Clark Avenue gets benchess

Cement benches are being installed along Clark Avenue.

The benches were purchased through Job Corps and will be attached to the sidewalks along the main street. More benches and picnic tables will be installed in Patterson Park.

The benches are being installed near buildings so as to not interfere with snow removal in the winter months, according to City Council member Linda Hall.

Patterson Park gets improvements

The playground at Republic's Patterson Park is being improved thanks to efforts of a city council member, a Boy Scout and citizens who have donated money to the project.

The merry-go-round has been rehabbed by Austin Roberts, a Boy Scout who donated about seven hours of work to the project, part of his life scout requirements.

He painted the old structure, dug out around it and replaced the dirt with sand.

City Councilman Dave Michel has been raising funds for new playground equipment and announced the purchase of an eight-swing playground set that should be installed within a month and a half, depending on weather.

Michel has been asking businesses and individuals to make contributions to the playground fund and it has passed the $5,000 mark and is hopefully still increasing, he said.

There is an open account at city hall where anyone interested may make a tax deductible donation, Michel said.

"The money in that account can only be spent on playground equipment for Patterson Park," he said.

OHV Committee named

Five individuals were nameed to Republic's Off Highway Vehicle citizens advisory committee Dec. 17.

Ellen Picken and Kate Meginley were appointed as citizens against a city OHV ordinance, Jake Miller and Jim Schumacher as citizens for such a measure and Larry Heming as a member who is undecided on the issue.

City council members Jim Burnside and DiAnne Hewitt will also serve on the committee. Burnside has made statements at council meetings for an OHV ordinance and Hewitt against.

The appointments were announced during the regular city council meeting Dec. 17.

The committee will work on a draft OHV ordinance and make recomendations to city council.

"We have air you can't see and water you can't taste."

- Fred W. Bremner
Former Republic City Council Member

Welcome to Republic, Washington

Republic, Washington is a city with an early 1900s look and a heritage based in the mining and logging industries. Originally named Eureka Gulch, Republic had a population of 954 in 2000. Noted for its fossils, natural beauty and recreational possibilities, it is nestled in a valley between Wauconda and Sherman Passes at the intersection of Washington State Routes 20 and 21 in the north central part of the state.

Republic is surrounded by National Forest lands and within short driving distance of numerous lakes and campgrounds. Hunting, fishing, bird watching, bicycling, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, boating, motorized recreational sports and fossil digging bring people to the area.

Fossils, Races and Celebrations

The Stonerose Interpretive Center in Republic offers a view of the area during the Eocene Era and a Boot Hill Fossil Site where visitors can dig for their own fossils. Resorts and a state park offer recreational opportunities on Curlew Lake. The Ferry County Fairgrounds feature a restored antique carousel and a good old-fashioned county fair each year during Labor Day weekend. Eagle Track racing offers car races on alternating weekends through the summer as well as a snowmobile race in the winter.

Prospectors Days, a community celebration featuring mining and logging events as well as a parade and variety of community activities, happens the second weekend of June.

In mid-August Republic plays host to the Washington Open Fiddle Contest. Musicians come from all over the region to perform and compete for prizes.

The annual Wings Over Republic Fly-in brings aircraft from the northwest and beyond to the Ferry County Airport near Curlew Lake. During the event in late August there is a carnival-like atmosphere as aircraft are displayed and various activities are scheduled on the ground.

Winterfest in January offers a variety of winter sports and indoor activities. There is also an annual Fourth of July fireworks display near Blacks Beach on Curlew Lake.

Explore Republic's historic past

The history of the city and surrounding area can be explored and enjoyed at the Republic Historical Center. The center features a collection of historical photos and exhibits that depict the area history and also the Kaufman Cabin - the oldest surviving structure in Republic. Murals at various places around town and historic buildings with historical signs make a walking tour of the city a history lesson in itself.