Road improvement survey packets finally available
Summary of public meetings leaves many questions unanswered
The Spokane County Engineering and Roads Department has finally sent out surveys to Elk-area residents living in proposed Road Improvement Districts who may face tax increases to help pay for upgrading gravel roads.
The surveys, supposed to be sent out in July, follow earlier public meetings where residents urged county officials to improve the condition of deteriorating gravel and dirt roads. After several inquiries, I received a phone call Aug. 1 and was told the survey packets were being put together and would be mailed out the next week. Most everyone in the RID area received their surveys last weekend.
The department said the delay occurred because the review and assessment of the information was extensive and time-consuming, and too many people are on vacation in the summer months, so it’s not the best time to reach people. A little political tap dance?
The packets contain a 10-page summary of the meetings, three pages with 10 of the 50 or 60 questions asked at the meetings with what seem to be evasive answers, and three-quarters of a page explaining the “survey of owner’s interest” with a return deadline of Sept. 15.
None of the questions about the distribution of property taxes collected over the past 30 or 40 years from the parcel owners was mentioned. Now, the best part – the 4-1/4 by 5-3/8-inch survey card gives the parcel owners less than an inch of space in which to write their responses. I would guess most of the owners facing potential tax increases have more to say than will fit in that much space of a postcard.
Gifts for soldiers
The Elk Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5924 serve breakfast on Sundays in the downstairs Veterans Activity Room. Breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and open to the public. The group makes a good breakfast, and the prices are right. The Veterans Activity Room, with a full kitchen, separate meeting room and patio, can be rented for receptions, reunions, meetings or other gatherings.
The Elk VFW Post is busy with two patriotic community service projects The Ladies Auxiliary is collecting “Cell Phones for Soldiers.” Any cell phone, working or not, with or without batteries, is acceptable. For every phone sent in, calling cards are sent to our troops.
The Elk VFW Post, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men’s Auxiliary also are collecting items for care packages for the troops. There are lists of the most requested items and donation boxes at the club and at the Elk Sentinel office. VFW members may drop off items or cell phones at the Post or anyone may drop off donated items at the Sentinel. For additional information or directions, call the VFW at 292-8252 or the Elk Sentinel at 292-8250.
Mexican fare at U-Bake
People in the Elk-Chattaroy area have enjoyed the delicious U-Bake Pizzas, espresso, ice cream and fruit smoothies from Country Garden Farms for the past three years. Now, they have added a Mexican menu to their service. The burritos, tacos and nachos are prepared with fresh and abundant ingredients just as the pizzas are, but the Mexican items are ready to eat. Visit Tom and Sheila Fifield at Country Garden Farms, 40101 N. Newport Highway, in Elk just past the yellow flashing light at Elk-to-Highway road, or call ahead at 292-8504.
Sienna Studio opens
Chattaroy welcomes another new business, Sienna Studio, owned by Jamie Lenz. Jamie will take special care of all of your hair and nail needs. Sienna Studio is at 4211 E. Westwood just off Highway 2 next to Prime Tyme Restaurant and Lounge. For an appointment or more information, call Jamie at 238-6853.