Gordon Forgey: Palouse shines as example of home-grown success

The town of Palouse has pulled off a tremendous accomplishment.

Without tax money and with only its own resources, the town has created and opened a new community center.

The new center has been a vision for the town for years.

It became more than a vision just over a week ago with the official grand opening.

This was one vision that was not easy to realize. It took time, money and a commitment from the community.

The success, however, came from the fact that the community shared the vision and worked together to see it realized.

Funds were raised through a variety of different efforts. A portion of the proceeds from the tremendously popular Haunted Palouse went to the center. Donations from an array of benefactors helped fill the project coffers as did proceeds from innumerable fund raisers.

Gradually, step by step, the project took shape.

Although the new center is open, more work is necessary to finish off some of the details, and a $150,000 loan still needs to be paid off. Operating expenses will be supported by proceeds from the thrift store, Needful Things.

The completion of the center is a testament to what a small community can accomplish when it shares spirit, cooperation and a willingness to set long range goals.

This is not the only success in Palouse. Not so long ago, the town was in serious decline and facing a future with little hope. Over the years, all that has been reversed. Project after project involving both private and public efforts brought the town from the brink and turned it into an example of what community partnerships can accomplish.

Now Palouse has a new public gathering place to celebrate those successes. There are sure to be many more.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher