Disaster Assistance Center Open

Urgent assistance is available for fire evacuees, so make your way to the Disaster Assistance Center today. Whether you need information, support, or resources, the center is here to help you during this challenging time.

A new in-person resource has become available for all those impacted by the Gray or Oregon Road Fires. The Spokane County Emergency Management’s Disaster Assistance Center will be open today, August 25th, at Spokane Falls Community College in Building 9. They will offer a helping hand to individuals and families impacted by the fires. The center serves as a hub for various state and local agencies, providing essential services, information, and support to those in need during these challenging times.

Elk, Deer Park, and its surrounding areas have faced an unprecedented challenge with the Oregon Road Fire. As these wildfires continue to affect the lives of numerous residents, the Disaster Assistance Center is stepping up to offer a wide range of services. The center will be operational from noon until 6pm.

Spokane Falls Community College is located at 3305 W Whistalks Way in Spokane. There is wheelchair accessibility, and interpreters will be available upon request for individuals requiring interpretation services.

The center’s primary objective is to provide accurate and up-to-date information to the affected individuals. This includes not only immediate disaster response but also long-term recovery efforts. The collective expertise of various agencies ensures that questions are answered, resources are distributed, and aid is accessible to everyone who requires it.

In addition, Spokane Falls Community College is currently serving as one of the two Red Cross shelters, with the second located at Riverside High School, 4120 E Deer Park Milan Road, Chattaroy, WA. Since the fires started, these shelters have provided over 780 overnight stays and served more than 300 meals and snacks to evacuees.

For the latest updates and official information, individuals can visit DEM’s Facebook page at FB.me/GEGEmergencyMgt or their website at Spokanecounty.org/4579/Emergency-Management.

Disaster Assistance Center, Gray Fire, Oregon Road Fire, Red Cross, Riverside High School, Spokane County Emergency Management, Spokane Falls Community College

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In Memory of Don/Donnie Gilmore

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Donald “Donnie” Eugene Gilmore of Deer Park, Washington, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 73. He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 22, 1952. In 1973, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for two years. In 1983, he graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington University. Don was a beloved teacher at Springdale Elementary for 25 years. He even got to teach his two sons when they were in the fifth grade (much to their chagrin!). He retired in 2015. Don was married to Denise
Wurz (Lesmeister) from 1983 to 1995.

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One of a kind is what most people stated about Luitgard (Margaret), and that is truly what she was! She was born in Bamberg, Germany, to Johann and Betty Wagner, as the second child. She had an older brother, Hans, and a younger sister, Elfriede.

Luitgard was trained as a seamstress in school and worked making men’s suits, among other things. She met the love of her life, Albert Leroy Griffin, in 1951, and they were married on December 6th, 1952.

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Dr. Lyons began his academic career at Loon Lake Grade School and graduated from Deer Park High School in 2005. He went on to earn his Associate of Arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho before serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Western Ukraine.

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Poetry Slam Series: Unleashing The Power of Words

Local high school students take the stage to share their original poetic works and compete for prizes. The Spokane County Library has announced three poetry slam events this March and April.

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Disaster Declared In Oregon Road Fire

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster as a result of last summer’s Oregon Road Fire. The declaration, welcomed by Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, brings federal assistance to supplement recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires.

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Deer Park