Deer Park, Washington, United States

Deer Park

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New Council Members Made Official

The year 2020 for Deer Park started off with the swearing in of three City Council members. Caleb Stapp won the election with 694 votes (his opponent, Heather Newsom had 488), Helen Dee Cragun won with 558 votes (her opponent, Carla J. Philips had 548 votes), and Ron Scholz ran unopposed. Cragun has been a member of the City Council for the past 22 years; by the time of the next election, it will be her 26th year as a councilwoman. Stapp and Scholz are both new to the City Council. Scholz took Position 5, Stapp took 4, and Cragun remains in Position 2.

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Typewriter with paper reading "Letters to the Editor"

Establishing A City Police Department In Deer Park

Every few years the subject of establishing a city police department in Deer Park
makes the rounds on social media, local papers, and even the floor of the City Council.
Since the late 70’s when the city disbanded it’s own department and contracted with
the county, well meaning people have thought that it “seems” like we could fund our
own department for what we are paying the county.

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Typewriter with paper reading "Letters to the Editor"

Letter of support for Roger Krieger, Fire Commissioner, Spokane County Fire District 4.

As past Fire Chiefs of Spokane County Fire District 4 spanning the past 30 plus years, we strongly support the reelection of Roger Krieger for Fire District Four (4) Fire Commissioner.

Having worked with and for Commissioner Krieger we have personally witnessed and have firsthand knowledge of Commissioner Krieger’s professional behavior, leadership proficiency and dedication to his community.

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Deer Park Man Missing – Officials Seeking Information

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies are seeking public assistance to locate 72-year-old Harry A. Ballman, who was reported missing from his Deer Park home on July 7, 2025. Ballman, who suffers from dementia and other health concerns, was last seen on July 6 and his family is gravely concerned for his welfare amidst rising temperatures. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Crime Check immediately.

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Abigail Joy Hill

Abigail Joy Hill, born July 31st, 2003, was tragically killed in a head on collision on Hwy 395 on Father’s Day June 15th, 2025. She is survived by her father (Dan Hill), mother (Theresa Hill), and 5 siblings (Teresa Polensky, Brett Hill, Elizabeth Moshe, Carissa Curtis, and Jason Hill), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She will be severely missed by all!

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Long-time Deer Park resident, 1950 – 2006

The two most important things to Jannis were her relationship to Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and her family.  Jannis was born in Oakesdale, Washington on April 14, 1928, and passed away peacefully in Spokane on May 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A and Edna (Hall) Crow, her husband M Dean Snook, and her two siblings Robert (Mac) Crow and Jerrene Holling.  Jannis learned hard work and gratitude for family values as she helped cook and clean for the large farm crews connected to dry land wheat farming of the 1930s-1940s.  She attended WSU (known as WSC at the time) and completed her BS in Home Economics plus her BA in Education in 1950-51.

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Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

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Ellen Standen Profile Photo

An Interview With Council Member Ellen Standen

Ellen Standen, a Deer Park resident since 1974, shares her journey from Northern California to her current role on the Deer Park City Council. With a long and varied history of service to the community, she reflects on the town’s growth and her aspirations for its future.

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Deer Park City Council Expands To Seven Members

Deer Park’s city council has expanded from five to seven members in response to the city’s population growth, reaching 5,000 residents. Ross Hall, a former teacher and coach, and Chase Vining, a local business owner, were appointed to serve through 2025.

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