Park gets new swings

Young girls swing on a new swing set put into Republic's Patterson Park Friday, Aug. 15. The eight-swing set was purchased with donations from area residents and businesses. The project was headed up by city councilman Dave Michel.

Michel says he hopes to purchase some teeter-totters and perhaps a new merry-go-round for the park's playground. There is an open account at city hall where anyone interested may make a tax deductible donation, Michel said. That money can only be spent for the park's playground equipment. There is still about $2,600 left in the account, he said.

Police Department gets changes

The Republic Police Department has a new interim chief, a new patrolman and a new vehicle.

Brett Roberts was sworn in as interim chief of police June 16. He has served with the department since June 2005. Roberts replaced Nick Merritt who resigned from the position in April.

Officer Patrick Rainer joined the force in July and is currently attending police academy. He was formerly employed at the Ferry County Jail.

The city has purchased a 2008 Chevy Trail Blazer with money from a USDA grant and loan. The white colored vehicle is being fitted out as a patrol vehicle and will have decals and striping applied also.

The department's white patrol car will also receive RPD decals so the two vehicles will look like they belong to the same organization, according to Roberts.

Clark Avenue gets benches

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.

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

- Fred W. Bremner
Former Republic City Council Member

Attractions in and around Republic, WA

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.