Good morning, Spokane Valley.

The West Plains Chamber of Commerce & First Interstate Bank will host a community food drive on October 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Airway Heights branch to collect nonperishable items for the Fairchild Food Pantry, which supports military families at Fairchild Air Force Base affected by the federal shutdown.

Siemers Farm Festival will offer families in Greenbluff fall fun with a corn maze, bouncy castle and train ride until October 26.

Tickets will be available in person for $8 or online for $10 and children two and under will get in free—honoring 25 years of family tradition at the farm.

Second Harvest is preparing for increased demand as more local families, many for the first time, seek food assistance ahead of the holidays.

President Drew Meuer said that while shelves were stocked Monday afternoon, a shortage of shelf-stable and protein items remains a challenge — potential USDA funding delays due to a federal shutdown could worsen supply issues.

A crash blocked the eastbound Division Street off-ramp on I-90 in Spokane — a semi truck is stuck while individuals at the scene try to change a tire and drivers face delays.

Jubilant HollisterStier has started commercial production on its third sterile fill-finish line at its Spokane facility by producing its first batch.

The new line boosts capacity by 50% in a $285 million expansion project and a planned fourth line will create 400 jobs by the end of 2026—strengthening local manufacturing.

Indigenous Peoples Day honors Native heritage by featuring exhibits, podcasts, and films that tell Native stories, plus art, music, and business work that show their current voice.

The day invites visitors to learn about long-standing traditions and modern efforts that keep Indigenous culture alive.

Governor Bob Ferguson announced a $700,000 investment from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund to boost Washington’s apple and timber industries — $250,000 will expand Mercer Mass Timber LLC’s facility in Spokane Valley to help create at least 270 jobs statewide.

Washington state invested $700,000 yesterday to support its apple and timber industries and create at least 270 new jobs, Governor Bob Ferguson said.

The funds will be divided—$250,000 to prep a new apple processing site in Sunnyside, $200,000 for Forks Industrial Park upgrades, and $250,000 to expand a manufacturing facility in Spokane Valley.

Spokane Public Schools has opened an outdoor learning space today at Hillyard Community Campus where students and teachers learn about environmental issues and support wellness—local groups, the City of Spokane Urban Forestry and SPS staff built the space—and first classes from On Track Academy, Shaw Middle School and Regal Elementary will use the area.

KXLY has provided tips for families affected by the federal shutdown to help them access government support and manage finances during delayed services — the guidance outlines steps for finding local assistance and budgeting until operations resume.

An anonymous local donor has pledged $44 million to build a 65,000-square-foot ice rink on 11 acres north of Sullivan Park in Spokane Valley.

Innovia presented the proposal at a Sept 30 city council meeting, and the project — which includes NHL-sized ice sheets, a 120-room hotel, and commercial space — is set to break ground next spring.

Folk Bird Quilting Workshop with Heather Black

5:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. — Spokane Fairgrounds — Quilt Kit required — Create a delightful family of modern birds in this hands-on quilt workshop.

Cozy Village Quilting Workshop with Fran Gulick

5:30 p.m. — The Quilting Bee — Registration required — Learn to create a modern quilt with three dynamic house block patterns under expert guidance.

Wild Moose Chase Trail Run

8 AM — Riverside State Park — Entry fee applies — Experience one of the best trail runs in the Pacific Northwest with options for 5k, 10k, and 25k races.

Manufacturing Suppliers Expo

8:00 AM - 5:30 PM — Mirabeau Park Hotel & Convention Center — Cost info not provided — Connect with key players in the regional manufacturing industry at this annual expo.