January 2021 Splash

THE

JANUARY

LIBERTY LAKE

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COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

Liberty Lake Mayor announces his resignation page 10

NEIGHBOR WITH PASSION FOR THE COMMUNITY PAGE 2

NEW CHIEF AT THE HELM PAGE 9

COMMUNITY LEADERS SHARE NEW YEAR GOALS PAGE 11

2 • JANUARY 2021

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Setting the mark – Saba shines as exemplary neighbor

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Each Friday during the warm weather months, Mark Saba hops in his golf cart and spends three hours wheeling around a unique course.

Instead of hauling irons and drivers across the fairways at Meadowwood or Trailhead, Saba hauls away the garbage he finds scattered around the community.

He winds up the 12-mile route at Pavillion Park where the trash is neatly deposited and recyclables salvaged.

willing to lend a hand, from picking up litter in the city to helping with fundraisers, to being a key lead and support with Winter Glow. Those are just a few of many examples. I am so thankful for all he does and I am honored to know him.”

When residents were needed as part of the interview process for the new police chief, the city once again recruited Saba. All his work on behalf of the city has come with

no recompense.

“I wouldn’t take a dime if they offered it,” Saba says.

A native of Placerville, California – a small rural community between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe – Saba learned a reliable work ethic on the family farm where he cleaned animal stalls and fed chickens, ducks, rabbits and turkeys.

“I loved growing up in Smalltown, USA,” Saba said. “It was safe and friendly, just a great place to grow up.”

At Ponderosa High in Placerville,

“I’m proud of my little town,” Saba says. “This is my little way of showing my pride and cleaning it up for the weekend.”

In 1976, Saba made his wedding vows. He and his wife Karen have been married for 44 years and have two grown sons and four grandchildren with one on the way.

“I got a little emotional when the sign changed,” he said.

A regular at City Council meetings, fellow residents will tell you that Saba makes it a point to stay engaged and available to help.

The city utilized him in wake of the COVID-10 pandemic to spread to word to local businesses about complimentary personal protective equipment and ways to implement outdoor dining.

“Mark’s passion and support for our community is greatly appreciated,” said Liberty Lake Mayor Shane Brickner. “He is always

After graduating in 1972, Saba enrolled at Cosumnes River Junior College located in a suburb of Sacramento. He would go on to attend Sacramento State, playing with the school’s ad-hoc marching band that formed after the administration cut the music budget.

Saba spent most of his professional life in the grocery business, working in a variety of roles. His tenure with Albertson’s included a tenure as a category manager responsible for schematic analysis, the placement of items on shelves and other duties. He helped with the opening of the Liberty Lake Albertson’s in 1996 and admits to a twinge of nostalgia when the site transitioned to a Safeway store a few years ago.

Taking initiative and making a difference are trademarks for Saba who, a few years ago, collected signatures for a petition to post speed limit signs on a road near Liberty Lake Elementary. The city listened and responded with increased safety protocols. Saba also took the lead in setting up a Neighborhood Watch in the area along Malvern Road after a vehicle break-in.

Saba was also a catalyst with the latest Winter Glow project at Orchard Park, serving as vice president of the board and helping to raise the necessary money after two major fundraisers were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Saba excelled in music, playing the saxophone, flute and clarinet. He served as president of his junior and senior classes and relished subjects like political science and government. He also competed in track and wrestling.

Saba’s last job before retiring in 2017 was as a district manager for the Jack Links Beef Jerky company, overseeing five states. He and Karen moved to Liberty Lake in 2003.

Q: You literally go the extra mile – make that miles – to keep this community tidy. How did the idea of a weekly route to retrieve trash begin?

Photo by Craig Howard A resident of Liberty Lake since 2003, Mark Saba spent most of his professional career in the grocery business. The California native has been involved in a variety of civic projects, including Winter Glow and Neighborhood Watch. He also drives a weekly route in his golf cart during the spring and summer, picking up garbage throughout the city.

A: Shortly after I retired, I was driving around town in my golf cart and was surprised at the amount of litter there was. I decided, at that time, that something had to be done. I rigged up my golf cart with a large garbage bag for trash, a crate for recyclables, a grab stick, gloves and a receiver with music. I set up a route of approximately 12 miles that basically covered all the

JANUARY 2021 • 3

The Splash main arterials of the city. I chose Fridays as the day to pick up litter each week, that way our city would be clean for the weekend.

as well as a firm volunteer base, Liberty Lake will continue to prosper as a community-minded city.

Q: A lot of work went into Winter Glow this year under some pretty challenging circumstances.

What did you learn about the spirit of volunteerism in this community that you maybe didn’t realize before?

Q: You’ve had the opportunity to live in various parts of the country. What makes the Inland Northwest special?

A: This is the second year that Liberty Lake has sponsored Winter Glow at Orchard Park. It is a very large undertaking and from the inception last year, there was an overwhelming outpouring of volunteers, to say the least.

Winter Glow has exceeded over 50 volunteers each year, for the initial set-up and we will probably have the same number this year for the tear-down. We also have a small number of volunteers that oversee the daily maintenance. This group ensures that everything is operating correctly from the lights to the music. Winter Glow has become a very popular event for the city of Liberty Lake and we hope to make it a holiday staple for years to come.

Q: How much of your work ethic comes from growing up on a farm in small town?

A: I owe all my work ethic to John and June Saba, my parents. They instilled into their three children that nothing comes free. We were each given an allowance but in order to receive it we had to earn it.

We were given chores that had to be completed each day. We found out how to appreciate the value of a dollar at a very young age. This type of work ethic was something that we were able to pass down to our two sons.

Q: There was a time when Liberty Lake fit into that small town category. Do you think the community will be able to maintain its close-knit and neighborly culture as growth continues?

A: We have lived in Liberty Lake for 17 years and have watched our small city grow and prosper. I believe that a lot of the credit goes to our first mayor, Steve Peterson.

He had a vision and was able to pursue it for the betterment of the community. The current population is approximately 11,000 and should max out at approximately 18,000. I believe, with our current leadership,

A: The Inland Northwest is such an awesome place to call home.

We enjoy being able to experience all four seasons, as well as all the outdoor activities it has to offer.

This is also a great place to raise a family.

Q: When you started the petition to address speeding on Malvern a few years ago, what were your expectations and how do you feel the city responded to the concerns of you and your neighbors?

A: Malvern Road is a main connector between Mission and Boone, near Liberty Lake Elementary School. Parents drive down Malvern Road to drop off their children in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. Our neighborhood began to notice a number of vehicles were exceeding the unposted 25-mile per hour speed limit. In order to try and control this situation, I created a petition and retrieved signatures from affected neighbors, requesting that the city post 25-mile per hour speed limit signs. I presented my proposal to the City Council. Within one day, we had increased patrols of Malvern by the LLPD during peak traffic times.

Within two days there was a portable digital radar speed sign placed on Malvern Road.

Permanent 25-mile per hour signs were placed within 10 days. When it comes to safety our City Council is quick to respond.

Q: Have you ever considered running for City Council or putting your name in the hat for the Planning Commission?

A: No. My wife is planning on retiring within the next few years.

We enjoy traveling and cruising.

Upon her retirement we plan on purchasing and RV and will be doing a great deal of travel. With that said, I do not want to commit to any permanent position, whether it be City Council or a commission. I will continue to volunteer whenever possible, or needed, to help better my community.

See SABA, Page 4

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4 • JANUARY 2021

Liberty Lake SVFD Report – December 2020

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Spokane Valley Fire Department

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 108 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from November 15 – December 15, 2020 Emergency Medical Services 89 Dispatched and cancelled en route 7 Building Alarms 3 Hazardous Materials 3 Motor Vehicle Accidents 3 Service Calls 1 Vehicle Fires 1 Fires 1 The *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake • Calls saw a decrease from 122 last month to 108 this month.

• Emergency Medical Services saw a decrease from 91 calls last month to 89 calls this month.

• Building Alarm saw a decrease from 14 last month to 3 this month • Motor Vehicle Accidents saw a decrease from 5 last month to 3 this month.

Incidents:

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Possible Illegal Burn, November 20 – Spokane Valley Fire was called to a residence for outdoor burning around 6:33 p.m. Upon arrival crews set out to determine the location and type of outdoor fire was occurring.

They found a small fire behind the residence. The fire was attended by the homeowner with a hose present. The fire consisted of small sticks and leaves. The resident had just moved into the area and did not

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know local burn restrictions. VL10 instructed resident to extinguish the fire and provided them with an informational flyer on legal burning.

Smoke Detector Activation, November 26 - Spokane Valley Fire E3 responded around 10:54 a.m. to the report of a smoke detector activation reported by alarm company. Upon arrival, crews found the homeowners in their sauna. The steam had set off the detector. They had already contacted the alarm company. E3 crews finding nothing wrong, returned to service.

Fire Alarm Investigation, December 2 - Spokane Valley Fire responded at 1:42 a.m. to a large medical building in alarm. Level 1. Crews set out to investigate the reason for the fire alarm activation.

No initial observations showed alarm strobes through windows.

VL10 made entry into the building with the knox keys. The fire alarm panel was showing sprinkler riser L-107 on the lower level. VL10 crews walked all 3 floors and saw no signs of smoke, fire, or water flow. VL10 apparatus did a 360 and reported nothing showing from the exterior to include water flow.

Vl10 crew could not make access to any interior rooms due to the keys in the knox box not working. VL10 crew used an under the door tool to make access into the sprinkler riser room and found the wet riser in alarm showing water flow which was not flowing water. VL10 crew aknowledged the alarm and reset the system successfully.

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com.

For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, and YouTube.

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The Splash

SABA

Continued from page 3 Q: As you helped get the city get the word out about PPE supplies to local businesses, what sense did you get about how the Liberty Lake commerce has been impacted by the pandemic?

A: The pandemic has been a challenge for everyone. While I was out promoting the availability of PPE supplies for local business most mentioned that their businesses were doing OK, some small businesses are struggling and others have chosen to remain closed until the state opens up further phases. The support of the city throughout the pandemic has been greatly appreciated by a large number of businesses. Besides the PPE supplies, the city took extra measures to offer barriers, tables, chairs and tents to enable restaurants to increase their capacity with added outdoor seating.

Q: Finally, in your opinion, what does it mean to be a good neighbor?

A: Treating others with the same respect that you would like to receive. I just need to look up and down Malvern Road.

If anyone needs help in our neighborhood, they simply need to ask and it will be done. An example is January of 2020, while I was recuperating from my total knee replacement.

Whenever it snowed, Karen did not have a chance to shovel before neighbors with their snowblowers were out. On the other hand, I usually snow blow the sidewalks and any neighbor who is unable to remove their own and in the summer volunteer to edge lawns for anyone on the block who would like theirs done.

Danielle Palm Attorney Estates & Elders Law 23403 E. Mission Ave #113, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

The Splash

NEWS

Winter Glow copes with second vandalism incident

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Tom Sahlberg has made it a point to check in on the Winter Glow Spectacular display at Orchard Park early each morning, usually between 3:30 and 5.

On the morning of Dec. 29, Sahlberg was making his usual rounds when he noticed something was amiss.

“I saw a few things that were down and picked up some stuff but couldn’t see the scope of it because it was dark,” said the longtime community volunteer.

The “scope” turned out to be the aftermath of the second major vandalism incident at the site since it opened to the public on Nov. 21.

Around a dozen trees were knocked down, extension cords were pulled out and damage was done to reindeer and Santa’s sleigh.

“Disappointment is an understatement,” said Sahlberg, one of close to 50 volunteers to help with Winter Glow this year. “It was heartbreaking. It’s getting to the point where you ask, ‘Do we need to have security?’”

Liberty Lake Police have identified suspects in the case.

Sahlberg, a retired police officer, filed the report. Meanwhile, Phil Robinson, secretary/treasurer of Winter Glow, estimates the latest harm to the exhibit will run around $1,000.

“It’s just a shame that people do this,” Robinson said. “They don’t realize what it means to the community.”

to worry about in recent years,” Robinson said.

Despite the setback, Winter Glow closed out its second season in the River District with a flourish.

Takedown of the features – consisting of over 100,000 lights – began on Jan. 2.

“It’s been remarkable to see the support we’ve received in Liberty Lake,” Robinson said.

While a pair of Winter Glow fundraisers were cancelled due to the pandemic, the community rallied with funding and an army of volunteers. The city of Liberty Lake stepped up with $10,000 toward the cause and approved another $10,000 last month that was originally intended for the Lud Kramer Labor Day Concert at Pavillion Park, another washed out event in 2020.

JANUARY 2021 • 5

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“The support has been a bright spot in a very dark year,” Sahlberg said.

Winter Glow 2021 carried on with precautions like social distancing, face masks and on-site hand sanitizing stations.

Robinson said Winter Glow has secured three shipping containers to store the bulk of the display at Orchard Park in the off-season. Up to this point, the lights and decorations have been hauled in from a West Plains warehouse.

No announcement had been made regarding the suspects nor potential consequences by presstime.

“I would hope that they would come forward and volunteer to help with takedown and setup to understand how much work goes into this,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas.

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Prior to making Liberty Lake its holiday home last year, Winter Glow originally set up shop at two Spokane sites – Riverfront Park and Cowley Park. Robinson said this year is the worst rash of vandalism the display has seen since it premiered in 2014.

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6 • JANUARY 2021

The Splash

Introducing the

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - Nov. 2020 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 395 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 2 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 31 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 1 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 16 Malicious Mischief 3 Argument AssaultBrief DV /Map Simple November 2020/Council Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 13 Parking Violations 3 Suspicious Vehicles 28 DUI, 11/09/2020; Officers received the report of a Reckless Driver travelling

Least Most

on I90 at Liberty Lake. Updates in the call reported the female driver had hit a car in downtown Spokane, travelled east on I90, and was now in the parking lot of the Liberty Lake Safeway vomiting. Officers located the vehicle northbound on N Liberty Lake Rd and stopped the vehicle. Through their investigation, it was determined the female was impaired to the point she should not have been operating a motor vehicle and was arrested for DUI. Traffic Stop, 11/11/2020; Officer stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations. As another LLPD Officer arrived, he advised he recognized the vehicle as a vehicle involved in an Identity Theft Case. Additionally it was discovered the driver provided false information to the investigating Officers onscene. The driver was arrested for Identity Theft 2nd, an outstanding Felony Warrant (Identity Theft),

Driving While License Suspended 3rd, and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer. Because of this investigation the involved male driver is also looking at additional Felony charges of Theft 2nd from the prior case still being investigated.

Assault 2nd, 11/12/2020; Officers responded to the area of I90 and Liberty Lake on the report of a violation of order.

Information received, the complainant was being tailgated by her ex-spouse with a current protection order in place. While Officers were enroute, the female complainant advised her ex had intentionally collided with the vehicle she was in, running the vehicle off the road. Arriving, Officers noticed damage to the vehicle the complainant was a passenger in and additionally spoke with a witness. Through the Officers investigation it was determined this was an intentional attempt to harm the

circles contain the number of incidents in a given area.

complainant. The male was identified but not located at the time of the report.

According to the complainant, the involved male was previously in prison for assaulting her, but was released early due to the current COVID restrictions.

Charges are being forwarded.

Domestic Violence, 11/23/2020; Officers responded to the area of 21900 E Country Vista Dr on the report of Domestic Violence. Attempts were made to contact the involved parties, but they would not answer the door.

After additional information was gathered, to include statements heard by the Officers while they stood outside the residence; the door was breached and Officers gained entry. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the male had obviously assaulted the female and he was subsequently arrested for Assault IV DV.

JANUARY 2021 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout The Community Corner

By Mayor Shane Brickner

City of Liberty Lake As I reflect on 2020, I had extremely high aspirations for a very busy and exciting year. As a city we took off out the gates with a lot of discussion on a vision, strategizing our projects and identifying ways to accomplish these goals. We began discussions about public safety, working to staff our police at a level that they could continue to be proactive vs. reactive. We discussed a continuation of projects like the Trailhead Golf course building needs, library needs, and City Hall needs. These discussions involved identifying how decisions should include needs for growth and city staffing levels and requirements.

We also discussed transparency and expanding upon our continued efforts to make sure our citizens knew what was going on within the community. We had discussions on everything that would need to be done in order to respond to the growth within our city, not just now but for the future growth of our community through road projects,

pedestrian master plans and pushing forward projects like the Harvard Bridge widening and the Henry overpass which the Harvard Bridge expansion will be starting hear in early 2021.

It was full steam ahead and then, Covid!! That ugly five-letter word that has impacted everyone across our community, our state and our nation. While we were hopeful things would go back to normal sooner than later, it continued, and we responded in full force.

We kept the conversations going on these projects and accomplished a ton despite Covid. We had some amazing staff move on to the next stage of their lives and we gained some incredible new staff members who have already shown to be great contributors to the future of our community back-filling positions from multiple departments. We also created some new positions that were desperately needed to help offset staff workloads. We sadly lost some amazing businesses in our community and gained some new ones. We also gained a number of citizens in our community who have already stepped up to help

City hires Damon Simmons as Police Chief

With all of this and the impact of Covid, one thing that shined through all the frustrations and challenges was the people. You see one of the amazing pieces that shine are the selfless acts of the people and along with the city staff that have stepped up in ways that make Liberty Lake so great. Citizens and staff within the city working tirelessly to help out in any way that they could. Citizens who shined in being a part of parades for birthdays to supporting a young man who was in the fight of his life with cancer (who through his actions have inspired so many others). We saw citizens who stepped up in any way that they could to help support our local businesses, to volunteers who helped try to shed a little light during these very difficult times.

The list of miracles I have seen this year in spite of, arguably, the most challenging time we have seen shines bright. The list of miracles I have seen this year are so long I could fill the entire Splash with them.

So, while we may not know in full

what 2021 will bring, one thing we do know is the community of Liberty Lake will shine. We will shine because of the people. The success of our community is not because of one person, or even a few, but is because of the majority.

It is because of the people of Liberty Lake, working together in any and every way they can. I reflect on 2020 and I am so thankful for all of the staff within our city, the City Council for all their efforts, the business owners and citizens alike who make up the beauty within our community. I thank each and every one of you for your support and while we close the chapter on 2020 and open up a new one with 2021, I ask that you all continue to support one another along with our local businesses as they need it more than ever. I can’t express enough my gratitude for each and every one of you over the past 16 years I have worked for this community in one role or another.

I also can’t even remotely begin to express my gratitude for my family and friends who so selflessly supported me during some very difficult times. It was a true honor to serve. Thank you Liberty Lake for everything!!

University. In addition to Master of Science in Administrative Justice and Security and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

He is a recipient of many awards which include Spokane Valley Fire Life Saving Award, Kiwanis International Everyday Hero Award, American Red Cross Humanitarian Award and Spokane County Sheriff Sheriff Star Award.

The city of Liberty Lake is proud to welcome Damon Simmons as its newest police chief.

Chief Simmons served most recently as a sergeant with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

He was with the sheriff’s office since 2003 and, during his tenure, led and managed multiple policing operations including patrol, traffic control, criminal investigation, crime prevention and program leadership.

He started his 20-year career as a police officer for the Great Falls Police Department (Montana) after serving from 1996-1999 with the U.S. Air Force as a security police officer.

His professional career includes leadership

out where they can and tragically we lost some amazing citizens who passed away, big contributors who will never be forgotten.

January 2021

Chief Simmons set himself apart during the interview process with his professional philosophy of positive community engagement which align with the concept of Community Orientated Policing for building trust. training with the FBI, Situational Leadership, Ethical Leadership and Supervisory/Management course work.

Chief Simmons has a PhD in Criminal Justice from Walden

Chief Simmons and his family have lived in the area since 2003.

Originally from Waco, Texas, Chief Simmons enjoys coaching youth sports. He is married to Nikesha Simmons. The couple is proud parents of five children.

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

8 • JANUARY 2021

City Council News and Notes

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• Work has been underway at two of the city’s larger greenspaces with a new irrigation system being installed at Pavillion Park and electrical upgrades taking place at Orchard Park.

• The city has spent $305,000 in federal CARES Act funding this year to address issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have gone toward PPE (personal protective equipment), staff costs, technology, face masks and tables and tents to help local restaurants facilitate outdoor dining.

• The city’s newest police officer, Kelly Jenson, was sworn in remotely at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting. The Astoria, Oregon native previously served with the Portland Police Department, working in the transit division and the K-9 unit.

The Splash

NEWS

• The following city employees received their five-year recognition award at the Dec. 15 council meeting – Trevor Slocum, Nathan Sherman, Ty Edwin Burns, Michael Stockman, Brandon Depaulo, Jandy Humble, Zachary Sherman and Matthew McKay. Delain Miller was recognized with a 10-year award and Jeff Nelson was honored with his 15-year pin.

• Sgt. Darin Morgan was acknowledged by Mayor Shane Brickner for his efforts to keep the community safe over the past year and serve as interim police chief following the retirement of Brian Asmus. “Darin has great leadership skills,” Brickner said. “I can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the department and the community.”

• Danielle Palm has been appointed to the Library Board of Trustees; new Planning Commission members include Mark Ruben, Richard Siler, Tim Olsen, Stephen Ramirez and Marilyn Van Degrift (adjunct). The latest appointees for the Parks and

Arts Commission include Nancy Hill, Tara Cael, Tom Sahlberg, Tom Chamberlain and Noreen Johnson (adjunct).

• Finance Director RJ Stevenson told council a new elected lead needs to be appointed to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Mayor Steve Peterson had previously held the role. Council Members Cris Kaminskas and Hugh Severs have expressed interest in the committee.

• The city has introduced a new app called “TextMyGov” that provides answers to citizens on city-related questions and a way to report issues like potholes or other safety concerns. The app can be accessed by texting “HI” to 509255-7445. All material on the app is taken from the city’s website.

• At the Dec. 15 council meeting, Library Director Jocelyn Redel thanked outgoing Library Board of Trustee Tom Pauley for his service.

“We truly appreciated having Tom on the board,” Redel said. “His perspective and his commitment to the library and the community have been invaluable.” Pauley will be

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devoting more time as a volunteer with VFW. • Council approved the 2021 municipal budget on Dec. 15.

The financial blueprint includes $1.26 million toward the public works yard. Council is moving $360,000 from 2022 to this year and $300,000 from 2023 to 2021 as part of the expenditure. The city is allotting $136,881 this year to cover new flashing beacons this year at various pedestrian crossings. The Rocky Hill shade structure and the sound system at Orchard Park – with a price tag of $20,000 each – were also approved by council for funding in 2021. “We’re in a good position financially,” said Brickner of the latest city budget.

• The city is looking to add a project manager/engineer to address inspection work as well as capital projects and development services.

• Council approved an expenditure of $7,500 at the Dec. 1 meeting to renew a lobbying contract. The service is shared between the city, Central Valley School District and Spokane Valley Fire Department, ensuring representation in Olympia.

• Council accepted a donation of $88,000 from Kevin Rudeen of Rudeen Development for an emergency generator at the police department. “I just want to say thank you to Kevin Rudeen for this very generous donation to support this project specifically,” said Brickner.

• A potential dog park ranked among the five lowest parks and facilities projects by council members and did not make the 2021 budget cut. On Dec, 1, Council Member Dan Dunne pointed out the dog park concept has garnered public support, including the collection of signatures from residents that was presented at a prior council meeting. “I just want to recognize a dog park is consistently called for in every public outreach that we do,” Dunne said. To which, Planning and Engineering Director Lisa Key responded, “One of the reasons we’ve never had the funding is council has not taken up the baton. We’ve never had any council direction to pursue that.”

The Splash

NEWS

City announces new police chief

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Damon Simmons joined an exclusive club last month – a fellowship that has included only one name for two decades.

Brian Asmus occupied the role of Liberty Lake police chief from the year of city incorporation in 2001 until late 2020 before stepping down to accept the job of director of School Safety and Security with the Central Valley School District.

Simmons was unanimously confirmed as the second police chief in the city’s history at the Dec. 15 council meeting and sworn in remotely by City Clerk Ann Swenson.

“Damon is very well-known in the Liberty Lake community,” said Mayor Shane Brickner. “His parents lived here and his mom still lives here.

Damon coached Pop Warner football, teaching kids throughout that process.

He taught kids to be good, responsible individuals within the community as good coaches do.”

Simmons comes to Liberty Lake from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office where he served as a sergeant.

He tenure in Spokane began in 2003 and featured a variety of responsibilities, including criminal investigation, crime prevention, patrol, traffic control and program leadership.

“I am very excited to join this team and the Liberty Lake community again,” Simmons said. “What a blessing. There were so many qualified individuals who applied for this position. I can’t even express in words how I’ve felt throughout this process.

God is good. I am just ecstatic and ready to get started.”

Simmons has spent two decades in law enforcement, beginning with the Great Falls (Montana) Police Department. He previously served in the Air Force. Simmons has a PhD in Criminal Justice from Walden University, a Master of Science in Administrative Justice and Security and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

“I know through our conversations, Damon has a lot of great ideas he brings to the table,” Brickner said. “He’s going to have a great, collaborative working relationship with Sgt. (Darin) Morgan, Sgt. (Jeff) Jones and the rest of their team. I’m just really excited for

the entire department.”

Simmons has been recognized with numerous honors, including a Lifesaving Award from the Spokane Valley Fire Department, Everyday Hero from Kiwanis International, the Sheriff’s Star Award from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Humanitarian Award from the American Red Cross.

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“I’m a talker,” Simmons said. “I’ll be out in the community.”

Workshop on term limits City Council continued the discussion on term limits for elected officials in a Dec. 1 workshop. The subject was introduced in a previous meeting by Council Member Annie Kurtz.

“I brought it up because I heard about it from constituents during the election process last year,” said Kurtz.

City Administrator Katy Allen told council that a survey of jurisdictions in Eastern Washington revealed “no cities that had term limits.” Around 15 cities were contacted.

Kurtz said having term limits encourage new council prospects to step up and apply and can serve as a motivator for standing council members to address work within their tenure “instead of prolonging those things.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy said he appreciated the discussion and recommended the topic “would be good to get citizen comments on.”

Dunne said the idea “has merit” and would likely lead to increased diversity in leadership “that would enable change.”

A mechanism would be in place to nullify term limits for a council member who is unchallenged on the ballot. Meanwhile, Council Member Cris Kaminskas expressed concern about last-minute candidates.

“If nobody runs and then someone throws their hat into the ring at the last minute and really isn’t interested or qualified and the rest of the council is stuck with someone who isn’t really committed,” Kaminskas said. “My fear is that we’re going to have someone in there because no one else ran.”

Council Member Odin Langford said term limits “are already in place, we just call it ‘elections.’”

The next election will feature races for four council seats while the 2022 ballot will include the remaining three positions.

See CITY COUNCIL, Page 13

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COVER STORY

10 • JANUARY 2021

Brickner resigns as mayor citing health concern

oversaw departments and served as the public face of Liberty Lake.

Members of the City Council expressed support for Brickner and his decision.

“We want Shane around as Shane, period,” said Council Member Cris Kaminskas. “Whether that’s as mayor or not.”

City Administrator Katy Allen commended Bricker for his efforts over the past year.

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

“Shane brought the kind of leadership that united city staff, council and the community,” she said.

Shane Brickner knew that he would save a small fortune on Kleenex by writing a letter of resignation instead of making a speech.

Allen said she and other city officials have reached out to the Municipal Research and Services Center – Washington state’s resource hub for cities and towns – to determine the next steps in replacing Brickner. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy will fill in for certain official duties in the interim, such as signing contracts, representing Liberty Lake at functions and conducting council meetings.

The third mayor in the history of Liberty Lake announced on Dec. 30 he would be stepping away from his office due to a health concern.

A message addressed to “Citizens of Liberty Lake” spelled out the decision.

“As most of you know if I care about something enough, such as a topic like this, the tears will fly and, well let’s face it, I am an ugly crier,” Brickner wrote.

A member of the City Council since 2012, Brickner defeated incumbent Steve Peterson in the November 2019 general election to become mayor. His tenure over the past year has included unrivaled challenges headlined by the COVID-19 crisis and culminating with the retirement and replacement of longtime Police Chief Brian

The Splash

File photo Mayor Shane Brickner has been devoted to public service for the City of Liberty Lake. Whether it was volunteer police officer, council member, or his current role of Mayor.

Asmus.

In his letter, Brickner told of concerns involving his heart that caused him to re-evaluate his current schedule and obligations – issues that, in Brickner’s words,

“my provider said I can no longer ignore.”

“People would tell me all the time that I was burning both sides of the candle and some day it would catch up to me,” Brickner wrote. “I never expected it to catch up to me the way that it has.”

When he took office last January, Brickner resigned as a volunteer officer with the Liberty Lake Police Department, a role he held for years. He also works as a national sales manager for Cordant Health Solutions, a lab testing company.

Brickner said prioritizing family figured prominently in his change of paths. Brickner and his wife Jamie have three kids and a grandchild.

“As I reflect on my life, I think about missing my grandson growing up or walking my girls down the aisle which I need to be around for,” Brickner said. “There are two things in life that were very difficult for me to stop doing. One of those was stopping police work and the other is this.”

Photo by Danica Wick Shane Brickner passes out stickers during Barefoot in the park.

In Liberty Lake’s “strong mayor” form of government, Brickner organized the first draft of the city’s 2021 budget, was in charge of hiring and firing municipal employees,

Allen said there appear to be three options in selecting a new mayor, including the City Council appointing one of its members; a resident being appointed to fill the role or the Spokane County Board of Commissioners stepping in to make a selection if the city does not take action within 90 days of Brickner’s resignation. A council workshop on Jan. 5 will focus on a strategy moving forward.

Also up in the air is the span of the next mayor’s time in office.

Brickner had three years left on his term. Allen said it’s not yet known whether the new mayor would fulfill that obligation or be required to run in this fall’s general election.

The possibility of a special election has also been raised.

“There are a lot of questions to be asked but we’re working to get the answers to those questions,” Allen said.

Kennedy, who plans to throw his hat into the ring for mayor, said the city needs to move quickly in handing off the gavel.

“We don’t want to drag this along,” Kennedy said. “What we need is a mayor to come in and not be disruptive. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. I think the three criteria for this position are pretty clear – a good candidate needs to have the interest, qualifications and time to do this.”

JANUARY 2021 • 11

The Splash

Year of the Pivot – Locals weigh in on 2020, anticipate Liberty Lake is good at New Year that. When residents saw the

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

G.K. Chesterton, the English writer and philosopher, once defined hope as “the power to be cheerful in conditions we know to be desperate.”

Chesterton was 43 when the Spanish Flu swept across the globe in 1918, infecting 500 million people. He survived the pandemic and lived to be 62. Many others were not as fortunate.

On Feb. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization dubbed the latest worldwide virus something far less colloquial.

COVID-19 became part of everyone’s vocabulary on every continent. Face masks and hand sanitizer flew off the shelves.

Bleach wipes and paper towels turned into rare commodities.

In Liberty Lake, government meetings shifted to Zoom. Schools closed.

Businesses suffered.

Social distancing protocols were learned and practiced. In spite of it all, neighbors rallied to help each other, smiling beneath the masks as they dropped off food, mowed lawns, made phone calls and sewed face masks.

Just last month, a single mom brand new to Liberty Lake was helped with a simple request – a Christmas tree. When Jean Simpson at the Yoke’s on Liberty Lake Road found out, an army of supporters mobilized to turn the family’s holiday into a celebration of abundance.

“It was amazing to see the community rally to help this mom,” said Mayor Shane Brickner. “It ended up being way more than she asked for.

To me, something like that really captures the story of our community. Liberty Lake is about stepping up and giving back, period.”

Shane Brickner –

of Liberty Lake

Mayor

importance of establishing a trail system in the 1990s, they taxed themselves to make it happen.

When a need was identified for a community greenspace, the Schneidmillers and Jim Frank led the charge to build Pavillion Park and were joined by so many volunteers, people stopped counting.

Devon Thomas will tell how Liberty Lake looks after its own.

When his son – Central Valley High football standout Brandon Thomas – was diagnosed with cancer right around the time the virus broke out, Devon and his wife Melanie witnessed an outpouring of support that eclipsed any homefield advantage they had ever seen.

A parade outside the Thomas home was organized, meals were brought and notes of encouragement sent.

I am excited for all good things to come! My goal is to stay positive and strong. I plan to finish my memoir for my seven grandchildren entitled “Granny Goes Global.” My goal is for my grandkids to realize the importance of being a global citizen.

We are all in this together!

Mike Kennedy –

pro tem of Liberty Lake

Like Brandon, we will all play again, gather again and celebrate once more. A New Year brings hope and, as Chesterton reminds us, that is a power within us all.

As 2021 dawned, the Splash reached out to a variety of Liberty Lake residents to ask two questions: What did you learn from 2020 and what are your goals/resolutions for 2021? The results speak to the resilience, strength and character of an extraordinary community.

mayor

What I learned and what I want to do are one in the same and fairly simple. Be in the moment. I have for as long as I can remember always been burning the candle at both ends and this year, more recently has someone forced me to take the time with friends and family because we don’t know when it is our time to leave this earth.

Ryan Butner – Central Valley High School head football coach I’ve learned in 2020 to be persistent no matter what things are unexpectedly thrown at us we must not lose the ability to be persistent in our daily lives. How we weather the times will set examples for our family and others to follow.

“The Liberty Lake community has been phenomenal,” Devon said.

Meanwhile, Brandon has stood up to cancer in a way that has put the struggles with COVID-19 in perspective.

Despite having his right foot amputated, the CV junior has forged on, unwaveringly focused on his dream of playing football again. Since July, the All Greater Spokane League linebacker has been cancer-free.

I learned that I am not alone. As I heard from friends from around the world, we truly had the same concerns. We are all world citizens.

I learned I am resilient and proud of my children for the challenges they faced with work and teaching.

Goals or resolution? Not only to focus on our daily needs but to realize other people are dealing with the same challenges in their lives.

What can each of us do daily to have a positive impact on someone else’s live that day.

What I learned in 2020: I learned that being able to adapt was a necessity and a goal I have for 2021 is to be remember that the little things are actually the big things in life.

Annie Tichy –

community volunteer

Dave Himebaugh – board member Friends of Pavillion Park, Parks and Arts commissioner

educator,

The one thing I learned in 2020 is not expecting anything; appreciate See RESOLUTIONS, Page 20

12 • JANUARY 2021

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Liberty Lake Lions Get Creative in 2020

By Ben Wick

Splash Publisher

Liberty Lake Lions Club’s first Christmas Stocking Raffle met with large success. While the initial raffle promoted the chance to win a large Christmas stocking filled with prizes valued at $400, in the end so many donations came in from local businesses and Lions Club members it was more like an instant whole family Christmas extravaganza filled with donated toys, stuffed animals, Christmas decor, gift certificates, and food items totaling over $800 in value.

The Liberty Lake Lions Club while currently only twelve members strong quietly celebrated its 10th anniversary as a club this last March and like many service clubs and community organizations has been challenged by the COVID restrictions but didn’t want that to slow them down.

According to Alene Lindstrand the Clubs Secretary and Membership Chair “We had traditionally met the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Barlows, but with the restrictions on restaurants Barlows hasn’t reopened, so we have moved to Fieldhouse Pizza and now via Zoom.”

The Lions Club which traditionally hosted a bed races fundraiser in conjunction with the Valleyfest Parade but despite the restrictions preventing them from doing that they pivoted to a fundraiser that they could accomplish and came up with the idea of doing a Christmas Stocking Raffle.

Proceeds from the raffle supported many worthy causes, especially Camp Stix [a youth camp focused on helping kids with diabetes], Leader Dogs, and their annual Thanksgiving / Christmas family sponsorship. “In our ten short years as a club, we have contributed to a different family every year all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving dinner as well as gift

items and food for Christmas for the chosen family. It is something we all look forward to because that is what Lions do, We Serve” Said Lindstrand.

The Lions have also been instrumental in partnering with the City of Liberty Lake in establishing the Sensory Garden next to City Hall. “While our plans were to add ‘Taste’ to the garden this year, COVID has messed with our plans but we will have on our list for 2021” added Lindstrand. The

PUZZLES

With over 400 tickets sold the first Lions Club Christmas Stocking raffle came to an end on December 16th with Mayor Shane Brickner drawing the winning raffle ticket.

Congratulations former Spokane Valley Mayor Rod Higgins on having the winning ticket. Lindstrand conveyed “We offer him our congratulations for helping us with our huge Christmas stocking raffle along with everyone who purchased tickets for our fundraiser.”

The Lions Club is always open for anyone interested in getting involved and while they hope to get back to meeting in person they are currently meeting via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at noon and 5:30pm respectively for an hour. For more information feel free to contact Alene Lindstrand at collie_mamma@msn. com or 509-869-7657

Contributed photo Items pictured below were donated to the Liberty Lake Lions Club to be raffled as their fundraiser for 2020.

JANUARY 2021 • 13

The Splash

CITY COUNCIL

Continued from page 9 Council Member Phil Folyer said he is “a strong advocate for term limits on the state and federal level because they are not making a career out of it.”

“I’m not looking to make a career out of this,” Folyer said.

“When you’re running unopposed there’s no incentive to go out and deal with the public,” Kennedy said. “I think we’ve moved past that.”

The November 2019 general election featured contested races for all four open council positions as well as mayor.

“We’re growing as a community and more and more people are willing to step up,” said Brickner who noted that recent interest in the Planning Commission, Parks and Arts Commission and Library Board was “the highest I’ve ever seen.”

As a way to weigh public opinion on term limits, Langford proposed distributing pamphlets that would include an informal survey. Another idea, he said, would be to place the option on the general election ballot as a referendum. There are also special elections slated for February and April.

“Let’s see what the people think,” Langford said. “As a council let’s be ready to move on this if we’re going to put it out there.”

Kurtz suggested outreach efforts that would incorporate electronic media like the city’s website, email and social media. The Splash and flyers in water bills were also mentioned as avenues for resident input.

“We need to approach this from a variety of angles,” Brickner said.

Kurtz supports a two-term limit or an eight-year ceiling for elected officials. Implementing such a policy would affect four of the longest standing council members – Kaminskas, Langford, Dunne and Hugh Severs.

Allen said a decision on term limits could be made by the sitting council without requiring a public vote.

Langford said such a scenario might create an issue.

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“If we vote this in by (council) it can be voted out by the next sitting people,” he said. “If it comes through a referendum, it can be tougher to change.”

There was a consensus around the dais to put the topic on upcoming council agendas to begin generating public feedback.

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

You could say that Russell Legg has hit his stride as a Running Start student. The senior at Central Valley High School is two quarters away from earning his Associate of Arts degree from Spokane Community College while maintaining a 3.89 grade point average. He has also been part of the National Honor Society.

At CV, Legg lettered in football as an offensive lineman and track where he competed in the shotput, discus and javelin. For his Eagle Scout project, Legg coordinated a book drive that resulted in around 2,000 books for a local school. Through his youth group with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Legg has served as a volunteer with Blessings Under the Bridge, a nonprofit that provides food, resources and encouragement to residents who are homeless. He would like to pursue a career in medicine.

As a junior, MJ Bruno was a catalyst in the Central Valley girls’ basketball team securing the Greater Spokane League title and 4A state championship. She contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds in the state final against previously undefeated Woodinville and was named to the all tournament team. The Liberty Lake resident also earned first team All GSL and Seattle Times All State honors.

For the season, Bruno averaged 12 points and seven rebounds a game.

Yet when asked about individual numbers, the senior is quick to put the team first. “I don’t really care as long as we win,” she said. In the classroom, Bruno maintains a 3.93 grade point average. She also has volunteered at Valley Real Life Church, distributing food and essential supplies to residents in need. Bruno will attend the University of Portland on a basketball scholarship.

Liberty Lake is safer thanks to Sue Chapin. The Spokane native spent 32 years in law enforcement with the King County Sheriff’s Office as a police dispatcher and 911 supervisor before retiring in 2013. She has been a volunteer locally with SCOPE (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort) for the past four years, earning Volunteer of the Year honors for the Liberty Lake branch in 2018. She participates in the SIRT (Sheriff’s Incident Response Team), helping with traffic control and is a lead in the school patrol program at Liberty Lake Elementary and Liberty Creek Elementary. “Sue is superdedicated,” said SCOPE Director Rick Scott. “She’s a great example of what we’re trying to do – enhance community safety and free up law enforcement.”

Chapin has a degree in criminal justice from Washington State University.

She is the proud mom of three grown children.

THE

LIBERTY LAKE

COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

&

Thanks you for all you do in our community

16 • JANUARY 2021

Fairness in the Courtroom?

By Aimee Maurer

In life there are few places you will visit in which your desire for fairness is more sincere than when you open the heavy, oak doors, to a courtroom. As much as we expect the aroma of roasted, coffee beans, to seep from the walls of our local café, so too society expects fairness when they open the doors to the halls of justice.

Our Country’s legal foundation is premised upon the concept of due process. A somewhat esoteric concept, which essentially means “fairness of process.” However, as a judge, the question I kept asking was why we encounter so many unhappy litigants if we are truly doling out fairness in the courtroom.

It is important to understand it is not uncommon for parties to leave the courtroom as unhappy as when they first entered. For most, the threshold of the courtroom is breached with the same trepidation experienced when committing the act which summoned them there. Any cloak of comfort is generally disrobed by the guards at the security checkpoint. From the austere décor, to the eternally stressed lawyers working tirelessly to address the demands of a neverending line of litigants. It all adds to the feeling of the courtroom as intimidating and frightening. And the outcomes? Righteous litigants lose money, the innocent can lose their liberty, some, though guilty, walk free.

How can a courtroom be a place of fairness given the apprehension many feel standing in the corridors presumed to be overseen by Lady Justice? There is only one other place where one can expect and anticipate fairness, yet may tremble with fear for what is to come.

Fortunately, this article is not about church.

According to Webster, fairness is the “state of being impartial or the lack of favoritism toward one over another.” A simple definition and one which reasonable people are not prone to disagree. However,

The Splash when I speak with people unhappy with the outcome of a court hearing, I often hear complaints about how the result was “not fair.” When questioned further, what I most commonly hear is unhappiness with the final decision. The problem with this outlook is predicated on the concept that an outcome must be fair for the entire system to be fair.

Oliver, my 12-year-old son, thinks fairness is having the same bedtime as his 20-year-old brother.

Oliver does not believe it is fair that his bedtime is 9:00 p.m., when Liam gets to stay up much later.

The goal of his present argument is getting a later bedtime. The fallacy in Oliver’s concept of fairness rests in his unhappiness with the result.

To him, it would only be fair if his bedtime were the same as Liam.

However, fairness comes with the process of deciding the appropriate bedtimes as our children grew older; each child received the same process.

Fairness is a crucial part of the foundation of our legal system.

However, fairness has little to do with the result. Too often we confuse fairness with outcomes. Results are not meant to be fair. In fact, the legal system is ill equipped to bring about fairness in all decisions. If a defendant is convicted for theft of your car, there is no punishment that can be administered which results in you being treated fairly.

Your car was already stolen. The defendant can serve no jail time, or years in jail; the impact to you remains the same. You do not have your car. Where fairness is crucial is in the process of the legal system.

Both sides need an opportunity to be heard, to express their concerns, and to argue for the result they desire. Fairness is only reached when each party receives the same deference to their argument and the same application of the law.

Fairness has little to do with the legal outcome.

That is not to say that judges always reach the proper conclusion.

There are legions of appellate lawyers standing by to address the grievances of those stricken by errant decisions of trial judges. You might say, to judge is to error, as results are something altogether different than fairness.

The Splash

JANUARY 2021 • 17

18 • JANUARY 2021

The Splash

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CV grad Westerberg-Love led by example, energy

By Craig Howard

and fun.”

Splash Contributing Editor

These days, the pride of Central Valley goes by Emily WesterbergLove, having married her college sweetheart Grayling Love who played football at ASU. The couple are parents to four children and live in Liberty Lake after stops in Seattle and Georgia.

Freddie Rehkow remembers the scene in Tacoma nearly two decades ago. The Central Valley girls’ basketball squad had traveled over the mountains and looked like the practical pick to take home their second 4A trophy in two years.

There was only one problem – star forward Emily Westerberg had rolled her ankle and looked doubtful to suit up for the Bears.

“It was pretty bad,” said Rehkow, an assistant on the 2001-02 squad who later served as CV head coach.

“We weren’t sure if she was going to play.”

Not only did Westerberg play, she paced CV through the bracket.

The junior was integral to the Bears’ third state title in school history as the team wrapped up a 29-0 season with a win over Prairie in the final.

“Emily had such a competitive spirit,” Rehkow said. “She was a great leader and put so much time in on her game. She just has this generous enthusiasm. She’s a great basketball player and a great person.”

By the time she graduated in 2003, Westerberg had contributed to an 83-4 record over three seasons.

She was named Gatorade State Player of the Year twice and finished as CV’s all-time leading scorer with 1,460 points.

Current CV head coach Felice (Moore) Orrell was a year ahead of Westerberg and a teammate on the state title teams in 2001 and 2002.

She credits Westerberg with setting a lofty standard for herself and others.

“Emily brought another dynamic to our team,” Orrell said. “She could score, get rebounds, see the floor, make great passes. She really pushed me to find a new level to my game. Her work ethic is something I remember. She brought such energy

“We’re glad to be back in the Northwest,” said WesterbergLove. “It’s gorgeous here with the mountains and the crisp air. I love the crisp air.”

After high school, the CV standout grew accustomed to desert air. Arizona State won the recruiting battle, signing Westerberg and her best friend and Spokane Stars’ teammate Aubree Johnson of Post Falls to scholarships.

her faith. She participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in college and never missed a pre-game prayer with her mother Yolanda in her four-year career.

coach their kids’ teams, something that her dad Nick – a former defensive football captain at Oregon State – took pride in as Emily and her sister were growing up.

“Her faith has been a big part of her life,” Orrell said. “She has such a positive attitude.”

“My dad was a great motivator,” Westerberg-Love said. “When I started playing basketball in the third grade, I was timid, nervous and scared. I was also skinny and uncoordinated. My first basket I scored for the opposing team. My dad encouraged me to keep playing and eventually sports helped me find an outlet and platform for that competitive spirit.”

Westerberg-Love said the approach represents “hope in the darkness.”

“Faith is ‘my why,’” she said.

“Jesus is the foundation of my life.

Faith is what carried me though significant loss but it’s also what allowed me to see my worth as more than just an athlete. Now, as a mom, wife, friend and life coach, my daily aim is to love like Him.” Pursuing her master’s in sports psychology or psychology is the latest ambition for WesterbergLove who provides life coaching to individuals, married couples and companies. She and Grayling help

By the time she arrived at Central Valley in 2000, the future state Player of the Year was ready to contribute significantly to an already elite program.

“You knew you were headed toward something special there,” Westerberg-Love said. “I was proud to be part of something great.”

In her freshman season, Westerberg was first off the bench.

A game against Stanford that year would be a preview of a career that would include three All Pac10 selections and third team All American honors as a senior. Down 20 at halftime, ASU came back to defeat the top-ranked Cardinal, led

by Westerberg’s five 3-pointers.

Westerberg was a part of a Sweet 16 NCAA run as a junior, then made school history with her teammates the following campaign when ASU finished with 31 wins and advanced to the Elite Eight. Westerberg averaged 13 points and five rebounds that season while leading the Pac-10 in free throw percentage at 87 percent. Westerberg declined a chance to play in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury. Her degree in elementary education in hand, she decided to move on.

“I’d given my heart and soul to the sport for years but at that point I was really looking forward to the next chapter in my life,” WesterbergLove said.

Friends like Orrell say that Westerberg-Love’s storyline has been profoundly influenced by

Photo courtesy of Arizona State University Athletics Central Valley graduate Emily Westerberg-Love led Arizona State University to an Elite Eight appearance in the 2007 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

She was named to the All Pac-10 team three times and graduated as ASU’s sixth leading all-time scorer with 1,340 points.

The Splash

Liberty Lake Development

By Nina Culver

Splash Contributor

Ground is expected to be broken this spring on a new development combining a restaurant, dentist office and additional retail or office space on a vacant lot at Country Vista Drive and Whitman Lane in Liberty Lake.

The project is being developed

by Legacy Group Development, a Spokane Valley-based company that includes partners Jared Silvey, his father Mike Silvey, Jamie Wolff, Scott Hislop and other investment partners.

The contractor on the new project is Silvey Construction, which is owned

by Jared and Mike Silvey.

Jared Silvey said that his development group was attracted to Liberty Lake because it’s growing and is set for important road improvement projects in the coming years, including the extension of Henry Road over Interstate 90 to create another key north-south connection over the freeway. That new connection, when built, will be located just down the road from the vacant lot that will house the Legacy Group’s new development.

The site itself is in the commercial core of the city and was attractive for that reason, Silvey said. “We really liked that piece,” he said. “It was kind of the last big piece in the main commercial area of Liberty Lake.

That’s part of the reason we moved forward with the project.”

The vacant lot is about three acres in size. The project is planned to be developed in two or three phases with an estimated total cost of $8 million.

The first phase will be a 5,357 square foot building partially occupied by Palenque, a Mexican restaurant that is currently at the Trailhead Golf Course down the road. There will be about 2,100 square feet available in the building for another tenant, Silvey said.

The first phase will also include a 6,806 square foot office building that will house a Children’s Choice dental office, which already has two locations in the area. “This will be a new location for them,” Silvey said.

The permits for the first phase are being reviewed by the City of Liberty Lake and Silvey said he expects to be able to break ground in the spring.

Construction is expected to take between nine and 12 months. The first phase is projected to cost $4.5 million.

The final phase of the project will be either a 14,000 square foot building or two 6-7,000 square foot buildings on the north end of the property that could be office or retail space, Silvey

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said. The development timing will depend on the market. “The third building we don’t have tenants for yet,” he said. “We’ll build that one when we got a tenant or we decide to build it.”

In January 2020 the city hired a consultant to present options on upgrading Trailhead Golf Course, including the small clubhouse that houses a pro shop and Palenque. The clubhouse is in need of repairs and the public gave input on changes they would like to see happen. That upgrade has largely been on hold during the pandemic, said Director of Planning and Engineering Lisa Key, though the city council is eager to bring it back to the table in 2021.

“We just don’t know what option they will choose,” she said. “They haven’t made a decision yet. It’s a point of great consternation for our council.”

The stalled discussion on what the future will hold for the Trailhead Golf Course building has created uncertainty for Palenque. “The restaurant has been on a month-tomonth lease while that is figured out,” Key said.

When the Legacy Group identified the land at Country Vista and Whitman as the site of their next project, they spread the word about their plans. A representative from Palenque reached out to inquire about a new location, Silvey said.

“We had let the real estate community know we were having a project,” he said.

While this is the first project Legacy Group has done in Liberty Lake, the group has extensive experience in Spokane. “We’ve been working together for over 10 years now,” Silvey said. “We've done a number of projects all over Spokane and in Pullman.”

Silvey Construction started in 1972 as a custom home builder. While they still do a small number of custom homes each year, the company now specializes in medical and dental offices, Silvey said. “Dental and medical have been our niche,” he said.

“We’ve done over 100 dental projects in the area. This is just a similar project to what we like to do.”

The group’s work includes the Nevada Professional Building at 9911 N. Nevada and the 29th Avenue Professional Building at 2020 E. 29th Ave. The Legacy Group is looking at other possible development sites in Liberty Lake, Silvey said. “The growth out there is fantastic,” Silvey said of Liberty Lake. “There’s obviously a lot of land available in Liberty Lake. We would love to do more. We’re always looking for good projects.”

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RESOLUTIONS

Continued from page 11 everything since we never know what’s happening next. While 2020 has been challenging on all levels there is still much to be thankful for.

My goals for 2021 are to travel again and also to meet with clients face-to-face again.

Katy Allen –

city administrator

Liberty Lake

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With the many challenges and constant changes, I learned to be flexible and adaptive as new information evolved. Most importantly though, I learned a renewed sense of appreciation for our City Council, city staff, my family, friends and neighbors.

“Liberty Lake Together” became a reality!

My goal for 2021 is to be more mindful in expressing my feelings of hope and compassion. When life gets hectic and demands just keep rolling in – my goal is to be more aware of others circumstances, maintain a balanced and nonjudgemental perspective and work hard to be more supportive and instrumental in spreading goodwill.

Ron Bauer –

Police chaplain

Liberty Lake

JANUARY 2021 • 23

The Splash 2020 certainly provided a multitude of situations, circumstances and challenges that none of us could have ever predicted, expected or welcomed. At the top of the list of what I learned in 2020 is the value of relationships. First, my relationship with God has been strengthened as I have learned to trust more fully in Him to provide and care for me, my friends, my loved ones and even people I have just gotten to know. Second, I learned that people are significantly more important than anything else in my life. Life is not all about me but about those God has placed in my life.

Two of the goals that I have for 2021 coincide with the lessons learned in 2020. First, I’m determined to nurture my relationship with my Heavenly Father, God through intentionally spending more quality time in prayer and study of His word. Second, I want to pursue the same goal with the people in my life.

I desire to spend more quality time with family and friends, learning more about them and how to support, encourage and love them through the inevitable challenges that will confront all of us in 2021.

Annie Kurtz – Liberty Lake

City Council member

and to enjoy and support our local businesses. We are Liberty Lake Together.

Shaun Brown –

Itron senior project manager, co-founder of The Splash

The joy of getting my hands dirty. Sheltering in place gave us time to build a fence so the deer, turkeys and elk no longer decimate our garden. Working from home allowed me to get outside daily and rediscover the joy of gardening digging in the dirt, savoring sunripe strawberries or chomping fresh picked cucumbers.

A 2021 goal is to find a way to make the lettuce grow all summer so I have garden-picked lettuce when the tomatoes ripen.

Steve Peterson –

Mayor of Liberty Lake

During the pandemic, I have been awestruck by the generosity, ingenuity and kindness of our community members. As a parent, I have witnessed tremendous care, pride and determination from our teachers and school staff as they adapt to teaching our children this year. In addition, we have city staff who have been diligent in their efforts to find creative and meaningful ways to use funding to support our amazing local businesses and to support safety for our citizens.

One goal for 2021 – To continue to have a sense of humor, to find the positives amidst the changes

former

Lesson learned of 2020 – Connect with those in your life. I did it by writing letters to friends and family. Celebrating things that were important to them. A written letter of congrats or sharing an experience was important in 2020.

Continue to write more letters to family, friends and business associates! Restructure and build on

our real estate business! Travel and use up our frequent flyer miles!

Dg Garcia –

community volunteer

artist, writer,

I have never made a New Year resolution – letting down oneself is the ultimate disappointment; however, I want to share these sentiments as I near the end of 2020 in the hopes of a better 2021. If we dare to choose, we may change the legacy we leave our children, as I believe the sentiments may indeed be universal. So, I'll mix my thoughts with a few words from the lyrics of “Imagine,” released by John Lennon in 1971. Imagine less hunger, unnecessary suffering, loss, pain, sorrow or death. Imagine no judgments or freedoms to exchange.

Imagine after 244 years, people may learn to live in peace. "Some may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one.”

Lisa Key – Liberty Lake director of Planning and Engineering

Lesson learned: For me, the events of 2020 served as a great reminder that I should take nothing for granted…not my health, not the many people that enrich my life (including those that I have not yet met), not my home nor my financial security nor any of the many other blessings that have been bestowed upon me.

Resolution

for

2021:

To

be

mindfully connected, intentionally present and grateful in the moment.

Hugh Severs –

Lake City Council member

Liberty

The greatest lesson I took out of 2020 is that there are known unknowns and unknown unknowns and people react differently to all unknowns. My ability to seek first to understand the actions and reactions of others was severely challenged but the more I accepted the challenge, the more grace I was able to offer and humility I accepted, the more quickly I was able to persevere.

Resolution for 2021: Focus more on other people - persistently check in on them and how they are doing toward their own goals, emotions or challenges. 2020 was isolating. 2021 will be the year to proactively engage others.

Brian Asmus – retired Liberty Lake Police chief, Central Valley School District director of School Safety and Security

The lesson learned from my experiences in 2020 is that to be successful you must be adaptable.

Having the ability to adjust to new and changing circumstances in personal and professional circles is critically important for your health and wellbeing.

My resolution for 2021 is to encourage, mentor and empower others to establish personal and professional goals and to use my experience and influence to help those individuals work toward and reach the goals that they have identified.

24 • JANUARY 2021

The Splash

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