In brief: Historic jail gates to be displayed at fair fundraiser

Historic jail yard gates that once hung outside the Spokane County Courthouse are going to be on display during the Spokane County Interstate Fair, running Friday through Sept. 20.

The gates were removed when the former jail was demolished in 1970 and taken to a park maintenance facility at Plantes Ferry Park where they were left to rust.

Sue Walker, secretary and treasurer of the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum, said the gates will be displayed next to the Washington State Patrol and Spokane Police Department booths, which will be located near the southwest corner of the grandstands and arena inside the fairgrounds.

The museum is working with the county to restore the gates and will use the fair display as a fundraising event. Engraved tiles are being sold for $1,000. Smaller donations are accepted. Proceeds from historic book sales will go to the restoration.

County commissioners have approved grant funding applications to help finance the project, which will require some reconstruction in a courtyard adjacent to the courthouse annex and Public Safety Building

Program giving away 1,000 trees

The Residential Tree Program is giving away 1,000 trees in October. Spokane residents can register online until Oct. 7 to receive a voucher for a tree.

Trees will be available for pickup at Oct. 17-24 at Home Fires Nursery, 2919 S. Geiger Blvd., or Oct. 24 at the Spokane County Conservation District, 210 N. Havana St.

Tree vouchers will be mailed Oct. 9-16, and are good only at the specified pickup spot.

For more information, visit www.spokane neighborhoods.org.