West Valley residents can be proud of their commitment to their youth, as represented by the now completed $6.8 million expansion and renovation at West Valley School.

The latest piece of the construction project was a new kitchen that debuted earlier this week.

That same kitchen and cafeteria will be the site of an open house next Thursday evening. A dinner from 5-6 p.m. will benefit the West Valley PTO, followed by a performance by the school band and tours of the “new” school.

Everyone who was involved in seeing this project through should take a bow.

The construction project, which began in August 2014, added approximately 36,000 square feet to the school. The addition was built to accommodate a growing student population that has increased by 5 percent annually over the past decade. The addition includes 13 new classrooms, a music room, Special Education life skills room, science laboratory, library, kitchen and auxiliary gym. Upgrades were also made to the existing building such as new siding, windows, flooring, paint and furniture.

Precheck screening great news for local travelers

Earlier this week, the Transportation Security Administration debuted its precheck screening process now available at Glacier Park International Airport, and we have no doubt many travelers are rejoicing over the  opportunity for a quicker way to get through security.

Precheck screening allows qualified travelers to keep on their shoes, jackets, belts and other clothing items, and keep various items in their carry-on bags.

There is some paperwork to be done to become a “Trusted Traveler.” Air travelers must apply for one of four Department of Homeland Security Trusted Travel Programs. TSA is setting up a temporary enrollment center at the airport later this spring, but travelers can begin the pre-enroll process online at universalenroll.dhs.gov. The extra effort is totally worth it, especially for frequent flyers.

Glacier Park International joins more than 150 other U.S. airports in offering the precheck screening. We’re glad our airport has taken a progressive approach in making sure travelers have as many options as possible.

The last thing most people want to do is wait in line at the security checkpoint. Prechecking Trusted Travelers is a welcome change.