In an economy where worker are fighting to stay employed and employers are fighting to keep them there, the State's Shared-Work Program is helping do just that.

Thanks to that program, EZ Loader Adjustable Boat Trailers in Spokane has been able to keep all 109 employees on the pay role.  As part of the program, they cut back hours, but they're able to keep their benefits and can apply for unemployment for the hours they've lost.

EZ Loader Employee Levi Kettleson says he's working between 4 and 5 days a week, but says some of his co-workers are down to 2 or 3 days and that the unemployment benefits help them make ends meet.

In order to ensure backup, based on city code, to the Spokane Valley city manager, the position of Deputy City Manager was filled on an interim basis by the City.

Roger Crum will be serving as Deputy City Manager until further notice. When appointed, city manager, Mike Jackson indicated that he would look at permanently filling the position until 2012.

Prior to Crum's hiring, finance director Ken Thompson had previously provided backup during extended absence of the city manager, but he recently retired leaving no backup.

City Council has asked for additional time to review the proposed Bike & Pedestrian Master Program. The anticipated readings for the ordinance were scheduled for August 9th and 23rd, but they have been canceled. A discussion of the Program has been added to the agenda for the regularly scheduled study session on Tuesday, August 30th at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

As stated before, the meeting is open to the public and will also be available to watch on Spokane Valley's new SVTV Web Channel. Because it is a study session, public comment will not be taken.