In brief: Relief items sought for wildfire victims

Veterans Community Response, a nonprofit group of Spokane Valley firefighters and combat veterans, is collecting emergency relief items to be delivered this week to the victims of wildfires in Washington and Idaho.

The group is asking the public to help by donating items today and Tuesday for rapid delivery to victims displaced by fires in Omak, Stevens County and Kamiah, Idaho.

Donations can be dropped off in the parking lot of Spokane Valley Fire Station 8, 2120 N. Wilbur Road, just west of Pines Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Tuesday.

The group is asking people to donate nonperishable food, fruit, heat-resistant energy bars, bottled water and sports drinks, size 1 and 2 diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel cards and store gift cards, men’s shoes sizes 7-13, underwear, rakes and shovels, kids’ indoor games and activities, and school supplies.

For animals the group is seeking donations of livestock feed, straw bales for bedding, pet food for adult animals as well as kittens and puppies, fleece blankets for kittens, and kennels.

Other extra items may include long display racks for clothing, 2nd Skin blister aid and hard candy.

Veterans Community Response plans to deliver the donations in a trailer with two chase vehicles staffed with off-duty firefighters and combat veterans as early as Tuesday morning.

Winton Elementary inaugurated today

Coeur d’Alene’s newest elementary school will open its doors today for a dedication ceremony and public tours.

Winton Elementary was built to replace the former 89-year-old school at 920 W. Lacrosse Ave., northwest of downtown. The 52,000-square-foot building was completed earlier this month.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and include a flag-raising and student chorus. Tours will follow at 10:30.

The $8 million, 18-classroom school was built by general contractor T.W. Clark Construction of Spokane. It has room for 475 students.