Good morning, Spokane Valley.

Cherry Hill Orchard and Market reopened on Wednesday in Green Bluff for cherry picking after a brutal cold last winter killed the buds that halted last year’s crop—families gathered to pick from abundant acres and enjoyed local vendor offerings inside the big red barn.

Spokane Valley will host the Cops & Kids Car Show on August 23 at Balfour Park, 105 N.

Balfour Road from 4—7 p.m.—families can meet police officers, check out patrol cars and a police helicopter, and enjoy a motorcycle rodeo, drone demonstration, kids’ activities, music and food trucks. A school supply drive will collect donations for children in need.

On July 10, deputies in north Spokane arrested a 27-year-old for DUI & eluding law enforcement after he swerved across lanes to avoid a traffic stop and was later taken to the hospital for testing.

Spokane man Chad Horn, 37, with a history of arson, was arrested Wednesday night near Liberty for allegedly setting six fires near downtown.

The National Weather Service in Spokane issued a Red Flag Warning from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. PDT Monday as hot, dry conditions and gusty winds raise the risk for rapid fire spread.

Firefighters have battled the Western Pines fire that burned over 5,812 acres with 0 percent containment on July 13 while some evacuation orders were eased to Level 1 (with Level 3 evacuations still in effect).

Crews will continue to strengthen fire lines along the southern perimeter today and monitor weather conditions that may raise fire activity (residents are urged to remain alert).

A Spokane rancher lost his 150-acre property near Kettle Falls when the Hope Fire burned 6,500 acres with 0% containment, causing about $450,000 in damage to multiple buildings—he is monitoring the loss with game cameras as evacuation orders remain in effect.

The Spokane City Council will conduct a first reading of a proposed ordinance today that may ban short-term rentals in new apartments receiving the MFTE tax break—developers must include affordable housing units.

Officials say the measure will ensure these units meet long-term housing needs and comply with state law.

Spokane voters will soon decide on a measure to join the aquifer protection area that adds a $15 annual fee for single-family homes—funding water monitoring and prevention against pollutants like PFAS for over 500,000 people.

If approved by Aug. 5, collection will begin in 2026.

CRAVE! Northwest Food Festival

6-9 p.m. — CenterPlace Regional Event Center — Admission varies — Celebrate the culinary creativity of regional chefs at this three-day food extravaganza.

Spokane Scottish Highland Games

2:00 – 10:30 AM — Spokane County Fair and Expo Center — Check event website for entry fees — Celebrate Scottish culture with music, athletics, and dance.