The Liberty Lake Deep Dive

"All About the Friends of the Library" - with Marsha Binder and Sue Hamblet (Episode 42: 10/21/2024) Oct 22, 2024

Beyond the used book sales and the Summer Soiree, what does the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library do ... and how exactly does that organization's work enhance the offerings at the city's library? Learn all that and more about this group as Sue Hamblet and Marsha Binder return to the microphone to share "All About the Friends of the Library."

"The 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey" - with city administrator Mark McAvoy (Episode 41: 10/9/2024) Oct 09, 2024

How satisfied are Liberty Lake's residents about their life and the quality of services in the city -- and what factors are influencing those levels of satisfaction? City administrator Mark McAvoy has some of the results of the 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey, including details on how this survey came about and how the results will be used by city leaders.

"School Safety for 2024-25" - with LLPD Officer Dave Howard (Episode 40: 9/23/2024) Sep 24, 2024

Dave Howard of the Liberty Lake Police Department takes you into what he does as the school resource officer for Liberty Lake's schools in the Central Valley School District and shares some trends in student safety he's noticed since he moved into that role during the spring of 2023. Plus, he relays some important tips that can help parents promote the well-being of the school student in their household.

"Cops, Cars and Cruisers" - with John Bujosa (Episode 39: 9/1/2024) Sep 01, 2024

It's a podcast about a car show! Liberty Lake Police ambassador John Bujosa gives the full rundown about the LLPD's annual Cops, Cars and Cruisers event, which benefits local Special Olympics. Along the way, John shares how this community outreach event got started and how the now-not-just-a-car-show has grown along with its popularity during the past few years.

"What Does a City Clerk Do?" - with Kelsey Hardy (Episode 38: 8/22/2024) Aug 23, 2024

It's time to get to know another one of Liberty Lake's city employees as Kelsey Hardy provides all the answers to the question "What does a city clerk do?" ... and delves into her own personal records about some of her life and interests outside of City Hall.

"A Summer's Tale with the Montana Shakespearians" - with Riley O'Toole of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (Episode 37: 8/5/2024) Aug 05, 2024

The Montana Shakespeare in the Parks program out of Montana State University is a longtime summer tradition in Liberty Lake. Now, find out some things you never knew about the program -- and maybe make some modifications to any Shakespeare stereotypes you may have held! The program's Riley O'Toole comes to our podcast stage (via a Zoom call during the 2024 tour) to talk about the Bozeman-based program as well as the Aug. 17 performance of "The Winter's Tale."

"All About the Arboretum" - with Wendy Van Orman (Episode 36: 7/21/2024) Jul 22, 2024

You know the site, but you may not know the name. Learn about the history, features, and potential future of Nature's Place at Meadowwood Arboretum, the site that's located directly east of City Hall. Wendy Van Orman, in her role as a member of the Liberty Lake Lions Club, serves as your guide in this Q&A overview about this city park.

"Very Random Questions with the Mayor" - with Cris Kaminskas (Episode 35: 7/10/2024) Jul 10, 2024

Learn about things you absolutely never knew about Liberty Lake Mayor Cris Kaminskas ... because, in some cases, she's probably never been asked about these topics! It's a wide range of fully fun conversation that covers such issues as animals, comedians, movies, house hunting, and even Tonka Trucks!

"Summer Movies at the Parks 2024" - with Dan Dunne (Episode 34: 6/30/2024) Jun 30, 2024

Dan Dunne of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club cues up the projector for our 2nd annual overview of the Summer Movies in the Parks series at Liberty Lake. Dan and host David Goehner share details about all the movies that area residents can watch outdoors this summer. Plus, you'll learn from Dan a lot of the backstory into what goes on in bringing the movies to Pavillion Park each summer.

"Summer Parks Recreation for 2024" - with Mickael Stevens (Episode 33: 6/13/2024) Jun 13, 2024

Find out about your summer recreation opportunities in Liberty Lake's parks during 2024. Mickael Stevens, the city's new recreation coordinator, is your guide through a summer calendar that includes children's sports camps, dance and yoga classes, 4th of July celebrations, Barefoot in the Park, and stage performances from the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks group and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Plus, Mickael shares what you need to do if you want to reserve a park facility for your own activity this summer.

"The Friends of the Library's Book Sale & Summer Soiree" - with Marsha Binder & Sue Hamblet (Episode 32: 6/4/2024) Jun 04, 2024

Learn the backstory into what goes on in creating the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library's semi-annual book sales, as well as the group's Summer Soiree. Sue Hamblet and Marsha Binder from Friends of the Library go through all the inside information on these two fundraisers. We even find out about donated items that are worth a lot more than the price of a typical used book, and what happens with those collector item-level finds.

"The Liberty Lake Farmers Market" - with Holli Parker & Paul Puhek (Episode 31: 5/20/2024) May 21, 2024

It's grown into a very big and very popular Saturday tradition in Liberty Lake. Holli Parker and Paul Puhek of the Liberty Lake Farmers Market's Board of Directors take to the microphone and sort through all the essential details about the Farmers Market, including how it came to be ... how it is organized each year ... what people can expect when visiting ... and what it's like to be a vendor.

"Star Wars Fans of City Hall" - with Tait Garcia & Jake Nauretz (Episode 30: 5/1/2024) May 01, 2024

Get to know a couple of your city staff members as they share their appreciations and personal anecdotes about the Star Wars saga! The Star Wars words come from City Hall administrative assistant Tait Garcia and payroll technician Jacob Nauretz as they cover all the important topics about the films and related projects! (Oh, and they talk about their jobs at City Hall, too.)

"The Unfunded Projects List" - with Mark McAvoy (Episode 29: 4/25/2024) Apr 26, 2024

A city swimming pool? A dog park? A disc golf course? A community center? It's countdown time, as city administrator Mark McAvoy goes through the items on the city's current "Unfunded Projects List" and -- from #1 to #13 -- reveals how area residents prioritized those projects during a survey that was conducted last fall. And, we get insights on what might happen next with some of the projects on that list.

"The Origin of Mayor Cris Kaminskas" (Episode 28: 4/17/2024)) Apr 18, 2024

It's the first anniversary show of "The Liberty Lake Deep Dive" -- and we're celebrating the occasion by having Mayor Cris Kaminskas join the podcast! Cris shares the stories of how she came to Liberty Lake, how she became a member of the City Council, and why she decided to run for mayor. She also recalls her favorite activities in the roles she's had in local public service. All that and: What was it like being on City Council with her dad?

"The Cat Who Came To The City Council Meeting" - with a full batch of eyewitnesses! (Episode 27: 3/28/2024) Mar 28, 2024

This is paws-itively our most entertaining and most different podcast episode ever! Here's the full story about the loud meowing cat that interrupted a Liberty Lake City Council meeting in February of 2023. It's a meandering tale about a meowing maurader whose intrusive antics not only led to a reunion via social media ... but also some national fame through media exposure that went national. This installment is about twice as long as most of our episodes, but we truly feel it provides 9 lives worth of audio amusement.

"LLPD's Officer of the Year for 2023" - with Officer Jordan Tuttle (Episode 26: 2/27/2024) Feb 27, 2024

He grew up in Liberty Lake and, after less than a year with the department, he's the Liberty Lake Police Department's Officer of the Year for 2023. Meet Jordan Tuttle in wide-ranging Q&A about his work with the local police and how he got interested in law enforcement. And ... just how many people named "Jordan" are on the LLPD anyway?

"City Staff Members Who Are Beatles Fans!" (Episode 25: 2/5/2024) Feb 05, 2024

Get to know some of your city's employees better during some fun conversations about the Fab Four in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Beatles' British Invasion of America. Our guests: Planning and engineering technician Megan Edwards, city administrator Mark McAvoy, and librarian Mikayla Kittilstved along with some input from communications person David Goehner. Among the topics: Recent Beatles films, a home with a Beatles-decorated room, a trip to see a purported Beatles reunion, and a firsthand account of the 2022 Paul McCartney concert in Spokane.

"What's Coming in 2024: The 2024 Budget, Part 1" - with Kyle Dixon, Damon Simmons, and Jen Camp (Episode 23: 1/7/2024) Jan 26, 2024

Get the details about some of the new and expanded services and programs are coming to Liberty Lake during 2024. This episode is the first to two installments that take a look into what's being funded under the city's 2024 budget. In this part, finance director Kyle Dixon, Police Chief Damon Simmons, and Operations & Maintenance director Jen Camp explain what the new Transportation Benefit District means for residents, what the addition of more Flock Camera devices will do for public safety, and some of the new things that will be happening with recreation services, plus other items from their individual areas.

"What's Coming in 2024: Inside the 2024 Budget, Part 2" - with Mark McAvoy, Jandy Humble, and Lisa Key (Episode 24: 1/26/2024) Jan 26, 2024

It's part 2 of our look ahead at the new and expanded programs and services that are coming to the city's residents during 2024. In this installment, city administrator Mark McAvoy, library directory Jandy Humble, and planning and engineering director Lisa Key provide the details about enhancements to Trailhead Golf Course, the new Public Works Department, the design work for the new library, the "library of things" collection, the Town Square Park master plan, updates to the city's sign code, and a lot more.

"Games at the Library with Mikayla Kittilstved" (Episode 22: 12/31/2023) Dec 31, 2023

Get to know Mikayla Kittilstved, who oversees the Teen and Adult Services at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, in the 3rd part of our mini-series in which we introduce you to some of the city's staff through conversations about their favorite games they enjoy playing around the dining table at home. Plus for this one: Mikayla gives details about the new collection of tabletop games that were added to the library's collection of materials at the end of 2023 that you can check out and enjoy at your own home.

"Board Games with the Library's Georgette Rogers" (Episode 21: 12/28/2023) Dec 28, 2023

Get to know Georgette Rogers of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library in the 2nd part of our mini-series in which we introduce you to members of the city's staff as they talk about their favorite indoor games to play during the wintertime. Georgette has some entertaining recollections about familiar classics you know such as Battleship, Monopoly Life, Pay Day, Tri-Ominos, and Scrabble. Plus: How many Monopoly properties could you buy in Liberty Lake?

"Playing Pictionary with HR Manager Heidi Workman" (Episode 20: 12/19/2023) Dec 20, 2023

For the season of the winter holidays, we're bringing you a fun 3-part series in our podcast in which you'll get to know a few of Liberty Lake's city employees as they talk about ... board games! Player Number One for this episode is Human Resources manager Heidi Workman, as she rolls out some family tales about playing Pictionary.

"Winter Glow Spectacular!" - with Mark Saba (episode 19: 11/17/2023) Nov 17, 2023

The Winter Glow Spectacular at Liberty Lake's Orchard Park is one of THE most amazing-to-the-eyes Christmas light displays in the entire region, and can be seen during Nov. 18-Jan. 1 for its 5th season this year. For this episode, Mark Saba of the Winter Glow Committee delves into the details on how this attraction is set up every year, what goes on in funding it, the work of the volunteers who make it happen, and numerous other details that visitors probably have never known about this vast and colorful walk-through display!

"The Library's Top 10 Adult Fiction Checkouts of 2022" - with Mikayla Kittilstved (Episode 18: 11/8/2023) Nov 08, 2023

Adult and Teen Services librarian Mikayla Kittilstved is back for the final chapter of our 4-part look at the most popular checked-out books at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library during 2022. This episode offers you her countdown of the top 10 adult fiction novels from that year. With commentary about each book, maybe you'll hear about something you might want to check out for yourself during an upcoming visit!

"It's Leaf and Beach Drop-off Season!" - with Jeremy Jenkins (Episode 17: 10/26/2023) Oct 26, 2023

Grab your rakes and large-sized bags! Jeremy Jenkins, the environmental manager with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District, is here with all of the "when", "what", and "where" information you need to know about the annual leaf and beach drop-off program that is offered for local residents each fall. Plus, Jeremy will explain WHY this program exists and how it helps in the ecological health of the body of water known as Liberty Lake. And, you'll learn why the program has changed over the years due to the local growth in population.

"The Mayor's 2024 Budget Report" - with Mayor Cris Kaminskas (Episode 16: 10/20/2023) Oct 21, 2023

Here's the presentation of Mayor Cris Kaminskas' 2024 Budget Report, as recorded during the City Council meeting of Oct. 17, 2023. In this annual presentation, the mayor provides an overview of the highlight accomplishments by the city's government during 2023, and offers up a preview of the projects and goals planned for the coming year. Plus, the mayor comes to our podcast microphone to provide our listeners with a brief introduction about the purpose of this annual speech.

"What is the City Academy?" - with city administrator Mark McAvoy (Episode 15: 10/4/2023) Oct 04, 2023

Here's your "campus tour" of the Liberty Lake City Academy with your guide, city administrator Mark McAvoy! Mark shares the details about this free series that was first offered for Liberty Lake residents in the spring of 2023 and again for 8 weeks during the following fall. Learn about the topics and interactive format through which this series helps people learn more about what goes on in providing the services they receive from the city government and its partnering agencies.

"Inside the New Clubhouse at Trailhead Golf Course" - with Chris Johnston (Episode 14: 9/26/2023) Sep 27, 2023

Liberty Lake's landmark Trailhead Golf Course gained a new look for its 50th anniversary with the completion and opening of its new clubhouse facility. Chris Johnston, Trailhead's head PGA professional, provides an audio tour of the new building, with details on the newly added simulation bays, expanded pro shop, and main floor meeting room. Plus, he covers the process that led to the new building's creation ... and even reveals the secret origin of Trailhead's 50th anniversary sasquatch logo!

"Liberty Lake's Responses to the Homeless Population" - with LLPD Chief Damon Simmons and Dg Garcia (Episode 13: 9/7/2023) Sep 08, 2023

The topic is City Ordinance 115c, which was passed by the Liberty Lake City Council in June of 2023 to address "unlawful camping and storage of personal property on public property." Two members of the committee that helped draft that ordinance -- Police Chief Damon Simmons and city resident Dg Garcia -- offer details into what that new ordinance is and is not, as well as their insights about the larger issues that are connected with it.

"The Spokane Symphony Concert at Liberty Lake" with conductor James Lowe (Episode 12: 8/22/2023) Aug 23, 2023

The Spokane Symphony Orchestra's annual visit to Pavillion Park is one of THE major community events at Liberty Lake each summer. And, there's no one who is better qualified to talk all about that event and its musicians than the guest on this installment of our podcast: James Lowe, who has been the orchestra's conductor and music director since 2019. What's even more special about this episode is that this interview was conducted while James was in Scotland! James shares all the details about the creation of the annual free public concert in Liberty Lake, numerous behind-the-scenes information about the Spokane Symphony, and many insights about his life as a music director. Plus, along the way, we delve into such things as Bugs Bunny, Star Wars, and logging lorries!

"Top Children's Chapter Books at the Library" - with Jandy Humble (Episode 11: 8/8/2023) Aug 08, 2023

Liberty Lake Municipal Library director Jandy Humble comes back to reveal and discuss the library's most checked-out chapter books for kids 6-12 years during 2022. Among some of the familiar names you'll hear her mention: The Baby-Sitters Club, Captain Underpants, and well-known writer (and Oregon native) Beverly Cleary. Lots of graphic novels on this list!

"Previewing Barefoot in the Park 2023" - with Jen Camp and Mark Saba (Episode 10: 7/25/2023) Jul 26, 2023

The biggest all-ages community event in Liberty Lake each summer is Barefoot in the Park, which happens in 2023 on Saturday, August 5, at Pavillion Park. Jen Camp returns to the podcast to share the details on how Barefoot in the Park came to be, and to recognize the numerous community partners that have helped shape it together for this year. She's joined by community volunteer Mark Saba -- a member of this year's Barefoot organizing committee -- who offers up a full preview of what attendees can expect during the very big edition of this event for 2023! Your full audio guide to Barefoot in the Park for 2023 is right here!

"Things To Know About Golf Carts!" - with Lt. Darin Morgan of the Liberty Lake Police Dept. (Episode 9: 7/11/2023) Jul 11, 2023

You'll notice a lot of people driving golf carts in Liberty Lake ... because it's one of Washington's few cities that allow people to drive those vehicles in some places beyond just one of the local golf courses. Lt. Darin Morgan of the Liberty Lake Police Department answers all the questions you've probably wondered about regarding what is allowed ... and what is not allowed ... with driving a golf cart in Liberty Lake. (Here's an opening spoiler: You need to be at least 16 years old and have a registered driver's license!) Plus, find out the answer to this question: How many golf carts are registered to drive along the streets of Liberty Lake...?

"Coming Attractions: Summer Movies at the Parks!" - with Tim Olsen (Episode #8: 6/27/2023) Jun 27, 2023

People have been enjoying coming to the summertime movies at Liberty Lake's parks for 25 years. In this episode, Tim Olsen not only discusses all 8 films coming to the local parks during 2023, but also takes you behind the scenes into what the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club does to bring those outdoor film experiences at Pavillion Park each summer. Shuttle ahead to about the 12:30 mark if you just want to hear about the movies being shown during 2023 (and this portion is shortly after the time some technical problems started emerging with our audio recording equipment ... which was fitting for an episode about outdoor movies, actually!). Of course, stick around to see if there's anything extra after the closing credits on this one...!

"Summer in the Parks - 2023" with Jen Camp (Episode #7: 6/14/2023) Jun 14, 2023

Get the full rundown -- along with some interesting backstories -- about the many fun events in our local parks that annually define summertime entertainment in Liberty Lake! Jen Camp, the city's Operations and Maintenance director, fills you in on what to expect during 2023 with popular activities such as the Farmers Market, the city-wide Kiwanis Yard Sale, the movies in the park series, 4th of July, Barefoot in the Park, the Liberty Lake Throw Down cornhole tournament, and Shakespeare in the Park. You'll even hear her tale of what happened the year she was a guest conductor at Pavillion Park's annual Spokane Symphony Concert. And, she gives you information about the various summer sports programs available for kids as well as how you can reserve park facilities for your own events.

"The Hometown Heroes Banners" - with Don Walker (Episode #6: 5/26/2023) May 27, 2023

Hear the full story and all the background details about the "Hometown Heroes" banners display in downtown Liberty Lake that honors local military veterans, as told directly by the resident who spearheaded the project: Don Walker. The Hometown Heroes banners made their first appearance for two months in the fall of 2022 and are now back in 2023 -- in larger force than before -- for people to see from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. This is -- deservedly so -- our longest episode yet, and every minute is a memorable one!

"LLPD's Officer of the Year" (National Police Week) - with Jordan Sowell (Episode #5: 5/15/2023) May 15, 2023

Meet Jordan Sowell, who was announced in January as the Liberty Lake Police Department's Officer of the Year for 2022. In this segment, Officer Sowell offers up his perceptions about the Liberty Lake community's connections to its local law officers, discusses his work in providing active shooter preparation trainings for the public, and goes through his own journey on choosing to enter the life of law enforcement. This episode is being posted in conjunction with the 2023 National Police Week, May 15-19.

"Young Adult Novels: The Top Checkouts from the Liberty Lake Library" - with Mikayla Kittilstved (Episode #4: 5/8/2023) May 08, 2023

We head back to the bookshelves to find out what the most popular checkouts were among young adult novels last year at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library. Were titles from "Harry Potter", "The Hunger Games", "Twilight" and other longtime popular series still on the list? Adult & Teen Services librarian Mikayla Kittilstved knows all the answers ... and reveals them here!

"Student and School Safety in Liberty Lake" - with LLPD Sgt. Mark Holthaus (Episode #3: 4/25/2023) Apr 25, 2023

Sgt. Mark Holthaus of the Liberty Lake Police Department takes you into the work he's done to assist some of our area's youngest residents during his four years as a local school resource officer. Learn about the connections he's built from the classroom hallways and -- drawing upon his insights from law enforcement -- some of the tips and advice he has that parents and classmates can do to support student safety and smart choices for life. Plus, it's our first episode in which somebody uses the word "taser"!

"The Most Checked-out Children's Picture Books at the Library" - with Jandy Humble & Mikayla Kittilstved (Episode 2: 4/18/2023) Apr 18, 2023

What were the most checked-out children's picture books at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library during 2022? Library director Jandy Humble and Adult & Teen Services librarian Mikayla Kittilstved are at the microphone to provide the answers as well as some interesting details about those books!

"Meet the City Administrator" - with Mark McAvoy (Episode 1: 4/11/2023) Apr 11, 2023

Plunge with us into our debut episode as we get to know Texas native Mark McAvoy, who arrived in August of 2022 as Liberty Lake's city administrator. You'll learn about Mark's big city career path that brought him to Liberty Lake, his earlier tenure as a Washington resident while he was serving in the Air Force, and what exactly a city administrator actually does. You'll also want to stick around for some fun responses from Mark in our "Lightning Round" of questions! Plus, we'll preview what you can expect from this new podcast series, including the initial challenge of the "Know Your Liberty Lake" trivia question from Summer Darrow! "The Liberty Lake Deep Dive" is hosted by David Goehner ... from the vast broadcasting studios of City Hall.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Liberty Lake Deep Dive

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected