Long before homes dotted Liberty Lake neighborhoods like Rocky Hill, Legacy Ridge and the River District, a migration of young families settled in homes around the lake and planted honest roots that would serve as the central layer for a growing community.
Over five decades ago, Jay and Sandy Rydell were one of those families. The move to Liberty Lake – then known as little more than a quaint outpost between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene – came after the couple spent several years working in the suburban Puget Sound area. Trips over the mountains to their friends from college, Stan and Leslie Chalich, in Liberty Lake shed light on the many positive qualities of the area as well as generating warm memories of their native Montana.
The Rydells made the transition to the Inland Northwest in 1971 and have never looked back. Jay latched on with the Central Valley School District, launching a career in teaching, coaching and administrative work that would last until 1997. Sandy would later work for CVSD after spending time as a stay-at-home mom to the couple’s two kids, Tanya and Kyle, now superintendent at the West Valley School District.
Along with their combined contributions to local education, the Rydells provided steady volunteer support at Liberty Lake Church. Sandy was a constant with Greenacres Elementary and Middle School PTA efforts and Jay has been a longtime member of Spokane Valley Kiwanis while also recognized as a co-founder of the Liberty Lake Loop Fun Run.
It’s no wonder then that the Rydells were named grand marshals for the 2023 version of the Liberty Lake Fourth of July Parade.
“The Liberty Lake Fourth
of July Parade Committee was very honored to select Jay and Sandy Rydell to be the 33rd grand marshals,” said Parade Chair Annie Tichy. “Jay and Sandy are wellknown and respected for their many years of community service. The Liberty Lake community has benefited from their involvement. Thank you, Jay and Sandy!”
Jay has been part of the parade committee before and expressed surprise when informed of the grand marshal news.
“I asked Annie, ‘Are you running out of candidates?’” he said.
Sandy said she and Jay have known most of the previous grand marshals and have attended every parade since it first wound through the streets of Alpine Shores in 1989.
“It’s an honor,” she said. “The parade has always been a special event for our family.”
So special, in fact, that Tanya makes it a point to return each July to visit her parents and set up on the parade route. She will make the trip again from the Bay Area this year with her family to share in the grand marshal experience.
Jay and Sandy first met on a tennis court in 1966 when both were students at the University of Montana Western in Dillon. Both were majoring in education to become teachers.
Sandy came to UMW from her hometown of Butte, Montana where she grew up the oldest of five kids. She was a drum major in high school and participated in Independence Day parades with the local VFW Drum and Bugle Corps.
Jay was raised 150 miles away in Great Falls, Montana where he found success in football, wrestling and track. After several offers to play college football, he landed at Dana College in Blair, Nebraska where his uncle coached. He transferred to Montana Western his senior year.
Jay and Sandy were married in 1967 and will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary this August.
A year after exchanging vows, the couple moved to Federal Way, Washington where Jay taught middle school and Sandy was a second-grade instructor. After three years, the Rydells packed up their bags permanently for Liberty Lake.
“At the time, there wasn’t much here other than railroad tracks and grass fields,” Sandy recalled. “This was even before Zip Trip. We were in a rental at first and we’ve been in our house on Liberty Drive for almost 50 years. I couldn’t imagine a better place to raise a family.”
Q: This first question is for both of you. What was your first reaction when you found out you would be grand marshals for the Fourth of July Parade?
A: We were truly surprised to learn about our nomination when Annie Tichy stopped by the house to tell us. It is an honor and very humbling!
Q: Jay, you were on the parade committee for years. What makes this event so special?
A: We do remember that first parade in 1989 and the excitement and enthusiasm it generated in
Continued from page 2 our community. I enjoyed those years that I was involved with the planning. We would always gather at Dave Graham’s home to strategize and plan for the upcoming year’s parade. All these years later it still is one of the highlights of our Liberty Lake Fourth of July festivities. It is a parade that is mainly for the children to participate in! Our committee always said, “it’s for the kids!”
Q: Sandy, what are some memories you have of Independence Day growing up in Montana?
A: I was raised in Butte, Montana and have many fond memories our town’s parade, in which I also participated in. My brother and I belonged to the VFW Youth Drum and Bugle Corps! There were family picnics at our Columbia Gardens and fireworks later that evening.
Q: Jay, why was the move from the greater Seattle area to Eastern Washington a good transition early in your married life?
A: We had accepted teaching jobs with the Federal Way School District following graduation from Western Montana College in Dillon. That was a fun transition for us leaving our small towns in Montana and moving to a large city. We knew eventually, though, our desire was to move back to be nearer to our families. So this transition to Liberty Lake was perfect for us. We were expecting our first baby when we moved here in 1971 and Sandy wasn’t able find a job since there was a hiring freeze on new teachers. So she became a stay-at-home mom with our two children, Tanya and Kyle, which she enjoyed for many years. We became very involved with many activities in our Liberty Lake Church, lots of volunteering in our kids’ classrooms throughout their years at Greenacres Elementary and Junior High. We couldn’t imagine a better community to have settled in and raise our family.
Q: Sandy, what were some of your first impressions of the Liberty Lake area when you moved here over 50 years ago?
A: We became familiar with the lake area when visiting with college friends Stan and Leslie Chalich on our trips between Federal Way and
Montana. When Jay was hired by the Central Valley School District, we knew that this is where we would live! We love the beauty of the lake and small close-knit community and all the outdoor activities available.
Q: What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in Liberty Lake in the time that you have both lived here?
A: We both agree that establishing the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water system was crucial to the health of our lake. When we first moved here, the lake wasn’t very appealing during some of those summers in the 70s. Also, we were a small village with any amenities. We can remember when Zip Trip put in the gas station and we could purchase milk and bread without a trip into the Valley! Now we have a bustling, vibrant town with schools, grocery stores, restaurants, many businesses and industries.
Q: Jay, you were heavily involved in Central Valley athletics as a coach and an administrator. What were some of the lessons you tried to teach student-athletes during your tenure?
A: I always wanted to instill many of the same values and lessons that I learned from my coaches in high school and college. It was important to teach them to take pride in CV high school and themselves. I wanted them to not be quitters, but to make a commitment to themselves, the team, the school and always finish what you start. It taught them how to become leaders, confident in themselves, participating in school activities, be tough but fair, when you make a promise you keep it. My philosophy was always “Kids First” and to be available as a mentor and help them succeed. The greatest reward is years later, having former students and athletes tell you that you made a difference in their lives.
Q: Finally, what are each of you looking forward to most about this year’s July Fourth festivities?
A: Well, we definitely we be seeing the parade from a different perspective this year! We both are looking forward to being on the parade route seeing lots of our friends, neighbors, throwing out the candy and enjoying all the excitement of the day After all, it’s all about the kids!
The multi-million-dollar makeover of the Trailhead at Liberty Lake clubhouse and pro shop will officially go from construction phase to grand opening soiree this month.
Just over 20 years ago, the future of the golf course itself appeared as uncertain as a nine-iron from prickly rough.
The long-awaited renovation represents the latest chapter in the city of Liberty Lake’s investment in a venue that opened in 1973 as Valley View Golf Course. The Schneidmiller family built the site and served as owners until 1984 when the deed transferred to Golf Pro Dennis Reger who drew up the original designs for the 63-acre, nine-hole executive course.
Reger’s father, Austin – who began as the head pro at Liberty Lake Golf Course in 1958 – first approached Elmer Schneidmiller about converting land where Trailhead now stands into a practice facility.
When Dennis Reger made it known in 2002 that Valley View was on the market, Steve Peterson –then mayor of recently incorporated Liberty Lake – stepped up to the tee.
“At that time, I looked at it as an opportunity for the city to purchase a piece of property, get a fair deal and preserve greenspace in the city,” Peterson recalls.
For a city that had incorporated only a year earlier, the idea of buying a golf course seemed risky to some.
Peterson saw the potential purchase from several angles, including “the basis for a parks department” and the securing of water rights that came with the land.
“At the time, we didn’t even own a lawnmower,” Peterson said.
As the city expressed interest, talk also began to swirl that the property could be converted to a
commercial or residential use by private developers.
“Just the fact that we could ensure that it would remain greenspace on that corner was important to us,” said Judi Owens, member of the inaugural City Council that approved the acquisition. “We also knew we could generate income from the course over the long haul.”
Peterson is convinced that if the city had not stepped up to retain the acreage as a golf venue, “it would have been gone.”
The city agreed to buy Valley View for $2.4 million, a sum that Peterson called a “great price.” When the bank note was finally retired in August of 2017, the value of the property had soared to $5 million.
After the purchase was official and the name was changed from Valley View to Trailhead, Peterson introduced the concept of a 5-percent admissions fee that would apply at the course as well as the city’s two 18-hole sites – Meadowwood and Liberty Lake – and be utilized for beautification throughout Liberty Lake. The proposal didn’t initially sit well with many in the golfing community.
At one point, Peterson used an object lesson to illustrate the relative cost of the admissions fee compared to the myriad of driving range balls that are lost each year. The visual aid featured two 5-gallon buckets of balls collected by the mayor that had strayed from the practice area.
“I said we’re not taking this fee and wasting it like these driving range balls that I think were 75 cents apiece at the time,” Peterson said. “We’re putting it back into the course, our parks and trails.”
A year after Peterson proposed the fee, it was approved by council.
Over the years, Trailhead has proved to be a reliable revenue source, keyed by a driving range that operates year-round. In 2019, gross income from the course checked in at $645,000. In February 2005, one of the warmest winter months on record, Trailhead raked in $25,000.
Before she left Liberty Lake to work for the city of Cheney in 2007, Finance Director Arlene Fisher called the purchase of the golf course “one of the best investments the city has ever made.”
See TRAILHEAD, Page 6
Continued from page 5
While the latest version of City Council approved a guaranteed maximum pricetag of just under $7.3 million -- $7 million in general obligation bonds and $300,000 from the Golf Operations Fund – last September for Trailhead’s most extensive upgrade ever, the city has made other reinvestments in the site over the years. A partial list of includes a new clubhouse roof, refurbished restrooms, expansion of the grass section at the driving range, new golf carts, renovation and expansion of tee boxes, landscaping upticks and more.
Jeff Means has lived in Liberty Lake for 25 year and remembers the pre-Trailhead days before the city took control.
“It would have been a big mistake to turn it into something other than a golf course,” Means said. “What else would have gone there? It’s been a great place, even to this day.”
Means, who enjoys golf but says he “is not an avid golfer,” applauds the affordability of Trailhead and the nine-hole format.
“It’s great for golfers like me with short attention spans,” he said.
Brady Means, Jeff’s son and a senior at Ridgeline High School, grew up playing at Trailhead and the two other Liberty Lake courses. He was part of the Falcons’ varsity golf squad this year and nearly qualified for state.
“Trailhead is a good place to learn the game,” said Jeff, who added that Ridgeline and other youth teams regularly utilize the site for practice.
In the early years of Trailhead, city hires Mollie Thola and Ron Knudsen set the tone for the course’s reputation. Thola served as head pro and quickly established a stellar agenda of golf instruction as well as a variety of leagues. Knudsen kept the grounds in pristine condition as course superintendent.
Chris Johnston has carried on the tradition as head pro since 2011. He says the capital project will make the building on the corner of Country Vista and Liberty Lake Road “the nicest in all of public golf,” eclipsing local facilities at sites like Downriver and the Creek at Qualchan.
Two simulator bays – with
screens 17.5 feet wide – will feature golf and a dozen other sports like baseball, rugby, football, basketball, bocce ball and more.
“We want to bring in winter revenue and I think this will do that,” Johnston said. “Yes, this is a golf facility and we needed golf course amenities but we also want to have other people use it.”
As the city’s Planning and Engineering Manager, Lisa Key has overseen the layers of work that have gone into the clubhouse project. The design-build effort has included companies like OAC Services, Architects West and Bouten Construction.
“They’ve just been phenomenal,” Key said of the team. “They’ve really acted as an extension of the city and done a great job looking out for our best interests, just making sure we end up with the project we envisioned.”
Key said one of the most impressive aspects of the clubhouse is the flex space that will allow for
gatherings of up to 100 people and include sliding glass doors that open up to a patio and expansive views of the fairways and greens. With restaurant capacity of 80 and the deck, overall capacity will be over 250.
“I think it will really be a great community asset,” Key said. “The city really hasn’t had a meeting room this large before.”
Liberty Lake Rotary donated $50,000 toward the audio/visual setup at the clubhouse and will maintain a space called “The Rotary Room” where they will meet once a week.
Rotary President Bob Wiese said the service club is enthused about having a permanent home after meeting at four different sites over the last several years.
“It should generate more interest in Rotary,” Wiese said. “As our membership grows, we can do more for the community.”
In addition to the simulator bays,
expanded parking and sprawling 3,600-square-foot practice green, the upgrade has drawn attention for a new on-site restaurant that will be operated by chef Adam Hegsted’s Eat Good Group. Key said the eatery, featuring an eclectic menu, will likely not open until March of next year.
A ribbon cutting for the new clubhouse will take place this month with a day and time to be announced. Key said she has been impressed with the way local golfers have shown patience and caution in “keeping golf going” while Trailhead’s flagship facility was transformed.
“I have to give the golfing community a ton of credit,” she said.
Former city leaders like Owens are quick to give Liberty Lake’s first mayor credit for making golf part of the municipal inventory over two decades ago.
“Steve was a visionary,” she said. “He brought a lot of positive ideas to the city.”
Basketball players are soon getting a court surface to match their colorful moves at Pavillion Park. During its June 6 regular meeting, the Liberty Lake City Council approved a contract with Spokane artist Danielle Davis to create a mural for the side-by-side outdoor courts southeast of the park’s buildings.
A committee involving members of the Liberty Lake Parks and Arts Commission, city staff and others selected the design titled “We Got This” from 19 that were submitted earlier this year. Davis has used a similar style for works she’s done for a bike corral sidewalk mural at
Gonzaga University, a Hoopfest backboard design, Riverfront Park posters and a Bloomsday perennials T-shirt. Painting of the project will likely begin in August in conjunction with resurfacing work for the court.
The 25th anniversary year of summer movies at Liberty Lake’s parks will bring eight films for local filmgoers –including the chance to see both of the “Top Gun” movies during consecutive nights in August. Showtimes will begin at dusk.
Here’s a look at the 2023 lineup, with most films being shown at Pavillion Park except where otherwise noted:
“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (Monday, July 3), “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (Saturday, July 8), “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (Saturday, July 22, at Orchard Park), “Soul” (Saturday, July
28), “Top Gun” (Friday, Aug. 11), “Top Gun: Maverick” (Saturday, Aug. 12), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Friday, Aug. 18, at River Rock Park), and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Saturday, Aug. 26).
Tim Olsen, treasurer of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, provides a full overview about this summer’s lineup of movies on episode #8 of “The Liberty Lake Deep Dive” podcast. The segment also offers several behind-thescenes details into what goes on in providing those movies at the parks each summer.
Saturday, August 5 at Pavillion Park!
Activities & Food:
n Vendor booths open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Food trucks open at 11 a.m. (coffee earlier)
n Car show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Family fun activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
n Water dump tank from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Human foosball from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n Skyhawks activities “Day of Play” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
n HUB cornhole & pickleball open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
n Golf cart parade, 1 p.m. (noon registration)
n Beer garden open 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Demonstrations:
n Dog agility – 11 a.m.
n Intermountain Search & Rescue – 11:45 a.m.
n Liberty Lake Tae Kwon Do – 12:30 p.m.
n Spokane Police Dogs – 1:15 p.m.
Live Music:
n Kosta La Vista –4 to 5:30 p.m.
n Nu Jack City: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
July 2023 https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa
2023-88002373 DUI 5/5/2023:
On 5-5-23 at about 2150 hours, Officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of North Harvard Road for a drunk and disorderly male. The adult male was asked to leave the business and was extremely agitated with officers on their arrival. The male was trespassed from the location and cited for his disorderly conduct and instructed not to drive home. Officers received a call back from the business stating the male came back and drove off in his vehicle. Officers responded and found the male pulling into his apartment complex in the 22000 block of East Country Vista Drive. The male was still highly intoxicated and was placed in custody for the DUI.
A search warrant was completed for his blood due to his refusal to provide a breath sample and the male further refused to comply with the order to give blood. The male was charged for the court order violation along with DUI and transported to the Spokane County Jail.
2023-88002617 Vehicle Prowl 5/17/2023:
On 5-17-23 at about 1850 hours, Officers received a call for a vehicle prowl that had occurred in the 1300 block on North Liberty Lake Road. Officers learned that a gold-colored SUV was seen in the area during the time of the vehicle prowl. Officers did a search of the Flock Camera system to see if that vehicle could be identified. Officers learned that a vehicle matching the description was used in several different prowling calls and was able to
identify a male suspect in the case. Search warrants were granted, and the vehicle was located and brought back to the PD to search for evidence. The search resulted in several items being recovered and charges being brought forward on the male involved.
2023-88002810 Protection Order Violation 5/25/2023:
On 5-25-23 at about 1350 hours, Officers responded to the 1600 block of North Carson Range for a possible protection order violation. Officers learned that a protection order was in place between an adult male and adult female and that the male had made contact making various threats to the female via text messages and through other people. Officers obtained the evidence of those contacts and cited the male for four counts of a protection order violation.
It should also be noted the Flock Camera system was instrumental in catching a sexual assault suspect for the County that occurred just south of the city limits at the end of May. Based on the information provided by the victim, a search for the vehicle resulted in the suspect vehicle being identified and the male suspect arrested for the attack that occurred.
Please call 911 immediately for emergency assistance when needed and call Crime Check if you see something you feel may need our attention. If you don’t hear back from Crime-Check in a timely manner, please call, and request officer assistance. The Liberty Lake Police Department would like to remind everyone to keep their belongings out of sight or out of your vehicles and to ensure your doors always remain secure to prevent theft.
Stay well and be safe!
Ah, summertime in Liberty Lake—the season of boundless freedom and unforgettable adventures. Nestled in the heart of this cozy small city, where everybody knows everybody, you will find a vibrant community that thrives on the spirit of experiences. While Liberty Lake may be small, it's big on adventure. The surrounding nature is a playground waiting to be explored this summer, offering an array of outdoor activities that cater to every taste. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie seeking heart-pounding thrills or a laid-back explorer craving serene hikes, this little slice of paradise has something for everyone.
• Lace up your hiking boots and set off on the numerous trails that crisscross the surrounding area. Liberty Lake Loop Trail is a popular choice, offering a scenic 7.3-mile loop around the lake with breathtaking views along the way. The Iller Creek Conservation Area is another fantastic option, featuring diverse trails that wind through lush forests and lead to stunning viewpoints.
• As every resident of Liberty Lake knows, golf enthusiasts will find their haven in Liberty Lake. Tee off at MeadowWood Golf Course, a picturesque 18-hole championship course known for its rolling fairways, pristine greens, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect place to perfect your swing while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
• With its namesake lake at the heart of the community, Liberty Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Grab your fishing gear, cast your line, and try your luck at catching trout, bass, or crappie. The serene setting and abundance of fish make it an angler's paradise. Embrace the thrill of water sports on Liberty Lake's shimmering waters. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from one of the local outfitters and glide across the lake's calm surface. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you explore hidden coves, paddle along the shoreline, or even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding yoga.
• Take advantage of the scenic parks and picnic areas scattered throughout the city. Pack a delicious spread of food, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon surrounded by nature. Liberty Lake Community Park and Pavilion Park are popular spots that offer picnic tables, grills, and ample green space.
• Every Friday night starting June 30th through the month of October, stop by the Town Square and enjoy a live band from 6 pm to 9 pm. There will be food trucks and vendors weekly, with the addition of a beer and wine garden coming towards the end of July.
• In addition to the weekly outdoor music get-together, Liberty Lake treats its residents and visitors to Movies in the Park. Settle into a cozy spot, with blankets and popcorn in hand, and enjoy familyfriendly films projected on a big
screen under the open sky. It's an evening of relaxation and cinematic delight for all ages. Starting on July 3rd, the movie "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" will be playing in Pavilion Park. Other hit titles include "Minions: The Rise of Gru," "Space Jam: A New Legacy," "Top Gun," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," and more! Parks vary by the week; please visit the Liberty Lake City Hall's website for additional information.
• If a more laid-back outdoor experience is your jam, stop by the Open Car Show at Pavilion Park on August 5th from 11 am to 4 pm. Kiwanis is hosting this Barefoot in the Park event with the car entry fee of $10 going to the Liberty Lake Kiwanis and the events they organize and sponsor.
• Shakespeare in the Park is back again for an outstanding performance given by talented and professionally trained stage actors. This year, the exciting play "The Three Musketeers" will be held at Pavilion Park at 5 pm on August 20th. Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy while you watch this fastpaced and lively theater production. Children's Activities and Events
• The Liberty Lake Municipal Library is hosting an array of social and educational events for children of all age ranges. They kick off the summer events on Friday, June 30th, with a Giant Bubble STEAM activity for children ages 6 to 12 from 4 pm
to 5 pm. From summer camps and Cecil the Magician to Teen Summer reading and trivia night pizza night, there is something that will get your children excited to be going to the local library. Visit either the Liberty Lake Municipal Library's website or the City Hall's website for more information on the events that will be offered.
• The Saturday Market in Town Square will again have games for children to play with on the lawn, and the SNAP booth set up for kids to get a coupon to buy some fresh fruit and vegetables for themselves. Enjoy a morning out with the family at this kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and neighbor-friendly market where you can get everything from baked breads to homemade soap.
• If you need to beat the summer heat with the kiddos quickly, stop at the Liberty Lake Splash Pad, where kids can cool off and have a blast splashing through various water features and interactive play structures. It's a safe and fun environment for children to enjoy aquatic adventures.
Nightfall Live: A new weekly music event
As the sun sets on another picturesque Friday evening in Liberty Lake, the enchanting notes of live music will fill the air, signaling the beginning of a new tradition.
This Friday kicks off the first of months-long weekly events that will showcase the local musicians will take to the stage and fill the night with easy-listening music. Each week brings a new lineup of musicians showcasing the vibrant musical talent of the community and the surrounding area.
The event is not just about
the music—it's a celebration of community. Food trucks will line the periphery, tempting attendees with mouthwatering aromas of local delicacies. From savory barbecues to sweet treats, the diverse culinary offerings cater to every palate, ensuring that hunger is never a concern. Meanwhile, local artisans showcase their talents, displaying handmade crafts and artworks that further enhance the vibrant atmosphere.
The weekly outdoor music gettogether in Liberty Lake is not merely a series of concerts—it's a testament to the spirit of this small city, where music becomes the compound for connection and unity.
So, if you find yourself in Liberty Lake during the summer months, be sure to carve out an evening to join the festivities. Let the music carry you away and dance under the starry sky. After all, in Liberty Lake, the power of music knows no bounds, and the memories made under the stars will resonate in your heart long after the final note fades away.
Liberty Lake Farmers Market
It's back for another season! Saturday mornings in Liberty Lake come alive with the vibrant energy of the Farmers Market. Locals and visitors gather to explore the stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delectable treats. The air is filled with laughter and the aroma of local delights, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates community, sustainability, and the joy of supporting local businesses.
Stop by Town Square every Saturday morning from 9 am to 1 pm to find ingredients for your evening's meal.
Last year, after the morning rain prevented some of the fireworks from being set off at the Over the Water Firework Extravaganza show, Rocketman Pyros is back again planning a show with coordinator Jeff O’Shea to create an even better and bigger show than in years past. About 39 of last year’s mortars went unused but will be added to this year’s show in addition to the typical 120 the firework show sets off, bringing the grand total of mortars launched into the sky to burst into bright colors to 150!
After the successful use of a newer barge last Fourth of July, Jeff has arranged to move the barge into a more central area of the lake to help provide better viewing around the perimeter of the lake. The show is community-funded, with all proceeds going to the production of the fireworks show.
The fireworks show will begin at 10 pm on July 4th in the middle of Liberty Lake.
The July 4th parade in Liberty Lake is a cherished community tradition that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day in style. As the sun rises on this patriotic day, the streets of Liberty Lake in the Alpine Shores area come alive with vibrant colors, spirited music, and an atmosphere of pure excitement. Families line the parade route, waving flags and eagerly anticipating the procession of families and community groups that make their way through the streets. The July 4th parade showcases the community’s unity, pride,
and unwavering patriotic spirit.
It’s a time to come together, honor the nation’s heritage, and create lasting memories that embody the true spirit of liberty and freedom. The parade starts at 11 am on July 4th.
The festivities will start at the Pavilion Park stage where a performance by Too Slim and the Taildraggers will take place from 7 pm to 10 pm. This is a free community event hosted by the City of Liberty Lake. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy while listening to music.
At the conclusion of the concert, the City of Liberty Lake’s fireworks display will begin at 10 pm and will be launched from the baseball fields between Liberty Creek and the Liberty Lake elementary schools. The fireworks show will be able to be viewed and enjoyed throughout the city. Look to the skies for an incredible light show.
Though it technically is on the day before the Fourth of July, the Liberty Lake Boat Parade is just as much a part of the Fourth of July celebrations in Liberty Lake as either of the Fireworks shows. The boats will tour the lake in a paradelike fashion starting at 4 pm on July 3rd after a special guest and an announcement from the Liberty Lake Mayor.
This year, there is a sponsor for the event, and the winner of the Overall best decked-out boat will receive a charcuterie board from Boards By Brit. Boat owners are encouraged to decorate their boat and have fun coming up with a theme. If you would like to be included in the boat parade, be at Alpine Shores to begin staging at 3:45 pm on July 3rd.
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VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Owen Rich began his high school journey at Central Valley but wrapped it up at Ridgeline in Liberty Lake with a flourish. The recently graduated senior served as ASB president for the 2022-23 school year and was a key part of the Falcons’ band program as drum major. He was voted Best Drum Major at the PNW Marching Championships. Rich served as Ridgeline’s homecoming king and played the role of wizard in the school’s production of “Wizard of Oz” earlier this year. He also was heard regularly as the voice of morning announcements and volunteered with Link Crew, a mentoring program for new students. For his Eagle Scout project, Rich painted the bleachers at Greenacres Middle School, where he was a student. Rich plans to attend college before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.
Nicole Bissell wrapped up a stellar running career at Central Valley High School by placing second in the 3,200 meters, third in the 1,600 meters and third in the 4 x 400 relay at the 4A State Track Championships. Bissell’s time of 10 minutes, 48 seconds in the 3,200 represented a personal best as did her time of 4:57.24 in the 1,600. The senior won regional titles in all three events. She took first in the 1,600 at the Pasco Invite. Bissell ran to a fourth-place state finish in cross country this season after qualifying as a junior. She was named to the All Greater Spokane League first team in cross country and track. She maintained a 3.84 grade point average and was a member of National Honor Society. Bissell will continue her running and academic pursuits at Washington State University.
Parks throughout Liberty Lake salute the sacrifices of veterans thanks to Bob Wiese. The Colorado native who served in the Marines from 1992 to 2000, approached the city of Liberty Lake in 2012 with the idea for a Fallen Heroes Circuit Course that would honor a representative from each branch of the military who died while serving their country. Over the years, five exercise stations have been added to the Fallen Heroes network through Wiese and his committee. Wiese has also lent support to the Washington Fallen Heroes Project. He currently serves as president of Liberty Lake Rotary, a club he has been part of since 2017. “The world is bigger than you,” Wiese said of his approach to service. He owns Liberty Lake-based Custom Fabrication Design. Wiese and his wife Angela are proud parents of two grown daughters.
By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor
• Resident and veteran Bob Schneidmiller thanked the city and Tom Pauley for honoring veterans through the newly introduced Purple Heart City program. A proclamation confirming Liberty Lake as a Purple Heart City was read as part of the agenda the June 20 council meeting. The program pays tribute to soldiers who have been wounded or killed in action and received the Purple Heart award. “Liberty Lake has a reputation throughout the veteran community, so this is just icing on the cake,” said Pauley, who retired from a 27year career in the military in 1992. “All veterans appreciate what you are doing.”
• Council Member Dan Dunne gave a report on the Liberty Lake Yard Sales on June 17-18 which featured 170 registered homes. The event has been a summer staple since 1993.
• Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons has been selected to serve as treasurer of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs for a three-year term beginning in 2024. The WASPC was founded in 1963 and includes more than 900 members. "WASPC plays a vital role in collaboration between law enforcement executives in
the state of Washington," said Simmons. "This collaboration is essential in providing public safety for the citizens of the state of Washington. I am excited to serve in the capacity of treasurer for such a fine organization."
• The city will accept feedback on the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan through July 5. A total of 340 responses to the survey had been received as of June 20. The 13-question survey takes approximately five minutes and can be accessed at www.libertylakewa.gov.
• Planning and Engineering Manager Lisa Key told council on June 20 that a walk-through recently took place at the Trailhead clubhouse renovation site. “Exciting times,” Key said. A temporary certificate of occupancy was issued June 16. The new pro shop has announced a soft opening on June 30 with the entire facility slated to open by mid-to-late July. “We are on budget,” Key added.
• Council approved a mural for the two basketball courts at Pavillion Park at its June 6 meeting. The artwork was submitted by Spokane artist Danielle Davis whose work has been featured on a Bloomsday perennials T-shirt, a bike corral sidewalk at Gonzaga University and a Hoopfest backboard. A committee comprised of Parks and Arts Commission members, city staff and others selected the design. Work on the mural is expected to begin in August
and be completed by the end of September.
• The 33rd annual Liberty Lake Community Parade will take place July 4 at 11 a.m. in the Alpine Shores neighborhood. Line-up for the procession begins at 10 a.m. and no cars or pets are permitted. Longtime residents Jay and Sandy Rydell will serve as grand marshals. Food and games will follow the parade.
• The fourth annual Liberty Lake Boat Parade is set for July 3 at 4 p.m. This year’s parade has a sponsor for the first time – Tobler Marina out of Hayden. Awards will be given out in various categories. Live music at Dreamwood Bay, a private lakeside community, will be part of the festivities with boats welcome to anchor in the bay for the concert.
• The city’s Fourth of July celebration will take place at Pavillion Park beginning at 5 p.m. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club will be on hand with their snack shop and Too Slim and the Taildraggers will take to the Pavillion stage beginning at 7 p.m. The city’s fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
• The long-running, community-funded “Over the Water Fireworks Extravaganza” is scheduled for the evening of July 4. Those who wish to donate to the display, are encouraged to visit www.libertylakefireworks. org.
By John McCallum Splash contributor
Several Ridgeline High School spring sports athletes advanced to state competition to finish the 2023 season, along with a couple coaches receiving all-league awards.
Golf (girls)
The Falcon girls, composed of Carolyn Rose, Kate Mulligan, Brooke Robertson, Reagan Rothley and Sawyer Anderson, placed second at district competition and thus qualifying them for the WIAA 3A state tournament, May 23 –24 at Hawks Prairie Golf Course (Woodlands) in Lacey. Four of the five made their first appearance at state golf.
Falcons coach Brittany Pounds said they came up short after the first day of play of advancing as a team to day two. Two golfers, Rose and Rothley, made the individual cut to move on to second day competition.
Rose tied with Francesca Brinkman of Silas for 35th overall,
shooting an 89 on day one and 88 on day two for a combined 177. Rothley finished in a three-way tie for 53rd, shooting a 92 and 100 for a combined total of 192.
Rose was selected to the All-GSL First Team with a league average of 86, fifth overall in the league.
“We will be losing two seniors this year, Brooke Robertson and Ataviah Adams,” head coach Brittany Wilcox said. “Brooke ended her high school career with a birdie on the 18th hole at Hawks Prairie. It was a pretty spectacular way to end it.
Wilcox was also named GSL Girls Golf Coach of the Year.
Competition results for the Falcons was covered in the June issue of The Splash. As for team statistics, head coach Ernie Merino said junior midfielder Braylon Helm-Renz led the team with seven goals and six assists, giving Ridgeline four players — including Zac Olson (moving to forward from midfield), Landon Lee and Griffyn Rider — who were in the top-15 in the GSL in scoring.
Junior Caden Thompson was the leader on defense, with sophomore
See RIDGELINE, Page 24
Caden Andreas Freshman Second team Infield
Craig Anglesey Senior Second team Outfield
Nate Fitzpatrick Junior Second team Pitcher
Easton Amend Junior Honorable mention Infield
Jaxon Barcus Sophomore Honorable mention Pitcher
Ben Wartinger Freshman Honorable mention Pitcher
Fastpitch softball
Savannah Smith Senior Second team Catcher
Sam Mowry Senior Honorable mention Infield
Lilley Triplett Sophomore Honorable mention Outfield
Golf (boys)
Tanne Smith Junior Second team Golf (girls)
Carolyn Rose Sophomore First team Soccer
Cameron Krieder Senior Second team Defense/Midfield
Caden Thompson Junior First team Defense
Braylon Helm-Renz Junior First team Midfield
Zac Olson Junior Second team Forward
Tennis (boys)
Callen Johnson Senior First team
Tyler Baker Senior First team
Jack Rau Senior Second team
Zander Palm Junior Honorable mention Tennis (girls)
Avery Lewis Senior First team
Charley Palm Senior Honorable mention
Vivian Van Buren Freshman GSL junior varsity singles champion Track and Field (girls)
Briana Pires Junior First team Triple jump
Second team 4x100 relay
Presley Young Junior Second team 200 meters
Second team 4x100 relay
Second team 4x200 relay
Honorable mention 4x400 relay
Liv Smith
Alex House
Second team 4x100 relay
Second team 4x100 relay
Second team 4x200 relay
Honorable mention 4x400 relay
Emma Mostek Second team 4x200 relay
Honorable mention 4x400 relay
Izzie Olson
Second team 4x200 relay
Honorable mention 4x400 relay
From
Continued from page 20
goalkeeper Brady McMahon stepping up in his first year starting to give up just 12 goals in 14 games while posting three shutouts.
All-league selections went to Thompson (defense) and Helm-Renz (midfield) at first team. Senior Cameron Krieder (defensive midfield) and Olson (junior, forward) were second team selections.
“For Zac this was especially impressive as he traditionally plays midfield but was called on to play a different role after losing our starting striker for the season,” Merino said.
“While this year we may have finished short of our goals we did have a lot of success for our season, “Merino added. “Finishing third was no small feat and we learned a lot this season. We will miss our three seniors next season, but we will return with 13 juniors and a more mature squad.”
Softball
Bailey Baker was named GSL Assistant Coach of the Year.
Ridgeline girls tennis coach Russell Tarmann said his team “had a great season.”
Senior Avery Lewis went 7-2 in GSL match play at No. 1 singles, qualifying for subdistricts and District 8 regional action, losing to Mead in the latter. Missing the first five matches of the season due to a back injury, freshman Eilean McLaurin earned a singles spot in District 8 competition, losing to Southridge in the consolation bracket.
“Seniors Charley Palm, 5-2, Cassidy Kuhlmann, 6- 3, and Katelynn Fay, 5-4, had an impact on the team success this year,” Tarmann said, adding that Gianna Longo, Svetlana Wickham, Eilean McLaurin, Prasidha Krishnaswamy and Sophia Brinkman will be returning varsity players next year.
The Falcons look to have a solid group of players coming up through the ranks for the future. Vivian Van Buren earned top GSL honors as the league’s junior varsity singles champion and teamed with Morgan Hymas for success in doubles play. Tarmann said impact players to look for next season off the JV squad are Abby Lind (some varsity experience), Elliott Edminster, Kali Richardson and freshman Tessa Currin.
Ridgeline’s C squad had 32 girls turning out, with 10 participating in matches against GSL opponents. The Falcon girls tennis will have a summer camp for incoming Ridgeline freshman girls (9th graders) and current Ridgeline students July 25, 26 and 27. Sign up is on Ridgeline High School Athletic page.
Junior Presley Young placed fifth overall in the 200-meter dash with a time of 26.26 seconds, 77/100ths of a second behind state champion Alex Buck of Bellevue. Young teamed with fellow Falcons Emma Mostek, Izzie Olson and Alexandra House to place sixth overall in the 4x200 relay, finishing with a time of 1:44.84, 2.3 seconds behind state champion Capital.
Relay alternates for Ridgeline were Sophia Combs and Bri Pires.
Olson also competed individually in the 400, finishing 15th overall with a time of 1:01.04 but missing the finals.
Splash news sources
Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 151 emergency incidents for May 2023.
By the numbers:
Emergency Medical Services 119
Fire Suppression 19
Other 5
Tech Rescue (includes 6 Motor Vehicle Collisions) 4
Cancelled 1
HazMat 1
Wildland Fire 1
Of note in Liberty Lake:
• Emergency Medical Services accounted for 78.81% of all SVFD incidents.
• Fire Suppression (fire and Building Alarms) was 12.58% of all SVFD incidents.
Safety Message
• We continue to emphasize Driving Safely. Schools will soon be out, and more children will be in parks and on roads.
• Be careful with yard equipment and anything that can spark a fire. As we move into those warmer temperatures be aware of anything that can potentially start a fire.
• Wear your life jacket (PFD) while recreating near or on rivers and lakes. Every year SVFD rescues people not wearing life jackets out on area rivers and lakes.
Media Release:
On Thursday, May 25th, at 9am, the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) had members of the media to tour our brand new SVFD Basic EMT School.
The Basic EMT School was designed to offer high-level EMS training to current and new SVFD employees, while also providing an educational resource to local and regional partners. EMS curriculums, such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) require special certifications from the Washington State DOH to administer a course.
When SVFD made the decision to pursue an EMS training facility, it was based on the current availability and cost of equivalent training in the area.
“It is one of SVFD’s top priorities to provide the highest level of emergency medical care to its citizens,” said SVFD Fire Chief Frank Soto Jr. “SVFD determined that for its new employees to receive the level of instruction and training needed in a timely and cost-efficient manner, steps needed to be taken to develop an in-house program.”
The EMT Basic School will offer multiple types of training for all levels of experience. The courses will be designed to provide reallife training that can be used in the field to treat patients with the best quality of care. Once certified, students will be able to perform lifesaving skills and respond to medical emergencies such as: cardiac arrest, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and gunshot wounds.
“SVFD is now the only Department in our region that will have its own in-house training center,” said SVFD EMS Division Chief, John Leavell. “This will add another avenue to help recruit and mentor our next generation of firefighters.”
Media Release:
Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) responded around 1:05 p.m. yesterday, May 3, to the report of a HAZMAT chemical incident near the 3300 block of North Argonne Road at the Inland Empire Paper Company in Millwood. Initially a single engine company alarm, the incident was quickly upgraded to a 2nd alarm response when a chemical spill resulted in an exothermic chemical reaction causing a fire.
SVFD and City of Spokane HazMat crews have remained on the scene throughout the night as they continue to mitigate the situation. Management of an incident of this size and complexity takes an incredible amount of time and coordination of resources. Yesterday’s fire component was contained around 3:19 p.m. but further focus of efforts was needed to fully manage the remaining volatile chemicals which continued to smolder throughout the night.
Rotation of crews and equipment has been constant. Keeping crews fed, managing, resting, and even personal hygiene becomes part of the overall operational effort. Fuel has even been delivered to keep on-scene equipment operable. Bottles of breathable air (SCBA) have been continually swapped out throughout the incident to keep Firefighters in full PPE supplied and breathing clean air, safe from the environmental chemical contaminants. As crews rotate out for rest and decontamination, PPE must be washed and cleared for use again. Hoses on trucks must be cleaned and swapped out. Management of a large multioperational period incident involves more than just the managing of the chemical’s mitigation, it includes prioritization of the safety of Firefighters, the needs of all the resources, and the proper handling and preservation of equipment as well.
Additionally, Firefighters have had to be protected from the heat. Unusually high temperatures for this time of year are also contributing to a challenging situation. Management of Firefighter health in hot environments is always of the highest concern.
Lengthy and intensive conversations with (regional, local, and paper mill) knowledge experts, regarding how to properly contain the chemicals (contaminants) and dispose of any damaged containers that held the chemicals continued through the night.
The fire department is very grateful that the City of Spokane Fire Department Special HAZMAT
Team has remained on scene and has been a major contributing factor to the strategy and management of the chemical component of this incident.
The area has not seen a major incident like this since 2007 when the Whitley Fire threatened the Hamilton neighborhood, challenging City of Spokane Fire Department in a like fashion. Like this HAZMAT incident, management of the Whitley Fire was complex and required a multiple agency response to manage.
“Incidents of this size and magnitude take a toll on area Firefighters and resources,” said SVFD Deputy Chief Zack Bond. “Having good relationships with our neighboring Fire District and public safety agencies is incredibly important for the continued safety of all our Spokane area communities.”
The Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) serves a population of 142,000+ over 75-square miles, including the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Millwood, as well as surrounding unincorporated areas. In 2021, our cross-trained Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics responded to more than 23,235 emergency calls.
Established in 1940, SVFD is committed to pursuing excellence and is distinguished as an accredited agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and by SVFD’s Class 2 fire insurance rating from the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau Connect with SVFD at: spokanevalleyfire.com. For department news, safety information, and timely updates, find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
The Splash is committed to serving Liberty Lake through excellent community journalism. We can’t do it at all without you, our readers, and we can’t do it for long without support from our advertisers. Please thank our business partners and look to them when offering your patronage.
Our sincere appreciation to the following businesses for their foundational partnerships withThe Splash and its partner publications:
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick ben@libertylakesplash.com
CO OWNER Danica Wick danica@libertylakesplash.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
Craig Howard, Nina Culver, Ashley, Humbird, John McCallum, Ross Schneidmiller
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A Liberty Lake City Council race and a Spokane Valley Fire Commissioner race have both attracted three candidates, which means the races will appear on the primary ballot in August with the two candidates with the most votes advancing to the general election in November.
The Liberty Lake council has been embroiled in a controversy this year about whether or not the city council should have final say on library policies, including whether or not to ban books. The library has been overseen by an appointed board of trustees since it was founded. A slim majority of the council recently voted to give itself the authority to take decision making away from the trustees, but Mayor Cris Kaminskas vetoed the legislation. The council was unable to override her veto, leaving the decision-making power of the trustees intact.
Council incumbent Dan Dunne is being challenged by political newcomer Larry Marshall and Keith Kopelson, who previously served on the council after he was appointed to a seat in 2012 and then elected in 2013.
Dunne, who worked as a mechanical engineer for 25 years before switching to an information technology position at Washington Trust Bank five years ago, has served three terms on the council. He voted against taking power from the library trustees and said that it is this issue that convinced him to run again.
Dunne said he’s normally a supporter of term limits and believes in making room to allow others to serve, but he was approached by quite a few people who asked him to remain on the council because of his support of the library trustees. “I’m a term limits guy, but what I hear is that no one represents people like I do,” he said.
The appointed trustee board has worked well since the library was founded, Dunne said. The city
council sets the library’s budget, but the trustees are in charge of creating policy. Dunne said he believes that allows the trustees to avoid political issues and that he’s concerned that people wouldn’t want to serve as a trustee if it was simply an advisory board that had to have everything approved by the city council.
Dunne said he believes good people wouldn’t want to serve as a trustee under those conditions. “I think it’s important that the board have some degree of autonomy,” he said.
Kopelson, a former small business owner who currently serves at the Liberty Lake Portal building manager, said he enjoyed his previous time on the council and wants to serve again. “I loved it,” he said. “I really enjoy serving the community. I feel like I have a good pulse on what people are interested in.”
He describes himself as a financial conservative and said he believes his experience could be an asset on the council. “I really, really want the city to be debt free,” he said.
Kopelson said he doesn’t believe libraries should ban books, but they have a responsibility to protect children. His solution would be to have the library rate books and have the “problematic” ones set aside with restricted access. Overall, he said he believes that the country as a whole is “too liberal” when it comes to children.
Kopelson also said he did not support the recent effort to give the city council control over what books should be banned. “I don’t think the council should be involved in selecting a specific book,” he said.
Larry Marshall was born and raised in Spokane and lived in several states, including Montana, before returning to the area three years ago. He worked in heavy construction, repairing unsafe dams and mines for many years before running an antique mall and an engineering survey firm in Helena, Montana for decades. He is currently retired.
Marshall describes himself as an independent who leans conservative. He said he sees serving on the council as a
community service and a way to speak for the people. “I’ve always been involved in the communities I’ve lived in,” he said.
He said he recently attended a council meeting where the library issue was discussed and said he was glad to see the mayor attempting to create a consensus as she vetoed the legislation concerning taking the power to create policy away from the board of trustees. “I was very pleased with what the mayor did,” he said.
Marshall said he believes the library should be banning books that encourage immorality. “I believe we should censor books,” he said. “I want to stand up for parents and grandparents to make sure the kids are protected.”
The retirement of longtime Spokane Valley Fire Commissioner Bill Anderson has opened up a vacant seat that has attracted three candidates who are well known in the community. Those seeking the seat are former Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite, former firefighter and state representative George Orr and recently retired firefighter and arson dog handler Rick Freier.
Orr, who is also a former school board member, said he decided to run because several of the fire commissioners currently serving have had no firefighting experience. He believes that experience is important. “None of these folks have had much to do with the fire service,” he said. “They don’t go to the fire scenes.”
Orr said there are a few issues he would like to see addressed, including the fact that the nearest railroad spill containment equipment is kept in the Tri-Cities even though trains loaded with oil and other hazardous liquids go through Spokane and Spokane Valley daily. “We need to talk about it,” he said.
Orr said he wants to have open communication between firefighters, commissioners and the public. He believes in visiting fire stations to hear about issues that are important to firefighters. “I want those commissioners to be proud of those employees,” he said.
Freier just recently retired due
to health issues, but said he’s not done with being involved in his community. “I’m young,” he said. “I’ve got more to give, I think. I think it would be a nice way to give back to the community that’s given me so much.”
He is well known for visiting middle school classrooms across Spokane Valley to teach kids about fire science. For about five years he was arson dog Mako’s handler and would often visit schools and special events with Mako. “Service is a big driver for me,” he said. “I’ve got the heart of a teacher. That’s why I started the middle school program.”
Freier would like to focus on fire prevention, which he did for several years while he worked for Valley Fire and wants to continue in some form. “I think that’s my number one mission,” he said.
He would also like to see the department acquire a new arson dog if someone in the department is willing to become a dog handler. While he worked with Mako, the dog was a regional asset and the duo were on call 24/7 to respond to fires across the Northwest. It requires a significant time commitment, Freier said. “I would support it if someone wants to step up,” he said.
In addition to her time as a Spokane Valley council member and mayor, Wilhite previously served as a Valley Fire’s civil service commissioner. She said she has the policy making and budgetary experience to serve on the fire commission and doesn’t believe that experience as a firefighter is necessary to serve as a commissioner.
“That’s something I did for nine years on the city council,” she said. “I don’t think being a fireman gives you a leg up on the commission.”
Wilhite said she is also running because she believes the male dominated commission should include a woman’s viewpoint. “I’m running because I wanted to see some diversity,” she said.
Wilhite previously ran Safeguard Business Systems with her husband for many years, but is currently retired. She also serves on the board of directors for Vera Water and Power.
