Dec. 29, 2011

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #017 ZIP CODE 99019

December 29, 2011

A look back at the stories that shaped the past year in Liberty Lake PAGE 10

profiles

2 • Dec. 29, 2011

Liberty Lake FamiLy mediciNe

Now acceptiNg New patieNts Our Liberty Lake practitioners are: Dr. Walter Balek | Dr. Glen Volyn Rebecca Reidy, ARNP

WHO WE ARE ...

Columbia Medical Associates is located in Spokane and Liberty Lake. We have been providing primary care and other health and medical services to over 75,000 patients for over 30 years. CMA has more than 42 medical providers serving patients in 9 locations. CMA physicians and staff provide the highest quality of care in a medical home environment for all our patients.

Open 7:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

Columbia Medical Associates Liberty Lake Family Medicine In the Health and Wellness Building

1334 N Whitman Lane, Suite 200 Liberty Lake WA 99019

509-688-6700 | www.ColumbiaMedicalAssociates.com

Preparing for a smooth transition

City’s municipal consultant discusses goals, projects for Liberty Lake’s future

By Kelly Moore Splash Staff Writer

Since coming to Liberty Lake in late November, the city’s municipal consultant, Mike Cecka, has hit the ground running with a growing list of projects and assignments.

Topping that list is facilitating the transition to new administration starting Jan. 3, but he’s also spending time evaluating a number of city policies and procedures while reviewing city staff salaries.

The Splash recently sat down with Cecka to learn more about his first impressions of the city and where he sees it headed.

Q. A.

Why don’t we start talking a little bit about your background?

Cottages | Senior Apartments Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing To learn more about our services in Spokane Valley, call us at (509) 924-6161.

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I live in Leavenworth, and I worked as the city administrator there for 12 and a half years. I also worked in Maple Valley and Cle Ellum. I retired in 2003 as the Cle Ellum city administrator.

I’ve affiliated with Prothman, the recruiting agency for which this job was filled, on an occasional basis since retiring.

In that regard, I worked for Leavenworth as an interim city administrator, for Chelan County Planning Department as an interim director, and for Pend Oreille County assisting with the selection of a public works director.

My background is mostly stuff like that, but now it’s all done on an occasional basis.

Q: I know you came to the position through a recruiting agency, but was there anything in particular that attracted you to this gig?

A: The timing was good, but more than that, it’s an interesting area. It’s a relatively new city, and I’ve had some experience with new incorporation in Maple Valley. At both Cle Elum and Leavenworth, I was the first city administrator in those cities, so the possibility of reestablishing that position felt like a good fit.

I tend to relate more with cities this size or smaller. It felt like a good fit for me and sounded like an interesting job, so I was

Splash photo by Kelly Moore

Municipal Consultant Mike Cecka works on special projects from his newly designated office space at City Hall.

mIKE cECKA Age 64

Family Wife, Sandy; two grown sons

Hobbies Sailing

Favorite movie “Six Days Seven Nights”

Favorite destination Bahamas

delighted when I was selected.

Q: Had you been to Liberty Lake before?

A: You know, like most people, I’d traveled the Interstate 90 corridor and passed by, but I’d never actually stopped and gotten acquainted with the community until this.

Q: What was your first impression?

A: Oh, very positive. It’s a place that has an identity. A number of newly incorporated cities tend to be more suburban areas that really don’t have an identity of their own. A lot of times, they’re incorporated as a defense to keep something else from happening.

A lot of times they don’t really have that strong sense of identity, but Liberty Lake is so unique in that it does. The fact that it is sort of a stand-alone community, not just part of a bigger, sprawled-out metropolitan area, allows it to have that.

I also like the fact that it’s a well-planned community. It was designed as such, so there are parks and open space that people love so much here. That obviously adds to the attractiveness of it.

Q: Well, since you arrived, I know

See CONSULTANT, page 8

The Splash

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community

4 • Dec. 29, 2011

Volume 13, Issue 52 Editor/publisher

Josh Johnson

josh@libertylakesplash.com managing Editor

Tammy Kimberley

tammy@libertylakesplash.com reporter

Kelly Moore

kmoore@libertylakesplash.com reporter

Chad Kimberley

chad@libertylakesplash.com Intern

Daymin Marrs

Community Briefs Toastmasters clubs offering free leadership training

All photos must be submitted by e-mail to images@x-things.com.

Toastmaster clubs in Spokane and North Idaho are planning to offer free workshops on leadership the week of Jan. 23. Workshops will focus on honing the leadership skills of mentoring, coaching, team building, motivating, delegating, resolving conflict, goal setting and giving effective feedback.

For more information, contact Nancy Shatto at 353-3934 or nshatto@watrust. com.

New residents must fill out form to receive mail

account executive

Janet Pier

account executive

Cindy Esch

graphics editor

Sarah Burk

Residents invited to Rotary

Office manager

Kelli Dexter

The Jan. 5 meeting of the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club will feature a presentation on emergency services available through MedStar, from INHS MedStar Community Relations Coordinator Mary Gillmore.

The meeting, held at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., is open to the public.

Circulation

janet@libertylakesplash.com cindy@libertylakesplash.com sarah@libertylakesplash.com kelli@libertylakesplash.com

Bob Sullivan

On the cover: Splash design concept by Sarah Burk

About The Liberty Lake Splash 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge to every business and residence in the greater Liberty Lake area.

Additional copies are located at more than 100 drop-off locations in Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards.

Submitted materials Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@libertylakesplash.com or bring them

by The Splash office. Timely submissions should be received by Friday at noon for best chance of publication in the following week’s Splash.

Advertising information Information about classified and display advertising is on page 18.

Subscriptions Liberty Lake residents receive a complimentary copy each Thursday. Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses outside of the 99019 ZIP code cost $50 for 52 weeks and $30 for 26 weeks. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information.

Correction policy The Splash strives for accuracy in all content.

Errors should be reported immediately to 2427752 or by e-mail to editor@libertylakesplash. com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

City offers tax rebate Senior and low-income or disabled and low-income residents living within the city limits of Liberty Lake may qualify for a rebate of the utility taxes they paid in 2011.

Residents who qualify may apply for a rebate starting Jan. 1.

For more information, go to www.libertylakewa.gov or call the city treasurer at 755-6720.

City offices closed Liberty Lake Municipal Library will be closed on Saturday and City Hall will be closed on Monday in celebration of the New Year holidays.

New food bank opens Liberty Lake Church, 704 S. Garry Road, now has a food bank. If you have needs or know someone who does or would like to make a donation, call the church at 2556266 and ask for Julie.

Photos needed for library mural The Liberty Lake Library Foundation continues to solicit photos to make up a photo-mosaic mural at the library. Photos can be of any subject type and will be used as a pixel in a larger image of Pavillion Park.

Copyright © 2011 All rights reserved. All contents of The Splash may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Calendar DECEMBER 29 Noon: Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary meeting, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water Building, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

Newcomers to Liberty Lake who hope to receive mail must fill out Postal Service Form 4232, Liberty Lake Post Office officials reminded recently. Citing a number of new residents asking why they are not receiving mail, officials encouraged a visit to the post office, 1423 N. Molter Road, to fill out the brief form.

DECEMBER 31 Liberty Lake Municipal Library closed JANUARY 1 Happy New Year!

JANUARY 2 City Hall closed

City hosts Senior Lunch Program The Senior Lunch Program in Liberty Lake is served Mondays and Wednesdays.

Seniors age 60 and older are invited at 11 a.m. at Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive. The recommended donation is $3.50.

JANUARY 3 7 p.m.: Liberty Lake City Council meeting, Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive JANUARY 4 6:45 a.m.: Liberty Lake Kiwanis meeting, Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Liberty Lake Senior Lunch Program, Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive 5:45 p.m.: Liberty Lake Toastmasters, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water Building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. 6:30 p.m.: SCOPE meeting, LL City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive 10:30-noon: Spokane Valley’s Mindful Mamas, City Hall’s Little House, 22710 E. Country Vista Blvd.

Class offered for abuse victims A.R.M.S. (Abuse Recovery Ministry Services) offers free, confidential, weekly classes in Liberty Lake to help victims of domestic violence and abuse. For more information, call 484-0600 (calls are confidential).

Parenting forum to meet Spokane Valley's Mindful Mamas is holding a parenting forum on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

The free forum meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library's meeting room, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Breastfeeding questions will be answered, and all parents and caregivers are welcome.

The event is kid-friendly. For more information, visit www.spokanemindfulmamas. com.

JANUARY 5 Noon: Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary meeting, Liberty Lake Sewer and Water Building, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

Correction

Library offers story times Children's story times are offered at Liberty Lake Municipal Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at various times.

Crafts for kids ages 5 and up are also offered Saturdays at 1 p.m.

For more details, call 232-2510 or go to www.youseemore.com/libertylake.

For a full list of community briefs, visit www.libertylakesplash.com.

Information accompanying Central Valley High School basketball photos contained a pair of errors in the Dec. 22 Splash. The headline to the Central Valley girls basketball photo misidentified the team's opponent. It should have said CV was playing Mt. Spokane. In addition, the final score of the boys team's victory over Mt. Spokane was listed incorrectly. The Bears won 75-49.

housekeeping detail

Memberships The Splash is an awardwinning member of the National Newspaper Association and Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

The Splash

The Liberty Lake community comprises three watersheds: Liberty Lake, the Spokane River and the Aquifer. The lake and the river feed the aquifer beneath us. It is our only source of drinking water. Runoff into street drains makes its way directly to the aquifer. So please: throw in the trash while the temp is ‘right’ any dog-do lying on the snow or ground

check that no gas or oil is being washed to the street from your driveway

please make sure ‘your room’ in the watershed is contributing to clear, fresh water

922-5443 www.libertylake.org

Va l

The Splash

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6 • Dec. 29, 2011

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The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 7

NEWS/community

Obituary Elmer Schneidmiller March 5, 1918 - Dec. 9, 2011 A man of honor and integrity, who appreciated people, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. Elmer Schneidmiller was born March 5, 1918, in Calgary, Alberta, to Henry and Anna Marie (Gier) Schneidmiller and raised near St. John, Wash. He was the ninth of 12 children, and he had a strong sense of family. We treasure his stories of growing up on a farm, playing sports and serving in the military.

After graduating from Washington State College, he worked a year as a federal wheat inspector before joining the Marine Corps. During World War II, he was part of the 2nd Armored Amphibian Tractor Battalion and served on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

In 1949, he started farming with his brother, Manuel, in Post Falls. Supported by their large family, they would eventually grow their farm from Liberty Lake to Coeur d'Alene and were active throughout those communities. Elmer was a man of vision, and his impact can be best seen in the community of Liberty Lake.

He is survived by his brother, Harvey, of St. John, Wash., sons Rod and Ross, their wives Gigi and Kelli; grandchildren Heather and her husband Trevor, Steven, Holly, Jasmine and her husband Taylor, Jordana and Janae; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, to whom he was devoted for 45 years, his parents, two sisters and eight brothers. Elmer will be greatly missed.

Donations may be made in his honor to: Friends of Pavillion Park, PO Box 325, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 for the historical marker project. Memorial service will be held at the Berean Bible Church, 10910 E. Boone Ave., Spokane Valley, on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at 2 p.m.

News Briefs Summit School receives designation Summit School in Spokane Valley was selected as one of 22 “Washington State Innovative Schools” by the state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for best implementing “bold, creative and innovative” ideas. Summit, a Central Valley School District choice school attended by many Liberty Lake residents, will hold the designation three years.

“We are extremely proud of our Summit students, staff and parents for this welldeserved recognition,” CVSD Superintendent Ben Small said. “The creative learning environment at Summit enriches students as well as our entire district.”

Appointments available for help paying heating bill SNAP, a private Spokane County nonprofit, is opening another round of heating assistance appointments Jan. 6 to lowincome individuals and families needing help covering heating bills.

The agency announced recently it has

about 3,000 appointment slots available to residents of Spokane County at or below 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about program criteria, visit www. snapwa.com. Appointments may also be made by phone at 242-2376 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 7 until appointments are filled — “probably about seven days,” according to a SNAP news release.

For general questions about the program, call 456-7111.

Directory distribution finishing this week Distribution of the 2012 Liberty Lake Community Directory will be completed

by Friday. The annual guide is sent to every residential and business address in Liberty Lake 99019 and 99016 by USPS mail.

The Directory is produced by Peridot Publishing LLC, the local company that also operates The Splash. Anyone who has not received a copy should e-mail directory@libertylakesplash.com.

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8 • Dec. 29, 2011

NEWS/PROFILES

Police Report The following incidents, arrests, calls for service and citations were reported by the Liberty Lake Police Department Dec. 19-26.

Incidents and arrests • Police chase, stolen vehicle — A 31-year-old Spokane Valley woman was arrested at 11:15 p.m. Dec. 19 at State Highway 41 and Poleline Road in Idaho for attempting to elude a police vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while license suspended. Officer Kevin Schmeckpeper was on patrol in the area of Appleway Avenue and Liberty Lake Road when he observed a Toyota Sienna that was recently reported as a stolen vehicle. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle accelerated as the officer activated the emergency lights and siren on the patrol car.

The vehicle got onto Interstate 90, headed eastbound and continued at approximately 100 mph. The pursuit continued into Idaho as the vehicle exited off the interstate into Post Falls.

The vehicle was disabled by the deployment of stop sticks to deflate the tires.

A male passenger in the vehicle fled on foot as the vehicle stopped. That subject was caught by the Post Falls Police Department, and it was determined he had a felony warrant out for his arrest.

The driver was taken into custody without further incident. The driver told officers the reason she fled was because she thought she had outstanding warrants for her arrest, and she admitted to stealing the vehicle in Spokane earlier in the day. She was booked into Kootenai County Jail.

• Suspended license — A 38-year-old Spokane Valley man was arrested at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at Molter Road and Euclid Avenue for driving with a suspended license and operating a vehicle without the ignition interlock.

• Vehicle prowl — At 12:20 p.m. Dec. 21, LLPD was dispatched to the 23000 block of East Riverside Avenue for a vehicle prowl. The complainant reported that sometime between 11 p.m.

Dec. 19 and 6 a.m. Dec. 20, unknown suspects entered her unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway and took cash and personal belongings.

• DUI — An 18-year-old Spokane Valley man was arrested at 10 p.m. Dec. 22 at the 1700 block of Liberty Lake Road for DUI. Officers were dispatched to the location for a one-vehicle crash, and it was being reported that the subject was trying to drive away from the scene. During the investigation, it was determined the driver was DUI. • Domestic violence — At 5:30 p.m.

CONSULTANT Dec. 21, LLPD received a report of a possible domestic violence incident that occurred earlier in the day at the 1500 block of North Liberty Lake Road.

It was reported that an assault had occurred when the couple, who are going through a divorce, met at the location so that one parent could pick up their child from the other. During the investigation, the officer received conflicting stories about the events. The officer has requested video surveillance that may have captured the incident be reviewed by Detective Ray Bourgeois.

• False alarm — At 7:50 p.m. Dec. 22, LLPD was dispatched to a commercial alarm at the 22200 block of Country Vista Drive. Upon arrival, officers found the back door of the building was unlocked. Officers checked inside and determined all was OK. • Suspended license — A 21-yearold Spokane Valley man was arrested at 10:10 p.m. Dec. 21 at Harvard Road and Mission Avenue for driving with a suspended license.

• Outstanding warrant — A 26-yearold Newport, Wash., man was arrested at 7:40 p.m. Dec. 23 at the 26000 block of East Appleway Avenue for an outstanding warrant out of Spokane County for driving with a suspended license.

• DUI — A 26-year-old Zillah, Wash., man was arrested at 12:40 a.m. Dec. 24 at the 21600 block of East Country Vista Drive for DUI. The vehicle was initially stopped for a speeding violation, going 98 mph in a 35 mph zone.

During contact with the driver, officers determined the subject was DUI.

Calls for service Alarm 1 Citizen assist 1 Citizen dispute 1 Commercial vehicle inspection 7 Depriving owner of vehicle 1 Domestic violence 1 DUI 3 Failure to appear 1 Suspicious person 1 Traffic offense 3 Vehicle prowl 1

Citations Licenses and plates required 1 Driving without license 1 Driving while license suspended 2 Ignition interlocks 1 Liability insurance 4 Effective windshield wipers 1 Speeding 4 DUI 2 Use of cell phone 1 Minor in consumption of alcohol 1

Continued from page 2

you’ve been busy. What does the city administration have you working on?

A: I started out with probably three major assignments. One was to help with the transition to the new mayor and assist in that process. I’ve been working on that trying to get briefings done.

I’ve also been tasked with working with the mayor and Council on the possibility of establishing a city administrator position here, so I’ve been working on that and trying to identify what the potential benefits are and opportunities that might exist alongside establishing that. I’ve assisted Mayor-elect Steve Peterson in his evaluation of whether or not to move in that direction. I’ve given him the information he’s looking for, then tried to scope out just how that position might work with him in his new administration.

There are also a number of special projects that Mayor Wendy Van Orman has wanted to try to wrap up or get as close to wrapped-up as possible. I’ve been working on those, reviewing financial policies and personnel procedures. A review of Council rules and procedures is a third example of that.

I’ve also started working on salary classifications as a result of recent Council decisions. I’ll be bringing some thoughts to the City Council regarding that in the near future.

Q: Sounds like you’ve got your hands full.

A: (laughing) Oh yeah, I’m keeping more than busy.

Q: Are there projects or assignments that top your priority list?

A: Well, I know that helping Mayorelect Peterson decide on a city administrator position needs to be near the top of the list. Actually, it seems like several of the projects need to be done right away — the city administrator position, the compensation consideration for city employees who have their step increases on hold, and I know there is interest in the Council rules and procedures.

I’ll be meeting with city administrators to scope out what our first few meetings in January will look like so we can get what we want accomplished. We’ll sort out what is realistically possible for us to do on that schedule.

Q: Talking about transitioning the new mayor in, what all does that entail?

A: He’s been to the last few directors meetings for department heads. We’ve been taking those opportunities for the directors to brief him on what’s happening in the departments to get him up to speed as quickly as possible on all the things in City Hall — current projects and hot button issues that might be coming up in the

The Splash

near future.

Another is working out the details of the swearing-in ceremony. There are some things he’d like to see happen, so we’re working on identifying those and setting them up. Other details, like office space and where he wants to be set up, I’m working on.

I’m also building out his calendar, because appointments are already being requested and made. I’m facilitating that so there will be as smooth of a transition as possible.

Q: As far as the city administrator position goes, can you say anything at this point as to which way you think Peterson is leaning?

A: Well, I’ve got to be careful not to get ahead of myself. Clearly the City Council, by a 5-to-1 vote, has given a near-unanimous endorsement of the idea of having a city administrator with the approval of funding for that position.

The mayor is taking a very careful look at it and is studying it thoroughly, and I expect him to announce his intentions very soon. By that I’m assuming it’d be shortly after he takes his oath of office.

I have told him my perspective on it is that I’m biased. I’m a former city administrator and city manager, so I believe in the position, and I’ve seen what that position can do in a number of different jurisdictions. I think it has a lot to offer.

However, I don’t see my role as selling the position to the city of Liberty Lake or Peterson. Rather, I will identify things the position could do and opportunities it could create and identify ways he could work with the position. I’m trying to get him the best information so he can decide himself.

Q: About how long do you think you’ll be around? Do you have any idea at this point?

A: You know, I really don’t. A lot will depend on the decisions that are made regarding the city administrator position.

For example, if the decision were made to create the position and then fill it, the City Council would need to approve a job description and a salary.

Then the mayor and the Council will need to determine what procedure they’d like to follow in recruiting for the position.

That needs to be looked at and evaluated so that they can decide what process to follow.

Once that decision is made, the mayor, City Council and I will have to sit down to determine what my role moving forward might be. Whether or not they’d like me to help out during that recruitment time with special projects or acting as an interim hasn’t been determined yet, so I can’t really say. It’s a possibility.

It might be that I’ll have served my purpose at that point so they can take over from there.

The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 9

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cover story

The Splash

City election news tops in 2011 coverage ated as separate entities, but in Peterson's first term he led the city in an attempt to take over operations of the LLSWD. The attempt fell short after facing legal challenges, but the process sparked multiple lawsuits and countless heated meetings.

Whether or not he’ll staff the city administrator — a position with allocated funds in the 2012 budget but one he eliminated in his previous stint as mayor — is yet to be announced.

Liberty Lake voters also had their say in November on four Council seats, although only one was contested. In that race, Shane Brickner came out ahead of fellow newcomer Keith Kopelson. Newcomer Dan Dunne ran unopposed to fill David Crump’s seat, and Cris Kaminskas and Susan Schuler retained their seats. City government election winners will be sworn in at City Hall Jan. 3.

While the election results themselves are noteworthy, the process of it being in the news throughout the year helped propel it to the top of our annual list. The city’s most talked-about issues — including a crisis of leadership cited by the Committee for Better Government in its Proposition 1 push — were intertwined with the election.

Splash file photo

Steve Peterson discusses his mayoral election victory with City Council Member Susan Schuler at a celebratory election-night event Nov. 8 at Palenque Mexican Restaurant. Peterson claimed the seat with about 74 percent voter support over opponent Josh Beckett.

Recalling the top 11 Liberty Lake stories of the year

By Kelly Moore Splash Staff Writer

In a year marked with debates, campaigns and government evaluations, city elections led the forefront of community coverage in Liberty Lake. With a handful of would-be-incumbents bowing out, the city’s municipal landscape faced potential for dramatic change.

A proposition to change the form of government shed light on city operations, while a handful of candidates vied for seats in the Council chambers. Other headlines ranged from the fate of a new utility tax to a team of young football players making their way to the Pop Warner Super Bowl.

As determined by input from Splash staff, below are the top 11 stories Liberty Lake stirred up in 2011.

1. Peterson’s return as mayor heads election news After a contentious election season, Mayor-elect Steve Peterson came out the victor over Council Member Josh Beckett in the race for mayor by a near 3-to-1 mar-

gin. Peterson, no stranger to city politics, first served as Liberty Lake’s mayor from 2001 to 2007.

In addition to beating out Beckett at the polls, Peterson fought hard campaigning against Proposition 1, an effort to change the city’s form of government. The proposition, brought to the ballot by a petition organized by the Citizens for Better Government, failed with about 30 percent voter support. If it would have passed, it would have changed the form of government to Council-Manager and eliminated the elected mayoral position.

Election conversations began in January when three would-be incumbents — Wendy Van Orman, Judi Owens and David Crump — announced plans not to run for reelection. The trio served as the last of the city’s founding Council, first sworn in May 2001. Van Orman, of course, spent the past four years as the city’s mayor.

"The past is not bad," Peterson said on election night. "There are things that happened you don't want to repeat, but there are also things that happened you'd want to bring back."

One thing he promised not to repeat is the attempt he led to assume control of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District.

The city and LLSWD have always oper-

2. Utility tax discussions lead to reduction Born out of an impending budget gap for 2011, the Council voted last year to establish a 6 percent tax on utilities within city limits. The decision sparked continued discussion among businesses, the formation of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Utility Tax Taskforce, a mid-year Council review of the tax and an eventual reduction of the rate Dec. 13.

The reduction — from 6 percent to 3 percent — was passed unanimously by the Council in a marathon meeting to pass the 2012 budget. Citing higher-that-budgeted sales tax and utility tax revenue, the Council started the 2012 budgeting process with the option to allocate a $2.9 million surplus in the 2011 budget.

Over the course of the year, the Council heard from numerous businesses urging a reduction of the rate. The Chamber’s taskforce presented its findings to the Council in July during a mandatory review of the tax rate.

The report showed businesses accounting for the majority of the tax’s revenue and asked to see it reduced, if not repealed. Council opinions on the matter fluctuated throughout the year, with some stressing a need to see it done away with, while others focused on the need to gather more data before making a hasty decision.

The adjustment to a 3 percent rate, reflected in the 2012 budget, is expected to

garner $625,000 for the city in the coming year.

3. School construction bond falls short for CVSD Voters failed to provide majority support, let alone the needed 60 percent supermajority, when the Central Valley School District asked Feb. 8 for approval of a $69.6 million construction bond that would have built a new school and made significant improvements to five others. The meager 46 percent approval rate surprised supporters and detractors alike, many of whom blamed a bad economy for the wide margin of defeat.

The school district, which last passed a bond in 1999, has maintained that the challenge of overcrowded and outdated facilities is not going away. In preparation for the bond, a committee developed a Capital Facilities Plan with projects proposed through 2033.

After the bond failure, Superintendent Ben Small recommended the district reconvene the capital facilities committee to develop a blueprint for the future, but did not anticipate a new bond until after another election target was passed.

"We've got a levy that we're running in 2012 which is huge now that we've got budget impacts from the state," Small said in March. "We've got to concentrate as a district to make sure our levy gets passed."

Voters will consider the replacement levy on Feb. 14.

See TOP 11, page 11

Splash file photo

Following the construction bond’s failure in February, operations continued as usual without funding to address identified needs in aging facilities throughout the Central Valley School District. Here, students in Kellie Ackerman’s third-grade class listen to instructions during a lesson at Liberty Lake Elementary.

The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 11

COVER STORY

Faces of 2011

A few memorable newsmakers who left a lasting impression this year

Splash file photo

Ross Schneidmiller, president of the Liberty Lake Historical Society. The group launched “The Resort Project” in The Splash Jan. 5, with monthly features of the city’s former resorts

Mary Lou PettySkok, the 96-yearold Olympic veteran shared her memories on the 75th anniversary of the 1936 Summer Games and was featured in the July 28 Splash

Josh Schluter, current Friends of Pavillion Park president featured March 17, shortly after taking over the role

Jean Simpson, featured Aug. 4 as one of “cancer’s worst enemies” for her efforts to spearhead Liberty Lake’s inaugural Relay For Life

Sam Burke, featured March 24 for sharing the story of his battle against childhood cancer

Joanne Comer, former Kindergarten Center principal moved to head up operations at Liberty Lake Elementary School, as featured Sept. 1

Mike and Linda Uphus, retiring school principals featured May 26 after 36 years at area schools

Chris Johnston, new golf pro at Trailhead Golf Course, featured Oct. 5

Ashleigh Seely, featured June 9 as the top graduate at Central Valley High School

Luke Richey, founder and CEO of Gravity Jack, featured Nov. 17 for efforts to lead the global race in developing augmented reality technology

Sasha Deyarmin, named in the June 30 Splash as the new principal for the Central Valley Kindergarten Center

Jessica Kovac, featured Dec. 1 for her efforts to launch Blessings Under the Bridge, a nonprofit created to feed Spokane’s homeless population

Mary Munger, Citizens for Better Government leader spearheaded efforts to change the city’s form of government, as explained in the July 21 Splash

Wendy Van Orman, exiting Liberty Lake mayor, featured Dec. 22 for her service to founding and developing city government

Its future once in jeopardy, the annual Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales event returned June 11 bolstered by support from the Liberty Lake Kiwanis to promote more than 175 individual yard sales.

TOP 11 Continued from page 10

4. Annual yard sales regroup under new leadership After a year in limbo, the 18th annual version of the Liberty Lake Community Yard Sales was reinvigorated by new leadership in 2011. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club agreed to take the reins of the event, which has become a community staple featuring hundreds of sales and thousands of visitors to the community.

Citing a lack of volunteers, the association leading the sale cancelled the 2010 event. A handful of community members stepped in to loosely organize that year's 17th annual event, but it lacked much of the organizational infrastructure of year's past.

In stepped the Kiwanis club, which worked with past organizers to take the baton for the 2011 event. Club member (and current president) Scott Draper directed the event, and the club partnered with The Liberty Lake Splash to publish a guide of maps and listings for residents and visitors.

The June 11 event drew 178 officially registered homes and was attended by the usual influx of hundreds of people.

The club is hoping to build on those inaugural efforts in 2012, recently securing a $1,500 lodging tax grant from the city of Liberty Lake to help bolster the event and attract visitors.

5. Community pioneer passes away Elmer Schneidmiller, who was a pioneer of both the grass seed fields of Liberty Lake and the community those fields eventually transformed into, died Dec. 9 at the age of 93.

Schneidmiller began farming the fields

of Liberty Lake in 1951. He lived in the community from 1955 on. In 1999, he was honored as grand marshal of the Fourth of July Parade in part for the legacy he carved from the fields he once worked.

"Anybody that lives in Liberty Lake, golfs at MeadowWood, goes to school at Liberty Lake Elementary, enjoys Pavillion Park, rides the bike trails or strolls the sidewalks should know they are living Elmer Schneidmiller's original vision," said Bill Main Jr., who helped develop some of the land Schneidmiller owned.

In his death, many community leaders honored Schneidmiller's vision and philanthropy, but those who knew him best pointed also to his deep commitment to his family and country. Schneidmiller served as a commander of amphibious tanks for the Marines in World War II. Following the war, as the country increasingly embraced the idea of manicured lawns and green space, he became a pioneer in the turf grass industry alongside his brother, Manuel, and the brothers were once the major supplier of grass seed for Jacklin Seed Company.

Schneidmiller was preceded in death by his wife, Marian. He is survived by his two sons, Rod and Ross, their wives and six grandchildren.

6. Council calls for look into city’s HR practices Grumblings of potential human resources issues within the city staffing first picked up when two police officers submitted resignations in late April. By May 17, Council conversations citing rumors, accusations and hearsay called for an extensive internal review of the city’s HR practices.

Within three months of the Council calling for the audit, the city was able to review

See TOP 11, page 12

The Splash

12 • Dec. 29, 2011

COVER STORY

TOP 11

parking spots and irrigation hooked up to the water system at Trailhead Golf Course.

She said several trees are in place, and a community garden similar to what is in place at Rocky Hill Park is ready to go. In November, a monument to community namesake Steve Liberty was unveiled at the site.

As funds become available and community members make donations, Van Orman said plans include adding several water features, stocking the area with vegetation and developing an area to display historical timelines and the work of local artists.

"It's all about culture, history and art," she said. "That's what makes the community."

Continued from page 11

the results of more than 50 interviews that generated about 200 pages of notes.

"Generally, it would appear that most of staff members enjoy working for the city of Liberty Lake," the report generated by Canfield Insurance and Risk Management Specialists Consultant P.J. De Benedetti states. "Staff members said that they felt valued and appreciated for the work that they do in the city. Staff members mentioned receiving compliments on their work from community members as well as fellow employees and supervisors."

The report cited four areas of concern: communication, chain of command, administrative roles and interactions among staff, mayor and Council. In response to the audit, Council members expressed mixed sentiment — some stating confidence in the findings and others stating hesitance to get behind the message presented.

The city's former facilities technician, Chris Lowe, participated in the audit before resigning from his position midAugust, citing the frustration of working under the current administration and mayor as what sent him packing after eight years of employment at the city.

"I felt like there was no way out," Lowe said. "I felt like I was harassed. Every time I turned around someone was looking over my shoulder, never trusting my work or what I did."

Before seemingly closing the book on the issue, administrators took a stab at some of the report’s recommendations by reviewing the city staff ’s organizational chart and reporting efforts to improve communications.

A municipal consultant hired in November may address any concerns remaining after the new administration transitions into office Jan. 3.

9. City sees businesses shuffle in and out

Splash file photo

The city installed infrastructure this year for Nature’s Place at Meadowood arboretum, including pathways, parking, irrigation systems, several trees and a community garden. different light now. … There are so many things that we let overwhelm us or get us down or stress us out, but there's so much to be thankful for that we often ignore. It's easy for us to ignore because things get crazy. We get distracted easily, but this has taught me to cherish the little things so much more than I ever have."

She said she made a deliberate decision

8. Arboretum becomes a reality

7. Woman survives car accident with determined recovery Jessica Sharpe, a Liberty Lake resident and Eastern Washington University student, was headed westbound on Interstate 90 April 24 after dropping off an Easter dinner to her friend, when another vehicle crossed traffic with his lights off and collided with her head on.

The vehicle's 73-year-old driver died.

Nine months later, Sharpe is alive and continuing to improve, having endured 17 broken bones mended by seven rods, seven plates, 36 screws, two pins, two skin grafts and 13 surgeries. Amidst the medical trauma, Sharpe rebounded in time to return to school this fall, where she’s working toward admittance in a nursing program.

"Life is great because I'm alive," Sharpe said, laughing. "I'm breathing still, that's the greatest part. But I see life almost in a

to stay strong and positive throughout the ordeal, which included a 35-day stay Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle, an 18day stop in a nursing home and continued physical therapy to help her walk.

And the healing continues. Another surgery scheduled this month will remove a pin from her foot. Once that's gone, she said she’d be happy to start wearing highheel shoes again.

Splash file photo

In a photo taken six months after a near-fatal car accident, the scars on Jessica Sharpe’s arms show where acid burns required skin grafting.

After six years sitting on the backburner, Liberty Lake's arboretum, Nature's Place at Meadowwood, finally scored the necessary funding to become more of a reality for the community.

Support for the arboretum gained traction when Council Member Judi Owens committed to making the project happen last December.

The 2.88-acre plot of land was donated by the Meadowwood Homeowners Association in 2005 for the purpose of creating an arboretum. On Feb. 22, the Liberty Lake City Council approved $85,760 from the city's capital projects fund, and city crews broke ground on the site in mid-March.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 17 marked the official opening of phase one of the arboretum. Mayor Wendy Van Orman said the first phase involved installing the necessary infrastructure, such as pathways,

In another year marked by economic turbulence at the national level, local businesses moved in while others moved out, shuffling employees throughout the city.

A major draw for additional jobs into the city came with the announcement by Center Partners Inc. to start shifting employees to the 52,000-square-foot building last used by Telect Inc. at 1730 N. Madson St. By the time the transition is completed, Human Resources Manager Paige Kramer said the new location would house about 700 employees, with room to grow up to 800.

In addition, a handful of new startups sprouted in the city. These include the frozen yogurt and soup shop Just Chillin’, home décor and clothing boutique Lollipop Lemondrop, North Idaho Dermatology, wine bar Eau de Vie and heavy equipment rentals and sales outlet Musselman.

Still, Liberty Lake was no exception to the slow economy, with a handful of businesses closing doors. Some of the big names to leave town this year included Ashley Furniture and Sleep City, entirely vacating the massive commercial building at 21605 E. Country Vista Drive.

Others to depart included Mastercraft, Anew Start Rejuvenation Center and Hall Law Offices. At the very beginning of 2011, Spokane Kia was acquired by George Gee Automotive, consolidating into the latter’s George Gee Imports operation and leaving vacant to this day Kia’s longtime facility at 21326 E. Mission Ave.

10. Rockin’ B Ranch says goodbye after 17 years After 17 years of entertaining the Inland Northwest, Rockin' B Cowboy Supper Show hosts Scott and Pamela Brownlee announced mid-August that the 2011 season would be the last. The decision came more as a revelation for the two, who simply said, "It's time."

"The summer vacation thing really is a nonexistent category in our lives," Pamela Brownlee said. "We got to our 30-year

See TOP 11, page 13

The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 13

COVER STORY/BUSINESS 11. Pop Warner team invited to Super Bowl

Scott and Pamela Brownlee perform on the main stage with Gordon Grove as three of the five Riders of the Rockin’ B. The Brownlees announced this year that they’d no longer continue the Rockin’ B Ranch’s Cowboy Supper Show.

Splash file photo

TOP 11 Continued from page 12

wedding anniversary this year in June and couldn't celebrate it, not like we should have at least."

The day was packed with rehearsals and planning and performances. By the time the sun

set, both felt about 17 years worth of exhaustion, and calling it quits started to sound like it wasn't such a bad idea.

"Just to be able to say we don't know what we'll be doing next summer is really a sweet thing," Pamela Brownlee said. "People have asked, ‘Isn't it bittersweet?' It is bittersweet, but it's heavy on the

sweet. With all the feedback we're getting from people, we know we've made a difference."

The announcement sparked a record season for the Rockin’ B Ranch, and the Brownlees are taking their time in plotting their next move while staying open to suggestions for the future of their famous barn.

In Biz Gravity Jack app available in stores Gravity Jack, the Liberty Lake-based technology company, announced the release Dec. 15 of browsAR, its flagship augmented reality browser.

The browser is available for free download through both Apple’s iTunes Store and the Android Market.

In addition to being a fully featured QR code reader, browsAR offers the added technology of Gravity Jack’s patented AR technology.

For more information on Gravity Jack and the company’s AR developments, visit www. gravityjack.com.

STCU names new facilities manager Richard Breitenberg was recently hired as the new facilities manager for STCU. Breitenberg has 20 years experience in residential and commercial construction and was most recently project manager and superintendent for Contractors Northwest Inc., where his projects included the expansion and remodeling of STCU

The Spokane Valley Bengals, a Pop Warner football team made of 7- to 9-year-olds from Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley and Spokane, won a lottery of sorts this year with an invite to play a Mitey Mite exhibition game at the Pop Warner Super Bowl games held Dec. 3 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida.

"We're all excited," assistant coach Matt Schneider said after receiving the invite in September.

"Whole families, all the way down to the little babies, are excited.

This is a big deal for all of us. … I played football for Eastern Washington University, and I never got to do anything this cool."

The boys answered the invite with an undefeated record and held up a rigorous practice schedule until closing their extended season by winning a 28-6 thriller against New York's Irondequoit Screamin' Eagles at the bowl game.

With the score at a 7-6 gridlock for most of the game, the Bengals broke away with three touch-

downs in the final five minutes.

"Every kid on the team did something important to help us win that day," assistant coach Todd Carlson said. "That's what we asked of them that day, and every single guy played the best they've ever played."

Splash file photo

Players for the Bengals, a Mitey Mite Pop Warner team, run drills during practice Oct. 14. The team stayed busy during its season with practices after school Tuesday through Friday, games on Saturday and agility training on Sunday.

Find us on Facebook! headquarters in Liberty Lake.

He owned and operated his own firm, Breitenberg Construction, from 1993 through 2002.

Breitenberg is a LEED Green Associate, meaning he has met the requirements to Breitenberg be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Prior to his civilian career, Breitenberg served 10 years in the U.S. Army.

He replaces Jack Cady, who retired in December after 14 years as STCU’s first-ever facilities manager. During Cady’s tenure, the credit union expanded from five branches to 15.

Valley Chamber prepares for annual awards The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its ninth annual Gem of the Valley Awards Gala on Jan. 28.

Chamber members and other community citizens will gather

at the Mirabeau Park Hotel to honor the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year. Past recipients Mike DeVleming, Diana Wilhite, Ian Robertson, Peggy Doering and Dick Denenny selected longtime Spokane Valley resident and community leader Chuck Stocker as this year’s honoree.

In addition, Awards of Excellence will be given to a small, medium and large business as well as a non-profit organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative, and success in its day-to-day operations. Recognition also will be given to an individual who has provided outstanding support in 2011 to the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Individual tickets to the event are available for $50 at the Chamber office, 9507 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley.

For more information or to sign on as an event sponsor, contact the Chamber at 9244994.

In Biz features Liberty Lake-connected business items. Contact The Splash with business news at editor@libertylakesplash.com.

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sports

14 • Dec. 29, 2011

The Splash

It’s the end of the sports world as we know it

By Chad Kimberley Splash Staff Writer

This will be the final sports predictions column I ever write.

Sadly, this will be the final column where I predict the Cubs to win a World Series, Gonzaga to make a deep tournament run or Central Valley High School to win multiple state championships.

You see, according to very reputable sources (the Mayan calendar and Nostradamus), 2012 will be the final year of existence for our world, and yes, sadly that includes the world of sports.

I guess the Mayans decided that Dec. 21, 2012, would officially mark the end of all things. The Mayans based their calendar on star charting, and supposedly on Dec. 21 of next year the Galactic Equator is going to cross paths with the Milky Way (stars not bars), and I guess all craziness is going to break out (picture every

cheesy natural disaster movie that has been made).

Now I might not be persuaded the world is ending by a group of people, the Mayans, who were able to predict the end of the world but not the end of their culture, but we also have the predictions of No s t r a d a mu s who said that sometime in December 2012 a large comet is going to hit the planet causing all kinds of cataclysmic events (cue natural disaster movie once again).

For those who might doubt, you have to understand Nostradamus correctly predicted World Wars 1

and 2, the French Revolution and the assassination of many world leaders. I mean, it takes a true seer of the future to imagine a world where war would break out among countries and political leaders would be targeted by crazed individuals.

So, it must be true. 2012 is it. The final curtain. The grand finale. The fat lady warmed up and belting out the final song.

So this year I throw caution and intelligence into the wind and make the predictions that I want to see happen this year, the final year of sports in our world.

January: The NFL playoffs get under way minus my Chicago

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Bears (hey, even big dreams have to have an element of reality), but the flip side is I get to enjoy the playoffs featuring the core players from my championship caliber Fantasy Football team advancing in the NFL playoffs. This means the Drew Brees led Saints and the Ray Rice led Baltimore Ravens will get through their respective conference brackets to meet in the big game the first weekend of February.

February: My dream comes true as I get to become a television star (okay, star might be a bit of a reach) by competing on Winter Wipeout (remember this is my fantasy column) and dominating the Big Balls. Spurred on by the dream of riches and the unending admiration I will now have earned from my children I coast through the course and win the $50,000 which becomes seed money for the Liberty Lake Wipeout Course. I am thinking major tourist attraction. Mayor Peterson, let’s make this a priority during the first few months of your administration.

March: The first weekend of March brings about state championships on the basketball front for high school athletics and a couple of big wins for area teams. First off the Central Valley girls

See SPORTS, page 19

Scoreboard Boys Basketball Standings Team Lewis and Clark University Gonzaga Prep Ferris Central Valley Shadle Park Rogers North Central Mt. Spokane Mead Results 12/20 CV. vs. Shadle Park

League Overall 4-1 6-1 4-1 6-1 4-1 4-3 3-2 4-2 3-2 3-3 2-3 4-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-5 1-4 2-5 0-5 0-7 67-60

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local lens

The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 15

Shutterbug snapshots

Submitted photos

Local resident Tom Specht snapped a few shots before the chilly holiday weekend. At left, a sunset Friday evening lights up the sky. Above, an owner plays fetch with his dog out on the ice Dec. 23, before the Christmas Eve snowfall.

History: Liberty Lake Park

Splash Travels

The three-story, 400-room bathhouse at Liberty Lake Park invited visitors to change into rented wool bathing suits to make the most of their time visiting Liberty Lake. The bathhouse was located near the park’s iconic dance pavillion, which the namesake structure at Pavillion Park is modeled after today.

Chris and Josie Anderson and their family traveled to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving to visit family near Green Bay. Dane, Evan and Nicholas Anderson posed with The Splash by the Vince Lombardi statue at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.

Submitted photo courtesy of Ross and Kelli Schneidmiller

Submitted photo

Splash Travels Melisa Kinzel brought the Splash to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in early December, where she posed for a picture in front of a law building at the University of Buenos Aires.

Submitted photo

Nicholas and Leslie Zilka took The Splash to Switzerland, where they visited their daughter, Sonya Zilka, her husband, Robert Hylton, and son, Drake. The picture was taken at the Basel Christmas market.

Submitted photo

16 • Dec. 29, 2011

opinion

The Splash

Striving to make holidays the selfless season

By Andrew Fouché splash guest Column

As the year 2011 comes to a close, I find myself running from holiday party to Christmas shopping, to more holiday parties, with little to no down time. Besides the busyness of the season, one of the reasons I don’t have much extra time could have something to do with the recent adoption of my daughter, which has definitely turned my world upside down — in a good way. In a season that is usually very focused on ourselves, my wife and I have found our perspective radically changed.

To put it mildly, my focus has shifted. It has shifted from me to my daughter. To a life focused on self to a life … well, lessfocused on self (I still have a long way to go before I’m entirely selfless).

As a Christian, one phrase I’ve often heard said during this time of the year is, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Christmas is a celebration of his birth, a birth that would ultimately come to be known as the ultimate selfless act, as Jesus later willingly gives his life. The challenge we face in our consumer driven society today is to actually keep the real meaning of Christmas at the center of our celebration. This is always difficult for me as I get so focused on buying stuff and giving my family ideas of what to buy for me that I lose sight of the real spirit of the season. Now, whether you celebrate this season in the same way as I do or not, we can all agree that the idea of being selfless transcends religion and culture.

It’s no coincidence that two areas that are the biggest focus this time of year — gifts and relationships — are also the same ones that can cause people to dread the Christmas season the most. While gift giving will always be a main focus of the season, there are many people in our community that barely have enough money to buy food — let alone presents — for their kids. For them, Christmas is a time where the overwhelming commercialism serves as a constant reminder of their shortcomings. Many amazing people and organizations in our community reach out during this time of year to make Christmas special and help meet the needs of those in our community, selflessly giving and taking the time to serve those who have fallen on hard times. Because of their effort, we also have an opportunity to partner with them.

Whether it’s donating a gift or just dropping spare change in a bucket, your selfless act of giving has the potential to bring light and hope to someone’s life this year.

The second area that can be a struggle this time of year is in our relationships.

For many of us, this is a time of reuniting

with family and friends and enjoying the blessing of the relationships we have. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings to the surface the pain of relationships that have been lost. Whether because of death, estrangement or other circumstances, intense loneliness and even mourning is often a byproduct of the Christmas season.

As a community, our ability to fill this void in people’s lives requires more intentional individual action than the first area I mentioned. Giving of ourselves may mean inviting someone to a family gathering who isn’t family, sharing a meal or just listening to and acknowledging the hurt. I often find the hardest part of my life to be selfless with is my time. But giving time can be a gift far more valuable than a wrapped present.

As a community, let’s take the time this season to let the universal message of love speak through the commercialism and self-centeredness of our society. Imagine what this season could like if we did?

Andrew Fouché is the youth and worship director at Liberty Lake Church.

Letter to the Editor Clear windows for safe driving Liberty Lake drivers should take some time to clear their car windows. Too many times, I’ve seen and almost been hit by drivers with frosted-over windshields, driving looking out a 4-inch hole the defroster made.

With all the money in Liberty Lake, go buy a scraper and use it before you kill a neighbor! This could be a good money maker for the Liberty Lake Police Department, too, as driving with an obstructed view is against the law.

NOTES OF BLESSING

“C

onsult not your fears but your hopes and dreams.

Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you to do.”

Pope John XXIII

B M M M W

lessings from North Idaho College’s Leadership Class! Merry Christmas! ay God bless and keep you safe and warm this Holiday season and throughout the year. erry Christmas to Blessings Under the Bridge! You are inspiring. God’s blessings for the new year! y blessing is my grand-daughter April Brogan.

e are very thankful for all we have in our lives. For our friends and family, and a great community. God bless you for helping those that are not so fortunate, and for the opportunity for us to help out. Merry Christmas.

Tracking the Brown Bags The following graphic shows how many bags were collected for Blessings Under the Bridge from Splash readers during the month of December.

Each bag represents 10 meals. Thanks to the generosity of our readers, funds for 1,100 meals were donated!

Doug Downey

Liberty Lake

About the Opinion Page The Splash opinion page is intended to be a community forum for discussing local issues.

Please interact with us by sending a le er to the editor or Liberty Lake Voices guest column for considera on.

Le ers to the editor of no more than 350 words or guest columns of about 700 words should be e-mailed to editor@libertylakesplash.com or mailed to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. A full name and telephone number must be included for purposes of verifica on. A photo of the author must be taken or provided for all Liberty Lake Voices guest columns.

The Splash reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. Business complaints or endorsements will not be accepted, and poli cal endorsement le ers will only be accepted if they interact with issues of a campaign.

Views expressed in signed columns or le ers do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its staff. Editorials, which appear under the heading "Splash Editorial," represent the voice of The Splash and are wri en by Publisher Josh Johnson.

During the holiday season, The Splash partnered with Blessings Under the Bridge to raise funds to feed the area’s hungry. Below are some notes submitted by those who donated to the cause.

1,100 Meals

SEND YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS! Whether it’s a birth, engagement, wedding or anniversary, The Splash wants to celebrate with you! The announcement is free, although The Splash reserves the right to edit for space.

Send a photo with all relevant details to editor@libertylakesplash.com or drop it by the office at 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305.

The Splash

Dec. 29, 2011 • 17

Thank you To all our adverTisers and readers who supporT and connecT our communiTy.

Happy New Year from The Splash!

AAA Insurance Agency Affordable Arborist Tree Care Affordable Northwest Affordable Optics Air Control Heating & Electric Inc. Albertsons Alliant Securities Inc. Amaculate Housekeeping American Family Ins - Brian Leyh American Family Ins - Jana Pool Andrean Accounting Anytime Fitness Appleway Florist & Greenhouse Avista Baker Construction & Development Inc Barlows Restaurant Beauty Secrets Salon - Ty Fromm Belgin’s Embroidery Best Blinds & Awnings Bestway Lawn & Tree Care Binns Family Chiropractic Boomer’s Classic Rock Bar & Grill Boost Mobile Spokane Border Patrol Brushwork Designs Cabela’s Call Realty Inc. Callahan & Associates Chtd.

Calvary Chapel Christian School Camp Fire USA Cancer Patient Care Canine Carnival & Pet Blessing in the Park Caribbean Heat Tanning Salon Carver Farms Casey Family Dental Center Partners Central Valley Citizens for Education Central Valley School District Century 21 Beutler & Associates Century 21 - Gary Hansen Chalpin Fitness Chamberlain, Dr. Dan Chef in the Forest Cheney Pathways to Progress - Cheney Jubilee Chevron Ching Hua Garden Christmas Tree Elegance Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints Citizens For Responsible Taxation City of Liberty Lake Clark’s Tire & Automotive Classical Christian Academy Columbia Medical Associates Liberty Lake Family Medicine Coeur d’Alene Wine Cellar Coldwell Banker Tomlinson South Committee for Better Government

Community Colleges of Spokane Continuous Curriculum School Copper Basin Construction Country Homes Power Crown Media & Printing Cullings Family Dentistry Damon & Magnuson Orthodontics P.S. Desert Sun Landscaping Desserts by Sara Ding How Direct TV Discover Technology Domino’s Pizza Donna’s School of Dance Dorsey Auto Sales Dosha Salon & Spa Eau de Vie Eclectic Gifts Edward Jones Liberty Lake Essentials Medi Spa Evergreen Fountains Eye Consultants Family Medicine Liberty Lake Farmers Ins - Jarrett Insurance Agency Farmers Ins - Machelle Dinneen Financial Security Five Guys Burgers and Fries Flex Ability Fitness, Tracy Carter Friends of Pavillion Park Frontier Genesis Church of Spokane George Gee Automotive GET THE 411 LLC Glynn Portfolio Management LLC Go Wireless Liberty Lake Good Samaritan Society Spokane Valley Granite Transformations Gravity Jack Great Clips Great Harvest Bread Co Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce Green Thumb Nursery Greenacres Christian Church Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods Guardian Angel Homes GW Hunters H2E HALL Law Office - PLLC Hay J’s Bistro Healthy Living Liberty Lake Highlands Day Spa Highlands Golf Course Holistic Festival Horizon Credit Union HUB Sports Center Ida & Norma’s Drapery Idaho Lights & Evergreen Lighting Independent Wealth Connections

Indoor Golf Inland Empire Dermatology Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council Inland Imaging Intelligent Balance Spinal Care & Wellness Center Jeff Baxter For State Senate JJ’s Pen Place Joel’s Lawnmower Repair John L Scott Real Estate Liberty Lake John L. Scott Real Estate - Pam Fredrick John L. Scott Real Estate - Ray Fisk John L. Scott Real Estate - Zyph Realtors Junior League of Spokane Just Chillin’ Frozen Yogurt K H Grocery Market K Salon Karen Does My Hair KiDDS Dental Kipp McDonald Painting Services Kiwanis of Liberty Lake Kopelson for City Council Lake, Jameson Lakeshore Renovations Inc Lakeside Church Lakeside Vision PLLC Latah Creek Legacy Animal Medical Center Liberty Closing & Escrow Liberty Cross Ministries Liberty Lake Athletic Club Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club Liberty Lake Children’s Academy Liberty Lake Church Liberty Lake Community Theatre Liberty Lake EyeCare Center Liberty Lake Family & Sports Medicine Liberty Lake Family Dentistry Liberty Lake Farmers Market Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund Liberty Lake Golf Course Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation Liberty Lake Learning Center Liberty Lake Municipal Library Liberty Lake Orthodontics Liberty Lake Pet Sitters & Pooper Scoopers Liberty Lake Police Department Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District Liberty Lake Veterinary Center Liberty Lashes Life Care Center of Post Falls Life Line Screening Lilac Bloomsday Association Linda’s Things Little Italy’s Wine Bar Lollipop Lemondrop

Lund’s Carpet Cleaning Mary Ward, M.A. McDonalds Meadow Wood Children’s Center MeadowWood HOA Medicine Man Pharmacy Mega Wash Express Mercedes-Benz Mike Padden For State Senate Mirabeau Park Hotel Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute Nhance Wood Renewal NIC Foundation North Idaho Dermatology - Stephen Craig MD Northern Quest Resort & Casino Northwest Autism Center Northwest Golf Cars Numerica Credit Union NW Tailoring On Fire Fitness Once Upon A Child Orr, John Osborne Chiropractic Othello Sandhill Crane Festival Palenque Mexican Restaurant PAML Papa Murphy’s Pascal Academy Paul’s Home Repair Pawpular Companions Pet Supplies Peppertree Inns Pheasant Hill Inn & Suites Pig Out In The Park Pine Ridge Alzheimers Special Care Center Post Falls Family Dental Post Falls Parks & Recreation Quinn Essentials Quizno’s Relay For Life RetroMaids R’nR RV Rockin’ B Ranch Cowboy Supper Show Rockwood Health System Safeway Inc Salon Capello Salon reTro Salon reTro - Lisa White Salvation Army San Francisco Sourdough Eatery Sayre and Sayre SCRAPS Simonds Dental Group Sleep City Spacedout Decks SpaZenaida Spice Traders Mercantile Spokane Chiefs Spokane County Carpet Cleaning Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

Spokane County Parks Spokane Golf Show Spokane Gymnastics Spokane Home and Garden Show Spokane Indians Spokane Internal Medicine Spokane Obstetrics & Gynecology Spokane Roofing Spokane Symphony Spokane Transit Authority Spokane Valley Cosmetic Laser Center Spokane Valley Eagles Spokane Valley Heritage Museum STCU Stepping Stone Christian School & Childcare Sterling Savings Bank Steve Peterson for Mayor Stevens Naturopathic Center STIX Sports Summit Northwest Ministries Sunshine Gardens Taco Time Take Shape for Life Terrazzo Home The Anna Schindler Foundation The Mat The Michael Coyne Touch The Oval Office The Plant Farm The UPS Store The West Wing The White House Grill Therapeutic Associates Therapeutic Moon Massage Tickle My Pets Sitting Tire Rama Trailhead Golf Course True Legends Grill Twisp U District Physical Therapy Ugly Fish Asian Bistro Valley Christian School K-12 Valley Hospital Valley Real Life Valley Young People’s Clinic Valleyfest Washington Restaurant Association WEISHAAR, Sue Weishaar D.D.S. WELL Wheel Sport Whispering Falls Massage Windermere - Marilyn Dhaenens Wittkopf Landscape Supplies Wolff & Hislop Worthy Enterprises LLC Yes For Pets Account YES on 1183 Zephyr Lodge & Conference Grounds

These advertisers supported The Splash, Go Liberty Lake guide or It’s Your Business publication in 2011.

18 • Dec. 29, 2011

Advertising deadlines In order to be considered for the following Thursday’s Splash: • CLASSIFIED ADS must be received by noon Monday.

• DISPLAY AD COPY must be received by noon Friday.

• DISPLAY ADS (CAMERA-READY) must be received by noon Monday.

• INSERTS must be received at least 9 days in advance.

• LEGAL ADS must be received by noon Monday.

Placing classifieds Classifieds must be placed online at www.libertylakesplash.com or in person at 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305. Ads are not accepted by phone, e-mail, fax or postal mail.

Advertising inquiries Display, insert or legal ad inquiries can be made by phone at 242-7752 or e-mail at adver se@libertylakesplash.com.

Advertising integrity Inaccurate or decep ve adver sing is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about adver sers should be made in wri ng to the Be er Business Bureau and to adver se@libertylakesplash.com. The Splash is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

BULLETIN BOARD Liberty Lake Church now has a food bank. If you have needs or know someone who does, call Julie, 2556266.

Singles Surviving Spouses, a boomer aged social group of widow/ers. Join us if you want to get out and enjoy life again. e-mail at survivingspouses@aol. com, 509-991-2310.

EVENTS KARAOKE KARAOKE “Your the Star” every Thursday night at Cruiser’s in Stateline. 7PM. Come sing, eat some great food & enjoy some great cocktails, 208-773-4706.

FOR RENT 22914 E Settler Dr - 5-bed, 3-bath, beautiful family home, great location, huge yard, 3-car garage. 509385-1303 or 509-999-6116. Available immediately.

23 S Overlook - 5-bed, 4-bath, stunning with view four level home ready for move in. All appliances included move in ready! Contact us - Call Realty, 921-9898.

23319 E. Maxwell 4-bed, 2-bath, greatroom, gas heat, 2 car garage with opener. Great Location, no smoking. $1150/mo. 475-1857.

2-bed, 2-bath condo, completely remodeled. New floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances, TV/ surround sound installed, 2-car garage. Close to lake and golf for $825/month plus deposit. Call 818-3882532 or 509-220-4759.

309 Liberty Lake Rd #7, 1-bed, 1-bath, all new interior, great location, utilities paid! Contact us - Call Realty, 921-9898.

709 N Madson - 4-bed 4-bath, beautiful home, appliances included, finished basement. Covered porch and fenced yard great for family! Contact us Call Realty, 921-9898.

ALMOST LIKE NEW 1420 N Ormond 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage, new carpet, new harwood floors, fenced yard, family room, living room, $1,195. Call 994-0092.

classifieds CLEAN AND QUIET 2-br/1-bath apt, washer/dryer, fireplace, dishwasher, carport, dock, large patio overlooking the lake. W/s/g & storage included, $790, Woodlake Village Apts, 23310 E Inlet Dr, 255-9955. Move-in special.

LAKEFRONT CONDO $875, 2-story 2-bed, 1.5 bath, garage, patio & pool! W/D hookups, new paint and upgrades. Call 509-874-3895.

LOST & FOUND Found: Stuffed animal brown/beige puppy with red bandana and pink leash. Found in late fall close to 1700 block of Liberty Lake Drive in middle of the road, 255-9581.

MISC. FOR SALE Ab Circlepro. Great workout, $65 cash, 879-4367.

Beige-checkered sofa and love seat living room set w/2 matching pillows. Comfortable, good condition, $150, 891-2508.

FOUR USED STUDDED TIRES mounted on steel rims. Tire size 245/70/16; fits Jeep Cherokee. $125. Call 255-6286.

Kohler Campbell Console piano manufactured 1951.

Brown mahogany. Very good condition. Professional appraisal included. 893-2330, leave message.

Wheels for sale: 4 Honda wheels 16 inch, 4-hole, $20 each, good for snow tires, 255-9110.

PETS Mini Schnauzer Puppies AKC registered. 4 girls, 2 boys, ready to go January 14. Tails, dews and first shots done.

Come pick it out over the Holiday’s! Call Kim for more info 509-230-2661.

REAL ESTATE Awesome 3-bd/2-ba MFH in the coveted 55+ Sandy Beach community. Gfa/cac, all updated. Huge master suite w/ private deck. Views! Beach access and use of boat slip. $99,500. Call Bonnie today for more information, 509-868-4755.

LIBERTY LAKE SANDY BEACH Owner will carry w/low dn. 2-bed/2-bth Mfh, beautiful home, sunroom, patio, enjoy sunsets over the lake! $89K, 208-818-7636.

SERVICES A-1 WHITE DUSTER Housecleaning, give yourself a treat and have your house cleaned. Reliable, trustworthy and reasonable rates. Weekly and biweekly. Please call Jamie at 509-892-3594 or cell 208661-5535.

HEINZ PAINTING & HANDYMAN

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS 26 years experience, free estimates, all types of showers, backsplashes, countertops and flooring.

Let us put the finishing touch on your project.

Call Larry and Lillie 924-4954.

SNOW REMOVAL SNOW REMOVAL/DE-ICING. We do snow plowing/removal/de-icing for commercial and residential. Please call for a free estimate.

Licensed & bonded. Call C.J. at Organic Micro-cut, 509-863-8894.

SNOWBLOWER TUNEUPS/REPAIR Tuneups/repairing all brands of snow blowers.

Factory Trained Technician with over 18 years experience. Air Force Vet. Licensed/insured.

Pickup and delivery available. M-F 10-5, Sat 9-12.

Call Joel’s Lawnmower Repair 924-5396.

YOU’VE GOT IT “MAID” Licensed, bonded & insured. I am honest, reliable and take pride in what I do. I have great references and competitive rates. Please call Gail, 509-385-1008.

WANTED

EVENTS-FESTIVALS ANNOUNCE your festival for only pennies. Four weeks to 2.7 million readers statewide for about $1,000. Call Josh at The Splash at 242-7752 or 1-206-634-3838 for more details.

FINANCIAL

LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at 800-563-3005, www.fossmortgage.com. $500 LOAN service. No credit refused. Fast and secure.

Easy on the budget. Payments spread out over three months. Toll free: 1-855-626-4373, LoanHere.com.

HELP WANTED

DRIVERS - Company - Lease - Work for us or let us work for you. Unbeatable career opportunities. Trainee.

Company drive. Lease Operator earn up to $51K. Lease Trainers earn up to $80K, 877-369-7105, www. centraldrivingjobs.net.

TRUCK DRIVER - Built your own hometime! Daily pay!

New trucks! Local orientation. 31 Service centers van and refrigerated. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. 800-414-9569, www.driveknight.com.

LEGAL SERVICES

DIVORCE $135. $165 with children. No court appearances. Complete preparation. Includes, custody, support, property division and bills. BBB member. 503772-5295, www.paralegalalternatives.com, divorce@ usa.com.

Help I am looking for a working Gateway MX3414 laptop. Please email replies to bigdtrucker99019@ lycos.com.

Sell me your old rock/jazz/classical record albums or View-Master reels. Jeff, 270-9255.

Wanted: Men’s size 10-10.5 ice skates. Karl, 255-1379.

Wanted: any old or broken animated Christmas deer decorations. Will haul away for free, 922-6304.

STATEWIDE

Why use Splash Classifieds?

Buy and sell with your neighbors in a local marketplace Lots of free options (Anything for

REACH 2.7 MILLION READERS: The Splash participates in a statewide classified ad program that allows classified advertisers to submit ads for publication in more than 130 community publications throughout Washington. $255 buys 1,180,746 circulation and 2,715,700 readers.

For more information, contact Josh Johnson at 242-7752 or josh@libertylakesplash.com.

EDUCATION ALLIED HEALTH career training - Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer available.

Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-4819409, www.CenturaOnline.com.

EARN COLLEGE degree online. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified.

Call 866-483-4429, www.CenturaOnline.com.

BBB accredited, hardworking, honest and on time. The holiday season is here, get your projects done today!

Dave Heinz, 509-953-8093. Licensed, bonded & insured, Heinzph924bw. Many satisfied LL customers.

sale under $250 is free, plus categories like Bulletin Board, Lost & Found and Wanted)

Saturate Greater Liberty Lake in 6,000 copies, reaching more than 12,000 readers (industry studies show more than two readers per copy of a newspaper)

Options galore — stand out with inexpensive options for color highlighting, borders, bold headers, and capitalized lead-ins

Index of advertisers Delivered free to every business and residence in the greater Liberty Lake area, The Splash is possible because of its advertisers. Following are the local advertisers in this week’s Splash. Please consider them when offering your patronage.

KIDFIT SPOKANE Join anytime! Children’s dance & fitness programs in: Mom N’Me, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hiphop, Modern Dance, Kid Kardio, Zumbatomic, Gymnastics & Cheerleading. 18mos-13yrs.

Birthday parties available! Located at The Hub Sports Center, Liberty Lake. Contact Pam Chalpin, 953-7501, www.kidfitspokane.com.

The Splash

Albertsons 7 Anytime Fitness 5 Chalpin Fitness 3 Chamberlain, Dr. Dan 3 Ching Hua Garden 5 CMA Liberty Lake Family Medicine 2 Country Homes Power 20 Domino’s Pizza 3

Dosha Salon & Spa 3 Edward Jones Liberty Lake 3 Good Samaritan Society Spokane Valley 2 Healthy Living Liberty Lake 6 Liberty Lake Family Dentistry 3 Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 4 Mercedes-Benz 9 Northern Quest Resort & Casino 5

Salon Capello

5

Sayre and Sayre

13

Sleep City

14

www.libertylakesplash.com

Spokane Valley Cosmetic Laser Center 13 True Legends Grill

7

Valley Young People’s Clinic

5

PERSONALIZED FITNESS Affordable personalized fitness programs. Circuit, TRX, Bootcamp, Dance/Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Nutrition. Individual, partner & group training.

Studio, home, or on-site. Specials! Contact Pam Chalpin, 953-7501, www.chalpinfitness.com.

View all of the content in The Splash at:

www.libertylakesplash.com

The Splash

SPORTS Continued from page 14

team cuts down the nets in Tacoma to win the school’s fourth girls basketball state championship, and on a related and completely biased note, the Valley Christian boys basketball team wins its firstever state championship as their coach gets an offer to join the University of Iowa coaching staff. Oh yeah, did I mention I am the coach at Valley Christian?

April: The NCAA championship game is the first Monday of April and will feature a major matchup of classic programs as Kentucky knocks off Duke to win the title. But the road to the championship game in 2012 will be littered with great stories as Gonzaga makes a run to the Elite Eight, Harvard makes it to the Sweet Sixteen and Eastern Washington qualifies for the tournament under former Whitworth coach Jim Hayford.

May/June: The NBA playoffs get under way. Yep, that’s it. OK, I will at least give you a prediction for the NBA Finals; Chicago Bulls win in six games over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, please do not make me write anymore about the NBA (I miss the lockout).

July/August: The London Olympics dominate the dog days of summer as Michael Phelps captures at least three medals to become the most decorated Olympian of all time, another round of USA Dream Team basketball dominates on the court, because of Bruce Jenner’s success in the decathlon during the 1976 Olympics we have way too many Kardashian sightings, and Team USA edges out China and host country Great Britain in the medal count.

September: The NFL season gets under way for the Seattle Seahawks with Robert Griffin III replacing Tavaris Jackson at the quarterback position. The Heisman winner leans on a heavy dose of Marshawn Lynch to get the Seahawks off to a perfect 4-0 start. The Heisman runner-up, Andrew Luck, ends up unlucky as he is forced to back up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and grab a seat on the bench for the first two years of his career.

October: There is nothing like a World Series to get me excited about sports, and 2012, the final year, will mark the World Series matchup that I want to see — the Texas Rangers versus the Chicago Cubs.

I want to see the Rangers attempt to avoid becoming the Buffalo Bills of the World Series, and of course I want to see the Cubs end the curse.

I could imagine it coming down to the crucial seventh game of the World Series … and … wait a second … I see a vision, I am getting a very clear thought and impression … I believe I need to make a prediction.

Today I would like to submit my own

Dec. 29, 2011 • 19

SPORTS theory on the end of the world. The date will be October 31, 2012. This is the date the Chicago Cubs will wrap up Game 7 of the World Series and as the final out is recorded and millions of long-suffering Cubs fans jump into the arms of their loved ones, a voice will call out from the night sky.

“It is done!”

And with that, the apocalypse commences. As meteors shower down upon Liberty Lake and geysers erupt from the depths of the lake and death begins its slow march down our streets, I will sit with a smile on my face as the voice of Harry Carry rings out in my mind, “Cubs win. Cubs win. Holy cow, the Cubs win.”

At least this way I can die a happy Cubs fan!

Chad Kimberley is sports editor of The Splash. He can be reached at chad@libertylakesplash.com.

CVHS Sports Roundup CV boys drop OT decision

trio of 3-pointers.

The Central Valley boys basketball team rallied in the fourth quarter to tie Shadle Park before dropping a double overtime decision 67-60 Dec. 20. The Bears outscored the Highlanders 16-7 in the fourth quarter to force overtime and after both teams posted five points in the first overtime, Shadle Park outscored the Bears 15-8 in the second overtime to secure the win.

CV girls remain unbeaten

The Bears were led by guards Austin Rehkow, who had 16 points, and Adam Chamberlain and Dustin Dach, who each had 11. Dach’s scoring total included a

The Bears were paced by senior Brooke Gallaway, who poured in 26 points including 12 of 13 free throws, and freshman Madison Hovren, who added 13 points.

The CVHS girls basketball team continued its perfect start to the season, defeating Shadle Park 57-45 in a league game played Dec. 20. The Bears held a six-point halftime lead before outscoring the Highlanders by three in each of the final quarters to pull out the 12-point win.

SEND US YOUR SPORTS! Think your results belong on the scoreboard? If you’re from Liberty Lake and you play a sport, then they certainly do. Or maybe you have a team photo you’d like to pass along. Either way, The Splash wants submitted information from or about Liberty Lake residents. E-mail the information to editor@libertylakesplash.com or drop it by our office at 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305.

20 • Dec. 29, 2011

The Splash