When Kharma Gentry strolls down the aisle to receive her diploma along with fellow graduates of Ridgeline High School this month, she will make it look effortless.
The reality of Gentry’s journey has been anything but simple.
Gentry, a National Honor Society student with a grade point average hovering just under 4.0, has been a bright light at Ridgeline since transitioning from Central Valley as a sophomore. She is the co-founder and president of the Podcast Club, part of the Senior Class Council and Ridgeline’s Lilac Court representative.
The clubs and activities Gentry has been part of in three years read like a brochure of Ridgeline’s extracurricular programs –Knowledge Bowl, Chess Club, Diversity Club, Concert Band, Marching Band – where she plays trumpet – and Winter Color Guard. Throw in a cadre of Advanced Placement classes and it’s no wonder Gentry admits that, at some point, she “needed to take a step back.”
“You need to realize that the priority is your mental health and your physical health,” she said. “You have to know where your limits are. That’s something I definitely had to learn this year.”
Self-awareness, counseling, selfcare and reaching out to friends helped Gentry navigate feelings of anxiety and depression.
“If you let it absorb you, you won’t get any better,” she said. “If you let it define you, then you’re not going to be able to take those steps forward like you should. I was open about it with friends and learned it’s better to share. When I kept things bottled up, it felt like I wasn’t giving myself a voice.”
Gentry said she keeps an eye out for fellow students at Ridgeline who may need to talk.
“I just get a sense,” she said. “I know from experience that those little things help – just reaching out. My best advice is if you need help, please go get it.”
Gentry’s senior year has been calmer and steadier thanks to an approach she adopted over the summer.
“I reached out to friends and reestablished my sense of self,” she said. “I know I’m a go-getter and, before, when I wasn’t involved in a
club or activity, I felt my worth was depleting. I’ve learned that I have intrinsic worth, that my value is not determined by my achievements.”
As co-founder and president of Ridgeline’s Podcast Club, Gentry has been able to explore topics that relate to contemporary adolescents. One episode, “A Journey through Grief” dealt with ways to cope with loss.
Gentry said the staff at Ridgeline became like extended family, providing steady support, advice and encouragement.
“My teachers were some of the most supportive adults in my life,” she said.
One of those teachers, Suzanne Smith, a World Languages instructor at Ridgeline, calls Gentry “a true success story.”
“Kharma has made the best of some tough situations,” Smith said. “She has a sunny disposition despite all the stuff life has thrown at her. She also wants to help other kids and is a very empathetic person. She’s very driven but not too driven where she doesn’t have enough time to stop and say, ‘Hey.’”
Gentry took three years of Spanish from Smith and, according to her teacher, “rarely missed class.”
“If she did, she was following up right away to see what she missed,” Smith said. “Kharma is just a hard worker and very mature. I really think she’s going to be one of those extraordinary people.”
Gentry said a proactive strategy, including yoga, journaling, faith journeys and cultivating friendships all contributed to a nourishing senior year. A secure housing situation with foster parents in Liberty Lake has also served as a stabilizing force. She has healthy ties with her dad, mom and stepdad.
Gentry is headed to Washington State University in the fall where she plans to pursue interests like psychology and creative writing. A career in counseling is among the professional paths she is considering.
“Keeping your mental and physical health at the forefront is key,” Gentry said. “If it gets to a point where they’re not, you need to take a step back.”
Mental health resources include: www.seizetheawkward.org, the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), Frontier Behavioral Health’s 24/7 toll-free crisis line at 1-877-266-1818 and the 24/7 National Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
Q: You were one of many students who made the transition from Central Valley to Ridgeline. How did that change work out for
See GENTRY, Page 5
Thanks to all who donated last year, the fireworks extravaganza was an incredible success. Due to the new position of the barge, the Over the Lake Fireworks Spectacular is visible all over Liberty Lake, even in the River District. The show must go on! With contributions from community members like you, this year’s Liberty Lake Fireworks Spectacular will be the most memorable show on record.
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you initially and in the long run?
A: I felt bad switching schools initially because my family on my stepdad’s side all went to CV, which tore my mind between following family tradition and creating my own legacy but it was ultimately the best choice I could’ve made. Ridgeline as a school, body of staff, and collection of students all felt like freshmen, so we were all awkward together, and I think that tied the first three classes to walk the halls of Ridgeline together more than I felt at CV.
Q: Was it important for you to be part of an opportunity to establish a foundational culture at a new high school?
A: Establishing a foundational culture at a brand-new school was so exciting to me, like a blank canvas to a painter or a blank page, freshly sharpened pencil and no writer’s block for an author! Our principal and all of the staff made each one of us feel special and capable of shaping the future of Ridgeline for many graduating classes to come. Opportunity felt more abundant and welcoming than I feel it may have if there were already many traditions to follow. Trial-and-error was the true way of learning but since we all found what didn’t work together as a school, it didn’t make you feel so singled out. A blank slate also encouraged visionaries to sprout in our leadership and I am honored to have been one of them.
Q: It seems like your high school experience has been defined, at least on the outside, by involvement in a myriad of clubs, activities and projects. What has been the benefit of this approach and, conversely, has there been any downside?
A: I’ve learned so many core values because of the clubs and activities I have been a part of. I found my voice and passion for interviewing through Podcast Club, opening another potential career door while developing my sense of self-worth. I found identity in the Diversity Club, one I thought was lost before I was born. The downside is, however, in the lack of balance. I spent so much time running away from my problems and to club meetings that I trapped myself in a go-go-go mindset. The problem is once the clubs are over, the sudden
stop from 60 miles an hour to zero can be harmful. Know yourself enough to know how much is too much.
Q: You’ve been open about the challenges you’ve faced in areas like anxiety and depression. What has helped most as you deal with mental health struggles that can often feel so isolating?
A: The biggest thing I have done to help with my mental health is to know when to check in internally and seek to understand why I am feeling the way I am. I’m upset, but why? And not in an accusatory manner. I remind myself I am human and sometimes it helps to imagine I am talking to my younger self in order to understand rather than get more frustrated with myself. If you are going to be isolated with yourself, aim to learn more about yourself while you’re there.
Q: You’ve mentioned possibly pursuing a career in counseling. Why is this a field that interests you and is there a certain demographic you would like to work with?
A: I love psychology and I also love teaching and working with children as their infinite possibility and time gives me hope. Seeing some kids go through similar experiences I had to, I feel I have a guide. I know what I needed to hear and be reassured of –and I want to provide that to them. When they feel the whole world is against them, I want them to know I’m not and they’re not alone.
Q: What can we do better as a society when it comes to awareness of mental health issues and supporting those who face them?
A: A mental health disorder, or trauma, is not always an excuse for an emotion or reaction. Too often after someone has been diagnosed will the surrounding community members begin to dismiss their own inappropriate actions that caused a response, blaming the kid’s response on their disorder rather than the fact they did something upsetting. This discourages seeking help and promotes feelings of guilt, isolation, confusion and misunderstanding. As a community, we need to put more effort into educating ourselves about how to specifically support people going through different situations, and how they are impacted, rather than assuming.
Q: Finally, let’s say you had a chance to speak to the entire incoming class of freshmen who
will be starting at Ridgeline this fall. What would you say?
A: High school isn’t about learning calculus or physics. It’s not about learning biology or what a metaphor is. It’s about learning about yourself. Walking away, you’ll forget the equations you learned but you won’t forget how you changed and who you grew to become. When anything gets you down, remind yourself of that. An assignment or bad test is so temporary and takes up such a small portion of your life. But you’ll be with you forever, so focus on that.
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Total incidents generated by Officers and emergency calls for service last month 605
Traffic Collisions/Hit & Runs / Injury Collisions 8 Citations (Traffic/Criminal/NonCriminal) 77
DUI (Driving Under Influence) 1
Thefts / Vehicle Prowls / Vehicle Theft / Burglaries 13
Malicious Mischief 3
block of East Nora Avenue for a report of a possible Domestic Dispute. Officers contacted an adult female at that location and learned that she had been struck in the head by her adult male husband and that he had taken her cellular phone. Officers also determined the male had previous arrests for assaults on his spouse. Officers were able to establish probable cause for the male to arrest on the assault but were not able to locate him at the various locations she provided where he could be located. Officers submitted their probable cause affidavit to the prosecutor’s office to request a warrant for his
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Officers responded to the location and discovered an adult male and female in the hotel room and detained them. Officers learned the male and female had various forms of IDs within their possession and they had various forms of what appeared to be drug paraphernalia. Officers secure them in place to secure a warrant for the room along with their vehicle. Both the male and female were discovered to have felony warrants for similar offenses in both Washington and Idaho. They were both arrested for those warrants and the female half was arrested for the ID theft. It should also be noted that the male attempted
Heights for a report of a male acting in a lewd manner (self-pleasure). Officers contacted an adult male in the area who was standing outside the SUV that was described in the call. The male denied any lewd behavior taking place and the officers had no physical proof to establish probable cause for arrest. The male was asked to leave the area and he complied. The incident was documented to establish history for any further reports.
The Liberty Lake Police Department would like to remind everyone to drive slowly and safely in all marked construction areas. The Liberty Lake Police Department has
An official dedication and ribboncutting ceremony will be held on June 8 at Pavillion Park to commemorate the recently added art projects at the basketball court and skate park as well as a set of newly donated backboards. The public is invited to the Saturday ceremony, which will start at 11 a.m.
In projects that were supported through the city’s Parks and Arts Commission, artist Danielle Davis painted a mural titled “We Got This” to the double-court basketball site last August and September, and artist Joshua Thomas of Lejit Creative produced artwork for the skate area during September and October. Plus, Hoopfest – Hooptown USA donated new backboards for
the four basketball poles. Davis and Thomas as well as representatives of Hoopfest are expected to join city festivals for the dedication event.
Parks and Arts Commission Chair Nancy Hill said, “We want to encourage the youths of Liberty Lake to enjoy outdoor activities. The art enhances the basketball courts and skate park, creating a fun, vibrant atmosphere through the functional art.”
Commission Member Laura Franks added, “These will be landmarks in our park for years to come. As a commission, we have enjoyed seeing the community engage with and support the artists, as well as the excitement around the final products. We are excited to dedicate these unique projects.”
Liberty Lake Fest: July 4th Community Celebration
Wednesday, July 3:
4th Annual Liberty Lake Boat Parade – 4 p.m.
Decorated boats line up at Dreamwood Bay at 3:45 p.m. Music from the Jessie Quandt Band from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
2024 Summer Movies in the Parks series begins:
“The Goonies” at Pavillion Park at dusk. Free showing.
Thursday, July 4:
34th Annual July 4 Liberty Lake Community Parade
11 a.m. at Alpine Shores. Decorated golf carts and bikes may line up at 10 a.m. at the corner of Shoreline & Liberty Drive. Games afterwards at Alpine Shores Park.
Food and music at Pavillion Park
Concessions open at 5 p.m. Nu Jack City performs 7-10 p.m.
Fireworks shows
City ballfields and lakeside community shows start at 10 p.m.
n Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 12 n Town Square Park (1421 N. Meadowwood Lane) Dozens of vendors! www.libertylakefarmersmarket.com
n Friday, June 14 (noon-6 p.m.) & Saturday, June 15 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
n Liberty Lake Municipal Library (23123 E. Mission Ave.)
n Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: With food vendors at Pavillion Park
n Sundays, June 9 & 23, at 6 p.m. at Pavillion Park: Bachata and Kizomba lessons offered by Satori Dance and Wellness. $15 per 45 minutes. Register at: www.satori.dance/schedule
n Skyhawks Sports Academy & SuperTots: Baseball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, golf and more, for kids ages 12 and under. Dates, cost, and registration at: www.libertylakewa.gov/735/Recreation
n Challenger Sports soccer camps: June 24-28 at Rocky Hill Park. Groups for kids ages 3-16. Register at: www.libertylakewa.gov/735/Recreation
• Waste Management gave its annual report before council on May 21. The company has served Liberty Lake for over 30 years. Tami Yager of WM shared there are 4,165 recycling customers, 4,230 garbage customers and 1,764 food and yard waste WM clients in Liberty Lake. The company has donated over $50,000 to a variety of local nonprofits over the last nine years, including Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs in Liberty Lake, the HUB Sports Center, Friends of the Library and more. Overall, WM serves 325,890 residential garbage customers in Spokane County. Council held a workshop on Solid Waste and Recyclables contracts on May 7 at which City Administrator Mark McAvoy reported that the city was recommending a six-year extension of the WV contract, which would run from Dec. 1, 2024 to Nov. 30, 2030.
• Council Member Dan Dunne, a member of Liberty Lake Kiwanis, said that the service club will distribute a total of $12,000 in scholarships of varying amounts to a dozen local high school seniors.
• Council Member Mike Kennedy said the premiere of the 2024 Liberty Lake Farmers Market on May 18 was a success with “a great turnout and a lot of vendors.” The city was represented with a booth.
• The next City Council retreat will take place June 26 at the Trailhead Rotary Room.
• The community’s annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament is scheduled for June 1 at Legacy Church. The event will include a showdown between a team representing the Liberty Lake Police Department and the Spokane
Valley Fire Department.
• In a brief discussion about the city’s sign code on May 21, Planning and Engineering Manager Lisa Key said, “We are aware of the issues with our current sign code. It needs to be overhauled.”
• Nancy Hill, chair of the Parks and Arts Commission gave a report to council on the art walls at Trailhead. A call to artists has gone out with a theme of whimsical map murals. A selection is expected by August with the art completed next year. The wall outside the restaurant at Trailhead will feature art from students at Ridgeline High School. Hill said a call to artists has also gone out for the Historical Outlook project at Pavillion Park. Another project spearheaded by the commission is a “Liberty Lake Together” sculpture at the corner of Kramer Parkway and Country Vista Drive. Calls to 80 artists have gone out, Hill said. The commission has also completed a bike survey with an eye on a state grant that would recognize Liberty Lake as a Bicycle Community and provide funds for bike safety and education.
• The second portion of the May 7 council workshop included a jump start on the city’s 2025 Legislative Agenda. McAvoy serves on an Association of Washington Cities committee focused on the upcoming year’s legislative process that held a kick-off May 16 and will meet through September. “This is more designed to hear from you if there are any high-value priorities you want to address,” McAvoy said. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Cargill said he has “been kind of disappointed in the past with AWC and the direction they’ve headed that has seemed more concerned about cities on the west side and the larger cities than necessarily the smaller cities and what we need.”
Cargill also noted that the “crossborder issue” that Washington cities near North Idaho and Oregon face – and the ripple effect on the business climate – is not a concern that AWC has effectively addressed.
• Spokane Transit Authority (STA) gave a report at the May 7 council meeting, highlighting the conclusion of the agency’s 10-year strategic plan, “STA Moving Forward” and the introduction of the next strategic blueprint, “Connect 2025.” Council Member Dan Dunne represents Liberty Lake on the STA Board in a voting capacity that includes four other small cities. STA currently has four routes in Liberty Lake, including Route 74 which is scheduled for an upgrade that would add nights and weekends and, eventually, service to the Spokane International Airport under a newly named Route 7.
• The city announced an internal hire to replace Chief Building Inspector/Plans Examiner Wayne Hammond, who will be retiring in October. Mayor Cris Kaminskas said that Building Inspector Chris McCary has been interviewed and will take over for Hammond, currently the longest tenured city employee.
• Finance Director Kyle Dixon provided a summary of first quarter budget numbers, including $1.56 million in sales tax revenue, up from $1.42 million in the first quarter of 2023. The city has budgeted for $5.9 million in sales tax income this year. Of the $14.2 million slated for expenditures in 2024, Dixon said the city spent $3.26 million in the first quarter. The general fund ending balance on March 31 was $7.78 million. “We’re well above where we’ve been in the past,” Dixon said. “General fund is in a great place right now.”
• Representatives from Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) gave a summary report to council on May 21, noting there were 110 calls for service in Liberty Lake last year. The SCRAPS shelter has capacity for 90 dogs and 194 cats. SCRAPS is looking for volunteers to help with dog walking and other duties.
Eleven years ago this spring, Liberty Lake City Administrator Katy Allen stood before City Council and minced no words about the importance of maintaining municipal roads.
With the Harvard Road roundabout project looming that summer, Allen urged the governing board to prioritize a trio of arterials – Liberty Lake Road, Appleway and Country Vista – that would funnel into the new roundabout. A Street Maintenance Plan, approved by council, had already targeted two well-traveled roads – Mission and Valleyway, both from Molter Road to eastern city limits – for upgrades that year. The necessary funds were there, Allen said, but would still require a budget amendment.
“Ongoing funds should align with ongoing expenses,” said Allen, who recommended that council set aside $800,000 every other year for street capital projects.
Allen knew she was preaching to the road preservation choir at City Hall that spring. Since incorporation in 2001, Liberty Lake has practiced due diligence in the upkeep of streets that, like the community itself, carry a newer start date than the surrounding terrain.
“We have good streets now,” Allen said at the time. “I think we’re a community that wants to maintain the condition of our streets.”
Over a decade later, quality roads remain a priority at City Hall. On May 21, Planning and Engineering Manager Lisa Key presented council with the first look at the latest sixyear Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that features a blueprint for street maintenance from 2025 to 2030 necessary to qualify for state funding.
“We want to stay ahead of the deterioration of our roads,” said Key,
following the meeting. “We do need to be thinking proactively.”
The current TIP, covering a list of projects from 2024-2029, earmarks just over $8.7 million for preservation, just beyond $11.6 million for enhancement and $316,00 for plans and reports. Add in another $750,00 for “projects by others” and the grand total for the city’s road map checks in at $21,465,027.
While the numbers may seem dizzying, the approach is expected to save the city major dollars in the long run. A grind and overlay project on a collector or arterial can add 10 to 15 years to the life of the road and bypass the crunching cost of a complete street replacement.
“It really pays to do the preservation work,” said Mayor Cris Kaminskas.
Liberty Lake doesn’t have to look too far for an example of a city that let roads go, only to pay a severe catch-up price years later. The city of Spokane appealed to voters in 2004 to pass a $117 million bond to fix 100 lane-miles of roads that had fallen into disrepair. The taxing measure passed, but only tackled 10 percent of Spokane’s street inventory.
Key says Liberty Lake inherited newer, high-quality roads from Spokane County when the city incorporated in August 2001. She noted that the scope of Liberty Lake is also a plus when keeping up with transportation infrastructure.
“It’s so much easier to manage and prioritize a little over 6.5 square miles,” Key said.
The city also benefits from street work taken on by Homeowner Associations in neighborhoods like Trutina and Legacy Ridge. Meanwhile, developers with new projects are required to pay into a long-standing program called the Harvard Road Mitigation Fund or cover the costs of new streets themselves.
The fund is one of nine revenue sources named in the TIP along with programs like Connecting Washington which provides state support, the city’s Real Estate Excise Tax, or REET, which directs dollars from new development toward streets and more familiar sources like the utility tax.
On May 7, in his report on first quarter revenue, Finance Director
Kyle Dixon said the REET fund, which had an ending balance of $4.51 million on March 31, is more robust than at any time in the city’s history. Dixon said utility tax revenue came in at $289,600 in the first quarter. Beginning in June, the tax on phone, electric, cable, gas and garbage services will be reduced from 3 percent to 1 percent as a new revenue stream for roads – a sales tax of .01 percent (10 cents on a $100 purchase)– made its debut on April 1. Dixon said the first disbursement of the mechanism known as a Transportation Benefit District, or TBD, is expected in June.
“We weren’t 100-percent sure what the impact (of the TBD) would be, so we kept the utility tax at 1 percent,” said Kaminskas who added she will likely recommend elimination of the utility tax in her 2025 budget proposal, depending on the data.
Last year’s transportation project list included highlights such as the completion of the Kramer Parkway Overpass that delivered a welcome new link between north and south Liberty Lake and reconfiguration of the southbound left turn lane on Liberty Lake Road into an expanded northbound left turn land toward I-90 east. A trio of flashing pedestrian crossings and addition of several solar powered speed limit signs were also part of the upgrades in 2023.
Upcoming projects include overlay work on Mission Avenue from Country Vista near City Hall, east to Molter and similar improvements on Sprague from Molter east to city limits.
Key said the city makes it a priority to alert all those affected by road work – from motorists to pedestrians to surrounding businesses – before a project begins.
“We’re being very cognizant of how people can get around during these projects,” she said.
The city is in the process of compiling a Pavement Master Plan and Sidewalk Master Plan that will feed into data-driven decisions on how to prioritize projects. The addition of a new city engineer and inaugural Public Works director are expected to more evenly distribute the workload at City Hall.
“I’m looking forward to having an expended team that I’m able to lean on,” said Key. “I think we will have a team of conductors.”
Keara Baker of Spokane Valley (99016) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Taylor Higdon of spokane valley (99212) ) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Rose Shores-Mesecher of Spokane Valley (99206) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Matthew Pancheri of Greenacres (99016) ) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Roy Powell of Liberty Lake (99019) ) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Matthew Pancheri of Greenacres (99016) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Roy Powell of Liberty Lake (99019) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Robbin Hatten of spokane valley (99037) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Dominic Drury of Spokane (99216) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Alexa Barron of Spokane Valley (99216) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Richmond Hang of Spokane Valley (99216) has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's Winter 2024 Dean's List. The winter terms run from January to May.
Everyone at University of the Cumberlands wishes heartfelt congratulations to all graduates in the Class of 2024!
The following people from your area received a degree in Fall 2023 or Spring 2023, or are set to complete their degree in Summer 2024 (and were thus eligible to walk at Cumberlands' commencement ceremonies):
Gretchen Lines of Otis Orchards (99027)
Tashina Conrad of Spokane Valley (99206)
Macie Ugrin-Smith of Spokane Valley, WA will graduate from Biola University in La Mirada, CA this week. Ugrin-Smith is one of 1,118 students walking the stage to commemorate their journey as an Eagle at Biola's spring commencement. A total of 800 undergraduate and 318 graduate students will commence from Biola into their next chapter on May 3 and 4.
Biola is proud of Ugrin-Smith and their commitment to reaching their goal of obtaining an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
Nicole Lynn Livingston of Greenacres was among 3,484 graduates who received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during commencement exercises May 3, 17 and 18.
Livingston earned a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with high distinction from the College of Engineering.
Ayden Aberasturi • Jaden Adamson • Paige Alexander • Keaton Allen • Tanner
Allred • Easton Amend • Nick Anderson
• Vincent Aparicio • Cody Aronson • Dominic Arrotta • Brooke Ashworth • Kate Atwood • Grace Ayer • Michael
Bartholomew • Peyton Basnaw • Lilli
Beecher • Noah Bigner • D’Angelo Blodgett • Joshua Boott • Rosen
Braid • Mason Bray • Claire Bresko • Leideionche Brown • Savannah Brumwell
• Tristan Brutschy • Ruby Bryntesen
• Connor Bucknell • Reese Burgus • Zachary Burke • Campbell Burns • Kyndal Butcher • Ella Butler • Preston
Butler • Brady Cardon • Taylor Cardon
• Gabriel Carpinteyro • Elyvia Carter • Margaret Carvo • Kaia Chan • August (Kr) Chapman • Dakota Chesher • Danika Clark • Parker Clevenger • Ariel
Cline • Wyatt Cline • Logan Common
• Ainsley Conn • Raymond Connolly • Avery Daley • Bella Darling • Braeden Davis • Caitlynn Davis • Sean Daw • Isabella Delarosa • Gabriella Delrosario
• Anna Denney • Damien Deraedt • Kyle Dickeson • Kevin Dopkins • Kyler Doud • Shawn Durfee • Isabella Dziak • Grace Edmondson • Eric Eldred • Lilian
Elser • Kianna Engel • Faith Evans • Ryan Eyre • Peter Fassler • Lily Fedak • Kaitlyn Fee • Luke Ferguson • Braxton Ferraro • Katherine Figueroa-Lopez • Nathan Fitzpatrick • Emma Fleming
• Cameron Fontaine • Maurice Foster
• Mason Fouty • John Fox • Anabelle Frazier • Brinley Freeman • Luke Freeman • Hannah Fuller • Caden Gail • Merrick Galeener • Emiliano Garcia • Charles Gauvin • Kharma Gentry • Trevor Germany • Brooklynn Giblette • Brayden Gilbertson • Owen Gingras • Christian Gonsalves • Nicholas Goode • Alexey Gordey • Jaden Green • Braxton Grimes • Lauren Gundlach • Mark Hammonds • Kendal Haneke • Jadeyn Hansel • Tobias Hardesty • Braydon Harris • Neala Hart • Georgia Hartman • Revyn Hartman • Brooklyn Hartshorn • Connor Harvey • Madison Hayes • Aj Haynie • Braylon Helm-Renz • Julianne Hemphill • Landen Hernandez • James Hesler • Makayla Hickman • Colton Hoagburg • Alexis Hochberg • Kaylie Hogan • Nathan Holmquist • Payten Hooper • Madison Hormel • Aada Hovinmaeki • Sydney
Class of 2024 Graduation
June 8, 2024 at 3:30 pm
McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N Cincinnati St, Spokane, WA 99258
Hoy • Howard Hull • Mia Hunt • Oleksandr Husak • Madelyn Hutyler • Maycie Hymas
• Carolynn Jackson • Madelynn Jeakins • Hunter Jermyn • Joshua Jernberg • Anna Jespersen • Cecily Johns • Emily Johnson • Seth Johnson • Anna Johnston • Kaden Jones • Regan Jones • Abbie Kahete • Emmanuel Kaliba • Jashanpreet Kang • Kale Kardonsky • Eli Kemple • Mackenzee King • David Kirichenko • Josiah Klontz • Jaylee Knoll • Ryan Koppenhaver • Samuel Koschalk • Liliya Kravtsova • Katherine Kuhl • Tyler Lafuente • Luke Lancaster • Caytlyn Lee • Kole Legrant • Angel Liwanag • Austin Looper • Edward Lozier • Jason Lozko • Alyson Luckey • Kyle Lux
• Mason Lytle • Noah Mabry • Race Maes
• Taras Malyshevskiy • Bridget Marchelli • Justice Markham • Abigail Marquez • Lily Martin • Trey Martin • Arlette Martinez • Avery Mason • Kody Mathews • Anthony Maxfield • Aiden Mcardle • Aj Mccurdy
• Hilena Mcdaniel • Alma Mcdonald • Quinn Mcgreevy • Riley Mcguffin • Lola
Mckay • Ande Mclean • Brady Means
• Brody Melton • Adolfo Mendoza • Gage Merrill • Emily Miles • Hailey
Mills • Luke Milne • Elena Miribung • Mia Moen • Elle Moore • Ari Mowrey • Bella Mueller • Riley Murray • Serhii
Mykytiuk • Jaiden Nagra • Brody Nelson
• Grayson Nendel • Gracie Newell • Chance Nichols-Harris • Ethan Noble • Joey Norton • Isaac Nunez • Maxwell
O’Brien • Trinity Oliver • Gavin Olson
• Zachary Olson • Micah Ormand • Camryn Ostermann • Isaac Paine • Zander Palm • Allison Pegram • Ariyana
Pelkie • Luke Pell • Cruz Pena • Michael Pennestri • Michael Perry • Lukas
Peterson • Alexis Phillips • Bryce Pierce
• Briana Pearl Pires • Mackenzie Pitts • Victoria Popov • Aundrea Prefontaine
• Landen Quesnell • Nicholas Rahm • Madison Ramos • Eliette Ramsey • Taylor Rasmussen • Cameron Rehkow • Jilly Reyes • Aeneas Richardson • Elly Richardson • Emma Richardson • Cade Rickard • Griffyn Rider • Emma Ringeling • William Roberts • Anaya
Robinson • Kolby Roche • Caleb Role • Zachary Role • Jacob Sachtjen • Ian Sadlowski • Elise Sandberg • Hailey
Sanders • Hanna Sanders • Lachlan
Sandford • Riley Sauer • Carter Savage • Brooklyn Schafer • Kayleigh Schelin • Tyson Schroeder-Ramsey • Noah Schulke • Deakon Sell • Sanjana Sharma • Logan Sherrill • Brodey Shimp • Cayden Shinneman • Gavin Shoemaker • Travis Shoemaker • Jack Shumaker • Lucy Siebert • Jayce Simmet • Sahil Singh • Grace Skaugstad • Kahrin Skinner • Brysen Smith • Rose Smith • Tanner Smith • Jayden Snyder • Kyle Speare • Sada Sponberg • Mackenzie Sternod • Brennan Stevenson • Avery Stewart • Emily Stewart • Kyler Stoddard • Perrin
Strickler • Ella Swain • Ian Szymanski • Laci Tarmann • Zachariah Taylor • Shawn Terebessy • Caden Thompson • Malachi
Thompson • Griffin Thorpe • Denzel
Tinkoi • Vaughn Totka • Peyton Travis • Albert Trejbal • Khaleah Trotter • Kaycie
Urbiha • Isaiah Vakaloloma • Paige Van Buren • Griffin Vargas • Duncan Vittetoe • Olivia Warrick • Iliana Wenz • Joshua Wick • Orion Wilson • Carter Wodelman • Ayden Wood • Cosette Young • Preslie Young • Zachary Zarecor
June 8| Car Show – 11 am - 2 pm, Guardian Angel Homes, 23102 E Mission Ave. Music, food, vendor booths, and much more. Interested Vendors: NO VENDOR FEE, limited spots available. To reserve a spot or have any questions regarding vendor booths please contact us.
June 14 - 15| June Book Sale –Friday 12 noon - 6 pm, Saturday 9 am - 3 pm, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E Mission Ave. Adult & Children’s Books, CDs, DVDs, Audiobooks & Puzzles. Great bargains and huge variety! Please pay by cash or check, FOLLML. All proceeds help to support the workshops and programs at the library.
June 15 | 30th Annual Liberty Lake Kiwanis Community Yard Sale– 9 am - 5 pm. There is still time to join the fun! sign up by June 3rd to be included in the printed version of the yard sale guide and anytime to be on the interactive map! Go to www.libertylakesplash.com/ yardsales for more information and to sign up
Various dates in June | Storytimes for infants to age 5 -- 10:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Includes “Move & Groove” Mondays, “Book Babies” Tuesdays, “Toddler Tales” Wednesdays, “Preschool Tales” Fridays.
ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire, though there is no age limit. A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc. spokane.edu.
Next Gen REI Club | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., third Thursday of the month, The Arcadia Building, 12929 E. Sprague Ave. Monthly real estate investing support group. All are welcome. For more, call 509.768.4357.
Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. For more, call 599-2411.
Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary. This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www. meetup.com/Catholic-SinglesMingle.
Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more, call 2262202.
Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake. Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www.libertylakewa. gov/library
Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org.
Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen
anime club and writing clubs. More at scld.org.
Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants can access a comprehensive library, engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at svqgspokane.com.
June 1 | PNW Stompeder-Litefeet – 5 pm, The 3rd Annual PNW Stompede Line Dance & Country Swing Competition Registration Opens at 5pm, Competition Begins at 7pm, Line Dance & Country Swing J and J. $10 per event/ per person. Prizes: 1 - 3 Day GA Oregon Jamboree Pass. A chance to compete at the Oregon Jamboree for a performance spot on the Main Stage
June 12| Blazing Fiddles – 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Rockin’ b Ranch, 3912 N Idaho Rd. We’re saddling up for an evening that’s sure to be a hoot and holler! Get ready to dust off those cowboy boots because the Coeur d’Alene Symphony is bringing back the Wild West charm with our annual fundraiser, “Blazing Fiddles” – A Fundraising Cowboy Dinner & Auction! Yessiree, we’re fixin’ to immerse y’all in the spirit of the Old West as we rustle up support for our 45th concert season. This shindig is gonna be one to remember, with live music, fingerlickin’ BBQ, lively auctions, and a chance to show off your best cowboy getup! Here’s a little taste of what’s in store: Live Auction Excitement: Bid on exclusive experiences and treasures in our live auction. Silent
Auction Gems: Discover hidden treasures and unique offerings. Musical Enchantment: Let our talented musicians serenade you under the western sky. BBQ Feast: Fill up on mouthwatering cowboy grub that’ll make your taste buds dance. Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl: Show off your finest western attire and wrangle up some prizes! Let’s make this a night to remember under the western stars, partner. Get ready to kick up your heels and join us for Blazing Fiddles! Tickets are available now, so be sure to mark your calendar and snag yours before they’re gone!
June 21 - July 7 | Spokane Valley Theatre “South Pacific” – Go to https://www.svsummertheatre. com/upcoming for show times and ticket options
June 1 | Liberty Lake 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament – 9 am 23129 E Mission Ave. Don’t miss this 3rd Annual 3 on 3 Tournament hosted in Liberty Lake for Liberty Lake and the surrounding communities! Still looking for volunteers, go here to sign up https://libertylake3on3. mailchimpsites.com/volunteer
June 15 | Color Me Rad– 9 am6 pm. Gear up for an entire day brimming with thrills and joy! Dive into the celebration with adrenalinefueled contests, capture and share stunning photos fit for Instagram, and discover the enchantment of the kids’ zone, the invigorating beer garden, and a diverse mix of booths.The event’s zenith? An aweinspiring spectacle of dynamic color explosions, adorning the heavens with countless hues – transcending a mere race; it’s an ode to delight and a spectrum of joy that shines throughout the day.
9:00am - 6:00pm Bazaar Extravaganza: Set off on a quest for
unique and wondrous treasures.
9:00am - 1:00pm Packet Pickup and Merchandise Shop:: Secure your race essentials in advance for a seamless experience.
10:00am - 6:00pm Kids’ Aquatic Playground: A promise of endless water-soaked fun for the little ones.
12:00pm - 6:00pm Fun & Frolic: Engage in lighthearted games, sway to the rhythm of live music, and step into the dance-offs.
Immerse in the jubilation! Savor Incrediburger’s mouthwatering patties and Grit & Grind’s artisanal coffee brews. Here’s to an unforgettable day!
Al-Anon Family Meetings | Mondays, 12 p.m., Liberty Lake Community Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Serenity by the Lake Al Anon Family Group Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help.
Book Babies | Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Community Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. This story time is geared toward children 0-2 years old. Play time follows from 11-11:30 a.m.
Decreasing Anger Group |The Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors. For more, call at 509-444-8387 to make an intake appointment.
HUB Sports Center | 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake. Various activities and events occur throughout the week including:
• Pickleball drop-in: 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. $5.50/ person online $7/at the door.
• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Homeschool PE and Fit for YOUR Life. See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.
Fly Tying Group| 9 to 11 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. Veterans, Active Buty, Reserves, and Guard are welcome! For more, call 509-444-8387.
Mindful Music & Movement | 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. Wednesdays,
Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards. For adults desiring a distanced social experience that is designed to support emotional well-being, gentle physical movement, cognitive support, and enhanced communication in a fun and relaxed way. $10 per person per class. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or call 509-592-7875.
Move and Groove | Mondays, 10:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Community Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Music and dance time for children ages 0-5.
Central Valley School Board | 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 2218 N. Molter Rd, Liberty Lake.
Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive
Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 7 a.m. on each Wednesday of each month, Liberty Lake Library.
Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 1pm Last Thursday of the month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave.
Liberty Lake Lions Club | 5:30 pm, every second and fourth Thursday of each month at Barlows, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road.
Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club | Noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at Trailhead Holf Course, 22302 E Country Vista Dr, For more, visit LibertyLakeRotary.org.
Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, 22710E Country Vista Dr.
Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.
Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board | 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.
By John McCallum
Splash contributor
Baseball
Ridgeline High School found itself the recipient of not one, but two spring sports titles this season –courtesy of the Falcons’ baseball and soccer teams.
The Falcons wrapped up their regular season winning three of their final four games, a streak that propelled them to their first ever Greater Spokane League 3A championship. Ridgeline swept a doubleheader with North Central, 10-0 and 30-5, while splitting a doubleheader with Lewis and Clark, losing game one 7-4 while winning the nightcap 7-0.
The Falcons hit a speed bump in their quest for a state playoff berth, getting upset by ninth-seeded Cheney 9-1 in the first round of the District 8 playoffs. The Blackhawks scored eight runs in the final three innings in their win.
Knocked into the elimination bracket, Ridgeline rebounded with a 2-1 win over Mead. Nate Fitzpatrick allowed no earned runs over six innings of work, with Mikey Macall leading at the plate, collecting two of Ridgeline’s five hits with one RBI.
Needing two more wins to advance, the Falcons hit their second speed bump, ending their playoff run and season with a 12-4 loss to thirdseeded Mt. Spokane. The Wildcats opened up the tight, 2-1 game with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Easton Amend led Ridgeline at the plate, collecting two of the team’s six hits — including a double — with two RBI.
Amend, Fitzpatrick, Caden Andreas and Ben Wartinger were named to the All-GSL first team, with
Brennan Stevenson second team and Macall and Kole LeGrant honorable mention. Head coach Jeramie Maupin was named the GSL’s Coach of the Year.
“We had a great season and were GSL champions this year,” Maupin said.
Ridgeline finished 14-4 in the GSL, 15-9 overall.
Ridgeline went 4-2 over the last six games of the GSL season, earning wins over Gonzaga Prep (10-7), North Central (32-8), Ferris (13-6) and Lewis and Clark (8-7), holding off a furious three-run rally by the Tigers in their final at bat for the win. Knocking off LC helped the Falcons cement a fifthplace league finish and No. 8 seed into District 8 playoffs.
Unfortunately, Ridgeline drew top-seeded University in the opener, with the Titans opening up a close game with six runs in the fifth enroute to the win and eventual third-place finish at 3A state. Knocked into the elimination bracket, the Falcons found themselves up against fourthseeded Hermiston and an 8-2 loss to end their season.
As she has most of the season, junior Lilley Triplett led Ridgeline at the plate against the Bulldogs, going 3-4 with a solo home run.
Ridgeline finished the season 10-8 in league play, 10-11 overall. Freshman pitcher Aaliyah Yeldon was named to the All-GSL second team.
Sitting in fourth place on April 26, the Ridgeline girls team vaulted over everyone to win the 3A District 8 championships by 31 strokes over the two-day tournament May 15-16 at MeadowWood Golf Course in Liberty Lake. Juniors Carolyn Rose, Reagan Rothley and Kate Mulligan, along with freshman Morgan Quesnell all finished with personal best rounds. Together with freshman Chloe Hamilton and sophomore Sawyer Anderson, qualified for state.
At state, held May 21-22 at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course in DuPont, the Falcons placed seventh as a team, shooting a combined 370 in
www.hubsportscenter.org
round one and 354 in round two. Ridgeline qualified for second-round competition in eighth place, the only team east of the Cascades to do so.
Rose finished 13th overall with rounds of 83 and 78. Freshman Chloe Hamilton shot a second-round 88 to finish tied for 39th.
“All six golfers are underclassmen and will return for the 24-25 golf season so future looks bright for return to state tournament,” head coach Danny White said.
Rose played well all season, finishing second in a GSL tournament at Downriver, fourth at Liberty Lake and tied for sixth in competition at Indian Canyon. White said Mulligan played in the No. 2 slot all year, consistently scoring 92 in all three GSL matches.
“Now the work begins for state next year,” White said. “They have until October/November to play, play, play. They do have a bright future ahead of them and they hopefully were motivated by this year's finish. Great group of girls.”
Senior Tanner Smith led the boys at 3A state at The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie – The Links in Lacey. Smith finished in a nine-way tie for 30th, shooting a combined 157 (77/80).
Fellow senior Griffon Thorpe shot a two-day 160 to finish in an eight-way tie for 46th. Junior Owen Packebush shot a 165 to tie Andrew Schilling of Silas for 66th.
Soccer
Like their baseball counterparts, the Ridgeline boys soccer team emerged as GSL 3A champions, winning their final two regularseason games (8-0 over North Central and 3-1 over Ferris) to win their first league title in school history.
Seeded No. 1, Ridgeline downed No. 8 seed Cheney 5-0 in the opener, with Zach Olson scoring two goals and adding an assist in the win. Two days later, the Falcons couldn’t find the net in a second-round loss to Mead, 1-0.
Knocked into the elimination bracket, the Falcons responded with a 5-1 win over third-seed and fellow GSL foe Mt. Spokane on May 7, with Andre Chaker getting the hat trick
plus one (four goals) in the win. Needing one more win to advance to the 3A state tournament, Ridgeline found its answer in Braylon HelmRenz.
The senior midfielder/forward scored three goals — including the game-winning golden goal in overtime — to carry the Falcons past Kennewick, 4-3, and into state with the third-seed out of District 8.
Seeded 14th, the Falcons hosted 19th-seed Arlington on May 14, but again couldn’t find the back of the net, losing 1-0 to the Eagles.
Ridgeline finished 8-1 in the GSL, 14-5 overall.
Track and field
The Falcons may have sent a small contingent to state competition May 23-25 at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma — but that contingent did bring home some hardware.
Both Ridgeline women’s 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams reached the finals. According to Athletics.net, the 4x100 team of Alexandra House, Emma Mostek, Presley Young and Izzie Olson turned in a time of 1 minute, 43.42 seconds to finish third, bettering their preliminaries time by over a half second.
The 4x400 team of Madelyn Hutyler, Mostek, Young and Olson turned in a time of 4:05.84 to edge out Central Kitsap for seventh.
Both Young and Olson competed in individual events, but missed the finals. Young was 10th in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes while Olson was 12th in the 400.
Kale Kardonsky and Daden Lewis were the only Falcon men to travel to state. A senior, Kardonsky placed fifth in the shot put with a personal record toss of 55 feet, 1.25 inches while Lewis, a junior, finished 13th with a toss of 49-1.50.
At District 8 competition May 17-18 at Central Valley High School, Young placed second in the 100 and third in the 200, setting a personal record of 12.46 in the 100, while Olson set a season record of 1:00.49 to tie Carly Martin of Walla Walla for second.
Kardonsky was second in the shot put, with Lewis third.
Quan Do came to the United States from his native Vietnam when he was 11 years old. Now a senior at Central Valley High School, Do is a Bear who has climbed to great heights. “Quan is a top student who has found ways to go above and beyond,” said CV Senior Counselor Kate Miller. “He is an all-around amazing asset to our school.” Do maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society, contributing to a variety of community service projects, including volunteering at Second Harvest and making blankets to donate to local nonprofits. He was part of CV’s state champion Cyber Patriots team as a junior and won first place at the state Skills USA competition in the two-person cybersecurity category as a junior and senior. He will attend Eastern Washington University.
Falcons may fly but Ridgeline senior Maddie Hutyler has proven they also glide. The fleet-footed Liberty Lake resident is a perennial standout in cross country and track and, last month, was part of a 4 x 400 relay team that placed seventh among 3A schools at the state meet in Tacoma. Hutyler came to Ridgeline after a year at Central Valley. “It was definitely challenging,” she said of the transition. “But at the end of the day, it’s exciting knowing you are building something new.” Hutyler has personal records of 5:43 in the 1,600 meters and 2:28 in the 800 as well as 21:19 in the 5K. She also lettered in gymnastics. The senior maintains a 4.0 grade point average and has taken seven Advanced Placement classes. She will continue her track and cross country pursuits at Spokane Falls Community College.
When Arthur “Skip” Toreson talks about the quality of the lake a stone’s throw from his home on Lilac Lane, he can speak from experience. Toreson, a Gonzaga Law School grad who practiced law for 43 years, served as one of the original commissioners of the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, established in 1973. Toreson was part of the LLSWD braintrust for 16 years. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served in three states and Vietnam for a tenure of eight years. Toreson was honored by the Spokane Bar Association for his pro bono work. He rallied for housing justice and volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating in the best interests of at-risk kids. Skip and his wife Karen have been married for 62 years and are parents of two children and have two grandkids.
The title of this article may lead you to believe it is about the history of growing grass for lawn seed or sod at Liberty Lake. Especially by the spelling and if you knew this author’s family had engaged in that activity here in this community from the early 1950s into the 1980s. It is not however, though someday I will probably write one about that. Rather it is really about grassroots as in origin, basic, or the fundamental level of something. There are several efforts in the history of our community that are important and valued. The ones mentioned below are ones I am most familiar (with) having researched and written on them in prior articles or had firsthand knowledge of.
Liberty Lake’s inhabitants have been drawn to this area because of its beauty, resources, and opportunities ever since the indigenous people came here. Once part of this community they have worked to maintain what drew them here and improve upon it.
The grassroots of Andrew Seltice’s vision for and leadership of the Coeur d’Alene tribe can be traced to the gatherings he hosted along the shores of Liberty Lake in the 1850s. Taking place on July 1st for several years, the future head chief showed his generosity by barbecuing 3 steers for around 500 tribal members who attended. He fostered competitions to teach skills that would benefit his people. At the end of the day when the participants were well fed and tired from the events activities, the tribe’s heritage was honored when Tecomtee sang the prophecy songs of his grandfather, Circling Raven. Seltice would go on to become the head chief and lead his people from a gathering society to an agricultural one.
As our community has grown individuals have organized both formally and informally to meet its needs. They have been willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved and we are a better community because of it. This has been true not only of the needs but the wants of this area’s populace.
The result of a grassroots effort the area’s first telephone was located inside the Mackenzie Hotel on the westside of Liberty Lake. Circa 1906
Much though, of what the Community of Liberty Lake is, has come from its citizens at the basic level. Especially if you consider two entities that currently serve the people here -- the City itself and the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District came from grassroot efforts by community members. The telephone was the first utility to benefit the lake. Hotel owner Roderick MacKenzie was instrumental in this effort when he got area settlers to donate a day’s labor each to haul and install the poles connecting to a line north of the river. Few phones existed at first, and many would travel to his westside hotel to make calls.
In the Spring of 1989, a group of moms congregated to organize what they would describe then as a patriotic kids or kiddie parade to be held on the Fourth of July. Less than 100 participated in its inaugural year but it was well received. Now 35 years later what has become a tradition continues in the form of a community parade with the combined participants and spectators in the thousands. The year after the parade started several of the husbands whose wives were on the parade committee began what today is known as the “Over the Lake Fireworks.” It is doubtful any of the original organizers of either of these events could have comprehended the beloved and anticipated celebrations they have
become. For myself who was 31 in 1989, it is hard for me to fathom the community has raised nearly two generations who have not known other than these patriotic traditions.
In the early 1990s the children of Liberty Lake needed a community park. Gone were the lake resorts and the playgrounds they contained. Empty lots that were once the makeshift ballfields of the neighborhoods were now scarce and fall football had not been tolerated on hole number five of Liberty Lake Golf Course for over a decade. Community members approached Spokane County seeking a resolution. The favored option was if land was donated its fair market value (FMV) had the potential to secure state matching funds. A land donation was received and its FMV was appraised at $300,000.
There was an outpouring of support from the community with many people willing to perform volunteer labor. A three-ring binder was crammed full of these pledge forms. The presentation before the committee in Olympia was the 64th of 65 made. It was the last of three days this group had listened to requests for matching funds for projects around the state. When the assistant park director for the county stood at the podium, he noticed the committee members
were tired and not attentive like they would have been earlier in the process. So, he dropped the binder upon the lectern with a thud -- now all the eyes in the room were upon him. The last presentation before Liberty Lake’s was for a project in a large metropolitan park. They had acquired sixty some signatures of support from neighbors in an area of several thousand. So, hundreds of labor pledges from a much smaller population at the time made a big impression on these decision makers. The Pavillion Park project was one of the near 20% funded. The success of Pavillion Park was in large part due to the collaboration between a government entity and community members which also included the landowner (Schneidmiller Land Company) and a developer (Greenstone Corporation). The value of donated park construction and fundraising efforts provided additional matching funds from the state to improve the park further.
In eras of less government -efforts of common citizens were more essential to the functioning of the community. Grass grows from the ground up -- that is how the word gained its definition. Today a lot gets done around the City of Liberty Lake from the top down. Having lived my adolescent life and most of my adult one here (except for schooling) I have seen the benefits this City has brought us. Benefits that have also spilled over into the unincorporated portions of our community.
The community has grown substantially since the late 1980s. The city is over two decades old and some of what came from grassroot efforts in the past are now top-down programs and events from our local government entities. There are a number of volunteer service organizations that are doing good work in the community. Supporting our infrastructure, providing programs and events for youth and adults, as well as honoring our military. You can go on the websites of these organizations like the Liberty Lake Kiwanis, Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club, the Liberty Lake Lions Club and others to see specifically what they do, how you can get involved or help their causes.
See HISTORY, Page 30
A group of middle school and high school students have been enthusiastic volunteers at the Liberty Lake Library for more than five years now, doing everything from helping run various programs to shelving books.
The volunteer group, called TAG, includes between a dozen and 20 members depending on the time of year, said adult and teen services librarian Mikayla Kittilstved. She has been running the program for the last two years and is enthusiastic about their involvement. Several of them are members of school clubs that require volunteer hours in the community and they’ve chosen to invest their time in the library, Kittilstved said.
They help out with the popular children’s programs at the library, including story time. “They’ll come in and set up for children’s events,” she said. “A lot of it is just coming in to help with programs we already have. The kids like it when they come in.”
you see the same kids coming and it’s so cool when they recognize your name,” she said.
He is also proud of the effort they put in to reorganize the adult fiction collection. “We definitely got really familiar with the alphabet that day,” she said.
He is one of the teens who came up with the idea to do a summer STEM camp for kids in grades 4-6. Her goal was to get kids excited about STEM and interested in learning it. They organized 12 hours of STEM instruction for the younger students and it appeared to be well received, He said. “The kids were so involved,” she said. “The parents loved it.”
It’s not unusual for Kittilstved to support the ideas the teens come up with, He said. “Mikayla was always so supportive about our ideas,” she said.
They’ve also created artwork for the library’s summer reading program and some come in regularly to do things the staff doesn’t have time to do, such as cleaning returned DVD’s, Kittilstved said. Last year a couple of teens interested in science and technology led the charge to create a four-day STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) summer camp for kids.
“They came up with all the experiments,” she said. “It was totally run by teen volunteers. It was awesome. They put in hundreds of volunteer hours last year just on that one project.”
Kittilstved said the teens plan to put on the STEM summer camp again this year, though it has not been scheduled yet.
Last year the library switched how they organize the adult fiction area, changing it to alphabetical by author instead of grouping them by genre. Moving all the books was a massive effort and the TAG group jumped in with both feet. “They moved about 4,000 books in six hours,” Kittilstved said.
Lucy He has been a member of the Teen Advisory Group since it started five years ago. She heard about it from her sister and they both applied. “At the time I was just out of eighth grade,” she said. “The library, at the time, really marketed TAG.”
The library was trying to engage teens more and He enjoyed helping out with the children’s programs. “After a while,
Though He will graduate from high school this month, she plans to still be involved in this summer’s STEM summer camp. However, she’ll put a lot of effort into transitioning the program into the care of younger TAG members. “That would be really cool if we can keep that going,” she said.
The teens don’t just provide help at events, however. Kittilstved also uses them as a sounding board and asks for their opinions about their favorite authors and what programs they would like to see. “In the past they’ve come up with suggestions for displays in the Young Adult section,” she said.
After just a few years the group of teens have made themselves indispensable at the library, she said. “They’re really, really incredible,” she said. “I can’t brag about them enough. I wouldn’t want to do it without them.”
The group usually meets once a month to discuss upcoming projects and ideas, though meetings are sometimes skipped if everyone is busy, Kittilstved said.
He said she has enjoyed seeing how the library can teach people new skills, help kids develop a love of learning and bring the community together. “I love the community that’s there,” she said. “The library was a huge place for me when I was younger. I definitely will miss TAG,” she said. “I hope the next TAG members recognize the opportunities they have in the library.”
Middle school and high school students in the Liberty Lake area who are interested in joining the volunteer group can contact Kittilstved via email at
Splash news sources
Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) crews responded to a total of 1,881 emergency incidents for April 2024.
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accept EBT, Snap Match, WIC/Senior FMNP, KERNEL, & Cash/Credit
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April 1
One cat was rescued from the home, and another was located inside a shed in the back of the home.
On Sunday, March 31st, Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded to a reported garage fire on the 1300 block of N. Robie Ln. Spokane Valley Engine 1 (VE 1) was first on scene and found fire in an attached garage extending into the attic of the home.
SVFD crews made a quick stop on the fire, containing most of the damage to the garage. There was minimal smoke, water, and ceiling damage in the main occupancy of the home.
On Sunday, March 31st, Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) units responded to a reported garage fire on the 1300 block of N. Robie Ln. Spokane Valley Engine 1 (VE 1) was first on scene and found fire in an attached garage extending into the attic of the home.
There were no injuries reported. The Red Cross was contacted and is assisting the homeowner.
Avista was contacted after it was discovered that the gas meter on the corner of the garage was venting gas and actively burning. Firefighters were able to close the valve on the meter and stop the gas leak.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
One cat was rescued from the home, and another was located inside a shed in the back of the home.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month.
SVFD crews made a quick stop on the fire, containing most of the damage to the garage. There was minimal smoke, water, and ceiling damage in the main occupancy of the home.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month.
There were no injuries reported. The Red Cross was contacted and is assisting the homeowner. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Avista was contacted after it was discovered that the gas meter on the corner of the garage was venting gas and actively burning. Firefighters were able to close the valve on the meter and stop the gas leak.
Know what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes and plan to evacuate if advised by local authorities. Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car. Check your insurance policies to ensure you have enough coverage.
Know what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes and plan to evacuate if advised by local authorities. Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car. Check your insurance policies to ensure you have enough coverage.
Liberty Lake Regional Park is getting a big facelift this summer, but delays have meant that most of the park will be closed all summer instead of construction being complete in June as originally planned.
The $4 million project will see improvements to the dock and parking lot as well as create additional parking, add more accessibility and widen and improve Zephyr Road where it enters the park on the edge of Liberty Lake. “I think the community is absolutely going to love the finished project,” said Doug Chase, director of the Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Department.
However, there were some bumps in the road in the process, which has pushed the project completion date into September. “Our original timeline for the project prepared for substantial completion by the first week of June,” Chase said.
When the project went out to bid, contractors were invited to bid on the base project as well as an alternate that could be added if the budget allowed. A contractor who bid only on the base project was not selected for the project and filed an injunction in court to stop the project. Chase said the contractor
was not the low bidder and actually did not meet the minimum bid requirements.
“They were not happy they were not determined to meet the qualified bidder criteria,” Chase said. “It’s not something I’ve run into in my 24 years with the county.”
Though the project is moving forward with the winning bidder, J.R. Construction, the court process delayed the start of the project, Chase said. “This delay was completely unnecessary,” he said. “It’s the community that’s really impacted. We really feel horrible about it.”
Funding for the project is coming from multiple sources, including a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program – Water Access Grant for $950,000 and an Aquatic Lands Enhancement Grant for $500,000. The county is also using $1.7 million
Shoreline and/or Stormwater Permit(s) may be required for your project. ere are regulations governing development activities across the entire Liberty Lake watershed.
in Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) funding for the main project, plus $700,000 in REET funding for the parking lot improvements.
The County is adding a new drop off area just before the main parking lot. It will include an area for kayak drop-off, 12 parking stalls, three disabled parking stalls and a hard surface walkway from the drop-off area to the new 177-foot dock, which will include an ADA accessible kayak launch. The new dock will also include a fishing pier that includes cut outs for those using wheelchairs. “It’s really a neat item everyone will enjoy,” Chase said of the new, larger dock.
In addition to lighting and landscaping improvements, the County is adding two small picnic shelters, outdoor showers and a new restroom. The current gravel parking lot, where visitors park as the spirit moves them, will be paved and have parking spaces painted on. There will be 87 parking spots and one disabled parking spot, Chase said. “Our visitors will love that,” he said.
J.R. Construction is also the contractor on the project to widen Zephyr Road from Lakeside to the park entrance to 24 feet. That project may not wrap up until October, Chase said.
The construction means that the park’s day use area, including the beach, is closed. The campground is open and the few reservations that were made for the large picnic
shelter will be honored, Chase said.
The miles of hiking trails in the hills above the park remain open, as does the ORV park. There is a small parking lot on Idaho Road for hikers and equestrians, Chase said. The lot is small and can only fit about two dozen cars; less if there are horse trailers. “There is some opportunity there,” Chase said.
The road leading to the park has multiple signs alerting people to the park closure so they don’t get all the way to the park without knowing it is closed. “We’re trying to spare people the frustration of getting to the park entry and finding it closed,” he said.
The improvements to the park were first mapped out in the park’s Master Plan that was adopted in 2018. Work on designing and permitting the project began in 2022. The park’s location on the shoreline meant that multiple studies and permits were required before work could begin, Chase said.
“Whenever you’re dealing with shoreline, there are a lot of rules to follow to protect the lake,” he said.
While people are upset that the day use area and beach are closed for the summer, Chase said the work will be worth the effort.
“I’m optimistic that the result will be well worth the effort,” he said.
“So far most folks have been really excited and understanding. We’ve also heard from a few folks who are disappointed it’s not open.”
The Farmers Markets are back in local neighborhoods, much to the delight of fresh fruit and produce aficionados who spent the winter skeptically eyeing the offerings at grocery stores.
In addition to fresh meat, baked goods, produce and fruit, Farmers Markets also include a variety of crafts, flowers, beer, honey, mushrooms and other products. Food trucks are also on the menu, along with live music.
The Liberty Lake Farmers Market opened in mid-May, gathering dozens of vendors in the Town Square Park at 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday. The market is larger than ever this year, with 95 vendors signed up. That includes a new bread vendor, a potter and a farm specializing in microgreens.
“We’ve got new food vendors coming,” said board president Holli Parker. “We’ve got some great food. We still have the yummy crepe café, we still have the hot dogs.”
The market has come a long way since it launched in 2002 with only eight vendors. Not all 95 vendors are there each week because some are only part time, but people can expect a great selection every weekend, Parker said. There were 75 there on opening day. “It’s so nice, especially on the first day, to see people you haven’t seen all winter,” she said.
People don’t just drop in, shop, and then leave, Parker said. Often they will bring a blanket so they can buy lunch and eat it on the grass before doing their shopping. People will also find that the farmers and other vendors are willing to talk about their products with shoppers. There’s also space for games and activities for the kids. “We are known for the community,” she said. “That’s what we love. We want you to come shop and hang out with your neighbors.”
Parker said all the farmers who
were there last year have returned. Vendors include Botanica Tea, Birdies Pie Shop, Scone Ranger, Liberty Cider, North Idaho Suds, Pacific Produce, Lisa’s Desserts, Indian Creek Bee Farm, St. Florian Soap, Malted Mutt, BeeSpoke Balms, Browning Beef, Family Fungi and Queens Peony Farm. A full list is available on the market’s Facebook page.
Some layout adjustments were made to fit everyone into the space, Parker said. “The space is looking very good,” she said. “I love that we have the green trees and the sidewalks.”
As the market continues to expand and the city eventually develops Town Square Park, changes could come in the future, Parker said, though she hopes the market will be able to call the park home for quite some time. “The city has a plan to develop the rest of the field,” she said. “We would love to be in consideration with that.”
The Spokane Valley Farmers Market will kick off its sixth season on June 7, hosted every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. The theme of opening day is “Goonies,” which is celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, and pirate costumes are welcome.
There are nearly 20 new vendors coming this season, said market manager Katy Lee. Some of the vendors are part-time and will not be there every week. “We have
Skewers, Crepe Café, Woodard FF Doughnuts, Mixed Plate and Mary Lou’s.
Local Farmers Markets have agreements in place with SNAP and WIC. Through the SNAP program, shoppers can use their EBT cards for eligible food items and get a market match for any amount spent up to $40. Usually, WIC offers special coupons for farmers markets but new this year is the option for WIC recipients to use their electronic cards to purchase eligible items with their monthly allotment for fruits and vegetables.
It's also not unusual for markets to host special events. The Spokane Valley market is planning a Harry Potter Day on July 26, where the market will become Diagon Alley. The Liberty Lake market will put on its popular Pie Festival on August 10.
an array of 100 vendors that are participating,” she said. “That’s what keeps it exciting and fresh.”
Among the new vendors is Bake My Day, several crafters and a farm offering microgreens. “We’re getting some farms and wineries from the Palouse,” Lee said. “It’s fun to get different people come in.”
Each week there is live music, food trucks and free activities for children. Lee said the market partners with the Greater Spokane Food Truck Association to get food trucks for the market, particularly for Food Truck Night held on the last Friday of June, July and August, when an additional eight trucks come for an expanded food experience.
This year the market will once again be in partnership with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce to host a youth entrepreneur day featuring 20 young businessmen and women. The youth will be ranked on how well they interact with customers and how well they market their products, Lee said. For the rest of the season, one of those entrepreneur’s will be featured at each week’s market.
“Really the goal is just to get young people out in the business world,” Lee said.
Vendors include Lucky Lady Bread Co., Makana Farms, Elixir Sauce Co., BeeSpoke Balms, Bath by Bex and Mushrooms Plus. Food trucks expected at the Food Truck Friday events include One Night Stand BBQ, Camargo Shaved Ice,
“We can’t wait to meet you at market and feel the goodness that this has become,” Lee said.
Parker said a farmers market is a great spot to find fresh food. “If’ you’ve never come to market, give it a shot,” she said.
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Continued from page 23
So, is there any more to add to this community other than to support what is already in place both by volunteering and monetary contributions?
My answer would be -- yes there is! You may have read in the April 2024 Splash about the Liberty Lake Better Together Fund which will function under the umbrella of the Innovia Foundation. Its mission statement is:
To support groups, programs, and events that foster a vibrant spirit by financially empowering the Liberty Lake community to celebrate, unite, and enrich our diverse population.
The more I thought about this the more it made since to me. Funding is the key to so many efforts. Yes, they need vitally important volunteers but often to take root and grow they need funding. If someone or a group of people had a great idea something that would meet the mission statement above the potential of receiving a grant might inspire some of them to move forward with their idea. I think back to times in our community’s history when if funds were available different choices would have been made. Of course, for this to have a meaningful impact community members will need to see the vision and support the cause financially.
Another aspect of this fund is that it’s overseen by the Innovia Foundation which provides continuity and longevity. Having been a founding member of the Friends of Pavillion Park I am aware of the impact the nonprofit did in the park and beyond – but once its doers tire or the purpose is fulfilled even successful organizations end. But with Innovia, a Spokanebased community foundation operating for 50 years in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, the Liberty Lake Better Together Fund has the potential to benefit multiple generations to come.
Andrew Seltice had a vision and acted it out to enrich the lives of his people – What is your vision and what have you done, or can you do to enrich lives in this community?
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Ben Wick ben@libertylakesplash.com
CO OWNER Danica Wick danica@libertylakesplash.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Craig Howard, Nina Culver, John McCallum, Ross Schneidmiller
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This fall, incoming freshmen at University High School will be able to enter a program that allows them to earn an associate’s degree by their senior year without ever leaving their high school.
A collaboration between the Central Valley School District, Community Colleges of Spokane and Eastern Washington University, the 4-year program will give students an Associate of Arts Direct Transfer Agreement degree that will allow them to enter a 4-year college as a junior. Previous options, such as Running Start, required students to attend classes on a college campus.
Central Valley Superintendent said the idea came up last fall when he was having coffee with SCC Chancellor Kevin Brockbank. “We started to play around with the idea,” he said.
Spokane Community College is the accrediting agency for the program, which is based heavily on the College in the High School program already offered at Eastern Washington University to give college credit for high school classes. As part of that program, faculty at Eastern Washington University have already checked the credentials of each teacher leading a College in High School class and approved their syllabi to make sure the high school classes are equivalent to a college level course. For example, a junior in the AA program is required to take AP U.S. History. The class
is the equivalent to History 111 at EWU or History 136 at SCC.
“That’s how come we needed the three legs of this, Eastern, SCC and Central Valley,” Parker said.
Several of the classes are online, taught by SCC faculty, but almost all of them can be taken from University High School teachers in the school. This allows students to stay in their school and have the full high school experience, Parker said, including joining clubs and playing in sports.
The program starts slow in a student’s freshman year, which includes basic classes such as English, science, math and world languages. There is only one class that is taken for college credit. Similarly, in a student’s sophomore year, only one college level class is required. This allows students to get their feet wet and dabble in college level courses to determine if the program is a good fit, Parker said.
“If it’s not for them, we can get them back on a regular high school track quickly,” he said.
In a student’s junior and senior year in the new program, nearly all the classes are college level. While ideally a student would join the program in their freshman year, it would be easy enough to jump into the program during a student’s sophomore or junior years because there would only be one or two classes to make up, Parker said.
“It uses the existing system, it allows all these on ramps,” he said. “We’ve just mapped it starting in the ninth grade.”
The benefit to getting an AA degree instead of taking AP classes for college credit is that Washington State public colleges are required to accept the degree instead of a student having to quibble with colleges over whether each AP class will be accepted, Parker said.
Administrators met with eighth graders who will attend University High School in the fall and about
50 expressed interest in the AA program, Parker said, though he doesn’t know how many will actually sign up. “We had parent meetings already and there is definitely interest out there,” he said. “This is going to be gradual, we anticipate.”
This is the pilot year of the program before it expands to Central Valley High School and Ridgeline High School in 2025. “University High School made the most sense,” Parker said. “U-High already had a ton of AP classes and a ton of teachers certified in the program.”
In the 2023-2024 school year, Central Valley will have paid an estimated $2.6 million for students to attend Running Start classes at EWU or SCC. However, if students enroll in the new program, the district will be able to save money by using classes it already offers by teachers who are already hired, Parker said. It will also save families money by giving them the equivalent of two years of college education for free, he said.
When students enroll in Running Start, they are responsible for getting transportation to classes at either EWU or SCC, which can be a barrier for some students. The new AA program will allow those students to get a jump on their college classes while still attending their neighborhood school, Parker said. However, there are no plans to end the Running Start program, he said.
“If they still want to do that, they can,” he said.
As the AA program expands, Parker said he expects it to look slightly different at each school based on which teachers are certified into the program. At that time, it will be possible for students to choice into the school that offers the program that best fits their needs, he said.
More information on the program is available at www.cvsd.org.
