SEPTEMBER
2020
THE
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #010 ZIP CODE 99019
LIBERTY LAKE
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COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE
Hail to the Chief
Liberty lake says goodbye to Police Chief Brian Asmus, page 10
COUNCIL HARD AT WORK PAGE 8
MEALS ON WHEELS SEEKS HELP PAGE 13
WHERE ARE THE GOATS PAGE 23
2 • SEPTEMBER 2020
The Splash
DOCKSIDE Perpetual March – Garcia thrives on civic engagement By Craig Howard
Splash Contributing Editor
Dannetta Garcia – better known as “Dg” – left an impression on more than a few people during her campaign for a Liberty Lake City Council seat last year. The woman who has the distinction of being the only Westerner to moderate an election forum for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians’ Sovereign Nation made it clear that she was running because of the people and for the people. While she fell just short of securing the Pos. 1 chair at the dais against Phil Folyer, Garcia’s message was not lost on those she met leading up to the November vote.
HIV/AIDS in the African American community “to eliminate denial and the effect of at-risk behaviors.” A native of Richmond, Virginia, Garcia grew up in a military family. Her father is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and her mother was a special education teacher. Garcia’s childhood and adolescence included stops in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Holland and Italy. “You could say it was a European upbringing,” Garcia said. “I thought at the time that everyone traveled like that.” The family also lived state-side in places like California, Texas, Mississippi and New York.
“We were in Texas for the longest,” Garcia recalls. “It’s the place I might call ‘home.’” Garcia graduated from high school in San Antonio and went on to attend the University of St. Thomas in Houston on scholarship. She majored in art and was a ballerina with the school’s dance troupe. Her art pursuits included sculpting, painting, mixed media and more. She also taught art. Garcia married in 1975 and later became a mother. She enlisted with the Air Force in 1980 where she served for nearly eight years until she was medically discharged. Her first assignment brought her to the Inland Northwest and Fairchild Air Force Base. “I saw it as a gift to serve,” Garcia said. “I would go back to the military. I loved the part of being a patriot
“I think leaders should march to the people’s drum and make sure the people know the beat,” she said. “My heart was what I could have given in the win, not in the win itself. The people in this community showed me that I matter, that my voice matters.”
After the Air Force, Garcia moved to Sacramento and attended American River College and Sacramento City College. She graduated with an associate of arts degree in Social Science and went on to earn her master’s in Psychology from California State University. A 16-year career with the State of California followed, marked by highlights such as being appointed to the state’s Joint Committee for Preparing California for the 21st Century. After retiring for the first time in 2005, Garcia started her own consulting firm and later moved to upstate New York. She returned to California in 2008 and two years later was hired by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians where she worked in the licensing and enforcement divisions.
“I came for the holidays in 2015 and never left,” Garcia says. Q: What were some of your first impressions of Liberty Lake when you moved here?
Garcia has already approached the city of Liberty Lake about facilitating a class for residents along the lines of “Democracy 101” that would, in her words, “tell people in a constructive way how government is supposed to work.”
Garcia has a layered background as an activist and advocate for a variety of causes. She is the cofounder of the Blind Eye Effect, a program that focuses on STIs and
In 1986, Garcia received the Meritorious Achievement Medal for Heroism recognizing her actions in saving a trainee from suicide.
Garcia moved to Liberty Lake from Sacramento, California in December 2015 to be closer to family. She has two grown children and four grandchildren in the area. She also dotes on her 8-year-old Labradoodle “Lucy.”
While Garcia had not run for political office before, she had plenty of experience in the government realm, including employment with three state agencies in California. While working in the Office of Secretary of State, she assisted in the design and implementation of DMV voter forms and helped design the voter registration affidavit. She had also assisted in election campaigns and run political think tanks.
“It’s about helping everyone understand their role,” she said. “When you do that, people want to take part.”
because I worked for it.”
Contributed photo Dannetta “Dg” Garcia is an Air Force veteran who has called Liberty Lake home since 2015. She ran for Liberty Lake City Council last fall, collecting nearly 46 percent of the vote against Phil Folyer in the race for Pos. 1. Now retired, Garcia worked in the California Secretary of State’s office and was the owner of two independent consulting firms. Her two grown children and four grandchildren live in the Inland Northwest.
A: My initial impression changed and I was pleasantly surprised to find this hidden gem tucked behind business complexes on both sides of the main road. Well, you’d think I was expecting a “Welcome Dg marker” – smile. What I did find were beautiful tree-lined streets, families flourishing, parks, golf courses and golf carts, contributing to a healthy community connection. The bonus was that both my adult children, Maria and Sean, and their lovely spouses Leslie and Brian and the “Fabulous Four” grandchildren, Birdie, Baer, Anderson, and Maverick, are here. I am thrilled and the icing on the cake is Liberty Lake welcomed me and now I’m home. See GARCIA, Page 5
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 3
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4 • SEPTEMBER 2020
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Spokane Valley Fire Crews included Valley Engine 3 (VE3) from Liberty Lake, Valley Engine 4 (VE4) and Brush 4 from Otis Orchards, Ladder 10 from Greenacres, Battalion Chief in Valley 21 and a Safety Officer in Valley 31. DNR had an additional 3 Engines, an Investigator, and a Supervisor on scene. Kootenai Fire sent Engine12.
We continue to have a large number of illegal burn calls. MakeATsure you know CHARMING the facts HOME IN TURTLE CREEK SPEND THE SUMMER THE BEACH The brush fire is 100% contained before burning. https://www. 208 S NEYLAND AVE #58 2BD/2BA 1456SF 18403 E 9TH AVE 4BD/3BA 1953SF and DNR is investigating the cause dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention; of the fire at this time. https://spokanecleanair.org/ 0 0 9,97 7 4 9 4 , $ 4 current-burning-conditions There were no injuries reported $49 to civilians or firefighters. No • Spokane Valley Fire homes were threatened. The size Department (SVFD) has hired 14 new Firefighters. The SVFD new of the fire is estimated to have been recruits began their Fire Academy approximately 1/4 to 1/2 acre in size. BACKYARD OASIS 13.90 ACRES WITH DESIGNAugust RIVER DISTRICT this UNIQUE week Monday, 3. Five 23706 E TRENT AVE of
3BD/2BA 1956SF 19730 from E DECHUTES Spokane AVE 5BD/3BA 3927SF the recruits will graduate Valley Fire Department the Fire Academy in September. would like to remind our citizens 0 Nine recruits will go to North Bend that a burn ban remains in effect 00 9,97 49,0 will in Spokane County and that $51 for additional training$7that continue through December. unauthorized open burning and • On behalf of Chief Collins, recreational fires are restricted. If please welcome Chaplain Aaron you have any questions, before McNally, to Spokane Valley Fire lighting any fire, call your local ENTERTAINERS DELIGHT STUNNING GOLF COURSE first. SETTING Department. Chaplain McNally is agency 16517 E 24TH LN
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GARCIA
NEWS
Continued from page 2 Q: You made a dynamic case for the city to provide flood insurance a couple of years that eventually came to fruition. Why was that campaign so important to you? A: In 2017, with the seasonal changes that could bring on a catastrophic water event, such as the life-changing ones that had devastated other parts of the country, I decided to purchase flood insurance but found that Liberty Lake was not a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – troubling – I was denied. I presented my findings to the mayor and City Council – along with support from Lynn Schmidt, a statewide flood engineer with the Department of Ecology – and the rest is history. On January 2018, a resolution to participate in the NFIP was passed and in November 2019, the city adopted the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Now the residents can purchase flood insurance and have the same peace of mind that I wanted. Q: Growing up in a military family, you lived in a variety of places and saw a diversity of cultures. How did this experience influence that world view you have today? A: There’s a Donny Hathaway song that I like, and the lyrics start with, “I’ve been to so many places in my life and time.” That short verse says it all. Without the experience of meeting people from diverse places, I would have an empty cup. I mean to live a life entirely is to be open to differences to grow into a wellrounded individual. People make the world go around. It’s true! And diversity allows for full access to a greater range of talents, views, ideas and opinions. Right? It’s selfexploration that provides ample opportunities to have a way bigger fishbowl to play in. My experiences paved the way for me to embrace cultures and differences – there was always a unique encounter waiting. Q: As an accomplished artist in a variety of mediums as well as an instructor, how have you seen art enhance lives? A: I will admit that my first years of college were filled with telling a story creatively – to show how much I loved life and everything around it – including an opportunity for fame and fortune – everybody chuckles. Quite frankly, it opened up a more creative side where I would express
others’ love and lives – with a few brush strokes, that became even more rewarding. Art provides a pathway into the imagination of others. Today my hands don’t function the same as before. However, art, especially during COVID-19, allows me to create – share with others and ultimately take my mind, if for just one moment, off other things. Q: What did you learn about yourself and this community in your run for a City Council seat last year? A: The reward was not in winning. It was about reaching the community to talk about where we were headed next. The collective voices of 45.6 percent of the voting population said, “Yes, Dg,” yes, to my philosophy. The famous philosopher, Kierkegaard said, “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.” I have only once in my personal history lost my footing, momentarily. I encourage everyone today, in the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” I’ve kept moving forward, embracing every moment. Q: Do you think the current City Council provides the kind of representative leadership that listens to and honors all the voices in our community? A: In the age of agreeing to disagree, agreeably, I know the road ahead will be about a partnership – the ability to really work together and not just provide lip service. Government and citizens will tell the story of whether that partnership was successful or not. It will be a collective report – on occasion our opinions may differ. Optimally, both sides will contribute as a team (no leaders and no followers – all equals). And when either side stumbles or makes a touchdown, each party will understand that that is what makes democracy work. In any case, working together will be a win, win for all of us – government and citizens alike. As an activist and advocate, I’m excited and prepared to do my part.
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Q: Finally, how does faith figure into your life? A: My values come through the expressed teachings of my parents and my clergy, who demonstrated that values must come through faith, belief, and trust, in HIS word, accepting no other premise. And as simplistic as it may be, God has to be my go-to, every day, all day.
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6 • SEPTEMBER 2020
The Splash
Introducing the
Safety Awareness Channel
Police Report - July 2020 Splash news sources
Total incidents generated by officers and emergency calls for service last month 563 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 1 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 58 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 2 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle 27
JulyTheft Council Map / Burglaries
Malicious Mischief 9 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 17 Parking Violations 3
Least Most
Suspicious Vehicles 27 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, 07/11/20; Officers responded to the report of a possible Domestic Violence in the area of 25000 E Hawkstone Lp. Officers were advised of a female screaming “No” to include loud banging sounds. Officers were also told a male could be heard swearing and a female crying. After Officers arrived onscene and conducted their investigation, the involved male was arrested for Assault 4th DV, Malicious Mischief 3rd DV, and transported to the Spokane County Jail. COMMERCIAL BURGLARY, 07/13/20; Officers responded to the report of a Commercial Burglary located in the vicinity of 25000 E Appleway Ave. The business reported the back door to their business had been accessed. The
reporting business advised two work vehicles were missing/stolen, along with several thousand dollars worth of equipment. After the initial report, two individuals were taken into custody and the vehicles and equipment were recovered. Multiple Law Enforcement agencies in different states were involved in this investigation and it is currently on-going. ARGUE, 07/22/20; Officers responded to the report of an Argue located in the vicinity of 21000 E Country Vista Dr. Arriving in the area, Officers stopped a vehicle with both of the involved individuals inside. Based on their investigation and observations while on-scene, the involved male was taken into custody for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) and the vehicle was seized pending approval of a
circles contain the number of incidents in a given area.
search warrant. The search warrant was granted based on probable cause, and additional evidence was recovered. The involved male was booked into the Spokane County Jail on the above listed criminal drug offense. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, 07/22/20; Officers responded to the report of a Domestic Violence in the vicinity of 2100 N. Country Vista Blvd. Based on the investigation, statements provided, and the documented physical injuries sustained by the female caller; the involved male was taken into custody. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Unlawful Imprisonment (felony), Assault IV DV, and Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Violence. Stay Safe and well!!
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 7
The Splash
The Lookout The Community Corner By RJ Stevenson Finance Director I have struggled over the last wThe year 2021 is quickly approaching and we are greatly looking forward to a New Year. How does a city even prepare for next year’s budget when there are so many uncertainties from this year? How are revenues going to fare? Will there be any increases in expenses? What level of service can the city afford for each department? Currently, city departments are
preparing their 2021 budgets trying to meet the level of service that is required. The mayor, City Council, and city staff will be meeting to discuss long-term projects like the Trailhead Masterplan, the Public Works Yard and transportation projects, for example. As these budget items come together, city staff is also preparing financial forecasts for revenues that will support these budget requests. An important requirement of the budget is that current revenues will support the operational and capital expenses that are proposed for 2021.
There is an important role that citizens play in this budget process. The mayor, City Council, and city staff all work for the citizens of the city of Liberty Lake and it is important that we hear from you. If there are services that you believe the city should provide, or try to provide, we want to hear from you. For example, regarding pedestrian crossings, sidewalk connectivity, traffic improvements, Trailhead Golf Course and future use of city-owned property. How can a citizen contact the city? Here are a few ways: You can send an e-mail to the city. My e-mail address is rstevenson@libertylakewa.gov.
Community Update
Our City Staff has time and time again stepped up and found solutions with less resources and fewer numbers. Across the board, our employees in every department (Library, Police, Operations and Maintenance, Planning, Engineering & Building, and Administrative Services) have consistently worked to find opportunities to keep our City services intact. When COVID began to impact our operations and revenues, we took steps to hold back from hiring summer staff and to “freeze” expenditures that were not deemed essential. This decision had a proactive and positive impact on our budget. Due to our financial impacts (along with the unknown impacts to come), throughout our community our turf and trees are not as manicured as in past years. With the hot temperatures and aging irrigation systems, we are working hard to just keep up. Our focus has been on our trees and irrigation systems, knowing the turf will come
Comment on the city’s Facebook page. Make a citizen inquiry on the city website (www.libertylakewa. gov). Send the city a letter in the mail. Or you can attend a virtual City Council meeting on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. There is a public comment section at the beginning and at the end that you can express your request. There will be three budget hearings in October and November this year where you can also express your request. However, if you want to propose an item for the 2021 budget, it would be better to hear from you sooner.
Staying connected Liberty Lake
Mayor Shane Brickner
It has been a long five months since our community was literally “shut down” from impacts related to COVID-19. During these five months, I have seen our Liberty Lake Community come together, support family members, neighbors, and even strangers, while we practice safe decisions related to our health. I have seen the creativity of our Parks and Arts Commission, City volunteers, Farmers Market vendors, developers, businesses, and medical service providers by practicing ingenuity and innovation to meet this ever-changing environment and the directions we are getting from the Spokane Regional Health District.
September 2020
in
The city of Liberty Lake’s website (www.libertylakewa.gov) has many resources to stay connected with happenings in Liberty Lake. We offer Request Tracker, News Flash and Notify Me to sign up and receive notifications about various events, road projects, public announcements, bid postings, the city calendar of meetings and events and much more. You can also contact the city to report issues, such as code enforcement, junk vehicles, streetlights out, etc. back when the temperatures drop. In closing, I’ve asked the City’s Operations and Maintenance Director, Jennifer Camp, to provide information on the condition of our parks, green space, and urban forest. As an Operations and Maintenance Department, our goal is to provide the City with beautiful, healthy, thriving open spaces and safe, clean and well cared for facilities and streets. In normal years we are able to do this through the support of seasonal staffing and healthy budgets. However, COVID threw us a curveball this year and it has been one of our most challenging seasons. Due to budget changes and a hiring freeze, we have limited staffing resources to help support our core crews out in the field. As many have noticed, the level of service we are able to provide has changed with this limited staffing. Crews have had to reprioritize what is most important to keep up with daily tasks – such as mowing; keeping the City clean and safe; and overall basic maintenance. The added strain of excessive heat and no rain has only compounded issues for staff, particularly when it comes to irrigation. Brown grass does not mean dead grass. It simply goes dormant
in these high temperatures when it does not receive sufficient moisture. Once temperatures drop back down and watering can catch up, things will green back up in a matter of weeks. Many of our irrigation systems, as a whole, are insufficient and aged, and crews are constantly chasing broken heads from golf carts, people kicking them, and car tires hitting them. It would take a significant amount of funding to modify these irrigation systems, which is not the City’s highest priority at this time. Please be patient with crews as they are working hard to keep up. And continue letting us know when you do see broken sprinkler heads in the evenings or at night, as it helps us keep track of areas in need of maintenance. Trees will continue to be a higher priority than turf, so crews have been instructed to focus on those irrigated areas first where trees are stressed. Thank you for your support and patience while we get through this unprecedented time. The turf (and times) will be green again soon! Thank you all for understanding and supporting each other. We are living through this together and together we will stand as the Liberty Lake Community!
Request Tracker (https://www. libertylakewa.gov/RequestTracker. aspx) – To contact city about code enforcement, ask for help from other residents, report a pothole, signage complaints, damaged trees, junk vehicles and streetlights out. News Flash – The city website home page contains the News Flash section, which has information of importance or special announcements. You also have the option to sign up to receive emails and/or texts when you create an account on our website. Notify Me – Sign up for different categories of notifications by email and/or text. You must create an account on our website for access. Use the Stay Connected button on the home page for access. Categories: Alert Center, Bid Postings, Government Jobs, News Flash, Calendar and Agenda Center. To sign up for an account on our website, just go to www. libertylakewa.gov and click on “Sign In” in the upper right corner, then “Create an Account”. For questions, please call City Hall at 509-755-6700.
https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov
8 • SEPTEMBER 2020
The Splash
Quasi-retreat sheds light on municipal priorities By Craig Howard
Splash Contributing Editor
In the end, the Liberty Lake City Council did not retreat from a retreat. After multiple attempts at scheduling an annual get-together to mull over city projects, policies and procedures, the governing board met virtually on Aug. 18 in what may very well be the closest to a council retreat to take place this year – sans the catered lunch. “We recognize that Covid has limited our ability to have face-toface meetings and discussions,” said Mayor Shane Brickner at the beginning of the workshop. “We also recognize it’s important to continue to have these discussions and to keep the momentum going forward regarding City Council priorities.” Latisha Hill and Melanie Rose from Avista served as moderators for the Zoom workshop that ran an hour and preceded the regularly scheduled council meeting. Hill and Rose previously met with City Administrator Katy Allen and Brickner to coordinate the agenda for the meeting and also contacted each council member to gather feedback on the most pressing matters facing the city. The results were no surprise. The future of the Trailhead Golf Course and accompanying facilities led the
way, followed closely by budget/ finance issues. Covid-19 and its ripple effect in the community ranked third while growth and transportation ran in a close heat for fourth. Staffing, public engagement and council operations/processes trailed behind. Rose noted that a few underlying themes emerged in the course of council interviews and survey feedback, including the need for “a common vision” and “a tremendous opportunity to build trust.” “An underlying trust issue was definitely a common theme throughout our conversations,’ Rose said. “And it’s understandable – you’re a new council without much time to get to know each other and city staff, let alone build trust and, oh by the way, there’s a pandemic.” Role clarity, the need for process enhancement, unclear expectations and lack of time to address critical topics in detail also emerged as areas to work on, Rose said. Trailhead, meanwhile, made the list as a familiar thorn in the city’s capital projects side. Plans to revamp the site were making progress after the city hired an Arizona-based consulting firm, although progress has stalled since the onset of the pandemic. Hill noted that the current council is “remarkably talented and thoughtful.” “I don’t say that lightly,” she said. “I think it’s really critical in a time like this to have good people in leadership positions. I want you to know that your colleagues all care about the community you serve. Not only do they care but they’re really smart people.”
Hill, who works as vice president of Community and Economic Vitality for Avista, said the city’s leaders must allow each other a sufficient cushion when it comes to communicating and collaborating, especially in light of current circumstances. “Grace during Covid and the crazy environment we’re in is so critical,” she said. “The reason you’re here is not for the money – it’s because you want to make the community better.” Rose and Hill offered several recommendations, including “defining your true North” by adhering to the city’s strategic plan, getting “crystal clear” on roles, establishing process agreements when it comes to making decisions and considering support mechanisms.
“You’re all super busy both professionally and personally,” Hill said. “Just having that extra support on behalf of the council could be helpful.” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy applauded the moderators’ recommendation to narrow down the city’s chore list and concentrate on reachable goals or “low-hanging fruit.” “I think we have so much stuff down the list that it affects things further up on the list,” he said. “We need to grab onto those things and make a decision.” Hill said that term limits for council members – a topic included on the original agenda for the retreat – could be a discussion that is resolved quickly, leaving time for other concerns.
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The Splash In response to a question Allen presented to council on how to improve communication, Council Member Cris Kaminskas said it would be “extremely important to take a look at our roles and responsibilities and for people to agree with those and honor those.” Hill said the recurring appearance of the Trailhead renovation could be pointed to as an example of undefined roles and responsibilities. “Trailhead is a constant issue,” she said. “If you have challenges in the process and deciding how to make decisions and understanding your roles when it comes to Trailhead, you’re not going to make a decision, you’re just going to keep swirling.” There was some talk at the retreat of having a group like Association of Washington Cities or Municipal Research and Services Center facilitate a council workshop on process enhancement and/or role clarification. “It was a good conversation,” Allen said following the workshop. “I thought we really focused on the council’s priorities and their vision.” In other city news: • Police Chief Brian Asmus told council on Aug 4 that there was a burglary at the city’s public works yard last month that included theft of a municipal vehicle and tools. Asmus said he believes it is related to another case in the Hawkstone area. Additional security measures have been added since the incident. The investigation continues. • Asmus said the department is looking at the purchase of an additional police vehicle. He said there have been delays with two vehicles ordered in January that will not be delivered until late October or early November.
occupy individual rooms. • Finance Director RJ Stevenson said auto and RV sales have been on the increase, helping to boost sales tax numbers. He added that other cities he has spoken to have reported decreases in sales tax revenue of between 10 to 15 percent. Online sales have also been a boon to revenue in Liberty Lake, Stevenson said. • Applicants for an open building inspector position will be interviewed at the end of August. The city is also hiring for seasonal maintenance employees. • Allen said bids for the Harvard Road project “came in really well.” The project has not been awarded yet. • Phil Champlin, executive director of the HUB Sports Center, gave a presentation to council on Aug 4, outlining a proposed expansion of the facility on Cataldo Avenue in Liberty Lake. The project would potentially include multi-use fields, a clubhouse, outdoor pickleball courts and extended-stay parking for recreational vehicles among other features. Several council members expressed concerns with possible zoning conflicts with some of the proposal while also acknowledging the benefit of the HUB to the community. Champlin – who emphasized that the project would likely be addressed in phases – said he would bring the input back to the HUB board of directors. • Director of Planning and Engineering Lisa Key provided council with an overview of a request to allow for RV sales, service and rentals in the city’s C-1 zone, now considered a “community commercial” area. The discussion was in a public hearing format. The Planning Commission has already given the green light to the request in a limited use
format dependent on protections to residential uses in the area similar to those already being utilized by autorelated businesses in the C-1 zone. “The Planning Commission did an excellent job in their due diligence on this,” said Kennedy. There were no comments in the public hearing.
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10 • SEPTEMBER 2020
Asmus to join Central Valley School District Team By Ben Wick
Splash Publisher
Leader, Mentor, and Friend are some of the many words used to describe Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus at his Retirement Ceremony during the August 20th Liberty Lake City Council meeting. Chief Asmus was originally hired by the city shortly after incorporation in 2001 and has served as the city’s Police Chief ever since, making his tenure almost twenty years. Mayor Brickner organized a celebration video for the chief to share some of the many fond memories of Chief Asmus over years, giving his coworkers, friends, family and community an opportunity to share a few words of appreciation and best wishes with the chief before his official retirement on Sept 1st. Pictures with his wife Carol, videos from his daughters and granddaughters spread throughout the video. From the first few minutes you can quickly see how important family is in his life and how he had treated his fellow officers and city coworkers as family as well. “I have the greatest admiration and respect for Chief Asmsus’ leadership style, not only in his professional
COVER STORY
The Splash
carrier but in his involvement within the community as well” Councilmember Dan Dunne. From Councilmember Kris Kaminskas “Thank you so much for all that you have done for the City, it has been truly amazing the kind of team you have put together within the department and how much respect the community has for them and you. It is going to be so hard to fill your shoes.” While bittersweet for the city there was some comfort that while Asmus isn’t going to be directly apart of the City of Liberty Lake Team, that he and his family will still be apart of the Liberty Lake Community. Even before becoming chief, Brian and his wife Carol spent countless hours participating in and leading Special Olympics activities serving kids, volunteering since 1993. No award better represents who Chief Asmus is than the Unsung Hero Award bestowed by Special Olympics Washington. “It has been an honor to work with Brian and his wife Carol, on behalf of the 19,500 Special Olympics Athletes, the Special Olympics Washington thank you for all of your support and good luck on your next chapter.” Even before becoming chief, Asmus spent countless hours participating in and leading Special Olympics activities serving kids, volunteering since 1993. No award better represents Chief Asmus than the one bestowed by Special Olympics Washington than the Unsung Hero Award. While it wasn’t exactly his plan to move on from the City so
Contributed photo Chief Brian Asmus and his wife Carol.
quickly, when a great opportunity came up it was hard to pass it up. CVSD Announces New Director of School Safety and Security Central Valley School District (CVSD) hired City of Liberty Lake Chief of Police Brian Asmus for a new position overseeing all safety and security aspects of the district that will begin on September 1, 2020. Asmus is retiring from Liberty Lake after twenty years as its Chief of Police. He has a proven record of accomplishment
with 30 years of law enforcement experience as a professional peace officer, has designed and implemented large-scale safety and emergency initiatives. However, most significant in this new position is his community involvement, collaboration, and ability to work with a wide array of constituents. “We made a promise to our community at the beginning of 2020 that we would add additional security for our district,” said Ben Small, Superintendent for
The Splash CVSD. “We are pleased to deliver on that promise as Brian Asmus fulfills that role. It is quite clear through his servant leadership and community involvement that he has a huge heart for not only our community, but for kids especially. That is just as important to us as his safety experience.”
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 11
COVER STORY
Asmus’ children all went through CVSD Schools. He has spent He helped establish the Rotary Club in Liberty Lake and has served as a past president of his club. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications board and sits on multiple other boards. “I look forward to working with our entire Central Valley community as we work through safety solutions together,” says Asmus. “I believe that effective safety and security plans must include the very constituents who will be affected by these plans, including students, staff, parents, and community members and groups.”
The City of Liberty Lake is celebrating Asmus with a community retirement parade on August 29, 2-3:00 p.m. The parade will line up on Mission Avenue near Orchard Park going west, will go right on Holl Blvd, then right on Indiana and go past the corner of Indiana and Harvest Parkway. Asmus and his family will be at that corner to receive wishes and thanks for all his years as Liberty Lake's Chief of Police since the City was formed in 2001. There will be a basket for cards near the family and car signs of congratulations are welcome.
DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2020 TIME: 2:00 PM Parade Begins PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINS EARLY LOCATION: Meet at Selkirk Middle School parking lot- 1409 N Harvest Pkwy, Liberty Lake, WA Indiana Ave. Brian & Family
Holl Blvd.
City of Liberty Lake Mayor Shane Brickner and City Administrator Katy Allen stated that they are extremely grateful for Asmus’ long-term career and dedication to our community. “We are excited to see him excel in this new opportunity with CVSD. This career move is no surprise as he continues to be passionate for making our community and the CVSD community that much better. We are really going to miss having Brian Asmus on board as Chief of Police, but know he will still be a valuable part of our community in this new role at CVSD.”
Mission Ave. Selkirk Middle School
Brian and his family will be at the corner of Indiana and Harvest Parkway to allow cars to drive by and congratulate him. There will be a card basket. We encourage municipal, county or state patrol cars, fire trucks, and the community to help us send him off with our highest appreciation! QUESTIONS: Call City Hall 755-6700
12 • SEPTEMBER 2020
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Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels – Meeting public dollars through the the Demands usOlderwithAmericans Act and we go out
is without a meal regardless of the region they live in. More than Meals is much more than a one-time donation, and we are grateful for Kaiser’s commitment to outcomes and building nutrition networks that will last long beyond the current pandemic,” said Edwards.
The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels (GSCMOW) has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. During early days of the pandemic, the first impact was the immediate closure of their congregate meal locations. This is where seniors would come together at one of 12 Silver Cafes throughout the county and enjoy a meal and socialization. Those seniors were immediately offered the opportunity to switch to home delivered meals. At that same time, they saw a substantial increase in demand for home delivery from the community. Over a 4-week period, the GSCMOW saw a 25% increase in home delivered meals, which took them from about 16,000 meals a month to just under 21,000 delivered meals per month. Since then, the surge has subsided, but as the pandemic drags on, so does the slow and steady growth in demand for meals.
GSCMOW has seen some great early results from this campaign in combination with a temporary program called Diner’s Choice. This is a program targeted toward mobile seniors who would have been a traditional participant of their congregate meal locations. This program is funded by ALTCEW and allows eligible seniors to receive coupons to get one meal a day at a local participating restaurant. This effort combined with the Kaiser campaign to serve the rural population has provided for explosive growth in these areas. As an example, prior to this campaign GSCMOW was serving 2 seniors in the rural area of Spangle. Today, they are serving over 50 seniors. “More than Meals is a big deal for Spokane County seniors and we are excited to be a part,” states Edwards.
By Tie Lemerond Splash contributor
Due to their many partners, volunteers, and public/private partnership with Aging and LongTerm Care of Eastern Washington (ALTCEW), GSCMOW has been able to meet the demand. “We never had a waitlist due to a lack of resources and even today, if someone signs up for meal delivery we can typically start within 24 to 48 hours,” states Greater Spokane Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Jeff Edwards. He adds, “The nature of our public/private partnership with ALTCEW is that they seed
and raise private dollars in order to serve the county in ways we could not do otherwise…the scale of the support from ALTCEW ensured that we could meet the surging need.” Made Fresh Daily: Every morning, a dedicated group of staff show up early to produce that day’s food. From there, they package the food while it is still hot and prep it for their volunteers to deliver. On any given day, GSCMOW averages about 50 volunteer routes going out to the community. “In the more rural areas of the county, where we lack the volunteer network, we have to deliver 7 frozen meals one day a week as opposed to a daily hot meal. However, we are working hard to build up our volunteer network in the rural regions so that we deliver that hot meal and a warm smile to all,” states Edwards. More Than Wheels: GSCMOW was recently awarded $100,000 by Kaiser Permanente to expand their services into the rural areas of Spokane County. They were the only More Than Wheels participant chosen on the East side of the state. “Their generosity is fueling a sustained campaign to build our network and infrastructure to feed vulnerable seniors in the rural areas of Spokane County. Truthfully, the campaign will help all seniors in Spokane County to include those in the more populated cities. However, the emphasis is to ensure no senior
Volunteers and Mask Needed: GSCMOW is always in need of volunteers to help deliver meals, particularly with the increased growth they have experienced. Because they serve the entire county, they need volunteer drivers in every city and rural region. Volunteering to drive a route is typically just a commitment of one to one and a half hours, one day a week. Potential volunteers are encouraged to call 509-924-6976. GSCMOW is also in need of face masks. They were blessed to receive a large number of hand sewn face masks early in the campaign.
Contributed photo Meals on Wheels is working toward meeting the demands of the community. However, as the pandemic drags on, the need for masks continues to grow. Eligibility: Anyone interested in signing themselves or a loved one up for meals can call 509-924-6976. GSCMOW can typically start meals within 24 to 48 hours from the initial call. Seniors are eligible if they are over the age of 60 and some of the more restrictive requirements have currently been waived during COVID to ensure that anyone who needs a meal can get one. Coverage Areas: The Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels serves the entirety of Spokane County all the way to the county line in every direction. This includes the city of Spokane, downtown Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights, Deer Park and beyond. They currently offer daily home delivered meals and the Diner’s Choice program. Whereas the Diner’s Choice program is not permanent or unlimited, every senior can start home delivered meals today. Edwards states, “As soon as the Health District believes it is safe, we look forward to resuming our congregate meal locations.”
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When it comes to computer expertise, Zane Chalich is wired in. The incoming senior at Central Valley High School earned a five out of five on the AP computer science test and has taken every computer-related course at CV. He was enrolled in AP calculus as a sophomore. The Liberty Lake resident is part of the Running Start program at Eastern Washington University, compiling over two years of college credits. Last summer, he was an intern with Teddr in Post Falls as a programmer. This summer, he worked for CrowdHub as a fulltime programmer. Chalich would like to pursue a career in computer engineering, robotics or electrical engineering. He maintains a 3.93 grade point average and is part of the National Honor Society. He was part of the advisory group and contributed to several community service projects with the chapter.
You could say Jenni Bissell made great strides while at Central Valley High School. The recently graduated senior participated in track and was part of a 4 x 200-meter relay team that placed ninth at the 4A state meet last year. Bissell also ran the 200 and 400, clocking personal bests of 27.2 seconds and 61.6 seconds, respectively. She competed in cross country as a junior and senior and, last fall, was named to the Team Bloomsday squad that was invited to the Foot Locker National Championship. She had a p.r. in the 5K of 19 minutes, 50 seconds in a meet against Lewis and Clark last year. Bissell finished high school with a 3.9 grade point average and was an officer for DECA, a business and marketing club. She will continue her running career at Eastern Washington University.
Dave Crump was part of the governmental foundation in Liberty Lake as a member of the inaugural City Council in 2001. He served for a decade, including three terms as mayor pro tem. After one year of college, Crump served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Ecuador and Columbia. He returned to Brigham Young University to earn his degree in psychology and Spanish. He also has a master’s in school counseling and a doctorate in psychology counseling. Crump works for Spokane Public Schools as director of Mental Health Services. He is board president of Partners with Families & Children, an advocacy group that works to prevent, interrupt and repair cycles of abuse and neglect within families. Crump and his wife Shelley have been married for 33 years and are proud parents of three children.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 • 17
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On the matter of Courage By Mayah Eberhardt
Courage is having the strength to persevere even when times are tough. Being bold despite what others may think or say, courage is a trait that brings new opportunities for change every single day. I am Mayah Eberhardt, quiet in beginning of new situations and friendships but exuberant once time has passed. I am your average high school student who has a passion for running and I love to make people smile. I am another imperfect teenager who loves her family, friends, and puts her faith in the Lord. I am a human and being human, we all can all relate to how rough things can get sometimes. There are times when I feel like I am afraid to try new things and I’m doubtful when challenges turn up. I will admit that instead of focusing on the positive side of the situation, I fear a possible negative outcome. Sometimes, confidence is not my default disposition. I wonder what people will think or say, or how they will react, and it makes me want to back down from taking a chance. For example, (and one that many can relate to), it is difficult for me to ask a question in a class full of people because I wonder: “what if I’m the only one who doesn’t get it? I don’t want people to think I’m not smart.” I have learned by stepping out of my comfort zone that more times than we realize, the people around you are wondering the same thing as you. Being bold, doesn’t just help you out, but it can influence the people around you and it can also help the teacher understand more about how the information being taught is received. Little acts of courage can help everyone. Back during my sophomore year, my track coach had to adjust relay positions for the new season, and I was so afraid of being placed in the starting leg because it was something I’d never
done before. I was not too excited when I ultimately got put in the starting leg, and again self-doubt started sinking in: “What if I leave the baton at the start when the gun goes off?” That would disappoint my team.” “What if I am in lane one and I can’t run fast enough to catch anyone?” “What if I mess up the handoff?” All these questions were running through my head, and what do they all have in common? They were all fear based and negative “what ifs.” However, I went out and ran the relay and NONE of those things happened. It was easier than I ever thought. Challenges like these have taught me how to push through difficult circumstances. It is in moments like these that I have developed courage. Not only was it a successful relay, it gave me more experience in demonstrating personal bravery and how to defeat negativity. The relay is an example of other challenges that we face in life. Nelson Mandela said, “that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” It can be hard to be bigger than your situation, but someone in the world needs your courage. Right now, in society a lot is going on. I want to encourage you to be bold in the face of all that is negative. Have the courage to talk about goodness even as the despair of COVID-19 surrounds us. Your courage to be positive when it is so easy to be negative can shift how people are coping with the pandemic and it can inspire others to have a courageous mindset. We are also seeing a lot of racial unrest. It is certainly uncomfortable to talk about, but courage can lead the conversation. There is a lot of hate in the world. I encourage you to talk about it, listen to other perspectives, and then after you talk about, DO something about it, no matter who is watching, listening, or even opposing you. Take a stand against hate. We are all humans. Be strong and courageous. Never talk yourself out of something that you know you can do.
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CV golfer overcomes trials to climb life’s leader board By Craig Howard Current contributing editor
Kami Twining has grown accustomed to walking down the 18th fairway as the leader in tournament after tournament. Years ago, it was uncertain whether Twining would walk at all. Born with a rare bone condition known as arthrogryposis, Twining dealt with joint contraction and shortening of muscles early in life that impacted the extension of her affected joints. Several surgeries followed. “They told my mom and dad after I was born that I wouldn’t walk,” Twining said. “They said I was going to be in a wheelchair.” Twining’s family connected with Shriners Hospital for Children where a reliable safety net of support quickly developed. Twining learned to crawl on her hands for a time while her lower body was healing in a cast. Few would have imagined that the child who faced an uphill challenge in taking her first step would grow up to become one of the best youth golfers in the area. As
a freshman at Central Valley High School, Twining earned Greater Spokane League Player of the Year honors. She was All-GSL again as a sophomore. Now a senior, Twining’s junior campaign was washed out by the COVID-19 pandemic but she has excelled in regional tournaments throughout the summer. The Liberty Lake resident said she has not let her unique challenges stand in the way of goals on the golf course or anywhere. “I was insecure about it for a long time,” Twining said. “But I didn’t let it affect anything. I’ve always been like that – where I think nothing is impossible.” Kami’s mom, Kara Twining, is a counselor at CVHS. She says her daughter’s “non-stop positive attitude” has been an inspiration. “She has never in all of her life complained, or felt sorry for herself, or thrown a fit, or come home crying, or wondered ‘why,’ or given up because of her challenges,” Kara said. “I stand in awe of her ability to always see the possibilities. She never lets anything stop her.” That doesn’t mean there haven’t been plenty of hard times for Kami
Contributed photo Central Valley incoming senior Kami Twining overcame a serious medical condition as a child to become one of the most accomplished golfers in school history. She was named Greater Spokane League MVP as a freshman and will continue her career on scholarship at Eastern Washington University.
and her parents. Her dad John was a standout golfer at CV who went on to play at the University of Idaho. Kami has a twin brother and a younger brother. “I think any mom who has children with unique challenges spends many nights wondering if their child will be OK, if people will be kind or if there is more we can do to make it better,” Kara said. “These moments, for me, are the hardest and survived with an abundance of prayer.” Twining’s journey to becoming a champion began at the age of 6 at Trailhead Golf Course in Liberty Lake. She also turned out for other sports like soccer and gymnastics where she was a high achiever despite hyperextensions in her knees that limited her radius to a 90-degree bend. “Golf was the first sport where my challenges weren’t really challenges,” Twining said. Kara remembers Kami being selected to play in a Junior PGA event five years ago along with nine other golfers on the top youth team in the region. She was the only girl among the 10. “She played fierce and fearless and often assisted in match-winning shots,” Kara said. “Seeing her hold her own was so fun and showed all of us what Kami was made of.” Rob Rowe, CV girls’ golf coach, knew Twining would have an impact on the program when she arrived as a freshman. Rowe says he has been impressed with Twining’s humble approach in her first three years as a Bear. “I knew she was probably going to be close to our No. 1 player when she got here,” Rowe said. “But she’s never acted that way. She’s always willing to help out her teammates and she’s very coachable. What Kami has done is elevate the golf program at CV.” Rowe points to Twining’s extraordinary resolve regardless of where her game might stand. Such was the case at the district tournament at the end of her sophomore year. “She came in probably not playing her best golf,” Rowe recalls. “She wound up winning it. It was
just phenomenal knowing that she wasn’t at the top of her game but when crunch time came, she had the ability to dig down and win.” Twining’s determination carries over to the classroom where she maintains a 3.81 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. She also participates in DECA, a program that focuses on business and marketing. She has qualified for state DECA competitions twice. Last year, she signed on as a mentor with Link Crew that helps freshman students acclimate to high school. Twining has verbally committed to play golf at Eastern Washington University, partly because she wants to remain close to home. Rowe says there will be no shortage of schools who “will realize they missed the boat” with a golfer who has routinely qualified for Washington and Idaho Junior Golf state competitions each year. “Kami has overcome a lot and never used it as an excuse,” Rowe said. “She just goes out and competes. Each year, she’s gotten better. I don’t think we’ve seen her play her best golf yet. I just know I wouldn’t count her out of any tournament ever.” Kara said she is excited about what the future holds for her daughter. “Whatever Kami wants for her future, she will go after it and find a way,” she said. “I do know that she does not want her challenges or her golf to define her and anyone who knows her, knows she is so much more than all of that.” Other than impeding her ability to read putts, Twining said her condition has not adversely affected her game. Outside of a scar on her left knee – which people often mistake as the badge from an ACL operation – Twining says there is no residual pain. Years ago, Twining stopped keeping mental track of her score while playing – an approach that has carried over to her dynamic journey beyond the green. “I think going through what I have has made me more competitive and makes me work harder,” she said. “I’ve just never looked back.”
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 19
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SVFD REPORT Continued from page 4
the fire with a dry chemical extinguisher without success. The fire was under the vehicle and was progressing into the inside of the vehicle. Smoke was blowing from north to south across the freeway. We parked our engine approx. 75 feet behind the vehicle, upwind of the incident and pulled an attack line off the front bumper to extinguish the fire which was low in the engine compartment and rapidly spreading in the drivers compartment of the vehicle. The owner stated he was traveling westbound on the freeway to his home when he noticed the vehicle starting to “lurch” and lose power. He merged over to the shoulder where he then noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. He removed his belongings from the car in an attempt to save them. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews returned to service. Alarm System – July 30, Spokane Valley firefighters responded with Valley Ladder 10 to reported smoke alarm sounding. Upon arrival, crews made contact with occupant. The occupant stated the alarm was the result of burnt food and an auto reporting alarm system. She said she had attempted to call the alarm company to cancel our response, but was apparently, not in time. Crews assisted with removal of light haze from the house via natural ventilation. VL10 returned to service. Brush Fire – August 1, Spokane Valley Fire responded with DNR to find an approx 60X100 foot, slow moving grass fire with approx 1 foot flame lengths. Valley Engine 3 was positioned on the shoulder of Appleway just south of the fire and pulled the front wildland bumper line to knock the fire down. Crews started on the East flank and continued moving west. One of the breakers on the power pole was tripped but no downed or exposed electrical wire were noted on scene. Valley Enigine 4 and Valley Brush 4 arrived to assist as well and provided a wet cafs line around entire burn area. The fire was extinguished and crews returned to service. Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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HISTORY
20 • SEPTEMBER 2020
New Name – New Adventures The Story of a Steamboat By Ross Schneidmiller Splash contributor
The band struck up the “Star Spangled Banner” as the American Flag was raised to the steamboat’s masthead. The former Klondike rechristened the Ermine, after little Erminie Thompson, gracefully slid into the waters of Liberty Lake. Moments before, after Miss Thompson’s delightful christening speech, a bottle of wine was broken over the boat’s bow setting in motion a new chapter in the vessel’s life. Two years earlier the Klondike was operating out of Bonners Ferry hauling passengers and cargo up the Kootenay River to the lake in Canada bearing the same name. The year was 1899 and gold had been discovered 3 years earlier in the Klondike region of the Yukon, in northwestern Canada. An estimated 100,000 prospectors traveled to this region over several routes and through the waterways of the Kootenays was one of them. As the migration slowed and a larger steamboat serviced the area, the 44ft steamer with a 15ft beam was put up for sale. Purchased by G. H. Clark and Sidney Perry, the large boat was loaded on railcars of the
Great Northern in Bonners Ferry. When it reached the GN Depot in Spokane it was overhauled. After a new boiler with a 20 hp engine was installed and a new coat of paint, the steamboat was loaded onto wagons pulled by 8 to 10 teams of horses headed to Liberty Lake. Why the new owners decided to rename the vessel or why it was named after the little daughter of W. H. Thompson of Spokane are unknown to this author. It’s possible they felt the name Klondike was not suitable for a pleasure craft giving excursions on Liberty Lake. It’s also possible they wanted to distance the steamer from the bizarre and unfortunate incident that happened on the Klondike in 1899. Two parts “believe it or not” and a twist of dark humor, the story was originally reported in the Spokane Chronicle. Sent out by electronic telegraph many newspapers in the United States printed the story as well as papers in Europe and as far away as Australia. The San Francisco Call decided to add fictional narrative to the story turning it into a feature article with captivating headlines and illustrations. Weeks after the original story ran the Spokane Chronicle published an article
stating: “The Chronicle isn't to blame for it. Everybody knows that it is the business of this paper to tell the news first.” However, with that they included the San Francisco Call version. Two years later the Chronicle ran several articles including details about the purchase, relocation and renaming of the vessel. But never once did they mention the name Klondike like the Kootenai Herald, a Bonners Ferry paper, did when reporting the sale. So yes, it is entirely possible that the owners and even the local paper did not want the bizarre and unfortunate incident to follow the boat here. What did follow the Ermine at Liberty Lake was a barge it pulled, capable of holding 500 people. Constructed at the lake in the spring the steamer was launched, the large floating structure was built to accommodate an orchestra and dancing. The boat, with a capacity of over 50 passengers, made regular trips around the lake and carried passengers to all points of interest including The Zephyr, which had been in operation for less than a year. The steamboat and barge could also be chartered and that quickly proved to be a popular
The Splash Spokane outing. To travel in style, groups would hire the Spokane Cab Company’s large picnic and excursion coach. Painted in beautiful and pleasing colors on the outside, the inside was finished in natural ash and upholstered in olive Morocco leather. Pulled by six white horses, the coach was capable of seating 26 passengers. When a chaperoned party of Spokane youth employed the excursion coach on Memorial Day 1901, headed for Liberty Lake, they took advantage of its large built-in commissary. Fully supplied with provisions including the large ice box filled with Buttercup Ice Cream and sherbet packed for them by the Spokane Bakery Company. Groups would head to Liberty Lake for the week, day or just an evening. The MacKenzie sisters, whose parents owned the hotel on the western shore, enjoyed entertaining their friends at the lake. The arrival of the Ermine, which was docked on the resort’s property, was another opportunity for a festive occasion. As paraphrased from the Spokane Chronicle June 28, 1901: When all had arrived, the party went on board the barge and were taken about the lake by the steamer Ermine. Illuminated in the moonlight the barge was decorated with evergreens and red, white and blue bunting. Furnished with sweet music from an orchestra the hours till 12 o’clock passed quickly in dancing. At the hour of midnight large skyrockets were fired from the Hotel MacKenzie, and the barge was taken to the shore. At the hotel a real feast, as those who partook described it, was in readiness for them. After this was finished, music and singing were enjoyed for a time, and then all started for Spokane, where they arrived at an early hour this morning. News of the Ermine was reported in the local papers until 1904. The steamer’s final known act was as a battleship in the Japanese Flotilla in the sham Battle of Port Arthur -- a feature of the legendary Dutch Jake’s Picnic in August of that year. (Google: Liberty Lake Splash August 2014). The transportation business that was once dominated by the steamer was now vied for by a number of gas launches on the lake. What became of the Ermine is unknown to this author, but the vessel probably did not need more press.
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 21
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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 $25.50 per month and business services are $37.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request. CenturyLink participates in a government benefit program (Lifeline) to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. 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 broadband service per household, which can be on either wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be 20 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify. A household is defined for the purposes of the Lifeline program as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program. If you live in a CenturyLink service area, please call 1-800-2441111 or visit centurylink.com/lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.
Hot cars are hazardous
day and the animals were not in danger, Zambryski said. According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature in Spokane that day was 71 degrees. “She just went inside for a minute,” he said.
The Spokane Valley Fire Department helps people every day by putting out fires and responding to medical calls and traffic accidents. But sometimes they also help our furry companions.
Zambryski had the woman sign the usual waiver form in case the firefighters accidentally damaged the car while unlocking it and quickly got inside. “We’ve all gotten pretty good at getting into cars,” he said.
By Nina Culver Splash contributor
Firefighter/paramedic Nick Zambryski was acting captain of his crew out of Station 1 on East Sprague on June 12 when they got a call for help. A woman had gone inside a local business for a minute, leaving her keys in her car along with two dogs. Her golden retriever puppy apparently stepped on the door lock button, locking her out and the dogs in, Zambryski said. It’s not unusual for firefighters to be called to a locked-car rescue, but it usually involves small children. “We go on lockouts pretty frequently,” he said. “Per our protocols, we’re only supposed to get into a car if a child is locked inside, or, in this case, an animal.” In the summer hot cars can be dangerous for anyone locked inside, whether it is a child or an animal. According to the ASPCA, the interior of a car can reach 102 degrees on an 85-degree day after only ten minutes. Cracking the windows is not enough the lower the heat significantly. But It wasn’t hot outside that
In his official report, Zambryski wrote, “The golden retriever puppy was evaluated with numerous hugs and kisses and found to need no further medical assistance.” Zambryski said he can’t remember rescuing a dog before. “I think that was a first for me,” he said. Apparently, none of the firefighters could resist the cute puppy. “We all took turns holding the dog and getting kisses,” he said. “We made comments about how we wished all our calls were for something so cute and furry.” The pet rescue didn’t take much time out of their day. “We were there probably 10 to 15 minutes,” he said. “We got the dog out, got to pet him and pass him around.” Cute puppy jokes aside, Zambryski said that the call was a welcome respite in a job that is often stressful. It’s not often firefighters respond to something that can be considered fun. “It was a feel-good call,” he said. “It was nice.”
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The Splash
SEPTEMBER 2020 • 23
The legend of the goats By Nina Culver Splash contributor
Liberty Lake residents may have noticed the absence of the city’s semifamous herd of weed eating goats this summer. The herd, which usually spends its summer munching through weeds in hard to manage areas of various city parks, has been a victim of budget cuts. The goats are currently spending their days on a small farm owned by Liberty Lake’s Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp. “They’re working from home is what they’re doing,” she said. Earlier this year, as the pandemic gained steam, the city instituted a budget freeze and a hiring freeze. “We’re just focusing on the basics,” Camp said. That meant not hiring the seasonal staff that usually moves the herd of goats every two weeks or so, putting up and tearing down the fence that keeps the goats contained each time. “They’re very labor intensive,” Camp said. “We don’t have the manpower to move the pens.” There’s another reason for the absence of the goats as well. The herd is very popular and usually draws crowds of people who want to see them, pet them and perhaps take a few selfies with them. Such gatherings are currently not recommended by the Spokane County Regional Health District. In a typical summer, the city uses social media to announce where the goats are so people can go visit them. They’re a particular favorite of children and those who are kids at heart. “They’re so popular in Liberty Lake, it encourages congregating,” Camp said. “They’re such a draw. They are a novelty for sure.” The goats have been a staple in
THE
Liberty Lake since 2012, providing a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to do weed control. Camp cares for them in the off season because she has a small farm and experience raising animals. “I am a farm girl,” she said. She often gets asked by other cities and organizations about how the goat weed control program works, including a phone call from the City of Spokane this spring. She’s always happy to provide advice. “Lots of people like to pick my brain on how it works,” she said. Camp said she’s always pleased when she sees someone use goats for weed control. She said the city of Spokane apparently took her advice and has plans to place a herd of goats in areas of Hangman Park this fall as part of a pilot program. The goats’ job will be to eat noxious weeds and to trim vegetation back to reduce the wildfire risk in areas near homes. If the pilot goes well, it could be expanded to Meadowglen Park and Minnehaha Park in 2021. The Liberty Lake goats are typically put in the same areas year after year, including steep and/or hard to mow areas of Rocky Hill Park, Pavillion Park, the city’s golf course and the arboretum. That repetition means that those areas aren’t suffering too much this year even though the goats are gone, Camp said. “They can eventually get ahead of the weeds,” she said. “They have actually done a fantastic job of reducing the noxious weeds in those areas. They have made such a difference. It got us through this year.” Though the 10 goats appear to be content in their pen with their supply of hay, Camp said she thinks they miss their usual summer job. “I think they miss the people,” she said. “I think they miss the attention they get.
LIBERTY LAKE
COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE
They’re like dogs; love the attention.” They also like the variety of terrain and food they get while keeping the city’s parks and other green spaces tidy and weed free. “When they’re in the city they get to move around more,” she said. Not to worry, though. The goats may not be able to get the petting they want right now and may be on a diet with less variety, but they are still getting special treats. And if they don’t think they’re getting enough special treats, they’ve been known to break through their fence and help themselves. “I have a huge garden,” Camp said. “Their favorite thing is sunflowers. They’re not hurting for treats.”
A few weeks ago, city councilman Dan Dunne suggested in a council meeting that the goat herd be brought back for the rest of the summer. “He was supporting unfreezing the hiring freeze to bring seasonal workers back,” Camp said. But nothing ever came of his suggestion and Camp said she doesn’t expect the goats to make an appearance this year. “It’s not a high priority right now,” she said. She’s hoping that the goats will be able to come back to their usual stomping grounds next year for all the weeds and attention they can handle. “There are more weeds around the city than people are used to,” she said. “The goats will feast next year.”
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