Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Jeanette Hauck, YWCA Spokane’s CEO, will retire at the end of the year and the board has launched a nationwide search for her replacement.

She began at the organization in 2011, served as interim CEO during COVID-19, and was confirmed as CEO in 2021 — growing the staff and expanding services.

Spokane Valley Deputies responded on May 24 at 9:40 p.m. to a reported theft on the 15600 block of E.

Sprague where 58-year-old Donald E. Tibbitts Jr.—who tossed merchandise in the parking lot and jumped a fence—left without paying and was booked into jail for felony and misdemeanor theft charges.

Scammers targeted grieving Spokane families by circulating fake obituaries, cloning funeral websites, misusing online donation platforms, and stealing bronze headstones, and funeral director Andrew Adams—who has over 20 years of experience—said these scams were reported on May 28th at 6:32 p.m. and urged families to be cautious.

Spokane County Deputies responded to a welfare check on May 27 at 3:25 a.m. after an anonymous tip indicated that 39-year-old convicted felon Zachary J.

Hawthorne was near a protected person's home in violation of a domestic violence order—after his erratic driving in his Acura, officers used automatic license plate readers and spike strips to stop him before arresting him on new felony charges.

Spokane Valley Fire Department will offer free yard debris disposal this weekend to reduce wildfire risk as residents drop off yard waste at Redeemer Lutheran Church on South Schafer Road plus Liberty Lake Business Park on East Appleway Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 31.

The Department of Natural Resources removed 250 acres of trees from Dishman Hills natural area to cut wildfire risk for the upcoming summer.

The project began in October and was a joint effort with the Spokane County Parks Department — the work also reduces water and nutrient competition in the area.

Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new law on May 28—designed to help customers fix their electronics— that will require manufacturers to provide independent repair shops with the necessary tools, parts, and technical information for devices sold after July 1 and extend similar rules to mobility devices effective January 1.

A 10-year-old Rottweiler underwent a life-saving surgery at WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital on May 28th to remove an aggressive cancerous tumor from his snout so that he could breathe better, and his owner Gavin Rogers said he looked much improved after the operation.

Dr. Pete Welsh led the procedure—removing part of Howie’s snout and reconstructing his muzzle to reduce infection risk and extend his time with his family.

Hillsboro Hops at Spokane Indians

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Avista Stadium — Tickets required — Enjoy a fun-filled night of baseball with lively promotions including SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night.

Spokane Indians Baseball Game Night

7:05 p.m. — Avista Stadium — $5 plus fees — Experience a magical evening with baseball, princesses, and a fireworks show.

The Farm Chicks Vintage & Handmade Fair

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — $10 entry good all weekend — Discover hundreds of curated vintage and handmade goods in a vibrant fair atmosphere.

Mastermind Connect Event

2-4:30 p.m. — Burbity Workspaces - Sullivan Valley Commons — $50 — Engage in expert-led discussions and mentorship for business growth.

Filipino-American Friendship Day Celebration

1-4 p.m. — Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant Filipino culture with food, music, and fun activities for all ages.

Everett AquaSox vs. Spokane Indians

1-2:35 p.m. — Avista Stadium — Tickets available — Catch the exciting live baseball action as the Everett AquaSox take on the Spokane Indians.