Public Periscope

End of an era

Jim Dotson’s 21-year rule over the courthouse cafeteria is about to end. For years, county officials considered the cafeteria a public service to the jurors, judges and other courthouse denizens who hang out there, and Dotson paid no rent. … But in 1995, the county started charging $625 to cover expenses. Next year, that goes to at least $1,600, the going price for similar space in private buildings. Dotson’s lease ends Dec. 31, and he says he can’t afford the boost. The state Services for the Blind, which by state law gets first dibs on the space, says no other blind restaurateurs want it either. … So, Dotson’s replacement is in doubt. County commissioners will be seeking proposals from restaurant operators.

The beasts are best

What do we like most about the Spokane Interstate Fair? The critters, says a new survey recently reviewed by Spokane County commissioners. … Robinson Research Inc. queried 400 county residents about their fair attitudes, asking them which of 10 common activities and attractions are important. The top score went to the livestock and animal exhibits, followed closely by the arts and crafts exhibits, then the food and snacks. A sure sign that the respondents were grown-ups: The carnival rides were rated as the least important - and too expensive. … Pollsters also asked about the fair board’s decision to ban smoking in most areas and got a strong vote of approval from fairgoers and non-fairgoers. Eighty percent said they agree with that policy.

Free isn’t necessarily quieter

The Liberty Lake summer concert series by the Friends of Pavilion Park will return next summer with three concerts in July and three in August. The acts aren’t booked yet for the free concerts staged by the nonprofit group. … But a promoter’s plan for a gospel concert is hitting a sour note. The park is too close to houses, courthouse attorneys say. Nonprofit groups get a break on the strict rules that govern outdoor concerts designed to make money.

Riding on plastic

Visa, the card that’s “everywhere you want to be,” can take you everywhere you want to go on a Spokane Transit Authority bus route. The STA board voted last week to take Visa and MasterCard for sales of monthly passes, tokens and other items. … The change, which will take effect sometime near the start of the year, may make life more convenient for riders but will cost STA about $4,000 a year in credit fees if 10 percent of its customers start using plastic. … Also taking credit cards these days for fees and services are the regional health district, Spokane Interstate Fair and county parks and golf courses.

Riding past ribbons

If you see purple ribbons at an STA bus stop, don’t look for any link to that old Tony Orlando and Dawn song. These ribbons were tied by a group that wants like-minded riders to call STA and complain about proposed route changes. , DataTimes MEMO: “Public Periscope,” published Mondays, is compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports. You can write us at The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210; or send e-mail to jimc@spokesman.com or send a fax to (509) 459-5482.

This sidebar appeared with the story: HOT TOPICS Tuesday: Spokane County commissioners will consider raising greens fees from $14.50 to $16 for most players at the three county golf courses. It’s one of several items on the board’s agenda. 5 p.m., Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Jim Camden from staff reports