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News
Hayden Lake Stake welcomes new presidency
By Gloria Warnick, Staff WriterShare:  
July 12, 2010 — A new Stake Presidency was called for the Hayden Lake Idaho Stake earlier this year.
Dirk A. Baird, a physical therapist and owner of the Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and Aquatic Center, was called as stake president. President Baird previously served as bishop of the Hayden Lake Third Ward. He selected Grant Oyler as first counselor and David Alan Asper as second counselor.
Pictured, left to right: Grant Oyler, 1st Counselor, President Dirk K Baird, and David Alan Asper, 2nd Counselor. Contributed Photo.
President Oyler was serving as a counselor in the Stake Presidency when the change occurred. He has previously served as a bishop and is works as a construction contractor. President Asper also previously served as bishop of the Dalton Gardens Ward. He is retired from the Idaho State Department of Transportation. Brother Jim Ferguson remains the stake clerk and Brother Glen K. Seely was called as the stake executive secretary.
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News
Growth, fellowship mark development of Spokane's Spanish Branch
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
June 14, 2010 — "For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language..."D&C 90:11
Joseph Smith received this revelation in March of 1833, and now 177 years later, one small fulfillment of this revelation is thriving in the Indiana (Spanish) Branch of the Spokane Washington West Stake.
The branch membership on the day it was officially organized in 2008. Photo by Elder Julio E. Davila.
President Richard Lee, who learned to speak Spanish while serving a mission in Guatemala, makes it very clear that the main purpose of the branch is to follow this revelation from the Lord, and not to create any sort of isolation among the members.
"We are here to teach the gospel in their own language and to help them progress," he said. "Many of our members struggle to fit in to an English-speaking ward, because interpreting is a very tiring process."
Cande Lopez, a member of the branch, simply says, "When you listen in your own language, you can feel it more."
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News
Sentinel reflects on first anniversary of dispensing good news
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
June 1, 2010 — With the frequency of discouraging stories found in nearly every form of mainstream media these days, Dennis West thought it was about time for some good news.
Dennis West pictured here with his wife, Christine, who now manages advertising and accounting for Latter-day Sentinel. Also pictured, their daughters, Emily and Haley. Contributed Photo.
Equipped with the sort of optimism that would have made Norman Vincent Peale proud, West launched an online newspaper called "Latter-day Sentinel" on June 1, 2009. One year later, the free publication is providing nearly 600 weekly subscribers with continuing lessons in the power of positive reading.
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News
LDS woman honored as state Young Mother of the Year
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
May 24, 2010 — Rachel Borders, of the Beacon Hill Ward in the Spokane Stake, is quick to admit she is not a perfect mother - but the job doesn't require perfection. It only requires effort and growth, which is why Rachel was recently named Washington's Young Mother of the Year.
Washington's 2010 Young Mother of the Year, Rachel Borders (right) pictured here with Lynn West, Washington's 2010 Mother of the Year. Contributed Photo.
The award is given out by an organization called American Mothers, Inc. which is an interfaith, non-political, nonprofit organization emphasizing the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach.
The organization began in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the damage done to families caught in the conflict of the Civil War. By organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into the national holiday known as Mother's Day for which American Mothers is the official sponsor.
The first national Mother of the Year was chosen in 1935. American Mothers was officially organized in 1950 and became an independent, nonprofit organization in 1954. Many LDS women, even past Relief Society general presidents, have been involved in the cause and very supportive of the organization.
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News
"Once in a lifetime date"
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
May 17, 2010 — On Friday night Melissa Osborn, the winner of Latter-day Sentinel's subscription drive, had a date night to remember with her husband Jared.
Melissa and Jared Osborn on their way in to view the performance of The 5 Browns with the Spokane Symphony on their date night to remember. Contributed Photo.
"The steaks were amazing at Spencers!" Reported Melissa after the memorable evening. "We used every penny of that gift for dinner, and loved all of it! I even tried some Calamari for the first time."
After the elegant dinner, Melissa and Jared attended the concert performance of The 5 Browns and The Spokane Symphony at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox.
"The show was awesome, they are all so talented!" Said Melissa. "It was so cool to see their fingers fly, our seats were so close! We had a blast. Thanks so much for the once in a lifetime date."
We at the Latter-day Sentinel wish to express our thanks to everyone who participated in this subscription drive. Because we value each and every one of our subscribers we will be holding a number of giveaways in June to celebrate this publication's one-year anniversary! Included in the prizes will be fine dining gift certificates, hotel stays, and more!
Stay tuned in the next weeks for more details on the prizes and how you can be included in the drawings. And be sure to tell your friends!
News
North Stake shift means adjustments for members
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
May 17, 2010 — About a month ago every bishop in the Spokane North Stake read a letter, over the pulpit, from the Stake Presidency. The letter announced that two weeks later, at Stake Conference, ward boundaries would change; and every one of the stake's eight family wards would be affected.
Speculation followed.
During the two weeks between that Sacrament meeting and Stake Conference everyone who knew somebody or thought they knew somebody speculated - and they speculated a lot. Finally at Stake Conference on May 2, the boundary changes were announced.
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News
Lopez family finds bridge of friendship in America
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
May 17, 2010 — Opportunity brought Candelario Lopez and his family to America - but what kept them here was community and brotherhood.
Lopez and his wife, Josephina, were married in 1969 and settled in Mexico to raise a family. They liked it there and he had a good living as a teacher. They saw many of their friends and family go to the United States and admired their determination.
Candelario and Josephina Lopez (pictured center in the blue and flowered shirts) together with their children and grandchildren who call various U.S. cities their home. Contributed Photo.
They knew that America offered many opportunities, but they also knew some Americans did not like Mexicans coming to their country. They visited friends and family in California from time to time over many years, and on one occasion, one of their five sons was born there, automatically making him a U.S. Citizen.
"I don't know why, but my son always wanted to come to America," said Candelario. "Even when he was 7 he was saying that."
After many years, the Lopez family decided to see if America was where they should be.
"We decided that if I could find a job, we would stay," Candelario remembers. "If not, we would go back to Mexico."
They arrived in November of 1989 and in the early part of 1990 they happened to meet the Latter-day Saint missionaries and immediately joined the church less than a month after hearing the first discussion.
It was then that their ideas about Americans changed.
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News
Modern-day pioneer - Hayden mayor makes impact on church, civic fronts
By Gloria Warnick, Staff WriterShare:
May 3, 2010 —  It's Pioneer Day in Gardnerville, Nevada, a small town near the California border.
The nation is caught in the turmoil and uncertainty of a world at war, but an LDS ward finds strength in the stories of ancestors who migrated across the plains, overcoming a steady storm of trials. Ron McIntire, 6 years old at the time, recalls the celebration.
"That was really a special event," McIntire said. "World War ll was going on and the ward had everyone together. There were probably two or three thousand Church members and I remember singing "Come Come Ye Saints." We didn't have to dress up as pioneers because we were the pioneers."
Years later, McIntire, a member of the Hayden Lake First Ward in Hayden, Idaho, has continued in the footsteps of the Mormon faithful who traveled west, establishing communities that still thrive today. McIntire devotes time as a Spokane Temple ordinance worker and serves as the Mayor of Hayden. He formerly served as stake president of the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Stake and the Hayden Lake, Idaho Stake.
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News
Gonzaga professor studies successful marriage relationships
By Tanya Smith, Staff WriterShare:
March 29, 2010 —  Mark Young always wanted to work with people, but it wasn't until he saw his wife, Cami, working as a recreational therapist that he started thinking about working with families and couples.
Once he started his graduate work at Idaho State University he found his niche working with couples and specializing in marriage counseling.
Five years ago Young, a member of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake, arrived in Spokane to run the graduate program in counseling at Eastern Washington University. In 2008 he transferred to Gonzaga University where he currently works as the director of the new Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling program. Much of his work includes research of healthy couple relationships and why they work.
Mark Young and his family on one of their many family outings. Contributed Photo.
His research places a significant degree of emphasis on how an individual sees themselves and others; believing that perceptions influence what we expect and then how we interact.
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News
Event schedule marches on this month
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
March 8, 2010 — Along with warmer weather, farmer's markets and college basketball playoffs, the arrival of March has brought a bevy of unique events throughout the Spokane Temple District. This month's busy schedule includes entrepreneurial training and a fun activity for single adults.
On Saturday, March 13, the local chapter of the BYU Management Society and LDS Employment Resource Services will sponsor a free Self Employment Fair at the Liberty Lake Chapel, 23515 E. Boone, in Liberty Lake.
The training will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome to all attendees. Bishop Bud Wilhelm will be the keynote speaker at 9:15, addressing the theme of "The Entrepreneurial Spirit." Participants are invited to attend any three of the 50-minute workshops offered throughout the day. The classes will discuss ways to start, operate, expand and market your venture.
Morning sessions will run from 9:40 to 10:30 and 10:40 to 11:30. The final class will be held from 11:40 to 12:30.
For more information, contact Sherrie Hibberd or Ron Buchanan with the Spokane LDS Employment office at 928-2534.
On Saturday, March 20, a hayride and potluck dinner will take place in Rathdrum, Idaho for single adults 31 and over from Spokane and North and Central Idaho.
The activity will begin at 4 p.m. To reach the ranch, take Interstate 90 to exit 22, turn left at the stop sign and head over the freeway. Take your next right going just under a mile toward Wolf Lodge. Turn left onto Wolf Lodge Creek Road and go about a mile before turning right. There, you will see a building with a tan/green roof next to a red barn.
Cost for the event is $15, though financial help is available. For more information, call 208-215-0426.
Later this week, the area single adults will host a fireside at the Spokane Stake Center featuring the theme of "Realizing the Atonement in Our Lives." Steven and Barbara Crump will be the speakers at this special event on Sunday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The Spokane Stake Center is located at 1620 E. 29th Ave. in Spokane.
The area singles program includes the Hayden Lake, Coeur d'Alene, West Spokane, East Spokane, Spokane Valley and Spokane stakes. The information line for Spokane residents can be reached at 509-892-1383. In Idaho, call 208-664-1223. Families are welcome at all activities unless otherwise noted.
News
Local scouts represent Inland Northwest in Olympia
By Sarah Moss, Staff WriterShare:
March 1, 2010 — The scouting program has been an example of patriotism for 100 years, and for three local boys last month, it was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Three Eagle Scouts, Seth Johnson (of the Pines Ward in the Spokane East Stake) and Brayden Crump (of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake) and Jack Kelly, a non-LDS scout from Rockford, WA., were invited to the state capital in Olympia on February 2-3. They were picked from of all the Eagle scouts in the Inland Northwest to present a report on scouting to the Washington state Lieutenant Governor and the Attorney General.
Left to right: Brayden Crump, Jack Kelly and Seth Johnson during their tour of buildings in Olympia Washington. Contributed photo.
Accompanied by each of their mothers, the scouts spent two days in Olympia attending a banquet for all 26 Eagle Scouts and their chaperones. The group later toured an array of government buildings. At the banquet, the scouts heard an address by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, as well as a 90-year-old Eagle Scout, Phil Smart, who joined the scouting program in 1930, and reached Eagle Scout status in 1935.
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News
Post Falls residents share memories of church progression
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
February 22, 2010 — It was just about three and a half years ago that President Henry B. Eyring spoke to the members of the Coeur d'Alene Stake and told them that they should prepare to be a gathering place for many people seeking "refuge" from the world.
The Post Falls, Idaho wards in the Coeur d'Alene Stake have seen this prophecy come to pass recently.
Two weeks ago the Stake Presidency announced boundary changes, which included a new ward, creating a total of four in Post Falls. Two of the wards will meet in the newly built McGuire meetinghouse.
Post Falls church membership began as a branch that met in Coeur d'Alene, but in 1972 they were given permission to meet in Post Falls and their meetings were held for a short time at the Odd Fellows Hall, a building that no longer exists.
Sharlyn Merkley, a member of the Post Falls Fourth Ward who moved to the area in 1970, remembers that they met in a room above a tavern.
"Sometimes when you were waiting for someone to start praying, you could hear the jukebox downstairs," she said.
Deon Pollock, a member of the Post Falls Second Ward who arrived in 1967, also recalls that the siren for the volunteer department was housed in the building, so that also interrupted their meetings from time to time.
"It was a riot," she said. "When they announced that we would have our own building, it was very exciting."
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News
BYU grad brings insightful storytelling to TV news
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
February 22, 2010 — People who know Othello Richards usually talk first about his smile.
Co-workers will tell you it's the sort of smile that can break up the gloom of a newsroom on a dreary Monday while friends and family describe it in terms usually reserved for their all-time favorite songs.
After working at TV stations in Salt Lake and the Tri-Cities, Othello Richards accepted a job as an assignment reporter/digital web producer at KREM, the CBS Spokane affiliate, in October 2006. Photo by Craig Howard.
"You could be in an absolutely rotten mood and when Othello starts laughing, it's impossible to be angry," said Brett Allbery, a photographer who has worked at KREM 2, the CBS affiliate in Spokane, for the past dozen years. "Othello just has a great personality."
Richards has emerged as one of the Inland Northwest's most popular television personalities since arriving at KREM in 2006. He works as a "one-man band," gathering, filming and producing a wide range of stories that have become staples on the nightly news.
Despite all the success, Richards may never have pursued the career path of a reporter if not for a two-year mission to Northern California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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News
Church expands in Post Falls
By Sentinel News SourcesShare:
February 8, 2010 — A newly completed McGuire Road meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Post Falls held an open house for the public on Jan. 30.
The new meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1670 N. McGuire Road, Post Falls, Idaho. Contributed Photo.
The meetinghouse will be home to more than 900 Latter-day Saints who reside in the west Post Falls area. Before the meetinghouse was constructed, the Church's 16th Avenue meetinghouse was taxed with the growing congregations. With three wards at capacity in the building, members had to park along the street and on the grass, and divide up meeting times throughout the week and on Sunday.
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News
Post Falls couple achieves goal through faith, perseverance
By Sarah Moss, Staff WriterShare:
February 1, 2010 — Having a family was a dream that Travis and Debbie Tysz chased for a long time.
The couple was sealed for time and all eternity in the Portland, Oregon Temple on Feb. 18, 1997, and started their attempts at having children shortly thereafter. Their efforts were in vain, however, as they, like thousands of other healthy married couples, were faced with fertility challenges.
Debbie and Travis Tysz on their wedding day, at the Portland, Oregon temple, February 18th, 1997. Contributed Photo.
They tried fertility assistance, and then stopped to give Debbie a break. Then they would pick back up where they left off. This cycle went on for over eight years. They never gave up hope, even though their fertility journey was both painful and disheartening. Debbie felt strongly that she would someday have a child, but realized that Heavenly Father had a plan for her and Travis. She said that when they were meant to have a child, she would have one.
But, in October of 2003, their efforts to start a family were halted as Travis was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma (a cancer affecting the body's white blood cells) and was promptly put on chemotherapy treatments. The couple was advised to stop all efforts at getting pregnant, and to take the proper precautions while Travis was undergoing chemotherapy, a treatment that can often negatively affect a mans' fertility, and is known for causing birth defects in children conceived while chemotherapy drugs are still in the father's system.
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News
A change of heart - Lessons learned through a second chance
By Nathan Howard, Guest ContributorShare:
January 18, 2010 — Gazing down at my hospital bed, seeing myself connected to tubes and monitors, I had a perfect understanding that Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.
He does so, I was reminded starkly, in His own way and in His own time, never leaving us alone to our own resolve, even though we sometimes give up on Him, impatiently waiting for a quick solution.
Cardiologists go to great effort and implement all the technology available to circumvent the last chance for survival of a dying patient by means of a heart transplant. There are risks involved in such remedial treatments, even the possible death of the patient as I found out for a brief moment that day.
For several years I had agreed to try whatever prescription miracle available or even experimental, to prolong life and support my failing heart. I also tried lots of alternative supplements, but none of these remedies provided a permanent solution and soon I was faced with considering "a change of heart."
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News
Local family uniquely impacted by Haiti earthquake
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
January 18, 2010 — There are few words that can describe the suffering in Haiti. It is a country that has nearly nothing. Most people live on less than a dollar a day. It's the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, one of the five poorest in the world.
Before last week's earthquake, this was a typical scene on the streets of Port Au Prince, Haiti. Contributed Photo.
Port Au Prince as it appeared when the Halpin family travelled to Haiti for one of their adoptions, before last week's earthquake. Contributed Photo.
And that was before the 7.0 earthquake that struck last week.
The Halpin family in the Green Bluff Ward of the Spokane North Stake has seen the streets of Port au Prince, Haiti, first-hand, several times. After all, three members of the Halpin family grew up in Haiti.
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News
Couples find beginnings of eternal families through adoption
By Sarah Moss, Staff WriterShare:
January 11, 2010 — The terms "Latter-day Saint," or "Mormon," are usually synonymous with large, fruitful families - something not so surprising since a major portion of the Church's teachings and traditions focus on the family as central to Heavenly Father's plan for His children.
As Latter-day Saints, we are encouraged to go forth and multiply, to raise future missionaries and servants unto the Lord. We are taught that being married in the temple and creating an eternal family is one of the most important steps in our progression toward returning to our Heavenly Fathers' presence one day.
However, getting pregnant isn't as simple as 1-2-3 for some couples. While it comes quite easily to some, for others, it can be a long, arduous process that can often end in heartache. Some couples resort to fertility treatments, often costing vast amounts of money on procedures that only occasionally work. For many couples, infertility can be a devastating hurdle as they endeavor to expand their families.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 7.4 percent of married women up to the age of 44 are infertile, or unable to conceive in a consecutive 12-month period. So what happens when having a biological child is no longer an option? Does this mean that certain couples are left without the blessings that come from raising an eternal family? Does this mean that they will have to wait until the next dispensation to experience the joy that one feels when holding their child?
Certainly not. When natural childbirth appears unlikely, there is hope. Eternal families can also be built through adoption.
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News
A hero's salute - Family gives thanks for valor of WWII soldier
By Tamara Mecham, Guest ContributorShare:
January 4, 2010 — Growing up in the 1950s, I remember my father telling us stories that rivaled the tales of Walt Disney.
Since I had a great love for horses there were plenty of stories about wild horses and boxed canyons, but what I loved the most were the real stories - stories from my father's life, growing up during the Great Depression, being on his mission and surviving World War II. He told us how the Holy Ghost had led him so he could return home safely and marry his sweetheart, Wanda, and have four wonderful children.
There were so many experiences that my father had while serving in Company K, 3rd BN,
4th Marine Division during WWII. Once he was in a foxhole with his binoculars resting at ground level while he was looking through them. The Spirit whispered "duck down" and he instantly obeyed. Just as he did, a bullet went right through the center of the binoculars. It would have certainly killed him.
Another time he was sitting in a foxhole and an enemy grenade landed between his legs. He was blown out of the foxhole. Though he was burned badly he crawled back to find all of his companions dead.
Of all the stories, the one we loved to hear the most was how "little Jimmy Fisher saved his life."
Eugene Jens Gibbs with Jimmy Fisher in Hawaii before shipping out to Iwo Jima 1944. Contributed Photo.
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News
Bridge across the ocean - CdA man reaches spiritual destination
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
December 28, 2009 — A simple classified ad in a small British newspaper marked the beginning of Neil McElligott's journey to America and his discovery of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
McElligott, currently a member of the Post Falls 2nd Ward, Coeur d'Alene Stake, spent the first 22 years of his life in a small Yorkshire town in England with his father and brother. His parents divorced when he was only 3 years old and his mother moved away.
Like the rest of his family, McElligott loved music and played numerous instruments, including trumpet, flute and coronet. He counted it a great honor when he occasionally got to play with his father's band on evenings or weekends.
Then one day, McElligott's life changed when he received a phone call from his grandmother who worked at the local newspaper office and always seemed to know everything that was going on.
"I think your mom is trying to find you," she said, and then proceeded to read him a classified ad that she had found. It had his mother's name and simply said that she was looking for her two sons, Neil and Ian. It then gave their approximate ages and listed a phone number in the United States. The last McElligott had heard of her had been almost 12 years earlier when she moved to Turkey to play music at a military base. He had no idea what had taken her to the United States.
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News
Happy New Year from Latter-day Sentinel!
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
December 28, 2009 — As this year comes to a close I thought it would be good to take a moment to thank everyone for helping us make Latter-day Sentinel a success in 2009.
When we first launched the site back on June 1 of 2009, we started with just over 80 subscribers to our free weekly e-mails. Now, almost seven months later, our subscriber base has grown to over 450 with even more readers who receive updates through Facebook and other methods.
We've been blessed with excellent writers and advertisers who assist in keeping the quality of the site at high standards and we've had opportunities with local business to provide valuable promotions and rewards to our subscribers.
Looking forward to 2010 we are even more committed to continuing to bring interesting stories about the LDS community in the Spokane Temple District. We are working on additional contests and promotions that will be fun and rewarding for our subscribers and we are continuing to make our free classified section available to anyone who has something special they'd like to post.
We'd like to encourage everyone to communicate with us if you have story ideas or suggestions in ways that we can make Latter-day Sentinel better for all.
Thanks again for making Latter-day Sentinel great! We'll see you all in 2010!
Sincerely,
Dennis West
Publisher
News
Nativity display celebrates true meaning of Christmas
By Sarah Moss, Staff WriterShare:
December 14, 2009 — There was no shortage of Christmas spirit at the seventh annual "Nativities from Around the World" concert and display this year.
Peggy Elmer, chairman of the committee that coordinates the event, has been painstakingly planning the agenda since January. As tradition goes, the planning process for the following year begins within weeks after the most recent display is taken down.
Photo by Sarah Moss.
An average of 8,000 area residents visits the display each year, only half of which are members of the LDS church. Hundreds of Nativity sets are loaned by members and non members alike who help organize, label, and arrange the sets which were on display Dec. 3-7. There were also seven concerts to book one per night for three of the evenings, and two per night on the weekend evenings. The goal of all who devote time to the project is to bring the wonder of Christ's birth to the masses.
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News
The blessing of Olivia - Family honors memory of departed child
By Sarah Moss, Staff WriterShare:
December 7, 2009 — "I don't do it for me. I do it so that parents know that someone else cares, that their baby mattered, and that there is value to that life."
Arah Kunz
 Arah Kunz, of the 15th Ward, in the Spokane Valley Stake, has lived through every parents' nightmare and awakened with a blessing of light.
On Nov. 11, 2007, she and her husband, Matt, welcomed their daughter, Olivia, a beautiful, dark haired baby girl who lived just one hour and 53 minutes. They'd known that Olivia's life would be brief, and had been preparing for that moment as had others in the family. Olivias' grandmother had made her a tiny outfit to wear and funeral arrangements had been made.
Olivia was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, otherwise known as PCKD or Potter's Sequence, a 1 in 4 million fluke, when Arah was just 18 weeks pregnant. On Friday, July 13, during a sonogram, the doctors discovered that Olivia was not only in the womb with no amniotic fluid, but that she also had multi-sized cysts in her kidneys, just two vessels in her umbilical cord (as opposed to the normal three vessels), and an enlarged heart.
Despite the news, Arah and Matt made the life affirming decision to keep their baby.
"We decided to leave it in God's hands," Arah said.
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News
Faith, values propel candidate's run for U.S. Senate
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
November 23, 2009 — "My faith defines my life." U.S. Senate hopeful Craig Williams says.
His faith, frankly, is at the root of why he's running against Senator Patty Murray.
Craig Williams was raised in Western Washington. He was raised in an blue-collar Latter-day Saint home, with his five brothers and sisters. His dad was an airline mechanic. His family was frugal, and faithful. He says from a young age, the Church was "a foundation and a mainstay" for him.
Craig Williams, pictured here with his family, is a candidate in the 2010 U.S. Senate elections for the position currently held by Senator Patty Murray. Contributed Photo.
Williams grew up doing typical LDS things. He was involved in Scouting and says he loved the outdoor elements of Scouting but wasn't very good at the "checklist" of Scouting. He grew up participating in sports and playing musical instruments. In nearly every way, he says, his family was the typical, faithful LDS family.
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News
Hunger and Homelessness Week sheds light on ways to help
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
November 16, 2009 — Churches and social services agencies throughout the Inland Northwest are calling attention to Spokane Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 16-20.
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News
Teacher conducts valuable lessons in Kindermusik
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
November 16, 2009 — Have you ever tried to teach music theory to a five year old?
Teresa Birch does it multiple times a day...and it all started from teaching primary music.
A member of the 6th Ward in the Spokane Washington Stake, Birch teaches a program that incorporates basic music theory into lessons for toddlers that are said to improve literacy and language skills.
Birch was actually a primary music teacher before starting her first Kindermusik class. Having seen Birch's teaching style with children in primary, one of her piano students casually mentioned that she would be a great Kindermusik teacher.
Teresa Birch teaches 26 kindermusik classes each week. Contributed Photo.
Birch, who was busy with piano lessons and raising her family, brushed the idea aside. However, when her husband became unable to work due to medical complications, she suddenly found herself the main breadwinner of the family and was reminded of her student's idea. Seven years later, Birch has almost totally quit giving piano lessons and now teaches a total of over two dozen Kindermusik classes each week.
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News
And the winner of the Latter-day Sentinel referral contest is...
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
November 16, 2009 —
 We at the Latter-day Sentinel are pleased to announce the winner of our subscription referral contest. Carrie Gadd, of the Painted Hills Ward in the Spokane East Stake, has won 4 passes to see Disney On Ice this coming Thursday evening for referring the most new subscribers to the Latter-day Sentinel.
We express gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to tell your friends about Latter-day Sentinel. Without referrals, we would be unable to grow our audience and bring to the LDS community in the Spokane Temple District all of the interesting stories and features we deliver each week.
In addition to interesting articles about our local LDS community, we are happy to provide FREE classifieds and a directory for LDS owned and/or operated businesses.
We encourage everyone to continue to spread the word about the Latter-day Sentinel, submit your classifieds and story ideas and together we can keep our local LDS community connected!
News
Hope in a voice mail - Woman discovers gospel through chance call
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
November 9, 2009 — "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away and will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick."
Ezekiel 34:16
The call involved a simple reminder about a church lesson - but for Holli Medema, it turned into the message of a lifetime.
Holli Medema (second from left) was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this May. Chris and Cheri Peck (far right and left) and their daughter, Emily, of Spokane Valley attended the baptism in Ferndale, WA. Medema first learned of the restored gospel after Chris left a phone message intended for an elder in the Belle Terre Ward on her voice mail. Contributed Photo.
In April of this year, some 300 miles away from Medema's home in Ferndale, WA., Chris Peck of the Belle Terre Ward in the Spokane East Stake dialed the cell phone of a teacher in the Elders Quorum who had just moved from the West side of the state. When the call rolled over to voice mail, Chris left word about a teaching assignment the following Sunday that included several scripture references.
The only problem was that Chris had misdialed the number.
When she retrieved the message on her phone, Medema had never read a verse in the Bible, let alone set foot into a church. She texted the Spokane number back, explaining the miscommunication, but thanked Chris for "the message of God."
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News
Investment of a lifetime - Perpetual Education Fund paves road of opportunity
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
October 19, 2009 — "And remember in all things, the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple."
Doctrine and Covenants 52:40
For most of his life, no one gave Tyson Kemege much of a chance.
Orphaned at an early age in his native home of Kenya, Tyson later developed polio. He was unable to walk until his late teens and, even then, steps came slowly with the help of crutches and arm braces.
Then one day, Tyson decided that was going to attend one of Kenya's most prestigious universities. Overcoming the skepticism of many, Tyson was accepted into the school - but soon thereafter faced the challenge of gathering the necessary funds to cover tuition and books.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tyson had heard about a unique loan program called the Perpetual Education Fund. Through the PEF, students receive financial support from the church to pay for their education. The loan is then paid back once the borrower begins work in a chosen field. Members of the church can donate to the fund along with their tithing contributions.
These days, Tyson is serving as studentbody president of his college and has soared to the top of his class as he works toward a degree in Information Technology.
Elder John K. Carmack, an emeritus member of The First Quorum of the Seventy, was in Spokane last week to talk about his experiences as managing director of the Perpetual Education Fund. Elder Carmack spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the local chapter of the BYU Management Society. Photo by Craig Howard.
For Elder John K. Carmack, PEF managing director, Tyson's inspiring account is one of over 38,000 success stories he has seen since the program was launched by President Gordon B. Hinckley in March 2001.
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News
General authorities pay visit to Inland Northwest
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
October 15, 2009 — A trio of distinguished representatives from Salt Lake City will be in the Spokane area this weekend to address gatherings at three separate venues.
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News
Missionary puts service a step ahead of connection to TV show
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
October 12, 2009 — If you've seen "Dancing with the Stars" you might know who Chelsie Hightower is. She is one of the professional dancers on the show. Last season she had the daunting task of teaching professional bull rider Ty Murray how to tango and waltz. This year she is teaching snowboarder Louie Vito how to salsa and two-step.
If you're a fan of the show you probably knew all that.
What you may not know is that her brother is a missionary serving in the Washington Spokane Mission.
Elder Jordan Hightower has been serving in the Washington Spokane Mission for 22 months. His sister, Chelsie Hightower, has been featured on the television program, "Dancing with the Stars." Contributed Photo.
Elder Jordan Hightower has been out for about 22 months and he has served in half-a-dozen different areas so far. By all accounts, he's a very good missionary. He's been a zone leader and a district leader. He e-mails his sister every preparation day, and, according to mission rules, he makes it a point to avoid television, even when it happens to be a popular program featuring his well-known sibling.
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News
Compression clothing helps children with autism
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
September 28, 2009 — Who knew one shirt could make such a difference?
Al Mark, a member of the Post Falls Second Ward in the Coeur d'Alene Stake, was talking to his sister one day about her frustrations with raising a severely autistic son, while she herself deals with the energy-draining effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
Her son struggles with hypertactility, a sensory disorder that amplifies reaction to contact with the external world, resulting in symptoms of anxiousness and fear. One of the main challenges faced by those with the condition involves the effects of most clothing - the texture of which can be severely irritating and often painful.
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News
Hayden Lake Family History event a glowing success
By Gloria Warnick, Staff WriterShare:
September 28, 2009 — The warmth of the sun spread hope and joy as 100 participants gathered for the second
annual Family History Seminar held Saturday, September 19 at the Hayden Lake Idaho Stake Center.
Joanne McIntire and Sandy Simon register guests attending the Family History Seminar. Photo by Gloria Warnick.
Smiles wreathed faces of teachers and students alike as they enjoyed the fruits of the Spirit of Elijah, and shared the spirit of love and learning. Students ranging in age from 20 to 80 sat side-by-side, learning the art of seeking out their ancestors from their teachers.
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News
CHER sponsors health screening at Valley Hospital
By Sentinel News SourcesShare:
September 21, 2009 — Community Health Education and Resources, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Spokane, will sponsor a health screening at Valley Hospital and Education Center, 12606 E. Mission in Spokane Valley, on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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News
Jenkins translates involvement into impact as local politician
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
September 21, 2009 — "The more we serve our fellowmen, the more substance there is to our souls. The happy and abundant life begins from within and moves outward to other individuals and our communities."
President Spencer W. Kimball
As an avid tennis player, Patrick Jenkins understands the importance of a consistent serve.
As a representative of the Liberty Lake City Council since 2003, he's learned the value of serving consistently.
A member of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake, Patrick Jenkins has served on the Liberty Lake City Council since 2003. Photo by Craig Howard.
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News
Hayden Lake Center to host Family History Seminar
By Gloria Warnick, Staff WriterShare:
September 14, 2009 — The Hayden Lake Family History Center will welcome genealogical enthusiasts from all over the region for a free Family History Seminar on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The workers in the Family History center are eager to help all who need assistance tracking their ancestors and organizing their family histories.
Last year a similar seminar was planned, with an expected turnout of 125 people. Reservations for the 2008 event soon topped 200, with a final of over 220, including walk-ins. Attendees came from Montana, Washington and the middle of Idaho clear up to Canada.
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News
Former Army photographer recalls World War II era
By Kara Houser, Staff WriterShare:
September 8, 2009 — From New York to London, World War II was dominating the headlines in July of 1943.
The same month that allied troops landed in Sicily, Reba Hobson saw many of her friends join the war effort and didn't want to be left behind. So, at 21, she signed up for the WAC (Women's Army Corps) and left her family farm in Michigan for Georgia to participate in basic training.
Portrait of Reba taken during her time in the WAC. Contributed Photo.
"We had to do the obstacle course in basic training once - and that was enough," Hobson said.
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News
Gladness reigns - Special day commemorates 10th anniversary of Spokane Temple
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
August 31, 2009 — It was a decade ago that 16,000 Latter-day Saints gathered to witness a miracle - the dedication of the Spokane Washington Temple. President Gordon B. Hinckley presided over 11 dedicatory sessions spanning three days-August 21-23.
The dedicatory plaque commemorating the year the Spokane Temple was put into service. Photo by Dennis West.
When it was dedicated in August 1999, the Spokane Temple was the 59th temple in the world. Earlier this month, President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, bringing the total number of temples to 130.
Now exactly 10 years later, there are miracles at the Spokane Temple again.
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News
And the Winner of the Latter-day Sentinel Registration Contest is...
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
August 24, 2009 — Huge thanks to everyone who participated in the latest e-mail newsletter registration contest! The person who was able to bring in the most subscribers was Kara Houser of Post Falls, Idaho! As the winner, she gets a 1-year family membership to the MAC: Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
The 6 runners-up who also did a great job in getting the word out about the Latter-day Sentinel out are Paul Johnson, Jon Spear, Kristin Burgess, Alison Sok, Shelden Gubler, and Mary Amas. They will all receive 1-day family admissions to the museum!
We at Latter-day Sentinel would like to thank the MAC for making these prizes available to us. We encourage everyone to visit the museum and take advantage of the excellent exhibits they have on display there! Especially noteworthy is the Out of this World exhibit featuring costumes from Science Fiction movies and television - but don't wait! The exhibit ends September 5th!
For everyone else who participated, thank you very much! Our subscriber base is growing daily!
As we continue into the future, we will continue to make the weekly editions of Latter-day Sentinel rewarding in many ways!
News
Call Realty investment pays dividends in community
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
August 17, 2009 — The employees at Call Realty were more than a little stunned.
It was just a regular morning at the Spokane Valley home office when the boss called a staff meeting out of the blue.
But instead of going over listings, clients or customer service, on this day, company owner Pam
Call-Morris of the Ponderosa Ward in the Spokane East Stake wanted to talk about something else entirely.
She stood up and gave each of her employees - most of them LDS - an envelope. Inside each of those envelopes was $250.
"Then with the money she'd given us she wanted us to each choose something, or
find a way to give it back to the community," recalls Call Realty
employee Adam Cunningham of the Painted Hills Ward, Spokane East Stake.
A few members of the Spokane Valley Call Realty Team, left to right: Terry Dahlke, Carolyn Leppert, Brittany Paulus, and Adam Cunningham. Photo by Dennis West.
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News
Savvy savings - Discount shopping pays off for Spokane family
By McKay Allen, Guest ContributorShare:
August 10, 2009 — "We want you to be ready with your personal storehouses filled with at least a year's supply. You don't argue why it cannot be done; you just plan to organize and get it done"
Spencer W. Kimball, August 1976
A journey into Jolinda Eibert's food pantry is nothing special. It's a medium-sized room in the basement of her home. The shelves are filled with boxes of rice, boxes of cereal, and containers of salsa - nothing terribly out of the ordinary.
But, as we were standing in the middle of that pantry, Jolinda began to tell me what she paid for the items we were looking at on those shelves.
That's when my jaw dropped.
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News
And the winner of the Latter-day Sentinel Subscription Blitz is...
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
August 3, 2009 — Congratulations to Liz Cunningham, of the Spokane East Stake, for winning the Latter-day Sentinel subscription blitz by having the most family and friends subscribe to the weekly e-mail newsletter!
As soon as the announcement for the contest went out last Wednesday at 9 p.m., Liz quickly got online and began sending out requests for her friend's and family's help in winning half-a-dozen tickets to Saturday night's Spokane Shock playoff game and apparel package, which was generously donated by Brady and Danna Nelson.
Liz Cunningham, along with her husband, Adam, and some friends had a fabulous time at the Spokane Shock game Saturday night. Contributed Photo.
"When I first heard about the contest, I was so excited because I thought going to a Shock game would be a great date night, and who can beat free tickets and apparel?" Liz said. "I also wanted to spread the word about the Latter-day Sentinel to my friends in the Spokane area because I know how much I enjoy reading about what is going on in the area!"
Liz attended the game with her husband and four friends and saw the Spokane Shock handily eliminate the Stockton Lightning 62-21.
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News
How to find employment in a tough economy
By Ron Buchanan, Manager, Spokane Regional Employment OfficeShare:
July 20, 2009 — Many of our counties are struggling with unusually high unemployment. This recession is definitely more trying than any in recent memory. April's General Conference included a number of talks that brought peace and comfort to those struggling with economic challenges.
Our goal is helping members find employment in this tough economy. Bishop Richard G. Edgley's conference address, "This is Your Phone Call", has tremendous ideas and suggestions for priesthood and Relief Society leaders to assist the unemployed. We are hearing many recent employment successes that have come through the ward efforts Bishop Edgley spoke of.
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News
Celebrating frugality - Coupons a key to food storage supply
By Collette Bise, Staff WriterShare:
July 13, 2009 — "Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had their supply of food... and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have at least a year's supply of debt and are food-free."
President Thomas S. Monson,
"That Noble Gift-Love at Home,"
Church News, May 12, 2001.
You've heard various stories from friends, neighbors or family members. Someone went to the grocery store with a handful of coupons and paid $32 for bags full of groceries worth well over $100. Another grocery shopper had so many coupons that the grocery store owed her money when the transaction was through. Is this real, you wonder? Is it legal? How do they do that?
An example of a successful coupon shopping experience at Albertson's: all items pictured were purchased for 40¢-50¢ each. Full retail price for all these items, $146.24. Total store savings, $91.24. Total coupon savings, $28.30. Total out of pocket expenses, $26.70. Saved 82%! Photo by Christine West.
Christine West, administrator of www.pennymavins.com, explains it this way. "Coupon shopping has always been out there, we just haven't paid much attention to it. About two years ago, I kept seeing stories about gals at the grocery store using coupons to save money in their shopping. I was intrigued and quickly learned the difference between store coupons and manufacturer coupons. I learned that it's OK to get something for free!"
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News
Latter-day Sentinel adds new section to help with adoptions
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
July 13, 2009 —  Latter-day Sentinel is pleased to offer a new category in our Classified section - Adoption.
All of the couples listed have completed the application process and are currently approved to adopt through LDS Family Services. They are now at the point in the process in which personal referrals are an important part of finding a child to adopt.
In this day and age where it is increasingly acceptable for single parents to raise their children, childless couples are in need of additional assistance in finding birth parents willing to place their children for adoption.
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News
Outdistancing cancer - One man's story of faith and resilience
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
June 29, 2009 — 
Mike and Lisa Withers took part in the annual Relay for Life at East Valley High School earlier this month, an event that raises funds and awareness for the fight against cancer. Mike participated in the traditional "Survivor Lap" honoring those who have battled back from the disease. Survivors are joined by family and friends halfway around the track. Photo by Craig Howard.
Aaron Withers was sitting in Primary class a few years ago, listening to a lesson about miracles when he turned to his teacher.
Along with the array of scriptural accounts chronicling miraculous events throughout history, Aaron had a contemporary example closer to home.
"What about my dad?" he asked.
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News
Welcome to Latter-day Sentinel!
By Dennis West, PublisherShare:
June 1, 2009 — I'm pleased to present to you Latter-day Sentinel! The new LDS news portal and weekly e-mail newsletter covering the area of the Spokane Temple District!
Please let us know if you have any story ideas or suggestions. It is our goal to have news from all over the Spokane Temple district.
It is my hope that if you enjoy the information you find here, you'll spread the word to your friends and family by using the "Forward to a Friend" feature at the bottom of each e-mail newsletter.
Again, welcome!
Sincerely,
Dennis West
Publisher, Latter-day Sentinel
News
Spokane Valley Stake adds new ward
By Nathan Brown, Director of Public Affairs, Spokane Valley StakeShare:
May 31, 2009 — Leaders of the Washington Spokane Valley Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today announced the creation of a new ward to help accommodate the growth of the church within stake boundaries. The Mica Peak ward will encompass certain adjoining areas in Liberty Lake, Greenacres and the Saltese Flats. With the addition of the new ward, the Spokane Valley Stake will have a total of nine wards, including five south of the Spokane River.
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News
Former BYU star takes time out to discuss church, family, football
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
June 1, 2009 — When it came time for Ty Detmer to address a gathering at the Spokane East Stake Center last month, the former football star at Brigham Young University didn't dwell on the 59 NCAA records he set as a starting quarterback or the accolades that followed him throughout his college career.
Instead, Brother Ty Detmer, father of four and ambassador of the gospel of Jesus Christ, spoke of the influence of good friends, the importance of setting a positive example and the rewards of holding true to righteous standards.
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News
Angel Moroni statue replaced, rotated at Spokane Temple
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:
June 1, 2009 — Carol Willoughby noticed something slightly different as she was driving past the Spokane Temple one morning this March.
The trademark apex of the temple, a statue of Angel Moroni, was being lifted through the air by a construction crane. Willoughby, on her way to work into Spokane Valley down Highway 27, pulled into the Spokane East Stake Center parking lot to join a small crowd that had gathered outside the temple.
"I was going by and I thought I'd stop and see what was happening," Willoughby said.
Work crews beginning to lift the new Angel Moroni into its new position. Photo by Jane Wagstaff.
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