+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Sept. 6, 2012

Sept. 6, 2012

Date post: 31-Mar-2016
Category:
Upload: the-liberty-lake-splash
View: 221 times
Download: 0 times
Share this document with a friend
Description:
Getting more on board: One year after adjustments to LL routes, STA reports increased efficiencies, ridership. www.libertylakesplash.com
Popular Tags:
16
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Permit #017 ZIP CODE 99019 SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 CELEBRATING SV TECH: Leaders from the education and business realms gather to mark mutual interest in new school P. 6 GREEN MANUFACTURING: Accra-Fab president talks about success in both economic and environmental terms P. 2 One year after adjustments to LL routes, STA reports increased efficiencies, ridership PAGE 8 Getting more on board
Transcript
Page 1: Sept. 6, 2012

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. Postage PaidPermit #017

ZIP CODE 99019

September 6, 2012

CELEBRATING SV TECH: Leaders from the education and business realms gather to mark mutual interest in new school P. 6

GREEN MANUFACTURING: Accra-Fab president talks about success in both economic and environmental terms P. 2

One year after adjustments to LL routes, STA reports increased efficiencies, ridership PAGE 8

Getting more on board

Page 2: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 20122 The Splashprofiles

Karen Pagliaro

Seattle-trained Stylist

Redken Colour Specialist

NOW ACCEPTING

Monday-Thursday, Saturday • By Appt. Only

921-5663

IT’S All

ABOuT ThE

hAIR

SplaSh photo by JoSh JohnSon

accra-Fab president Greg Konkol, right, stands with his leadership team next to the com-pany’s entryway at 23201 E. appleway ave. accra-Fab employs 190 people at the precision manufacturing plant.

Now enrolling for Infant Care & Kindergarten!

Limited space available!

steppingstonelibertylake.comA Christian School and Child Care

Also available: Toddler Care, Preschool and Before & After School Care

(509) 924-0776 23306 E. MissionLiberty Lake, WA

“Excellence in Early Childhood Education and

Child Care for Over 30 Years”

Lean and green Accra-Fab president likes his company’s positionBy Josh JohnsonSplaSh StaFF WritEr

Greg Konkol describes it as “one of those defining moments in life that you never forget.”

It was 1999. He was sitting in a lawyer’s office, high up in a downtown Spokane building, brainstorming the future of Ac-cra-Fab Inc. with its president, Don Hem-mer, the board chairman and a couple of attorneys.

The company, owned by its employees at the time, was seeing its working capital threatened as older employees retired and cashed out of the business. Konkol was a member of the board that decided the fu-ture health of the company relied on sell-ing the business, but the offers coming in weren’t satisfying.

“Not being happy about it, the chairman of the board looked over at my partner, Don, and I and said, ‘Well you two fellas are young, smart, ambitious fellas, why don’t you buy the company?’” Konkol re-called. “So we looked at one another and said, ‘Well, I guess we can.’

“And I’ll never forget it, the chairman stood up, closed his briefcase and said to the attorneys, ‘Boys, we better get out of here. These guys have some work to do.’”

Konkol and Hemmer put together a plan and purchased Accra-Fab in Septem-ber 1999. Konkol remained on the board but was employed elsewhere, but eventu-ally became more interested in dedicating his work to Accra-Fab.

“About two years ago, my partner and I reversed roles,” Konkol said. “I used to be the nonparticipating partner and he ran day-to-day operations. Now he’s the non-participating partner and is doing some other things now, and I’m running day-to-day operations.”

GrEG KonKol

Age46

BirthplaceOrofino, Idaho

EducationGraduated from West Valley High School and rowed on the crew team at University of Washington

FamilyWife, Judy, and twin 12-year-old girls

HobbiesSpending time with family, camping, fishing, hiking, motorcycling and snow skiing

Currently reading“The Spirit of Leadership” by former Gonzaga University President Robert J. Spitzer

Liberty Lake lunchPalenque Mexican Restaurant

Dinner date with the wifeBlack Angus

Under his leadership, Accra-Fab has re-worked its mission and guiding principles and caught some attention by making some environmentally (and economically) friendly adjustments to its Liberty Lake facility. The Splash recently visited with Konkol in a modernly furnished Accra-Fab conference room to learn more about the company and its hands-on owner.

Q. You have a beautiful building in a prominent location in Liberty Lake, but it’s easy to drive by and

not know what your business is all about. What’s the elevator speech on Accra-Fab?

See ACCRA-FAB, page 12

Page 3: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 3

Instant Credit • Same Day Service • Customer Shuttle • Nationwide Warranty • Certified Technicians

M-F 7am to 6pm Sat. 8am to 5pm

“Friendly Neighborhood Service”

WE’LL MEET OR BEAT COMPETITOR PRICES. WE WON’T BE UNDERSOLD!

"At Clark’s, I’ve found the best of automotive shops: absolute integrity, cheerfulness, competitive pricing and excellence of the work done. God bless them. Couldn’t ask for more than that. I’m here to stay!" Pastor Mike Graef, Spokane Valley United Methodist Church

$1995

Most cars/light trucks. Not valid with any other special offer. Coupon required. Exp. 9/30/12.

Includes up to 5 qts. of oil, filter, check and fill all fluids and tire rotation

Synthetic Blend $2995

Oil chAnGe Coolant flush, oil change,

battery service, charging system check, brake

inspection with cleaning and necessary adjustment,

and 52-point inspection

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL

$9999

VERADALE16010 E. Sprague Ave.

(Near Sullivan)

924-16816 mOnthS SAme AS cASh upOn ApprOved credit

www.clarkstires.com Find uS On FAceBOOk

With the purchASe OF 4 tireS

Free AliGnment

Most cars/light trucks. Not valid with any other special offer. Coupon required. Exp. 9/30/12.

plus tax, On mOSt vehicleS

plus tax, On mOSt vehicleS

Most cars/light trucks. Not valid with any other special offer. Coupon required. Exp. 9/30/12.

www.LibertyLakeDental.com22106 E. Country Vista Drive Suite D • Liberty Lake

With purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary

X-rays & Recommended CleaningOffer expires 9/30/12

To Do:Back to SchoolBack to WorkBack to the Dentist

Free Teeth Whitening OR

$100 Gift Certificate

Toward Future Dental Treatment

Dr. Ross Simonds Dr. Amanda Roper

CALL DR. SIMONDS TODAY!

New Estate Tax Law

Tuesday, Sept. 1110:30 AM or 4:00 PM

Kids 18 months and upBallet • Tap • Jazz

Hip Hop • Modern Dance Mom N’ Me • Gymnastics

CheerleadingBirthday Parties

Conveniently located at the HUB Sports Center19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake (off Barker Rd.)

ClaSSeS Starting SeptemBer 10tH

... Join anytime!Visit www.kidfitspokane.com for more details or call Pam Chalpin

at 509.953.7501

509.927.202022106 E. Country Vista Drive, Ste A • Liberty Lake, WA

www.lakesidevisionlibertylake.com

M|Tu|W|F 8-5

Th 10-7Closed Sat & Sun

Come visit us at Valleyfest,

Sept. 22 & 23 and enter our drawing for designer

sunglasses and other prizes.

Page 4: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 20124 The Splashcommunity Calendar of events

Volume 14, Issue 36

we’re in wildfire country

treasures keep ... but only if we conserve them 509-922-5443 • www.libertylake.org

believe it or not...Spokane County is, historically, wildfire country. (Yep, that includes the Liberty Lake watershed community.)• Minutes, even seconds, can make a huge difference in controlling a fire. “Some homeowners are hiding hydrants in landscaping and behind fences. Some ‘new construction’ change the contour of the land and actually bury part of the hydrant, making it shorter, harder to find and difficult to attach hoses.” • You are encouraged to create a 30'-50' burn-free safety zone around your property. For a ‘how-to’ pamphlet, call 928-1700 — Spokane Valley Fire• Landscaping consists of either fire-resistive plants or combustible plants. Which are which? Call 477-2181 — Spokane County Extension Master Gardeners

Greenacres Christian Church

A traditional, family oriented church.

( D i s c i p l e s o f C h r i s t )

Adult & Youth Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM

Gary Hann, Minister

18010 E. Mission - 926.2461Established 1902 Member of CUIC

Editor/publishEr Josh Johnson [email protected]

GEnEral ManaGEr Tammy Kimberley [email protected]

sEnior account Janet Pier ExEcutivE [email protected]

account Cindy Esch ExEcutivE [email protected]

Graphics Editor Sarah Burk [email protected]

officE ManaGEr Kelli Dexter [email protected]

circulation Mike Johnson

On the cover: Splash photo by Craig Howard

AboutThe Liberty Lake Splash

2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190www.libertylakesplash.com

The Splash is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge to every business and residence in the greater Liberty Lake area. Additional copies are located at more than 100 drop-off locations in Liberty Lake and Otis Orchards.

Submitted materialsAnnouncements, obituaries, letters to the editor and story ideas are encouraged. Submit them in writing to [email protected] or bring them by The Splash office. Timely submissions should be received by Friday at noon for best chance of publication in the following week’s Splash.

Advertising informationInformation about classified and display advertising is on page 10.

SubscriptionsLiberty Lake residents receive a complimentary copy each Thursday. Subscriptions for U.S. postal addresses outside of the 99019 ZIP code cost $50 for 52 weeks and $30 for 26 weeks. Send a check and subscription address to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 or call 242-7752 for more information.

Correction policyThe Splash strives for accuracy in all content. Errors should be reported immediately to 242-7752 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Confirmed factual errors will be corrected on this page in the issue following their discovery.

MembershipsThe Splash is an award-winning member of the National Newspaper Association and Washington Newspaper Publishers Association.

Copyright © 2012All rights reserved. All contents of The Splash may not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

COMMUNITYSept. 7-16 | Annual Best Foot Forward Career Clothing Drive Liberty Lake Safeway, 1233 N Liberty Lake Road. Dress clothes and ac-cessories are being collected to benefit men and women who may need a professional wardrobe for a job search or position or for a special occa-sion. The program is operated by Spokane Valley Partners, and volunteers are also needed. For more: Sharon Jayne, 255-6758

Sept. 9 | Bailey's Brigade Car Show 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Allsport Polaris and Honda, 19505 E. Broadway. The car show will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Registration for cars is from 8 to 10 a.m., and awards will be announced at 1:15 p.m. Music, food, raffle prizes and a Wheel of Fun and Fortune. Basic registration is $15. For more: www.baileysbrigade.com

Sept. 15 | Day of Service project 8:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Regional Park, 3707 S. Zephyr Road. All are invited to help paint, clean and trim in this service project organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For more: Dave Crump, 720-6274

Sept. 18 | Itron Energetic Speakers Toastmasters open house 11:45 a.m., Itron , room MP13, 2111 N. Molter Road. Special open house event introduces guests to Toastmasters. For more: [email protected]

Sept. 21 | Princess for a Night 6:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Girls and their moms are invited to the library in their fanciest princess gowns for a night of treats, crafts, games, dancing and photos to support the Friends of the Liberty Lake Munici-pal Library. Ages 2 and older. $5 tickets may be purchased at library. For more: 232-2510

Recurring Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library 6 p.m., the last Tuesday of every month, 23123 E. Mission Ave.

Kiwanis Club of Liberty Lake 6:45 a.m. Wednesdays, Liberty Lake City Hall, 22510 E. Country Vista Drive. For more: www.libertylakeki-wanis.org

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club Noon Thursdays, Meadowwood Technology Campus Liberty Room, 2100 N. Molter Road

Liberty Lake Farmers Market 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane. For more: www.llfarmersmarket.com

Liberty Lake Lions Club Noon on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, Barlow’s Restaurant, 1400 N. Meadowwood Lane. For more: 927-2193 or [email protected]

Liberty Lake Municipal Library 23123 E. Mission Ave. 10:15 a.m. Fridays, baby lapsit story time; 11 a.m. Friday, toddler/preschool story time and songs; 1 p.m. Fridays, story time and crafts for preschoolers; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Knitting Club; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, computer classes; 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, toddler/preschool story time. For more: 232-2510

Listed story times resume the week of Sept. 10 A special Story Time Plus Math and Science group resumes Sept. 27. Registration required. Saturday crafts resume Oct. 6.

Senior Lunch programs 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive, and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Thurs-days and Fridays at Talon Hills Senior Complex, 24950 E. Hawkstone Loop. Seniors age 60 and older invited; recommended donation $3.50.

CIVIC & BUSINESSSept. 7 | Quiznos Rotary In Motion benefit All day at Liberty Lake Quiznos, 1235 N. Liberty Lake Road. Quiznos is donating 50 percent of all sales to the Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary in support of the Sept. 16 RIM bicycle ride (www.rotaryinmotion.com) in Liberty Lake

Sept. 9 | Dollars For Darcy Fundraiser 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Liberty Lake Village beach (follow

Molter to where it becomes Inlet). Sponsored by Churchill's Steakhouse, proceeds benefit the Dollars For Darcy fund, which to raise money for her upcoming kidney transplant. $5 will get you a gourmet kosher Kobe beef frank, chips and a drink. For more and RSVP: Josh Antles at 979-4790

Sept. 14 | Washington Health Insurance Exchange presentation 11:30 a.m. network-ing, noon program, Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan Road, Spokane Valley. Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler will speak on the “Washington Health Insurance Exchange: How it will work and implications for your business,” as part of the regular monthly meeting of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $35 and open to the public. For more info or to register: www.spokan-evalleychamber.org

RecurringCentral Valley School Board 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley

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 Municipal Library Board 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave.

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 third Wednesday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

HEALTH & RECREATIONSept. 16 | RIM Ride Various times depending upon distance starting from the Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter Road. Dis-tances include 5, 15, 25, 50 and 100 mile routes. Online registration deadline is Sept. 1, cost is $15-$45 depending on distance. For more: www.rotaryinmotion.com

RecurringLiberty Lake Running Club 6 p.m. Thurs-days (through Oct. 25), 3-mile run followed by cocktails, Palenque Mexican Restaurant, 1102 N. Liberty Lake Road. For more: 927-9372 or [email protected]

Submit items for consideration on the calendar of events to [email protected].

Page 5: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 5

“Your Source for Real Estate”

John L. Scott Welcomes Four of Spokane’s Finest Realtors

Mary Marlow995-7799

[email protected]

Marilyn Dhaenens385-9090

[email protected]

Lacy Thomas218-7312

[email protected]

Colleen Samson280-6577

[email protected]

924-4200Conveniently

Located Next

to Starbucks in

Liberty Lake

Offering eyelash extensions, body wraps, aromatherapy,

scrubs, skin care, facials and complete salon services

BEFORE AFTER

218-2060 • 23801 E. Appleway (inside Spa Zenaida)

BRing in This Ad TO REcEivE A Full sET OF lAshEs FOR $75

(regularly $150) Offer expires 9/12/12

Carver Farms

1/2 mile north of Trent at 9105 N. Idaho Rd. (Newman Lake area)

U PICK: Beans, cabbageX-tra sweet bicolor corn, beets, eggplant, tomatillas, summer squash, onions, hot & sweet peppers & glads

ALSO AVAILABLE: Pears, peaches, nectarines, honey, tomatoes, huckles & blueberries, frozen pie chrerries & other berries

New hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily

509-226-3602

www.CarverFarms.com

Tacos Fiesta Brava serving authentic Mexican food on Sundays

Page 6: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 20126 The Splash

I s c o m I n g to L I b e rt y L a k e !

New classes starting Sept. 25 at Guardian Angel!

(23102 E. Mission Avenue)

Come and see what it’s all about at a

FREEDEMONSTRATION

CLASS!Tues., Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Space is limited!Call 509-464-1595

to reserve your spot now!Visit www.hnmc.org or call for additional locations and days/times.

Andrew Martin Oakes1978-2012Born to Dean and Darlene Oakes in Tor-

rance, Calif., on Feb. 16, 1978, Andy passed away in Spokane County on Aug. 25, 2012, as the result of a construction accident.

Soon after birth in 1978, Andy began a road trip and adventure that lasted his whole life. Andy spent most of his early childhood time in the front of a Koffler driftboat on the Rogue and McKenzie Riv-ers of Oregon. Andy's first nickname was Whitewater Andy. He loved the rapids, the more “rapidy,” the louder the laughing and yelling. Andy would never lose his love of the big water and the open sea. Those who knew him knew his laugh, an affirmation of his energetic love of life. Andy had many unique gifts; kids and animals of all kinds approached him unafraid and with a smile hoping for a hug or a pet from the time he was little.

Andy was a hard worker, a journeyman union ironworker and certified welder on the East Coast, a long line fisherman in Alaska, and worked concrete and as a framer in the Spokane area. Andy enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his fellow workers and was happiest at work.

Andy has two children, Holly Jayne and Hunter Dean, the lights of his life. His goal in life was to love and provide for them as their father. Andy is also survived by his grandparents; parents; brother, Todd and his wife, Sharon, and their children Cali and Chad; brother, Reggie and his wife, Marya, and their children Summer, Eugene and Conrad; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family from Boston to Maui.

If Andy were here today, he would thank all of you who selflessly helped him and saw him as the real person he was. Andy left with no pain, a sober Christian with hope in his heart. A good man who knew that a good person simply does the right thing, we will miss him, his crushing hugs and rowdy laugh. We love you, Andy, forever.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 7, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague, Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers, a donation to his children's edu-cation can be made care of the Andrew M. Oakes Memorial Fund at any STCU loca-tion. Arrangements by Community Crema-tion Service of Spokane Valley.

Obituary

Call for more information and to schedule your ad today!

242-7752

35% OFF1/2-PAGE ADS IN SEPTEMBER

ADVERTISING SPECIAL OF THE MONTH

news/community

Groundbreaking event envisions opportunities for innovative campusBy Josh JohnsonSplaSh StaFF WritEr

A campus designed to bolster the sym-biotic partnership between business and education in Spokane Valley broke ground Aug. 29 — and it brought together dozens of representatives from both of those com-munities to celebrate.

Dignitaries from four partnering school districts — Central Valley, West Val-ley, East Valley and Freeman — showed off plans for Spokane Valley Tech, a new school focused on preparing students for careers and college with a focus on relevant, industry-specific training. The school is already holding offsite classes this semester which will transition into the new facility when it is ready in Janu-ary. Spokane Valley Tech will occupy the majority — about 35,000 square feet — of a Rite Aid building being revitalized at the corner of Sprague and University in Spo-kane Valley. The remaining 20,000 square feet is currently leased by WVSD for its Contract Based Education program, but the rest of the building is in shell condi-tion.

Blew’s Construction Inc. of Spokane Valley was recently awarded the $1.6 mil-lion contract to convert the building based upon plans worked out by Architects West of Coeur d’Alene.

The four classes offered for fall 2012 are aerospace and advanced manufacturing,

SplaSh photo by JoSh JohnSon

Central Valley School District Superintendent ben Small gives a television interview following groundbreaking festivities for Spokane Valley tech.

Educators, biz leaders celebrate SV Tech launch

sports medicine, fire science and cosme-tology. In September 2013, two additional programs will be added — biomedical innovation and engineering design and development. Many Spokane Valley Tech courses fit into a regional emphasis on STEM curriculum — science, technology, engineering and math — while working to build purposeful links with the business community.

Greater Spokane Inc. President and CEO Rich Hadley addressed the latter while addressing the crowd at the ground-breaking ceremony, emphasizing a current “unique opportunity” that Spokane Valley Tech is already anticipating.

“We have three companies looking at Spokane County right now to look at whether this is the place to do an expan-sion of their aerospace business,” Greater Spokane Inc. President and CEO Rich Hadley said while addressing the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony. “And we need these students to be effective in their classes and be involved and connected with the business community.”

After-school slots availableThe classes in sports medicine and aero-

space and advanced manufacturing are currently enrolling high school students. These new credit classes begin in Septem-ber and are offered after school at West Valley High School until the opening of Spokane Valley Tech in January 2013. In-terested students may enroll through their high school counseling office, and classes are starting immediately.

A Spokane Valley Tech news release said

See SV TECH, page 15

Page 7: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 7

Pam Fredrick, Broker(509) 370-5944

[email protected] a virtual tour visit: www.pamfredrick.com

Call Pam to buy or sell today!

1027 N Oakmont 2Bd/2Ba 1373sf

2711 N Idaho Rd 5Bd/4Ba 4806sf 19acres 804 S Greenridge 3Bd/3Ba 3236sf

71 N Chief Garry 4Bd/4Ba 5638sf

23114 E Boone 4Bd/3Ba 2472sf

1604 N Drummond 3Bd/3Ba 1376sf

$1,147,000

$499,700

$207,000$199,900

Great Liberty Lake Listings!

$869,900$169,900

509-218-4978Liberty Lake Auto Glass

WINDSHIELDS STARTING AT

$16999$16999Installed

Expires 8/31/12

+tax

509-218-4978We work with all insurance companiesServing Spokane & Kootenai CountiesBen Wood Owner/Installer Since 2002

FREEROCK CHIP REPAIRWith Approved Insurance

$2999 Without InsuranceExpires 9/30/12

Liberty Lake Auto Glass • 509-218-4978

WINDSHIELD REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

WINDSHIELD REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

FREE Mobile ServiceWe’ll Come to You!

A fun, loving, in-home learning environment for

children 2½ to 5 yrs.

Over 15 yrs. experience of getting messy,

singing off key, and preparing for school.

Little Corner Preschool

For more information call Jean Edwards M.ed 954-6829

Greenacres, WA

Page 8: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 20128 The Splash

Fuller buses, weekend service resulted from last year’s changesBy Craig HowardSplaSh Contributor

It’s a sunny Friday afternoon in Liberty Lake, and for Brenda Mitchell of Post Falls, the work week has concluded with a leisure-ly excursion on a public bus.

Mitchell and other passengers have been whisked eastward on Interstate 90 courtesy of the Spokane Transit Authority on a route known as 174. The journey from the bus plaza in downtown Spokane to the Liberty Lake Park and Ride on the corner of Mis-sion Avenue and Meadowwood Lane typi-cally takes a little over a half hour — even with one stop in Spokane Valley.

“It’s convenient,” said Mitchell, who has been taking the bus to work since 1999. “You avoid the traffic and save money on gas.”

Like many downtown workers who uti-lize public transportation, Mitchell avoids the hefty price of parking by hopping on a bus. A monthly STA pass runs $45 for adults, while it is not uncommon to see ur-ban parking fees eclipse $100 over the same timeframe.

While most who exit the bus on this late summer day are all smiles, things were not quite as rosy a year ago when STA prepared to implement changes that would eliminate direct downtown service to and from Lib-erty Lake.

In 2011, STA cut service across Spokane County by 7 percent as the result of a signif-icant drop in sales tax revenue — a source that accounts for two-thirds of STA’s bud-get. The recession-related decline resulted in a 3-percent service reduction in 2010.

In Liberty Lake, the 2011 downsizing would include the consolidation of route 72 with 74 into what is now known as the 174. The Liberty Lake Express would also include an intermission — a stopover at the bustling Mirabeau Park and Ride in Spokane Valley, roughly halfway between downtown and Liberty Lake.

Karl Otterstram, STA director of plan-ning, recalls the backlash of Liberty Lake bus patrons at a series of community meet-ings leading up to the cutbacks. One gath-ering held at Spokane City Hall especially for downtown employees from Liberty Lake and the surrounding area drew around 50 people.

“They were very concerned,” Otterstram said.

Otterstram recalled that part of the nega-tive feedback had to do with the uncertainty over how the new configuration would af-

STA transition signals success for LL bus serviceBuilding community on the bus By Craig Howard SplaSh Contributor

Terry Portinga was not in a hurry last week.

The fact that a Spokane Transit Au-thority bus left the downtown area at 4:57 in the afternoon and arrived in Liberty Lake at 5:27 was of little sig-nificance. The sun was out, it was Fri-day and Portinga was enthused about exploring the Centennial Trail.

“I don’t have a car,” Portinga said. “I just like to get out of downtown. There’s a lot of nice scenery in this area.”

Portinga moved to Spokane from Portland, Ore., recently “to get back to the snow.” Before Oregon, he lived in the wintry clime of Minnesota, where rural buses ran regularly.

While public transportation in his new home may not surpass the Metropolitan Area Express, Port-land’s world-class light rail network, Portinga says STA service rates well above average.

“I think the bus system here is re-ally good,” he said. “It’s convenient, and the drivers are very helpful.”

In addition to saving him money on gas, car maintenance and parking, Portinga said taking the bus is about moving outside a comfort zone.

“We’re so isolated as a society,” he said. “When you’re on the bus, you’re part of a community.”

While some commuters still hide behind laptops or iPods, there is plenty of conversation on most buses, Portinga said. The result is something like a farmers market on wheels — without the produce.

“There is such variety on a bus — all different economic classes,” Portinga said. “You can really learn about people.”

fect the daily commute for those who had relied on the bus for years.

“People had their seating arrangements,” he said. “That was their routine.”

The good news was that weekend bus service — previously nonexistent in Lib-erty Lake — would be added to the revised schedule. The 98, traveling primarily along Sprague Avenue between Liberty Lake and the Valley Transit Center on University Road in Spokane Valley — would run Sat-urday and Sunday as well as weekdays.

The changes in Liberty Lake officially went into effect on Sept. 18 of last year. One plus apparent right away was the added fre-quency. During peak commute times, buses now left an average of every 15 minutes in-stead of every half hour.

“We added more efficiencies,” said E. Su-san Meyer, STA CEO. “If you missed a bus, another one would be there soon.”

Curtis Denmark stopped taking the bus a few years ago when service from Liberty Lake to downtown became too staggered to make the trip from his home in Newman Lake worthwhile. If he showed up just a few minutes late for a bus, the wait could be a hassle.

“It just didn’t fit with my schedule,” he said.

Now, with improved departure times — including half-a-dozen buses leaving Liber-ty Lake between 6:45 and 7:22 in the morn-ing — Curtis is back on board. Like others, he characterizes the detour in Spokane Valley as little more than a slight inconve-nience. An average stop is around four or five minutes.

Meyer, a Liberty Lake resident, points out that the 72 had been underutilized for a number of years. The cut in service last year saved STA an estimated $3.5 million and re-duced routes from 38 to 33. Despite the re-trenchment, overall STA productivity (cal-culated by bus boardings per revenue hour) is up from 28.60 in 2011 to 30.61 this year.

“Liberty Lake and Cheney were the big winners in all this,” Meyer said. “I think it’s a better system than it was before.”

With the added efficiency, route 174 checks in at 29.19 boardings per revenue

hour compared to 20.65 on last year’s schedule, an increase of 41 percent.

One downside, according to commuters like Mitchell, is the dropoff in frequency during non-peak times. Between 9:37 a.m. and 4:07 p.m., only five buses leave Liberty Lake for downtown on the 174 shuttle.

“In the middle of the day, that can be problematic,” Mitchell said.

When it comes to the 98, Otterstram points out that the refurbished route now means service approximately every quarter mile between Barker and Harvard where there was nothing before. While Liberty Lake ridership comprises less than 10 per-cent on average, the 98 now canvasses an area north of Interstate 90 on Mission Av-enue that includes the emerging River Dis-trict.

“You’ll see people in that area catch the 98 to the (Liberty Lake) Park and Ride, then take the 174 to Spokane,” Otterstram said.

As for the status of another debated transportation topic that could impact Lib-erty Lake, STA officials are not writing off the possibility of light rail at some point in the future. The downtown to Liberty Lake corridor is one of half-a-dozen focus sub-jects in the agency’s long-term development strategy called “Moving Forward.”

“Light rail is still in the conversation, along with bus rapid transit,” said Molly Myers, STA communications manager.

Myers, Otterstram and Meyer were in Liberty Lake last month to talk about the future of regional transportation at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Meyer brought up the possibility of locat-ing a Park and Ride in another section of town, possibly the north side, although no timetable has been set.

The discussion on Aug. 21 included the results of an ad-hoc survey by Mayor Pro Tem Odin Langford which determined that 43 percent of vehicle license plates at the transit station on a recent day were from Idaho.

Hearkening back to the days before the STA transition last year, Mayor Steve Pe-terson applauded STA for being attentive to concerns that emerged from Liberty Lake. He added that the agency and transporta-

tion in general will be included in a city-sponsored community survey to be distrib-uted sometime this fall.

“STA is a vital part of our community,” said Peterson, a leading advocate for a city center project that would add 40 parking spaces to the transit station. “I think it will be important to continue talking about how we can work together in the best interests of the citizens and the community.”

SplaSh photo by CraiG hoWarD

Sta service on the 174 “liberty lake Express” has seen boardings increase to 29.19 per revenue hour as compared to 20.65 in similar routes a year ago, an increase of 41 percent.

cover story

Page 9: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 9

Radford named Quiznos manager

Liberty Lake resi-dent Sharalee Rad-ford was recently named manager at Quiznos, 1235 N. Liberty Lake Road.

Radford has pre-vious management experience with Kentucky Fried Chicken, Guardian An-gel Homes, Blockbuster and GameStop.

Family Home Care sells portion of business

The Spokane Journal of Business

reported last week that Family Home Care, 22820 E. Appleway Ave., is sell-ing its housecalls practice, Medicare-certified home health and hospice lines to Atlanta-based Gentiva Health Ser-vices Inc.

Family Home Care will continue to provide in-home health care services with a staff of about 200, while most of the rest of the company’s 500-person workforce likely becoming Gentiva em-ployees, the Journal reported.

In Biz features Liberty Lake-connected business items. Contact The Splash with business news at [email protected].

In Biz

SplaSh photo by JoSh JohnSon

the team at Camping World of Spokane is joined by liberty lake Mayor Steve peterson and other local business and civic leaders at a ribbon cutting aug. 30 at the rV and outdoor supplies dealer’s new location at 19651 E. Cataldo ave. the liberty lake store is the national chain’s first in the Spokane area.

Welcome to town

[email protected]

I am NEVER too busy for your referrals!CRS, ABR, RELO

Liberty Lake Resident

radford

COMMUNITY GOLF8/28 Liberty Lake Women's 18-Hole Golf ClubWinners of Second Round of Club Championship Championship Flight: Rose Jones, Joyce SkidmoreFlight A: Chrissie Tamura, Margie TibbitsFlight B: Noreen Sale, Carolyn Fairbanks8/29 Trailhead Ladies 9 Hole Golf ClubFlight A: gross, CC Marshall, 45; net, Ethel Schnider, 32Flight B: gross, Bobbie Larsen, 54; net, Sue Schneidmiller, 36Flight C: gross, Penny Jones, 69Lowest No. of Putts — A: CC Marshall, 15; B: Sue Schneidmiller, 16; C: Penny Jones, 17

FOOTBaLL 9/1 CV vs. Ferris 24-7 L

SCHEDULESEPTEMBER 67 p.m. CV Soccer vs. Lakeside

7 p.m. CV Volleyball at Mead

SEPTEMBER 77 p.m. CV Football vs. Rogers

SEPTEMBER 88 a.m. CV Girls Cross Country at Audubon Park10 a.m. CV Volleyball at Freeman Invite 11 a.m. CV Soccer vs. East Valley

SEPTEMBER 104 p.m. CV Soccer vs. Lake City

SEPTEMBER 117 p.m. CV Volleyball vs. Shadle Park

SEPTEMBER 124 p.m. CV Boys and Girls Cross Country vs. Mt. Spokane, Rogers at Seimers Farm - Greenbluff

SEPTEMBER 134 p.m. CV Softball at East Valley 7 p.m. CV Volleyball at Mt. Spokane 4 p.m. CV Soccer at Mt. Spokane

Scoreboard

Shootout champs

Students qualify as Junior Olympians SubMittED photo

the honey badgers — from left, lacie hull, Kalle Crouch, Courtney Carolan and lexie hull — were recently crowned champions in the seventh and eighth grade division of the Coeur D' alene Shoot-out. the hull sisters live in liberty lake.

SubMittED photo

liberty lake resident hunter Wardian, left, and hayden Wolreham-mer display the Splash at the 2012 u.S. Junior olympics July 23 in baltimore, Md. the pair were among three Cen-tral Valley high School students who qualified for the games, includ-ing Katie Wardsworth.

business/sports

Page 10: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 201210 The Splash

By Karolyn KosankelibErty laKE hiStoriCal SoCiEty

As early as 1852, the U.S. government proposed an overland route to the Pacific Ocean for pioneers to settle the area, thus eliminating claims by France, England and Russia over disputed Washington ter-ritories. Isaac I. Stevens, the first appointed governor of Washington territory and a West Point graduate, was ordered to survey a route suitable for both wagons and rail-road from the Missouri River to the Colum-bia River.

Meanwhile, John Mullan was born in Norfolk, Va., on July 31, 1830. As a young man of 16 years, he showed his determi-nation by walking into President James K. Polk’s office requesting an appointment to West Point. He was selected to West Point Military Academy, graduating in 1852, 15th in his class with the rank of 2nd lieutenant as a topographical engineer. Shortly after graduation, he was selected to command the Isaac Stevens party to build an overland route to the Pacific Ocean.

During the winter of 1853-54, Mullan marked the first wagon route from Fort Benton, Mont., by way of Coeur d’Alene Lake, to Fort Walla Walla, Wash. The route would later become known as the Mul-lan Road. Mullan surveyed nearly 1,000 miles and crossed the Continental Divide six times from October to January, proving that wagon travel west from Fort Benton was feasible. Several Indian guides assisted Lt. Mullan, including Gabriel Prudhomme (who had led Father DeSmet over the Rocky Mountains), Aeneas (an Iroquois among the Flatheads and familiar with the Coeur d’Alene Pass) and Bassile (a Coeur d’Alene) who guided Mullan along the Coeur d’Alene route from the west.

By Sept. 17, 1858, Colonel George Wright signed a preliminary peace treaty with the Coeur d’Alene Indians, ensuring Mullan’s safe travel through their lands.

The following March, Governor Stevens went before the War Department and the military committee of Congress and re-ceived $100,000 to fund the construction of the military road.

Mullan left The Dalles, Oregon Territory, on May 15, 1859, with 100 men of the US Army’s 3rd artillery and 90 civilians. En-listed Army men who worked on the road received extra pay. Mullan’s team included Indian guides, an interpreter, an artist to-pographer, a topographical engineer, civil engineers, a meteorologist and an astrono-mer. A sextant was used for determining as-tronomical positions, an odometer for mea-suring distances, a barometer for estimating altitudes and spirit levels for determining precise altitudes along various routes.

The logistics support for the construction of the road was an enormous challenge. Mullan’s recommendation for 10 men for 50 days included 625 pounds of flour, 50 pounds of coffee, 75 pounds of sugar, two bushels of beans, one bushel of salt, 625 pounds of side bacon, two gallons of vin-egar, 20 pounds of dried apples and yeast powder. The party hunted bear, deer, wild turkey, pronghorns, rattlesnakes, moose, elk, beavers and bighorn sheep, and there was an abundance of delicious salmon, trout, steelhead, whitefish and sturgeon. A civilian employee, John Strachan, wrote that during construction, the party had 45 wagons, four yoke of cattle to each wagon, 50 pack mules and a great number of beef cattle.

His topographers scouted new routes while engineers graded, bridged, side hilled and corduroyed portions of the new road. Mullan’s men worked hard, and he hoped that their identity with the road and their desire to reach the Missouri would be in-centive to continue before winter set in. But the forests were thick with thousands of trees knocked down by age and storms, and the horses, compelled to leap, put the rid-ers in danger. Two of the more dangerous rivers to cross were the Coeur d’Alene (39 times) and the St. Francis Borgia (32 times). From the Coeur d’Alene Mission (Cataldo Mission) to Sohon’s Pass, the road crossed the south fork of the Coeur d’Alene River 28 times.

Although the Coeur d’Alene route was more direct, Mullan underestimated both the amount and type of work on this section of the road. Despite the many hardships, such as severe winters, dangerous cold riv-ers and frostbite, he became even more determined. He revised the route to avoid flooding at the north end of Coeur d’Alene Lake and built a 30-mile stretch of road from the lake to the Coeur d‘Alene Mission.

In 1860, he reported 20 cases of scurvy, but once the team got to the Pend Oreille Mission and received fresh vegetables, the problem was alleviated. On July 4, 1861, Mullan gave his party a holiday, issuing extra molasses, ham, whiskey, flour and pickles for an Independence Day dinner. His camp was near the top of what is now known as Fourth of July Pass on I-90. Dur-ing the celebration, Mullan made an in-scription — “M.R. July 4, 1861” on a large white pine tree known today as the Mullan tree.

The road was officially completed in the summer of 1862 and used for two years with approximately 20,000 settlers traveling on it. Unfortunately, troops and funds were needed for the Civil War and without fed-eral money, it fell into disarray.

In 1877, General William T. Sherman

Genesis of Liberty LakeA series from the Liberty Lake His-torical Society, appearing in the first Splash issue of each month in 2012.

JaNUarY: Geology of Liberty LakeFEBrUarY: Coeur d’Alene TribeMarCH: 150 years of Gathering, Recreation and MusicaPrIL: Indian Wars, Part IMaY: Indian Wars, Part IIJUNE: Chief SelticeJULY: TecomteeaUGUST: Peter WildshoeSEPTEMBEr: Mullan TrailOCTOBEr: Homestead ActNOvEMBEr: Spokane Bridge CrossingDECEMBEr: Stephen Liberty

History

DID YOU KNOW?• In 1962 during a heavy windstorm, the top of the Mullan Tree blew off, leaving only a stump. The remaining portion can be seen at the Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene. The American Society of Civil Engineers placed a plaque at the top of Fourth Of July Pass in Idaho in 1978 near where the Mullan Tree once stood, recognizing Mullan’s contribution to the settling of the Pacific Northwest. Traveling east on I-90 at Idaho exit 28, there is a Mullan Monument where visi-tors can walk a 200-yard portion of the original Mullan Trail.

• The Camel Express operated from Walla Walla to Virginia City over the Mul-lan Trail. Purchased in Asia for $1,200, these camels were known as “ships of the desert” because they slowly, plod-dingly and faithfully hauled mail and provisions to remote mining camps. The camels’ advantage over horses was that they could carry larger loads on steeper terrain for longer distances without food or water, although when they did eat they ate considerably more than a horse. Unfortunately, the horses and mules were afraid of them, causing stampedes and runaways. Idaho’s Stampede Lake north of Sandpoint is named for one such encounter.

iMaGE CourtESy oF thE libErty laKE hiStoriCal SoCiEty

‘Trailblazer’ Mullan: A transportation pioneer

and General Phillip H. Sheridan traveled the Mullan Road during an inspection of military posts in the Northwest. They found dense and fallen timbers and made repairs as they traveled the 120-mile mountain sec-tion from Montana to Coeur d’Alene. The road was traveled by settlers, the Hudson Bay Company and prospectors. Once the Utah, Northern and the Northern Pacific railroads were completed, use of the mili-tary road greatly diminished, and it did not return as a major commercial transporta-tion force again until automobile and truck traffic started traveling over improved high-way systems. However, the route has always been a major transportation route for resi-dents and towns along western Montana, north Idaho and eastern Washington.

Captain Mullan resigned his army com-mission after the road was completed and married Rebecca Williamson in Baltimore in 1863. He opened a successful law practice at San Francisco, moved to Washington, D.C., in 1878 and died on Dec. 28, 1909, in that city.

Mullan was a great visionary, engineer, builder and explorer. He hoped that one day his road would bring prosperity to the Pa-

cific Northwest. He reflected on his achieve-ment stating, “Night after night I have laid out in the unbeaten forest, or in the pathless prairies with no bed but a few pine needles, with no pillow but my saddle, and in my imagination heard the whistle of the engine, the whirr of the machinery, the paddle of the steamboat wheels, as they plowed the waters of the sound. In my enthusiasm, I saw the country thickly populated, thou-sands pouring over the borders to make homes in this far western land.”

Karolyn Kosanke is a board member of the Liberty Lake Historical Society. She grew up at Liberty Lake and moved back "home" with husband, Richard, in 2008.

this historic map shows the section of the Mul-lan trail as it heads past lake Grier, the name for liberty lake at that time. the other lake shown on the map is Saltese lake, which was drained around 1900.

Page 11: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 11

BakerBirchBay.com

Plan your next visit

to Mt. Baker and

Birch Bay, Washington

Visit bakerbirchbay.com

For cyclists of all ages and levelswww.RotaryInMotion.com

Rain or Shine, Be Ready to Ride the RIM!

Choose Your Bike Ride from 100, 50, 25, 15 to 5 miles.

This elevation ride will take advantage of some of the prettiest

areas of Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley.

Register online at www.RotaryInMotion.com

September 16, 2012

Late fee is now waived!

the following incidents, arrests, calls for service and citations were reported by the liberty lake police Department aug. 27 to Sept. 3.

Incidents and arrestspolice records Clerk bobbi

anderson provided case infor-mation this week. highlights from submitted information include:

• Malicious mischief — llpD responded to a home and ve-hicles being egged at the 23300 block of East boone avenue.

• Commercial alarm — llpD responded to a commercial alarm at the 19600 block of East Cataldo. officers secured an open door and checked the premises, but found no signs of forced entry.

• Noise complaint — an officer responding to a noise complaint at the 22800 block of East Country Vista Drive contacted a group of teenagers, who returned inside an apart-ment as requested.

• Dispute — llpD intervened in a neighborhood dispute over balls not being returned after children hit them into a neighbor’s yard. the neighbor brought a ball into the police station, and it was returned to the owner.

• Escape arrest — llpD ar-rested a 20-year-old Spokane Valley man aug. 30 on a warrant

for escape from community custody.

• another warrant arrest — llpD arrested a 45-year-old portland, ore., man Sept. 2 who was wanted in oregon for violation of a court order. he was booked into the Spokane County Jail to await extradition.

• Property theft — llpD re-sponded over the weekend to a report that the liberty lake Golf Course pepsi machine’s locking mechanism had been drilled into, and bills and coins were removed.

• vehicle prowls — a pair of unlocked vehicles were the tar-get of prowlers on legacy ridge. in the first, $500 of possessions was removed from a duffle bag. Cash left in the ash tray was re-moved from the second vehicle.

• Suspended licenses — llpD officers made 13 arrests for driving with a suspended license during the reporting period, including:

- 6 p.m. aug. 28 at Mission and Molter

- 1:30 p.m. aug. 29 at liberty lake road and Settler

- 11:30 a.m. aug. 30 at apple-way and Meadowwood lane

- 12:30 p.m. aug. 30 at Mis-sion and Molter

- 1:20 p.m. aug. 30 at liberty lake road and appleway

- 2:25 p.m. aug. 30 at apple-way and Spokane bridge road

- 3:45 p.m. aug. 30 on apple-way

- 7:45 p.m. aug. 30 at inter-state 90 and Evergreen

- 8:30 p.m. aug. 30 at Molter and Sprague

- 2 p.m. aug. 31 at Cataldo and barker

- 2 p.m. aug. 31 at appleway and Meadowwood lane

- 8 p.m. aug. 31 at liberty lake road and appleway

- 9:40 p.m. aug. 31 at har-vard and Mission

Calls for serviceagency assist 1alarm 2Child abuse or neglect 1Citizen dispute 3Fugitive 2harassment 1Juvenile problem 1lost or found property 1Malicious mischief 1Suspicious person/circumstance 2theft, property 1traffic accident 3traffic offense 14Vehicle prowl 3Welfare check 4

Citationslicenses and plates required 1DWlS 13liability insurance 6no stop lights or turn signal 1Fail to drive on right of road 1Fail to stop/yield at intersection 1Speeding 5use of cell phone 2

Police Reportnews

Budgets and ball fields among upcoming considerationsBy Josh JohnsonSplaSh StaFF WritEr

On the last night of summer vacation for area students, the Liberty Lake City Council took a final deep breath before its busy budget season with an un-usually brief meeting Tuesday that felt a bit like reviewing a back-to-school syllabus.

The 37-minute session fea-tured director updates and status reports, many of them looking ahead to business the Council will be transacting this fall.

Finance Director RJ Steven-son outlined the 2013 budget process for the Council, which will include an initial presen-tation at the Sept. 18 meeting of current and expected 2012 balances by line item as well as preliminary budget estimates for 2013. In advance of that meeting, Stevenson and City Administrator Katy Allen will be reviewing departmental bud-gets being submitted this week, according to Stevenson’s written report.

Mayor Steve Peterson will present his 2013 budget to the Council Oct. 16.

Whether transforming a va-cant lot next to Liberty Lake Elementary School factors into that budget remains to be seen, but Allen updated the Council on discussions between the city and Central Valley School Dis-trict, which owns the site, that would enable it to be improved into ballfields and other recre-ational uses. CVSD does not have near-term plans to develop the lot, once planned to house a new middle school, but Liberty Lake residents and leaders have long sought to improve and maintain the site for recreation-al purposes until the school dis-trict is ready to develop it.

“Hopefully, I’d like to see something back to Council in a contract form by October,” Allen said. “Quite frankly, then we could consider it part of our

budget. And then if we want to see fields in 2013, 14, some time in there, we’ll be all ready to do that.”

Allen also said the city should have an estimate — “and hope-fully a bid” — by the end of Sep-tember to construct the long-planned new library entryway by the end of 2012. She also told the Council to expect to soon be considering an ordinance that would ban smoking and tobacco usage in all city parks.

In other business: • City Parks and Open Space

Superintendent Jennifer Camp said the 27 goats the city has rented to mow down a weedy hillside overlooking the arbo-retum are making good time and drawing lots of visitors and positive comments. She added the electric netting originally planned to be used by Green Goat Rental didn’t work proper-ly, so cattle panels are being used instead to keep the goats dialed in on the targeted weeds.

• Stevenson reported that sales tax revenues through Au-gust were on pace with the 2012 budget, while utility tax and building permit revenue fore-casts were being revised up af-ter coming in at a pace ahead of schedule. Building permits are coming in at such a clip, in fact, that the Council approved an agreement to pay the city of Cheney $55 an hour for the ser-vices of one of that city’s build-ing permit specialists on an as-needed basis of up to 24 hours per week.

• The Council approved an already budgeted purchase of a $14,995 T-600 Victory Vac-uum Sweeper to clean roads and parking lots in the city. The sweeper is a trailer that pulls behind city vehicles. Allen said the city normally contracts this cleaning out twice a year at a cost of about $5,000 annually.

• The Council approved Lu Embrey as the newest member of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board of Trustees.

• The next meeting of the Lib-erty Lake City Council is 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at Liberty Lake City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Council brushes up on to-do list for fall

Page 12: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 201212 The Splash

The Splash opinion page is intended to be a community forum for discussing local issues. Please interact with us by sending a le�er to the editor or Liberty Lake Voices guest column for considera�on.

Le�ers to the editor of no more than 350 words or guest columns of about 700 words should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to P.O. Box 363, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. A full name and telephone number must be included for purposes of verifica�on. A photo of the author must be taken or provided for all Liberty Lake Voices guest columns.

The Splash reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. Business complaints or endorsements will not be accepted, and poli�cal endorsement le�ers will only be accepted if they interact with issues of a campaign.

Views expressed in signed columns or le�ers do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or its staff. Editorials, which appear under the heading "Splash Editorial," represent the voice of The Splash and are wri�en by Editor/Publisher Josh Johnson.

About the Opinion Page

ACCRA-FAB INC.Founded: 1979

Location: 23201 E. Appleway Ave. Accra-Fab moved into its current 155,000-square-foot location in 2001 from a building at 1611 N. Molter Road. For the first decade-plus of its existence, Accra-Fab was located in Spokane Valley.

What they do: Custom manufacturer of metal and machining products.

Number of employees: About 190

Mission statement: “We partner with our customers to provide innovative pre-cision manufacturing and supply chain management solutions with award-winning quality, delivery and value.”

A. Well, I’m not sure that I have one. Basically, what Accra-Fab does is we help our customers design,

engineer, test and ultimately manufacture their products. We’re considered a custom manufacturer, and our capabilities include primarily working with metals and that is precision sheet metal fabrication, but we also do precision machine work. We also have fair extensive finishing capabilities. ... A lot of our customers use us because our fairly extensive in-house capabilities.

Q: What does a typical customer look like?

A: We really service a wide variety of customers. It’s amazing being in the preci-sion fabrication and machining business, how many different market segments and industries you hit. ...

We do a lot of work in the test and mea-surement space, a lot of electronics equip-ment, power switching and monitoring equipment, telecommunications, medical, audio and video, aerospace.

Q: I want to talk about the recent recognition you’ve received as a green company, but first: What has you excited right now about the future of Accra-Fab?

A: I am very excited about our future. i’m nervous about what’s going on in the U.S. political landscape. and I’m nervous about what’s going on with our federal government and the economy, so there’s some real concerns there in a very macro sense. But in terms of Accra-Fab, I’m very excited. In the last couple years, we’ve re-ally building a solid team. We have some

outstanding individuals working here. And we have tremendous opportuni-

ties for growth. We’ve been expanding our process capabilities, adding new things in house that we didn’t have the ability to do before, and we’ve been purchasing equip-ment that is really raising our technology and our ability to compete and do new and different things.

We’ve also identified and are going af-ter some new markets. ... We received our AS9100 aerospace certification. We do a little bit of aerospace work now, and we’re anticipating that area to grow significantly in the near future, over the next three to five years.

The other thing we’re doing that is fairly new is machining. We started our machine

products division about a year ago, and we’ve been adding equipment and adding people doing custom precision machin-ing, and there is tremendous opportunity there.

Q: You’ve come into hands-on leader-ship during a time of difficulty at least in the global economy. What principles of leadership have you learned or applied that have allowed Accra-Fab to be in this position of optimism?

A: There are a couple of things that come to mind. The first thing is we went through and really defined Accra-Fab and updated our mission/vision and created our guid-ing principles and core values. This was a really significant learning experience for myself and the senior management team. The guiding principles and core values are really critical and help create the culture we want. ... The culture at our organiza-tion has been changing significantly the last couple of years since we’ve done this. We’ve seen a significant improvement in leadership, morale, in participation, and we’re really all working hard at making this a very fun place to work as well as a high-performance place to work. So not underestimating the value of those core values and guiding principles and the im-pact that culture has on an organization has been a really important thing for me.

The second thing is more on a personal note. I tend to be a very passionate and compassionate individual, but I’m wired to be a left-brained guy, an engineering or accounting type. Personally I’ve learned — and my wife has had a significant positive influence in coaching me on this — is let-ting my personality come out and not be so restrained and so conservative. Let peo-ple see the real Greg and the heart and the

ACCRA-FABContinued from page 2

passion and the energy. I’m still working on that, but i really have enjoyed seeing the response as I’ve opened up a little bit.

Q: So the Washington Department of Ecology is naming you in press releases — and it’s not for being a rule-breaker but as a company that has found that there is such a thing as an environmen-tal-economical win-win. Tell us about this recognition.

A: We had been struggling for a while in that inherent in one of our processes was a significant amount of wastewater. We were producing about 1,500 gallons a week that we had to haul off for treatment and dis-posal, which is obviously very expensive as well. ...

We worked together on a program with the Department of Ecology, and there actually was a small grant involved, that helped us go through and identify waste in the process.

What was really neat about it is that waste is waste. Whether it’s environmental waste or not environmental waste, either way, it’s good to carve out waste from our processes to improve our manufacturing performances. ...

We ended up reducing our wastewater volumes from about 1,500 gallons a week to less than 100. And we ended up saving just under $180,000 a year by doing that.

Q: As a company, does the green label fit?

A: It absolutely fits. We’re very much a green organization, and so often environ-mental and manufacturing line up. What’s good for the environment most often times is good for manufacturing, and vice versa.

Letters to the Editoropinion/profiles

City should fund infrastructureAnother summer is ending with city

administration pleased over the success of the diverse free entertainment events.

As I suspect they will argue these events are covered by whatever benefactor rev-enue sources, I still believe that city tax revenues subsidize associated costs. As outsiders benefit from these activities, I wonder why my taxes, especially the utility tax, should cover any of these costs what-soever?

Instead, I have witnessed another sum-mer come and go where critically need-ed street repairs in Liberty Heights, on Sprague Avenue and elsewhere haven’t been addressed. I think it is time for the city to get away from making Liberty Lake the playground for the Inland Empire and get back to what a city administration should be doing in the first place.

Doug PullenLiberty Lake

Developer let off hook with Council action

The Aug. 23 Splash report on the Val-leyway sidewalk, “City to finish Valleyway sidewalk this season,” is incorrect. No ac-tion by the city regarding condition 22 of the Bella Lago development was taken af-ter the revision allowing Bella Lago “at its own election, to install ‘either curbing and a six (6) foot wide sidewalk or a ten (10) foot wide pathway, as required by the City Engineer, to provide a pedestrian connec-tion … for a distance of approximately 915 feet.’”

The city in 2009 did not act on Bella’s Lago’s obligation being east or west of the street, and there was no exchange of Bella Lago’s obligation for the grant-funded sidewalk.

The City Council action last week is not in keeping with the requirements of condi-tion 22. To the contrary, it releases Bella Lago from its letter of credit; releases it

from its frontage improvements; and re-duces the amount of its obligation from approximately $215,000 to $15,000.

The city can vote on this change, relieve the developer of obligations, put money in the developer’s pocket; but history should record the facts and not a glossed-over version of events.

Mary L. MungerLiberty Lake

Reach out to loved ones and honor Suicide Prevention Day

I write this with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes. On May 6 of this year, I lost my brother to suicide. He was a very success-ful 46-year-old man. He was in the United States Air Force, went on to work for Boe-ing and then began his career for South-west Airlines. He was married for more than 20 years, and from the outside look-

See LETTERS, page 15

Page 13: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 13local lens

Local Lens Share your snapshots for The

Splash’s photo page. Email [email protected] with scenes from around town, com-

munity events and Splash Travels.

What scenic place is the most beautiful in our area? What events or activities best represent the spirit of the community? What sums up the essence of what it means to enjoy life in Liberty Lake?

Use your photography skills to capture the best images around Liberty Lake for our 3rd annual photography contest. Selected photos will be considered for publication on the cover and inside the 2013 Liberty Lake Community Directory.

• Photographers (amateur or professional) age 16 years and older are eligible to enter.

• Deadline is September 14. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.

• Visit www.liberty-lakesplash.com for a complete set of rules.

Peridot Publishing, distributor of The

Splash, The Current and Liberty Lake Community Directory, is sponsoring

this contest. 509-242-7752

Carnival wraps up summer A Symphony success

Goats at work

SplaSh photo by JoSh JohnSon

a representative of Green Goat rental takes a taste beyond the fenceline. a team of 27 goats is busy this week eating away hard-to-combat weeds on city of liberty lake property. Green Goat rental originally planned to use electric netting to corral the goats, but when the netting failed to hold its charge during setup Sunday, the company turned to more traditional fencing. City employees will assist in moving the fencing along the slope to guide the goats’ grazing, said Suzanne Forte, owner of Green Goat rental.

SplaSh photoS by JoSh JohnSon

the annual lud Kramer Memorial Spokane Symphony

concert saw a crowd in the thousands gather Saturday to enjoy the labor Day weekend

tradition. the Symphony is directed by Eckart preu.

SubMittED photoS

Stepping Stone celebrated its fourth annual Community Carnival last month with an event open to the public that included pony rides, a petting zoo, face paint-ing, water play, a jumping castle, spin art and many carnival game booths. Stepping Stone teachers ran booths, sold tickets and gave tours of our school, while families mingled and enjoyed the evening.“Stepping Stone’s carnival is a wonderful way to finish up the summer and gear up for a new school year,” liberty lake’s Sarah patchin said. “Socializing with other families and enjoying every-thing this school community offers is a blessing for our family.”

Page 14: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 201214 The SplashclassifiedsAdvertising deadlinesIn order to be considered for the following Thursday’s Splash:

• CLASSIFIED ADS must be received by noon Monday.

• DISPLAY AD COPY must be received by noon Friday.

• DISPLAY ADS (CAMERA-READY) must be received by noon Monday.

• INSERTS must be received at least 9 days in advance.

• LEGAL ADS must be received by noon Monday.

Placing classifiedsClassifieds must be placed online at www.libertylakesplash.com or in person at 2310 N. Molter Road, Suite 305. Ads are not accepted by phone, e-mail, fax or postal mail.

Advertising inquiriesDisplay, insert or legal ad inquiries can be made by phone at 242-7752 or e-mail at adver�[email protected].

Advertising integrityInaccurate or decep�ve adver�sing is never knowingly accepted. Complaints about adver�sers should be made in wri�ng to the Be�er Business Bureau and to adver�[email protected]. The Splash is not responsible for the content of or claims made in ads.

BULLETIN BOARDThank you St. Jude for your miracle.

FOR RENTLIKE NEW TOWNHOUSE

2-br/2.5-ba townhouse for rent in Rocky Hill neighborhood. Built in ‘08 and barely lived in. $1195 inc. W/S, garbage, yard care and snow removal. No smoking/pets, 509-990-0194.

GARAGE SALESHuge garage sale: Solid wood corner desk, entertainment center, freezer, baby and girl’s clothing, toys, Dvds, ect. 1719 N Carson Range St. Friday 9/7 and Sat. 9/8 from 8-3.

Yard sale: 23805 E Maxwell Dr, 9/7 8-2 9/8 8-12. Outdoor picnic table, pool table, desk, kids clothes & misc.

HELP WANTED

LIFEVANTAGE DISTRIBUTORSMature, hard-working team members wanted. Own your own business. Set your own hours. Perfect for stay-at-home moms, under-employed, retired. Part or full time. Minimal investment required. Join the Lifevantage family today. Please call 509-570-6119.

LOST & FOUNDLost - blue parakeet - Tyler, loves bells and little balls. Please call 509-868-6460, or email at [email protected].

Lost dock! Our 8x20 wood swimming dock has floated away from the Wicomico/Clarke beach. We were out of town and it is gone. Please call Lisa, 255-5747.

MISC. FOR SALE48 Volt Club Car w/rear seat, top, good batts, auto charger. Will deliver, demo, finance w/no interest, $2395, 999-8989.

Brand new Taylormade RBZ driver, regular flex. $210. Call Rick at 509-953-2054.

Brother laser 4-in-1 copier $145. Propane barbeque $65, 638-8274.

FOR SALE: Sperry-Remington SR-101 electric typewriter; numerous 45 and 78 records; 8-track tapes; mixed pieces of Franciscan (Carmel) china; antique baby clothes; Avon collectibles. Call 255-5052.

Look: 3 Club Car Precedents (07’s & 08’s): Good batteries, tops, w/shields, your choice, $2295. Will trade, finance, 999-8989.

Upright freezer; 66.5” high, 30” wide, 29.25” deep. Net shelf area 11.4 sq.ft. Good working order $90, 509-922-8459.

REAL ESTATE

JUST LISTED!!23709 E MAXWELL- A gorgeous 4br/4ba home w/approx 2267 sq/ft, fully finished, 2 master suites, recent updates, newer paint, built-ins, flooring, A/C, patio & deck, storage shed, wonderfully landscaped, spklr sys, fenced, private backyard w/no neighbors behind...the list goes on. Only $229,900! Call Brad Boswell 509-710-2024 RE/MAX of Spokane

RECREATION$1000 OFF

Street legal golf carts. What do you have to trade? Odyssey Sports, Hayden, 208-762-4662.

SERVICES20/20 WINDOW WASHING

Window cleaning/power washing/gutter cleaning. Liberty Lake resident. Residential and commercial services. Very competitive, satisfaction guaranteed. Free estimates - 638-8275 (ask about our free power wash).

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATIONClean non-smoking van, Liberty Lake area - (GEG) Spokane International Airport, $40 each way, reservations accepted, 509-270-3115, Tom’s Taxi. Business accounts welcome.

Ashley Your Super Nanny- Responsible Liberty Lake adult resident who delights in working w/children of all ages. Reliable, trustworthy, have transportation. References Avail, 954-2958.

BIKE MECHANICExpert bicycle mechanic for service, tune-up, rebuild or restoration. Fast turnaround time for most jobs. All types of bikes are handled so call for your appointment now, summer is going fast. Bicycles available for sale. Call for details. Phone: 998-2359, Email: [email protected], Tony.

GREENACRES LIQUOR STORESkip the math. All taxes included in the shelf price. Huge spirits selection plus mixes and garnishes. Same local owner for over 25 years. Open 10am-8pm every day. E 18309 Appleway — Greenacres, 509-926-6445.

HEINZ PAINTING & HANDYMANBBB accredited, hardworking, honest, and on time. Free estimates! Now is the time for exterior painting. Call today! Dave Heinz, 509-953-8093. Licensed, bonded & insured, Heinzph924bw. Many satisfied LL customers.

HOUSECLEANING SERVICESMature, hard-working, dependable and trustworthy housekeeper looking for work. References available upon request. Please call 208-659-7721 or 509-939-8544.

LIBERTY LAWN & YARDLandscape maintenance and property care. Click on the Landscape Tab at vizzini.com for complete list of services offered. 509-226-1352.

MOBILE SPRAY TANNINGSeptember special: $15 single spray tan or $45 month of unlimited spray tanning. Visit me on Facebook! Treasure’s Island Mobile Tanning and Personal Training, 217-4729.

NW PAINTINGAll phases of interior & exterior painting. Residential repaint specialists. Premium warranteed paint used on all projects. Many local references. Fully insured. Estimates are always free. 509-622-2999

Remodeling contractor: Licensed and bonded, Peterc*152re. 27 years experience, references. Decks, patios, garages, roofing, sheetrock taping and texturing, minor plumbing. All your remodeling needs. BBB accredited approved. Call Bruce, 710-4541.

Ron’s Barber. Come give us a try if you like to have real Barber shop hair cut. E 18317 Appleway, just minute away from Liberty Lake, 922-4925.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENTMATURE COUPLE Seeking employment as Apartment Managers. Exp. in maintenance, housekkeeping, finances, yard work etc. in exchange for 2 bdrm. apt & wages. Call 509-286-3738.

Serving Liberty Lake for 10 years. Everything from plumbing leaks to fence repair to bathroom remodels. I’ll finish your honey-do’s. Paulman Services, Paulms*991bt. References, 869-3062.

WINDOW WASHINGPristine “clearly the best”. Window washing specializing in residential, commercial and new construction. Free estimates, guaranteed best prices, fully insured and licensed. Your Liberty Lake neighbor. Call 710-5196.

YOU’VE GOT IT “MAID”Licensed, bonded & insured. I’m honest and reliable. I take pride in what I do. I have great references & competitive rates. Call now: Gail, 509-385-1008.

WANTEDGRANDMA’S RUM CAKE

I bought one of “Grandma’s Rum Cakes” at the Liberty Lake Garage sale this year. It was the best cake I’ve ever eaten. Grandma, please call so I can buy more, 991-3073.

STATEWIDEREACH 2.7 MILLION READERS: The Splash participates in a statewide classified ad program that allows classified

Absolutely Fabulous Lashes and More 5Barlows Restaurant 16Callahan & Associates Chtd. 3Carver Farms 5Clark’s Tire & Automotive 3Greenacres Christian Church 4Greenacres Christian Church 6Inland Imaging 2

John L. Scott 5John L. Scott - Marilyn Dhaenens 9John L. Scott - Pam Fredrick 7Karen Does My Hair 2KidFit Spokane 3Lakeside Vision PLLC 3Liberty Lake Auto Glass 7Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club 9

Liberty Lake Sewer & Water District 4Little Corner Preschool 7Music Together 6Northern Quest Resort & Casino 5Pilgrim’s Market InsertSimonds Dental Group 3Stepping Stone Christian School & Childcare 2Valleyfest 7

advertisers to submit ads for publication in more than 130 community publications throughout Washington. $255 buys 1,180,746 circulation and 2,715,700 readers. For more information, contact Josh Johnson at 242-7752 or [email protected].

ADOPTIONADOPTION: Adoring, athletic, music professionals (stay home mom) await precious baby. Expenses paid. David & Robyn, 1-800-410-7542.

EDUCATION/CAREER TRAININGATTEND COLLEGE online from home. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice, Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 866-483-4429, www.CenturaOnline.com.

NATIONALLY ACCREDITED live online instructor Led programs at Mildred-Elley.edu/online. Medical and non-medical transcription, physician-based billing & coding, hospital-based coding. Lifetime job placement assistance, 888-502-1878.

EVENTS-FESTIVALSANNOUNCE your festival for only pennies. Four weeks to 2.7 million readers statewide for about $1,000. Call Josh at The Splash at 242-7752 or 1-206-634-3838 for more details.

FINANCIALLOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at 800-563-3005, www.fossmortgage.com.

HELP WANTEDLIVE-WORK- Party-play! Hiring 18-24 girls, guys, $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Signing bonus. Energetic & Fun! Call 1-866-251-0768.

DRIVER - Full or part-time. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Choose your hometime: Weekly - 7/on/7off, 14/on/7/off. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569, www.driveknight.com.

DRIVERS - Our drivers are our biggest asset! At Haney Truck Line, we know what makes us successful - our drivers! CDL-A required. Join our team now! Call 1-888-414-4467.

LEGAL SERVICESDIVORCE $135. $165 with children. No court appearances. Complete preparation. Includes custody, support, property division and bills. BBB member. 503-772-5295, www.paralegalalternatives.com, [email protected].

DIVORCE with or without children $99. Includes name change and property settlement agreements. Save hundreds. Fast and easy. Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7.

REAL ESTATE50% OFF OCEANFRONT Condos! 2-BR/2-BA was $700K now $399,000. Acquired from bank 1 hr Vancouver, 2 hrs Seattle, 1-888-99-Marin x 5397.

LEGAL NOTICESIN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SPOKANE

In the Matter of the Estate of No. 12-4-00990-4

MILDRED F. OVIATT, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Deceased. RCW 11.40.030

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would

Index of advertisersDelivered free to every business and residence in the greater Liberty Lake area, The Splash is possible because of its advertisers. Following are the local advertisers in this week’s Splash. Please consider them when offering your patronage.

See LEGALS, page 15

Page 15: Sept. 6, 2012

The Splash Sept. 6, 2012 • 15

be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative=s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent=s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of first publication: August 23, 2012 /s/ Deborah F. Cross DEBORAH F. CROSS Personal Representative

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Karen L. Sayre, WSBA #15548SAYRE & SAYRE, P.S.

Address for Mailing or Service:

West 201 North River Drive, Suite 460Spokane, Washington 99201-2262(509) 325-7330

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SPOKANE

In the Matter of the Estate of No. 12-400991-2

NEIL T. WILLIAMS, PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Deceased. RCW 11.40.030

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative=s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent=s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of first publication: August 23, 2012 /s/ Susan L. Norton SUSAN L. NORTON Personal Representative

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Karen L. Sayre, WSBA #15548SAYRE & SAYRE, P.S.

Address for Mailing or Service:

West 201 North River Drive, Suite 460Spokane, Washington 99201-2262(509) 325-7330

LEGALSContinued from page 14

news/opinion/classifieds

the classes also connect students to the careers and technical occupations they are considering through internships, job shadowing and hands-on programs. For more information, visit www.spokan-evalleytech.org.

Elementary school bicycle safety program gets wheels

An excited group of Broadway El-ementary students experienced the first test ride of 30 new bicycles that will be used to teach elementary school students in the Central Valley School District about bicycle safety.

Nearly 2,000 children attending 13 Central Valley elementary schools will learn the basics of bicycle safety this year, thanks to a $6,100 grant from the SpokeFest Association, which funded

the bicycles. The bikes were assembled and delivered by the Bike Hub, and Spokane County SCOPE is providing the bicycle helmets needed for the new district-wide Elementary Bicycle Safety Program.

Three years ago, teacher Katie Ferris piloted a bicycle safety program for her health and fitness students at Broadway Elementary. Partnering with the Spo-kane Bicycle Alliance, students learned about bicycle safety using equipment shared with other school districts. Now, thanks to the SpokeFest grant secured by Ferris, the new Central Valley El-ementary Bicycle Safety Program will be launched. The equipment will rotate among district schools, where fourth and fifth grade students will learn the skills of safe and smart bike riding. Students will learn how to safely navigate their bikes when riding on streets, how to ride on the correct side of the street and make hand signals while riding.

SV TECHContinued from page 6

ing in had it all together. What an amazing man. I loved my brother with every ounce of my being.

Our childhood tells a very different story, though, which ultimately was my brother’s downfall. He never got the love, affection or approval that a child, even adults, long for.

It’s very uncomfortable for me to sit and write this as I am normally a very private person, but I want to send a message. Par-ents, please, please love and praise your children. It is the very thing they need! It is the biggest gift you could ever give them. I beg each and every parent to grab their kids no matter what age and tell them how proud you are to be their parent and how very much you love them. Our children are precious. No matter their choices they are

our gifts, and we should treat them as such. I am heartbroken beyond words, and so

are the 250 people who were at his service (a big thank you to Southwest Airlines) in Dallas. He touched so many people’s lives and will live on in all of our hearts forever.

Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and I ask all of you who are read-ing this to light a candle that evening and place it in your window to acknowledge those we’ve lost and the friends and fami-lies who are grieving and forever changed. Every 14.2 minutes, someone dies by sui-cide. The effects of suicide on those left be-hind are devastating.

If you know someone who is struggling, reach out and be there in any way you can. We can make a difference.

Until we meet again ... Steven Alan Aus-man, 5-6-2012.

Melissa QuaintanceLiberty Lake

LETTERSContinued from page 12

Page 16: Sept. 6, 2012

• Sept. 6, 201216 The Splash

Breakfast & Lunch aLL day Open 6 a.m. tO 3 p.m. 7 days a week

Friday Fish & Chips - Shrimp & FriesHomemade Clam Chowder

Beer, wine & Liquor servedexcellent patio seating overlooking farmers market

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUX & BRAD!Come celebrate with

TWO FOR ONE DRINK SPECIALS and, as always,

a complimentary piece of birthday cake

on September 7th

BARLOWS RESTAURANTcorner of meadowwood Lane & mission in Liberty Lake

509-924-1446

Two of Liberty Lake’s finest servers!


Recommended