July 2021 Splash

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It’s GoLF Cart Season in Liberty Lake issues and how to be safe, page 10

DOC IS IN AT THE SMILE SOURCE PAGE 2

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2 • JULY 2021

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Integrity with teeth – Faith, family, work define LL dentist

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

For Dr. Tim Casey, the practice of dentistry is more about the blend of art and science than the logistics of molars and crowns.

When he left his hometown of Newport, Washington to attend Franciscan College, a private Catholic school in Steubenville, Ohio, Casey was undecided about his professional future. A variety of careers were on the table including a vocation to the priesthood. He also thought about pursuing medicine but the fact that his dad – a successful dentist who served in the Navy – didn’t need to wear a doctor’s pager, appealed to him.

“I appreciated that my dad was home for dinner,” Casey said.

Interests like philosophy and art also called. Franciscan has the distinction of having more students who major in theology, catechetics (the practice of religious education and formation) and philosophy than any Catholic university in the U.S.

of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska where he studied for four years.

Casey’s mother – who had battled cancer – passed away a year after he graduated from dental school at 28.

Casey’s first foray into professional dentistry came in 2001 after he moved back to the Northwest. He practiced in towns like Priest River and Post Falls as well as Liberty Lake, Casey eventually planted roots at an office on Appleway and Molter in the fall of 2002 as the proprietor of Casey Family Dental.

Three years ago, the practice took on a new moniker – Liberty Lake Smile Source. In 2019, Casey transitioned to a new building on East Country Vista Drive where he practices with Dr. Brian Macall, another Creighton grad. The staff now numbers 15.

“It’s a modern, comfortable building in a good landmark spot,” Casey said of his current professional home that spans twice the square footage of his former office. “I’m proud of the exceptional, cutting edge care we provide our patients here.”

Casey and his wife Gabriela, whom he met when both were students at Franciscan, are proud parents of seven children, ranging in age from 6 to 21. The family lives in the Liberty Lake area and attends St. Patrick’s Parish in Hillyard.

Casey’s legacy of faith includes his great granduncle Solanus Casey, a Catholic priest who passed in 1957 and was known for his care of the sick in the Detroit area. In 2017, Casey attended the beatification of his relative along with a crowd of 60,000 at Ford Field in Detroit. The ceremony moved Father Solanus a step closer to becoming only the second American male to achieve sainthood.

In his free time, Casey can be

“It was a school where I could hear God’s call,” said Casey who grew up Catholic. “It was where I made my faith my own.”

As a sophomore, Casey studied for six months at Franciscan’s sister campus in Austria, nestled in a renovated 14th century Carthusian monastery.

After that, Casey enrolled at the Creighton University School

Q: We hear of “small-town values” molding the characters of those who grow up in these communities. How much impact did being raised in Newport have on the person you are today?

A: I think it is safe to say growing up in the late ‘70s and ‘80s was a different era. I think all towns felt smaller then. With no Internet, color TV, or cable TV (in Newport), people and nature were more interesting. We knew our neighbors. We also knew our parents knew our neighbors were watching us kids. So, In that way I think our parents trusted us to have more freedom – freedom to be kids. I remember frequently in the summers riding my bike a few miles to Owen’s Deli (still have amazing sandwiches to this day) and buying a box of Cocoa Puffs on my mom’s credit slip. We hoped she would not notice it when she paid the bill at the end of the month. My brother and I would eat the entire box while watching “Gilligan’s Island.” Small-town life was great for a kid with limited athletic skills.

I was able to play basketball and pole vault through high school. We skied at 49 Degrees North, hunted, fished and did 100-mile hikes with our Scout troop in the Bob Marshall (Wilderness Complex) in Montana.

Yes, you could say I feel lucky to have a small town to grow up in.

Q: Your dad was a dentist but it sounded like the profession wasn’t something you gravitated to right away. Was it ever a challenge to separate your career aspirations in dentistry with merely walking in your dad’s professional shadow?

“It was a real eye-opener,” Casey recalled.

While he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in philosophy in 1996, Casey eventually narrowed his focus to dentistry, taking the biology and chemistry classes he would need. A year’s worth of organic chemistry followed at Case-Western Reserve University in Cleveland. A stint in Pittsburgh found Casey trying his hand at marketing and sales. He also did some teaching.

found with his wife and kids, camping, hiking, snow skiing, boating or wakeboarding.

Photo by Craig Howard Dr. Tim Casey opened his Liberty Lake dental practice – originally known as Casey Family Dental, now Liberty Lake Smile Source – at Appleway and Molter in the fall of 2002. The native of Newport, Washington now practices out of a new office on East Country Vista Drive.

A: I always loved art and science.

Dentistry is an amazing union of both. There was really no shadow, just a great example of how to be a true father. My mother fought cancer and had a poor prognosis so my father had to sell his practice and began to work as a contractor in the prison systems. Professionally, we never had the opportunity to work together. However, I did not fail to notice my dad did not carry a pager

JULY 2021 • 3

The Splash was home for most dinners and felt present to us kids.

Q: When it came time to pick a college you headed halfway across the country to Ohio and Franciscan University. Why was that a good fit for you at the time?

A: My father, older brother and sister all attended Gonzaga University but I wanted to head out of town. As I left for Franciscan University, I felt it was not a risk because I could always transfer back if I did not like Ohio. I was not sure if God was calling me to become a Catholic priest or to the married life but I thought Franciscan University was a place where I could figure it out. One wife and seven children later, I think it is safe to say I was called to marriage. Luckily, I married an amazing woman willing to move from South Florida to Liberty Lake.

(It was an easy sell after only one trip-she fell in love with it.)

Q: Faith is clearly an important part of your life. How did going away to college test and/or refine your spiritual beliefs and standards?

A: Typically, college is where you make your faith your own, reject it or slowly let it fade away. College is the first taste of independence for most of us and it was very true for me. My sophomore year I studied at a sister campus in Gaming, Austria.

As I took the required theology and philosophy classes, my faith grew stronger and I changed majors from biology to philosophy. I lived, studied history, philosophy and theology in a Carthusian monastery, built in 1330. You could argue I was immersed in history. One night I found myself in the bell tower above the chapel. (I do not quite remember how we got through the locked doors) and could not believe seeing “graffiti” signatures with dates going back hundreds of years.

Q: Along those same lines, how does faith have an influence on both your personal and professional life?

A: It influences my identity and frankly everything. Yes, I am a dentist by day but who am I as a person? I am a husband and father first. I feel lucky to have a great example of what it means to be a father. Yes, it is always a struggle to order my life that way but I really try to make sure my children have a similar childhood to mine. Liberty Lake has that feel. We have an amazing community and friends

that care.

Q: You’ve been practicing for two decades now. Has this career and field been what you hoped it would be?

A: Absolutely. Time moves pretty fast. It is so much fun having grandparents down to greatgrandchildren as part of our dental family bumping into each other in the waiting room and not expecting to see each other. Dentistry is enjoyable, but to be honest I find more it more enjoyable to learn about and become friends with so many unique people. Dr. Macall joined me two years ago. He not only has the same training but has the same philosophy of taking care of patients.

Q: It seems like there are more dentists and orthodontists per capita in Liberty Lake than most cities in the country. Why do you think that is and does the dense nature of the market make it difficult to stand out?

A: Yes, the running joke is that there are dentists/orthodontists and pizza joints on every corner. Maybe we just care more about healthy teeth and eating vast amounts of pizza?

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Q: What were the most significant challenges your practice faced related to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 19 months?

A: The unknown. Everyone’s lives were suddenly upside down.

Dr. Macall had just partnered with me and suddenly Gov. Inslee ordered many businesses to close, all dental offices included. I felt a huge responsibility to Dr. Macall, his family, and all the team members that work for us. We were allowed to see patients only in acute pain.

After we learned more about the virus, I felt more confident knowing we could safely take care of our patients. Dentistry has always had to have a high standard of infection control and our industry made the transition easier. We implemented new protocols and safely reopened.

Q: Finally, what have you enjoyed most about living and working in the Liberty Lake community?

A: I feel like we have something special. My wife and I feel blessed to watch our children grow up in such a great little city. We have an amazing community that cares for each other and is willing to step up and contribute to a better society.

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4 • JULY 2021

Introduction of a Liberty Lake dog park concept

The Splash

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

As the former director of the Spokane County Regional Animal Control Service for decades, Nancy Hill knows a few things about dogs and people who own dogs.

Now retired, she’s drawing on her expertise to suggest that creating an off-leash dog park in Liberty Lake would be a benefit to dogs and their owners alike.

In January Hill was appointed to the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, which advises the City Council about recreation programs, public art and parks.

“I just happened to ask if off leash dog parks had been a topic of discussion,” she said.

Hill said she was told that some community members had done a petition a few years ago asking for a dog park, but nothing was done. “Its been under discussion, but that’s as far as it’s gone,” she said.

When Hill suggested the idea, she was asked to do a little research.

“I was asked to develop it out a little bit and I came up with a proposal,” she said.

She presented that proposal to the City Council in March. “There really wasn’t much discussion,” shes aid. “There was a pretty full agenda.”

Hill said that recent data from the American Veterinary Medicine

Photo by Nina Culver Pictured above is Spokane Valley’s off leash dog park, which was used as an example of what Liberty Lake could add to their community amenities list if something similar was built.

Association estimates that 43 percent of residents in Washington State own a dog. “I bet it’s higher here,” she said. “We have an incredible walking community.”

Hill said she often sees people out walking their dogs, just as she walks her 75-pound Labrador retriever mix rescue dog Zoey. “Liberty Lake does have an amazing trail system and an incredible park system,” she said.

An off leash dog park can be a great way for dogs to run and get extra exercise, she said. “It can be a community gathering place where

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dogs become friends and people do, too,” she said.

As part of her presentation, Hill pointed to Spokane Valley’s offleash dog park as a way to do it right. The city carved out a corner of Valley Mission Park on East Mission Avenue and created a large dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs. The park has a lot of benches and picnic tables, including a shaded area, along with agility features and toys for dogs.

“They actually developed a very, very nice dog park,” she said. “Its’ really a decent size with lots of bells

and whistles.”

Before she retired from SCRAPS, she would sometimes get calls from people considering moving to the area asking about the availability of dog parks, she said. In recent years dog parks have been added to several local communities, Hill said.

“You’re seeing more and more of it,” she said.

Amenities like a dog park are becoming more important to people, not just dogs. “We’ve seen a trend over many years that dogs are family members,” she said. “It’s a great way for dogs to exercise. Some

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JULY 2021 • 5

The Splash dogs like the social aspect. It can really enhance a community.”

It’s also important to consider that not all dogs do well in a dog park. Dogs that are anxious, scared or not properly socialized should stay at home. Other dogs may just need an introduction to the concept.

“Every dog is different,” she said.

“It’s just like any new situation. You have to get your dog used to it.”

During her career she’s heard a lot of arguments against offleash dog parks, including people worried about issues with dog feces or barking dogs. Hill said neither of those should be a problem.

“Most dog owners who take their dogs to an off-leash dog park are the responsible dog owners,” she said.

“They’re going to clean up after their dogs.”

Dog parks are usually only open during daylight hours.

“Dogs generally bark when they’re bored,” Hill said. “I’ve never met a bored dog at a dog park. They’re running around with their tongue hanging out looking for their next adventure.”

She recommends that any dog

park should be fenced with a double gated entry. Large and small dogs should be kept separate. There should also be water, shade, benches and agility equipment. A dog park is generally low maintenance, especially if the ground is covered with crushed rock instead of grass.

Hill said she likes the idea of putting a dog park inside an existing park, much as Spokane Valley did with their dog park. She said she suggested that the city consider adding an off-leash dog park to its planned Town Square Park where the farmers market currently sets up because it would be difficult to add one to its existing parks such as Rocky Hill Park and Pavillion Park.

“That park is very centrally located in the community,” she said.

“It’s not right next to a residential area. To me, that would be a natural choice.”

For now, the Commission will wait for feedback from the City Council before doing anything else, Hill said. “The Parks and Arts Commission needs to know that it’s something the council is interested in before we dive any deeper,” she said.

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Photo by Nina Culver For a community like Liberty Lake, that is a walking city with a high percentage of dog owners, a dog park would be a great asset for citizens to enjoy.

Introducing the 6 • JULY 2021

The Splash

Safety Awareness Channel

Police Report - May 2021 Splash news sources

Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 691 Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 9 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 50 DUI (Driving Under Influence) 0 Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 26 Malicious Mischief 2 Argument / Assault DV / Simple Assault / Assault w/a Weapon 6 Parking Violations 0 Suspicious Vehicles 24 *The above numbers are as of 06/01/21 Forgery, 05/13/21; Officers

Least Most

responded to a report of an attempted Forgery at the Washington Trust Bank located at the 1400 block of N. Liberty Lake Road. Officers contacted an employee at the bank and determined a male who was currently inside the bank had been attempting to cash large checks that were reported stolen. Officers contacted the owner of the check to determine he did not write any checks to the male who was attempting to cash them. The check was written in excess of $2,800.00.

Officers did further research and determined the male was the suspect in several bank forgery cases throughout the area. They spoke with the Spokane City detectives and determined the male had numerous attempts in the past. The male was charged with the Forgery in this case with further charges pending from numerous agencies.

Reckless Endangerment, 05/14/21; Officers responded to report of an accident in the 1500 block

of N. Meyers Road. Upon arrival they witnessed a large SUV crashed into the side of a home and there was a male attempting to pull it out with a tow strap. Officer’s determined the male was working on the vehicle previous to the accident. Witnesses stated they saw him driving recklessly and revving his engine just prior the incident taking place. The owner of the resident stated they were within 5-10 feet of the vehicle sitting inside the residence when the vehicle collided with the house. The male driver was charged with 5 counts of reckless endangerment and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

Burglary/Threats to Kill, 05/15/2021; Officers responded to a report of domestic dispute/Burglary in the 23000 block of Maxwell Ave. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with the female party as the male had left the scene. She reported her ex-boyfriend broke into her residence and threatened to kill her if she didn’t

circles contain the number of incidents in a given area.

give him some of his property that was left inside the residence. She stated there wasn’t any property of his at the residence, but did state she had provided him with a key a couple weeks ago in case of emergencies.

Officers determined the female didn’t feel threatened by her ex-boyfriend, but still forwarded the case to the prosecutor’s office for review on the charges.

Violation of a Protection Order, 5/27/21; Officers responded to the 21000 block of Bitterroot Lane for a report of an order violation. Officers spoke with the female at that location and determined she had a domestic violence protection order against her husband. Officers determined her exhusband had called her several times in violation of that order. Charges for violating the order on the male were forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.

Stay well and be safe!

JULY 2021 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout The Community Corner

By Hugh Severs

Liberty Lake City Council It might not be so obvious to those who don’t frequent Liberty Lake City Hall, but an amazing thing has emerged in those walls over the past eight years.

The organization matured to now have distinct and independently operating departments, led by great people. I started sitting in on council meetings at the end of 2012 and was honored to be elected to serve our community in November of 2013.

It was immediately obvious that we had some wonderful and talented

people on staff. But too few people were trying to manage too many things. We had grown to the point that this was no longer an option if we wanted the city to provide the level of services our citizens deserve.

Jen Camp, RJ Stevenson, Chris Johnston, Brian Asmus and others on staff developed their respective departments under the leadership of Katy Allen. Department heads emerged with the expertise and leadership needed. Jocelyn Redel, Lisa Key, Ben Schmitt, Stephen Williams, Damon Simmons, Heidi Workman, Jandy Humble, Kyle Dixon and other great people filled the

positions needed. If it’s not obvious, I’m struggling to not list every city employee!

That’s because these and other leaders on the team have created something really special.

No matter whether it’s the parks, streets, golf, planning and building, library staff, finance, admin, human resources, police department or any other part of what makes up the city team, every member on staff is passionate about making Liberty Lake great. It takes true leadership to create the culture our city has today.

What this creates for me is trust.

I trust that each part of our city is being run by experts and great people. I trust that our department

The city of Liberty Lake, STCU and Liberty Lake Kiwanis are teaming up to present a lineup of familyfriendly films at the community’s signature greenspace beginning this month. Start time is around dusk. Here is the schedule:

The patriotic pivot will feature the second annual Fourth of July Boat Parade beginning at noon on Independence Day with prizes awarded to the top three boats.

The parade will be visible to the public from the beach at Liberty Lake County Park and the public boat launch at Molter and Third Avenue.

The city of Liberty Lake will continue its tradition of a fireworks display around dusk (10 p.m.) on

As a citizen of Liberty Lake, be proud of the organization that Katy and others have built for you. Be proud of the staff that works so hard and passionately to take care of our city. And as election season will soon be here, please set the expectation of your future elected officials to continue to foster a culture of trust and empowerment of our city’s employees.

Get out your picnic blankets and lawn chairs – outdoor movies are making a triumphant return to Pavillion Park this summer.

There may not be a parade in Alpine Shores or a band on the stage at Pavillion Park but this year’s Fourth of July celebration will still be one to remember in Liberty Lake.

Larson expressed thanks to the following companies who donated to the event: Salon Capello, Sarah Hamilton Face, Butcher Block/HayJays/Piccolos, Toes n’ Tubs Juice Co, Just Chillin’ and True Legends.

heads are managing city resources responsibly and efficiently. When these leaders speak, I listen. After all, they are the true experts of their respective areas. Not the council, not the mayor. The trust we place in these department leaders is the single most important ingredient to our city’s long-term success.

Summer movies return to Pavillion Park

Festive Lineup set for Independence Day

“Thank you so very much to all the businesses that donated to the Fourth of July Boat Parade this year,” said Marla Larson, parade chair. “It’s wonderful to have the support of businesses in our community for such fun events.”

July 2021

the Fourth of July. Best vantage points will be Pavillion Park, near Liberty Lake Elementary and the Meadowwood and Liberty Lake golf courses.

“It’s a celebration of our nation and it provides another fireworks option for the whole region.” said City Administrator Katy Allen.

As for the absence of a concert in Pavillion Park, Allen said organizing such an event takes plenty of lead time – a difficult proposition when COVID-19 restrictions were still in

place months ago.

“It’s difficult knowing in March what’s going to be allowed in July,” she said.

The Liberty Lake Fireworks Spectacular will continue the legacy of the Over the Lake Fireworks Show for the second year in a row. Organizer Jeff Shea has been busy collecting donations and generating interest in the display which will also begin around dusk. More information at www.libertylakefireworks.org.

July 3 – “The Croods – A New Age” July 17 - “Rise of Skywalker” July 24 – “Onward” Aug. 7 – Avengers End Game” Aug. 14 – “Abominable” Aug. 20 – “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” Aug. 21 – “Raya” Aug. 27 – “Frozen 2”

Summer soiree to benefit library The Friends of the Library will host the Summer Soiree on Wednesday, July 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Liberty Lake Wine Cellars. The event is a fundraiser for the Liberty Lake Municipal Library with tickets available for $30. Ticket sales and basket auction are both online at www. libertylakefriends.org.

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8 • JULY 2021

News and Notes – July 2021

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• Mark Saba, a volunteer with Winter Glow, made an appeal for funding support at the June 15 City Council meeting. Saba pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of several fundraising events and impeded the ability of many businesses to donate to the annual holiday light display in 2020, resulting in a shortfall of around $35,000. Saba requested that the city consider funding support for Winter Glow through the American Rescue Plan.

• Former Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus was recently appointed to the Spokane Valley Fire Department Board of Commissioners. As one of his duties, Asmus will be representing SVFD at Liberty Lake City Council meetings.

• Central Valley School District Superintendent Ben Small, CVSD Board President Debbie Long and Board Member Cindy McMullen gave a presentation to council on June 15 focused on increasing support services for the growing district. CVSD has purchased a 44,000-square foot property on Molter Road in Liberty Lake as a site for a new learning and teaching center. The purchase price was $3.35 million. “It’s got great public access and presents a professional look for the Central Valley School District,” Small said.

“This building will also allow us to have better work flow.” The

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site will include a dedicated room for the school board. “This is a great opportunity for us,” said McMullen.

“We look forward to having another home in the great city of Liberty Lake.” The district will also be building a new 1,500-square-foot transportation center in Liberty Lake near Ridgeline High School.

The location, with a price tag of $2.5 million, will include 100 parking spots.

• Council Member Holly Woodruff bid farewell to her fellow council members at the June 15 meeting. Woodruff will be moving out of the area to be with family, stepping down from the seat she was appointed to earlier this year.

“It has been an honor to serve our city with all of you,” Woodruff said.

“Please continue the fine work you are all doing.” City Administrator Katy Allen said Woodruff, who has also chaired the Friends of the Library group, has “made a huge difference in just a short amount of time.”

• A total of 64 Liberty Lakebased businesses received nearly $744,000 in combined pandemic relief support through Greater Spokane Inc. • Mayor Cris Kaminskas reported that the latest amount the city will receive from the American Rescue Plan federal funding program will be just over $3 million, up from the original allotment estimated to be $2.3 million. Council will begin the discussion on how the funds will be used at their July 6 meeting.

• Laina Schutz, chair of the Parks and Arts Commission, gave an update on the “Liberty

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Lake Together” public sculpture, recommending that the art be installed in Rocky Hill Park. If approved the sculpture would be in place by September. “This is, in my opinion, an ideal place for reflection and introspection,” said Council Member Dan Dunne.

Council approved the mayor to sign a contract for $9,500 with sculpture artist Matthew Dockrey.

• City Engineer Ben Schmitt said there may be a change in the Harvard Road Bridge project based on weather delays from earlier this year. He said the Washington State Department of Transportation is proposing a full, two-week closure at the end of July to complete the bridge deck. Confirmation of the schedule change is pending.

• The city will be looking for a replacement for library board trustee Mindy Howe who will be stepping down July 31.

• Chief Damon Simmons gave an update on the Liberty Lake Homeowners Association efforts to address traffic enforcement and education in the Legacy Ridge neighborhood. He proposed that LLPD would take over a contract currently held by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The transfer of that contract was later approved by council at the June 15 meeting with Kennedy in the minority. In response to a question from Kennedy as to whether the HOA could hire a private company to patrol the area, Simmons said that service could provide security but would not have the authority to enforce traffic violations such as speeding.

• Woodruff introduced a motion on June 15 that the city’s

booth at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market be staffed by municipal officials who are not on an upcoming election ballot or by approved representatives from local nonprofit organizations.

Kaminskas, who has been a staple at the city booth for years, expressed concern that the new policy would lead to the possibility of “an empty booth.”

She added that city officials “who staff the booth don’t campaign there.” The motion passed 5-1.

• Council unanimously approved an update to the city’s six-year Transportation Improvement Plan covering the years 2022-2027. The document is required for the city to qualify for state and federal funding for transportation capital projects.

• The city’s newest police officer, Logan Ervin, was introduced by Chief Simmons at the June 1 council meeting.

Recruitment is underway for an additional police officer.

• Mayor Kaminskas noted that Cat Hannahs of Liberty Lake, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington majoring in aeronautics and astronautics, was recently named to the prestigious “Husky 100” list. The program recognizes 100 students “who are making the most of their time at the university.”

Last summer, Hannahs interned as a Brooke Owens Fellow in California, working on primary structures for Dragon 2 Capsules.

• Allen

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Council considers platform for community engagement

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Three years after her family moved into Liberty Lake’s Legacy Ridge neighborhood, Annie Kurtz was one of the catalysts in the formation of a resident advisory committee that, in her words, “helped bring community to the neighborhood.” From social events to a general sense of civic belonging, the committee took the lead in the literal and symbolic gathering of Legacy Ridge.

That was 2014. Since then, the initial committee has spawned similar groups that address issues like streets, landscaping and modifications in Legacy Ridge.

These days, Kurtz is taking on a similar challenge of mobilizing involvement. As a member of the Liberty Lake City Council, the Montana native with an extensive background in social work has raised the idea of a Commission on Community Engagement as a vehicle to procure regular feedback from citizens.

Kurtz said she was inspired by comments made by resident Dannetta “Dg” Garcia at the March 16 council meeting calling for the city to take a more proactive role in engaging those who call Liberty Lake home but may not have a connection to city government.

“It was an ‘a-ha’ moment for me,” Kurtz said. “I started thinking about ways the city gets out information and what we need to do to generate more community engagement. I realized the problem is not so much the city getting out the information – we do that. We just don’t have enough ways to consistently hear from citizens and have that backand-forth interaction.”

JULY 2021 • 9

to be made for Liberty Lake in the near future,” Kurtz wrote. “The City Council is a made up of a seven regular every day humans trying to make conscientious decisions about the resources we all share. Your questions and concerns matter and so do your ideas. Your voice matters – and I would like to hear from you.”

Kurtz then walked the talk, starting her own virtual office hour each Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. that welcomed residents to chime in on any topic they felt was important. Since beginning the effort in April, Kurtz has had encouraging turnout with only two sessions devoid of participants.

“I have no agenda,” Kurtz said of the concept. “It’s kind of like an open mic. I’m there to listen.”

On June 15, Kurtz provided an overview of her goal to start the Commission on Community Engagement at some point this year. She has drafted an ordinance based on two existing commissions – Planning and Parks and Arts – and is gathering input from fellow council members prior to a followup workshop at the July 6 council meeting.

Kurtz pointed out that, in its strategic plan, the city has identified the goal of having “a safe, active and engaged community.”

“Currently, we don’t have something like this,” Kurtz told council on June 15.

Kurtz described an approach called “co-production” in which citizens are involved in the creation of public policies and services.

“We work together,” Kurtz said.

“We’re co-producing.”

Kurtz’s recommendation is that the commission would serve as in an advisory capacity to the mayor, staff and City Council. The group would provide recommendations to the mayor and council to keep residents engaged in municipal issues while maintaining a sustainable network of community leaders.

In the April issue of the Splash, Kurtz contributed a column on the city’s Lookout page that outlined the challenge.

“I think if we work with our community to build a sustainable model it’s going to benefit us all in the end.” Kurtz said. “What we’re doing right now is not enough.

We’ve got to start somewhere.

“There are a lot of big decisions

See CITY COUNCIL, Page 20

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COVER STORY

10 • JULY 2021

The Splash pass me at full speed all the time, its scary. I wish they would slow down or drive on the road, and often it’s kids and under driving age kids at the wheel. Please slow down it’s very unsafe.”

POLICE DEPARTMENT 23127 EAST MISSION AVENUE LIBERTY LAKE, WA 99019 (509) 755-1140

GOLF CART REGISTRATION PERMIT #: ____________ REGISTERED OWNER:

DOB: (PRINT LAST, FIRST MI.)

File photo Golf carts line up on the hill at Pavillion Park for the annual Spokane Symphony Concert.

ADDRESS:

Liberty Lake is a Golf Cart Town PRIMARY PHONE #: ALTERNATE #:

miles in the past year.” Says Liberty Lake Resident Kim Girard. “I know However with all RECEIVED: things it RULES NOof users. the trailsYES are for all kinds comes with some challenges as the Some people in carts slow down, community has grown. The tensions wave, smile, and move over. Some MODEL: between pedestrians and carts are oblivious and dangerous.” comes out each year says Constance Chrys Guillet highlights the Grant a member of the Liberty Lake SERIAL #: issue as being with younger drivers community. saying “I am walking or running on “I’m fairly new here and have the paved trails every day, golf carts walked the trails more than 1,000 calling Liberty Lake their home.

By Ben Wick

EMAIL: Splash Publisher Weather it is at the farmers market, MAKE:one of the summer events at the park, or even a trip to Starbucks one can quickly see that Liberty YEAR: COLOR: Lake citizens love their golf carts. A past time that grew from the close proximity to the three golf courses

POLICE DEPARTMENT 23127 EAST MISSION AVENUE LIBERTY LAKE, WA 99019 (509) 755-1140

PERMIT #: ____________ DOB: (PRINT LAST, FIRST MI.)

ADDRESS: PRIMARY PHONE #:

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EMAIL:

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MAKE:

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YES

Fellow resident Nathan Wehrman believes education is the key. “I think education and safety is the ultimate answer.” “You can’t trust drivers on the road not to hit the carts (if the carts are using the roads) and you can’t trust carts on the path not to hit pedestrians (when carts are on the paths). People just have to accept some form of responsibility for their actions and the objects that they are driving. You can’t legislate everything.”

It was with that thought that the City of Liberty Lake updated their regulations in 2016 to include a registration system to help identify golf cart ownership and be able to provide owners with the rules of the road to help educate drivers.

GOLF CART REGISTRATION REGISTERED OWNER:

Others while recognizing these issues are also quick to point out that it isn’t all negative. Heather Pincelli a resident who moved from Florida a year ago “It is easy to get focused on the problems and negative attitudes towards golf carts while forgetting to see the positive aspects.” “The small amount of ‘issues’ are no different than those with driving a car or those with irresponsible behaviors on bikes or skateboards which also use our paths.” Pincelli also shares her experiences from Florida. “We come from a community where our daughter was able to drive with us early on with and adult present and at 14 you were able to drive the carts alone and dozens of students actually ride carts to school instead of other transportation. I wish it were like that here, back in Florida the school even had a parking lot for golf carts.”

NO

Chelesa Warrington highlights an example that brought this issue home for her “I love all of the golf carts, but my 5 year old was almost hit by some teenagers when we were walking on the sidewalk across from Pavilion Park yesterday. The girls were apologetic but they weren’t being safe.”

“As a parent of young adults, I would support some way to increase accountability so that I would know if my kiddos were endangering others.” said Girard “Liberty Lake is awesome, and we can figure this out!”

The Splash

Review of the rules for golf cart use in Liberty Lake

By Ben Wick

Splash publisher

Banned by default at the state level, the City of Liberty Lake has exercised their option to be able to reinstate the usage given certain requirements.

According to Liberty Lake City Ordinances a Golf Cart is defined as a gas powered or electric powered four (4) wheeled vehicle originally designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting purposes and has a speed attainable in one mile of not more than twenty (20) miles per hour. A golf cart is not a nonhighway vehicle or off road vehicle as defined in Revised Code Of Washington 46.09.310. A golf cart is not considered a motor vehicle, except for the purposes of chapter 46.61 Revised Code of Washington GOLF CART ZONE: Any public roadway within the city of Liberty Lake having a speed limit of twenty five (25) miles per hour or less.

STREET: The entire right of way width including the sidewalk

COVER STORY (if present) and between the curb and boundary lines and shoulder or swale of public property when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of pedestrian, bicycle or vehicular travel including parking.

The following use, operational requirements, and restrictions are adopted by the city for golf carts: A. Every person operating a golf cart as authorized under this section is granted all rights and is subject to all duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle under chapter 46.61 Revised Code Of Washington.

B. B: A golf cart may be operated on a street by a person as follows: a. Every person operating a golf cart as authorized under this section must be at least sixteen (16) years of age and must have completed a driver education course or have previous experience driving as a licensed driver. b. A person who has a revoked license under Revised Code of Washington 46.20.285 may not operate a golf cart as authorized under this section. c. Any person operating a golf cart, as authorized under this section, shall not transport more passengers than the manufacturer's designed seating capacity. All occupants shall be seated during operation and the use of seat belts

shall be mandatory while the golf cart is being operated C. Golf carts shall not be operated on a street during one-half (1 /2) hour after sunset to one-half (1 /2) hour before sunrise unless in compliance with Revised Code Of Washington 46.37 regarding vehicle lighting and other equipment, including equipping the golf cart with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet (500') to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Washington state patrol which shall be visible from all distances up to six hundred feet (600') to the rear when directly in front of lawful low beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

A light emitting diode flashing taillight visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500') to the rear may also be used in addition to the red reflector.

D. Golf carts shall not be operated on a street in a negligent manner. For the purpose of this subsection, "to operate in a negligent manner" is defined as the operation of a golf cart in such a manner as to endanger any person or property, or to obstruct, hinder, or impede the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle or the

JULY 2021 • 11

lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, walkways, or parks E. Golf carts must be equipped with reflectors, seat belts, and rearview mirrors when operated upon streets and highways as authorized under this section. (RCW 46.08.175) (RCW 46.08.175)(46.37.400) F. Golf carts must be registered with the Liberty Lake Police Department (a free registration that is valid for the duration of your ownership of the golf cart) and display the Liberty Lake registration decals on both the drivers side front quarter panel or fender as well as on the back of the cart and must be visible at all times when operated on the street.

Penalties For Noncompliance Upon a determination that a violation of this chapter has occurred, law enforcement officers may, pursuant to Revised Code Of Washington chapter 7.80, issue a class 1 civil infraction with a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) to any included person found in violation of the provisions of this chapter. If an underage operator or person is found to be using or operating a golf cart in violation of this chapter, such matter and infraction will be referred to Spokane County juvenile court.

File photos Liberty Lake’s time honored tradition of dressing up your golf cart and parading around the community for the Fourth of July has always been a highlight for all in attendance.

12 • JULY 2021

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If Grace Anderson is any indication of Central Valley’s class of 2022, the Bears should have a sensational senior ensemble. The Liberty Lake resident maintains a 3.95 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Anderson has volunteered with Blessings Under the Bridge, serving food and sorting clothes. She has also served as a scribe for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Medical Reserve Corps during the COVID-19 pandemic, recording immunizations.

She has participated in cheerleading since her sophomore year. Anderson has also been a classical ballet dancer for the past 11 years. For the Memorial Day celebration at Pavillion Park, Anderson was part of the setup crew despite being on crutches after a surgery. She plans to pursue studies and a career as a pediatric nurse.

After sitting out his freshman year in football at Central Valley, Sam Brown made up for the season away in a big way. The senior was recently named Greater Spokane League Defensive MVP and All State as a defensive end. Brown was part of a Bears’ squad that finished 5-2 and allowed only nine points in four of those wins.

Brown amassed a dozen tackles in a 20-0 win over Cheney. He played basketball for four years and also competed in track, lettering all four years. He was district champion in the shotput. A Running Start student at Spokane Falls Community College, Brown earned his associate’s degree along with his high school diploma. He will continue his football career at the University of Idaho where he plans to major in business.

When Nancy Hill joined the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission earlier this year, the group gained a unique leader. Hill served as executive director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) for 22 years, part of a 32-year tenure. The Oklahoma native led several key initiatives, including the transition to a regional model in 2014 and the move to its current headquarters on Trent Avenue. Hill has served as a volunteer with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and worked as a zookeeper. She is on the board of Beyond Pink that promotes the benefits of thermography, an early detection method for breast cancer.

She and her husband RC live in the Rocky Hill neighborhood. She is the proud mom of two grown kids.

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16 • JULY 2021

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Ridgeline premieres with stellar coaching lineup

Dave Myers began his coaching career at Lincoln High in Tacoma as offensive coordinator. He was later named head coach at Garfield High in Seattle after completing grad school. Bellevue’s Interlake High was Myers’ next stop where he served as head coach for three years. After moving to Spokane, he worked at the offensive coordinator at CV from 2016 to 2018.

By Craig Howard

Splash contributing editor

Don’t know the Ridgeline High School colors yet? Unsure of the mascot attached to a variety of teams and sports across fall, winter and spring seasons?

Don’t worry. Falcon Nation – arraigned in green and silver – will take flight in the next few months.

With practice for fall sports just around the corner, the muchanticipated high school on Country Vista Drive in Liberty Lake will debut with a collection of coaches rich in experience and success.

“First and foremost, these are great people,” said Grady Emmerson, Ridgeline’s assistant principal for Athletics and Activities “We feel very fortunate that we have the staff we have and they’re going to be in our building. We’re not going to be judging our coaches on wins and losses – it’s going to be about the experience the kids have.”

Ridgeline will premiere with around 900 students – an enrollment that will not include seniors for the

2021-22 school year. The Falcons will compete in the Greater Spokane League as a 3A school, drawing from Greenacres and Selkirk middle schools.

While Central Valley will feel the brunt of Ridgeline students who would have historically competed as Bears, Emmerson said the new school “will mean more opportunities for kids to join these (sports) programs and open up more spaces at CV.” Coaches for most sports at Ridgeline – with the exception of boys and girls golf, boys tennis and boys soccer – are in place. Longtime CV band director Eric Parker will lead the Falcon music program while Abbie Lentz will be the head cheer coach.

Girls soccer Tiera Como played soccer at Eastern Washington University and served as the goalkeeper coach at Gonzaga University. She began coaching with the Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association and later helped coach the boys team at Cheney High School and was an assistant at University High. She has been part of CV soccer in different roles for the past 10 years and has also been an official at the semi-pro level.

Football After playing briefly in college,

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Girls cross country Molly Barnhart has been a track and field coach at CV for the past five years. She has also been a long-term substitute instructor at Gonzaga Prep and was an assistant coach for girls basketball this past season.

Boys cross country When he ran at Mead High, Kieran Mahoney learned how to build a powerhouse cross country program from legendary coach Pat Tyson. It didn’t take long for Mahoney to lead the Bears to the 4A state crown; that happened in 2012. Robust participation and unwavering commitment defined the program. In October 2017, in the middle of a season with one of his best teams, Mahoney suffered the loss of his mother, Patricia, after she was hit by an impaired driver.

In June 2018, shortly after resigning from CV, Mahoney broke his pelvis while biking. Now, the challenge of growing a new program into a title contender has brought him back.

Volleyball Whitney Abell spent nearly a decade coaching with the NBC Volleyball Camp. She also coached on the middle school, high school and club levels on the westside of the state before returning to Spokane where she taught and coached at her alma mater, North Central High. She has earned two Coach of the Year awards in the GSL and been an assistant for the Renovators Volleyball Club.

Girls basketball A native of Pasco, Clyde Woods brings a resume that includes experience as an AAU coach, assistant at Rogers High for the boys program, head coach for boys and girls teams at Garry Middle School

in Spokane and rebuilding the girls program at Othello High as head coach. For the last five years, he has been an assistant at Gonzaga Prep.

Boys basketball Freddie Rehkow makes the transition from girls basketball to boys hoops after establishing CV as one of the top programs in the nation. Following a tenure as head coach at East Valley, the former Bears’ assistant led his teams to 209 wins in 11 years, including an 83-1 record in his final three years. That span featured two state 4A titles and the championship trophy at GEICO Nationals in 2018.

Wrestling After high school, Brice Gretch made the transition from Montana to wrestle at Wartburg College, a Division 3 school in Iowa. He stayed in the Hawkeye State to coach at several smaller schools before moving to Spokane in 2017. He has served as an assistant at CV for the past four years.

Baseball Jeramie Maupin has spent the last four seasons leading the Bears on the diamond. He served as the junior varsity/assistant coach for the three preceding years. Maupin’s other coaching stops include Mainland High in Daytona Beach, Florida and Heritage High in Vancouver, Washington.

Fastpitch softball

softball/slowpitch

Alyssa Rasmussen hails from Southern California where she played fastpitch softball for nationally prominent programs like Mission Viejo High and So Cal Athletics. She earned a scholarship to the University of Georgia where she lettered for four years. After college, she coached a variety of sports in California and Washington.

Girls tennis A native of Liberty Lake, Russ Tarmann coached freshman football at CV for seven years. He served as the girls tennis assistant coach for three years and was the head coach last season.

JULY 2021 • 17

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The Splash

HISTORY

JULY 2021 • 19

20 • JULY 2021

The Splash

CITY COUNCIL Continued from page 9

Right now, residents don’t feel empowered to be engaged.”

Kurtz is hoping to have a first read on the new ordinance sometime this month. She has presented a timetable in which members of the commission would be in place by September.

“I highly value the topic and commend the objective,” said Council Member Dan Dunne. “I encourage everyone to put time and energy toward this concept.”

Contributed image When installed, the “Liberty Lake Together” community sculpture will appear similar to this manufactured image. The City Council approved the contract with the artist at its June 15 meeting. The Parks and Arts Commission has recommended that the artwork be installed at Rocky Hill Park later this year.

NEWS AND NOTES Continued from page 8

Liberty Lake is now an official member of the National League of Cities.

• Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy and Council Members Dunne and Annie Kurtz passed along kudos at the June 1 meeting to the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club for their work in putting on the Memorial Day Breakfast. The event saluted veterans and raised money for local veterans to take part in the Inland Northwest Honor Flight program.

• Mayor Kaminskas outlined the city’s priorities for American Rescue Plan funding last month.

The areas include: technology, nonprofits, businesses, public facilities and infrastructure.

• Schmitt and Chief Simmons gave a report on the prospect of changing the speed limit on Country Vista to 35 mph. Schmitt said an engineering study is required before any adjustments are made.

Staff has made a recommendation that the study be conducted after the Kramer Parkway and Ridgeline signals are installed. In the meantime, signs would indicate speed should be decreased in the area near the school.

• Council approved a $5,000 donation on June 1 from the Greenstone Foundation to improve the Rotary snack shack at Rocky Hill Park.

• Council approved a donation of $1,100 from Dennis and Suzanne Ruth Scott for a park bench with a plaque that will be located at the arboretum.

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“Community engagement is critical,” he said. “If we move forward with this, I want to make sure it will be successful – but if we are duplicating work for our staff, I feel it would be counterproductive.

The question is are we already doing this with the Planning and Parks and Arts commissions?”

Council Member Phil Folyer – who served on the inaugural Legacy Ridge advisory committee with Kurtz – wondered if there would be sufficient interest to fill nine seats on the commission.

“It’s a big ask for volunteers,” Folyer said.

Mayor Cris Kaminska expressed concern that “sometimes too much input can lead to paralysis.”

“We need to find a balance there,” she said.

The mayor said she has talked with Police Chief Damon Simmons about other avenues to elevate public involvement such as town halls at Pavillion Park. The city has also introduced a program called “TextMyGov” that allows residents to report issues, gather contact information and retrieve answers on topics like park reservations, business licenses and garbage collection by texting 509-255-7445.

Kurtz there is “a good solid start” to the proposed commission based on inquiries and interest she has received to this point.

“We’re looking for go-getters,” she said. “You need to have the right kind of volunteers.”

As for concerns raised by some around the dais during her presentation, Kurtz said it would be a matter of testing the waters.

“I think they brought forth some good questions and hesitations,” she said. “But the only way we will know if those are valid is if we move ahead with this.”

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Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy said while “the system is not broken now, we can do better.”

Kennedy said there should be a stipulation that all members of the commission reside within the city limits of Liberty Lake.

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Craig Howard, Nina Culver, Tie Lemerond, Ross Schneidmiller, Ben Wick The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

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HUB Sports Center rebounds from covid with a summer line-up

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With 2020 behind them, the HUB Sports Center is enjoying more normalcy and is excited to be able to offer youth and the community the opportunities they missed due to the pandemic restrictions. “In 2020, the HUB Sports Center was fully open for 75 days, partially open for 165 days and closed for 125 days,” states Executive Director, Phil Champlain who has been with the HUB Sports Center since 2009.

With three full-time and eight part-time staff, the 66,760 square foot facility located in Liberty Lake, WA., has something for everybody.

From birthday parties to sports camps to recreational play, you are sure to find something that piques your interest.

Pickleball Over the past few decades, Pickleball has been gaining popularity and the HUB sees it fair share of players. At times, you can expect to see 5-6 courts of action taking place. Interested players should know that you do not have to wear a mask when playing, or if you have been fully vaccinated.

Sign up in advance for court time at http://www.hubsportscenter.org/ pickleball or in person at the HUB. Pickleball is offered: Tuesday & Thursday from 10:0012:00pm Monday-Thursday 3:00pm

from

1:00-

Monday & Wednesday from 6:00-9:00pm (June 7-September) Fit for YOUR Life Exercise Classes: These classes meet twice weekly.

HUB Batting Zone The HUB has one 40’ cage and two 20’ cages. There are two configuration options for your team or individual softball/baseball training. Sign up to reserve your

JULY 2021 • 23

The Splash time by calling or visiting their website.

Sports Camps The HUB offers multiple sports camps throughout the summer including, but not limited to: • Nigel Williams-Goss Basketball Skills Camp: Youth Skills Camp for boys and girls ages 7-15.

There is a $275 registration fee and the deadline for registration is July 24th. Do not wait, this skills camp sold out in the previous three years. https://hub.configio.com/ pd/1082/nigel-williams-goss-skillscamp-2021 Camp Includes • Direct Training with Nigel Williams-Goss •

Form Shooting

•

Shooting Drills

•

Perimeter and Post Defense

•

Pick in Roll Reads

•

Ball Handling

• Signature Offensive Move Training •

Conditioning Training

•

Passing Drills

• Team Offensive Defensive Training

and

• Live 1 on 1, and 5 on 5 Competition Pat Powers Volleyball Camp: This camp will be held on Saturday & Sunday, August 14-15th. Players are sure to learn a great deal about volleyball during this two-day camp. Register soon! This camp sold out early last year and there are not many slots left. www.Vbclinics.com Police Activities League This fun, hands-on event provides opportunities for youth to interact with local law enforcement in a positive activity and help to establish respect and understanding. The Police Activities League is a partnership between HUB Sports Center, Spokane Valley Police Department, Liberty Lake

Contributed Photo The HUB Sports Center pivoted to outdoor movie nights during the pandemic, which were so popular they are bringing them back for the summer even though they have reopened.

Police Department, Central Valley, West Valley and East Valley School Districts. Participating youth need to be pre-registered before attending.

Students are placed in groups will rotate through various sport stations as well as a Science-TechnologyEngineering-Mathematics (STEM) station. Pre-register at http:// hubsportscenter.org/pal Karate and Taekwondo The HUB has one karate and one martial arts instructor. Students ages 6 thru adult can pre-register for monthly classes.

Birthday Party Packages The HUB offers two birthday party packages. Each package includes up to 15 guests and more guests can be added for an additional charge. Party hosts are provided to organize games and keep your guests moving. Your kids are sure to have a wonderful time! A two-week notice is recommended.

Liberty Lake Throw Down Community Cornhole Tournament August 28th from 11am – 8pm.

This event will be held offsite at Orchard Park. There will be a professional/competitive division, a social division, and a youth division.

Sand Bagger Division – This competitive division requires teams to bring their own bags and offers a Grand Prize of $1000 to the Winning Team.

Contributed Photo From basketball to pickleball, HUB Sports Center is the home for many sporting events.

Social Division – The grand prize is $300 for the Winning Team in this division.

Mini Bagger Social Division – For kids 13 and under. The grand prize is $50 for the Winning Team.

There will be something for everyone: Music, beer garden, food trucks, and other events.

Pre-registration is required for the tournament. https://www. hubsportscenter.org/throw-down/ Drive-In Movies Are you looking for a throwback experience? Well look no further. The HUB is hosting a series of outdoor drive-in movies throughout the summer. For only $20 per carload, your family can enjoy movies on a 50ft screen. Sound is broadcasted through FM stereo. You have the option of listening from your car radio or you can bring a portable radio if you choose to sit in lawn chairs or on a blanket outside of your vehicle. You can also bring your own snacks or purchase from the food truck on site. This is a family event and alcohol is NOT allowed. Movies are scheduled through October. For a list of movies and movie times, visit the HUB Sports Center website.

Executive Director, Phil Champlain, closed with this message to the community, “Our purpose is to provide events that have a positive impact on the youth and the community. We are looking forward to doing this more as we get back to a more normal routine. We have missed everybody and missed being able to provide these opportunities.

We are looking forward to servicing the community and youth once again.”

The HUB Sports Center is located at 19619 E. Cataldo in Liberty Lake.

To view more information on any of these programs, events, or for the full list of offerings, go to https:// www.hubsportscenter.org

24 • JULY 2021

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22106 E. Country Vista Drive, Suite D Liberty Lake, WA 99019

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