Steptoe Butte apple grove site will go up for auction

Set for an auction Oct. 5 at the St. John Community Building, 437-plus acres on the south side of Steptoe Butte will be for sale. The land includes a segment on which rare species of untended apple trees have been located by a Chattaroy, Wash., hobbyist and propagated by members of WSU’s horticulture department.

Aside from apple trees, the parcel includes a stock water well and two communication tower leases.

“It has not been tilled in the past,” said auctioneer Butch Booker of Kincaid Real Estate who is handling the sale. “It’s unlikely to be tilled in the future. If it could be farmed, our f...