2022 September Splash

SEPTEMBER

2022

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THE STORM LIKE NO OTHER, TIPS ON RECOVERING FROM THE STORM PAGE 10

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE OLSEN PAGE 2

NEW LIBRARY SITE CHOSEN PAGE 8

VIETNAM MEMORIAL IN LIBERTY LAKE PAGE 20

2 • SEPTEMBER 2022

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DOCKSIDE Invested in Good – Olsen engaged in a variety of causes

By Craig Howard

said.

Splash Contributing Editor

Olsen’s volunteer resume is not limited to his time in Liberty Lake.

He was part of the finance committee for St. Thomas More Catholic Church for two years beginning in 2007. While living in Southern California, he served on a committee for the famed Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, donning one of the event’s trademark white suits.

In 30 years as a successful financial advisor, Tim Olsen helped clients navigate a maze of stocks, bonds, derivatives and mutual funds.

These days, the California native is seeing a healthy return as an investor in community causes.

If not for a bike excursion his wife Erin took on the Centennial Trail in 2013, Olsen may have never landed in Liberty Lake and embarked upon a new chapter of life defined by civic involvement.

Olsen’s roots in the Golden State

run deep. He was born and raised in the Central California town of Visalia, a community known for its flat terrain and fruit trees. His father worked in the produce industry and Olsen remembers learning a consistent work ethic growing up with two brothers.

California to attend college. After stints at Marymount College, the University of California, Long Beach and UCLA, studying mostly economics, Olsen jumped into the private sector, latching on with a brokerage firm as a trader’s assistant.

“No one was sitting inside watching cartoons,” he said. “We were out working in the yard.”

The job would be the beginning of a career in the investment field that would last 30 years.

At 15, Olsen was working parttime in packing plants that stocked peaches, plumbs and nectarines. He played soccer in high school and after graduation moved to Southern

“I had one of the best jobs that no longer exists,” Olsen said of his time as a block trader. “It’s all automated now.”

“She stumbled upon the River District,” Olsen said. “We didn’t know much about Liberty Lake before then.”

“I just had to make my future happen,” Olsen says of the transition. “I’d learned how to build relationships and build people’s trust in my previous work. I found the real estate world fascinating.”

Olsen had lived on the South Hill and in north Spokane after moving to the Inland Northwest from California with his young family in 1999.

Olsen has achieved considerable success in his adopted industry.

Last December, he was named “Top Producer” by Spokane Real Producers magazine. Beyond the numbers, Olsen said he appreciates the motto of the company’s founder who encouraged employees to “live life as a contribution.”

“I was excited to have something called ‘seasons,’” Olsen said. “I’ve only been in snow once in my life.

That was a bit of a shock.”

While Olsen adapted quickly to his new surroundings, anything east of Spokane proper remained mostly foreign territory.

“It’s like a family,” Olsen said.

“It’s a great fit for me.”

“The Valley was a mystery,” Olsen says.

Olsen and his wife have now been in their custom-built Greenstone home in the River District for 10 years. During that time, the former financial planner has joined the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club, become a trustee with the Liberty Lake Municipal Library and has contributed to the community’s development vision as a member of the city’s Planning Commission.

In his spare time, Olsen is part of Toastmasters, a club that serves as a training ground for public speaking.

“When I came to Liberty Lake, I wanted to make a difference,” Olsen

After 15 years with ICM Asset Management, Olsen transitioned to Manito Asset Management in 2017.

In August of that year, he changed fields entirely, signing on as a broker with the Liberty Lake office of John L. Scott Real Estate.

Q: You had lived in the Spokane area for several years before you really got to know much about Liberty Lake. What were some of your initial impressions of the community after you grew more familiar with it?

Photo by Craig Howard Tim Olsen has immersed himself in community causes since moving to Liberty Lake in 2014 with his wife Erin. The California native is a trustee with the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, a member of the city of Liberty Lake Planning Commission and part of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club.

A: I think the question nailed that answer. Liberty Lake embodies a community. Living here, you feel like you are part of something; whether you live in Rocky Hill, River District, Meadowwood, Trutina or others, every neighborhood in this community has something to offer.

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OLSEN

Continued from page 2 I feel you are gaining a lifestyle. The community has so much to offer, from the miles and miles of trails to the proximity of the Spokane River to three different golf courses. There is so much to do in the area and as a result of all the activities that go on all year.

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Visit www.cvsd.org/communityconversations/

Q: What were some of the major differences when you first moved to the Inland Northwest from California?

A: Seasons were a big deal.

The last Christmas Day I had in California was 85 degrees and we were having a barbeque in the backyard. Also, the people in the Inland Northwest are very nice. We met so many people that offered to help and give advice. We know our neighbors and this was very comfortable coming to a brand-new town I had only visited a few times with a brand new family. The Inland Northwest is the kind of place I felt very comfortable raising a family and calling home. My wife Erin and I love to travel but we always look forward to coming home!

Q: You spent 30 years in the financial advisory field before making a career shift a few years ago to real estate. What were some of the main adjustments as part of that transition and what have you enjoyed most about this new role?

A: While the pace of helping clients buy or sell homes is much slower than buying and selling stocks and bonds or hedging using derivatives, it is equally as important. My role in the financial services industry was as an advisor with a fiduciary responsibility to put my client’s interests first at all times and this is exactly what I do in real estate. I understand the movements in the bond market, which translate into interest rate moves which I can discuss with my clients and their lenders. Taking care of clients has been a very natural transition but there have been some very different roles I have had to fill in this transition. Running my own business has been one. My career in real estate has been run as a true business from day one. I have never run my own business, but it has been amazing. I have learned to build a team around me of like-minded people who have become friends

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and when we all work together to take care of our clients, there isn’t a better experience than anybody I have met in our market.

Q: The city’s Planning Commission is responsible for a lot of important work when it comes to development in Liberty Lake but generally doesn’t get the attention or credit it seems to deserve. How would you characterize your experience as a Planning Commissioner?

A: The Planning Commission is an important part of any city as we provide citizen review and recommendations on planningrelated matters to the City Council.

We ask the questions; we look at the information presented by developers and businesses coming to town and help shape changes that affect our city. While we don’t decide which businesses come to town, we do ensure that the plans they submit adhere to the design specifications established over time. I have loved my role on this commission because of the important recommendations we make to the City Council and the amazing people I have met along the way. I have often walked into meetings after reviewing data and having a specific opinion or recommendation. Still, after hearing public comments or other commission members, I have changed how I feel because of how somebody else may be looking at the same applications. It is amazing and necessary to have a diverse group of members that are allowed to speak and voice their opinion freely. There are many thoughtful, intelligent and fun people I serve with or have served before me. I have learned that I am always learning and even being prepared for the facts doesn’t mean I have all the answers right away.

Q: Kiwanis is another cause you’ve been part of since moving to Liberty Lake. What have you enjoyed about being a member of this service club?

A: My friend Chuck Richardson is responsible for getting me into Kiwanis. Chuck and I met at Toastmasters in Spokane which I was a member of for several years.

I always admired Chuck’s work for several organizations around town and decided to come to a Kiwanis meeting. My first meeting was right before the pandemic hit. We had

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 5

The Splash to stretch funds just to do the most basic things because we couldn’t do many of the fundraisers that we normally do but it was worth doing.

In 2022, we gave out over $17,000 in scholarships to students. We have a rigorous process they need to follow and not everybody who started the process completed it. It isn’t difficult but it did require students to follow the process and those who did were rewarded. I am proud of our work.

We help other organizations too, from a new playground at JOYA and fundraising at HRC Ministries combating human trafficking. This is only a handful of things we did just this year. This is why we do it.

To help care for the children of our community. ‘Our Community’ is not just Liberty Lake, it is our region.

Q: Why did you decide to throw your hat in the ring to become a library trustee and what can you tell us about what this role entails?

A: The Library Board of Trustees has a very interesting role because we help advise the Liberty Lake Municipal Library and look at policies and procedures that affect the budget, impacting the library’s services and programs.

The city of Liberty Lake runs the Library but we have a great role in helping with it. The library is a very important part of the city. It is a critical asset for our community.

When I joined, the library was in the middle of an assessment with a professional consultant who was tasked with seeing what we had, what the residents of the city wanted and what we needed to do to accommodate the library’s changing role. Libraries are more than a quiet place to get a book, they have evolved and especially for us as the needs evolve based on our growth. This was the first role I stepped up for in Liberty Lake in my desire to be more involved in my community. I was very happy that Mayor Steve Peterson accepted my application and recommended me to the City Council as a board member. Since then, we have had the opportunity to implement many findings of the assessment.

Q: You have really immersed yourself in a variety of civic causes since making Liberty Lake your home. Is this a byproduct of the volunteer-oriented culture here or the stage of life you’re in now or some combination of both?

A: Both! I would say that when I made my career transition from finance to real estate, my amazing wife Erin and I sat down and asked ourselves if we needed to move in order for me to get another job as a trader or if we wanted to stay, call Liberty Lake our home and make things work. I am so glad we stayed. My mother and father were a huge influence on me to make a commitment to my community. I saw what they were doing; I saw the positive things they did in their respective communities, which really gave me the bug. I had the ability to run my own business, which got me more involved in the community because I sell it every single day to people locally or out of town. While it is not work-related, it does help to know what is going on in the community, the direction it is headed, and why it is going that way because you helped make the change or recommendation.

As a member of this community, I see this as a perfect opportunity to make a difference.

Q: Finally, let’s say you are writing a visitor’s guide to Liberty Lake that will be distributed to people who have never set foot here. How do you begin your messaging?

A: I would discuss the vision it took to originally develop Liberty Lake for business, living and recreation. The miles of trails we have and our golf courses are a huge asset to our community. I would insist that this be a summer visitor’s guide where we could highlight the many events going on throughout the city like the Yard Sale, Barefoot in the Park, The Liberty Lake Throwdown, the Legacy Church 3-on-3 basketball tournament and the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. I would also highlight the proximity to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene which offers a tremendous amount of other opportunities just a few miles away. I would also highlight the NoLL District in the River District with various artisans and small businesses for visitors to enjoy. This year’s guide would be very special because it would also highlight The Moving Wall coming to Liberty Lake in September, brought to town by another amazing group of volunteers, The Gallant Guards of Liberty. This guide would really show that while we are a small community, we have a huge heart!

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Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - July 2022 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 786 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 15 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 14 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 1 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 24 Malicious Mischief 2 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 14 Parking Violations 1 Suspicious Vehicles 37 *The above numbers are as of 8/1/22

News and Notes – Sept. 2022

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• The citizen comment section of the Aug. 16 council meeting included a request for permanent Pickle Ball courts to address growing interest in the game. There are currently temporary courts at Orchard Park.

• Sam Abrams of Liberty Launch Academy presented at the Aug. 16 meeting, providing an overview of the school which will open this fall. Abrams grew up in Liberty Lake and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1998. The research-based school emphasizes three goals: Create humans of great character, create change agents in the community and master knowledge. Abrams told council he brings “20 years of disrupting education” to his latest project. “It’s time for education to change,” Abrams said.

Assault, 7/04/22; Officers responded to the 700 block of North Molter Road for a report of an Assault that had occurred during the firework display. Officers interviewed three adult females and determined that one had pushed another out of her chair, and when the third attempted to intervene, the female grabbed her hair and pushed her to the ground.

Officers placed the female in custody for the Assault and transported her to the Spokane County Jail.

Disorderly Conduct, 7/09/22; Officers responded to an anonymous report of Disorderly Conduct in the 19000 block of East Nora Avenue.

Officers were told that an adult male in the area was yelling outside on his back porch threatening to “Kill” everyone. Callers reported being afraid to leave their homes because they were afraid of the male. Officers contacted the adult male at the home,

and he appeared to be agitated and sweating. They told the male about the allegations being made and he stated he was listening to “Angry Music.” Officers warned the male about the disorderly conduct as none of the witnesses wanted to make a formal complaint. Officers did not have to respond back to that location after the warning was given.

DUI, 7/09/22; Officers responded to the 22000 block of East Country Vista Blvd. for a report of a vehicle that had just struck three to four parked cars in the parking lot at the location.

Officers contacted the adult female who was still in the vehicle upon their arrival and immediately noticed a strong odor of intoxicants emitting from her breath. Officers got her out of the vehicle and performed field sobriety testing on her to determine her ability to drive. The female failed one test and refused to complete

any further testing. She was placed in custody for DUI and transported to the Port BAC room where she provided two breath samples of .166 and .153 breath alcohol content. The female was further processed and taken to the Spokane County Jail for the DUI violation.

Officers have made several proactive contacts with suspicious vehicles within the last month to deter criminal activity. The Liberty Lake Police Department would encourage everyone to secure your vehicles and ensure all valuables are not in clear view when parking at night. We would also like to remind everyone to call 911 immediately for emergency assistance when needed and to call crime check if they see something they feel may need our attention.

• Council Member Tom Sahlberg reported on the Winter Glow fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 22 at Darcy’s restaurant in Spokane Valley.

• A severe hailstorm set down on Liberty Lake Aug. 11, resulting in broken windows, damage to vehicles and fallen trees. City maintenance staff and local residents rallied to address the impact of the storm. “I don’t think that was like anything I’ve seen in 42 years of living here.”

Council Member Chris Cargill said.

“I want to thank the community for their response.”

• City Engineer David Williams provided an overview of transportation projects, including the signal project at Country Vista and Legacy Ridge that has been postponed until September due to supply chain issues. Williams urged motorists in the area of the Kramer Overpass project to not drive in construction zones. The Mission roundabout is currently closed with work scheduled to be completed Sept. 9. The Country Vista speed limit remains 25 mph through the construction zone.

• The Moving Wall will be

on display at Pavillion Park Sept.

15-19. The wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall first appeared at a public display in Tyler, Texas in 1984. Admission to view the wall is free.

• The Lud Kramer Memorial Concert featuring the Spokane Symphony will take place Sept. 3 at Pavillion Park beginning at 6 p.m.

The concert is free to the public.

• The city will be part of a legal settlement with opioid distributors totaling just over $84,000.

• Council voted to earmark $980,000 from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the public works yard. The project has a pricetag of $2.3 million.

The Trailhead water line was also considered for ARPA funding but the $175,000 for that project will now come out of the general fund.

• Mark Saba provided council with an update on efforts of the Community Engagement Commission at the Aug. 2 meeting, saying the group continued to receive feedback from residents on potential utilization of ARPA funds.

He said commissioners would also be present at Barefoot in the Park.

Saba also asked council for input on ideas for future public input.

• The community observed National Night Out on Aug. 2. The annual event is held nationwide to promote public safety, enhance civic connections and improve the relationship between residents and law enforcement.

• Council approved $100,000 in ARPA funds toward a trailer for the Ridgeline High School band.

The public comments portion of the Aug. 2 meeting included statements of support for the funding from seven residents. The trailer will include the city logo on back.

• A donation from STCU toward the utility box wraps was approved by council on Aug. 2.

The project has been coordinated by the Parks and Arts Commission.

• The city has openings on a trio of commissions – Parks and Arts, Planning and Community Engagement. Interested residents should call City Hall at 509-7556700 or visit www.libertylakewa. gov to learn more.

Stay well and be safe!

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 7

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The Lookout The Community Corner make these events shine. And our

By Jennifer Camp

Operations & Maintenance Director It’s been quite a year for events and activities around our little town!

Community events and parks are in full swing for the first time since Covid hit. Our park reservations are booming. Main events like the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, Barefoot in the Park, Touch-a-Truck and the Fourth of July saw large crowds and attendance. Our nonprofit groups have done a wonderful job coordinating with the city to really

City looking for additional commissioners

With your summer activities winding down, are you seeking some new ways to get involved in something as September arrives?

One option might be to consider joining one of Liberty Lake’s city advisory commissions. There are three commissions that all have current openings that might suit one of your interests in an area to help make a difference in the community.

There are currently vacancies on the Planning Commission, Parks and Arts Commission and Community Engagement Commission. All three of these volunteer groups meet once a month.

The Planning Commission studies and makes recommendations to the City Council about Liberty Lake’s future growth, development codes and comprehensive plan.

This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.

The Parks and Arts Commission recommends and reviews proposals for the city’s recreation, park and public arts programs.

One of the current vacancies is for a student member. This group meets on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.m.

staff – our city staff – what can I say, except none of these events and activities would happen without them. The staff is truly the backbone and the “behind the scenes” that makes these fun events successful and smooth. It is no easy task to pull off something like Barefoot in the Park without the coordination and partnership of our nonprofit groups, but it is really the boots on the ground staff that pulls everything together and makes them seamless.

It has proven to be a challenging year for the staff with the increases in park vandalism and struggles to

The Community Engagement Commission was recently formed to explore and establish ways to expand citizen involvement in the city’s programs and decision making. There are currently up to three more vacancies on this group, which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Further information about these three groups can be found under the “Your Government” section of the city of Liberty Lake’s website at www.libertylakewa. gov. Interested applicants for any of these commissions can fill out the volunteer application form at the “Boards, Commissions and Committees” page. Or, phone City Hall at 509-755-6700.

September 2022

fill open positions. Events only add to the stress and pressure for them.

One of my favorite things is working side-by-side with them during park events. It is inspiring to watch how well they flow together and sit back and enjoy what they have helped and worked so hard to pull off. We have good people that work here. They are truly some of the nicest people and it is an honor to work with them.

As their leader, I’ve lost count of how many times I receive compliments from people in the community about how pleasant they are to work with, how willing to jump right in and help wherever needed – even if it isn’t in the job description. They are kind, thoughtful, hard-working folks.

They are the heart and soul of our parks, our events.

Spokane Symphony returns for free concert at Pavillion Park Sept. 3

and draws hundreds of area residents to the park for the evening.

The Spokane Symphony with musical director James Lowe returns to Pavillion Park on Saturday, Sept. 3, for the 21st annual Lud Kramer Memorial Concert.

The orchestra’s 59 musicians will begin their opening notes at 6 p.m., launching a performance that is slated to fill the park with two hours of music. Audiences can expect to hear music from popular movies, patriotic songs, high-energy classics and even the familiar sounds of the Beatles.

Admission is free for this event – which is one of the biggest community events each year

The next time you see one of them, likely in a hi-vis shirt or vest, say “hi” or “thank you.” It’s good that they know they are supported and appreciated for the tireless work they do. And behind those hi-vis shirts are some really nice human beings who strive to provide a beautiful backdrop for this community by keeping our streets, facilities and parks clean and cared for. Pretty soon those hi-vis shirts will switch their mow equipment out for snowplows. So when you see them be sure and wave!

Audiences are encouraged to arrive early to pick out their spot in the park and to bring their own chairs, blankets and picnic dinner. Concessions will also be available at the park through the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club.

The annual concert is named in honor of the late Lud Kramer, who was instrumental in first bringing the Spokane Symphony to Pavillion Park in 2001. Kramer, who served as Washington’s 11th Secretary of State, was also integral in the campaign that led to Liberty Lake incorporation.

This performance in the Spokane Symphony Neighborhood Concert Series is sponsored by the city of Liberty Lake and the Greenstone Foundation.

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

NEWS

8 • SEPTEMBER 2022

Council approves purchase of space for new library

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

For Mayor Cris Kaminskas, it was just a normal stroll from a city meeting to her workplace on July 6.

It turned out the summer walk would open up doors to a new and unanticipated future for a local institution.

Kaminskas had just wrapped up a director’s meeting at the Liberty Lake Police Precinct and was headed back to her job as a manager with Tierpoint at the Liberty Lake Portal when she noticed a “For Sale” sign outside the Legacy Church space at 23120

E. Mission, a property that spans 14,400 square feet.

“It was like that ‘aha moment’ you have about things,” Kaminskas said.

The lightbulb over the head had to do with Kaminskas realizing the property could be the site of a new and improved Liberty Lake Municipal Library, an idea that took shape formally in 2019 with the completion of the Library Master Plan and Community Needs Assessment that recommended a space of between 16,500 and 19,500 square feet as suitable for Liberty Lake’s growing community. The current space spans 9,000 square feet.

“I knew the building was for sale but I hadn’t thought about it as a possibility for the library before,” the mayor said. “I’d kind of reconciled that a new space was not going to happen anytime soon. That’s why this was such a shock.”

On July 11, Kaminskas took city

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colleagues – including members of the City Council, Library Director Jandy Humble and Police Chief Damon Simmons – on a tour of the church building. New City Administrator Mark McAvoy, who was in town from Texas home shopping for his family, also toured the space along with Library Trustees Tim Olsen and Brad Hamblet. Initial feedback was encouraging.

On July 14, City Council agreed to move ahead on an offer for the building, owned by a trust out of California.

“It’s brighter, it’s got more opportunities for flex space and we gain parking,” Kaminskas said of advantages inherent in the property.

One of the concerns on the city side was the potential pricetag on renovating the space to suit the library’s needs. That concern was addressed on Aug. 9 as the council reviewed a building assessment that determined the

remodel would run around $1.6 million and include additional air handlers and a sprinkler system among other updates. A new roof will also be needed at some point.

“It will be a bare bones renovation,” Kaminskas said.

Council agreed to move from a non-binding agreement to escrow with a purchase price of $2.175 million. The city will utilize $1.5 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds and procure the balance from the general fund for the purchase.

Council Member Dan Dunne has been hearing rumblings about strained library space for years.

He joined the governing board in 2012 and recalls the issue coming to the forefront when Pamela Mogen served as library director.

“Some of the youth programs were out of space,” Dunne said.

“I’ve heard it from library patrons and those who are trying to arrange space for meetings there.

You’d think that the library as an

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 9

Photo by Craig Howard Legacy Church building was recently purchased by the City of Liberty Lake. The site will continue with Legacy Church until at least the end of 2023 before transitioning into an expanded location for the Liberty Lake Library. Exact plans for the library are still to be determined. existing municipal facility would be a good option but that just hasn’t been the case.”

Dunne gave Kaminskas credit for shedding light on a unique opportunity.

“She’s been the visionary for the potential of this building,” he said. “She had the ability to see the possibilities and, that to me, is how leadership charts a course.”

Kaminskas said the intent is for Legacy Church to remain housed at the property for the next 18 months, at least through the holidays of 2023. The church will rent from the city. By February 2024, perhaps earlier, the city will assume control of the building

and start the renovation process.

Kaminskas said the church – like the library – has been looking for a larger space to expand.

“We will be working on the design while the church is still in the building,” the mayor said.

Library Director Jandy Humble said the future home of the library presents a myriad of opportunities and will address capacity issues that have plagued the current site for several years now. She pointed to the cancellation of the popular “Saturday with Santa” event in 2021 due to inadequate space.

“It’s been a challenge with all of our programs,” Humble said.

“Some have been bringing in huge

crowds.”

Humble and her team have pivoted in warm weather months, moving certain programs to grassy areas surrounding the library or a nearby park.

“We’ve learned that what you have is what you have and you just try and be creative,” she said.

The 14-foot ceilings at the new building will allow for storage possibilities while Humble said the expanded venue may also mean exploring a new concept known as “library of things” that features items such as telescopes, sound equipment, cooking accessories and climbing equipment being loaned out along with traditional

materials like books. Humble said the program would allow library patrons to explore new hobbies without making a major investment.

“It’s not something we have the space for right now,” she said.

The city has already set aside $100,000 that could be used for the design process. Humble will be part of creating the renovation blueprint.

“Liberty Lake doesn’t have much public gathering space so we definitely want to incorporate that,” she said. “We like the location, right in the middle of town, not far from the current library.”

COVER STORY

10 • SEPTEMBER 2022

Tracking a storm Splash news source/ interactivehailmaps.com

8/11/2022 5:07 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles northwest of plummer, or 18 miles south of spokane valley, moving northeast at 40 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

8/11/2022 5:21 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located 11 miles south of liberty lake, or 14 miles southeast of spokane valley, moving north at 30 mph (radar indicated). Hazards include tennis ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. locations impacted include, spokane valley, coeur d`alene, post falls, liberty lake, green acres, otis orchards-east farms, otis orchards, trentwood, fairfield, rockford, worley, fernan lake village, huetter, state line and mica. this includes the following highways, interstate 90 in washington between mile markers 293 and 299. interstate 90 in idaho between mile markers 0 and 17. u. s. highway 95 in idaho between mile markers 402 and 431. thunderstorm damage threat, considerable hail threat, radar indicated max hail size, 2. 50 in wind threat, radar indicated max wind gust, 60 mph.

8/11/2022 5:31 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located near liberty lake, or 10 miles south of post falls, moving northeast at 40 mph (public. at 5 pm, numerous power outages were reported near rockford). Hazards include tennis ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts.

People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect considerable tree damage. wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. locations impacted include, Coeur d`Alene, post falls, liberty lake, otis orchards-east farms, otis orchards, green acres, rockford, worley, fernan lake village, huetter and state line. this includes the following highways, interstate 90 in washington between mile markers 295 and 299. interstate 90 in idaho between mile markers 0 and 17. u. s. highway 95 in idaho between mile markers 402 and 431. thunderstorm damage threat, considerable hail threat, radar indicated max hail size, 2. 50 in wind threat, radar indicated max wind gust, 70 mph.

The Splash

Storm damage causes a ruckus

By Ashley Humbird

home remodel that I’ve taken on.”

Splash Contributor

While driving down streets in the area of Homestead and Knudsen, you can see the damage that was left in the storms wake from the street.

Siding has been left with holes and chips, windows in both homes and on vehicles have been cracked, and dents have been left in numerous places.

An unusual occurrence happened Thursday August 11th to a roughly one square mile area of Liberty Lake. While golf balls are a common sighting in Liberty Lake, frozen chucks of ice the same size falling from the sky is not.

The storm that took the residents of Liberty Lake by surprise left damage totaling into the millions.

Siding on homes sustained up to twoinch diameter holes and cars were left pock marked and dented. Trees lost their green leaves and looked like they were ready for fall. The hail that fell in Liberty Lake had hailstones ranging from an inch to two inches in diameter. With hailstones that size, it is likely the fall speed was between 25 mph to 40 mph.

Dan Dunne, a city Councilman for the city of Liberty Lake says, “I can count twelve homes in either direction of my own home that sustained property damage the likes of which we’ve never encountered.

The likes which exceed any type of

While the main focus has been on homes and vehicles, there were other damage sustained in the storm. BBQ grills being dented and smashed beyond repair have been reported.

Roof vents have had hailstones leave holes like in vinyl siding. Mailboxes show dents from the hail until they are replaced with new ones. Screens on windows and doors getting ripped and torn have been reported as well. Flowers and plants took a beating in the storm too since the size of ice was able to break stems and lay them flat.

Dan had both his home and truck damaged in the hail storm. He knows of at least three vehicles on his block that have been declared a total loss.

8/11/2022 5:40 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located over liberty lake, or 7 miles southwest of post falls, moving north at 35 mph (broadcast media reported on social media of numerous trees down and multiple power outages in the rockford area). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

8/11/2022 5:45 PM PDT Ping Pong Ball sized hail reported 1.1 miles W of Liberty Lake, WA, mping report. time estimated from radar.

8/11/2022 5:45 PM PDT Quarter sized hail reported 0.9 miles NW of Liberty Lake, WA, mping report. time estimated from radar.

8/11/2022 5:48 PM PDT Ping Pong Ball sized hail reported 1.6 miles W of Liberty Lake, WA, mping report. time estimated from radar.

8/11/2022 5:52 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located over hauser, or near post falls, moving north at 35 mph (trained weather spotter reported golf ball sized hail near otis orchards). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect considerable tree damage. wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. locations impacted include, spokane valley, coeur d`alene, post falls, hayden, rathdrum, dalton See STORM TRACKER, Page 13

Storm map courtesy of interactivehailmaps.com Radar map showing the area impacted by weather from August 11th and how the hail storm traveled through parts of Liberty Lake.

The Splash The decision that vehicle owners will have to contemplate is that whether to try and find a different vehicle now in a market with low supply, or wait for the future when vehicle manufacturing has once again met up with demand.

COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 11

Jacqueline Barnard and her son Nick Lungu were driving home when the storm hit. “It was really loud when it started hitting the roof of the car. It sounded like thunder. Then it started pelting the windshield and then it cracked like all the way across it. Then we got home and I got out of the car and I was getting pelted with balls of ice that were really painful.

It sounded like little gunshots that were hitting the side of the house,” recalled Nick.

Jacqueline’s house sustained multiple locations of damage resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. The window casing on a southwest facing window has over fifteen hailstone holes. The south wall of her home is riddled with numerus broken pieces in the vinyl siding. After the storm had passed and it was safe to venture outside without risking concussion by ice ball, her son took a picture with some of the larger than golf ball sized hail.

It seems that the homes with a direct south facing wall took the hardest hit. Those with vinyl fared worse than other homeowners who other types of siding. Vinyl siding is lightweight and is designed to withstand UV rays and extreme wind. But hailstones can create two types of damage to vinyl; chips which occur on the bottom of the vinyl siding panel, cracks that are arched patterns most often in the unsupported sections of the panel.

After the storm had hit, Mayor Cris Kaminskas drove around the neighborhood checking on people and they were already out helping each other clean up from the storm.

She was encouraged to “see people come out of the woodwork in this community to help each other,” as she described it.

The city of Liberty Lake had a few police cars that were dented and damaged in the storm. Those cars have been fixed so they could return to being used to help the citizens of Liberty Lake.

Though the clean up of Liberty Lake was completed in just a few days, the damaged caused by the hailstorms is only just beginning to

Contributed photo In almost disbelief, after the storm passed, Nick Lungu held some of the hail pieces to show the size of falling objects which caused so much damage to his home in Liberty Lake. be repaired by residents.

The hard part for homeowners comes next since many have never had a need to file a homeowners insurance claim before. The process of filing a claim is simple: all you need to do is contact your insurance agent or your homeowner’s insurance company. From there they will guide you through the rest of the claim process. During the process you will likely work with an insurance adjuster who will review the damage and work with you to cover the necessary cost of repairs.

If your insurance company doesn’t answer all of your questions around your claim, another resource to call is the WA State Insurance Commissioners office. The office exists to protect and educate consumers, advocate for insurance customers, and regulate the insurance industry here in Washington.

“Serve hailstorms are not typically something that we see in the Inland Northwest” says Carl Wilcox, a local insurance agent.

“Insurance companies many need to start accounting for these types of loses in their future pricing structure

if they continue. We’ve seen several hail related losses due to this storm.”

The insurance company and the homeowner will work with local contractors to make the needed repairs. Typically, the insurance company will make sure the contractor has the appropriate licensing that is need to conduct repairs. There are some situations where an insurance company may leave it up to the homeowner to find a contactor and make repairs. In that case, there are numerous ways you can go about making sure the contractor or repair company has the correct licensing.

For the city of Liberty Lake there are specific licenses that need to be acquired to protect the citizens.

Whether it is simply knocking on doors soliciting repairs without a permit, putting up signs in the rightof-way where it is not permitted, or trying to do business without a Liberty Lake business license.

Residents of Liberty Lake need to do their due diligence and make sure they are using the correct repair contractor.

The team at city hall is working

hard to fast-track the application process so that legitimate businesses have the ability to help repair the damage versus the “fly-by-night” companies that are just out to make a quick buck. The application process verifies that the business is legally able to conduct business in the area, and includes background checks of employees, verification of proper insurance, bonds, and other verification. The verification process is designed to reduce fraudulent and predatory business practices.

Dan Dunne referring to the application process, “That has been an important action because people are hurting. They desperately need these services and how to then connect people with those services has been hard. It’s millions of dollars that will need to be completed within the next six months.”

“Anytime that any citizen wants to pick up the phone and call city hall or send an email to say ‘Hey, so and so knocked on my door.

Are they licensed?’ Or ‘So and so wants to come give me a quote are they registered with you guys?’ Are questions that we love to answer See HAIL, Page 13

12 • SEPTEMBER 2022

RESIDENTIAL ROOF REPLACEMENTS

509-838-8633 | www.spokaneroofing.com • Complimentary estimates • Existing roof demolition • Financing available • Talk with our experts about options • Hail and Wind Damage Replacement • Homeowner Insurance Claims

The Splash

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 13

The Splash

HAIL

Continued from page 11 because it shows that people are doing their due diligence and staying safe,” encourages Mayor Kaminskas.

Once it’s established that the contractor in question is licensed, there are a few more steps to make sure that you have a successful experience. One step that is often overlooked is asking for a list of recent and local references from their past work. Ask the references specific questions relating to quality of the work, the overall experience of working with the contractor, if the budget was adhered to within a reasonable amount, and if their projects were completed on time. Ask if the references would be willing to share photos of the repairs to view the quality of the workmanship the contractor preformed.

Don’t hesitate to ‘shop around’ and get quotes from multiple contractors. Despite the price of building materials still being higher than in years past, getting multiple quotes to find the bid that is right for you and the quality of work your looking for is the most important thing.

Join the Liberty Lake community page on Facebook and connect with other locals who are dealing with damage as well and ask for recommendations on who they are using as their current contractor or as a past contractor.

Get estimates in writing and don’t let any work begin without a written and signed contract by both you and the contractor. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready. Make sure you read and understand everything before signing. The contract should include contact information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the exact work to be done, any material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information. Verbal promises should be included in the contract as well as who is to obtain necessary building permits and who is responsible for clean-up should be arranged before a contract is signed as well. Work that will need to be subcontracted should be include on the quote along with the contact information for the subcontractors. Incomplete or partially blank contracts can leave the homeowner with issues down the road.

When work has finally wrapped

and the hail damage has been repaired, make sure you are given a receipt for the repairs that is marked ‘Paid in Full’ and keep it for your records.

“People have asked me if we can get a disaster declared, to get some additional help. Fortunately, and unfortunately, because it was such a relatively small portion of our community affected, that what we have found so far is that there is not much we can do. I can’t declare that.

We would either have to go to the state or the federal to get significant help. But we are continuing to look into that and we are looking at trying to be creative in getting you the help,” Mayor Kaminskas “Don’t be so quick to settle with your insurance company.”

For additional information on what the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner can do to help advocate for and educate consumers visit insurance.wa.gov or call 800-562-6900.

For additional information on what to look for in a reputable contactor visit the Better Business Bureau’s website at bbb.org.

Consider joining the Liberty Lake community page on Facebook. You’ll be able to connect with other locals who have experienced the same damage from the hail storm. There are many community members sharing photos of the damage and their stories on how they are solving the problem.

STORM TRACKER Continued from page 10

gardens, liberty lake, hauser, hayden lake, green acres, otis orchards-east farms, otis orchards, trentwood, fernan lake village, huetter, state line, newman lake, mount spokane and chilco. this includes the following highways, interstate 90 in washington between mile markers 293 and 299. interstate 90 in idaho between mile markers 0 and 16. u. s. highway 95 in idaho between mile markers 419 and 447. thunderstorm damage threat, considerable hail threat, radar indicated max hail size, 1. 75 in wind threat, radar indicated max wind gust, 70 mph.

8/11/2022 5:57 PM PDT Ping Pong Ball sized hail reported 1.6 miles W of Liberty Lake, WA, report from mping: ping pong ball (1.50 in.).

8/11/2022 6:06 PM PDT a severe thunderstorm was located near hauser, or near rathdrum, moving north at 35 mph (multiple reports of golf ball sized hail in the otis orchards area). Hazards include golf ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts. People and animals outdoors will be injured. expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. expect considerable tree damage. wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. locations impacted include, spokane valley, coeur d`alene, post falls, hayden, rathdrum, dalton gardens, liberty lake, hauser, hayden lake, otis orchards-east farms, otis orchards, green acres, huetter, state line, newman lake, mount spokane and chilco. this includes the following highways, interstate 90 in washington between mile markers 297 and 299. interstate 90 in idaho between mile markers 0 and 12. u. s. highway 95 in idaho between mile markers 425 and 447. thunderstorm damage threat, considerable hail threat, radar indicated max hail size, 1. 75 in wind threat, radar indicated max wind gust, 70 mph.

8/11/2022 6:22 PM PDT The severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern kootenai and northeastern spokane counties will expire at 630 pm pdt, the storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. however small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

Contributed photos An example of the damage done to the siding and window trim on one Liberty Lake home during the August 11 hail storm, which now needs to be replaced.

COMMUNITY

14 • SEPTEMBER 2022

COMMUNITY EVENTS Sept 9 – 18 | Spokane County Interstate Fair – 10 a.m. daily, 404 N Havana Rd. It’s “All Systems Go!” at the 2022 Spokane County Interstate Fair! With exciting experiences, inspiring displays, the best food, and commercial vendors around. Not to mention the impressive variety of livestock being shown, awesome carnival rides, spectacular entertainment, and so much more. For more information visit interstatefair.org Sept 10 | Central Valley High School Band Human Car Wash – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Valley High School. Central Valley High School Marching Band & Color Guard Boosters is hosting their annual human car wash fundraiser.

Tickets are $5 per car. For more information visit cvbands.org Sept 19 | Senior Resource Fair – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CenterPlace Regional Event Center. This free event will include local vendors and businesses from around the Spokane community to provide informational materials for seniors all in one place. For more information about this event or if your organization would like to participate as a vendor, please contact the Spokane Valley Senior Center at 509-927-1937.

Sept 23 – 25 | Valleyfest at Mirabeau Meadows. Spokane Valley’s premier festival. Valleyfest kicks off with a parade down Sprague Ave on Friday night, and festival with local music, dancing, fishing, and booths on Saturday and Sunday with Sunday being a celebration of culture with Multicultural Day. This event is free and more information can be found at Valleyfest.org Sept 29 | HUB All-Star Breakfast - 7:30 a.m. Mirabeau Park Hotel.

The program will feature a guest speaker and include an update on HUB Sports Center activities; what we accomplished since our 2021 Breakfast, how we have provided positive events for youth and families, as well as our new, exciting plans for supporting the youth and community into 2023. Proceeds from the breakfast go to the HUB Sports Center, a 501c3 nonprofit.

RSVP to hubsportscenter.org/ fundraising/breakfast/ by Sept 16th

RECURRING Liberty Lake Farmers Market | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, Town Square Park, 1421 N Meadowood Lane. Shop local from our 40-50 vendors each Saturday. Our market is full of wonderful produce, baked goods, eggs, meats, fish and specialty items from all around the Northwest.

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. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc. spokane.edu.

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.

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 scld.org.

Spokane Falls Needlework Guild | 12 p.m.-3 p.m. first Thursday of the month at Senior Center at Mirabeau. Open to anyone who enjoys cross stitch, embroidery, needlepoint and other needlework arts. For more information, contact Chris Baldini at 509-993-8971. Hope to see you!

Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, we are currently meeting online only. RSVP to get the link on www.libertylakers.org.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

MUSIC & THE ARTS Sept 3 | Symphony at the Park. 6 p.m. Pavillion Park. The Spokane Symphony with musical director James Lowe returns for the 21st annual Lud Kramer Memorial Concert. The program expected to include music from popular movies, patriotic songs, high-energy classics, and even the familiar sounds of the Beatles. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early to pick out their spot in the park and to bring their own chairs, blankets, and picnic dinner. Concessions at the park will also be available from

The Splash

the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club.

This performance is sponsored by the city of Liberty Lake and the Greenstone Foundation and has free admission.

Sept 9 - 11 | “Guys and Dolls Jr.” a fully staged production cast by adult actors with special needs. Various starting times at the Bing Theater. Reserved tickets by donation, available at myturntheater.com. Additional $2 facility fee charged by the Bing. For more information call 509 270-8472 or visit myturntheater.com

RECURRING Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, rehearsals at 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 866-6354 HEALTH & RECREATION Sept 10 - 11 | Slamma Jamma Pickleball Tournament – HUB Sports Center. Presented by Christ Kitchen there will be Men’s and women’s doubles on Saturday with mixed doubles on Sunday. Cost is $50 plus $5 per event. https:// www.hubsportscenter.org/event/ slammajamma22 Sept 30 | HUB-apalooza Family Fun Festival – 4 p.m. HUB Sports Center. We are celebrating our 15th birthday with an afternoon/ evening full of fun activities and games. This is a terrific opportunity to bring the family to HUB Sports Center and sample a variety of events. Learn more about HUB Sports Center and what we do for the community. All ages are welcome and this event is FREE to attend and participate

The Splash

RECURRING

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 15

COMMUNITY

Al-Anon Meetings | Mondays, 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., Liberty Lake Library. 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 509-456-2125.

Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., 708 N. Pines, Spokane Valley. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon/ Alateen family groups can help. For more, call 456-2125.

Veterans Assistance Groups | The Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley.

Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

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.

Drumming for Wellness & JOY! | August, 9:00-9:45am. Drumming in Community serves to “de-stress the body, improve the mood, and allow self-expression.” Just $6 p.p. or bring a friend for a 2/$10 rate. No experience necessary. All instruments provided. For more information: email: carla.carnegie@ gmail.com, or call: 509 592 7875.

Willow Song Music Therapy Center. E. 21101 Wellesley. #102.

Otis Orchards Wa. 99027.

Family and Friends of Addicts | 6 p.m. Wednesdays, The ONE Church, 15601 E. 24th Ave., Spokane Valley. Support group utilizing tools and principles to help navigate relationships with addicts and finding peace, strength and hope. For more, call 590-2422.

p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; $4 online, $5 at door.

Pre-registered players have priority, limited availability for drop-ins.

Clinics held twice a month. For more info www.hubsportscenter. org/pickleball/ • Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life.

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

Liberty Lake Running Club | Meets at Liberty Lake Physical Therapy, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through October. Weekly threemile run/walk. Earn T-shirt after six runs.

Liberty Lake Couples Golf League | Meets at Liberty Lake Golf Course, 10 a.m. Thursdays through September. Open to all levels of golfers, new members are welcome all season. Cost to join is $15 per couple plus green fees. For more email dianerudnick@gmail.com Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. For more, call Steve at 893-4746.

Mindful Music & Movement | 1:00-1:50pm Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102-103, Otis Orchards. All are welcome to this session specifically designed for adults living with chronic health issues. Session addresses physical function, vocal wellness and strength, self-expression, breath work, movement, and increase of mood through music experiences, as facilitated by board-certified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. $10 per person. For more, email carla.carnegie@gmail.com or call 592-7875.

CIVIC &

BUSINESS

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

Various activities and events occur throughout the week including:

Sept 29 | State of the County Address – 11 a.m. Spokane Convention Center – Centennial Ballroom. Gain some crucial insights about the current and future economic environment of the Spokane region. Commissioner

• Pickleball drop-in: 1 p.m. to 3

See CALENDAR, Page 16

13

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509-956-4311

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16 • SEPTEMBER 2022

The Splash

“Thank you to all of my supporters.”

-Mary Kuney

Ozzie Knezovich, Spokane County Sheriff Spokane Valley Firefighters, Local 876 Spokane County GOP Mainstream Republicans of Washington Republicans of Spokane County Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors Associated General Contractors of Washington Inland Pacific Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Washington State Farm Bureau Spokane Association of REALTORS Spokane Home Builders Association Spokane County Public Works Department, Local 1135 Laborers, Local 238 PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MARY KUNEY PO BOX 13103 SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99213

CALENDAR Continued from page 15 Mary Kuney will share an executive address on behalf of the Spokane County Board of Commissioners highlighting the impacts of 2022 and the road ahead for our region and the transition to five county districts. Cost is $50 per person, more information available at greaterspokane.org Sept 29 | CVSD Community Conversation – 6 p.m. at Greenacres Middle School, 17409 E Sprague Ave. These events are an opportunity for two-way conversations with your School Board Directors and Superintendent John Parker in an open house format. Join us as we talk about our upcoming plans and hear your feedback about what you want to see for our students in the future as part of our upcoming five-year strategic plan. For more information visit cvsd.org/ communityconversations

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth

brought to you by

Student of the Month Ridgeline High School had never put on a Spirit Week until last spring.

Ryan Sutter was part of an effort that turned the concept into a Spirit Month called “Verde Loco” and a project to be remembered in the school’s inaugural year. “Ryan was always willing to jump into the next idea to bring spirit to the Falcons,” said RHS Counselor Kara Twining.

“He exemplifies what it means to be Falcon.” Verde Loco incorporated local businesses and included weekly awards for each class as well as a concluding assembly with a spirit competition between classes. Sutter said his junior year at Ridgeline was special. “I’ve never left for the summer thinking I was going to miss school, but this year I did.” Sutter serves as ASB spirit coordinator and is part of Link Crew, a program that provides mentorship to freshmen.

Athlete of the Month Sydney Lamb may be a freshman at Carroll College in Montana, but her legacy is still considerable at Central Valley High School. Lamb, CV class of 2022, owns top 10 times on CV’s all-time record list for the 1,600 and 3,200 meters and qualified for state in the 4 x 400.

She was a three-year letter winner in cross country and advanced to state her senior season where she set a personal record of 20 minutes, 58 seconds in the 5K race. “Sydney had some breakout races in some of our biggest meets and scored some unexpected points that were instrumental in our team winning the GSL and regional titles,” said CV head track coach Geoff Arte.

Lamb was a Running Start student at Eastern Washington University while at CV. She will compete in track and cross country at Carroll.

Citizen of the Month Most residents of Liberty Lake may not recognize Mike Terrell’s name but the longtime landscape architect has been integral to some of the community’s most recognized landmarks.

The Idaho native was part of the design team that mapped out the covered marquee, walkways, playground and tennis facilities at Pavillion Park. He was also a catalyst in organizing the master plan for the local trail system, earning the project a grant through the National Parks Service. Terrell also had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, serving for 30 years between active and reserve duty before retiring in 2016. He spent five years with Greenstone Homes and has operated his own business – Mike Terrell Landscape Architect – since 2002. The firm has been honored with several urban design awards. Mike and his wife Kara are proud parents of two sons, Phillip and Patrick.

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

&

Thanks you for all you do in our community

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 17

The Splash Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 2218 N Molter Road 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 Parks and Arts Commission | 4 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Community Engagement Commission | 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m.

Wednesdays, Liberty Lake Portal Building, 23403 E Mission Ave. Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 1 p.m. the last Thursday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Lions Club | 6 p.m. every second and forth Thursdays of each month at Barlows, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. Please join us!

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club | Noon to 1 p.m. every

Thursday at the Meadowwood Technology Campus, 24021 E. Mission Ave. For more, visit LibertyLakeRotary.org.

Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120. For more, call 999-4935.

y e l l a V e n Spoka

FARMERS MARKET FRIDAY NIGHTS JUNE 3 - SEPTEMBER 16 4PM - 8PM

Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 1:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave or via Zoom.

Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake SCOPE | 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. Submit items for The Splash Community Calendar by the 15th of the previous month by emailing editor@libertylakesplash.com.

Priority is given to noncommercial local events open to the public.

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S P O K A N E V A L L E Y F A R ME R S MA R K E T . O R G It's that time of year again! Mark Your Calendars for Our 18th Annual Heritage Program "Out of the Gravel, Commerce Takes Hold" Saturday, November 5 from 1:30-3:30 pm at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Spokane Valley Call the Museum at 509-922-4570 for more info

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We accept SNAP/SNAP Match, WIC/Sr. Checks, KERNEL, Cash/Debit/Credit

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram We are open Wednesday-Saturday 11 am to 4 pm COMING IN OCTOBER! More details coming soon about the Ellis Island Exhibit The Immigrant Experience: Ellis Island "The Huddled Masses"

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SEPTEMBER 2022 • 19

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About and for Liberty Lake seniors

The moving wall Vietman memorial comes to Liberty Lake

By Ashley Humbird Splash contributor

September 15th through the 19th, Liberty Lake and surrounding area residents will get to experience ‘The Moving Wall’, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many and the experience will leave you with an understanding of the cost of freedom.

The coordinators are part of the Gallant Guards of Liberty, a group made up of retired servicemen and servicewomen who served in the American Armed Forces. Dg Garcia, a medically retired Airforce veteran and has been awarded medals for her bravery and heroism, comes from a long legacy of servicemen. Her dad and uncle were both veterans that retired from the military, so for her, it was a legacy career.

The idea for trying to bring The Moving Wall to Liberty Lake began in November of 2020. Dg had been following another local resident, Richard (Rick) Schutts, a retired Vietnam War era Marine, on Facebook as he posted pictures and information from his days in the Marine Corp. A private message put her in direct touch with Rick and she asked what he thought about working towards bringing The

Route for The Moving Wall

Contributed photo

Moving Wall to Liberty Lake.

The idea was formed, but they needed to find support. Both in volunteer form and monetary form.

They were given the name of local Liberty Lake resident Tom Pauley, a 27-year retired and decorated Vietnam War era Veteran. He is the local Commander of the Spokane Valley VFW post, the chairman of the board for Global Credit Union, and is involved with a number of veteran service programs and active military events.

This is the first time that the Moving Wall has been to Liberty Lake and only the 3rd time The Moving Wall has been in the greater Spokane throughout the years.

Each year many communities try to acquire enough funds to bring The Moving Wall to their city or town, but it takes determination and drive for a group to be successful in their grassroots funding. For example, as of now, there are only 15 other cities that have been scheduled for 2022. The Moving Wall is a half-size

replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. that was built

by Vietnam Veterans. It was first displayed in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984, and has traveled each year since from April to November over the centennial United States. The Moving Wall is viewable for up to one week at a time.

As explained by Dg, Rick, and Tom, the reason for wanting to bring The Moving Wall to Liberty Lake is different for everyone. Rick and his wife volunteer with their standard poodle, Dexter, at the local hospitals including the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VA) on the north side of Spokane. Rick served in the Vietnam War and shares why it’s important to him to help bring The Moving Wall to Liberty Lake: “It’s guilt on my part. With the fact that I lost good people and that I’m here. I was aboard a ship as the head comchief back in ’71 & ’72. When my teams went into the country, my teams didn’t come home. So for my way, to repay the veterans of my day and the veterans of today, is to put myself and my dog out there for them and to just love on them.”

For the Vietnam Veterans that were never truly welcomed home from, The Moving Wall is a way to posthumously recognize both those who served and returned and those who served and did not. It’s a way to say ‘Welcome Home’ and show our fellow Americans who served that they do not stand alone.

The Moving Wall has service men and women from the Marine Corp, Army, Navy, and Airforce branches.

The beauty of the armed forces is that it’s the respect that they have for each other, since they all fight for

the same ultimate goal, to save lives.

This is the reason that they call it a Brotherhood and Sisterhood. The old saying is as true today as it ever was, ‘All for one and one for all’.

Being able to view and feel the power of The Moving Wall will live with all who come and visit during September 15th through September 19th. The sheer number of servicemen and servicewomen who gave their life during the Vietnam War for the continued idea of freedom, that is temporary at best, is harrowing but is needed to understand that freedom is not free for everyone; it comes at the price of a life.

The event will start on the morning of September 15th at 7:00am with an Escort starting from Spokane Valley at Indiana and Harvest Road and will follow a pre-planned route, passing Orchard Park in Liberty Lake and finally arriving at Pavilion Park. People are encouraged to be outside lining the streets.

Later in the evening on the 15th, opening ceremonies will commence at 5:30pm. A local Chaplain will open in prayer and there will be speakers, Purple Heart recipients, and the laying of the wreath at the wall to close the ceremonies.

Everyone is welcomed to come to the opening ceremonies and view The Moving Wall then. The Moving Wall will be viewable 24 hours a day until the evening of September 19th.

The Moving Wall gives honor to the ones who gave all. Thank you to all our service men and women for your commitment to the freedom for the people of the United States of America.

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 21

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Summer serves as springboard for Ridgeline sports

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Last summer, Ridgeline High School was the new kid on the prep sports block.

With the campus on Country Vista Drive in Liberty Lake wrapping up completion for the fall, Ridgeline athletes wound up at nearby facilities to prepare for their respective seasons. Central Valley High and Selkirk Middle School become temporary training sites for incoming Falcon athletes.

“It was tough,” recalls Ridgeline Athletic Director Grady Emmerson.

“We just got into the building that August.”

This summer, Ridgeline premiered several youth sports camps under the Falcon banner – a feature not included in the warmweather schedule for 2021. Tiera Como, Ridgeline girls’ soccer coach, led the inaugural Falcon soccer camp for kids in grades K-8. Ernie Merino, boys’ coach, was also integral to the coordinating effort.

A robust turnout of 240 campers were part of the five-day camp the last week of July.

“We had 200 kids sign up then another 40 show up on the first day to register,” said Como, who scrambled to secure enough T-shirts for every attendee. “It just shows that interest in soccer is huge around here.”

The $40 fee turned out to be a

bargain for five days of training, led

by Falcon standouts on the pitch.

The Ridgeline campus features three full soccer fields as well as additional grassy areas. Como said she was proud to see student-athletes take the lead at the camp.

“They were really the ones who ran the day-to-day activities and made sure the kids had a blast,” she said.

Como’s squad began practice less than a month after the camp ended.

The Aug. 22 start included an eye on qualifying for state, a goal the Falcons fell just one game short of in 2021 with a narrow loss to Walla Walla.

“We were really starting to thrive toward the end of last season,” Como said.

The Falcons open up the 2022 campaign Sept. 6 on the road against Rogers. Coeur d’Alene visits Liberty Lake for the home opener Sept. 7.

Como said the first senior soccer class at Ridgeline has been a catalyst early on in practice.

“Our seniors have definitely stepped up,” she said. “I’m glad to see how they’re leading the way.”

Ridgeline also hosted youth camps for volleyball and basketball this summer. Emmerson said the programs serve as a training ground for “future Falcons.” He added that the new high school has opened up opportunities for more studentathletes to participate in sports. Over 50 percent of Ridgeline freshmen turned out for at least one sport during the last school year.

“Sports create a positive atmosphere at the school,” Emmerson said. “These kids have more opportunities to be part of something.”

Freddie Rehkow, head coach for RHS boys’ basketball, characterized the summer as productive. Rehkow’s Falcons hosted a youth basketball camp in late June that included around 75 participants in grades 3-8.

Contributed photo The Ridgeline boys’ basketball program hosted a youth camp and fielded four teams in an exhibition league at West Valley High School this summer. The schedule epitomized the off-season focus of Falcon athletics heading into the 2022-23 school year.

“It was good for the first year,” Rehkow said. “We just need to work on getting the information out. I think it will grow in future years.”

The Falcons also fielded four

teams in the annual summer league at West Valley High, piling up plenty of wins and gaining valuable experience. Last year’s squad included one freshman, eight sophomores and three juniors.

“We only had one player that had played in that (West Valley) league before,” Rehkow said. “It’s always going to benefit them to compete against players at their skill level.

As a program, we’ve just got to keep working and getting better. Last season, as tough as it was, taught us were we want to be.”

The dad of four sons, Rehkow is familiar with the often-manic schedules that kids face consisting of sports, studies and social pressures.

“I try to emphasize the opportunity our players have to build themselves but not get burned out,” Rehkow said. “They often have too many demands on them. My sons went through those rigors. It’s important for parents to understand that their bodies and brains need a break.”

As Ridgeline enters its second year of competition in the Greater Spokane League, observers like Ken Van Sickle, former athletic director at University High and ex-director of the GSL, have been impressed.

“In a lot of sports, they were very competitive last year,” he said. “They have a good crew of coaches, a lot of enthusiasm and good athletes.”

A University High grad, Van Sickle is familiar with a history from 60 years ago that mirrors Ridgeline in many ways. U-Hi opened in 1962 after growth in the Chester Hills and Ponderosa areas of the Valley prompted school district officials to propose a second high school to the west of Central Valley. Like Ridgeline last year, U-Hi began with an enrollment consisting largely of former CV students.

Van Sickle echoed Emmerson’s comments about a new school opening doors for a larger number of students.

“It just gives more kids opportunities to be part of team, compete and be part of their school,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 23

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HISTORY

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 25

26 • SEPTEMBER 2022

SVFD Report – July 2022 Splash news sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 155 emergency Incidents in the greater Liberty Lake area from July 15 – August 15, 2022 • Emergency Services

Medical 109

•

Building Alarms

14

•

Motor Vehicle Collisions 10

• Dispatched and Cancelled en route 8 •

Fires

7

•

Service Calls

3

•

Hazardous Materials 2

•

Technical Rescue

1

•

Vehicle Fires

1

Of note: • Total Incidents increased from 130 last month to 155 this month.

• Emergency Medical Services increased from106 last month to 109 this month.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions increased from 4 last month to 10 this month.

• Fires increased from 4 last month to 7 this month.

Of Significance:

The Splash

NEWS

• Thank you to everyone who voted on the August 2 ballot.

• We continue to emphasize Driving Safely. Throughout the Fire District we are seeing an increase in motorcycle vs auto collisions with major injuries.

• Be careful with yard equipment and anything that can spark a fire. Burn restrictions are in place. It is hot and dry outside.

Do not put cigarettes out in potted plants or throw them out of car windows. The potential for fire from an improperly disposed of cigarette is extremely high.

• Wear your life jacket (PFD) while out recreating near or on rivers and lakes. We have already experienced some drownings this year. Losing 1 life is too many.

Incidents of Significance: • Extrication, Full Response, 2:03 a.m., August 1 o Engine 3 crews reponsed to a vehicle incident in which the caller was trapped inside the vehicle near Lakeside Road and south Zephyr Road. The caller identified they were stuck and that their leg was pinned inside the vehicle. Crews arrived and were able to extricate the patient and provide patient care until AMR arrived and the patient could be transported for further

care. The scene was turned over to Law Enforcement.

•

Structure Fire, 5:45 a.m., August 2

o Engine 3 crews dispactched to a structure fire near north Kramer Parkway and north Legacy Ridge Drive. A caller reported a wooden table on fire on the front porch with the fire partially out. Crews arrived to find a multi story apartment complex with a flower pot on fire on top of a wooden table. The fire was extinguished. Crews investigated to make sure there was no extension of the fire, provided educational materials regarding the flammability of potting soil, and returned in service.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 136,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2021, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics responded to more than 22,400 emergency calls.

Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 27

The Splash

Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $28.50 per month and business services are $41.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service.

Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs.

Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/ community/community-development/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

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28 • SEPTEMBER 2022

Trailhead Golf Course revitalization may start soon

NEWS

The Splash

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

Construction on a new pro shop and restaurant at the Trailhead Golf Course in Liberty Lake could start as soon as this month if the City Council approves a guaranteed maximum price for the project at its Sept. 6 meeting.

Discussions about the need for improvements at the 9-hole golf course have been ongoing for years.

The clubhouse was in disrepair and a remodel was considered impractical because of structural issues, said Director and Planning and Engineering Lisa Key. The building would have needed a new HVAC system and a new roof and improvements would have run into the millions of dollars.

The city purchased the golf course after it incorporated because it wanted the open space preserved, Key said. “This is a 50-year-old golf course,” Key said. “There’s a lot of deferred maintenance that had not been addressed for many, many years.”

The decision was made to build a new clubhouse and restaurant rather than try to remodel the old one, Key said. “The council decided that this was important enough that they wanted to invest in it,” she said.

More recently, the city asked residents what improvements they would like to see at the city-owned course. One of the big requests was for a community gathering space.

Open houses were held and surveys were done online and handed out at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market. In all, more than 200 people filled out a survey.

In June, the council approved a $6.9 million construction option.

Instead of designing a project and putting it out to bid, the council approved a price tag and then the project was designed to match the price. That allows more control over the final price and hopefully eliminates cost overruns. Rising

Photo by Nina Culver The aged Trailhead building as shown here is slated for demolition by the City possibly starting as early as the week of September 6th in order to make way for the new building. The basement of the existing building will be maintained and utilized by the building. were 50 years old.” construction costs have impacted outside the restaurant to be a popular There was one hiccup in the first many local projects recently as spot. “It truly is the best view in the phase.

The parking lot was supposed supply of some products and city and that’s worth preserving for to be closed for one day to be paved materials continue to be in short access by the public,” she said. and allow the pavement to cure. But supply.

The general contractor on the hot weather at the time meant that “This project is a progressive project is Bouten Construction. Once the pavement couldn’t cure and the design build,” said Key. “It’s been the final project price is approved parking lot was closed for more than really fortuitous that we took next week, the cost will not change, a week. this approach with this project in key said. “They’ll lock those prices A trailer will be put in the parking this building climate and in this in with their vendors,” she said. lot to temporarily house the pro economy. Throughout the course of The council will be asked to shop while construction is ongoing, the project, prices have continued to approve a guaranteed maximum Key said. Palenque’s Restaurant, escalate in crazy ways.” price of $6.995 million, Key said. which is currently in the clubhouse, As an example, the price of glass The council could also consider will have a food truck in the parking has recently gone up 40 percent, approving some bid alternates, lot as well. which impacted the design of the Key said. That could include using The current clubhouse will be new clubhouse. “We would have polished concrete instead of carpet torn down to the basement level, liked more windows,” she said. in some areas and making the which will be reused. “If council The design does include two outdoor deck slightly larger. approves this on Sept. 6, demolition sports simulators, which will be able “There’s things we may be able to is scheduled to begin later that to be used for more than just golf, and add that are desirable if the budget week,” she said. a large multi-use space. The city has allows,” she said.

The council could decline to approved a new vendor to operate The first phase of the project, approve the guaranteed maximum the restaurant in the new clubhouse, adding or replacing underground chef Adam Hegsted of the Eat Good utilities and paving a portion of the price and choose to wait to do the Group. The proposed menu sent expanded parking lot, is complete. project, Key said, but the project to the city for approval included a That was work that needed to be is needed and will only get more mix of pasta, sandwiches, burgers, done no matter what was done expensive in the future. She said salads and gourmet sausages made to the clubhouse, Key said. “The she’s hopeful it will be approved.

“We’ve been keeping council in the

by Woods Meats. parking lot needed to be replaced loop,” she said. “I’m feeling good Key said she expects the deck anyway,” she said. “The water lines going into this.”

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 29

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LIBERTY LAKE

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Amaculate Housekeeping Amazon Banner Furnace & Fuel

29

Index of advertisers

Friends of Mary Kuney

16

4

Global Credit Union

3

32

Spokane County Fair and Expo

19

23

g re e n s t o n e Spokane Roofing 12h o m e

Greenstone

24

Beyond Pink

15

HUB Sports Center

Cascade Dental

24

City of Liberty Lake

5

Simonds Dental Group

23

CenturyLink

Lilac Family Eyecare

YO U

New Spokane Valley,30Libert 32 homes General Store in Spokane, 12 Pentagon

BECU

Central Valley School District

quality

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

Inland Empire Utility CC

29

Spokane Valley Farmer’s Market

17

4

John L Scott - Pam Fredrick

30

Spokane Valley Fire Dept

19

27

Liberty Lake EyeCare Center

3

Tate Law Office

30

Liberty Lake Family Dentistry

5

The Clark Company

24

7, 16

Croach

23

Liberty Lake Smile Source

Eagle Rock Storage

27

Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District21

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30 • SEPTEMBER 2022

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Loss of SVFD Firefighter Dan Patterson

By Nina Culver

Providers Susan Ashley, MD

Splash contributor

Samantha McFarland. ARNP Neil Golan, MD

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According to his friends, Dan Patterson was a guy with an unlimited supply of dad jokes who would give you the shirt off his back or, in at least one case, the socks off his feet.

July 21 was like many other days for Patterson. He finished his 24hour shift with the Spokane Valley Fire Department at Station 2 in Millwood at 8 a.m. Then he went for a run, something the physically fit 53-year-old did often.

Somewhere along the way, Patterson began to feel sick and called his wife to say he was going back to his station. “When Dan went for a run, it would be a nine or 10 mile run,” said Battalion Chief Brian Treffry, who had known Patterson since before he was hired on with the department more than a dozen years ago. While on his runs he would often stop and swim in the 0 river. “He called his wife 9and ,97said 2 9 $ he’d been in the water a few times and he wasn’t feeling quite right.”

Patterson made it back to Station 2, where he collapsed. He was discovered by his coworkers, whom he had chatted with when they arrived to relieve him. “They were returning from a call and one of the firefighters just happened to look out the window and see him lying there,” Treffry said.

Patterson had suffered a heart attack and was revived by the crew.

He was put in intensive care, but did not recover. He died on Aug. 4.

Since then, his friends and coworkers have tried to remember all the good memories they had with him. “I knew Dan and his family before he was hired,” Treffry said.

“Our kids went to the same school and the same church.”

The two were also members of the special operations team, which does swift water and technical rescues. Doing river rescues was important to Patterson, Treffry said, and he thinks it’s because Patterson’s nephew suffered brain damage and became disabled after an incident that happened while he was swimming. “Dan went to great lengths to make sure he was taken care of,” he said.

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ON THAT NOTE

SEPTEMBER 2022 • 31

2, but was on a different shift than Patterson. The two bonded when they both previously worked on the same shift at Station 8. He said Patterson always talked about his family, which included his wife of many years, Tonya, and his grown son and daughter. He had one grandchild and another on the way.

“He talked about his kids all the time,” Riddle said. “He was very proud of them. Family was a big thing to him.”

Patterson would talk about growing up spending time on the McKenzie River in Oregon, Riddle said. “He loved the water,” he said.

When the fire department was unable to reach Patterson’s wife after Patterson was found, Riddle drove out to Patterson’s small farm to pick her up. “We basically stayed in the hospital with them for three weeks,” he said. “I was the family liaison between the family and the department.”

Riddle said he did everything he could to take care of Patterson’s family. After all, it was what Patterson would have done. “Dan had the biggest heart of any person I’ve ever met,” he said.

He recalls in particular one call where Patterson and his crew were sent to check on the welfare of a man on the side of a road on a cold winter’s day. Patterson realized that the homeless man didn’t have any socks. “He took his boots off, gave him his socks, and put his boots back on,” Riddle said.

In another case, Patterson came across a homeless man who didn’t have any shoes, partly because size 14 shoes are hard to find. Patterson hunted down and bought the right size shoes on his day off and then found the homeless man again to deliver the shoes.

It wasn’t unusual for Patterson to be giving things to homeless people, Treffry said. “He regularly would purchase clothes and boots at thrift stores and hand them out,” he said.

More recently, he would cook meals and deliver them to Camp Hope, a makeshift homeless camp that has sprung up just off Interstate 90 near Freya Street. He would also buy blankets in bulk and hand them out as well, Treffry said.

But Patterson wasn’t vocal about what he did for others, Riddle said.

Contributed photo Fire Fighter Dan Patterson putting out a fire started by a train on the Burlington Northern tracks on the bridge over the Spokane River.

“He was very quiet about it,” he said. “Not many people knew that.”

It wasn’t unusual for firefighters to take turns cooking communal meals while on shift. Typically, the groceries would be purchased and the cost would be split among the crew. But when Dan cooked, he only asked for $3 from each person as long as he could take the leftovers, Riddle said. And there were always leftovers.

“I would be willing to bet that he was taking those leftovers and handing them out on the way home,” he said.

There are the fun memories as well. Patterson would buy small plastic sharks and sea creatures at the Dollar Store, Riddle said. As part of their jobs, crews visit every fire hydrant in the district to test them and make sure they’re working.

Sometimes the crews would draw a crowd of interested children who would watch the water gushing

from the hydrant.

“When the kids weren’t watching, he would drop them in the water,” Riddle said. Then, once the hydrant was shut off, he would excitedly call the kids over to see what they found swimming in the fire hydrant.

Both Riddle and Treffry said it’s been difficult dealing with the suddenness of Patterson’s death.

“I think it’s kind of hitting us kind of hard,” Treffry said. “If a guy who walks around eating celery stalks and running 10 miles can have this happen, it can happen to all of us.”

Riddle said Patterson’s collapse basically at work hasn’t happened before. “I think that is one of our biggest fears, working on one of our own guys,” he said. “But it was reassuring to know that it was our guys taking care of him because I knew he was getting the best care.”

It’s tough to work in the same station where Patterson worked,

Riddle said, because there are constant reminders of him. “We all have great memories of Dan, but it’s still a little raw,” he said. “We decided that Dan’s bunker locker out in the bay is going to be his for a while now. No one is ready to get rid of anything.”

The one thing that gives his friends and family comfort is that Patterson was an organ donor, so he got to help people one last time, Riddle said. “It was fitting that he got to do that in the end.”

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