Mayor dubs filbert tree of the year
Three Turkish filbert trees were recently planted in a new landscape design on the south side of Spokane Falls Boulevard adjacent to Riverfront Park as part of exterior renovations for Wheatland Bank, 222 N. Wall.
They replaced a series of mature London plane trees (also known as sycamores) that had been precariously held up inside tree vaults.
As a result of the project, Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession this week proclaimed the Turkish filbert as Spokane’s tree of the year, suitable for planting near buildings and streets because it is medium size. It grows to 35 to 50 feet and is tolerant of drought and alkaline soils, conditions typical of the Spokane area.
– Mike Prager
Parks committee members sought
Spokane County commissioners are seeking two people to serve on the county’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
One open seat is for a voting member who will be picked by Commissioner Todd Mielke, who said he will not require that his choice live within his district in north Spokane County. That person will fill a four-year term and replace Robert Bates, who was not eligible to remain on the board after recently finishing three terms.
The other open position is for a one-year term for a nonvoting member who is under age 18.
The board usually meets monthly and advises the parks department. Anyone interested in joining the parks board can contact parks director Doug Chase at (509) 477-2720.
– Jonathan Brunt
Skating exhibition tickets are all sold
Tickets for the “Exhibition of Champions,” the final event of the 2007 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships in Spokane, are sold out, event promoter Star USA announced Thursday.
Seats are available for all of the remaining ticketed events Jan. 21-27, through purchase of the all-event ticket package at the costs of $495 a package. Each package has at least 13 tickets, one to every ticketed event during the championships, except the Exhibition of Champions.
To purchase tickets, go to www.spokane2007.com or call TicketsWest at 325-SEAT or toll-free at (866) USA-2007.
– Hilary Kraus