Week in review

Newman Lake SCOPE – Volunteers made final plans for the annual hot dog sale set for next Saturday and July 3 at Moab Junction. The sale from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day is a major fund-raiser for the group and Fire District 13. They also discussed the group’s marine patrol, which helps the Sheriff’s Office patrol the lake. (Source: Secretary Katie Rulffes)

Fairfield City Council – There was a public hearing on the town’s six-year transportation project, but no one arrived to comment. The measure passed. Council members also talked about a recent meeting with representatives from Rockford, Spangle, Waverly and Latah about sharing resources, including possibly hiring their own law enforcement. The next joint meeting is set for July 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Community Center. The town has received a Department of Natural Resources grant for $3,300 to use to trim trees on the public right of way. The council also discussed condemning an abandoned house at Railroad and Ticknor. (Source: Town Clerk Sue Adams)

Fire District 8 – Commissioners selected a new insurance vendor to save money. There was a presentation on future staffing needs. The department recently hired several paid part-time firefighters. There also was considerable discussion on the closure of the Palouse Highway between Valley Chapel Road and Odel for a road project. Firefighters must use a lengthy detour to get around the area, which impacts response times and is cause for concern. Commissioners had an executive session to discuss possible legal action regarding the closure of the highway, including an injunction to stop the work. (Source: Deputy Chief Dan Blystone)

Fire District 13 (Newman Lake) – Chief Bob Kolva reported to the commissioners about the training schedule for volunteers. He also recently sent out letters to homeowners with gated property asking for gate codes so firefighters can respond to emergencies quickly. The district also recently signed a mutual-aid contract with the Department of Natural Resources. A local resident has come forward with an interest in writing grants for the department. (Source: Secretary Denise Kolva)

West Valley SCOPE – Volunteers met briefly to discuss the success of the recent West Valley Days, the group’s major fund-raiser. Every year the group takes some of the proceeds and donates to a community group. Several suggestions were made as to what group to give money to this year, but no decisions were made. (Source: President June King)