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  • Masonic Lodge charity

    Temple Lodge No. 42, Special to the Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 19, 2024

    Chrystal Ortega of Feed Spokane receives matching funds check from Washington Masonic Services. The lodge donated $1,000 to the organization that helps indigent residents throughout Spokane and the surrounding communities....

  • Warmest Christmas since 2005 possible

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Dec 19, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – Area residents hoping for a snowy Christmas may be disappointed this year. According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Spokane, the area is set to have warmer temperatures and even some rain. “It’s a little far out, but it looks like temperatures will be in the low 40s,” said Daniel Butler, meteorologist with the Weather Service. “We should see some rain in the evening.” While Christmas without snow may feel unusual, Butler said it happens more often than people think. “For Spokane, 67%...

  • Sen. Holy pushes to hire more officers

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 19, 2024

    OLYMPIA – A new bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, seeks to boost public safety by increasing the number of police officers across Washington. Holy's proposal, Senate Bill 5060, asks for $100 million to create a grant program, to help local and tribal governments hire police officers. The funding would come from the state general fund. "Crime is a growing problem in our state," said Holy. "Washington ranks among the worst states in several categories, including m...

  • Drug trafficker gets 10 years in prison

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 19, 2024

    SPOKANE – A Spokane Valley woman has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for illegally distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Shannon Ray Ault, 38, was sentenced on Dec. 17 by U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke. In addition to her prison sentence of 10 years, Ault will serve five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Ault was caught in February of this year when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted a “controlled buy” of two pounds of methamphetamine. The o...

  • Council debates cannabis tax revenue

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 19, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – Councilman Al Merkel advocated for a greater share of cannabis tax revenue for Spokane Valley during the special 2025 legislative preparation session of the council meeting this Tuesday evening. Under current law, only 5% of statewide cannabis tax revenue is distributed to cities and counties. Spokane Valley supports increasing the local portion to 20%. “We join other communities in supporting a 20% increase in direct distribution to cities and counties,” Merkel announced. He clarified, stating, “We’r...

  • Fire Department holds safety event

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 18, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) is hosting a fire safety demonstration to show the dangers of dry Christmas trees and teach families how to reduce fire risks during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 160 Christmas tree fires annually, which causes $12 million in property damage and results in at least one death for every 32 incidents. The longer a tree remains in the home, the more likely it is to dry out and b...

  • Free event highlights local nonprofits

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Dec 4, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to attend its annual Nonprofit Showcase on Friday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 North Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. This free event will highlight the work of local nonprofit organizations and offers an opportunity to network with people who are passionate about giving back to the community. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while learning about local volunteer o...

  • Council drama marks budget approval

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The city council’s approval of its 2025 budget last Tuesday was overshadowed by sharp exchanges and ongoing tensions between councilman Al Merkel and his colleagues. The budget, which totals $149.6 million across 31 funds, passed with a 6-1 vote, with Merkel casting the lone dissent. The meeting marked the third and final public hearing on the 2025 budget. Finance Director Chelsie Walls highlighted key points, including a General Fund expenditure of $67.7 million, a planned reduction of two full-time emp...

  • Deputies hunt shooting suspect

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE – Spokane County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives have recently partnered up with the U.S. Marshal’s regional Violent Offender Task force in order to locate and arrest Jordan G. Fleming, the suspect in a Nov. 17 shooting at the Big Foot Tavern in north Spokane. Fleming, 30 years old, is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities advise residents to not approach him. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $750 for information that leads to his arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800...

  • Two booked for tire burglary

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley Deputies arrested two men early Monday morning after they were caught stealing tires from a local business on North Fancher Road. The suspects, Hector N. Palomera-Tapia, 40, and Malcolm L. Kaisi, 32, were pushing shopping carts loaded with stolen tires when apprehended. Both men were booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of second-degree burglary and third-degree theft. The incident occurred on Nov. 25, at around 2:40 am. Deputies w...

  • Transgender athletes divide school board

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The Central Valley School Board held a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 to discuss transgender athletes in girls’ sports, drawing a large and vocal crowd. After a lengthy discussion, the board passed a resolution and sent a letter asking the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to reconsider its current policy, which allows athletes to play on teams that match their gender identity. The resolution passed 3-1, with one member abstaining. A similar letter to the WIAA and state law...

  • Valley hospital earns safety award

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – MultiCare Valley Hospital has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that rates hospitals for patient safety, announced Kevin Maloney in a newsletter on Nov. 18. Maloney is the media relations manager for MultiCare Health System’s Inland Northwest Region The grade is based on more than 30 safety measures, including the prevention of medical errors, infections, and injuries. Leapfrog rates hospitals with grades from A to F based on their safety protocols and res...

  • Spokane County Sheriff's Office earns honor

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 26, 2024

    SPOKANE – The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has been recognized for achieving the highest professional standards in law enforcement. Last week the office earned accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) during the group's Fall Conference. The WASPC accreditation process, which spans multiple months, involves a seven-phase review to ensure that agencies meet the association's high standards. These include effective a...

  • Veterans honored for service in Washington

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 14, 2024

    OLYMPIA – The Governor’s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) has recognized exemplary service to veterans and their families through the 2024 Outstanding Service to Veterans Awards. These awards honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support to veterans across Washington State. The recipients will be formally celebrated at the Auburn Veterans Day Parade luncheon for their contributions. These awards fall into three categories, each focusing on different aspects of ser...

  • Election 2024

    Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 14, 2024

    — Editor’s note: The tally below represents the updated unofficial count of the Nov. 5 general election. Late-arriving ballots will continue to be counted through certification on Nov. 26. CHENEY — Here are the unofficial tallies in teh Nov. 5 general election as of press time this week: Iniatives 2066 Yes 51.62% No 48.38% 2109 Yes 35.94% No 64.06% 2117 Yes 37.99% No 62.01% 2124 Yes 44.58% No 55.42% U.S. President Harris/Walz 57.31% Trump/Vance 38.81% Kennedy/Shanahan 1.37% Stein/Ware 0.73% Oliver/ ter Maat 0.41% U.S. Senat...

  • Woman claims pants, drugs not hers

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 14, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – A Spokane Valley Deputy arrested a woman after she allegedly tossed a bag of suspected methamphetamine and then claimed she didn't own the pants she was wearing. The incident took place on Nov. 10, around 9:05 am, when the deputy spotted a suspicious red Ford Focus parked on private property near East Mansfield Avenue and North Robie Street. The deputy approached 48-year-old Martha A. White, who was digging through the car's passenger side. She claimed to be f...

  • Local school levy gains voter support

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 14, 2024

    SPOKANE VALLEY – The West Valley School District's safety and security replacement levy is passing with 58.89% of votes in favor as of Nov. 12. The measure, Proposition No. 1, will help fund important updates and repairs across the district. According to Spokane County Elections Manager Mike McLaughlin, 11,144 ballots have been counted for this measure so far, with 6,640 votes supporting it and 4,594 against. Another 749 ballots still need to be counted, while 81 ballots w...

  • News Briefs

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 14, 2024

    Missing Spokane teen found safe SPOKANE COUNTY – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported that 16-year-old Naomi G. Berry, who was previously reported missing on Oct. 29, has been found safe this Tuesday. Berry was last seen leaving her home near East Upriver Drive and North Farr Road, and her family had expressed concerns about her safety. After days of searching, the Sheriff’s Office announced that Berry was found safe and thanked the public for their assistance. Valley Viewer puts property info online SPOKANE VALLE...

  • Scotties hold off Broncos in 'mudbowl'

    Roger Harnack, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 7, 2024

    RITZVILLE - The Bronco boys football team kept pace with the No. 4-ranked Freeman Scotties on Friday night, Nov. 1, but they just couldn't get points on the board. The Scotties won, 20-0, on a wet, muddy Jimmy Snider Field. "If wish we could find a way to break through," Broncos Coach Brandan Bermea said. "But I'm really proud of our guys." Freeman Coach Mike McKeown also praised the Broncos for a great game. It was a fun way to end our season, coming into a different...

  • Serrano trailing in AG race

    Roger Harnack, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 7, 2024

    PASCO — State Attorney General candidate Pete Serrano is keeping his spirits high as he watches ballots return over the next several days in the Nov. 5 general election. Early returns Tuesday night, showed Serrano trailing Nick Brown; the two are vying to replace Bob Ferguson, who is running for governor. The unofficial early tally showed Brown with 1,412,902 votes (56.47%) and Serrano with 1,087,107 (43.45%). Brown was leading in 10 counties; Serrano in 28, including 19 of the 20 in Eastern Washington. At press time, C...

  • State senator district #4 race

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 7, 2024

    SPOKANE COUNTY – Ted Cummings, Democratic candidate for Washington State House in Legislative District 4, expressed strong disappointment in the outcome of his race and broader election results, citing concerns over the political direction among voters. “I’m very disappointed,” Cummings stated in an interview Tuesday evening. “I had hoped that people would have rejected this whole MAGA Republican movement and vote in their own best interest. But people are okay with supporting hate and outright lies.” With election re...

  • State representative legislative house district #4 race

    Clare McGraw, Cheney Free Press|Updated Nov 7, 2024

    WASHINGTON – Leonard Christian expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm following his likely victory Tuesday evening, stating, “I just am excited to get to work, really humbled and appreciate and thank the voters, and all the people who helped us get here. Couldn’t have done it without a good team.” With a comfortable lead at 63% of the vote, Christian noted his respect for his opponent, saying, “I’d really like to thank my opponent; he kept it clean, and was a very nice young man to have in the race. I wish him the best....

  • State senator legislative district #4 race

    CLARE McGRAW, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 6, 2024

    WASHINGTON – Leonard Christian expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm following his likely victory Tuesday evening, stating, “I just am excited to get to work, really humbled and appreciate and thank the voters, and all the people who helped us get here. Couldn’t have done it without a good team.” With a comfortable lead at 63% of the vote, Christian noted his respect for his opponent, saying, “I’d really like to thank my opponent; he kept it clean, and was a very nice young man to have in the race. I wish him the best....

  • State representative legislative house district #4 race

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Nov 6, 2024

    SPOKANE COUNTY – Ted Cummings, Democratic candidate for Washington State House in Legislative District 4, expressed strong disappointment in the outcome of his race and broader election results, citing concerns over the political direction among voters. “I’m very disappointed,” Cummings stated in an interview Tuesday evening. “I had hoped that people would have rejected this whole MAGA Republican movement and vote in their own best interest. But people are okay with supporting hate and outright lies.” With election re...

  • News Briefs

    Clare McGraw, Valley News Herald|Updated Oct 31, 2024

    Pedestrian injured in crash east of Spokane SPOKANE – On Oct. 28 at approximately 8:50 am, a serious injury occurred on W206 Peone Road, about six miles east of Spokane. The incident involved two vehicles and resulted in injuries to a pedestrian. The injured pedestrian, who was identified as 53-year-old Paul Weber, from Spokane, was injured after being struck while WSDOT workers were loading a dead animal onto a truck. Weber was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. The truck driver, Kenneth Massender, 75,...

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