January 2019 Splash

JANUARY

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019

2019

FREE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Liberty Lake citizens, local groups step up in times of need page 10

CVSD Annexation Request Staff Report October 25, 2018

PROPOSAL SUMMARY: Applicant:

CVSD

Owner of Record:

CVSD

Subject Property:

Tax Parcels No. 55174.9042, 55174.9011, and 55174.9014

General Project Location: South of E Country Vista Drive, north of E Sprague Avenue; of N Henry Road; and east of N Hodges Rd. Project Size: +/- 59.68 acres

DIRECTING TRAFFIC AT THE POST OFFICE PAGE 4

FORMER DISPATCHER A SCOPE STANDOUT PAGE 20

Existing County Zoning:

Light Industrial

Proposed Zoning:

P (Public/Semi-Public Institutional)

Proposed Use:

High School & Appurtenant Facilities

SCHOOL NAMED, ANNEXATION APPROVED PAGE 28

Page 1

2 • JANUARY 2019

The Park Bench

Legacy of the Land – Schneidmiller springs from civic-rich roots

By Craig Howard Splash Editor In the summer of 1966, Bob Schneidmiller was toiling away in the fields of Liberty Lake, working for the family turf seed business.

His uncle, Elmer Schneidmiller, had started the Schneidmiller Land Co. with his brother Mannie in 1951, farming some 3,000 acres between Liberty Lake – back then a very rural outpost of Spokane County – and Coeur d’Alene. Bob picked up the seasonal work between military service of his own as a postal clerk in the Army stationed at Fort Lewis near Tacoma.

One day, Elmer told Bob that there may be an opportunity with Boeing on the west side of the state. One of Bob’s cousins, Lyn, worked for the airplane manufacturer and passed along word of an opening. Elmer encouraged Bob to follow up.

Bob latched on with Boeing that fall, working there for a year before going back to school to earn an associate’s degree in the emerging field of Information Systems.

Looking back, Bob says the advice from his uncle was a pivotal point in his life and career.

“I’m very appreciative of Elmer,” Schneidmiller says. “I think if I hadn’t made that decision, my life would have turned out a lot differently.”

Bob and his uncle, who was originally from Alberta, Canada, both grew up in the same rural farming town of St. John, Washington, about 60 miles north of Spokane.

Bob attended grade school in nearby Pine City before enrolling as a high school student in St. John.

His father farmed wheat and barley, translating into no shortage of work on the homestead for Bob and his two brothers.

“St. John was a great place to live,” Schneidmiller recalls. “I remember it being pretty idyllic.”

Both of Schneidmiller’s brothers have returned to live in St. John after careers in manufacturing and Bob makes it a point to keep tabs

NEWS on his hometown – population 537 at the last census.

“St. John is a pretty cool place to live,” he says. “There’s a lot of civic pride there and a lot of support from surrounding communities.”

After high school, Schneidmiller studied at Eastern Washington University before enlisting in the military. He served as an Army postal clerk from 1964 to 1966 before signing on with Boeing. After graduating from Seattle Community College in 1968, Schneidmiller caught on with Unigard Insurance in its data processing department and remained there until 2002 when he retired.

Bob and his wife Sue, a retired nurse, will celebrate 25 years of marriage this year. They have two grown sons, Chris and Joel.

While the Scheidmillers called the Puget Sound area home for many years, Bob and Sue would often visit Bob’s old stomping grounds east of the Cascades.

“One time, Sue said to me, ‘I could live here,”” Bob recalls. “I hadn’t really thought about moving back to Eastern Washington.”

The couple’s transition to Liberty Lake in 2002 brought new friends and opportunities to contribute to the community. Bob joined Liberty Lake Kiwanis and Friends of Pavillion Park (FOPP) in 2003 and has been part of both causes ever since, fulfilling various roles including president.

“It’s allowed me to grow as a person,” he said.

FOPP’s collaboration with the Spokane Symphony for the annual Lud Kramer Memorial Concert at the end of each summer has been one of Schneidmiller’s favorite projects.

He has also been heavily involved in the Kiwanis Yard Sales, another warm weather staple. The family connection to Pavillion Park is not lost on Schneidmiller. Uncle Elmer, who passed away in 2011, donated the land for the popular greenspace and also built Valley View Golf Course – now Trailhead – just to the west of the park.

When it came time to form Liberty Lake’s first Parks and Arts Commission earlier this year, Mayor Steve Peterson reached out to Schneidmiller, who accepted and is currently serving as an adjunct member.

“I have a lot of confidence in this group,” he says. “They know what they’re doing.”

When not donating his time and talents to FOPP and Kiwanis, Schneidmiller enjoys golf, walking and finding respite from the local winters in Arizona with Sue. Q: We sometimes hear about the impact of "small-town

The Splash

Bob Schneidmiller moved with his wife Sue to Liberty Lake in 2002 from the Seattle area. He grew up in St. John, Washington, a small farming town 60 miles north of Spokane. Schneidmiller has volunteered with Liberty Lake Kiwanis and Friends of Pavillion Park since 2003.

Contributed photo values" on those who hail from communities of modest populations. What did you learn from growing up in St. John that has stuck with you throughout your life?

A: Growing up in a small farming community has its good and not so good, not saying bad, qualities.

One does not have to deal with many of the pressures students experience in larger school districts.

On the other hand, there are many opportunities that are lost. Having small classes allowed for closer interaction with the teachers and school administration. One’s social experiences are limited. On the other hand, you know all of your fellow class members that made for a comfortable life style. I learned that hard work paid off and working on a farm strengthened those convictions. Even though I have the upmost respect for all farmers, I learned that I did not want to be a farmer, not because of the work ethic that is required, just because.

One reads about the demise of small farming communities, but St. John has always had a sense of pride that allowed it to grow. I always look back at that am thankful that I had the chance to experience it.

Q: When you and your wife moved back to the Inland Northwest from the Puget Sound area in 2002, what were some of the traits of this region you appreciated most?

A: A major reason that Sue and I moved east was to start a new life in an area that allowed us to live

a slower life style. After spending 39 years in the Seattle area it was time for us to re-direct our needs for a more sustainable life. As we discussed a move to the greater Spokane area, we discovered that it had some of the things that we liked about the Puget Sound area but few of the things that we disliked. As our time in Liberty Lake has progressed, we are grateful that we have grown with the community. We would not have had that if we had stayed on the west side.

Q: Some people are aware of the impact your uncle, Elmer Schneidmiller, had on this community.

More probably should be. How would you describe his influence?

A: Elmer’s thoughts on what the Liberty Lake area should develop into is pretty what has occurred. He lived, raised a family and managed a farm in Liberty Lake which gave him a perspective of he wanted to see the community to grow into. As time went on, it became apparent that the farm land needed to be developed and took steps to see that his ideas were heard. Little known fact, the Schneidmiller Land Company developed what is now the Trailhead Golf Course. I owe Elmer a great deal. He hired me shortly after I was discharged from the Army in June of 1966 and fired me in September. Of course, he did so knowing he had found me a job at Boeing through my cousin Lyn. Making that move was the start of what led me to grow to what I am today.

See SCHNEIDMILLER, Page 3

The Splash

SCHNEIDMILLER Continued from page 2

Q: You went back to school after working a year at Boeing.

What do you think this decision meant in terms of your overall career path?

A: Knowing that I would probably be laid off within a year gave me lots of time to think about what kind of career did I want for the next 40plus years. After having observed the early formation of the computer industry while in the Army, it just felt right for me to make data processing, as it was called then, my life’s work. I was 26 and did not feel that I had four years of college in me so the two-year associate’s degree make all the sense for me.

It allowed me to work in an always challenging industry a decision I never regretted.

Q: You and Sue planted roots in Liberty Lake about a year after the city incorporated. In your opinion what this transition meant for Liberty Lake?

A: For the Liberty Lake region to grow into a thriving city it needed a governing body that looked after its growth.

I admire what the first city administration and City Council accomplished and watched in fascination as the various administrations and councils continued to develop a city that I wanted to live in. Even when it came time to move from a singlefamily dwelling to a condominium, the goal was always to stay within the city.

Q: Liberty Lake Kiwanis has been a pillar service club since the early days of the city. Why did you decide to become a Kiwanian and what have you enjoyed about being part of this group?

A: Soon after moving to the city, Sue and I felt the need to become involved in activities that would allow us add value to our lives while helping to make our mark on the community. We talked to Ross and Kelli Schneidmiller to get ideas on how to accomplish that. They mentioned the Kiwanis, who at the time was setting up to serve food to the crowd that attended the Fourth of July parade. They seemed to be a great group to be involved in and so after joining them I have never regretted the choice. The club has evolved into a strong presence not only in Liberty Lake but the surrounding area. The Kiwanians of today are a dedicated organization that is fun to work with. The membership is always searching for ways to grow within our community.

A goal that has supported them well.

Q: We hear quite a bit about the declining numbers in service

JANUARY 2019 • 3

clubs and Liberty Lake Kiwanis is no exception. What do you think can be done to bolster the ranks?

A: If I had the answer to that, I could get rich! Kidding aside, each generation has its own personality and the service clubs of the world need to adjust to them while continuing to bring value to those that currently belong.

Q: Friends of Pavillion Park has been another one of your favorite local causes. What can you tell us about this group that does so much for the community but mostly seems to operate behind the scenes?

A: Sue and I have always been supporters of classical music and so when we attended our first Spokane Symphony concert at Pavillion Park, we were hooked. The FOPP board was looking for volunteers to be involved in the planning and setting up the Holiday Ball it was a nobrainer for us to volunteer. The FOPP board has always had a presence that brought value to the city. The aim was to bring the arts to the area for their enjoyment at no cost and that has been extremely successful.

From the weekly summer movies, Fourth of July concert, Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Spokane Symphony Labor Day Concert to the Holiday Ball at the Davenport has always been a work in progress.

We are a small group with a large presence by being dedicated to our goals of making the city one of the best places to live in the greater Spokane area.

Q: As an adjunct member of the city's new Parks and Arts Commission, what are your hopes for this effort and how do you think it will mesh with the long-established work of FOPP? A: A major goal of FOPP is to bring the art experience to our community for all. Arts are defined in many ways and being part of the Parks and Arts Commission allows me to extend my thoughts on what can be accomplished by adding the visual arts to the city. My hope for the commission, city administration.

City Council, area businesses and individuals is to recognize what the arts bring to our community.

If you look around at the various communities, you can see what has been accomplished in enhancing their landscape. The commission has accomplished some projects that are already making a difference.

The wrap art being applied to utility boxes is one that makes me smile every time I see one. Due to an effort by David Himebaugh, the city now has a wonderful piece of art at City Hall. I think the Parks and Arts Commission is one of the best ways of providing a guide to growing our community so that people want to enjoy living here.

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The Splash

LL Post Office to remove drop-box on Molter Road

By Keith Erickson

Splash Correspondent Citing traffic safety hazards and public outcry, the postal dropbox on Molter Road in front of the bustling Liberty Lake Post Office will be soon be taken down.

For years, motorists using the drop-box have had been diverted into oncoming traffic at the post office to deliver letters and packages from their vehicles.

Though convenient, the design created confusion, congestion and many near-misses, said Liberty Lake Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner who also serves as a reserve police officer with the city.

“It’s a very risky and dangerous situation because to utilize it, you’ve got to go against the grain of traffic,” Brickner said. “I’ve seen numerous close calls.”

A fix is on the way, but it will mean big changes for the estimated couple of hundred of postal visitors who use the street-side mailbox daily.

Angie Rettstatt, manager of post office operations for Area 6 of the U.S. Post Service, which includes Liberty Lake, said her office has been contacted numerous times by concerned citizens seeking a remedy.

In response, a work order has been assigned to remove the socalled “snorkel” mailbox, named because of its extension chute that is configured to conveniently collect mail from passing motorists.

“I don’t know how it ever got there in the first place,” said Rettstatt, adding that drop-box pre-dated her arrival as area manager of postal operations.

Once the drop-box is removed, Rettstatt said, post office customers will be required to exit their car and use a new mailbox that will be situated in front of the post office at 1423 N. Molter.

There are no short-term plans for another, more appropriately situated drop-box to keep vehicle drop-offs available for customers who prefer not to exit their car, Rettstatt said.

“At least for now, people will have to park and get out of their vehicle,”

she said.

Some customers have suggested a reconfiguration of the post office parking lot to allow for the drop-box to be placed at a safer location without eliminating the convenience of a drive-by dropbox. However, Rettstatt said that won’t happen anytime soon.

Those talks would have to go up the chain of command to the Seattle district office and funding sources would need to be identified. That could take years if it happens at all, Rettstatt said.

Ellen Williams, a Liberty Lake resident who first approached the city two years ago about the dropbox hazard, questioned the postal service’s delayed response to community complaints and said she is not satisfied with the outcome.

“I felt like my concerns were being dismissed,” Williams said.

And now that the drop-box is being removed, she questioned whether it is in the best interest of the community “They have not solved the problem, in my estimation,” she said. “It’s just making things more inconvenient when there are better resolutions.”

A remedy, Williams added, could be as easy as restriping and making minor adjustments to the parking lot.

Another resident, Kathleen Whitman, has also voiced concerns over the situation.

“When someone is leaving the

See MAIL, Page 5

The Splash

NEWS

McMorris Rodgers lauds passage of Farm Bill Report From Splash News Sources

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement celebrating the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report on Dec. 12.

This drop-box at the Liberty Lake Post Office on Molter Road will be removed this month following an extended series of resident complaints and a number of close calls involving congested traffic. The drop-box will be replaced by a new mailbox that will require visitors to exit their vehicles in order to drop off items.

Photo by Craig Howard

MAIL

Continued from page 4

postal parking lot at the same time that you are entering to drop off mail, you would meet head-on,” she said. “It forces someone to make a decision that could cause an accident. At busy times, great caution must be exercised to avoid a bad outcome.”

Brickner, meanwhile, said a couple ideas might be to extend the parking lot to improve vehicle access or to relocate the drop-box to the south side of the busy site.

But he’s satisfied that the post office is taking steps to make the situation safer.

Rettstatt said she expects the drop-box to be removed and the new mailbox put in place during the first part of this month.

“Right now, our farmers need certainty,” she said. “They need to know that the farm safety net is intact. That’s what this legislation does. The final 2018 Farm Bill includes my top three priorities – protecting crop insurance, supporting trade and market access programs and increasing our commitment to agriculture research, like the great work being done at Washington State University. Our farmers are the greatest anti-poverty program and have done more to provide food security to the world than any government program. I was proud to support this legislation which supports them.”

Last month, McMorris Rodgers spoke on the House floor in support of the Farm Bill Conference Report.

At the beginning of the Farm Bill process, the congresswoman outlined her priorities to support Eastern Washington’s farmers and agriculture industry through hosting a series of Farm Bill Listening Sessions all throughout Washington’s 5th Congressional District.

This summer, McMorris Rodgers brought Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Michael Conaway (R-TX) to again reiterate the importance of these priorities and let them hear directly from Eastern Washington farmers.

In November, Cathy was also recognized with the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her leadership on policies that benefit farmers and support agriculture.

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The Splash

6 • JANUARY 2019

Legislative session just around the corner

By Sen. Mike Padden 4th Legislative District When the new legislative session begins on Jan. 14, there will be a number of new challenges and opportunities. The 2019 session is a budget year, meaning it is scheduled for 105 days and will provide plenty of competition for both policy and budget priorities.

My committee assignments are listed below: Committees • The Senate Law and Justice Committee is sure to be busy again; at the top of the list will be amending Initiative 940, which changes the law governing the use of deadly force by law enforcement.

Serving on this committee as the ranking member will also allow me to continue working on public safety issues – particularly on property crimes, impaired driving

Sen. Mike Padden - 4th Legislative District and human trafficking.

• The K-12 and Early Education Committee is also important for our community and our state. Support for charter and religious schools and improvements in the quality of education for each of our children will be among my top priorities. I’ll also continue my work to improve school safety and for efficient use of the taxpayers’ dollars.

• A new assignment, to the Transportation Committee, will be especially important given that it is a budget year. Over the past several sessions, our 4th District delegation has been able to secure support for a number of vital projects in our

region, including funding for the Barker grade separation project.

With the substantial growth in the Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and unincorporated Spokane County, we have significant transportation needs.

The Barker-to-Harvard project is just one example.

• The budget. The good news is that positive economic numbers continue to roll in. According to our state economist’s latest report, estimated revenue growth for the two-year period ending next June 30 is now up to $7 billion – a 17.8 percent rate of growth.

Some other priorities for this session include:

Despite this continuing great news, there are still some in Olympia calling for tax increases from the Legislature.

Governor Inslee’s new budget proposal includes a 67-percent tax-rate increase that would hurt small businesses, an unconstitutional tax on income and a 131-percent increase in local education property taxes by reinstituting the same inequitable school-funding policy that led to the just-settled McCleary lawsuit.

• Condominium-construction regulations. Changes made in 2009 to the state’s Condominium Act were aimed at providing consumer protection; unfortunately, they ended up creating an insurmountable barrier to new condominium construction.

At a time when many communities are facing a shortage of affordable housing, policies that get in the way of increasing the housing supply make absolutely no sense. The law needs to be changed in the 2019 legislative session.

• Remote testimony. The 2019 session starts at a time when driving across the mountain passes for legislators can be impossible or life-threatening due to weather.

Technology advances make remote testimony a fairly simple, commonsense solution to this problem.

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The Splash

JANUARY 2019 • 7

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

The city budget with nexus to our strategic plan has been completed for 2019. Using the following four pillars, we have budgeted to meet the needs of our growing community: Vibrant economy and business environment • Investing in Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce • Working with the Central Valley School District and Spokane Valley Fire Department to help move forward transportation • Focus on LIFT (Local Infrastructure Financing Tool) improvements that drive commercial, residential and the

retail environment Safe, active community

January 2019

exceed $15 million and

engaged

• We are investing in additional police officers, partnering with the County Sheriff, Fairchild Air Force Base and the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley to provide services to back up and enhance our response • Our Library Board is seeking to expand services and events under the direction of our new library director to meet a growing city’s needs.

Sustainable resources • Property tax, sales tax, utility tax, LIFT, TIB (Transportation Improvement Board), Harvard Road Mitigation Plan, aquifer protection and storm water provide stable funding for our community • Our last remaining debt will be whittled down to less than $125,000 while our increasing asset value will

• Our employees continue to train through their various organizations and society programs • We have restructured our health care plan to the benefit of the city as well as the employees, saving thousands of dollars Quality infrastructure

facilities

and

• Upgrading City Hall, council chambers, and Internet access.

• We have a fully functioning street department along with almost a million dollars of equipment • Our Parks Department has grown to cover an expanding network of parks and trails • Our relationship with WSDOT (Washington Department of Transportation) is providing a boost in effort to secure funding and design of

LLPD hands out annual officer awards

The Liberty Lake Police Department announced officer honorees at the Dec. 18 City Council meeting, an annual tradition that recognizes individual efforts to keep the community safe.

Two officers received the Sergeant’s Award – Office Mike Bogenreif and Officer Matt McKay. Sgt. Jeff Jones described Bogenreif as “the model of consistency who treats everyone with dignity and respect.” Jones commended McKay’s “diligence to police work that has contributed to the community’s overall safety.

He does this with an emphasis on fairness, respect, dignity and empathy.”

The Chief’s Award was presented to Officer Mark Holthaus, a native of Liberty Lake. He received a Lifesaving Award earlier in 2018 for administering CPR to a resident

who was revived and was part of an investigation that led to the arrest of a suspect in a fatal hitand-run incident in September.

Officer Jordan Bowman was honored with the Officer of the Year. “Officer Bowman exemplifies our department’s mission, vision, goals values and objectives,” said Police Chief Brian Asmus.

Think Spring – Looking ahead to community gardens

While it certainly may not feel like spring just yet, the city is already preparing for slightly warmer months

Harvard Road Bridge, connection to the freeway and the Henry Road plan.

• Our traffic studies over the past six years are paying huge dividends and a robust Country Vista study in conjunction with CVSD will be completed by June to accommodate growth.

• We are working to complete the last mile of connectivity to public transportation by creating the Liberty Lake DASH Please take time to view Liberty Lake’s website (www.libertylakewa.gov) and join our growing Notify Me program for all of the upcoming events. In January and February, we will be hosting three community engagements around our growth, traffic and schools. We want to make sure you have a complete picture of what’s happening in our city. Again, it is our goal to make sure Liberty Lake remains Spokane County’s premier address!

ahead.

With warmer weather comes what can be awarded a ribbon of favoritism amongst the community – the community gardens! Longtime garden renters can attest to the joy the gardens bring to not only their gardeners, but to other community residents strolling by during the year.

Rocky Hill’s garden will be receiving some new boxes this year, adding on to the beauty of the area.

The community gardens, located currently at the City Hall Arboretum and Rocky Hill Park, are now open for rental. Boxes can only be rented out to residents of the city and rental rates remain the same as 2017, a simple $25 for the season. Returning with the same rates, gardeners will see some other familiar rules as well.

These include no holding of boxes, one box per resident/organization, no roll-over rentals, and other stipulations that can be found on the application.

The city invites residents to inquire at City Hall as soon as possible if they are interested; boxes go faster every year, and the city cannot guarantee box availability at the time of this issue.

For additional information regarding garden box rental, please feel free to stop by City Hall, call 755-6700, or email thunter@libertylakewa.gov.

https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov

The Splash

8 • JANUARY 2019

City Council News and Notes – January 2019

By Craig Howard Splash Editor • City Council unanimously approved the 2019 municipal budget at its Dec. 18 meeting with the total ringing in at just over $17 million. There will be a 1-percent increase in the property tax rate for 2019, bringing in an estimated $24,026. Despite the hike, the rate for the city’s portion of property tax is expected to drop from $1.59 per $1,000 of assessed valuation in 2018 to $1.47 per $1,000 this year based on the overall surge in property valuation • Representatives from Spokane Transit Authority (STA) gave a presentation on Dec. 18.

There are currently 277 eligible residents in Liberty Lake for Paratransit, door-to-door service.

There are 12 vehicles that are available to Liberty Lake as part of the Vanpool service. The STA Moving Forward 10-year plan added Express non-stop service to downtown and mid-day service to Route 74. The discussion of future improvements has included relocating or expanding the existing Liberty Lake Park and Ride as well as additional night and weekend service. Route 72 could also be moved further east into the community • Pat Lutzenburger and Carol Johns, longtime members of the Library Board of Trustees have both retired from their posts. Council approved Mayor Steve Peterson’s appointments of Tom Pauley and Sharon Carvo as replacement trustees • The Liberty Lake Youth Commission is holding a Winter Clothing Drive with collection bins at Yoke’s, Safeway, Liberty Lake Athletic Club and the library.

Donations will be delivered to the Salvation Army. The commission is hosting a Winter Festival for youth on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at Pavillion Park. The free event will feature games, prizes and hot cocoa courtesy of Liberty Lake Kiwanis • There will be a workshop on the Trailhead Master Plan on Jan. 8 at City Hall starting at 6 p.m.

Greater Spokane Inc. will have a

presentation at the same meeting on its proposed regional economic development website • On Dec. 18, Director of Planning and Engineering Services Lisa Key presided over the second public hearing on the Central Valley School District’s request for annexation and consideration for land use designation involving 59.68 acres for the site of a third comprehensive high school scheduled to open in the fall of 2021. Council unanimously approved Ordinance 256 later in the meeting, confirming the annexation.

Key noted that annexation would not take effect until Feb. 19 • Spokane Regional Health District Health Officer Bob Lutz spoke to council on Dec. 4 about a community health assessment addressing issues affecting health.

He said issues like family violence and trauma, co-occurring disorders such as opiod abuse and mental illness and housing shortages have an impact on overall community wellness.

“We have been doing quality of life assessments of the community,” Lutz said. “We’re looking to understand the community.” Lutz said SRHD has started an Opiod Task Force. “It was obviously an issue that needed to be addressed,” he said. “We want to work collectively to address this.”

In October, a meeting was held that brought together around 75 people from many fields to discuss the problem. Lutz said there are plans for another community-wide forum that would bring providers and researchers together • Council approved two amendments to the development code on Dec. 18, both involving the River District Specific Area Plan.

Previously, residents were required to issue bonds to secure sidewalk and driveway improvements as well as landscaping upgrades. That rule will be removed and replaced by a policy to issue a temporary change order while having residents pay a re-inspection fee. Despite concern from Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner and Council Member Bob Moore, council also moved ahead with the elimination of minimum and maximum lot sizes in the River District’s R-2 zone. The Planning Commission had recommended approval. Kevin Schneidmiller of Greenstone Homes, who advocated for the change, said it would bring “more design flexibility within the R-2 zone and allow for smaller and larger lot sizes while still having the safeguard of meeting the minimum and maximum density requirements.” The Department of Commerce sent a letter to the city

indicating the proposed change met best practices. A third River District proposal – clearing the way for RV storage on a conditional use basis – was not approved by council • Lu Embry with the Library Board of Trustees gave a report on Dec. 4, reinforcing the need for a library needs assessment. “It’s data, it’s professionally compiled,” she said. “When we spend the city’s money we can say it’s connected to this data.” Embry said the Library board has completed a policy review based on a recent complaint. The review includes issues like customer service, library cards for residents and non-residents, patron behavior and healthy responses, duties and privileges of citizens, displays and reconsideration of library materials • Jeremy Jenkins, Lake Protection/Water Resource Manager with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District gave a report to council on 26th annual leaf and beach cleanup. Jenkins has been running the program for five years.

The cleanup began in 1992 as a way to reduce phosphorous loading from beach waste. It was later expanded to include fallen leaves and yard waste in the entire watershed. The first year, over 10,000 bags were collected. In 2017, the event set a record of 13,965 bags. In 2008, the city joined forces to help LLSWD with the project while the district pitched in with city’s clean green cleanup in the spring. Jenkins said mild weather benefited efforts this year with four trucks covering 800 miles in two days. The city provided two trucks.

“That second truck made so much difference,” Jenkins said. Between equipment rental, fuel, bag disposal and staff time the total cost to LLSWD this year was just over $12,400.

“We see value in protecting our resources and our environment,” Jenkins said. Brickner thanked the district for its efforts. “I think we realize how fortunate we are to have this in our city,” he said. “I want to commend you and your crew for a great job.”

• City Administrator Katy Allen said she will be putting together community outreach information in early 2019 about growth, development and traffic.

“I think it’s important we provide that information to our residents,” Allen said. There has also been talk of outreach efforts to individual neighborhoods • GSI has approached the city for $7,500 toward a regional economic development website.

Other cities and Spokane County have been approached and the fee would be a one-time capital cost.

Fees would vary according to the size of the city. Spokane Valley has been asked for $15,000. Allen has recommended Liberty Lake contributed $5,000. “I think there’s value to it because we don’t have those resources inside City Hall,” Allen said. Council requested that GSI Executive Director Todd Mielke appear at an upcoming meeting to provide more information on the project before committing funds • There are still three open positions for the city’s Salary Commission and the same number for the Planning Commission • At the Dec. 4 council meeting, resident Holly Woodruff commended the mayor and City Council for “being so responsive to the citizens” She also mentioned Key getting back to her right away with a response to a concern

The Splash

Council prioritizes capital projects for 2019

By Craig Howard Splash Editor As one of the fastest growing cities in Washington, Liberty Lake has made it a point to keep pace with the increasing number of residents by emphasizing the importance of infrastructure funding.

At a workshop leading up the passage of the 2019 municipal budget, an entire agenda was set aside to discuss capital projects and how they will fit into the city’s game plan for next year.

For the occasion, Council Member Odin Langford came prepared with a scorecard of his own.

Langford distributed colorcoded handouts that provided a summary of each council member’s prioritization of projects in three areas – Trails and Pedestrian Pathways; Transportation and Parks and Public Facilities. A point system was used to tally just how important individual representatives of council, plus Mayor Steve Peterson, felt about projects ranging from the second phase of Orchard Park to the Harvard Road Bridge widening and everything in between. A total of 36 projects were included on the handouts.

Langford said he worked with former Planning and Building Services Manager Amanda Tainio and current Planning and Engineering Services Director Lisa Key to “establish what we thought what was important for 2019.”

The matrix was created out of those discussions with the mayor and council weighing in with scores that ranged from 0 to 15.

“We’ve already determined what’s important for the council, now comes the point – do we want to fund it or not?” Langford said.

“My suggestion is we work on what we’ve already discussed over the past year. I’m using your numbers, not ours. To me, this makes good sense. It makes common sense. It follows what we’ve done.”

City Administrator Katy Allen – who had her own handout featuring a project list covering 2019 to 2024 related to the city’s capital facilities plan – expressed thanks for Langford’s literature.

“I appreciate this because it’s

JANUARY 2019 • 9

NEWS

feedback on the projects we want,” Allen said.

Topping the list on the Parks and Public Facilities side was the Trailhead Facility Master Plan, a blueprint for renovating the aging clubhouse and pro shop at the cityowed golf course. The plan – which earned a combined score of 90 from the mayor and council – would be a carryover from 2018 and come with a price tag of $100,000 to be culled from the general fund.

“If you think it should be more or less, let us hear that,” said Allen.

“If you don’t want us to do it, we need to know that.”

No numbers are included in the 2019 budget for actual remodeling of the structure that oversees the first tee at Trailhead. Council Member Bob Moore said the city needs to start somewhere.

“I think this has been City Council’s number one priority for the last three years, maybe more,” Moore said.

Sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements on Mission Avenue led the way when it came to Trails and Pedestrian Pathways. The project earned 57 points compared to 55 for a Country Vista Operational Study that would provide traffic data on one of Liberty Lake’s busiest streets and run $50,000.

mayor said. “We have a goal that a trail will go in there at some time.

It’s a priority but the point being it’s still going to be zero until we have a definitive idea where the trail and plan is going to go. This is all the stuff in the next six years that probably should take place.”

The mayor and council gave high marks (at least an 8 or 9 on each scorecard) to the plan for widening the Harvard Road Bridge and adding a westbound I-90 on-ramp.

The design of the project will run $980,000 and includes an $800,000 grant from the Washington Department of Transportation.

Coming in second in the Transportation category was the Henry Road overpass, another long-discussed project that will hinge largely on state funding.

Most around the dais expressed support for improvements at the Liberty Lake Ballfields – including a parking lot and maintenance road. The project would also add safety net and backstop upgrades.

Langford was not ecstatic about the idea but deferred to the scorecard.

“I’m not crazy about spending the money for that but it garnered 57 percent on our wish list,” he said.

Setting

aside

$25,000

for

a

program to transition above ground utilities below street level gained 40 votes. Allen described the ongoing project as “more of a savings account.”

“This is an opportunity to create underground utilities when it presents itself,” Allen said. “It’s expensive. We’re generally talking about older parts of Liberty Lake where there are above-ground utilities.”

Public art – in the form of a $72,500 request from the newly formed Parks and Arts Commission – earned only 27 votes.

“We’re going from zero to $72,500, that’s a big jump,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas said. “My suggestion would be half that.”

“I understand where the $72,500 comes from, I just don’t want to de-incentivize this group from going out to find other public money,” said Council Member Hugh Severs.

Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner brought up a revised amount of $35,000 for public art which drew support from his council colleagues.

“Let’s see what they can do with that,” Brickner said.

The study would focus on the Country Vista corridor from City Hall east to city limits with data being gathered after the traffic signal goes in at Appleway and Signal.

“We want to provide better pedestrian safety on that corridor,” said Allen who pointed out the city sets aside between $40,000 to $80,000 in the budget each year for pedestrian crossings.

Allen reminded council that prices on some projects will increase since the estimates were first made. One example is the proposed traffic signal at Appleway and Madsen which was originally budgeted at $550,000 but now gone up to $611,500. The project will receive a boon through a grant from the Transportation Improvement Board for just over $347,000.

Some projects did not fare so well on Odin-o-meter.

The Upland Trail – a nature path to be built on land owned by the city – is still a ways off, according to Mayor Steve Peterson who did not register a single point for the project. The trail came in last on the Trails and Pedestrian Pathways matrix at only 11 overall points.

“Upland Trail has a zero,” the

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10 • JANUARY 2019

Sudden Lifeguard – Vacationing LL woman prevents drowning

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Jodi Chamberlain was enjoying a relaxing morning outside her hotel room in Maui last May when she heard someone on the second floor direct her urgently toward the nearby pool.

“I was just sitting outside, two doors from the pool on my phone, when I heard some maids above me yelling, “Pool! pool!”

Chamberlain recalls. “I look and there’s a lady laying on the bottom of the pool. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh.”

Min, a 38-year-old woman from China with no swimming experience, had been in the deep end of the water, practicing her snorkeling. Now she was in dire straits with no pulse and no respiration.

“I jumped in and tried to lift her up but I needed some help,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain received assistance and Min was pulled to the side of the pool where CPR was administered. Chamberlain began the rescue efforts but soon realized she would need backup to maintain the pace of 120 compressions a minute.

“I called out, ‘Does anyone know CPR?’” she said.

COVER STORY Blank stares returned her appeal until a man stepped forward to help. Before long, Chamberlain heard the wailing sound of an ambulance siren.

“I did all the stuff you’re supposed to do,” she said. “I just worked as hard as I could and hoped for the best. Then all of the sudden, she took a breath and we got her pulse back.”

Chamberlain, who lives in Liberty Lake with her husband Tom, has been a registered nurse for nearly 40 years. Her quick thinking and actions seem heroic to most – but Chamberlain is quick to give credit to others who rallied to save Min’s life that morning in Maui.

“It wasn’t just me,” she said. “If all the players weren’t in effect this never would have turned out the way it did.”

It turned out as well as could be expected for Min who lives in California and is currently attending college. She has not suffered any brain damage or other repercussions following the near-fatal incident.

“When she woke up, she wanted know who the lady was who saved her,” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain hopes to meet Min one day and has stayed in touch with the family. In the meantime, this quick-thinking tourist hopes others take the time to learn a procedure that can save lives.

“CPR is a simple thing to learn,” she said. “It’s been proven to work and you’re covered by the Good Samaritan Act if you’re trying to do what you can to save someone. I look at it this way, we’re all here to help each other.”

The Splash

Of Hope and Heroes – Residents, groups inspire with brave efforts

By Craig Howard Splash Editor As one well-acquainted with the call to rise above the gathering clouds of discouragement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once offered this sage advice: “We must disappointment infinite hope.”

accept finite but never lose

With a New Year dawning, the lists of resolutions and aspirations will once again find their way onto the refrigerator door. The hope is we can learn from the Greek tale of Sisyphus, the misguided king who kept pushing the boulder up a steep hill only to see it roll down and start the process all over again.

Maybe this year is the time to get

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club is a local service organization dedicated to helping our community as well as reaching out to worldwide causes. We are proud to support both the Liberty Lake community as well as a variety of regional and international projects.

On an international level, we support the eradication of polio through Rotary International and work to provide communities around the world access to clean drinking water. In April of 2019, with the help of Rotary grants, Liberty Lake Rotary will again be sending eight members to a small rural community outside Trojes, Honduras to compete the installation of life-changing clean water filtration systems and latrines in rural households and a school with 60 children. Additionally, we will be providing this community with health workshops and much needed medications during our visit.

Each year, Liberty Lake Rotary hosts a pancake breakfast open to the public at Pavilion Park on Memorial Day. We serve breakfast to over 500 individuals and have a ceremony to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. All of the money raised at this event goes to support Honor Flight and its mission to transport Inland Northwest war veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their

the stone over the hill.

The good news is that we have inspiring examples in our own backyard of groups and individuals who display courage, integrity, character and more in making the Liberty Lake community a better, safer and more resilient place to live. These unique and dedicated residents are pushing the rock and getting somewhere, encouraging us to follow.

This month, The Splash focuses stories that illustrate how average citizens can make a lifesaving difference in an unanticipated call of duty and on four local nonprofits, each committed to making a dynamic and lasting impact in our community.

Happy Heroic New Year. service and sacrifices.

We are thrilled this year to be able to help send another eight veterans back to Washington D.C to visit the memorials.

Our major fundraiser each year is a cycling event called RIM Ride which is rapidly becoming a premier sporting event in the Inland Northwest. Each September, 500plus cyclists gather in Liberty Lake to ride courses throughout our community from a 5-mile family ride to a 15, 25, 50 or challenging 100-mile lake and hill ride. Funds raised from this event help us support local organizations and projects such as the Fallen Heroes Circuit Course, Liberty Lake County Park bike rack, Northwest Harvest Food Bank, Rocky Hill Park improvements, Friends of Pavilion Park, the HUB Sports Center as well as regional projects including Special Olympics and the Illuminating Courage Memorial downtown. In an effort to support the youth of our community, Liberty Lake Rotary in conjunction with Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce offers scholarships to those students who would like to attend a two-year vocational college or program.

Want to get involved and make an impact? Liberty Lake Rotary meets Thursdays at noon in the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building. Come join us and help us make a difference in the community and worldwide. Email Bob Wiese at bw@nwtank.com to find out more.

The Splash

The Rayce Rudeen Foundation Born in April 1990, Rayce Rudeen was as compassionate and clever as they come. He was raised in Spokane and had a successful career in technology in Seattle (despite telling his high school classmates that he wanted to be a pterodactyl when he grew up).

In his adult years, Rayce started experimenting with drugs and was prescribed medicines he was told were not addictive. He soon became addicted. His family could not recognize the signs of early drug use. They did not understand the danger of misusing prescriptions and that this behavior often leads to heroin (and other illicit drug) use.

Though Rayce completed treatment and had the constant support of his family, he did not have proper aftercare or an established community of support once he returned home. He went back to the exact same lifestyle and therefore the same drugs. In June of 2016, Rayce passed away from an accidental overdose. His family misses him every single day.

Rayce’s family tried their best to help him but they lacked the resources and understanding they

Spokane Guilds’ School & Neuromuscular Center For nearly 60 years, the Spokane Guilds’ School & Neuromuscular Center has helped children with all kinds of developmental disabilities and delays realize their potential.

By providing an individualized program of assessment, treatment and therapy at a time of intense brain development, the Guilds’ School helps infants and toddlers build skills that are the foundation for lifelong success.

For Kacey, a Liberty Lake mom who provides foster care and recently adopted a son, the Guilds’ School is a lifesaver. Three of her children needed the program due to a range of delays.

“I just love everything about the Guilds’ School,” Kacey says, “I firmly believe that (daughter) Ella got the very best start possible while receiving her therapies and attending this school for children, birth to 3.”

Kacey’s son, Merrick, went through the program and “gained so much!” Now Kacey is fostering another infant who needs the Guilds’ School’s comprehensive program.

The Guilds’ School helps families

COVER STORY

needed. Too often, a family’s shame is buried along with their loved one.

Their guilt for “missing the signs,” or not being supportive enough, paralyzes them. The Rudeen family refuses to sit idly by and let other families suffer the way they have.

Instead, they created a private foundation in his honor, so that they can help others. With this foundation, their goal is not to continue the conversation of failure – they are looking forward, for a solution.

Today, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation – based in Liberty Lake – supports organizations and programs that promote a healthy and productive life, free from addiction.

They provide grants to organizations that are doing impactful work in prevention and recovery. They are bringing awareness to the community, so that people will have a better understanding of addiction. In addition, they are creating programs that address gaps in the system of care for those in recovery.

Rayce’s story risks being another statistic – but anyone who loves someone suffering from addiction knows this is never the case. The Rayce Rudeen Foundation will work tirelessly to ensure that people with this disease are met with love and support, not judgement and

succeed so their children can succeed. That means infants and toddlers receive compassionate care, provided at the children’s center and at home, while parents are supported by reassuring staff members, who provide education and access to needed resources.

Last year, 284 infants and toddlers received assessments and developmental programs, with components including physical, occupational and speech therapy, special education, pediatric nursing, preschool groups, support services and more.

As the only neurodevelopmental center in Eastern Washington, the Guilds’ School provides the highest quality of care, under the direction of Dr. Matt Thompson, a respected pediatrician who serves as medical director.

The program gets results. Last year, 46 percent of the children who completed the program reached their age-appropriate skills. Those children won’t require additional special services within their schools.

The Guilds’ School’s children all realize possibilities that open doors for greater independence and a brighter future.

alienation. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing and everyone that wants help, deserves it.

In order to transform their devastation into hope, the Rudeen family feels compelled to make a

JANUARY 2019 • 11

difference in the community. They invite you to join them in their mission. If you are interested in learning more, volunteering or donating, please contact info@ raycerudeen.org or call 217-4440.

It is worth mentioning while we talk about this foundation, that the family has also demonstrated their devotion for the community in other ways. Earlier this year while Liberty Lake Police Officers were attempting to detain a male near Appleway Ave and Eagle Lane. Another male came running up on them through a field they were in. The father and son, Kevin and Remington Rudeen (who also happen to be the president and vice president of the Rayce Rudeen Foundation) stepped in and stopped the male from aggressing towards the officers. They were able to hold the male down until the officers could break away and deal with him.

If they hadn’t stepped in, that male would have attempted to help his friend by assaulting the officers on scene.

The Guilds’ School must raise 40 percent of its budget privately to underwrite unfunded components, such as pediatric nursing, and to ensure that no struggling family ever has to pay for services. We can use your help to make miracles happen for children. To make a lifechanging gift or learn more about planned giving and other ways to help, visit www.guildschool.org or call 326-1651 and ask for the development team.

The First Tee of the Inland Northwest Founded in 1997 by a joint effort of the USGA, LPGA, PGA of America, Masters Tournament and the PGA Tour, the mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill lifeenhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. So, what does that mean?

Our goal is to set young people in The First Tee on the right course from the start. Specifically, we believe that course has 18 holes which includes Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits.

What we teach in The First Tee life skills curriculum goes beyond the game of golf, which inherently encompasses the Nine Core Values on which our programming is based.

Courtesy, Respect, Judgment, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Honesty, Integrity and Perseverance. As a part of our life skills programs we teach our players these Nine Core Values that are an integral part of golf and how to transfer the use of this

See FIRST TEE, Page 24

COMMUNITY

12 • JANUARY 2019

The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS Dec. 21-Jan. 1 | Winterfest Spokane – RiverPark Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Spokane. Cultural Christmas trees will be on display at the downtown mall during this time as part of a local holiday celebration.

Dec. 29-30/Jan. 5-6 | Christmas tree recycling – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Central Valley High School (821 S. Sullivan Road) and University High School (12420 E. 32nd Ave.). Fundraiser for Boy Scouts of America Troop 400. Suggested donations: $5 drop-off; $10 pickup. For more information, go to www. www.troop400.net/trees/.

Through Jan. 2 | Coeur d’Alene Holiday Light Show Cruises.

Enjoy over 1.5 million holiday lights as well as “Journey to the North Pole” with departure times at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Boarding is at The Resort Plaza Shops.

More information and tickets are available at https://www.cdaresort. com/discover/activities/holidaylight-show. Cost is $22.25/general, $21.25/seniors, $7.50/ages 6-12, free/age 5 and younger. For more information, call (855) 379-5478 or go to www.cdacruise.com.

Jan. 4 | Lego Club – 4 to 5 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake Jan. 8 | Afternoon Board Games – 1 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake Various dates in January | Liberty Lake Library Storytimes – 10:30 a.m., 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake -- Move & Groove - Mondays, Jan. 7, 14, 28; Book Babies - Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; Toddler Tales - Wednesdays,

Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Preschool Storytime - Fridays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 Jan. 12 | “How to Survive the Winter” – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, 8706 E. Upriver Drive, Building B, Spokane Valley. Explore all things winter with various activities and learn how animals use unique adaptations to survive in the cold.

Bake sale and hot beverages available. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new iguana enclosure is at 11 a.m. No cost to the event although a $5 donation is suggested. For more information call 340-1028 or email OLCinfo@ wvsd.org Jan. 19 | The Friends of the Spokane Valley Library Book Sale, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave, Spokane Valley, Pre-Sale is Friday, Jan. 18, from 3 to 5 p.m., with a $10 entry fee. Saturday, January 19th is the Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring excellent used books, DVDs, and CDs. Proceeds help the library fund activities throughout the year Ongoing in winter | Ice skating at Riverfront Park – 507 N. Howard, Spokane. The ice ribbon at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane consists of a 16-foot wide and 650-foot long pathway with a 3,500-square- foot attached pond. Skaters can experience slight inclines and declines as they make their way around the path of ice with large, cozy fire pits for spectators and skates alike to sit around and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. There is a café with a variety of food and a large windowed dining area. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Helmets available free of charge. Cost: First hour: $6.95/general, $4.95/ages 3-12,

(509)598-8275 Mon-Sat: 10:30am-8:30pm Pho • Rice Dishes • Vermicelli Noodles • Stir Fried Yakisoba • Banh Mi Sandwhich

We Have Party Trays For Your Next Event!

COME IN AND CHECK OUT OUT SPECIALS 23505 E. Appleway Ave Suite 100 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

additional hour at half off; skate rental is $4.50/hour. For more information, call 625-6601 or visit www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.

RECURRING Work Source employment assistance | Work Source of Spokane offers help with resumes, one-on-one employment coaching, job referrals and support services.

For more information, call Marcia Jones at 532-3010 or visit www. worksourcewa.com.

ACT 2 senior classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire.

A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. “Focused Fitness on Dishman Mica,” a yoga class, is now part of the schedule. More at www.sccel. spokane.edu/ACT2 Al-Anon family meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays.

Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more information call 456-2125 Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11: 30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Call Steve at 8934746 for more information Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursdays of the month. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history, and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. More at 599-2411 or www.bahai.us Catholic Singles Mingle | meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www. meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future.

DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location.

Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather Street, Newman Lake. The public is welcome for

this community-based service organization. For more information call 226-2202 or see us on Facebook Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www.libertylakewa. gov/library Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m.

Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs.

More at www.scld.org Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants have can access a comprehensive library, can engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at www.svqgspokane.com Free Last Sunday lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 North Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115

MUSIC & THE ARTS Dec. 31 | Spokane Symphony presents “Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony” – 7:30 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Music Director Eckart Preu and the Spokane Symphony will ring in the New Year with triumph and jubilation for the last time as part of Preu’s farewell season. This production features more than 150 performers on stage, including four

The Splash

COMMUNITY

guest vocalists and the Spokane Symphony Chorale, directed by Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah.

Tickets range from $13-$36 for children 12 and under and $19$52 for adults. Buy tickets at www.spokanesymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 624-1200 Jan. 19-20 | Spokane Symphony Classics 5: Dvorak and Rachmaninoff – 8 p.m. and 3 p.m., Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W Sprague Ave, Spokane. The pre-concert talk begins one hour before each concert. Tickets range from $19 to $60 and are available at www. spokanesymphony.org, or by calling the box office at 624-1200 Through Dec. 2019 | “As Grandmother Taught: Women, Tradition and Plateau Art” – Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave., Spokane. A unique display featuring coiled and twined basketry and beaded hats, pouches, bags, dolls, horse regalia, baby boards and dresses alongside vintage photos of Plateau women wearing or alongside their traditional, handmade clothing and objects, with works by Leanne Campbell, HollyAnna CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull and Bernadine Phillips.

Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 8 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

RECURRING Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road.

If you enjoy singing, you will love the four-part, a cappella harmony of this men’s barbershop chorus.

More at www.pagesofharmony.org Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays. Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 2184799 Spokane Novelists Group | noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Otis Orchards Community Church, 23304 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. A support/critique group for writers. Open to anyone with an interest in writing fiction (no memoirs, nonfiction, poetry, etc., please). Participants should bring 5-10 pages to read aloud and 6-8 copies for others to read along and critique. More at 590-7316 Spokane Valley Camera Club | 7:15 p.m., third and fourth Monday of the month (September through April). Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. All

levels of ability—students through experienced photographers—are invited to learn. Social events include field trips and workshops.

More at 951-1446 or www.sv-cc. org Teen Writers of the Inland Empire | 4 p.m., first Thursday of the month (except holidays).

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Writers (sixth grade and older) meet to write and share their work. More at 893-8400

JANUARY 2019 • 13

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HEALTH & RECREATION Dec. 29 | Washington State vs. Santa Clara men’s basketball game – 11 a.m., Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon, Spokane. Catch the Cougars battle the Broncos in this Pac-12/West Coast Conference holiday matchup. Tickets are $10, $15, $25, $35, $50 and $60 and are available at www.wsucougars. com or www.spokanearena.com.

Jan. 8 | Blood Pressure SelfManagement Class. Learn what you can do to monitor and manage your blood pressure for a healthy heart. This four-week class series will give you the tools you need to take control of your cardiovascular health. Topics include: healthy eating; how to reduce salt in your diet; physical activity for heart health; how and when to take your own blood pressure. Participants who attend all four weeks will receive a free digital blood pressure monitor at the final class. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Jan. 9 | Quit for Good – Tobacco Cessation class. Have you tried quitting smoking before without success? INHS and Providence Health Care are teaming up to provide a free four-week program designed to help you have longterm success in quitting tobacco.

Tobacco cessation tools will be available to you as well as tobacco cessation experts.

The class includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) while supplies last when NRT is not covered by participant’s health insurance. This is a live, interactive webinar. Log in information will be emailed with your registration confirmation. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Jan. 9 | Know Your Numbers: Risk Factor Screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. Do you have hidden risks to your health?

Sign up to get immediate results for cholesterol, blood glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure and

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The Splash

14 • JANUARY 2019

CALENDAR

Continued from page 13

more. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Jan. 23| Pre-diabetes screening, INHS Community Wellness Center, 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd., Spokane. This simple blood test provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past three months.

Immediate results are provided and can be discussed at the time of appointment with a registered dietitian and/or a certified diabetes educator. For more information, call 232-8145 or visit www.inhs.info.

Each Friday | Vets Day – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hospitality House, 216 S. Washington, Newport. Veterans are invited to drop by with questions about the V.A. and other issues.

Complimentary snacks and coffee will be served. For questions, call Brad Hanson at 509-671-3585 or the Hospitality House at 509-4473812 Wednesday mornings | Mindful Music & Movement class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as: Parkinson's, dementia, COPD,

MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. Supporting body, mind and soul. $10 donation suggested.

Facilitated by board-certified Music Therapist, Carla Carnegie. Willow Song Music Therapy Center. 21101 E. Wellesley #102. Otis Orchards.

For more information, visit www. willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 592 7875.

RECURRING HUB Sports Center 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.; 10 a.m. to noon Tues. and Thurs.; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sun. $3/seniors ($5/non-seniors) • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Zumba Aerobics.

See website for cost and times Tuesday afternoons | Decreasing Anger Group, 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: Combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors, Contact Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

CIVIC & BUSINESS

Save the Date

Mondays in January | Financial Literacy with Dycelia Weiss – 12:30 to 2 p.m., STCU Community Education Kitchen and Classroom at Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank and Family Services, 10814 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley. Call 927-1153 or visit www.svpart.org/ food-bank/ for more information.

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. on the first through third Wednesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Fourth Wednesday, the club meets at noon at Barlows restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 2 p.m., the last Wednesday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake Liberty Lake Lions Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every first and third

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Wednesday of each month. Meetings are at Barlow's Restaurant, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. For questions, call Mary Jo at 558-5426 Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every Thursday at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water building, 22510 E Mission Ave. For more information, go to www.LibertyLakeRotary.org Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120.

More at 999-4935 Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) | 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board | 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

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JANUARY 2019 • 17

The Splash

18 • JANUARY 2019

PACE Trait for January – Fairness

By Chief Bryan Collins

Spokane Valley Fire Department As a leader in the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) I often reflect upon those critical characteristics that have contributed to our success as an organization over decades. One of the most important – fairness – is a character trait that is embedded in the core value set of the employees here at SVFD. I would like to take the opportunity

to illustrate how both internal to our organization – such as how we hire, promote, reward and treat each other – and external in how we deliver high quality professional emergency services to the public the concept of fairness is critical to earning the trust and respect of others.

As an example, SVFD employs more than 200 people working in diverse areas from Fire and Emergency Response to Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources and so on.

Employees within the organization desire to feel that they are being treated in an equitable and fair manner in matters such as how much they are paid, their hours of

work and employment conditions and, as importantly, that their contributions in the way of ideas and suggestions are being given fair and equitable consideration.

Employees understand that in a diverse working environment there are times when people are treated differently based on the circumstances. So long as employees feel that the situation was considered and handled in a fair manner, in most cases they are very understanding and thus develop a level of trust and comfort that the organization respects them and their ideas and concerns.

When SVFD firefighters and paramedics respond to emergencies on a daily basis, they deliver high

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• Student Research • State Programs • Local Stewardship • Invasive Plants and Animals

Organizationally, SVFD has been providing emergency services here in the Spokane Valley for nearly 80 years now. We are privileged to do so and are granted that opportunity by those in our community who receive a ballot and a vote to either support their fire department or not every four years. To date, we have always been successful in that endeavor, to a large degree because our public understands that their direct support of their fire department is the fair and just way to protect our communities. It is a fair and equitable way to deliver service to those that need it, when they most need it.

I would ask that as we approach this holiday season and New Year that we pause to ask ourselves and reflect upon this important characteristic.

Are we practicing fairness in our personal and professional life?

Are our relationships supported by a foundation in which we treat ourselves and others in a “fair and just way” in everything we do?

From everyone here at SVFD, I hope that answer is a resounding “yes!” And we all wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday and New Year.

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quality care and compassion to each and every individual without regard to who they are, their social or economic status, whether they support us or they don’t – it doesn’t matter. As a core value we respect and treat all of those in need in a fair and compassionate manner. We like to say that we treat each and every person we come in contact with as if they were a member of our own family.

This approach has garnered SVFD with the public trust and confidence that has ensured our success since 1940.

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Spokane Community College Lair — Student Union Building N. 1810 Greene Street, Spokane, WA 99207

This conference is FREE! • Register online at: lakesconference.libertylake.org • (509) 922-5443 • jjenkins@libertylake.org

Spokane Valley Fire Chief Bryan Collins began his service as fire chief with the Spokane Valley Fire Department in March of 2013 and has nearly 35 years’ experience in Fire and Emergency Services. Chief Collins promotes a community focused service philosophy where public agencies collaborate, share and work together to best meet the communities’ needs and to add public value. Chief Collins holds a bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies and Organizational Development, a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration and is a graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government – Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.

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JANUARY 2019 • 19

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Student of the Month Whether it’s academics, the arts or advancing to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, Central Valley senior Jasmine Wen has it covered.

The 4.0 student is a member of the National Honor Society and qualified for nationals in a prestigious chemistry competition last year. She also is the founder of an honors chemistry club.

Wen has served as vice president of DECA, an association of students studying business and marketing.

She is an accomplished ballet dancer and has been playing the piano since Kindergarten. She has been a featured artist at MusicFest Northwest and won gold at the Spokane Piano Competition.

This summer, Wen was an intern with the Unemployment Law Project, a law firm offering pro bono help. She will attend Duke University next fall, majoring in sociology and economics with plans to move on to law school.

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Central Valley senior Kyle Clay is one of the primary reasons the Bears are off to a stellar start in the Greater Spokane League basketball season.

The off-guard is averaging 15.6 points a game and tallied a seasonhigh 20 points against cross-town rival University. Clay has lettered in basketball since his sophomore year.

In baseball, Clay was a first-team All GSL selection as a starting pitcher last season, posting a 1.62 earned run average for a team that won 12 of its last 14 league games. Clay went five strong innings to earn the win in a 2-1 district playoff victory over Gonzaga Prep. When not pitching, Clay played outfield and hit .339 for the season. The senior maintains a 3.99 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He would like to pursue a career in medicine.

In only his second year with the Liberty Lake Police Department, Officer Jordan Bowman has been honored as the Officer of the Year. Bowman began with LLPD in May 2017 after working six years with the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2006 to 2010. Chief Brian Asmus credits Bowman with keeping community streets safer as he logged 39 DUI arrests in 2018. He also had the most cases and arrests among LLPD officers over the past year.

“Officer Bowman is very proactive,” Asmus said. ““He has proven to be a valuable member of our department.”

Bowman said he appreciates “the community involvement in Liberty Lake and getting to know the people I’m working with and working for.” A native of California, Bowman enjoys fishing and spending time in the outdoors during his off time.

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20 • JANUARY 2019 Brought to you by

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Chapin brings law enforcement pedigree to LL SCOPE

By Craig Howard Splash Editor Volunteers with SCOPE (Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort) bring a diversity of backgrounds and experience to their work supplementing the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Sue Chapin just happens to be one of the all-star recruits.

Chapin, whose home base is the Liberty Lake SCOPE office, signed on two years ago, bringing with her 32 years of law enforcement history. She worked 11 years as a police dispatcher with the King County Sheriff’s Office and another 21 years as a 911 supervisor for the same department. In the latter role, she rose to the civilian equivalent of a sergeant.

great example of what we’re trying to do – enhance community safety and free up law enforcement.”

Chapin brings an impressive resume to her role as a SCOPE volunteer. She graduated with a degree in criminal justice form Washington State University in 1978 and went on to work 32 years in law enforcement as both a dispatcher and 911 supervisor for the King County Sheriff’s Office, rising to civilian equivalent of a sergeant.

“It could be stressful work,” Chapin recalls. “People weren’t calling us because they were having a good day. Something’s happened.”

Scott says it’s not common for former law enforcement professionals to join SCOPE. “I think they feel they’ve been through that already,” he said. “It’s

SE

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always great to get someone like Sue who has so much expertise and experience. Every time I talk with her, she’s got great energy and is ready to help.”

Maintaining her cool and dealing with a wide variety of calls and callers as a dispatcher and 911 supervisor came naturally for Chapin who established herself as a peacemaker in college.

“I was the one who stepped in and broke up fights,” she said.

A Spokane native who graduated from Shadle Park High School, Chapin was a good student who originally thought of pursuing a career as a travel agent. While at WSU, she completed an internship as a parole officer with the Department of Corrections. In 1980, she moved to Seattle and latched on with the King County Sheriff’s Office not long after.

LIVING COMMU

NI

TY

SCOPE is always in need of volunteers and community support.

See the SCOPE ad on page 24 to find the station nearest you!

Visit them for more information Chapin met her future husband Stan in the Puget Sound area.

He worked 38 years in law enforcement in various capacities including a detective and school resource officer as well as being part of the FBI Task Force. After Stan passed in 2012, they named a street in Sammamish after him. Sue and Stan had three kids together, including son Scott who is carrying on the family legacy of law enforcement having recently graduated from WSU in criminal justice.

As for whether or not threeplus decades in the policing field affected other areas of her life, Chapin is reflective.

While most of Chapin’s work in King County took place in critical situations behind the scenes, her efforts as a SCOPE volunteer involves dealing more with the public. She participates in the SIRT (Sheriff’s Incident Response Team), helping with traffic control and is a lead in the school patrol program at Liberty Lake Elementary and Liberty Creek Elementary. When not on patrol, Chapin can be found delivering paperwork and evidence to various precincts.

“I didn’t take anything at face value,” she says. “For one thing, my kids couldn’t get anything by me.”

Chapin retired in May 2013 in part because the work as a 911 supervisor had drifted away from her professional priorities.

“I’m a people person and it was getting more and more away from that,” she said.

Chapin’s volunteer time sheet from 2018 includes over 300 hours, one of many reasons she was named last year’s Volunteer of the Year for the Liberty Lake branch.

These days, Chapin is happy being part of the community-based efforts that are the trademark of SCOPE. She is also trying to get the word out for more volunteers. The Liberty Lake branch – housed in a dedicated office at the Liberty Lake Police Department precinct – has dwindled to half-a-dozen enlistees.

“It’s kind of nice to be recognized,” Chapin said of the honor. “When I worked in law enforcement, I wasn’t recognized like that.”

SCOPE Director Rick Scott said Chapin has been a valuable addition to the Liberty Lake branch and the agency in general.

“Sue is super-dedicated whether it’s SIRT or making the mail runs,” Scott said. “That’s something they had a deputy doing before. She’s a

Fountains

Sue Chapin joined the Liberty Lake branch of SCOPE (Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort) two years ago. In November, she was named the branch’s Volunteer of the Year. She contributed over 300 hours to the cause in 2018.

Photo by Craig Howard

“We really need more volunteers,” she said. “It’s a way to help the community and law enforcement in Liberty Lake.”

To learn more about SCOPE volunteer opportunities, visit scopespokanewa.org or contact the SCOPE main office at 477-3376.

The Splash

JANUARY 2019 • 21

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22 • JANUARY 2019

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CV hoops legacy not lost on new coach Laws

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Pink socks ushered in the Mike Laws era for the Central Valley boys’ basketball program. Turns out the fashion statement in the 2018-19 season opening win was more a gesture to history.

“For my kids, it’s just saying when (CV) basketball took off it was in the early 1960s on through,” Laws explained of the decision. It was a reminder to his current crop of players about the basketball legacy that goes back as far as the 1940s.

It took off in 1960 under legendary coach Ray Thacker when the Bears finished second in state, the first of four straight state trips.

Presently, the number of state qualifiers totals 20 including the 1968 state title and 2003 second place finish under coaches who all played for the Bears’ Thacker.

Laws is the latest CV alumnus to become heir to the Bear. He’s be charged with continuing the

Dollar replaces teamwork as athletes’ main priority

By Mike Vlahovich

Splash Sports Editor Little could the fictional characters in the movie about professional football player Rod Tidwell know how prophetic he would be more than 20 years ago when he shouted through the phone to his agent Jerry Maguire, “Show me the money!”

Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Maguire (Tom Cruise) were protagonists in the popular 1996 movie by the same name as Cruise’s character, but real-life Pittsburgh

successful legacy of coaches who followed Thacker: Ron Knudsen, Stan Chalich, Terry Irwin and Rick Sloan. What pressure?

“I didn’t go into this as a rebuild,” Laws says. “The program has tradition and structure, so really maybe I’m sprucing up the paint.

I feel we have a strong foundation and I would be foolish to come in and just change the approach to the game.”

Laws remembers wanting to be a coach while attending post-game gatherings his brother Randy took part in at CV. “Coach Knudsen would be drawing up plays on a napkin,” Laws recalls. “I shut my mouth and paid attention. I really developed a love for that part of the game.”

The 1979 graduate has been an assistant in the program for a long time. His time has come and he now has the chance to stamp his own brand.

But what’s the story surrounding those pink socks the Bears donned during Laws’ debut? It was to remind his team of the tradition they’ve been charged to maintain, Laws said.

Ray’s youngest son, Mike, played for his dad and is himself a successful longtime coach with more than 500 wins and long list of Steeler football player Le’Veon Bell today feels “disrespected” because he was only going to make a $14 million and hence sat out the season. It ain’t easy trying to make a living in this era of inflation.

As one athlete was quoted in print some time ago – “I’ve got to feed my family.”

Bell (not to mention Seahawks defender Earl Thomas who held out this season before he was injured and done for the 2018 campaign) apparently considered themselves invaluable and irreplaceable when they weren’t given the money that they – and their agents – requested.

But it isn’t about the money. You deserve to get what the market will bear. What disturbs me is someone like Bell thumbing his nose at his teammates – and in the case of Thomas holding out, getting injured in his game back and

state top-eight finishes, including a stop at Freeman and currently at Liberty. He offered an explanation.

Ray wasn’t just the coach, but did everything else, including the laundry. He dyed the socks red that would fade to pink.

“My dad provided almost everything for the kids,” Mike said.

“He didn’t want the players to run off with all that stuff.” They’d be less inclined to steal something with that unique color.

Over the years those socks became motivators, Thacker said.

“If you ever saw a game you would see those kids wear those pink socks for games under blue and white stirrups.”

Said Laws, “What we’re trying to get across is we’ve had a great tradition here. People have done a lot over the years and it’s something bigger than you.”

The Laws era began with a flourish, CV winning four of its first five games. The loss was to rival University. By the time this is published the Bears will have reached the halfway point of the season.

“But we’ll still hang our hat on defense.”

This year’s team also has size which Laws says, “we haven’t had forever.”

Junior Quinn Johnson (6-foot-5) and seniors Grant Kelly (6-4) and Josh Wilson (6-3) are joined by sophomores Gavin Gilstrap (6-10) and Christian Norman (6-5).

Point guard Jayce Simmons and senior Kyle Clay played in every game last year. Through a quarter of the season Clay was scoring a team high 15.6 per game and Simmons was averaging 11.2.

“We expect those two to really lead us this year,” Laws said.

Gilstrap hopes to play a bigger role this season, although he is still recovering from injury. He broke his leg last spring and missed playing in the summer. Still, he scored 18 points despite losing to rival University.

“He’s a pretty big load,” Laws said.

“He’s getting stronger every day.

Losing the summer set him back, but he has a good understanding of what we’re doing.”

The Bears will look to push the ball and be a little more up-tempo this season. “It’s going to change our approach to things,” Laws said.

Johnson, sophomore Shea Holmdahl and Wilson all registered double figures games early this season, the latter averaging just under 10 points per game.

then disrespecting his team while leaving the field.

Cynical journalist Charles P. Pierce wrote an article in Sports Illustrated that college football and basketball programs have become naïve and gullible hiring halls. He was referring to the “one-and-done players” who now can be signed to NBA contracts and bypass any legitimate college experience. He has a point.

We talk about teamwork in a sport and today greed gets in the way. Thomas hasn’t been missed and Seattle is the better for it. Bell is. It’s one thing to hold out for a raise – but the harm it’s done to the Steelers’ Super Bowl aspirations is another.

The Steelers lost a game when they rushed for a mere 75 yards and are averaging around 90 yards per game. Imagine how far they potentially could go with someone as good as Bell in the lineup. But he essentially deserted his teammates and fans.

Maybe we were naïve growing up when told that teamwork creates chemistry and breeds success. Bell didn’t care about that, he cared only about himself.

We can’t live without our sports and willingly open our wallets pouring more money into exorbitant parking lot prices, tickets, garb and concession stands that take a week’s worth of grocery money for a soda and hot dog.

We willingly become the kind of folks Pierce wrote about.

Loyal fans deserve to expect more from athletes like Bell and Thomas than hearing them shout, “Show me the money!”

BUSINESS

The Splash

Lorraine Fine Jewelry sparkles as gem of a store

By Linda Ball Splash Correspondent Lorraine Fine Jewelry has brought exquisite gemstone jewelry to Liberty Lake and, pardon the pun, the company’s recent arrival has provided a “splash” of color and elegance to the community.

Proprietors Naim and Lorraine Tunca bring years of experience and knowledge of their craft to their showroom on Country Vista Drive.

Lorraine is originally from Mexico, Naim from Turkey. Naim is a fifthgeneration jeweler – his family has been in the business for over 150 years. Lorraine’s background is in fashion design.

With a team of skilled and trusted artisans, the couple design and manufacture all of their jewelry.

Their diamond setter, polisher and caster are all trained to meet Naim’s standard and have been part of the process for many years. Quality control is very important to them, and they follow every piece from beginning to end to make certain it meets their standard.

The couple’s focus is on colored gemstones, set mainly in 18-karat white, rose or yellow gold. They look for consistency in the colorization of the stones they choose and with the many years of connections they have, are able to source some real dazzlers, such as a blazing 5.12-carat Oregon Sunstone or a 15-carat tourmaline from Pakistan.

Their story is unique. Lorraine was an exchange student in Spokane in the early 1990s and met Naim through friends. She went back to Mexico, he to Santa Monica, California but they stayed in contact and eventually married in Mexico.

They opened a shop in Santa Monica but returned to Spokane in 2000 opening a shop on North Division.

In 2012 they decided to move to Turkey but returned to the U.S. in 2016 due to the tense political climate.

Lorraine Fine Jewelry has always maintained an online store and an Etsy shop for pieces at a lower price point but they missed having a showroom. The couple bought a home in Liberty Lake, appreciating the easy access to the freeway, equal distance to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene and since there wasn’t a full- service jeweler in Liberty Lake, it seemed natural to open a new showroom here. They

JANUARY 2019 • 23

they come in many colors. “Halo” settings, where smaller diamonds surround a larger gemstone, are a big trend right now, Lorraine said, and they have an incredible assortment. All of the gemstones and diamonds they source are conflict-free and certified by the Gem Institute of America, the world’s top certification of stones.

found space at 21950 East Country Vista Drive, Suite 600, opening Nov. 17. It’s a bright, clean space with chandeliers that make the gems pop with color.

Of course, diamonds are also part of the inventory, with high quality stones and sources going back through Naim’s family history.

Although not finished, a bridal room will be available for couples to consult privately with Naim and Lorraine.

“The best piece of jewelry is what

you like,” Lorraine said.

She added that they will work with young couples on their budget and taste. “A lot of young girls (brides) are going for color in their rings,” Lorraine said.

What is outstanding about their jewelry is not only the fascinating array of color of the stones but the creative settings. Some of the pieces are just as interesting from the bottom due to the intricacy of the settings. The selection of tourmalines is mind-boggling as

The couple will also re-style jewelry that you already own and are perhaps tired of. Lorraine said since jewelry is a means of expression, it’s understandable that tastes can change and a cherished piece may need an update. They also create masterpieces with smaller stones that by themselves might not make a huge statement but, when combined, can transform into a stunning bracelet for example.

Lorraine Fine Jewelry also carries freshwater and Tahitian pearls and whatever else the market is missing. It is Lorraine and Naim’s goal to ensure that customers receive a piece that is truly unique and special to the individual. When they say “one-of-a-kind,” they mean it because your piece is the only one of that design that they will ever create.

That’s pretty special to have right here in our little hamlet.

“I would recommend Dr. Casey ESPECIALLY if you have issues with the dentist. His staff makes you feel welcome and calm. They will never get rid of me as a patient.”

– Alex

No one in my family cringes about going to the dentist.

My kids know their hygienists by name and look forward to catching up with them. I’m pretty sure I take this for granted thanks to Dr. Casey and his team.”

– Josh

“Dr. Casey’s ‘chair-side’ manner helped me commit to getting my cavities filled after not going to the dentist for six years.”

– Sarah

Extractions • Nitrous Oxide Crowns (Caps) & Bridges Teeth Whitening •Cleanings Dentures/Partials • Implants Tooth Colored Fillings Porcelain Veneers • Sedation Dentistry

The Splash

24 • JANUARY 2019

FIRST TEE

Continued from page 11 value system to school, home and elsewhere in life.

The First Tee is involved in the community in several ways. First is our life skills program, which takes place at area golf courses.

Currently our program locations are at The Creek at Qualchan, the Highlands in Post Falls, Deer Park and Esmeralda golf course with other sites planned in the future.

Liberty Lake resident Todd Sturgis serves as executive director of the local branch of The First Tee. The First Tee also operates the National School Program. We take fundamental golf skills and the Nine Core Values directly to PE classes at local elementary schools. We also operate outreach programs for local community centers. In the past we’ve offered equipment, curriculum and training to East Central Community Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Kootenai County Probation Program and the Police Activities League.

Through National School Program and Outreach, we’re able to bring our youth development programs to over 17,000 young people locally.

Why golf? Golf is a family sport and can be played for a lifetime, unlike other sports, which usually have an expiration date of high school or sometimes college, if you’re lucky. You see our Nine Core Values displayed every day in the game of golf. When you take your hat off and shake hands at the end of a round – that’s respect. When you select which club to use – that’s judgment. When you make a long putt – that’s confidence. When you decide not to crack a club over your knee after a bad shot – that’s courtesy and sportsmanship.

When you keep an accurate score – that’s honesty. Young people can learn and identify these core values by participating in programs with The First Tee, then be intentional about translating them to other areas of their lives. When you see the light kindled in a child’s mind when they’re able to make this connection, it’s one of the greatest experiences our program has to offer.

For more information please contact us through our website: www.thefirstteeinlandnw.org

Sideline Heroes – Rescuers’ quick thinking saved LL resident

By Benjamin Shedlock Splash Correspondent During a late October football game in 2017, Brandon Snider of Central Valley High School had just pulled himself from play and was standing on the sideline when he collapsed suddenly. He was suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

Romanus “Ro” Chodorwski saw Brandon’s fall and immediately called 911.

Throughout the event, he stayed on the line with dispatch and helped coordinate the emergency response.

Chodorwski, Travis Richardson of Liberty Lake and Jeff Morrison immediately went into action, saving Brandon’s life after he collapsed. Richardson administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. While Richardson initiated this lifesaving first aid technique, Morrison retrieved a nearby automatic external defibrillator, or AED, and used it to get Brandon’s heart beating again.

The rescuers provided exactly the support Brandon needed to survive. When he went into sudden cardiac arrest, his chance of survival

dropped 10 percent every minute until his heart resumed beating. The use of the AED shocked Brandon’s heart back into a normal beat, preventing this precipitous decline and the CPR tripled his chances of surviving, according to research by the American Heart Association.

Last April, the Spokane Valley Board of Fire Commissioners assumed the regular business of their first biweekly meeting then bestowed the distinguished Lifesaving Awards to those who stepped up to save Brandon. The three rescuers attended the event, along with Brandon and his parents. First responders nominate residents they believe have done something extraordinary.

The rescuers’ swift response and skillful application of First Aid kept the 16-year old Liberty Lake resident alive and prevented any lasting brain damage.

In Brandon’s case, the rescuers also wanted to use their awards to help the public understand the importance of providing effective CPR and using an AED. Unlike a heart attack, which grows over time, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. To save a life, everyone can learn how to use these basic first aid tools to jump into an emergency right away.

SVFD offers free classes where anyone can learn the basics of cardiac arrest and lifesaving. The Friends and Family CPR classes are taught

by SVFD firefighters and paramedics.

Classes cover CPR techniques, AED use, and choking intervention techniques. They are held on the second Saturday of every month at the SVFD Training Center, at 2411 N. Pioneer Lane. SVFD encourages individuals or groups, including families, babysitters, Scout troops, or businesses, to sign up. Anyone interested in taking the courses must register in advance by calling 928-1700 or going to the events directory page at spokanevalleyfire. com.

The class also teaches participants how to use the Pulse Point mobile app. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play, Pulse Point allows CPR-trained bystanders to be alerted to cardiac emergencies within a quarter mile of their location. Anyone who is trained in using CPR can download the app for free and enter their information into the app.

When a cardiac emergency is called in to Spokane County’s 911 system, which is integrated with the app, nearby users will be notified.

The app provides directions to the emergency and identifies locations of nearby AEDs. Bystanders who are that close can get to the scene faster than emergency medical services, so the app is designed to get help to a victim to provide first aid during those critical minutes until first responders arrive.

Because the app crowdsources the First Aid, it becomes more effective as more people use it.

The Splash

Grocery store image offers diverse historical inventory

By Ross Schneidmiller Liberty Lake Historical Society When eating at Barlows I like to sit in a booth looking back towards the restaurant’s entry. This gives me an optimal view to observe people coming and going from the eatery.

In doing this I have witnessed how customers are drawn to the large photo of the Liberty Lake Grocery on the north wall. Sometimes they will look at the photograph for a while pointing to its varied content.

At times I engage these people and ask them what they noticed in the picture.

Having supplied the scans of the history images at Barlows, I have spent a fair amount of time in Photoshop working on each of them.

This particular image required additional attention, yet every time I see this photo through someone else’s eyes I see something new.

My friend Tom Specht once pointed to the bundle of bamboo poles leaning against the building. He asked if I knew what their use was.

I am thinking landscape materials-

HISTORY fencing? Tom was sure they were poles for fishing, like he had used growing up in Oklahoma.

Today in order to find all the categories of goods offered by this one merchant, you have to drive outside of the city limits. In addition to the grocery store it takes TireRama, Starbucks, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Cabela’s, Baskin-Robbins, Longhorn Barbeque and a gasoline station to replace it. You could also get your mail, send a package and pay your telephone bill while enjoying a scoop of butter cup ice cream made by the Spokane Bakery Company. The item you were looking for may not be in stock but if you were willing to wait there were catalogues you could order from.

To say merchant Charlie Young wore several hats is an understatement. After purchasing the Liberty Lake Grocery from Ernest J Wright in 1920, he replaced Wright as postmaster of the Liberty Lake Post Office (which operated within the mercantile).

He also ran or supervised the telephone exchange switchboard located in the store. The exchange consisted of a manual switchboard run by an operator. Using this type of service, the caller turned a crank to generate a ringing current to gain the operator's attention. The operator then connected the call to the verbally requested number by plugging the ringing cord

into the jack on the switchboard corresponding to the called customer's line.

This phone system featured party lines, with multiple customers sharing a single line. When connecting to the called customer, the operator would use a distinctive ringing sequence, such as two short rings followed by a long, for each customer. Everyone on the party line could hear the rings and listen in on the calls, but hopefully only the intended party would pick up the phone.

Attached to the store was Young’s Barbecue Lunch. After prohibition ended in the 1930s you could enjoy a barbecued sandwich and a cold bottle of beer for only 30 cents.

Young was the pit master and was well known for his barbequed ribs. He would cater to groups like when summer resident Harper Joy brought a circus act to the lake. (read about this later this year) A retrofitted stage coach, what essentially was a precursor to a food truck, was a creation of Young’s entrepreneurial spirit. In the winter he would pull it out on the ice selling hamburgers and hot dogs as well as hot and cold refreshments to the skaters. During these slower times he would also put his carpenter skills to work building or remodeling lake cabins. In addition to all these duties, in which he had some help, he found time to manage a number of summer cottages he owned near

JANUARY 2019 • 25

the store.

See what you can find in this picture. If you can’t see it well enough, I encourage you to enjoy the large version at Barlows. If you are lucky it will be when the restaurant is having their smoked beef brisket or barbequed rib specials.

Did You Know?

• The first post office established in present day Spokane County was at Spokane Bridge in 1867. The first post office established at Liberty Lake was in 1901 in Willis Kisinger's general store. The store burned down a few days after it opened; Kisinger claimed he would rebuild at once but it appears he never did. Rural delivery to settlers in our area began in 1902 and ran out of the Moab (near Newman Lake) Post Office. In 1909, the Liberty Lake Post Office was reestablished in the Liberty Lake Train Station.

It moved to Liberty Lake Grocery on Melkapsi in 1912 and remained on that street housed in different buildings for more than 70 years.

• Prohibition, as it was known in American history, was banning the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors.

It became effective nationally in 1920 with the passage of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and was repealed in 1933. Washington state previously passed a similar law that had gone into effect in 1916.

The Splash

26 • JANUARY 2019

SVFD Report – January 2019 From Splash News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 89 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from Nov. 13 – Dec. 10: • Emergency Medical Services 77 • Motor Vehicle Accidents

6

• Hazardous Materials

4

• Building Alarms

1

• Fires

1

*Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake Unauthorized burning – Nov. 15 – Engine 4 responded to Harvard and the Spokane River north bank for a reported camp fire. Upon arrival, Engine 4 investigated and found a camp fire in a ring of rocks about one-quarter mile west of Harvard. Fire met the burning rules for a legal recreational warming fire so Engine 4 returned in service to Station 4.

Smoke

detector

activation

SVFD seeks approval of levy

By Keith Erickson

Splash Correspondent Over the past five years, the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) has experienced a 34-percent increase in calls for service, fielding some 18,000 calls per year.

To keep pace with that growth while continuing to provide exemplary service, SVFD will ask voters on Feb. 19 to pass a replacement maintenance and operations (M&O) levy that will fund operations and capital improvements for the next four years through 2023.

Passage of the measure is critical to maintaining the excellence in fire and medical service that citizens have come to expect, said SVFD Chief Bryan Collins.

“Last year, SVFD responded to more than 1,800 fires and saved $16 million in property or 88 percent of the total values of the properties and contents involved,” Collins said. “Without renewal of the M&O levy, SVFD will simply be unable to continue providing this excellent level of response.”

Funded over four years, the levy would cost property owners an average of about $1.91 per $1,000

– Nov. 21 - Ladder 10 responded to a home with the detectors failing. The detectors were out of date from the 10 years listed from the manufacturer. Ladder 10 determined that as one of the smoke alarms failed it affected the entire system linked together.

Ladder 10 removed all the smoke detectors and replaced the smoke alarms in the bedroom and in the common area. Ladder 10 wanted to make sure they had working smoke alarms as it was the night before Thanksgiving and the house was going to be cared for by a house sitter and the family was unable to make it to a store before leaving town. For more information about SVFD’s free home fire protection program and installation of smoke detectors, call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

Motor vehicle collision – Nov. 21. – Around 2 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported motor vehicle accident involved in a collision at 700 N. Legacy Ridge Drive. Paramedics arrived to find three patients from a T-bone style accident where they quickly assessed and tended to minor

of assessed valuation. That’s about 11 cents per $1,000 more than the current M&O levy of $1.80 per $1,000 that expires at the end of the year. That means the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $100 more per year under the requested levy.

Collins emphasized that this is not a new tax. It replaces the expiring four-year M&O levy passed in 2015.

As it did then, the measure requires 60 percent approval for passage.

SVFD employs about 200 personnel, including 175 responders. The levy would fund 54 percent of the department’s annual operations budget and shoulder capital expenditures including replacement of aging fire vehicles and essential equipment like defibrillators, “jaws of life” extrication units and thermal imaging cameras.

Passage would also allow for construction of Fire Station No. 11 in the rapidly growing area near Barker Road and Euclid Avenue north of Interstate 90, as well as a ladder truck and firefighters that will be needed in the next four years, Collins said.

Collins emphasized that the department is a “pay as you go” organization. “We do not carry bonded debt and we don’t buy what we can’t afford,” he said.

injuries. Engine 3 checked for any other hazards from the accident and then returned to service.

Smoke or odor – Dec. 1 – Engine 4 responded to a residence at an apartment complex and the occupants thought they could smell an odor on the second floor, possibly ethanol. Upon exiting the elevator on the second floor, the fire crews could detect a strong odor. Firefighters did room-byroom knocks and questioned the residents and found nobody feeling ill. All apartment units and the buildings heating system are electric to include hot water tanks – so no gas appliances were on site.

Firefighters did a check of the ceiling mounted and wall mounted heating units of all three floors. They did note a different heat indicator per the thermal imagining camera.

Some of the wall mounted unit showed an internal temperature of 120 degrees and the first-floor wall mounted units showed 90 degrees.

Management was advised to have maintenance check all three of the second-floor units to ensure they were operating within normal limits.

With a 75-square-mile service area that includes about 125,000 citizens, SVFD responds to about 15,000 emergency medical services calls each year or about 41 calls per day.

“Our sudden cardiac arrest survival rate of over 50 percent is among the best in the entire nation,” Collins said.

If approved, the levy will also fund an alternate response unit (ARU) to provide cost-effective service for non-life-threatening emergencies as well as funds to remodel the Sullivan Road fire station to include the addition of an entryway to provide citizens with a 24/7 safe zone – a provision in all other SVFD stations and in line with the department’s commitment to public service.

“We are deeply involved in our community and schools,” Collins said. “Among our many activities, we provide fire safety, prevention and CPR education to more than 6,300 students in 40 schools each year across the Greater Spokane Valley.”

While garnering a supermajority (60 percent) voter approval margin can be daunting, the chief said he is “cautiously optimistic” for passage of the replacement levy.

In February 2015, the measure was approved by a margin of 72 percent.

About SVFD - Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County including the communities of Otis Orchards, Pasadena Park, and the area surrounding Liberty Lake, with a combined population of 125,000 across approximately 75 square miles.

SVFD firefighters and paramedics responded to more than 17,280 emergency calls in 2017. Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), one of only a handful in the state of Washington.

SVFD operates 10 stations providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials response, special operations rescue, fire investigation, fire prevention, commercial property inspection, CPR and fire safety training. SVFD also provides free fire safety inspections and installation of free smoke detectors. For more information call 928-1700 or visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

“These taxpayer dollars were used as intended: day-to-day operations and specific capital improvements including relocation of Liberty Lake Fire Station No. 3, which was completed on time and under budget, Collins said.

Should the M&O replacement levy not pass, the chief outlined these scenarios: Six of the department’s 10 fire stations would close; advanced life support services would no longer be provided and there would be reduced availability with only 12 firefighters on duty responding to an average of 50 calls for service each day.

Collins said the community has responded favorably before when it recognized the importance of a four-year funding measure to sustain and improve its top-notch emergency services.

That premier service has earned the SVFD a low insurance rating for fire agencies. The rating means homeowners and businesses are in the lowest cost pool available for fire insurance premiums.

“I’ve been in the firefighting business for 35 years and I’ve seen a lot of department models and here in the Spokane Valley, we really have something we can be proud of as far as the level of service to the community,” Collins said.

The Splash

JANUARY 2019 • 27

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General Project Location: South of E Country Vista Drive, north of E Sprague Avenue; west of N Henry Road; and east of N Hodges Rd. Project Size: +/- 59.68 acres

28 • JANUARY 2019

CVSD, Liberty Lake discuss annexation for high school

By Nina Culver

Splash Correspondent The Central Valley School District (CVSD) has asked the city of Liberty Lake to annex the site of its new high school into municipal limits.

The district recently purchased 99 acres at Henry Road and Sprague Avenue from the Spokane Gun Club.

The club will lease back a portion of the property until July 2021, shortly before the new high school is scheduled to open.

Liberty Lake city limits currently end at Country Vista Drive, which runs along the north edge of the property. The annexation request is for 60 acres of the site, not including the current gun club location.

“There’s actually several parcels involved,” said Liberty Lake Director of Planning and Engineering Services Lisa Key. “It’s only the eastern half of the site.”

The land is currently zoned “light industrial,” which does not allow for schools and the district is asking for a zone change to “public/semipublic institutional” along with the annexation, said Key. “We wouldn’t want light industrial in that part of the city,” she said.

The annexation will allow the district to develop the site more easily rather than having to work with both Spokane County and Liberty Lake, said CVSD spokeswoman Marla Nunberg.

“That actually puts us all with the same municipality as far as permitting,” Nunberg said. “It actually keeps us on schedule. Timing is very important.”

The annexation will also make it easier for the district to include access to the high school from Country Vista Drive, said Key. “It would have made it more complicated for them,” she said. “It makes for awkward permitting.”

The annexation process began in September and a public hearing was held at the Liberty Lake City Council meeting on Nov. 6. A second hearing is scheduled for the council meeting on Dec. 18.

“Council can make a decision that night or defer deliberation to another night,” said Key. If

the

council

approves

the

Existing County Zoning:

Light Industrial

Proposed Zoning:

P (Public/Semi-Public Institutional)

Proposed Use:

High School & Appurtenant Facilities

The Splash

annexation, they must provide Spokane County with 60 days notice of their intent to annex the land. That means the earliest the land could be officially added to the city is Feb. 21.

Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson said he anticipates that the annexation will be approved. “We’re moving forward,” he said. “We’re looking forward to that property coming into the city.”

Peterson said he’s glad that his city will eventually have two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school inside it’s city limits. That means local children can stay inside Liberty Lake for the entire time they attend school.

“We’re delighted,” he said. “I don’t think we ever anticipated that. It’s a big win.”

The city does not have a community center and Peterson said he’s excited for the fact that residents will be able to use the sports fields, gyms and auditoriums at the high school and the middle school that is currently under construction.

“They’re going to have a lot of things that will benefit us,” he said.

Nunberg said it is standard procedure for the district to allow community use of its facilities when they are not in use by students.

People need to fill out an application and pay a minimal cleaning fee if required.

No permits for the high school can be issued while the annexation is underway. “The annexation is separate from the development of the high school,” Key said. “They’re legally separate decisions. The city cannot issue a permit until the annexation is complete.”

Additional work will have to be done before any permits can be issued, Key said. “The school district will actually have to do a full-blown environmental impact statement,” she added.

Nunberg said the district is already moving forward with the required environmental and traffic studies.

Once the studies are done and the permits are in place the district hopes to be able to start ground work this spring and begin construction in July, she said.

Once the new high school opens in 2021 it will relieve the overcrowding at the district’s two current high schools, Central Valley and University.

Central Valley currently has students in 14 portable classrooms and there are six portable classrooms at University.

“We’re just excited to get it going,” Nunberg said.

The footprint for the third comprehensive high school in the Central Valley School District led to discussions between the district and the city of Liberty Lake about annexing the property into the city. On Dec. 18, the Liberty Lake City Council Page 1 of 4 for unanimously approved CVSD's request for annexation and consideration land use designation. Annexation of the 59.68 acres will not take place until Feb. 21. The new school, which will be called Ridgeline, is scheduled to open in time for the 2021-22 academic year. The district had originally selected a site at 16th and Henry Road for the high school but the school board voted instead to build on land near the western boundary of Liberty Lake between Country Vista and Sprague. CVSD Superintendent Ben Small said the revised site will mean having to make far fewer traffic improvements and save taxpayers money.

Contributed image

Ridgeline earns naming rights for new high school From Splash News Sources

What’s in a name? A lot of careful thought and consideration by the entire community when it came to naming the area’s newest comprehensive high school, scheduled to open in fall of 2021.

Over 430 name and mascot ideas – along with their rationale – were gathered for several weeks late in 2018 according to officials with the Central Valley School District (CVSD). A naming committee reviewed all the input in order to find the one name that would best portray the school community for years to come. The CVSD School Board ultimately decided on the name on Nov. 26 after the committee gave their top three recommendations.

Ridgeline High School rose to the top because it fits the geographic characteristics of the area, say district representatives.

“It is a powerful name that represents the beauty of the

views of the hills surrounding the school site to the north, south and east,” states Jesse Hardt, the new Ridgeline High School principal.

CVSD Board President Cindy McMullen, who participated on the committee asserts, “I love that Ridgeline combines the beauty of the location with the element of strength that Central Valley schools – especially our high schools – are famous for.”

The 14-member committee consisted of the board president, principal, parents, students and teachers.

Eryn Lewis, an eighth grader from Greenacres Middle School who participated on the committee said she was proud “to have a small part in choosing it and it is something new and important. My favorite part about the name is that it reflects the beauty of our surroundings and our community. I believe that Ridgeline High will be an amazing school.”

Principal Hardt concludes, “The name, ‘Ridgeline’ gives this new school community the best opportunity to create our own culture and tell our story.”

What happens next? A new mascot and school colors will soon be chosen so that the distinct Ridgeline High School community identity can continue to develop.

Nina Culver, Keith Erickson, Linda Ball, Mike Padden

The Splash

JANUARY 2019 • 29

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

Danica Wick

ben@libertylakesplash.com CO OWNER

danica@libertylakesplash.com

EDITOR

Craig Howard

craig@libertylakesplash.com OFFICE MANAGER GRAPHICS

Paula Gano

paula@libertylakesplash.com

Randy Edwards

randy@libertylakesplash.com

CIRCULATION Larry Passmore

circulation@libertylakesplash.com CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Ball, Nina Culver, Keith Erickson, Craig Howard, Mike Padden, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

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

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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Submissions should be received by the 15th of the month for best chance of publication in the following month’s Splash.

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Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Subscriptions must be

received by the 15th of the month in order for the subscription to begin with the issue printed the end of that month.

Correction policy The Splash strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by email to editor@libertylakesplash.com. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

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Copyright © 2018 All rights reserved. All contents of The Splash may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

HUB Sports Center receives $50,000 challenge gift From Splash News Sources

The HUB Sports Center (HUB) created the HUB 300 Club in August 2018, seeking 300 individuals/ businesses to contribute $1,000 each in order to pay off the remaining mortgage on the facility.

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The HUB 300 Club was kicked off by girls’ basketball State Gatorade Player of the Year Lexie Hull of Central Valley High School, who donated $1,000 via Gatorade to bring awareness to the importance of youth sports in our community.

In November, the HUB received a matching gift challenge of $50,000 from an anonymous donor. Gifts to the HUB 300 Club through the end of 2018 would be matched dollar-for-dollar. To date, $21,000 has been contributed toward that challenge.

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THE

Evergreen SE

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lifestyle Fountains

LIVING COMMU

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Last month, the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation added an additional $50,000 of matching funds to the initial challenge. Now donations to the HUB 300 Club are being doubled.

THE

With the public’s $50,000 contribution (of which $29,000 is still needed) and these two matching challenges, the HUB will receive $150,000 toward the HUB 300 Club and paying off the mortgage. Adding this to their existing total of $54,000, they will have only $96,000 left to completely pay off the facility.

“We are appreciative of the generosity of the anonymous donor and the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation,” said HUB Executive Director Phil Champlin.

“It is a tremendous opportunity for the HUB Sports Center to make a significant reduction in our mortgage. We thank those that have already donated to the HUB 300 Club and humbly ask for 29 more to join in and allow us to fully realize these generous donations.”

More details about the HUB 300 Club and a list of current donors is available at www.hubsportscenter. org/hub300club.

HUB Sports Center is a 501c3 nonprofit sports facility that opened in 2007 and has operated with a positive cash flow since October 2010. The over 66,000 square feet of space is used for community events, outreach programs and athletic activities.

quality

YO

New homes in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Libe Fieldhouse Pizza • Spokane Gymnastics

g re e n s t o n e h o m

Kiwanis • Liberty Lake Family Dentistry • Stateline Plaza

Index of advertisers

Following are the local advertisers in this issue of The Splash.

Amaculate Housekeeping

30

John L Scott - Pam Fredrick

Casey Family Dental

23

Kiwanis of Liberty Lake

Central Valley Theatre

27

Liberty Lake EyeCare Center

3

Cornerstone Pentecostal

30

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

5

Evergreen Fountain

21

Liberty Lake Orthodontics

Family Medicine Liberty Lake

30

Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District

Fieldhouse Pizza

19

Lilac Family Eye Care

13

Mint Condition Dental

27

George Gee

4

Greenstone 32

Peridot Publishing

3 14

30

Pho Liberty Simonds Dental Group

12 18, 32

Spokane Gymnastics

18

Stateline Plaza

13

Windermere 5

6

Service Directory

30

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The Splash

30 • JANUARY 2019

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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This map shows the variety of jurisdictions the Spokane River Centennial Trail weaves through with the blue portion representing the city of Liberty Lake. The city recently entered into the Centennial Trail Interagency Cooperative Agreement as a joint stakeholder meaning it will be responsible for maintaining a 2-mile section of the trail beginning east of Barker and ending at Molter.

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As a partner in the agreement, each jurisdiction will pay $20,000 each February, which will be deposited into a maintenance fund for distribution toward needed repair and overlay. Camp said some repairs are being made in the Barker Road section right now, partially funded by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) due to flood damage.

“What’s neat about this coordination is that this jurisdictional partnership is unique,” said Loreen McFaul, executive director of the Friends of Centennial Trail. “We’re

lo us e H y

and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp, said the document will be signed any day now.

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The ink on the agreement isn’t quite dry as the mayors of each jurisdiction still need to sign it, but Liberty Lake Parks Operations

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The Spokane River Centennial Trail – so named because its inception in 1989 was the year of Washington’s 100th anniversary as a state – is treasured and used by many area citizens.

Ordinary maintenance would involve daily cleanup and removing limbs or branches hanging over the trail. The portion of the trail in the Valley is used heavily due to all the new homes and apartments and Liberty Lake’s River District is booming as well, contributing to increased use.

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Splash Correspondent

In August, the city of Liberty Lake entered into the partnership, which means it is responsible for a 2-mile stretch of the trail beginning east of Barker Road and ending at Molter Road. From Molter Road east, the trail is the county’s responsibility.

Each jurisdiction is responsible for ordinary trail operation, maintenance and law enforcement activities and any capital repairs up to $25,000. Repairs over $25,000 fall to Washington State Parks and Recreation.

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By Linda Ball

Last November, city of Liberty Lake staff recommended approval to enter into the long-term Spokane River Centennial Trail Interagency Cooperative Agreement as a joint stakeholder. The other stakeholders include the city of Spokane, the city of Spokane Valley, Washington State Parks and Recreation, and Spokane County. The Friends of the Centennial Trail, a 501c(3) established in 1986, which formed the vision for the trail, is also a stakeholder, although it does not have a vote. Millwood, with a population of right around 1,800, does not have the financial capacity to be a partner.

Areas of Responsibility for Trail Maintenance and Law Enforcement Under the Centennial Trail Interagency Cooperative Agreement rk e r R

Liberty Lake enters into Centennial Trail partnership

With massive growth in Liberty Lake and elsewhere along the 39mile east-west pathway, it takes more than one village to maintain this vast pedestrian route that follows the Spokane River and extends from Lake Spokane in the Nine Mile Falls area to the Washington/Idaho state borders.

JANUARY 2019 • 31

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State of Idaho

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the poster child of how groups can and should work together. We are fortunate to bring Liberty Lake to the table.”

McFaul said the group has a sixyear maintenance plan (20162022), but it takes money. There are still a couple of gaps in the trail, at Argonne and Mission roads, where users are forced to physically cross busy streets which prohibits the trail from being a Class 1 trail.

That would be a long-term goal McFaul said, as it will most likely involve overpasses.

In 2023, when the North/ South Freeway is scheduled to be completed, the Centennial Trail will connect to the Children of the Sun

IA 315-128 Revision 1 Exhibit 1 - Attachment A

Trail. McFaul said $350,000 was invested into the entire span for repairs to include repair of cracks, bulges, tree root damage, filling joints on Denny Ashlock Bridge and repairing large surface gaps in the trail from previous failed crack repairs. However, 33 miles of the trail need 1-and-1.5-inch asphalt overlay, but at a cost of approximately $2 million, money needs to be secured through grants or any capital funding. And it’s a good thing the trail was built when it was because McFaul said if they were to try to build it today, “it would take 200 years” to get through the shoreline permitting process.

Liberty Lake has shown its commitment to the trail in the past through the addition of the Harvard and Stateline spur trails. McFaul said she is excited about this new partnership because of the value Liberty Lake’s residents place on the recreational opportunities the trail provides.

Currently, the way-finding signs are being updated. Not only do the signs direct people, there are safety signs warning of any possible hazards. Spokefest provided a $5,000 educational grant toward the new signage, which was matched by Friends Trailbuilder’s fund. McFaul said they continue to operate from the generosity of the public and businesses.

The Centennial Trail was established in 1989 during Washington 100th anniversary as a state. It stretches 39 miles along the Spokane River and was designated a National Recreation Trail in 2010, joining 30 other trails across the nation. The portion of the trail in Liberty Lake has become an aesthetic asset in the emerging community of the River District that hedges against the Spokane River. File photo

The term of the joint agreement extends through Aug. 5, 2034 and may be renewed in 10-year increments. The agreement may be terminated at any time with mutual agreement of all parties. Camp said the city hopes to have a dedication of its portion of the trail sometime in the spring.

The Splash

32 • JANUARY 2019

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