as affordability, education and public safety. I care about making our community a better place for the next generation be ready for the workforce and to raise a family. Also, I believe in lowering taxes, providing relief to working families and taking care of our seniors

Hillary Pham

Candidate

Candidate

What best qualifies you for this position? I have devoted 25 years to public service: 12 as a King County Prosecutor, 13 as a King County Superior Court Judge. As a prosecutor, I handled serious felonies, including homicides and child sex trafficking, and helped prosecute the Green River Killer. As a judge, I have ruled on thousands of cases, from pretrial release to parenting plans to wrongful death and malpractice. My colleagues have entrusted me with leading the judiciary: President of the Superior Court Judges Association, King County’s Chief Family Law and Chief Criminal Judge, and co-lead of task forces on court security and interpreter funding. I served as a Justice pro tem on the State Supreme Court. I am the only candidate recommended by both major parties, and that record will serve the Court well. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Access to justice remains the most urgent issue facing our courts. Most Washingtonians who need legal help cannot afford it. As Chief of King County’s Family Law Department, I saw this firsthand: roughly 60% of litigants had no lawyer. I worked to close that gap through pro bono mediation, civil legal aid support, and a task force securing interpreter funding for rural courts. Courthouse security is also critical; I co-chair the judiciary’s statewide security committee. AI is the newest challenge: weighing where it can help self-represented litigants without replacing human judgment. I serve on two statewide AI task forces on this. At root, these issues are one: whether people can walk into a courtroom and trust they will be treated fairly.

SUBMITTED LATE OPPONENT DID NOT RESPOND

Candidate

who are on fixed incomes. I promise to listen first, improve affordability, restore quality education and defend public safety. I will rebuild a thriving business climate for our small businesses to keep Washingtonians in our beautiful state. I can offer solutions through my compelling speeches by sharing your stories on the house floor debate and bring home change.

OCTOBER 2026 • 19

The Current

district 4 state rep pos. 2 Rob Chase

cause issues. I was an activist long before I ever incumbent first ran for office in 2000. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Artificial Intelligence is coming on very fast, and we need to put effective guardrails around personhood, and make What best qualifies sure AI does not diminish you for this position? resources that rightly This is my 11th belong to residents. Campaign for public office. I try to call issues as I see them through the lense of cautious conservatism with research and experience. I have always met with anyone who wanted to meet with me, and listened to them. This is how I got the ideas for most of the bills I have passed, being common

What best qualifies you for this position? I am Rob Tupper, a transplant from Alaska and recently retired as a robotics engineer. I’ve a BS in Applied Mathematics with electives in Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. The Trentwood Rolling Mill hired me out of Alaska in 1996 and employed me as an electrician maintaining Hot Line and Cold Roll equipment. The 1998 strike/ lockout was brutal. Walking the picket line instead of working destroyed our family savings. The union did help, but those were lean times. My Union seniority status meant I wasn’t going back when the lockout ended. I leaned into a passion and earned

a teaching certificate from Whitworth. I have taught technology, math and science at a Jr College (Alaska), Jr High (Dist 81) and High School (Mead). I realize I will have a rough time passing as a “wellqualified career politician.” However, I have decades of experience analyzing complex systems and working with team members to find optimal solutions. It is my hope these same skills in Olympia will help cut to the heart of issues and bring practical options to the discussion. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Issue #1: Data Centers might represent the inevitable conquest of

Ballot Drop Off Locations

Liberty Lake Library 23123 E Mission Ave Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Otis Orchards Library 22324 E Wellesley Ave Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Spokane Valley Library 22 N Herald Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206 Argonne Library 4322 N Argonne Rd Spokane, WA 99212

Rob Tupper Candidate

humankind, but they need to be located where their required resources are most readably available. Build where power and water are in abundant supply along the Columbia River. Issue #2: Finding or reallocating resources to blunt the impact of funding cuts to Healthcare that will hit clinics, hospitals and nursing homes this January.

supreme court justice #5 Dave Larson Incumbent

What best qualifies you for this position? I am the only candidate in this race with prior experience as a judge. I bring 41 years of legal experience to this position: 18 years as a trial judge and 23 years as a trial lawyer. I managed a court for 16 years, taught new judges at the state’s judicial college for 10 years, and worked with Democrats and Republicans in the legislature to improve our courts for 17 years. I want the Supreme Court to be a trusted institution. I have run a politically neutral campaign based on the values that judges are sworn to uphold. I’ve reached out to Democrats and Republicans, Labor and Business, and to citizens in Eastern and Western Washington because everyone deserves to have trust and confidence in our Supreme Court regardless of their political beliefs, economic status, or geographic location. One-sided justice for only some of us means there is no justice for any of us. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? My work around criminal justice reform has been recognized on a national level. Instead of helping our communities and trial courts address crime, the current Supreme Court’s decisions have undermined those efforts. I will use my extensive experience to bring the leadership needed to work with the legislature, local government, and trial courts on common sense solutions to the issues we face in our communities that will reduce crime with compassion without sacrificing personal accountability. We don’t need to be tougher or softer on crime; we need to be smarter on crime.

OPPONENT DID NOT RESPOND

20

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

Pick up a free copy of

The Current, a monthly publication for the Valley, offers visual storytelling, eye-catching ads and community coverage readers have come to rely on. This free newspaper is available at more than 150 high-traffic places around the Valley, including the following locations: Black Diamond Dairy Queen Krispy Kreme Hallet’s Market and Cafe Harvest Foods Rocket Bakery Round Table Pizza Little Euro Mike’s Donuts Safeway Spokane County Library Thrifty Scotsman Valley Bowl Washington Trust Bank Yoke’s Fresh Market YMCA Zips Would you like to carry The Current in your place of business? Contact us at 242-7752 or publisher@libertylakesplash.com OCTOBER

2026

GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

FREE

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

CRETA LUND TURNS 100 YEARS OLD PAGE 2

SV POLICE CHIEF PROVIDES PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE PAGE 25

VALLEY SCHOOLS SPORTS SWING INTO ACTION PAGE 30

Wick Enterprizes

Publishing House

“Honoring local communities and encouraging citizen involvement”

509-242-7752

www.libertylakesplash.com

supreme court justice #1 Colleen Melody incumbent

What best qualifies you for this position? As a Spokane native, it is an honor to serve my home state on the Washington Supreme Court. At this moment, when state courts and state rights are increasingly important, my experience as a publicinterest lawyer who has served our state for more than a decade helps prepare me to serve the whole state, from the Palouse to the

What best qualifies you for this position? I have spent over three decades practicing law and handling complex litigation, including cases involving constitutional questions, state and local government, and taxation. I graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and earned my law degree with honors from the University of Washington. I have also taught law at the UW School of Law for over 20 years. That experience has taught me the importance of carefully studying the law, listening to competing arguments, and reaching conclusions based on the Constitution, statutes, precedent, and

Peninsula. My goals are simple— to uphold the rights of all Washingtonians with integrity and fairness. The Supreme Court has a unique role to ensure Washington is a safer and more just place for everyone. I believe: • Courts must safeguard Washington’s independence and longstanding protection of individual and constitutional rights, including in the workplace, at school, and in housing. • Everyone deserves to be safe and free from violence. Crime victims and discrimination victims deserve dignity, respect, and safety. • Our Courts are a cornerstone of our democracy and must be transparent and

accessible to everyone. • Judges are public servants. They must listen, work hard, and approach each case with impartiality and humility. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Increased access to court services and programs for individuals who live in rural areas, don’t have transportation, or who lack time off work or childcare that they would need to participate fully in court hearings or on jury duty. We can use increased technology, court navigator programs, and community partnerships more strategically to increase access to justice in our courts.

the facts before you. Those are the principles I would bring to the Washington Supreme Court. What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed? Public confidence in an independent judiciary is critically important. Courts should apply the law consistently and transparently, without regard to political pressure or preferred policy outcomes. My approach is straightforward: judges should respect constitutional limits, protect due process, and decide each case based on the law and the record before them.

Scott Edwards Candidate

The Current

NEWS

OCTOBER 2026 • 21

In response to the public outcry, addition to worrying about the County the commissioners voted to pause water supply and the strain on data center applications through the energy grid, Miller said other Commissioner the end of the year while they work communities have also reported to enact new regulations. that data centers emit noise at a Race Heats Schmidt said she doesn’t favor level that causes health effects in “I love my community,” she said. “I want to work to have it an outright moratorium on data humans and animals, including Up as writecontinue to be a good place to work centers and said data centers can insomnia and a drop in production be useful. She said she supports the in milk cows. and raise a family.” in candidate Miller said she sees nothing Schmidt holds an associate’s current pause and would vote to continue it if new regulations are good in data centers. “I’m not in business administration gets added to degree not in place by the end of the year. convinced we’re ever going to see from Flathead Valley Community benefits,” she said. “If building a data center is College in Libby, Montana, and ballot an associate’s degree in medical going to hurt the people that live She said she didn’t realize when in the Washington State House of Representatives since 2022. She opted not to run for re-election and instead filed for the County Commissioner seat.

By Nina Culver

Current contributor

When Suzanne Schmidt filed in May to run for the Spokane County Commissioner District 4 seat being vacated by Mary Brooks, it appeared she would be the only candidate on the ballot. However, Independent Rachelle Miller launched a successful writein campaign and earned a place on the general election ballot in November. A write-in candidate can only advance if they receive enough votes and if they filed a declaration of write-in candidacy before the primary election, said Spokane County Elections Manager Ryan Dosch. Typically, write-in votes aren’t counted unless there are enough to make a difference in the outcome of the race, Dosch said. That’s partly because there’s always some voters who write in random names. “There’s a lot of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and whatever creativity they’re feeling that day,” he said. There were over 2,100 write-in votes in the race, which received just over 24,000 votes, so they were counted. Miller needed to receive one percent of the vote in order to advance to the general election. She received 4.5 percent, Dosch said. “That’s more than the one percent she needed to be in the top two and go on to the general election,” he said. Dosch said it’s fairly uncommon to have a successful write-in campaign. “It does not happen very often,” he said. “I believe the last time was in 2010.” Schmidt, a Republican, had previously held the 4th Legislative District Position 1 seat

assistant/technology from Spokane Community College. She was previously the president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter and was an administrator at the Corps of Engineers at Libby Dam.

Schmidt said she wants to focus on the intersection of crime and mental health and has been serving on the Safe and Healthy Spokane Task Force, which has been studying how to improve public safety and behavioral health, including the need for a new criminal justice center. Part of the problem is that the state legislature has made changes to laws that make it harder for law enforcement agencies to enforce the law and harder to keep people in jail once they’re arrested, she said. “The state has rolled back a lot of laws to lessen criminal charges,” she said. She said she’d also like to work on economic development, including recruiting new businesses, and that she believes that taxes and fees have made it harder for businesses to be successful. The Spokane County Commissioners have been at the center of a firestorm recently after the public learned about discussions being held with data centers interested in locating on the West Plains. People are concerned about the large amount of water and electricity required to run a data center. Schmidt said she understands that people in the community didn’t appreciate how the data centers were a surprise. “People in our community did not appreciate how this was sprung upon them and I can understand their frustration,” she said.

there through increased rates or depleting natural resources, then I’m an absolute no,” she said.

She’s also concerned about the projected $30 million deficit Spokane County will be facing in 2027, Schmidt said. “I have been monitoring those meetings online,” she said. “To cover that deficit, that means there has to be cuts made.” Schmidt noted that the 2027 budget will be finalized before a new commissioner takes office. She declined to offer any suggestions for items that could be cut or reduced from the budget. “That’s something I’m keeping a very close eye on,” she said. “It’s in their hands now.” Miller grew up in Spokane and attended Gonzaga Prep before moving to Great Falls, Montana, during her senior year of high school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University. She currently works as a licensed independent clinical social worker in Spokane Valley and has lived in Liberty Lake since 2012. Miller said one of the things that convinced her to run for office was the discovery of the undisclosed meetings that Spokane County Commissioner Al French was having with data center companies. “I found out that was directly putting our aquifer at risk,” she said. “The massive amount of water that gets extracted to run these facilities is concerning. That community is already impacted by PFAS, the forever chemicals.” She said when she grew up in Spokane’s Logan neighborhood, she never had to worry about the quality of the water even though her family wasn’t well off. In

she started the process just how uncommon it was for a writein candidate to be added to the general election ballot. “When I decide to do something, I take the challenge,” she said. “I didn’t know it was as rare as it was until after it happened.”

Miller said she’s concerned about unfunded mandates coming from the state that are causing problems with the County budget. As an example, there’s a new law restricting the number of cases that public defenders can handle at one time. Miller agrees that their caseloads were too high, but said that the state didn’t provide any funding for new public defenders and adding more will cost the county $15 million a year. “It’s my understanding that became an unfunded mandate,” she said. “We have to have funding from the state for these mandates.” She said she sees connections between the opioid crisis, mental health and needed jail reforms and wants to work to address them. “They’re all knitted together,” she said. “When someone is released from jail, where do they go? These are all systems that impact each other.” Schmidt said she believes she can hit the ground running if she’s elected to the position. She said she’s well-rounded and hardworking and during her time in the legislature she was able to get eight pieces of legislation passed. “In the state legislature, I worked very well across the aisle,” she said. Miller said she promises to fight for her constituents in an honest and transparent manner if elected. “I went into this because I want to take care of my community,” she said. “I want to protect what I had growing up.”

22

• OCTOBER 2026

West Valley, Central Valley, and East Valley School Districts Seek Levy Renewals on Nov Ballot By Nina Culver

Current contributor

Three Spokane Valley school districts have placed renewal levies on the November ballots, asking voters to approve funding for everything from athletics to HVAC systems. The West Valley School District has two replacement levies on the ballot, a three-year Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy and a two-year Capital Projects Levy. Both are to replace expiring levies. The EP&O levy is a standard levy for school districts, designed to fill the gaps between what the state funds and what it actually costs the districts per student. The state also doesn’t fund entire areas such as athletics and extracurricular activities.

NEWS

The estimated cost of the EP&O levy is $2.50 per $1,000 in assessed home value, the maximum allowed by state law. “That’s what it is currently,” said West Valley Superintendent Kyle Rydell. The levy accounts for about 15 percent of the district’s budget and will bring in about $10 million per year. “It’s a gap filler for what the state doesn’t fund,” Rydell said. In addition to using the levy funds for athletics and other activities, West Valley uses the money for extra staff, including more teachers to reduce class sizes and additional custodians, school counselors and nurses. The Capital Projects levy is designed for small safety, security and infrastructure projects around the district. The estimated cost is $1 per $1,000 in assessed home value, which is nearly identical to the 99 cents per $1,000 homeowners are currently paying. The capital levy has been invaluable to the district and has paid for things like new carpet, parking lot improvements at Centennial Middle School and Orchard Center Elementary and replacing the gym floor at City School, Rydell said. Rydell said the district wants to use the next round of capital levy funds, if approved by voters, to replace the HVAC

system at Spokane Valley High School. The system can no longer maintain an appropriate temperature and the air is not being filtered. “It’s 50 years old and it’s time to get that replaced,” he said. The district also wants to make additions to Pasadena Park Elementary just like it did to Ness Elementary, which has the same floor plan. The addition includes building a new library and media center and turning the old library into two classrooms as well as updating the health room to make it ADA accessible. The district also plans to make security updates at all schools, including upgrading and replacing security cameras. Rydell said that voters in the district have been approving the EP&O levy for the last 50 years and the Capital Projects levy for the last two decades and hopes voters will continue to do so. “It’s helped us maintain our buildings,” he said. “We’re very appreciative of our community.” More information on the West Valley levies is available at www.wvsd.org. The Central Valley School District is requesting the renewal of their EP&O levy, which would collect an estimated $2.50 per $1,000 in assessed home value. That is unchanged from the $2.50 per $1,000 voters are currently paying. The three-year levy would replace the current levy, which expires at the end of 2027. “This replaces the other EP&O levy, so it’s not added on,” said Superintendent John Parker. Parker said it’s possible that the rate per $1,000 could go down if there is a lot of new construction, but it cannot go up because $2.50 is the maximum allowed under state law. “There’s still a fair amount of new construction going on that might drop the rate,” he said. Parker said the levy provides 16 percent of the district’s annual budget. The district uses the funds for 100 percent of all extracurricular activities and athletics, plus portions of the special education, transportation and school lunch programs. It also provides additional nurses and teachers than what the state funds, Parker said. As an example, the state does not fund teachers for career and technical education classes as well as most electives, including art and music. Parker said Central Valley uses levy money to pay 300 staff members. The issue is that the state simply doesn’t fund enough staffing, Parker said. “I don’t think there is a district in Washington that can survive on that minimal staffing,” he said. Parker said the community has long supported the EP&O levy, which used to be called an M&O levy. “This community has passed a levy for 50 years,” he said. Additional information on the Central Valley levy is available at https://www.

The Current

cvsd.org/apps/pages/LevyUpdate. The East Valley School District is asking for a two-year Capital Projects levy renewal. The levy usually runs for four years, but the district is trying to keep its options open after two bond measures failed on the ballot earlier this year, said Superintendent Mandi Rehn. “We will be re-evaluating our facilities and working through what we will do next because we had the two bond failures,” she said. “It gives us some time.” The estimated cost for the levy is 99 cents per $1,000 in assessed home value, which is up slightly from the 73 cents per $1,000 being collected this year, Rehn said. It would collect roughly $14 million over two years. Rehn said the district is still evaluating the most critical projects to fund with the levy money. All the schools in the district are decades old and multiple improvement projects, including the complete replacement of the middle school and high school, were part of the bond that failed. “I think we’re going to have to triage,” she said. “We have way more work than $14 million.” For example, both the high school and middle school need new roofs, which will cost an estimated $6-8 million each. The district cannot afford to do both and will likely have to pick one, Rehn said. “The middle school roof is in really bad shape,” Rehn said. “It leaks when it rains.” This summer, a large leak developed in the high school roof over the library and administrative offices. The district made a fix, but the entire roof needs work and some of it is more than 40 years old, said Assistant Superintendent Neale Rassmussen. “We have the roofing contractor out every other week at this point,” he said. Thankfully the library only lost 300 books that were replaced by insurance, but the district had to put in new carpet and rip out and replace the damaged drywall, he said. A pipe also burst under the high school’s concrete slab this summer, forcing more repairs. “We think we know what we’re doing, then things happen and it rearranges unexpectedly,” Rassmussen said. West Valley, like several other districts in Spokane County, has chosen to move their levies from the traditional February ballot to the November election. “We ran our last Capital Projects levy in November,” he said. “There’s better voter turnout and more engagement in the election rather than running it in February.” The Central Valley school board made the same decision for the same reason, Parker said. “It’s going to be helpful to have more voters.”

OCTOBER 2026 • 23

The Current

VOTE PRESTON MCCOLLAM TUESDAY, NOV. 3RD Go to PrestonForProsecutor.com to learn more

Spokane County Prosecutor since 2025 Deputy Prosecutor since 2013 Chief Criminal Deputy Interim Civil Chief Former Benton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Adjunct Professor, Gonzaga Law Instructor, Washington State Narcotics, National Homicide, and Northwest Gang Investigators Conferences

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Preston McCollam, R., PO Box 9181, Spokane, WA 99209

Vote Yes Replace

for CV kids! the levy.

Vote Yes

November 3, 2026

Keep the rate.

Replacement Education Levy

Learn more… Follow @CVPowered www.YesCVSchools.org

Paid for by Central Valley Citizens for Education P.O. Box 141716, Spokane Valley, WA 99214

24

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Baily Romero balances academic excellence, leadership, service and dance with remarkable focus. The West Valley High School senior holds a 4.0 GPA and is in the running for class valedictorian. She serves as president of National Honor Society, participates in Link Crew to welcome and support freshmen transition into high school, and captains the West Valley dance team. Romero also competes with Smokey Hill Dance Studio and has danced competitively for six years. Last season, Romero and the West Valley Dance Team won its district title. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom through service at elementary school events and Pasadena Park Church’s North Pole Experience. Academically, she is earning college credits while in high school through Running Start. Inspired by crime documentaries and psychology books Baily plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, followed by graduate study in forensic psychology and a possible career in public safety. Romero is fascinated by how the brain shapes perception and behavior.

West Valley senior Nathan Zettle is a standout leader whose excellence reaches across the football field, basketball court and classroom. The varsity quarterback and team captain has helped the Eagles open 4-0, including impressive victories over larger schools Hermiston and Ridgeline. His football team is pursuing their third straight GSL title hoping for a perfect 18-0 league record across three seasons, which would mark a historic three-peat for West Valley High School. Zettle earned GSL MVP honors in both football and basketball as a junior. A point guard and former basketball captain, he also helped West Valley reach the second round of state and competed with Hoop Town Elite/Eastern Washington Elite, placing fourth nationally on the Under Armour Rise circuit. Beyond sports, Zettle carries a 3.5 GPA, participates in Running Start through Eastern Washington University and volunteers with Union Gospel Mission, youth basketball camps and Hoopfest. After graduation, Zettle plans to study business and compete collegiately in sports as he continues his promising future.

Chandler Watson is an accomplished healthcare leader and dedicated community volunteer whose career and service reflect a strong commitment to improving the lives of others. As Senior Manager of Pharmacy Product Development at CVS Health, Chandler brings nearly ten years of experience to advancing health solutions. A graduate of Eastern Washington University and Washington State University, Chandler holds a master’s degree in Health Policy and Administration. Beyond professional achievements, Chandler gives back through animal care volunteering at the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, service with the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club—where Chandler was recently recognized as the Kiwanian of the Year—and volunteer for Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels, including a meaningful tradition of serving seniors on Christmas Day.

Artist Showcase ART AUCTION

19TH ANNUAL

OCTOBER 24, 2026

ART • LIVE MUSIC • LIGHT FARE TICKETS: $65

Events Hosted at CenterPlace Regional Event Center

Friday

SOIREE SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS

AUCTION PREVIEW MEET THE ARTISTS LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

HARVEST FESTIVAL

SATURDAY OCTOBER 24

OCTOBER 23, 2025 FREE TO ATTEND! 5-8PM

WWW.SPOKANEVALLEYARTS.ORG

do in our community

R/OUTDOOR O O D IN

T h e S p o k a n e Va lley A r ts Cou n c il invites you to the QUICK FINISH SILENT AUCTION LIGHT FARE 5-6:30PM LIVE AUCTION 6:30PM

Thanks you for all you

4PM TO 7PM

SCAN TO BID ONLINE

Fun For The Whole Family! Spokane Valley Nazarene Church 15515 E. 20 th Avenue FREE! CANDY | GAMES | PRIZES TRUNK OR TREAT COSTUMES & MORE! FOOD TRUCKS AVAILABLE SVNC.ORG

The Current

NEWS

OCTOBER 2026 • 25

and taking more repeat offenders held in conjunction with the Riverside Some Spokane In response to a question from rates Cruisers Car Club, featured helicopter off the streets. “It’s a small percentage of the and specialty-display vehicles, law Ben Wick, Ellis said they Valley crimes Councilman planned to continue the retail theft population that commits the majority enforcement robot demonstrations along with food trucks and family focus, ramping up through the rest of of the crimes,” Ellis said. activities. decrease, the year to the holiday season. In his presentation to council, Ellis The department also hosts “Shop “We want the public to know we’re detailed other areas of police activity, county budget taking with a Cop” for Spokane Valley K-12 retail theft seriously and that including participating in the federal students Ellis said, “need extra help Spokane Valley is not a place to do it,” “Operation Stampede.” The operation getting ready for school.” The event is problems coordinated by the U.S. Marshals Ellis added. done in conjunction with local schools The IBR crime stats reflect a trend Service Pacific Northwest Violent and will also be held again around the looming that began last year, with overall crime Offender Task Force involves multiple holiday season. three stolen credit cards recovered.

By John McCallum Current contributor

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to crime in Spokane Valley in 2026. A presentation by Police Chief Dave Ellis to the City Council at its Sept. 22 meeting showed property crimes dropping overall through August and in some cases significantly. That’s the good news. The bad news is that some categories of crimes against individuals are up. While that’s not acceptable to Police Department officials, Ellis said it’s not a factor that should cause alarm. “Those numbers are still below our five-year average,” he told the council. According to the presentation, incident-base reports (IBR) numbers for robbery in Spokane Valley increased 38% through August as compared to the same period in 2025. Aggravated assault cases were up 19% while simple assault rose 12% from 450 in 2025 to 506 so far this year.

in Spokane Valley dropping 4.9% compared with 2024 in these types of crimes. In a Sept. 29 interview, Ellis attributed the reduction to the City Council’s response to a report indicating the Police Department needed at least 31 more officers and investigators to handle the volume of calls associated with the city’s population growth. Since that report was issued in November 2023, the council has taken steps to hire at least 20 more patrol officers along with several investigators and crime analysts. The council approved reauthorizing $2.15 million of recurring tax revenue in February 2024 while Spokane Valley voters approved a sales tax increase of 0.01% last year — all used for more department personnel.

In the interview, Ellis attributed the drop in crime to these measures. More officers means quicker response times and more ability to investigate incidents — leading to higher charging

regional law enforcement agencies in focusing on “identifying, locating, and apprehending the most dangerous and repeat offenders impacting our communities,” according to a news release.

The operation conducted March 1 – September 11 resulted in the arrest of 293 fugitives, 88 gang members and 336 cleared warrants. Additionally, 55 firearms, $2.52 million in currency and 455.73 pounds of narcotics were seized. Ellis noted the U.S. Marshals Service covered the department’s entire $30,000 overtime costs needed to assist in the operation. Ellis also detailed several department community outreach initiatives such as “Coffee with a Cop,” and the annual “Cops and Kids Car Show” which this year had an estimated 5,000 attendees and 300 vehicles on display packing a closed off stretch of Sprague Avenue next to City Hall on Aug. 29. The show,

Finally, as part of its contract with security company Axon, Ellis gave council an overview of a community feedback survey of the department. Axon, which provides the city with items such as body-worn cameras, sends a follow-up text message to people reporting crimes after each incident, asking them to take part in a survey. Of the 2,538 respondents, reflecting a 19% response rate, 62% said their interaction with Spokane Valley police was very positive, with another 29% saying it was positive. Additionally, 94% said they were treated with respect, 89% said they were treated fairly and 90% said they felt listened to. Top respondent concerns reflected in the survey were drug use and sales (25%), homelessness (19%), See SV POLICE Page 34

On the flip side garage burglaries have dropped significantly — 43% compared to last year. Vehicle prowls have dropped 28%, 342 incidents to 472, while vehicle thefts are down 21%, 158 to 201. Residential burglary is down 11% while overall theft is down 5%, 807 to 851. Shoplifting has dropped 4%, 589 from 613 with the department instituting a special focus on this category in the past year. Police instituted a retail theft program around the winter holidays in 2025. The department held another operation on Aug. 6 this year as part of National Retail Theft Blitz Week. Spokane Valley officers and investigators worked with loss prevention teams from nine local retailers such as JC Penney, Lowe’s, Plato’s Closet, Fred Meyer and Hobby Lobby on a six-hour operation targeting retail theft. According to Ellis’ presentation the focus yielded six arrests, three warrants cleared, seizure of 23 grams of methamphetamine and

Contributed photo city of Spokane Valley Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis provided the City Council with a department mid-year report at the council’s Sept. 22 meeting.

Brought to you by

OCTOBER 2026 • 27

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

STEP INTO A STORY:

Book Character Costume Party For kids ages 5+ & their families Celebrate your favorite books and characters with crafts and games! Costumes are optional. Kids dressed up as book characters will receive a small prize. SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd Thursday, Oct 29, 3:30–4:30pm

scld.org

28

• OCTOBER 2026

The Crest

The Current Brought to you by

About and for Spokane Valley area seniors

Boeing to develop a KC-135 marks asked more efficient aerial fueling system that would address the 70 years in deficiencies of the hose system developed in Great Britain. The existing system, which trailed flight a hose behind the tanker, had

Born to keep pace many drawbacks including rate of fuel transfer, as with the B-52, the slow well as difficult and dangerous jet tanker helped contact procedures. In response, invented the flying transform air-to-air Boeing boom. This system features refueling. a telescoping tube that trails Contributed by Boeing Corporation

It’s a rare treat to see a classic 1957 T-bird or Corvette classic car cruising down the road. It might not seem as nostalgic to see a KC-135 Stratotanker fly overhead, even though the airplane type went into service the same year as those classic cars. This month, Boeing celebrates the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the KC-135, which continues to fly a variety of support missions for the U.S. Air Force as well as allied air forces. The most important of these is the role of aerial tanker, a flying gas station able to refuel other military planes while in flight. The KC-135 was born out of necessity and innovation. In the early 1950s, Strategic Air Command was beginning to operate the new jet-powered Boeing B-52 Stratofortress that with in-flight refueling was capable of striking targets anywhere in the world. At the time, however, the only tankers in the SAC inventory were piston-engine Boeing KC-97s. The difference in performance between the two planes forced the B-52 to fly near its aerodynamic stall speed while performing the already difficult process of aerial refueling. This situation created an opportunity for Boeing to introduce a jetpowered aerial refueling tanker — and further refine the “flying boom” refueling technology it invented in the late 1940s. In

1948,

the

Air

Force

underneath the tail of a tanker aircraft and is flown by an operator controlling two small wings called “ruddevators.”

The first airplanes equipped with the flying boom were 116 Boeing B-29 Superfortresses modified at the Boeing plant in Renton, Washington, and redesignated KB-29Ps (the letter “K” is the U.S. military code for a tanker aircraft). In response to a demand for even more capable tankers, Boeing redesigned the C-97 Stratofreighter into a dedicated aerial refueling tanker and built 811.

Seeing the need for a jet- Photos Curtesy of the Boeing Company powered tanker to keep pace The Dash-80 (top) and a B-52 Stratofortress salute the rollout of the first KC-135 with the B-52, as well as the and the last KC-97 at the Boeing site in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 1956. potential for such a plane to be used as both a commercial and tanker, and the last production Air Force and allied mission military transport, Boeing used piston-powered airplane needs while delivering proven $16 million of its own funds Boeing built — rolled out as capability today and continuing to develop a prototype jet well. to evolve for tomorrow. In transport, the Model 367-80 — The last KC-135 entered the 2025, the USAF announced it popularly known as the “Dash would forgo a competition and 80.” The Dash 80 led to two U.S. Air Force fleet in 1965, extend production beyond the airplanes: the 707, the world’s and 376 of the 732 tankers current program of 188 aircraft, first successful commercial jet, built remain in service. Boeing securing KC-46 production and the Model 717, the world’s continues to maintain, upgrade through the next decade. To first production jet tanker, the and support the KC-135 fleet. date, Boeing has delivered 112 KC-135. In 2011, the U.S. Air Force KC-46s to the U.S. Air Force, six Boeing’s KC-767 to the Japan Air Self-Defense To honor its birthplace, the selected derivative as the winner of the Forces and two to the Israeli first KC-135 proudly displayed renewed KC-X competition, the name “City of Renton” on Air Force. its nose when it rolled out on later formally designating it the As the KC-135 is July 18, 1956. To christen the KC-46A Pegasus. The Pegasus incrementally phased out, the airplane, the wife of Renton’s completed its first successful flight from Everett, KC-46 will continue to carry mayor used a bottle of water test on its legacy of unmatched from the Cedar River, which Washington, in 2014. Today, the connectivity, survivability and runs through both Renton and KC-46A Pegasus is the world’s next-generation aerial refueling the Boeing site. In the same most advanced multi-mission capabilities for years to come. ceremony, the last KC-97 — the aerial refueler, designed to world’s first production aerial meet the full spectrum of U.S.

The Current

OCTOBER 2026 • 29

PUZZLES

30

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

Sponsored By:

www.hubsportscenter.org the 100 breaststroke while Avery — played after the Covid pandemic season, 5-6 overall, advancing to the Valley schools inShoemaker was sixth in the 50 free canceled fall sports — and fall 2021. first round of 3A state competition and 100 backstroke. After a 0-2 start in 2025, East with an 18-13 win over Walla Walla. swing into fall Bostyn Shoemaker and Valley found its groove, winning At state, they ran up against Western Gunderson both reached the post five of their next six before losing to Washington powerhouse Eastside who blitzed University 48sports action season in 2025. Shoemaker won the West Valley in the season finale and Catholic 0. By John McCallum Current contributor

All scores and information are as of press time Sept.25. CENTRAL VALLEY Cross country The Bears have four runners among the GSL top 25 boys times: senior Trent Robinson (seventh), Henry McNeilis (17th), Jonathan Ashby (21st) and Fischer Delay (25th). Aubrey Harvey is fourth overall for the girls followed by Reese Jones (10th) and Ava Magers (25th). Football The Bears are 1-3 overall, 0-1 in Greater Spokane League 3A competition after a 41-21 loss at University Sept. 25. CV lost its opener 19-13 on the road at Idaho’s Lakeside High School but rallied from a 21-14 halftime deficit to hold a Lewis and Clark team scoreless in the second half for a 28-21 win on Sept.11 at ONE Stadium in downtown Spokane. Girls soccer Central Valley returns five seniors from last year’s 4-12-3 team that finished fourth among GSL 3A schools at 2-6, defeating Hermiston in a postseason play-in game before losing to league champion Mt. Spokane. The Bears are currently 2-5-1, 0-1 and third in the GSL 3A rankings with nonleague wins over Hanford and GSL 3A North Central. Girls swimming Bostyn Shoemaker, Natalie Gunderson and Avery Shoemaker lead the Bears in the pool this season. The trio opened with a meet against Cheney, Gonzaga Prep, Lewis and Clark, Medical Lake, Pullman and University on Sept. 15. Bostyn Shoemaker took first in the 100-meter freestyle and the 100 breaststroke, setting a school record in the 100 free. Gunderson was third

District 6 100 backstroke title and was second in the 100 butterfly, with Gunderson second in the 500 free and 100 breastroke. At 3A state Shoemaker made the B finals in both events, finishing 12th in the backstroke and 14th in the butterfly. Gunderson placed 22nd overall in the 500 free and 21st in the 100 breaststroke. Slowpitch softball The Bears are eighth in the GSL at 4-3, 6-5 and fifth among 3A schools. In 2025 Central Valley finished fourth in the GSL in 2025, third among 3A teams, losing in the third round of the District 6 playoffs to Ridgeline. The Bears have chances to move up in the standings as four of their final six games are against teams ahead of them, including league 1-2 Mt. Spokane and University. Volleyball The Bears are 4-2 overall with GSL competition slated to begin the week of Sept. 28. Five seniors return from last year’s squad that went 2-7 in league, 5-13 overall: Drae Domebo, Launa Anderson, Abbey Gay, Kaia Snell and Lydia Daines. EAST VALLEY Cross country The Knights girls team placed second at 2A District 6 competition; qualifying them for state at Pasco where they placed 16th. EV currently has four runners with top 25 GSL times: Peyton Fisher (18th), Xochi Close (19th), Nellie Goggin (23rd) and Hazel Ebert (25th). The East Valley boys currently have no runners in the top 25. Football The Knights hope improvement over last year’s 4-2 2A GSL mark, 5-5 overall, will do something East Valley hasn’t done in quite a while — advance to the post season for a second consecutive year. The last time that happened was winter 2020

Orting in the playoffs first round. This year East Valley is off to a 0-2 start in league, 1-3 overall, opening with a 27-19 win over 1A Riverside but losing its last three games. Girls soccer Five seniors and six juniors give the Knights some experience from the 2025 team that finished third in the GSL 2A at 5-3, 10-6-4 overall. But East Valley is also looking to the future with eight sophomores and one freshman, looking to build on last year’s trip to state where they lost 3-2 to eventual state runner-up Columbia River in the second round. So far the Knights are 5-1-1 overall, the lone loss against state 3A top-ranked Cheney. East Valley sits atop the GSL at 1-0. Slowpitch softball After a 12-11 opening day win over Gonzaga Prep the Knights have dropped their last eight games to go to 0-7 in the GSL and 1-8 overall. East Valley has six games remaining, including road games at winless North Central and a league match up with G-Prep in the finale. Volleyball The Knights were 0-3 in GSL and 0-7 at press time. Four seniors return from last years team that went 4-8, 5-13: Ashlynn Deaton, Georgia Piatt, Alexis Varney and Jayd Blize, but with six sophomores on the squad, East Valley is also looking to the future. UNIVERSITY Cross country The Titans had no boys in the GSL top 25 3A time rankings. For the girls, sophomore Ali Rennaker was 14th, junior Ainsley Miller 16th with seniors Morgan Sulpizio and Mariah Denney 21st and 23rd. The University girls placed sixth as a team at 3A state last year, moving up from seventh in 2024. Football The Titans went 4-5 in the GSL last

University is off to a 3-1 start in 2026, 1-1 in the GSL. After losing its opener 31-28 in a heartbreaker at Cheney, the Titans surprised the world — OK, the GSL — by upsetting 2025 GSL 4A champion Gonzaga Prep in convincing fashion, 34-7. University returns a solid core of 13 seniors this season, led by quarterback Nick Ariza who threw for 235 yards and four touchdowns against the Bullpups. Girls soccer The Titans finished 2025 at 8-46 overall, earning a No. 3 seed to districts where they lost to Mt. Spokane in the championship game. University earned a No. 12 seed to 3A state, losing in the first round to No. 5 Snohomish. University returns four seniors and three juniors from last year’s team but is looking to the future with seven sophomores along with a pair of freshmen. They are currently 2-4 overall, 1-1 in the GSL. Girls swimming Freshmen Aly and Ava Gardner compete in diving and sprint freestyle events while freshman Zoe Lederle competes in the individual medley and freestyle races. Head coach Kevin Eddy said sophomore Katy Khomenko was a late addition and lacks required practices at press time. When she does she will compete in diving and sprint freestyle. University had three swimmers compete for the first time in meet when they faced Cheney, Gonzaga Prep, Lewis and Clark, Medical Lake, Pullman and Ridgeline on Sept. 15. Lederle set school records in the 500 free and 100 back, both district qualifying times while Ava Gardner set school records in the 50 and 100 free events. The trio competed in the MidSee SPORTS SUPPLY, Page 33

OCTOBER 2026 • 31

The Current

"I’m running because this work matters. District Court is where most people experience the justice system, and those decisions affect real lives every day. I’m committed to applying the law with fairness, consistency, and respect for every person who comes before the court." - Michael Addams PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT MICHAEL R ADDAMS FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE PO BOX 8641 - SPOKANE, WA 99203

TRANSIT ON DEMAND APP-BASED SHARED RIDE BOOKING • SERVICE BEGINS THIS FALL

Coming soon to Latah Valley!

32

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

New Homes in Spokane, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene

BUILDING LASTING

COMMUNITIES for everyone to be a part of.

S CA N H E R E

FOR MORE INFO

greenstonehomes.com

Come see us in Liberty Lake

21808 E INDIANA AVE LIBERTY LAKE, WA 99019

509-425-0088

$98 New Patient Special

Includes Exam, X-Rays & Consultation Not valid with insurance or any other offer. Present coupon at the appointment. Expires 11/30/24. New patients only.

Dr. Cliff Cullings, DDS

SAME DAY EMERGENCY APPOINTMENTS • SEDATION AVAILABLE • INVISALIGN • ROOT CANALS & TOOTH REMOVAL KIDS OF ALL AGES WELCOME • DISCOUNTS WHEN YOU PAY SAME DAY

SA

OCTOBER 2026 • 33

The Current

SPORTS SUPPLY

Continued from page 30 Columbia Invitational hosted by Pasco High School on Sept. 19. Aly Gardner finished third in the Time Finals 6 Dives division with 95.05 points, a U-Hi school record. Ava Gardner was 14th with 68.55 points. Lederle set school records in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke with district qualifying times of 2:37.62 (21st) and 1:25.49 (35th). The Titans scored 19 points to finish 21st overall out of 41 teams at the meet, according to SwimCloud. com. Slowpitch softball The Titans are deadlocked in a battle with GSL power Mt. Spokane in just about everything — literally. Both teams are 7-0 in league competition, 9-0 overall and are 1-2 in the GSL standings — Mt. Spokane on top — and the 3A state RPI rankings. That will change on Sept. 28 when University traveled to face the Wildcats. The Titans also have a big game at GSL third-place Ridgeline and a cross Valley matchup with Central Valley. Led by seniors Ava Fleck Fry, Jaylene Shockman-Sewell, Grace Schneider, Cheyenne Kinswa and Ella Jensen, University is hoping to go one step further than last year’s runner-up finishes in the GSL and state 3A competition — losing both to Mt. Spokane. Volleyball The Titans have experience and depth with a team looking to improve on last year’s loser-out round loss at the 3A state tournament, finishing the year at 9-12 overall. University is led by seniors Camden Atwood, Jayna Smitham, Liberty Chagnon, Sierra Myers and Carmen De Leon Rodas along with eight juniors. At press time U-Hi was 2-3 overall, with GSL play slated to commence on Sept. 29 at Cheney. WEST VALLEY Cross country The Eagle boys placed 10th at 2A state last year after emerging as District 6 champions. If overall top 25 GSL times are an indication, they stand a good chance of repeating that feat in 2026. Six West Valley boys are ranked in the top 25 times so far, led by junior John Kiernan III in sixth at 15:53.4. Evan MacKenzie is eighth,

Laytin Hyde 10thEthan Shearer 13th, Ryder Chavez 21st and Anthony Berube 23rd. Seniors Aviana Marek and Eevi Kallio led the Eagle girls, with Marek fourth overall in 21:08.00 and Kallio 14th in 22:40.4 – both marks coming at the Nike XC Invitational Sept. 26. Football The Eagles fell short in their quest for a state title in 2025. After winning the GSL 2A title, West Valley face 13th-ranked Aberdeen in a District 1/2/3/4/5/6 game, emerging as a 48-7 winner. The win sent the No. 10 Eagles to the round of 16 where they faced sixth-ranked Lynden, falling 28-14 to the Lions and ending their season at 9-2 overall, 6-0 in the GSL. With 13 seniors back from that squad, it appears West Valley is again on track to defend its 2A GSL crown and reach the post season. The Eagles are 4-0 overall in 2026, 2-0 in league action, including a 42-14 win over rival East Valley Sept. 18. Girls soccer It’s hard to do better than what the Eagles did last year — not only going 22-0 to win the GSL and state 2A titles but also not giving up a single goal all season. West Valley returns two seniors from that team: midfielder Kailey Willis and defender Brielle White. They also field 11 juniors and a pair of sophomores who are looking to find their groove in 2026. West Valley is 2-3-2 so far, 1-0 in the GSL with a win over East Valley. Their losses have come against some challenging GSL 3A teams Cheney, Mt. Spokane and Ridgeline along with a tie against 4A Lewis and Clark. Volleyball The Eagles were third in the 2A GSL at press time at 3-1, 5-2 overall, with Clarkston and Pullman 1-2 respectively. Five seniors are back from the 2025 team that went 10-2 in the GSL but defeated Pullman for the District 6 crown, advancing to state where they defeated Bainbridge but lost to eventual state champion Lynden and then Tumwater to finish 16-5. Returning are seniors Abi Farina, Audri Gardner, Tala Gilcrist, Avery Spunich and Elora Smith. Cover photo courtesy of Erik Smith Photography. Please show your appreciation and support his work by visiting eriksmithphotography.com.

“RELIABLE EXPERIENCE. SERVING SPOKANE.” Supported by current County Clerk, Tim Fitzgerald

EXPERIENCE THAT DELIVERS

THE CLERK’S OFFICE IMPACTS As a retired Marine with 22 years of LIVES: service andREAL current Cheney Court

Administrator, I’ve dedicated my • Handles the records behind

family court, civil cases, and career to serving others. I’ll bring legal filings disciplined leadership and real-

world court experience to run the

• Makes sure court documents are filed correctly and available efficiently, expand access through when needed Spokane County Clerk’s Office

modern technology, and deliver

transparent, accountable service • Protects the integrity of

you can trust. Spokane County’s justice system NEITHER THE MILITARY INFORMATION NOR PHOTOGRAPHS IMPLY ENDORSEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS .

LEARN MORE AT VOTEDAVELUCAS.COM

PAID FOR BY VOTE DAVID LUCAS PO BOX 8790, SPOKANE,

WA 9920 3

34

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

Love The Current? Support our partners.

SV POLICE

Continued from page 25 theft (18%), traffic offenses (14%) and physical attacks (10%). Nearly half of respondents (48%) said the most common way for improving safety was increased patrol visibility.

The Current is committed to serving the Greater Spokane Valley area through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

ben@libertylakesplash.com

offering your patronage.

Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships with The Current and its partner publications:

danica@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Nina Culver, John McCallum,

The Valley Current P.O. Box 363

What wasn’t asked by the council might be as consequential as jail space: how the Police Department might be affected by possible staff reductions at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

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

style

THE

YO U WA NT

The county is facing a $30 million budget deficit, with the Sheriff’s Office share of that amounting to about $6 million. Sheriff John Nowels told a recent gathering of local officials that 85% of his budget goes towards employee salary and benefits.

community

LOVE “For meYOU to cover my budget, without additional revenue sources coming in, I would have to lay off almost 30% of my officers to cover that gap,” Nowels added.

Spokane Valley contracts with the county for law enforcement services. In the Sept. 29 interview, Ellis said department employees fall into two categories: dedicated and shared.

Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market • Tate Law Office Cline’s Heating and Air • HUB Sports Center

Most of department employees — including all patrol officers — GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY are dedicated and therefore “100%” Index of advertisers funded by Spokane Valley. Ellis said T HE YOU D E SE R VE Following are the local advertisers in this 42 employees, mostly investigators and issue of The Current. A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE other support staff, are shared with the county with salary and benefits mostly mes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls & Coeur d’Alene. Amaculate Housekeeping 15 HUB Sports Center 30 Spokane County Library District 35 split 50-50.

quality

Avanta Dental

32

Joyful Home & Life

5

Spokane Family Dental

e n Lake sto n eClub h o m e s3. c o m 10g r e Liberty Athletic Spokane Transit Authority Central Valley Citizens for Education23 Liberty Lake Farmer’s Market 3

9

Brenda McKinley

31

Central Valley School District

4

Michael Addams

31

Spokane Valley Arts Council

24

Central Valley Theatre

22

Mike Valerien

15

Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene 24

Cline’s Heating and Air

36

Orchard Crest

29

Dave Lucas

33

Preston McCallom

23

Eagle Rock Storage

10

Rachelle Miller

5

Greenstone

32

Simonds

36

Suzanne Schmidt

10

Tate Law Office

3

Thacker Orchard

Of note: This thank you message was produced by The Current’s advertising team, which works its tail off on behalf of partner businesses, helping them share their messages through advertisements. This is an independent function from The Current’s editorial team, which has its own evaluation process to determine the community news stories and features it pursues. For more information about a win-win partnership that expertly markets your business to thousands of readers (while making this home-grown community newspaper possible), email advertise@valleycurrent.com. With story ideas, contact editor@valleycurrent.com.

5

If the Sheriff’s Office had to resort to staff cuts to address the funding deficit, Ellis said the department would find ways to bring on as many of the shared employees as possible.

Danica Wick

CO OWNER

Most council comments after the presentation focused on thanking Ellis and his staff for their public safety work. Besides the question on retail theft, Wick asked if officers were still able to book offenders into the Spokane County Jail, given its overcrowding issues. Ellis said jail capacity goes up and down but so far Spokane Valley hadn’t been denied space.

advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when

Ben Wick

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

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.

The Current is brought to you by

Wick Enterprizes Submitted materials

Publishing House

Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to publisher@valleycurrent.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Current. Subscriptions Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses cost $20 for 12 issues. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions

must be received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month. Correction policy The Current strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 509242-7752 or by email to editor@valleycurrent.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery. Advertising information Display ad copy and camera-ready ads are due

“If the county would to that, we would just make them whole,” he said of shared employees. “That way it wouldn’t be a reduction in services to Spokane Valley.

by 5 p.m. on the 15th of the month for the following

Spokane County Board of Commissioners are discussing instituting a 0.01% sales tax to pay for law enforcement as part of deficit reduction. The city of Spokane recently indicated it is also looking at a similar tax to support law enforcement.

should be made in writing to the Better Business

month’s issue. Call 509-242-7752 for more information. Advertising integrity Inaccurate or deceptive advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about advertisers Bureau and to advertise@valleycurrent.com. The Current is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads. Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. All contents of The Current may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

OCTOBER 2026 • 35

The Current

SPOK ANE COUNT Y LIBR ARY DISTRICT

Library programs, materials, services offer support for caregivers, people with memory loss

every 10 adults over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia.

of new brain cells, which helps to offset the natural decline in neurons that occurs with age.

So, what is a Memory Café? This program offers a space for caregivers and people experiencing memory loss to connect and build support networks while participating in activities that cognitively engage the brain. Activities include listening to music, playing games, and doing crafts. This social time is an opportunity to make new friends and interact without fear of embarrassment or being misunderstood. Many also find it an avenue for sharing concerns and providing support.

For this reason, SCLD continues to add Stay Sharp Kits to the lending collection. Each Stay Sharp Kit includes items that stimulate brain activity, have multi-generational appeal, and are available for check out at scld.org/stay-sharp-kits.

Spokane County Library District (SCLD)

The Memory Café at Spokane Valley Library (22 N Herald Rd) is at 1:30pm on the second Monday of each month (October 12, November 9, and December 14, 2026).

By Jane Baker

Last year, SCLD began offering monthly Memory Cafés at Spokane Valley Library. And for years, the library has collaborated with educators from Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW) and the Alzheimer’s Association to offer workshops and informational sessions about memory loss, dementia, preventing falls, and other health and wellness topics. These sessions and classes have provided important resources for many in our community. In July 2025, population estimates have reported over 108,000 seniors in Spokane County. That number is expected to increase to 147,000 by 2030. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that approximately 1 out of

Other topics for fall library programs include “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” at Spokane Valley Library and online sessions to learn about “Communication & Behaviors with Dementia” and the “Dementia Friends Information Session”. The dates and times for these programs can be found on the library’s event calendar at scld.org/ wellness-events. There is no cure for dementia yet, and nothing is guaranteed to ensure that a person won’t get dementia. However, it has been proven that engaging in mentally stimulating activities can trigger the growth

These kits are a tool for creating pleasant, shared experiences while helping to keep cognitive abilities active for those affected by memory loss. Currently, SCLD has 110 kits available, covering 30 different themes, such as the history of flight, the ocean, movies, football, weather, Americana, and World War II history. You can also borrow books from the Aging Gracefully list curated by one of our collection development librarians at scld.org/aginggracefully. Titles on the list include books, both print and digital, as well as DVDs about physical activities, nutrition, brain health, and more. There are many activities, resources, and materials available at your local library to help caregivers, families, and people experiencing dementia and memory loss. If you are looking for something specific or you’re not sure where to begin, stop by your library and let us know. Our library employees are here to lend a hand and help you find useful resources.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Learn about the common signs of Alzheimer’s disease and how to talk to a doctor about them. SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd Wednesday, Oct 14, 2–3pm

Memory Café Connect with caregivers and others experiencing memory loss. Activities include music, crafts, and more. SPOKANE VALLEY LIBRARY 22 N Herald Rd 2nd Mondays, Oct 12, Nov 9 & Dec 14, 1:30–2:30pm

scld.org

36

• OCTOBER 2026

The Current

FREE

In Office Teeth Whitening

With purchase of New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning Offer expires 10/31/2026

Free Laughing Gas Always Available

CALL TODAY!

509-893-1119

22106 E. Country Vista Drive Suite D • Liberty Lake www.LibertyLakeDental.com Dr. Enoch Ross • Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper