City park getting new restrooms

Spirit Lake’s city park soon will have new restrooms, thanks to a two-year fundraising effort by organizers of the Big Back-In.

The new facilities are expected to be unveiled on Father’s Day after the annual Big Back-In lawn-mower race, a popular event that raises funds for city parks and recreation projects.

Now, the organization is kicking off the second phase of fundraising, which includes selling raffle tickets and finding sponsors for the annual race.

After last year’s event, Big Back-In organizers lined up donated materials and labor and raised about half of the $15,000 needed to construct the restrooms, said organizer Marc Kroetch.

“We got enough money last year for the shell,” Kroetch said. This year, the group is trying to raise the money to finish the facility for the big city park, he said.

“By Father’s Day, we’ll have enough money for that,” Kroetch said. “This is the home stretch.”

Post Falls

McGuire Road closed for repairs

The city of Post Falls has closed nearly a half-mile stretch of McGuire Road for street repairs and sewer and water work.

The closure is effective 24 hours a day until Aug. 1, although city officials say they hope the road may be reopened sooner.

McGuire is closed from Seltice Way to Poleline Road, but access is being provided for local residences and businesses, according to a city news release. The city is directing northbound traffic to Chase or Corbin roads.

The northbound lane of McGuire Road is being rebuilt with curbs and sidewalks, city officials said.

Rathdrum

City report being sent to residents

Residents of Rathdrum: Watch your mailbox for the first annual report sent out by the city of Rathdrum.

The City Council agreed at this month’s council meeting to mail the report, which details the city’s accomplishments and expenditures in 2006.

“This is going to the citizens, showing them what we did, what we accomplished, how we spent our money,” Mayor Brian Steele said at the meeting.

The council voted 2-1 to spend approximately $1,100 for printing and mailing the report. Councilman Vic Holmes objected, saying the report is unneeded and only gives the city “a pat on the back.”

But other council members supported it, saying communication is important and the report gives an update for residents, who are the “stockholders” of the city, said Councilman Jesse Ojala.

– From staff reports