Dye in Latah Creek to offer water quality data
Latah Creek may run red later this month as scientists from the Washington state Department of Ecology use fluorescent dye to learn how quickly water moves through the creek as part of a broader effort to improve water quality.
Use of the harmless dye is meant to show how low summertime flows affect oxygen and water acidity levels in different areas of the creek, according to the department.
Data from the tests will be used in computer models to help diagnose water-quality problems; Latah Creek and its tributaries violate water quality standards for dissolved oxygen, acidity, bacteria, temperature and turbidity levels.
Low flows exacerbate excessive weed and algae growth that can impair oxygen and acidity levels, according to Ecology.
The use of dye is planned for next week and the week of July 13.
EWU walking tour helps Friends of the Library
The annual Eastern Washington University Friends of the Library walking tour of the campus on Monday offers a leisurely narrated stroll through the campus of the university that developed alongside the rest of the region, growing from a small academy in 1882 into the institution that EWU is today.
On the 90-minute narrated tour, EWU archivist and tour host Charles Mutschler will share facts and figures, along with vignettes and interesting historic tales as he guides the public through the EWU Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The tour will begin with a slide presentation at 6 p.m. in the second-floor lounge of Monroe Hall (water will be provided to take along on the tour) and concludes there with light refreshments and a reception. There is no cost, but Mutschler said Friends of the Library appreciates donations to support its activities.
Idaho parks director quits, citing health
Robert Meinen, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, will step down effective Monday for health reasons, the agency announced Friday.
The state parks board accepted Meinen’s resignation Friday. He has been in that post since September 2004. Meinen also worked for the department as recreation resource manager and deputy director from 1979 to 1984, and he served as director 1984 to 1987.
“Although the experience is very rewarding, serving as director is a demanding role,” Meinen said in a written statement. “… (R)ecently, I’ve had health concerns that have forced me to consider what’s best for me and the agency.”
Agency Administrator Dave Ricks will serve as interim director until a new director is appointed. The position will be advertised beginning June 22, and the agency’s board anticipates the review and selection of a preferred candidate by fall, according to an agency news release.
Preschool cooperatives topic of park event
Parents interested in preschool cooperatives are invited to an informational meeting Wednesday at Bluegrass Park in Coeur d’Alene.
The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A group of parents will be on hand to share their experiences with preschool co-ops.
The co-ops are made up of parent who group together to provide in-home schooling on a rotating basis.
Some co-ops rent out public space to hold classes.
For more information, call Jolie Bazler at (208) 818-5957.