Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Camping reservations for Liberty Lake Regional Park are now open and residents can plan their outdoor adventures by booking online.

State Bank Northwest and local businesses in Eastern Washington say customers still use pennies as transactions remain unchanged after the U.S. Mint ended penny production on Nov.

12. Some branches now limit penny purchases+others plan to round change when supply runs low.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture unveiled its new permanent sculpture “Untitled” by Deborah Butterfield on Wednesday morning.

The donation — made by the Jim Knox family — features a driftwood horse cast in bronze and will serve as a landmark addition to the museum.

Spokane Valley welcomed its new mayor as Laura Padden replaced Pam Haley on January 7.

City officials say Padden will lead local government with fresh priorities for community needs.

Liberty Lake Library has been at capacity since it moved in 2009, with three bond measures and a 2025 advisory vote delaying a new facility.

Community assessments show a need for more space, and City Council will decide when to revisit the project.

Local health officials report that flu symptoms are at the highest levels seen in 25 years.

They advise residents to monitor their health (caution urged by clinics) and seek care if symptoms persist.

SpokAnimal remains closed and quarantined due to a respiratory virus affecting dogs (15 of 30 animals are sick, with two euthanized), and while some are recovering, no reopening date has been set.

Spokane-area ski resorts received fresh snowfall on Wednesday—Silver Mountain recorded 16 inches, Mt. Spokane got 12 inches and Lookout Pass had 15 inches—and skiers will see more snowfall by Thursday morning.

The Zags are preparing for a tough home game against Santa Clara tonight at their arena.

Local fans can expect a competitive atmosphere as the team gears up for a challenging matchup.