Newest Deer Park City Council Members & Mayor Take Oath

Reciting the Oath Of Office from left to right, Jason Upchurch, Tim Verzal, and Heather Newsom.

Two new leaders are taking office in Deer Park as 2021 comes to a close. Mayor Tim Verzal was also re-elected to continue his mayoral role for an additional four years.

A brief ceremony at City Hall took place on December 22nd to swear in Council members Jason Upchurch and Heather Newsom as new members and Mayor Tim Verzal. The new group of elected officials will hold their first regular scheduled City Council Meeting on January 5th.

Oath Of Office
Deer Park’s elected officers are required to recite and sign the oath of office. The signed oath is filed with the county auditor.

I _______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a citizen of the United States and State of Washington; that I am legally qualified to assume the office of City of Deer Park – ______________; that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of this office, to the best of my ability.

Deer Park City Council, Heather Newsom, Jason Upchurch, Tim Verzal

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Abigail Joy Hill

June 20, 2025

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!

Long-time Deer Park resident, 1950 – 2006

June 18, 2025

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.

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

April 17, 2025

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.

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

April 16, 2025

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

April 15, 2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

April 15, 2025

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

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A Chicken & Egg Problem

Due to a nationwide egg shortage, Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture appointed by President Trump, suggested on Fox News that one solution could be for some families to raise backyard chickens. This marks the second major egg shortage in the past five years. The first, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was driven by hoarding and delivery disruptions, while the current shortage is primarily due to Bird Flu and industrial farming practice

March 18, 2025

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.

September 17, 2024

Deer Park