June 2021 Splash

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NEW CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR PAGE 2

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2 • JUNE 2021

The Splash

DOCKSIDE Money manager – Dixon takes reins as finance director

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

As city administrator in the rural community of Palouse, Washington, Kyle Dixon wore many hats, overseeing public works, law enforcement, finances, capital projects and more.

“When you have a town of 1,100, you have two people working at City Hall,” Dixon said.

looking as healthy as ever. Despite the ripple effect of COVID-19 on some businesses, the city received a record influx of sales tax, buoyed

by RV and auto sales. The reserves is also robust.

Dixon was thrown into the fray his first week, playing a key role in a City Council retreat on the Trailhead golf course May 7. Fielding questions on gross revenue, expenditures

and other numbers related to the municipal course, Dixon appeared right at home.

“I’ve felt very welcome by everyone,” he said. “I appreciate those questions from council. It shows they are engaged. I welcome that kind of dialogue.”

In Palouse, Dixon also served as the town lobbyist, visiting Olympia during each session to make his case with state legislators and visit with representatives of groups like the Transportation Improvement Board, Department of Commerce

When he saw a job posting for finance director in the city of Liberty Lake this spring, the Valleyford native decided to throw at least one hat into the ring.

Dixon had ties to Liberty Lake despite growing up in southeast Spokane County where he graduated from Freeman High School in 2003.

His father worked for companies like Hewlett Packard and Agilent in Liberty Lake and Dixon cut his teeth as a golfer on the trio of community courses.

Palouse has its own water/sewer utility and Dixon led the charge on an $18 million infrastructure project, peddling the narrative with the Department of Ecology.

A career in municipal government was not in the mix for Dixon when he attended Washington State University. He majored in hospitality business management at WSU and ventured to Seattle after earning his degree, working six years in the field.

“It was an opportunity,” he said.

Dixon’s latest opportunity includes an office just a nine-iron away from Trailhead.

“I never thought I’d work right next to a golf course,” he said.

“Once things settle down here a bit, I’m going to spend my lunch at the driving range.”

“I learned to golf at Trailhead,” he said. “I’ve always had an affinity for the (Liberty Lake) area.”

Q: Sounds like you visited Liberty Lake pretty regularly as you were growing up. What do you remember about this area from back then and how has it changed since those days?

The opening as the city’s money manager came when RJ Stevenson – finance director since 2011 – announced earlier this year he was leaving to pursue other opportunities. Dixon emerged as the top candidate and was hired – with the entire interview process taking place remotely. His first day was May 3. Stevenson remained on through the month as part of the transition.

Dixon takes over at a time when the ledgers at City Hall are

“Half the battle is letting them know you exist and you have projects going on,” Dixon said. “It’s all about ambition – just getting your foot in the door.”

Dixon and his wife transitioned back to Eastern Washington in 2014 after she was hired by a hospital in Pullman. Dixon latched on with Horizon Realty Advisors before he saw the opening in Palouse.

“Honestly, I wasn’t really looking for a new job,” Dixon said. “It took me awhile to update my resume.”

“I’m stepping into a really great position,” Dixon said. “Liberty Lake is growing at a great rate and the budget is strong. I’m just grateful to be part of a place that takes such pride in its appearance.”

and Department of Ecology.

Photo by Craig Howard Kyle Dixon took over as finance director for the city of Liberty Lake on May 3, replacing RJ Stevenson who had occupied the role since 2011. A graduate of Washington State University, Dixon grew up in the Valleyford area and served as city administrator in Palouse, Washington before accepting the position in Liberty Lake.

A: Going the obvious route here, but I remember large areas of undeveloped land and one or two dealerships. Tech companies seemed as prevalent as are today, but even with the buildout that Liberty Lake has seen, it’s clear that the city has maintained an emphasis for preserving greenspace which I think everyone, including myself, appreciates.

Q: I know that Trailhead was where you learned to play golf.

What’s it like to be going over the See DIXON, Page 5

JUNE 2021 • 3

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NEWS

4 • JUNE 2021

SVFD Report – May 2021

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 134 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from April 15 – May 15, 2021 Emergency Medical Services 109 Fires 9 Motor Vehicle Accidents 6 Building Alarms 4 Vehicle Fires 2 Hazardous Materials 1 Technical Rescue 1 Service Calls 1 Dispatched and cancelled en route 1 The *Service area for SVFD Station #3 in Liberty Lake • Calls saw an increase from 105 last month to 134 this month.

• Emergency Medical Services saw an increase from 81 calls last month to 109 calls this month.

• Building Alarm stayed consistent at 4 last month 4 this month • Motor Vehicle Accidents saw a decrease from 10 last month to 6 this month.

• Fires continue to climb and be a concern with 9 Fires and 2 Vehicle Fires occurring.

May Month

is

Wildfire

Awareness

According to FEMA and the US Fire Association, “more than 46 million residences in 70,000 communities in the United States are at risk for WUI fires. And, the WUI area continues to grow by approximately 2 million acres per year.” In our area, we may have

brush fires, grass fires, forest fires or even outdoor fires. These fires can have the same impact as a large wildfire when they occur close to our homes, neighborhoods and communities.

What is WUI? WUI, or Wildland Urban Interface, is the area or zone where our natural environment meets up to our developed areas. As you look around our area here in the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s district, we have several WUI areas. In fact, the Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan (WA SEHMP) has rated our state at a high-risk index, with Spokane County receiving a medium-high rating. They also rated the top 25 places in Washington most likely to be exposed to wildland fire; and the Spokane area ranks within the top five places, receiving the rank of fourth most likely area to be exposed to wildland fires!

Contact Spokane Valley Fire Department for more information at 509.928.1700 or go to spokanevalleyfire.com Incidents: Reported Fire, April 16, at approximately 7:35 a.m. - Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units were dispatched to a reported fire in an apartment complex in the 13300 block of East Mission. Responding units could see a smoke column from as bar away as Harvard. The fire was updated to a working fire, which dispatched additional units to the fire.

Initial crews observed fire on the exterior of a second story apartment.

They pulled pre-charged hose lines and quickly knocked down the fire before making access into an apartment unit.

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The fire had extended into the attic space so ladder crews accessed the roof and made several openings in the roof to help improve the visibility inside the structure.

Multiple crews were assigned to extinguish the fire, while others searched adjoining units to ensure all residents had been located and evacuated.

The aggressive fire attack prevented the fire from extending into additional apartments. Four units were damaged by fire, smoke or water. The residents were contacted and arrangements were being made with the Red Cross for temporary shelter.

A total of fifteen units responded to the fire, including a ladder truck from Spokane Fire as part of an automatic aid agreement. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries to crews or residents were reported.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents as we head into Wildfire Season to protect homes as much as possible. Wildfires can easily spread from blowing embers and flames. Maintaining your home and utilizing landscaping techniques, homeowners can reduce the chance of embers and flames finding a place to easily ignite. Make sure to use proper fire safe lighting & heating units for your chicken coop to keep the coop and your nearby home free from fire risk.

Garage Fire, April 18, at approximately 10:35 a.m. - in the north 100 block of Marguerite.

Dispatch received several callers reporting the fire and stating that they had heard explosions.

Responding crews saw a column

of smoke and quickly upgraded the fire, sending additional resources to the scene.

The first arriving crews found a fully involved detached garage.

A preconnected hose line was used to control the fire, while additional lines were pulled to protect the adjoining structures. The homeowner’s residence was being damaged by the fire as well as the neighboring residence to the east.

An outbuilding and automobile were also burning. Crews quickly knocked down the fires on the exposures, limiting the damage to the exterior of the structures.

The reported explosions were most likely propane tanks that were ruptured in the fire.

Another crew searched the primary fire residence, ensuring that no one was home. SVFD always searches residences/structures, even if residents state that no one is in home. Searches have located people that the home owners have forgotten were staying or visiting during the initial confusion of a fire scene.

The residents were not home, but their small dog, Maru, was located and placed in the Battalion Chief’s vehicle.

A total of 14 fire units responded to the call. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

SVFD would like to remind homeowners and business owners to properly store flammable and hazardous materials.

Powerline Problem, April 18, 11:49 p.m. – Spokane Valley Fire crews responded to a call for See SVFD REPORT, Page 24

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JUNE 2021 • 5

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DIXON

Continued from page 2 books for that city-owned course?

A: Back then it was known as Valley View. It’s weird how life can throw you these nostalgic treats once in a while and this falls squarely in that category. Chris Johnston is certainly a professional in more ways than one. The services that he and his crew provide to all ages and skill levels are much more accessible to a greater percentage of those looking to break into the game. That is how you grow the game and by almost any metric, Trailhead is on pace to outperform any prior year on record.

Q: If someone told you during your undergraduate years at WSU that you’d eventually be the finance director for one of the fastest growing cities in Washington, what would you have said?

A: Not a chance. I wanted to be a pharmacist for roughly six months and then thought it would be really fun to work on a cruise ship for an undetermined period of time.

I took finance and public policy classes in college and had financial and accountability obligations at all of my previous experiences but it wasn’t until my time as the city administrator with the city of Palouse that I really started to gravitate towards it.

Q: How steep was the learning curve when you took over as city administrator in Palouse?

A: Not as steep as you would think coming from the private sector. The great thing about public finance and administration is that there is an ocean of material at your disposal if you know what to look for, where to find it and are not afraid to dive in headfirst.

I developed a great network of contacts and resources across the state in my time at Palouse that I get to bring with me to Liberty Lake.

Q: What experience from your time in Palouse do you think will be most valuable in this new role?

A: Having a comprehensive understanding of the budget process and essentially being solely responsible for its development and implementation throughout the year. It is the responsibility of the mayor to present the budget to the City Council but in smaller entities

such as Palouse, that function is almost solely the responsibility of the senior financial staff member.

So, developing the budget and being able to convey that to the mayor in terms that they could then deliver to City Council for discussion and eventual approval was such an important process.

Q: I know you’ve scarcely had time to decorate your office but what have you learned about the financial footing of the city that has made the biggest impression?

A: Because of Liberty Lake’s economy, and the sales/use tax it generates, we are able to keep the property tax rates that we can control lower than our regional counterparts. That is an ideal scenario.

Q: In your previous stop, you wore many hats and were part of a small staff. Here, your work is more specialized and you’re one of many members of a larger team.

How will that adjustment be for you?

A: Quite nice actually. I’d like to think that I could find a way to blend into almost any work environment but the staff, mayor and City Council here have gone above and beyond to welcome me into City Hall and this position. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to get to work with these people.

Q: You had never worked as a city administrator when you applied for the Palouse job and you had not been a finance director when you applied for the position in Liberty Lake. Is it just a confidence thing where you feel you can handle the work even if you might not have the exact experience or background?

A: That’s a good question and I guess I never really thought about it in those terms. On the outside, it could certainly appear that each of my recent positions would be considered a break from the previous, but they have all felt very natural when considering how past responsibilities meshed with each corresponding opportunity.

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6 • JUNE 2021

The Splash

Filing week completed

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

Liberty Lake voters who fill out their ballots in November will see a familiar name on it. Two time mayor Steven Peterson is trying to win the position for the third time, taking on appointed incumbent Cris Kaminskas.

Kaminskas served on the Liberty Lake City Council for 11 years and was appointed mayor in January after the former mayor, Shane Brickner, resigned because of health concerns. Brickner ran against Peterson in 2019 and won.

Kaminskas works as the team lead for western sales operations at TierPoint, a local data security company. She moved to Liberty Lake from Cincinnati in 2006 and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami University.

Peterson has served as Liberty Lake’s mayor for a combined 15

years. He was the city’s first mayor after it incorporated in 2000 and served for seven years. Four years later, he ran for mayor again and won, serving for eight years.

continuing that vision. “My goal is to make sure this community is safe, clean and green and well managed,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that need to be done.”

Peterson said he’s just not ready to give up on leading the city. “I love the community,” he said. “I love the city. It has always been a wonderful experience. We put the city together and now it’s 20 years old.”

Peterson noted that several of the current council members took office after he left, but said he didn’t think that would be a problem. “They’re doing a good job,” he said. “I think we’d work well together. I’m looking forward to working with a brand-new council.”

Peterson said after having a year off, he’s ready to devote himself to the job of mayor again. “I’m tanned, rested, ready to go,” he said. “It is a full-time job, almost. They should be able to expect a full-time mayor and I can provide that.”

He’s been able to see a lot of things he worked on come to fruition, Peterson said, including the Henry Road overpass that will start construction soon. He lobbied the state legislature to provide funding for the project ahead of schedule.

“We put a lot of effort into making that vision happen,” he said. “That’s why I love the job. I like to make things happen for our community.”

He said he looks forward to

Incumbent Mike T. Kennedy is running unopposed for his seat, as is incumbent Holly Woodruff.

Woodruff was appointed to the council in February to replace Kaminskas, who cast the tiebreaking vote that gave the seat to Woodruff.

But there will be change on the council. Longtime councilman Odin Langford, who has served since 2007, did not file to retain his seat.

Jamie Freeze Baird and Mike Behary have both filed to run for his seat.

Baird’s Twitter biography lists her as a “Conservative, Christian, Opinionated Female.” She works

Primary ballots due Tuesday, August 3 The top two candidates will move on to the General Election with ballots due Tuesday, November 2

as a trainer at Alliance Data Card Services in Liberty Lake. According to her LinkedIn profile, she holds a bachelor’s degrees in political science and history from the University of North Carolina as Greensboro and has a master’s degree in government law and public policy from Regent University. She has served on the Liberty Lake Planning Commission since 2017.

Mike Behary works as an associate planner for the city of Coeur d’Alene.

Incumbent councilman Hugh Severs also did not file to run for reelection. His vacant seat drew only one filer, current Planning Commission member Chris Cargill.

Cargill is a former television news producer who holds a degree in broadcast communication studies and political science from Gonzaga University. He is the Eastern Washington Director for the Washington Police Center. The center bills itself as independent, nonprofit think tank, but quite a few critics have accused the center of having a distinct conservative bias.

“I want to provide you and our great city with a fresh, experienced, well connected voice,” Cargill wrote on his campaign web site, www. cargillforcouncil.com. “I’m an expert on key local and state policy issues, and I have experience operating and balancing budgets…I’m the city council member Liberty Lake needs – someone with communication and leadership skills, a policy background, budgeting experience, connections at the local and state levels, and most importantly, a love for our community.”

Cargill’s website lists endorsements from former Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman, Senator Mike Padden, Rep. Rob Chase, Rep. Jenny Graham, Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns and Spokane Valley councilmen Rod Higgins and Arne Woodard.

One of the issues Cargill discusses on his website is his opposition to a city or state income tax. He suggests the city should approve a resolution affirming its commitment to no city income tax as well as adopt a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. He also indicates his desire for a multi-story, multi-use building at the Trailhead Golf Course to house the golf course clubhouse, retail shops, a city library and city offices.

JUNE 2021 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout The Community Corner

By Dan Dunne

City of Liberty Lake The much-needed change of season has arrived and brought with it the warm temperatures and natural colors that we’ve all come to know and love in this part of the Inland Northwest. Along with the fragrant purple lilac, one of my favorites is the tiny white blossoms of serviceberry.

For two short weeks in the spring, the native shrub and small tree serviceberry turns the previously drab brown hillsides and prairies into clumps and puffs of white. So

bright and brilliant are these puffs of white, that walking and riding the Centennial Trail, it feels like you’re at a wedding reception!

This return of life and color to the native vegetation and decorative landscaping in our community are a reminder that winter does not last forever and that life endures.

It’s not just the natural life that’s re-emerging for us this year – it’s our local and greater economy and our way of life which are reemerging from the global pandemic COVID-19.

Some have suffered and lost loved ones and we all have made great sacrifices and significant

The Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club has put on a Memorial Pancake Breakfast at Pavillion Park for several years, celebrating and honoring those who have sacrificed in service to our country. The event draws crowds each year as well as prominent elected officials who take the time to speak and show their appreciation.

The event will run from Sunday, May 30 through Monday, May 31 at Pavillion Park. For information on the event, or to sponsor a luminary, please visit www. strideevents.com/memorialday-tribute/event-information or check out the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club’s Facebook page.

People can help raise funds in three ways: Donate to the site; sponsor a luminary in the name of a fallen veteran for $10 each

The return of gathering will not be instantaneous. We will still need to practice safe behaviors and, yes,

Summer brings slew of capial projects

Memorial Day Luminary Tribute

This year, however, the event will look just a little different – but no less special. In place of a community-style breakfast event, the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club is offering an opportunity to those who are able and interested to sponsor a luminary, which represents a service member who has given the ultimate sacrifice.

changes to our way of life. With the introduction of vaccines, we now have the opportunity to slow and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and gather and connect with each other in the ways that are so meaningful and important to us. The summer movies in Pavillion Park, the Spokane Symphony in the park on Labor Day weekend, simply having friends and neighbors over in the backyard for drinks and burgers – these are the activities we really look forward to being able to participate in!

Warmer weather traditionally means road repairs and improvements throughout the community and this season is no exception. The following is a list of capital projects slated for Liberty Lake in the upcoming months: KRAMER PARKWAY BRIDGE – The project consists of a new traffic signal, bridge over I-90 and roundabout connecting the northern and southern portions of the city between Country Vista and Mission Avenue. The project is anticipated to be awarded in June and construction is anticipated to begin this summer.

or a combination of the first two options. All funds raised through this event will go to the Inland Northwest Honor Flight program, providing trips for veterans to Washington, D.C. where they can visit memorials that pay tribute to the sacrifices of so many.

A special ceremony to honor fallen veterans will start at 9 a.m. on Memorial Day in Pavilion Park.

The Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard will present the Colors, Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas will speak and the keynote speaker will be Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers.

Construction is estimated to take 210 working days. It is expected the bridge construction will extend through the winter, with final work occurring in the spring of 2022.

PUBLIC WORKS YARD – FRONTAGE AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS - The project consists of installing roadway frontage improvements along Kramer Parkway including new sidewalk, asphalt paving, curb and gutter, storm drainage improvements, landscape and irrigation and pavement markings.

The project is anticipated to be awarded in June, and construction is anticipated to begin in July. Construction is estimated to take 30 working days.

June 2021 in some situations you will still be required to wear a mask. Be patient and respectful of other people’s safety and concerns.

Listen for and comply with the directives of our Spokane County Regional Health District – they are our best authority for appropriate activity in our community. Most of all: Listen to the advice of your doctor and consider one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Your doctor, (not a social media feed, website or neighbor) can give you the most accurate information about which vaccine is best for you.

Enjoy this season, do your part to enable our ability to gather and bring on the Summer of 2021!

Kramer Parkway is anticipated to be open for traffic with periodic single lane and shoulder closures.

LEGACY RIDGE/COUNTRY VISTA SIGNAL PROJECT - The project consists of constructing a traffic signal system, sidewalk, curb and gutter, curb ramps, channelization and asphalt pavement restoration. The project is anticipated to go to advertisement in July and construction is anticipated to begin in late summer. It is expected the signal construction will extend through the winter with final work occurring in the spring of 2022.

RFB & PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PHASE 1 - The project consists of installing new or retrofitted sidewalk and ADA ramps, asphalt patching, curb removal and replacement, RFB solar sign installation and pavement markings at the various locations included in the project. They will be installed at Winrock and Autumn, Country Vista and Eagle Bend, and Country Vista and Eagle (by Liberty Creek Elementary). Construction is anticipated to begin in July and take 20 working days to complete.

HARVARD/INDIANA SIGNAL PROJECT - The project consists of constructing a traffic signal system, sidewalk, curb and gutter, curb ramps, channelization, and asphalt pavement restoration. The project is in construction and is expected to be complete in the fall.

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

8 • JUNE 2021

City Council News and Notes

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

• Resident Jill Schilb appealed to council on May 4 to address speeding in residential areas on Country Vista and North Country Vista Boulevard from Mission down. “I hope we can find a way to solve this,” Schilb said. “I really want to protect our citizens.” Mayor Cris Kaminskas and Police Chief Damon Simmons both responded to Schilb’s concerns with assurance that the city would pursue methods to improve safety in the area.

• At the May 18 council meeting, the Liberty Lake Entrepreneur Club presented an overview of its group, comprised of 11 female youth from the area.

The club – under the umbrella of the Greenstone Foundation – is focused on developing skills to create and operate successful small businesses. The first idea is a concession stand at Rocky Hill Park called the Pacific Northwest Snack Shack. The goal is to have the venue open by early July. “I love the idea – fantastic,” said Mayor Cris Kaminskas.

• Warm weather contributed to a well-attended opening of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market on May 15. The city returned with an informational booth. “It was obvious there were more vendors,

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NEWS

more variety,” said Kaminskas.

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Oct. 9 at 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

• The library hosted a successful Earth Day program last month with complimentary distribution of baby spruce trees.

• Kaminskas gave a tip of the hat to a group of residents that is raising money to bring the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall to Liberty Lake. The effort is led by Dg Garcia. “They’re doing a great job,” Kaminskas said. “I’m very excited about this opportunity.”

• City Administrator Katy Allen said “things are still status quo” when it comes to city staff wearing face masks.

• Two capital projects observed openings last month – the Kramer Road overpass and frontage improvements at the public works yard.

• The Liberty Lake Yard Sales will take place on June 18-19.

• The city received a letter of appreciation and plaque from the city of Springtown, Texas for support provided from the Liberty Lake community after severe winter weather swept through the Lone Star State in February.

Care packages were sent to nearly 50 Springtown staff members.

Yoke’s, Safeway and the UPS Store all pitched in on the project.

“I guarantee you we will not forget your thoughtfulness and kindness,” said Springtown Mayor Greg Hood in a video message.

• Council Member Annie Kurtz shared news of an informational

event on foster parenting that will be held at Sun City Church on June 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. The church is located at 10920 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley.

• Several budget amendments were brought up by Finance Director Kyle Dixon on May 18 including a 2-percent cost-ofliving increase for city staff that was put on hold last year. Council later approved the increase.

• Council approved an expenditure of $12,000 for a contract with ServPro to improve air quality at the Trailhead facility.

• At the May 18 City Council meeting, Director of Planning and Engineering Services Lisa Key led a public hearing on proposed changes to sign standards under the city’s development code. The changes would permit awning, canopy, and marquee signs that have previously not been allowed.

Key said the changes would mostly affect pedestrian-oriented signs. There have also been modifications recommended by the Planning Commission to allow for more flexibility with neon signs. There were no comments during the public hearing. Council later approved the changes.

• Council approved an ordinance requiring that members of the city’s salary commission must be Liberty Lake residents and not be immediate relations to any current elected official.

• There will only be two contested races in Liberty Lake this year as former Mayor Steve Peterson has filed to run against current Mayor Cris Kaminskas

who was appointed to replace Shane Brickner in January.

Longtime Council Members Odin Langford and Hugh Severs will not run for re-election. Jamie Freeze-Baird and Mike Behary will face off for Langford’s Pos. 4 seat while newcomer Chris Cargill will run uncontested for Severs’ Pos. 2 chair. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy and Council Member Holly Woodruff will run unopposed in the general election.

• The second annual Fourth of July Boat Parade will begin 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.

• Laina Schutz and Laura Frank from the city’s Parks and Arts Commission told council on May 4 that an artist has been selected for the “Liberty Lake Together” community art project. A budget of $10,000 has been set aside for the artwork which will have four components and feature steel construction with a botanical theme designed to wear into a patina finish.

• The Friends of the Library will host the Summer Soiree on July 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Liberty Lake Wine Cellars. The event is a fundraiser for the library with tickets available for $30. Ticket sales and basket auction are both online at www. libertylakefriends.org. The event will follow COVID guidelines in place at the time.

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Council charges ahead on Trailhead at retreat quarter of 2020 when the course

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

There was a time when the golf course at the corner of Liberty Lake Road and Country Vista appeared to have a future as an apartment complex.

In 2002, just a year into the incorporated history of Liberty Lake, Mayor Steve Peterson led the charge to preserve greenspace and recreational opportunities in the new city at the site known as Valley View. The city ended up purchasing the venue, changing the name and adding improvements over a span of nearly two decades.

These days, Trailhead at Liberty Lake is recognized as one of the top executive golf courses in the region, consistently drawing large crowds and generating consistent revenue for city coffers.

Despite its the aging facility has found itself in need of an overhaul for several years now with no shortage of speculation and conversation at City Hall. Like a seasoned pro who recoups to address a nagging hook or slice, venerable Trailhead is going back to the drawing board.

This time, it appears the city is playing for keeps.

On May 7, the City Council gathered for a dedicated retreat on the future of Trailhead. Chris Johnston, head pro at Trailhead, for nearly 10 years, led the discussion.

“We’ve been working on this for awhile and had lots of meetings,” Johnston said.

While the popularity of Trailhead has translated into plenty of patrons over the years, expenses at the course, including capital costs, have always exceeded gross revenue. Last year, the venue generated a profit for the first time.

“When I started in 2011 my goal was to make the golf course profitable,” Johnston said. “We did that in 2020.”

Gross revenue has been robust at Trailhead in 2021. Johnston reported $221,051 in earnings from Jan. 1 to April 30 this year, compared to $89,200 in the first

JUNE 2021 • 9

In Memory of Julianne Chanel Hoberg

closed for 41 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase this year includes the driving range being closed for 53 days due to wind damage.

“We’re almost getting close to doubling what we normally do,” Johnston said. “There’s been a huge resurgence in golf.”

From 2017 to 2019, the venue has averaged $126,916 in first quarter gross revenue.

Johnston outlined the basic needs of Trailhead, a list that included the obvious – golf course, golf shop, practice area, driving range, cart storage, meeting/flex space, restaurant, winter revenue resources and adequate parking.

Some areas check off now, others fall short, Johnston said.

Parking, for example, continues to be a struggle with patrons parking across the street at Safeway during a recent busy stretch.

Julianne Chanel Hoberg, was the precious daughter of Chester and Jana Hoberg and sister of Heather, Stephen, Stephanie and Lochlyn. Julianne loved growing up in Liberty Lake. She loved her teachers at Liberty Lake Elementary and Greenacres Middle School and treasured her friendship with her life-long friend Tori McGinnis (Leichner). Julianne will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. We welcome you to read her full obituary at lewischapel.com Born August 4, 1996 and went to Heaven May 3rd, 2021.

“We have a banquet facility downstairs but it’s not adequate,” Johnston added.

Johnston told council he’s narrowed down the future of Trailhead to two options. The first he refers to as “Above the Hill” which would encompass 12 acres and carry a pricetag of between $7.5 million to $9 million based on suggestions the city received from Arizona-based Staples Golf Resource Group LLC, a consulting firm hired by the city in 2019 to evaluate potential blueprints for Trailhead’s future.

The option would mean upgrades to the inventory already in place – the golf shop, practice area, restaurant, meeting/flex space, etc. and allow the course to remain open during the renovation process.

“It’s just fixing what we have right now and preserving Trailhead,” Johnston said.

Option two, or the “Campus” alternative – also based on a Staples’ concept – would run between $9.5 million and $11 million and feature new amenities See CITY COUNCIL, Page 14

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COVER STORY

10 • JUNE 2021

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Parents step up for senior all nighter

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

Though school administrators have planned an in-person graduation ceremony for Central Valley High School seniors this year, what hasn’t happened is an officially sanctioned prom or senior all-nighter event.

However, a group of parents stepped into the gap and have organized both events.

Usually, the all-nighter is planned by parents but endorsed by the school, said district spokeswoman Marla Nunberg. “We recommended not having one this year,” she said. “Anything parents might be doing is not affiliated with or endorsed by the school district.”

The key reason for that is that the school district can’t ensure that the students are following proper COVID-19 protocols at these events, Nunberg said.

Assistant principal Katie Louie said if students do get sick at an unsanctioned event, it can affect the school. The school has been so careful to avoid large gatherings of students that students can’t eat their lunches in the commons area. “Those behaviors impact us,” she said.

“We want to make sure kids can make it to the end of the school year and graduation.”

Parent Kert Carlson is one of a group of more than 60 parents who have been working for months to organize a prom and a senior all-nighter. They’re doing it simply because they don’t want their children to miss out on an important experience, he said.

“We are parents,” he said.

“We feel bad for our children.

As parents we still want them to have that opportunity. They still need hope. They need something to look forward to when there is nothing.”

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Prom night was scheduled for May 22 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Carlson said organizers were expecting about 200 students to sign up. Instead, 400 students bought tickets and another 75 were put on a waiting list and never got in the door.

“We got almost 150 registrations on the last day,” he said. “The response is positive.

The kids are excited that someone is doing something for them.”

The parents pulled out all the stops for the event; hiring a DJ, renting four bays at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and purchasing food. The night had a Footloose theme. “We attempted to get Kevin Bacon,” he said. “We just couldn’t track him down.”

Carlson said organizers chose to have the event in Idaho because of the looser restrictions there. When the prom occurred, Idaho was in Phase 4 of reopening, which meant there were no restrictions on the size of gatherings. “It will be following the guidelines of Idaho,” Carlson said.

Masks were available for those who wanted them, but they were not required. Several hand sanitizer stations were set up near the food and the dance floor. “We are doing what we can to be safe,” he said.

The senior all-nighter is planned for June 12, the same day as the school’s graduation ceremony. The event is planned for 9:45 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Valley Real Life Church. Carlson said that nearly 200 students were signed up by mid-May. The night will include casino games, food, music, a hypnotist and prizes. The early registration deadline has passed, but students can still attend if they pay the $100 ticket price in cash at the door the night of the event.

Carlson said he and the other parents just hope their children have fun being around each other. “We want to give our seniors a chance to meet and greet one last time,” he said.

The Splash

Central Valley High School 2021 Graduation

By Nina Culver

Splash contributor

There were times when the prospect of an in-person graduation ceremony for Central Valley High School seniors looked bleak, but changing pandemic conditions have allowed the school to schedule an outdoor ceremony, complete with guests.

Assistant principal Katie Louie said administrators thought it was important to provide the students with a celebratory moment with their peers that they had worked hard for over the last four years.

“Last year we just could not do an in-person ceremony,” she said.

“That has really been the goal since the beginning.”

The school had originally considered whether they would

COVER STORY

have to do a drive through ceremony or perhaps multiple, smaller ceremonies in order to comply with COVID restrictions, Louie said. The school notified families on March 29 that an in-person ceremony would be possible this year.

Graduation is set for 11 a.m. on June 12 on the school’s new turf field and is expected to last an hour.

“They can say they were the first class to graduate on the new turf,” Louie said.

Students will be seated on the field and their guests will be seated in socially distanced groups in the stands. Masks will be required. Louie said everyone seems happy with the plan. “They’re very excited,” she said. “They wanted an opportunity to have all the graduates together.”

Senior Maddie Owens said she feels lucky and blessed to be able to walk in graduation. “I think we’re all just grateful that we can have one and have guests,” she said.

Senior Hannah Schaefer said she was surprised to hear that an in-person ceremony would be possible. “I think we were all expecting a virtual graduation or a

drive though,” she said. “I’m just blown away by how our school has come together to make this happen for us.”

Senior Isaac Ortega said he shared Schaefer’s surprise. “I was even surprised we even came back to school,” he said.

Oretega said he’s also glad he’ll be able to walk across the stage. “I know the seniors last year didn’t have that,” he said. “I think they were kind of robbed. My uncle and my brother will be there. I’m really excited to have my family there.”

The ceremony will be live streamed on the school’s YouTube channel for those who can’t attend.

As an added benefit, live streaming the event will make it possible for distant relatives to see the event, Louie said. The school has been live streaming sporting events and Louie said she’s heard of grandparents and other relatives finally being able to see a basketball game. “Relatives on the east coast, they can now watch graduation,” she said.

The school’s stadium has multiple entrances and families will be assigned to a specific entrance

JUNE 2021 • 11

as a way to limit crowding and improve flow. “We’ve gotten a lot of practice with our sporting events,” Louie said. “We’re pretty quick at the gate.”

The original plan limited each graduate to two guests, but that has since been expanded to four. Louie said she doesn’t anticipate any more changes unless the COVID restrictions change. “We plan for today and adjust for tomorrow,” she said.

Even though the number of guests has increased, Louie said she knows its still not on par with the number of guests students have been able to bring in the past. “We know that’s hard for some,” she said. “We’re hearing that people are grateful that it’s now four and not two.”

There are 530 seniors at Central Valley High School this year. Some students have chosen to continue to attend virtual classes even after inperson classes resumed. Likewise, some students have indicated they will not be participating in graduation and Louie said the school didn’t ask why. “We have students with families with compromised health,” she said. “We respect that.”

Students who don’t attend the ceremony will still be listed in the program and be honored the same way as those participating in the event, she said.

The school usually holds its graduation ceremony in the McCarthey Athletic Center on the Gonzaga University Campus.

Louie said she doesn’t know if the school will go back to that or if it might become standard to hold it at the school. “This might really be a beautiful thing, having kids graduate at their home campus,” she said.

Louie noted that not all changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic have been bad and hopes that some, like the on-campus graduation, stick around. “I’m excited to see what stays,” she said.

With graduation plans finalized, the only thing left to do is hope for good weather. There is no plan B in case it rains and the ceremony will be held unless there’s a major weather event, Louie said. “They’ll have hats on, right?” Louie said.

“We’re going to have sunshine, so it won’t matter.”

12 • JUNE 2021

Avery Auth

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Jim and Jodi Auth Plans to attend Montana State University to study Environmental Engineering.

Shealyn Crowley Graduate of CVHS Parents: Jillene Crowley

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Samuel Brown Lilli Brunt

Noah Betts

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Bill and Shirlene Betts Plans to attend the University Washington to study engineering.

of

Jenna Engel

Chloe Bryntesen

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Donnie and Wendy Bryntesen Plans to attend Rocky Mountain college to major in Elementary Education.

Graduate of CVHS and SFCC Parents: Nate and Melissa Brown Plans to attend the University of Idaho.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: George and Randi Brunt Plans to attend UVU for and year and then complete a LDS mission.

Thalia Felice

Kate Gardner Riley Gavin Graduate of CVHS Parents: Rick and Kelli Gardner Plans to attend the University of Washington.

Graduate of CVHS and AA from SCC Parents: Paul and LeAnna Gavin Plans to attend WSU. “We are so proud of you!” - Mom and Dad

Lauren Hoskins Abbigail Johnson Emma Johnston

Garrett Packebush

Sarah Pecha

Plans to attend Montana State University, majoring in Nutrition and Food Services with an emphasis on Pre-Med.

Plans to attend the University of Washington, Foster School of Business to pursue a degree with an interest in the medical field.

Plans to attend WSU for Nursing.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Todd and Marla Hoskins Plans to attend Washington State University.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Dale and Shelly Engel Plans to attend the University of Idaho.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Shaun and Holly Johnson

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Joe Felice and Ann Gorman Plans to attend the University of Washington to study International Relations.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Ross and Tessa Johnston Plans to attend WSU.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Jake and Staci Packebush

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Stacy and Doug Pecha

Plans to attend the University of Idaho as a student athlete in Cross Country/ Track and Field while majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Kylie Contance

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Chris and Cindy Contance Plans to attend Gonzaga University to study business and marketing.

Ben Hadley

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Travis and Kim Hadley Plans to attend the University of Washington.

Savannah Pratt Graduate of CVHS Parents: Gavin and Sarah Pratt Plans to attend the University of Idaho for Art and Architecture.

Claira Reiman Brandon Reyes Amelia Rottrup Hailey Stuhlmiller Meera Turpin Kami Twining Graduate of CVHS Parents: Bill and Shirlene Betts Plans to attend Washington State University for a Degree in Education.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Joseph and Monica Reyes Plans to attend GCU and enter the Air Force ROTC.

Congrats Class of 2021

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Dave and Beth Rottrup Plans to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Dennis and Jennifer Stuhlmiller Plans to attend Washington State University to study Health Sciences/Nursing.

Scott Twining Anis Web Graduate of CVHS Plans to attend Grand Canyon University.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Lanis and Holly Webb

Plans to attend Concordia University Irvine with athletice swimming and academic scholarship.

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Tim and Sudha Turpin Plans to attend the University of Washington for Engineering.

Graduate of CVHS Plans to attend EWU

Nelson Whybrew

Jasmine Yaw

Graduate of CVHS Parents: Howard and Kathy Whybrew Plans to attend Boise State University to study Computer Science.

Graduate of CVHS

Parents: Angela Brooks-Yaw and Christopher Yaw Plans to attend EWU for a Biology degree followed

by Medical School at WSU.

The Splash

Graduating Class of 2021

Shane Abel • Ava Abramson • Sarah Adams • Emily Agnew • Kanela Aldan-Aguon • Zainab Ali Al Abdullah • Carson Allred • Natalie Alva • Julius Alvarez • Andrew Amusavi • Michael Anderson • Adam Anderson • Dane Anderson • Raquel Anderton • Julia Andrews • Riley Anglesey • Johana Arias • Cooper Arnold • Garrett Atkinson • Jackson Atwood • Avery Auth • Gage Avery • Ellie Baddeley • James Badger • Eli Bailey • Ryen Bake • Caleb Ballif • Lauren Bambock • Elise Bang • Isabella Bankey • Brooke Barnes • Valeria Baron • MazieAnne Bays • Christina Bays • Ethan Bays • Malachi Beach • Mason Beck • Tailor Benson • Noah Betts • Bowen Beykirch • Jennifer Bgatov • Kylie Bianche • Grace Bigner • Kathryn Blackhart • Brian Bolanos • Amy Bosch • Olivia Bossard • Cole Bossard • Elijah Bowdon • James Bowers • Tamera Bradford • Christopher Branom • Mohkam Brar • Kaleb Bray • Emily Breeding • Jason Briones • Hayden Britain • Matthew Britton • Eli Brook • Amity Brookshire • Ellie Brown • Samantha Brown • Grace Brown • Samuel Brown • Brandon Bruegeman • Madilynn Bruno • Lilli Brunt • Ty Bryant • Chloe Bryntesen • Princess Buchanan • William Buckholdt • Riley Buell • Madison Cagle • Quanique Campbell • Jayde Cannon • Krystal Carlson • Ashlee Carlton • David Casillas • Taylor Castleman • Ashlynn Caudill • Zane Chalich • Danielle Chalpin • James Chamberlain • Kayla Chen • Ryley Ciokewicz • Emily Clark • Jared Clark • Ryan Clay • Thomas Clemson • Daniela Colocho • Kylie Constance • Alexandra Contreras • Jared Counts • Luke Cox • Chloe Cramer • Shealyn Crowley • Isaac Crownhart • Jayden Currey • Elise Daines • Noah Davaz • Sylvia Davidow • Brooklyn Davis • Ashley De La Mora • Alexa De La O • Hannah Dederick • Aaron Degenstein • November DeJulia • Jonathan DeLao • Rhiannon Delvechio • Nathan DeRuwe • Isali Diaz • Joelle Dickeson • Kaleb Dion • Tina Do • Jerry Dolph • Braeden Doyle • Lauren Duer • Thomas Dunne • Mya Dziwenka • Victoria Elliott • Madyson Ellison • Annon Elvidge • Alyssa Emory • Jenna Engel • Natalia Escobar • Maddison Evans • Thalia Felice • Benjamin Ferguson • Jaye Fernandez • Tyler Ferrell • Andromeda Fierro • Steven Filer • Gabriella Fischetti • Ally Fisher • Payten Fitzner • Zackary Fletcher • Angelena Flores • Derek Florianovich • Haley Folsom • Bryce Folsom • Brandon Fontaine • Tristin Fowler • Annie Fox • Kenton Frederick • Abby Fried • Mikayla Fristad • Brianna Fudge • Margaret Galeener • Juan Gallegos-Martinez • Tiara Garcia • Katherine Gardner • Parker Gast • Riley Gavin • Grace Geldien • Evan George • Kelsie German • Andrew Gibbons • Ethan Gilles • Gavin Gilstrap • Michelle Giroux • Collin Gleason • Lyudmila Gnatenko • Kaylee Golly-Dirk • Amy Gomez • Caleb Goodin • Caden Goranson • Vladislav Gordeyev • Kaycee Gores • Kelsie Gores • Shenoa Gosney • Mark Gotishan • Olivia Grabowski • Hannah Graham • Kaylie Greenan • Travis Griffiths • Keira Grob-Ellison • Joseph Gutierrez • Aiden Haddock • Ben Hadley • Mathew Haigh • Mellony Haney • Casandria Haney • Emma Hanford • Zachary Harris • Morgan Hart • Kaitlyn Hartshorn • Zachary Harwood • Meadow Hatch • Trinity Hawks • Elijah Hays • Emily Henning • Amaryce Hernandez • Saul Hernandez • Joseph Herner • Nicholas Higginson • Ari Hintz • Jessica Hoagburg • Teagen Hoard • Jared

Central Valley High School Hoerauf • Janessa Hoffman • Charlise Hogsed • Zachariah Holland • Shea Holmdahl • Lyndie Holmes • Allison Hood • Aiden Hoosier • Parker Hormel • Emma Horton • Lauren Hoskins • Brennan Hossack • Evander Hottell • Colin Howard • Katie Howard • Ryan Howard • Zachary Hoy • Sarah Humble • Emma Hymas • Caleb Jackson • Michael James • Kate Jensen • Cambry Jeppson • JoAnita Johns • Benjamin Johnson • Katrianna Johnson • Abbigail Johnson • Emma Johnston • Kelsey Jones • Joey Jones • Parker Jongeward • Warner Jude • Willy Kalpakchi • Logan Kane • Sergey Kanyushkin • David Karasyov • Caleb Kartchner • Clair Kaufman • Livia Kent • Taratel Khalid • Alena Kholostov • Genevieve Kienbaum • Sarah Kinsolving • Johnathan Kinzer • Kolby Kiser • Liana Kopets • Rouvim Kopets • Mary Kosednar • Ella Kottkey • Nathaniel Krafft • Alexia Krogh • Alina Kushnir • Erica La Fontaine • Edward La Rosa • Ian LaBrosse • Jordan Lake • Jaylee Lake • Benjamin Lamoreaux • Kameron Lance • Caitlyn Langsett • Emily Larin • Allie Lawhead • Joshua Lawson • Taylor Leach • Johnathan Leavell • Jonathan Lee • Russell Legg • Angeline Leppelman • Ian Lester • Grace Levins • Abigale Lewis • Isella Lindo • Aspen Lockwood • Sadie Logue • Noelle Looper • Michael Lorhan • Zoe Lucas • Elijah Lukes • Kailee Lux • Caleb Lybbert • Cameron Lybbert • Zechariah Mallah • Emily Malloy • Briley Markquart • McKaila Markquart • Trinity Marks • Dabria Marquez • Zachary Martin • Kaylee Martin • Mady Martin • Alyssa Marvin • Robert Matthews • Shelby McAndrews • Sophia McCauley • Jonathan McClanathan • Naleah McClellan • Ashtyn McComas • Jenna McCombs • Gianna McCoy • Maya McDonald • Duncan McDonald • Kiley McElroy • Malachy McGreevy • William McLean • Buddy Joseph McMahan • Kaitlin Melby • Jack Melville • Shelby Menga • Hanna Michaelis • Brayden Miles • Alyssa Miller • Jaedyn-Rialy Miller • Taylor Milliken • Kailey Minderman • Alyssa Mitchell • Andrew Monson • Cassidy Moon • Shawn Moore • Maiya Moore • Avery Mortensen • Harrison Mulloy • McKenna Murphy • Hunter Myers • Trent Nauta • Keegan Navrat • Michael Nelson • Cohl Nelson • Tessa Neumann • Kessi Newman • Darren Nguyen • Madison Nichols • Luke Noakes • Aaron Nolting • Emiliana O’Brien • Megan

JUNE 2021 • 13

O’Brien • Kelly O’Dea • Lauren O’Neill • Sophia Ocker • Jaden Olmstead • Moira Olsen • Isaac Ortega • Elsa Owens • Madeline Owens • Garrett Packebush • Dakari Pakootas • Sydney Parkman • Kyle Parkman • Elizabeth Pauley • Sarah Pecha • Victoria Pena • David Perekopsky • Chelsea Perry • Jadon Persicke • Marie Peterson • Amanda Peterson • Xander Plumley • Sariana Poshusta • Shea Potack • Savannah Pratt • Belal Rabia Al Ayouf • Mariam Rabia Al Ayouf • Trent Rabideaux • Logan Radmaker • Samuel Rahm • Olyvia Ramos • Abigail Ramos • Yasmin Ramos-Climaco • Payton Rasmussen • Paulson Ray Thompson • Joel Redo • William Reese • Spencer Reid • Claira Reiman • Lena Reimer • Ashley Reis • Noelle Renecker • Anthony Reola • Vincent Reola • Brandon Reyes • Micah Richards • Jack Richardson • Kayla Richardson • Perris Richey • Adrianna Rick • Krsna Riddle • Brieanna Riddle • Chayse Roberson • Carlos Rodriguez • Jane Romney • Arihana Roos • Miriam Rosenbaum • Tyler Rosenblit • Rebekah Ross • Amelia Rottrup • Elijah Rowe • Cameryn Rudd • Jesslyn Ruddach • Anna Sabins • Megan Sachtjen • Isabelle Sampson • Julio Sanchez • Sophia Sanders • Lilli Sanders • Isabella Santiago • Carrie Sargent • Jaden Sather • Alek Savacool • Stephanie Sawchuk • Kyle Scarcello • Hannah Schaefer • Payton Schneckloth • Kailee Schneider • Carter Schnell • Hunter Schock • Dominick Schoener • Carson Schoonover • Ethan Schreiber • Kamryn Schumacher • Michael Schwarz • Ethan Sears • Nathan Shaber • Riley Shanks • Prateek Sharma • Nathan Sharp • Anna Shaurette • Katelynn Shelton • Luke Sherrill • Brooklyn Shumway • Brayden Shypitka • Arionna Sicilia • Ramanpreet Singh • Gavin Sjothun • Jacob Smith • Sydney Smith • Cameron Smith • Jaidyn Smith • Gabrielle Smith • Giuliana Souto • Kailyn Speziale • Ryan Stacy • Chassity Stanisich • Damon Stewart • Miles Stewart • Parker Stewart • Hailey Stuhlmiller • Svetlana Susina • Erika Sutter • Alexis Sutton • Grace Sutton • Jorgen Swensen • Timofiy Symonenko • Nathan Szabrowicz • Masaya Takasaki • Dominic Talcott • Andrew Tamayo • Jacob Taylor • Breanna Thomas • Jeffery Thompson • Jewlia Thompson • Gracie Thorpe • Taylor Tiffany • Brycen Tobius • Anatoliy Topov • Nikita Totka • Kolbe Troxel • Dominic Truesdale • Duc Truong • Erica Tucker • Peter Tupikov • Meera Turpin • Kami Twining • Scott Twining • Daniel Ulyanchuk • Hunter Van Etten • Sara Van Liew • Aidan van Marle • Colton Van Note • Tyler VanVlymen • Koleton Vaughn • Gabriella Vensland • Ezra Verlinde • Naia Vince Cruz • Sarah Vinson • Zane Voelker • Ryan Volmar • Tiffany Von Tobel • Angus WaitE • Adora Wallgren • Luke Warrick • Lanis Webb • Samantha Weirich • Logan Weldon • Emily Welp • Katelyn Westegaard • Madison Whitney • Nelson Whybrew • Kaylee Wilding • Rylan Wilkerson • Branden Williams • Alyse Williams • Chloe Williams • Grace Williams • Lindy Williams • Dielle WillisValentine • Alexa Wilson • Elijiah Wilson • Kaylee Wilson • Alexander Wirthlin • Nelia Wood • Nataley Wood • Rabekah Wood • Christian Woodland • Alissa Woods • Carson Woodward • Emma Worthington • David Worthington • Chase Woudenberg • Alexander Wright • Carly Wulffert • Corin Yanke • Jasmine Yaw • Maci Young • Cooper Young • Jacob Young • Chloe Zadra • Jessica Zarecor • Guozheng Zhang • Logan Zimmerman

14 • JUNE 2021

CITY COUNCIL Continued from page 9

like an outdoor amphitheater, pickleball courts, a pond and more.

The driving range would also move with this approach. Johnston said he has not seen a similar approach work before, describing it as “an unproven business model” to council. The course would also need to close for a period during construction takes place while additional employees would be required to oversee the non-golf offerings.

Johnston said the Trailhead driving range – the only covered range of its kind in the area – continues to generate robust revenue but is in dire need of an expansion. “We have people that leave just because they’ve been waiting too long,” he said.

Johnston outlined specific costs tied to the first option such as the golf shop at $800,000, a restaurant at just over $2 million, meeting space/event center at $1.9 million and driving range poles and netting at $1.7 million. Along with other expenditures, the final figure would be in the neighborhood of $8.4 million.

Under the plan, parking capacity would go from 81 spaces to 231 spaces.

“My opinion would be to go with option one and just fix what we have,” Johnston said. “If we can enhance what we have it’s going to be great for the next 50 years.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Kennedy referred to discussions on Trailhead that have spanned back to 2016 and included two top priorities – the main building and the driving range.

“I’m really excited about option one,” Kennedy said. “Based on the ‘have-to’s’ I think option one covers that well.”

Council Member Hugh Severs said he appreciated the “increased efficiencies” that option one would bring along with the potential of increasing revenue.

“It’s an expensive project but this is the least expensive option and we get great value out of it,” Severs said.

Council Member Annie Kurtz

The Splash leaned toward option two, pointing to the need to provide recreational opportunities at the facility for residents not interested in golf.

“If we’re going to spend this type of money, I think it’s important to engage other parts of the community,” she said.

Council Member Dan Dunne said Trailhead continues to be an asset to the community by offering open space and recreation yet, like Kurtz, he supported adding some aspect of non-golf activities that would give the venue wider appeal.

Keeping the facility in operation was a plus for Council Member Holly Woodruff, who favored option one while commending Johnston for his work in researching design alternatives.

“I think we need to be careful how we use the land and not make major changes,” Woodruff said.

Dunne, Woodruff and Kennedy were among those around the dais who voiced support for a miniature golf feature as part of the refurbished site.

“I’ve always felt we should have putt putt here too,” Langford said. “If it can be built within the confines of a pre-selected budget by this council and have that added it would be great – but not at the expense of more parking or the golf course itself.”

Finance Director Kyle Dixon broke down the money side of the project, noting that the city has $2 million in cash available from the general fund, leaving around $7 million in debt service if option one was selected. Dixon recommended a 20-year timetable on the note which could be repaid using REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) funds and not affect property tax.

The city’s initial debt service on the Trailhead site rang in at $167,000 a year as part of a 20-year schedule. The debt was paid off three years early.

Ultimately, the “Above the Hill” approach earned the council’s green light with an agreement to allot $8.4 million toward the project.

On May 18 council agreed to set aside $250,000 toward consulting services in the Trailhead design process.

SVCA hosts Rental Assistance Event June 19

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

Among the many ripple effects of COVID-19 over the past year has been the impact on the rental housing market.

From renters losing their jobs or having their hours cut back and not being able to cover rent to landlords struggling to collect revenue due to late or absent rental payments, the fallout has been – to use a popular pandemic-related term – unprecedented.

Sherri Gangitano, executive director and community coordinator with Spokane Valley Community Advocates (SVCA), is trying to do something about the situation. With the statewide eviction moratorium set to expire on June 30, Gangitano is partnering with SNAP, Family Promise of Spokane, Spokane Valley Partners and other organizations to host a Rental Assistance Event on Saturday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines in Spokane Valley.

“I am hoping that more residents and landlords will see this as an opportunity for help in completing the SNAP Eviction Rental & Utility Assistance (ERA) portal application,” Gangitano said. “In addition, we are anticipating 10 to 15 other organizations with tables for information about other resources currently available.”

SVCA hosted a similar event last month with eight households qualifying for over $20,000 in rental assistance. Gangitano said the goal is to make applying for and receiving rental and utility assistance as simple as possible.

“We want to help those who cannot fill out the main application process on their own but desperately need the help,” she said.

Gangitano said she would like to serve 30 or more households and secure up to $100,000 in rental

support.

“Our event is an opportunity to provide a resource to the greater Spokane Valley that will renew hope and rebuild lives of fellow community members struggling through this pandemic,” Gangitano said. “Our mission statement says it all: ‘Supplying people with the power – resources, to raise their voices – advocacy, while providing hope and opportunity – mutual aid.’ This is what we do!”

Gangitano said there is “plenty of money available for both rental and utility assistance.”

“Many are not aware of the monies available or that it covers up to 12 months of rent, including up to three months of future rent and all utilities up to a total of $5,000,” she said. “This includes Internet if you can show it’s necessary for work, school, etc.”

In addition to SNAP’s portal (at www.snapwa.org), Family Promise of Spokane has introduced a Housing Assistance Portal that can be accessed at www. familypromiseofspokane.org.

Those who attend the event on June 19 will be asked to wear protective face masks and maintain social distancing, Gangitano said.

Trained intake volunteers will walk attendees through each online document, collect copies of verified information and follow up with the landlord before submitting the information to the portal for review. Attendees should bring proof of address, proof of income for anyone in the household over 18, verification of months and amounts owed for rent, current utility bill(s) and landlords contact information: name, business name, phone and email. For more information, contact Sherri at SVCA at (509) 3127869.

JUNE 2021 • 15

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Killian does an excellent job of keeping the board of directors organized and on track, Schmidt said. “Her ability in documentation is amazing,” she said. “She’s helpful to everyone around her. She’s an encourager.”

The staff at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels nearly managed to pull off a surprise appreciation day celebration for longtime volunteer Joan Killian recently, only to have the surprise blown at the last second when a friend intercepted her at the front door with a gift.

Killian seemed appreciative of the effort everyone gave to recognizing her years of service. She made her way around the room, greeting current and former volunteers and staff members, some of whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. “This is such a surprise,” she said. “I came to stuff envelopes.”

“I didn’t know it was a surprise,” said former volunteer Donna Pringle.

Someone handed her what is essentially a historical artifact – a small poster declaring Killian the April Volunteer of the Month. It is a simple poster, with a photo of a much younger Killian glued to a sheet of construction paper along with a couple of stickers and a few paragraphs of text. Killian thinks it might be from 1987 or 1988.

By Nina Culver

When Killian saw the poster with her face on it and the balloons, cupcakes and ice cream set up in her honor, she seemed taken aback, repeating “Oh, my. Oh, my.”

Executive Director Jeff Edwards said 90-year-old Killian was told there were envelopes that needed to be stuffed in order to get her to the Spokane Valley office none the wiser.

“That’s how you get her to show up,” he said. “You tell her there’s work to be done.”

“Meals on Wheels could not function without dedicated people like Joan who are willing to give so fully of themselves to help those who are in need,” the award stated.

Killian first started volunteering as a driver, delivering hot meals to seniors in need. “One of my friends was on the original board of directors,” she said. “In the summers I used to deliver meals with her.”

Killian was a teacher at Broadway Elementary for 30 years, where she taught second, fourth, fifth and sixth grades. She said she didn’t really have a favorite grade to teach. “Each grade, there are very good things about it and then things that were difficult,” she said. “But I enjoyed the kids.”

When she retired in 1983, she started volunteering with GSCMOW, then called Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels, in earnest. She delivered meals at first, usually with her

She’s also the organization’s de facto historian. She has been organizing photo albums full of newsletters, photos and newspaper clippings for decades. She can pull them out for visitors, pointing out the faces of people she’s worked with over the years.

She came to the organization because she thought it was important to take care of elderly people that needed help to stay in their homes.

“The elderly are sometimes called the silent generation,” she said. “They have spent their lives serving the community. I think there comes a time when we have to serve them.”

Killian has seen a lot of changes in the organization since she started.

“When I first started, we had five routes and were thinking of adding a sixth,” she said. “Back then we only delivered to the Valley. Now we’re the whole county.”

Edwards said he greatly appreciates the work Killian has done with the organization. “She’s been serving this organization longer than I’ve been alive, almost,” he said. “It’s an example of a lifetime of service.”

The organization now has 53 routes that cover the entire county, bringing more than 20,000 meals to seniors every month.

Killian has been volunteering with the organization since the early 1980s, the early days of the organization that was founded in 1975.

Schmidt said Killian has been a strong supporter of the organization for as long as she can remember.

“Joan has been so faithful during thick and thin,” Schmidt said. “She was right there the whole time.”

Though Killian has done just about every job in the organization, including accounting, she downplays her importance. “I don’t drive anymore, but I’m on the board of directors,” she said. “I come in sometimes and stuff envelopes.”

The work everyone does at the organization, even the office work, is important, Killian said. “Everything is important in this office, from the drivers who deliver the meals to the people who answer the phones,” she said.

Killian is currently the board secretary and often volunteers in the office, Edwards said. “At events, she’s always there,” he said. “Joan, even at 90, is making sure everyone eats.”

Dr. Helen Schmidt has been serving on the GSCMOW board for so long, she’s not sure how long it’s been. “Joan has all the records,” she said.

husband until his arthritis kept him home. She transitioned to office work in the early 90s. She’s been on the board since 2002.

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Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

Andrew Tamayo exits stage left this month after four impressive years at Central Valley High School. Tamayo was a fixture in the theatre program at CV, participating in productions like “Beauty and the Beast” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” A skilled drummer, Tamayo was part of marching band for three years and percussion ensemble for one year. The senior maintains a 3.99 grade point average and is part of National Honor Society. He volunteered with service projects like the blanket drive and food drive. He took eight AP courses, includes physics. The New Hampshire native is part of the choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he also participates in church cantoring (solo singing). Tamayo has been accepted to the University of Washington. He would like to pursue a career in civil engineering or environmental engineering.

Liberty Lake native Kami Twining may have lost her junior golf season to a pandemic – but the CV senior still finished her prep career as one of the best golfers in the history of the Greater Spokane League. Twining placed second in the GSL this year.

She was league MVP as a freshman and All GSL as sophomore. In her second match this season, Twining shot a 73 at Meadowwood. She placed in the top 15 at a Washington Junior Golf Tournament at Liberty Lake Golf Course. Twining overcame arthrogryposis, a rare bone condition, as part of her journey. She maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Link Crew.

She has advanced to state twice with DECA, a marketing/business club.

Twining will continue her golf career at Eastern Washington University.

Since moving to Liberty Lake in 2017, Sandi Bishop has made a distinct difference. She has served with the Liberty Lake Library Board of Trustees for the past three years and has been a past chair. She has also been a volunteer with Friends of the Library. She is part of the Safe Streets Committee in Legacy Ridge.

Bishop and her husband Jerry attend First Presbyterian Church in Spokane where she serves on the Church Council and on the board of the First Presbyterian Christian Church. The North Dakota native spent 30 years in education as a teacher, administrator and tech administrator, most recently in the Snoqualmie Valley and Kent (WA) School Districts. She also worked for McGraw Hill Publishing and Lego Dacta. Bishop has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and a master’s from Drake University.

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WV team manager known as pillar of Eagle Nation

By Craig Howard

Splash Contributing Editor

When West Valley wins, no one is happier than Tim Barteni.

Known to most by his nickname “Serna,” Barteni has been a charismatic fixture on the West Valley athletics scene for over two decades. He has served as team manager for a variety of sports, including football, girls’ basketball, baseball and wrestling. Along the way, he has been named Great Northern League Manager of the Year so many times, people have stopped counting.

“Anyone who knows anything about West Valley knows about Serna,” says WV Athletic Director Jamie Nilles. “His enthusiasm when the Eagles are playing is just contagious. In a lot of ways, he’s the main feature.”

Eagles’ full-time baseball manager.

It didn’t take long in Barteni’s tenure with the American Legion team that O’Neal knew he had added a dedicated cog to the wheel.

“The day after his first game with us, we’re playing a doubleheader in Coeur d’Alene and I look over and there’s Serna,” O’Neal said. “He had ridden his bike out there. He was always the guy, when we were down, who would get the team going.”

Those who know Barteni will tell you he bleeds orange and black. His loyalty to Eagle Nation was never more apparent than after the loss of two of West Valley’s finest – Jace Malek and Collin Sather – to cancer in 2016 and 2019 respectively. Both were football standouts at WV and friends of Barteni’s. The year after Malek passed, Barteni carried a flag with Malek’s No. 99 along the Bloomsday course. That year, KXLY named Barteni recipient of the Jace Malek Award for Toughness.

Barteni still wears jerseys with

Sather’s No. 18 and Malek’s number as a way to pay tribute to his late friends and fellow Eagles.

“When I wear those numbers, I know they’re looking down and so proud of me and what I’m doing for West Valley,” Barteni said.

Connor Whitney, a three-sport star at West Valley who is now a senior tight end at the University of Idaho, still keeps in touch with Barteni and describes the longtime team manager as “a perfectionist with a work ethic that rubs off on others.”

“Everything he does with those sports, he does 100 percent,” Whitney said. “He helped us a ton in football. He was out there eight hours before a game making sure everything was ready. It’s just that behind-the-scenes work that kind of goes unnoticed but makes everyone’s lives a lot easier.”

Whitney recalls how Barteni would have the opportunity to catch a punt at the end of each football practice with something

Going into a playoff game during Whitney’s senior year, Barteni lined up at the conclusion of a practice to track down a spiraling boot.

“Serna caught it and the whole team just went nuts,” Whitney said. “He was ecstatic and we were ecstatic. We all huddled around him. Serna’s always had moments like that.”

Another highlight occurred during a WV baseball game at Shadle Park when a blistering foul ball was hit in Serna’s direction.

“I was coaching on the third base line and Serna was over by the first base line, maybe 30 feet away from home plate and this ball was just hammered,” O’Neal said. “He just reaches up and catches it.”

Barteni said he remembers “the whole team standing up and cheering” after the catch.

“I’m not sure how I did it,” he said. “I was just leaning against the bat rack, caught it and threw it back to the pitcher.”

Most of Barteni’s efforts are not as glamorous. Try doing three loads of a football team’s laundry each week, dragging and chalking the baseball diamond or setting up chairs, the scorer’s table and everything else that goes with a basketball game.

Nilles tells the story of a WV football game when longtime local sports broadcaster Dennis Patchin approached him to ask about Serna.

Barteni had been his usual energetic self on the sidelines, cheering and encouraging the Eagles on nearly every play.

“It’s amazing what he does,” said Nilles. “He’s part of our culture here. When the students here see how Serna works and become his friends, they learn a huge lesson.”

“Dennis asked me, ‘So, who’s your ‘Let’s Go’ coach?’” Nilles recalls. “I just told him, ‘That’s not a coach, that’s Serna.’”

Barteni’s journey to becoming a West Valley folk legend began in the summer of 1998 when Eagles’ baseball head coach Don O’Neal was coaching the WV American Legion club. Before a game in Spokane, O’Neal asked Barteni if he wanted to help out with the team. He did and a commitment to WV sports was born – even though Barteni hailed from North Central. By 2000, he was the

unique on the line. If he caught the kick, practice was over. If not, extra conditioning for the entire squad was the consequence.

West Valley losses are tough for Barteni, O’Neal says.

Photo by Craig Howard Tim “Serna” Barteni has been part of West Valley High School athletics for over two decades now, serving as team manager for sports like football, girls’ basketball, baseball and wrestling. In 2017, KXLY named Barteni the winner of the Jace Malek Award for Toughness, a recognition named after Barteni’s friend and WV football standout Jace Malek who passed away from bone cancer in 2016. Barteni completed Bloomsday a year later carrying a flag with Malek’s No. 99 jersey number.

“He really felt like when we lost, he didn’t get the team going,” he said. “He’d be pretty upset.”

Barteni said he copes with a WV defeat by “walking around, just getting some fresh air and trying to recoup.”

“We kind of have become like a family here,” Barteni says.

JUNE 2021 • 21

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JUNE 2021 • 23

24 • JUNE 2021

SVFD REPORT Continued from page 4

a reported downed powerline.

While responding to the downed powerline, crews came across a downed tree completely blocking the road and located about 1 mile from the powerline they were trying to respond to. Crews limbed and bucked down the tree until a Spokane County crew arrived to assist. Once accessible crews continued to the original call for the downed powerline at Kamiakin and Liberty. The powerpole was on Tum Tum and had suffered severe damage. Once Avista arrived on scene, the area was triaged, power was secured, and crews returned in service.

Motor Vehicle Collision, April 27, 3:19 p.m. - Spokane Valley Fire was dispatched to a call for a vehicle collision with three vehicles involved in a medium speed collision blocking northbound lanes.

Crews position south of the accident and blocked the entire northbound road for safety. There was one trapped occupant in a vehicle with minimal damage. The drivers door was unable to be opened. Three patients were evaluated with one needing treatment and transport.

Structure Fire, April 7 - Spokane Valley Fire Department crews were called to a report of a “donut” fryer on fire and flames getting bigger in the oil machine at East Indian Avenue and E Nora Avenue. Crews objectives were to locate any smoke or fire and extinguish it. Valley Engine 3 crews arrived and observed no smoke or fire inside or outside being emitted by the structure.

Crews did not note anything as having smelled of smoke or fire once inside the structure. Crews found that the fire was contained to the fryer and was completely out. They then assisted with ventilation of the premises.

Residential Fire, May 5, at approximately 2:40 p.m.- in the north 12900 block of E Saltese.

The residents informed the dispatchers that they smelled an electrical odor and upon investigating they noticed heat at the ceiling in a bathroom. Dispatch asked the residents to evacuate and the family waited outside for SVFD to respond.

The first arriving crews found

The Splash smoke coming from the eaves of the roof and upgraded the fire, bringing additional units to the scene.

Crews entered the residence and removed the ceiling in the bathroom, enabling them to quickly extinguish the fire. Damage was limited to the bathroom.

The bathroom ceiling fan was determined to be the cause of the fire.

A total of 12 fire units responded to the call. No injuries were reported.

Photos of the incident can be found on the SVFD Facebook Page.

SVFD would like to remind homeowners to ensure that they have properly working smoke detectors.

Structure Fire, Spokane Valley Fire Department responded at 9:25 p.m., May 5, to the 1200 block of N Flora for a reported fully involved structure fire. Callers to 911 from the neighboring apartment complex reported one, possibly two buildings on fire.

The first arriving unit, Ladder 10 from Greenacres, confirmed a working structure fire in a detached RV style shop, approximately 60x40 feet in size. The house was also showing heat damage from radiation, and crews deployed hose lines to the rear of the property for extinguishment of the shop, and cooling of exposures. A second arriving engine, contained a small grass fire that was spreading towards neighboring properties.

The property appeared vacant, and a quick search of the house confirmed no life hazards in the main building. The shop was not searched due to extensive damage and structural collapse. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A total of four Engines, three Ladder trucks, and three command vehicles were dispatched, with four fire suppression vehicles canceled on arrival, due to quick knock down of the fire by initial arriving units.

There were no injuries reported, by civilians or firefighters. Units from the City of Spokane, and Fire District 8 responded as part of automatic aid, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office assisted with closing Flora Road during the incident.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents as we head into Wildfire

Season to protect homes as much as possible. Wildfires can easily spread from blowing embers and flames.

By maintaining your home and utilizing landscaping techniques that include 30 feet of defensible space, homeowners can reduce the chance of embers and flames finding a place to easily ignite.

Multi-Vehicle Accident, May 7, around 10:15 am- the Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a reported multi-vehicle accident at 16th and Dishman Mica. A small sedan collided with a box truck, causing the truck to roll onto its side.

The sedan then struck a power pole and crashed through a residential fence.

Both the driver and passenger in the sedan suffered serious injuries and were transported to a trauma hospital. The passenger had to be extricated. The driver of the box van was reported to have minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

The Spokane County Sheriff is investigating the accident.

Photos of the incident can be found on the SVFD Facebook Page.

SVFD would like to remind drivers to always wear their seat belts.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department would like to remind residents as we head into Wildfire Season to protect homes as much as possible. Wildfires can easily spread from blowing embers and flames. Maintaining your home and utilizing landscaping techniques, homeowners can reduce the chance

of embers and flames finding a place to easily ignite. Make sure to use proper fire safe lighting & heating units for your chicken coop to keep the coop and your nearby home free from fire risk.

Lost Kayaks, May 7, around 11:55 am - The Spokane Valley Fire Department responded to a report of two overturned kayaks in the Spokane River.

Eyewitness reports stated that two people were seen on the kayaks, and then fell off near the Denny Ashlock Bridge. The kayaks were seen floating upside down without any passengers nearby.

SVFD with assistance from the Spokane Fire Department, performed a thorough search for the kayakers. Crews found were the kayakers appeared to have left the river, along with their life jackets left on the shore.

One boat was found and transported to SVFD’s fire station in Millwood. The other boat appeared to have been retrieved by the kayakers.

Photos of the incident can be found on the SVFD Facebook Page.

SVFD would like to remind residents that the Spokane River is running fast and high. Always make sure to wear a life jacket when recreating on the water.

Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com.

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

JUNE 2021 • 25

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Fundraiser supports local man at LL Yard Sales

the little things require help. Tyler said, “I can’t even get up to go get a drink,” and explained how grateful he is to his mother who manages appointments and medicine, and his grandmother does everything in between. Tyler’s stepdad is also a big support, taking him to medical appointments.

Splash contributor

“We’ve got to think about every blessing,” Tyler said. “When we are praying, we need to be thanking him for every little blessing that we get and that’s a lot of blessings in a day.”

By Shaun Brown

At age 33, Tyler Thomas has been fighting Type 1 diabetes for almost 32 years. Diagnosed at 18 months old, Tyler recalls needing to give himself shots at 6 years of age.

He remembers the walk home from school during fifth grade when he threw up so often, he had to lie down and rest every few steps.

And he needs all the fingers he has left to count how many times in the past year he actually died and was revived while hospitalized for COVID-19.

As Tyler’s battle with diabetes intensified this year, the associated vascular disease caused agonizing pain and led to the loss of toes, fingers, and ultimately his lower feet and legs earlier this spring.

Despite these physical challenges, Tyler epitomizes optimism and gratitude. When asked who takes care of him, he listed his mother, his grandmother, God and Jesus Christ.

Tyler loves fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors. If he is blessed with the miracle of a new kidney, and if funds can be raised for prosthetic legs, Tyler hopes to enjoy those activities again. And he wants to give back.

“There are a lot of people willing and sacrificing for me,” Tyler shared. “I want to be a motivational speaker because the way I look at it, I want to give back.”

To raise funds for new legs, and hopefully a new kidney, there will be a community sale during the Liberty Lake Yard Sales June 18-19. If you have items to donate, or if you want to join the planning committee, please contact Cheloye Penwell at 509-319-0709 or Cheloye@gmail.com.

“In the last year God has blessed me in so many ways,” Tyler explained. “Because it’s one day at a time. Christ and God have a plan for me. I have died at least eight times that I can remember in the last year and been brought back all eight times. But like I said, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that our Heavenly Father was there for me when I needed Him most.”

With his parents living in Liberty Lake, Tyler recalls no one was with him during one episode that found him in the hospital to stop his heart and restart it. As all the doctors and nurses were rushing around, he recalls woman in a white lab coat approached, took his hand, and told him everything would be OK. When she was nowhere to be found afterwards, Tyler determined she was an angel sent to help him through the ordeal.

Without prosthetic legs, even

JUNE 2021 • 27

10 Facts about Diabetes 1. THERE ARE 3 TYPES

Diabetes has 3 types: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body doesn’t produce insulin for itself at all, because the immune system is attacking the cells in the pancreas that create insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to be able to live.

Type 2 diabetes is caused when the body can’t make enough insulin for the body, and is most common in individuals over the age of 45. The final type is gestational diabetes, which occurs only in women during pregnancy, and goes away after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are more at risk for Type 2 diabetes after they give birth. Over 420 million people in the world have some form of diabetes.

2. THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES About 90-95 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2, while about 5 percent have Type 1, and the remainder have gestational diabetes.

3. DIABETES IS A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE WORLD While diabetes—and the complications of it—is the number 7 cause of death in the United States, it has a much higher mortality rate in the rest of the world. This is especially true in middle- to low-income countries, as these countries are often unable to access proper treatment for this condition.

4. TYPE 1 DIABETES IS MOST COMMON IN YOUNG PEOPLE Type 1 diabetes usually develops early in life, and has been known previously as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. It’s most common in African Americans and Hispanics/ Latinos.

5. TYPE 2 PREVENTABLE

DIABETES

IS

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include aging and being overweight or obese, though as youth obesity rates rise, so do cases of early-onset Type 2 diabetes.

Staying healthy through proper diet and about 30 minutes of exercise every day or on most days can drastically decrease your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Contributed photo Tyler Thomas lost his fingers and lower legs from the effects of Type 1 diabetes earlier this year. Thomas, whose parents live in Liberty Lake, will be the focus of a campaign at the Liberty Lake Yard Sales this month to raise funds for prosthetic legs and a new kidney.

6. CASES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES HAVE DOUBLED IN AMERICA IN THE PAST 20 YEARS Causes for this are the high and increasing rate of obesity in America.

Also, a large percentage of the American population is advancing in age.

7.

DIABETES MANAGED WELL

CAN

BE

People with diabetes can still live well in spite of their condition. In fact, the ways that they can stay well are not much different from the ways that everyone else does. Moderate regular exercise and weight loss or control can go a long way to helping minimize the symptoms of diabetes and the complications that can result from it. Also, those who discover early on that they have diabetes have a much better chance of being able to keep it under control.

8.

DIABETES MEAL PLANNING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED The main dietary restrictions a person with diabetes should practice are avoiding excess sugar, unhealthy fats (i.e. saturated and trans fats), sodium and cholesterol. But this doesn’t have to be difficult. It is possible to eat healthy even on a tight budget. Watching your carb consumption, eating fiber-rich foods—like green vegetables and fresh fruits—and consuming lean meats and other healthy sources of protein can all help your body stay healthy while you deal with diabetes.

9. DIABETES IS A MAIN CAUSE OF BLINDNESS, AMPUTATION, KIDNEY FAILURE AND OTHER CONDITIONS If diabetes is not managed well, it can get out of hand. It can lead to conditions like diabetic retinopathy, which affects your sight and can cause blindness. It can seriously harm your kidneys and can affect your oral health, as well. Uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to heart disease and stroke. It can also prevent your body from healing as quickly or being aware of the seriousness of an injury, and a slow-healing wound is more likely to become infected or become an ulcer, or open sore (particularly on the feet and legs). If the infection is not treated properly, it can become too severe and damaging. It can also spread to other parts of the body, which can cause the need for amputation.

10. KNOWING YOUR RISK LEVEL CAN HELP YOU PREPARE FOR OR AVOID DIABETES Many people don’t even know they have diabetes. In fact, about a third of United States adults have prediabetes, a borderline-diabetic high blood sugar condition, but 90 percent of them don’t know it. People who smoke are also 3040 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes doesn’t have to be scary, and it doesn’t have to run or ruin your life. If you have diabetes or think you could be at risk, contact us today to schedule an appointment! We care about the wellbeing of our community, and we’d love to help you.

Information from https://www. communityaccessnetwork.org/10facts-about-diabetes/

28 • JUNE 2021

The Splash

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With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning.

Offer expires 06/30/2021.

CALL TODAY!

Dr. Enoch Ross • Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

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