Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Spokane Valley will get a new two-sheet ice rink next to Sullivan Park later in 2027 as a mystery benefactor invests about $44 million—pending final land lease talks.

City manager John Hohman and local skating experts say the facility will ease overcrowding and expand community ice sports programs.

John Coy, a contractor installing laundry facilities at the Navigation Center, hosted a barbecue today for about 100 people experiencing homelessness.

He said his past challenges motivate him to give back and brighten the day for those using the center.

WSU medical school dean James Record will step down as dean in the coming months — he will remain as a professor at the Spokane-based Elson S.

Floyd College of Medicine — and WSU will launch a national search for a successor.

Spokane Transit Commission voted to reduce lanes on Grand Boulevard between 14th and 29th Avenue next year and add a middle turn lane on the South Hill to cut crashes by 24 percent, though travel times may rise by 30 seconds+1 minute.

Spokane Regional Health District said most measles cases are linked to an outbreak among unvaccinated children in Snohomish County and some local schools show 70%–80% vaccination rates (raising group spread concerns); officials urged parents to check records and follow state alerts.

An outbreak of scabies at Airway Heights Correctional Center affected 19 inmates in January, and all have been treated; no new cases were reported on Feb.

20 as officials continue to monitor the situation.

Chantal Brommer, a Spokane mother who battled ALS, donated her organs at Providence Sacred Heart in 2025 on what would have been her 25th wedding anniversary, saving three lives and setting a record for organ donations in Washington (her donation contributed to a 24% increase in organs transplanted nationwide).

Medical Lake gymnast Dylan Stoltz (a sophomore) placed fifth all-around at the state gymnastics meet Friday at Sammamish High School and qualified for Saturday’s bars and floor finals despite a bloody nose.

Mt. Spokane also finished sixth in the team competition, showing promise in a season of highs and lows.

The Mt. Spokane boys basketball team overcame several setbacks including injuries to win Friday’s District 6 3A championship game 72-57 against the University Titans, securing improved state seeding.

Senior Jaceten Reijonen and sophomore Tysen Lewis each scored 16 points + coach David Wagenblast praised the team’s resilience.

Gonzaga hosts Pacific at 6 p.m. today at McCarthey Athletic Center as the Zags chase a top WCC seed with two wins needed in three games.

Pacific, now ranked 110 on KenPom, shows significant improvement under coach Dave Smart and Gonzaga will face Portland four days later.

University High cheer team qualified for nationals on Dec.

12 but did not attend because halted fundraising and miscommunication over funds left only select members able to cover travel expenses for the competition in Anaheim, California. Parents and student-athletes expressed deep disappointment over the missed opportunity.

Spokane Home & Yard Show

Feb 26 – Mar 1 — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Check for admission details — Explore hundreds of home and yard displays as spring arrives early.

Rapid Rabbit Run (5 mi)

10 a.m. — East Valley High School — Registration fee required — Participate in a lively 5-mile run with live and virtual options.