Briefs Feb. 23

Airport update expected at WSU retiree meeting

The WSU Retirees Association plans to have Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Director Tony Bean present at its monthly meeting next week to discuss the current realignment project.

Bean is expected to give an update on the project and answer any questions regarding it. The project has been in a winter shutdown, but the bid process was recently opened for the second phase of the project. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2020.

The next phase of the project is expected to include excavation and storm drain improvements, and bids are due Tuesday, March 14.

The WSU Retirees Association meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Pullman Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. The senior center is located on the first floor of Pullman City Hall on Paradise Street. The meeting is open to the public, which is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served at the meeting.

Old Mill

Days meet in Oakesdale

Organizers for Oakesdale's annual Old Mill Days, set July 7-8, will meet March 8 at the McCoy Valley Museum at 7 p.m. in Oakesdale to begin plans for the event.

All interested are encouraged to attend. Chairman of Planning Committee Gail Parsons especially seeks someone to head the beer garden and music, as well as help with the parade and silent auction.

Additional volunteer opportunities include website work and help with advertising.

Rosalia plans

Mr. RHS Pageant

Rosalia plans to crown a new Mr. RHS Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Rosalia High School gym. The pageant is being sponsored by the new Rosalia Community Float and Royalty Association.

Participants include Collin Pittman, son of Jeff and Tara Pittman, Rosalia; Chase Nybo, son of Chad and Krista Fanara, Malden; Eric Nelson, son of Steve and Kim Nelson, Thornton, and Gavin Merritt, Rosalia, son of Darrin and Dorinda Merritt.

The theme for the pageant is comedy and will feature an opening dance number and solo by each contestant. It will also include a sychronized swimming routine and formal walk in vintage evening wear.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased from any of the contestants or at the door.

Garfield council rejects in-town ATV ordinance

A proposed ordinance to allow ATV use on town streets was declined by the Garfield Town Council. Voting Feb. 8 after a discussion, representatives decided it was not needed. The ordinance was prepared by the Palouse Police Department, which also serves Garfield.

“We just didn't think it was necessary to have another ordinance on the books,” said Garfield Mayor Ray McCown.

The ordinance would have allowed an ATV and riders to come and go directly to a destination in the town with certain requirements regarding licensing, insurance and vehicle features.

As is now, an officer may issue a ticket for someone riding an ATV on a street.

“They'd probably do that, but it hasn't been a problem,” McCown said.

Palouse restores seasonal post

The City of Palouse has restored a seasonal laborer job with Public Works for this summer. The position, which was last filled in 2012, was cut due to leaner budget years in the economic downturn begun in 2008.

The part-time employee will join Public Works from May to September and work with Public Works Director Dwayne Griffin and Wastewater Supervisor Don Myott. Duties may include mowing, weeding, painting and more.

“There's plenty for busy hands to do,” said Mayor Michael Echanove, Palouse mayor. “It will also free up Dwayne and Don for bigger projects.”

Wilson takes pro-tem position at Tekoa

Troy Wilson was appointed Tekoa's mayor pro-tem for 2017 at the city council meeting Jan. 23. A council member since 2010, he takes over the pro-tem position from Roy Schulz.

The mayor pro-tem takes the helm in the absence of the mayor.