Good morning, Spokane Valley.

A Spokane nonprofit has helped people facing homelessness find work through tasks like painting and construction—allowing them to learn skills and move toward stable housing.

It employs 65 workers and faces a waitlist of over 500 people as it seeks more projects to grow its program.

On October 16th, inmates at Airway Heights Corrections Center donated more than 7,000 pounds of pumpkins to Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane—DOC staff helped deliver the pumpkins as children and families chose theirs.

Inmates grew over 700 pumpkins in an agricultural program that teaches job skills and helps them give back to the community.

Washington State University announced that KWSU-TV, serving the Spokane market, will cease operations by the end of the year to cut $1.8 million in annual costs—union talks are underway to address the impact on employees.

The decision by the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and Northwest Public Broadcasting leaders comes as the station faces steep funding declines while its radio operations will continue.

Burn restrictions are lifted today in Spokane County due to improved weather—campfires are now allowed in unincorporated areas, Spokane and Spokane Valley, but fire sizes must be limited and kept 25 feet from any building.

Local officials noted fair weather reduces risks, although burning may be halted later if air quality worsens.

Spokane Valley announced significant progress on the Pines Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project at Pines Road and Trent Avenue as BNSF completed a new mainline bridge in less than 24 hours in late September and finished a second railway bridge this week.

City contractors have begun the roadway work that will be completed by spring—a $48 million project 90% funded by state and federal grants that is expected to ease traffic delays and create nearly 9,000 jobs.

The City of Spokane's new street outreach teams—formed in partnership with Catholic Charities—cleared 96 encampments from October 7th to October 14th, and most people accepted help with housing or behavioral health services.

Spokane 311 will add a reporting feature next week that lets residents call 311 to quickly send help.

A local nonprofit installed 29 benches at Spokane bus stops three weeks ago to boost safety and comfort and now asks Transit Authority to add cheap temporary benches until permanent ones are built.

At a Thursday board meeting, the group noted that each bench (about $60) offers a low-cost fix while riders wait for long-term improvements.

Health experts in Spokane advise residents to get their annual flu shot before the winter season begins.

Most insurance plans offer the shot at little to no cost while out-of-pocket expenses may range from $30 to $100, and options like GoodRx coupons and a state vaccine program could help lower costs though a federal government shutdown may affect service.

IMPACT hosted its annual behavioral health resource fair at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino Pend Oreille pavilion on October 16 — the event brought together over 100 organizations and local professionals to enhance access to behavioral health services — and held a fundraiser dinner from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with $75 tickets.

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.

Immunization Clinic at CHAS Health Valley

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — CHAS Valley Medical Clinic — Call to schedule or walk in — Get your flu shot at this community-focused vaccination event.