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