When it comes to donating time or money to community projects, St. Maries area residents are always quick to step up.
The most recent project is the Veteran’s Memorial which will stand at the west end of St. Maries.
The memorial will be a permanent monument dedicated to and honoring the military men and women of the United States of America who honorably served their country in times of war and peace.
Plans for the memorial include a special tribute to three Medal of Honor recipients who considered St. Maries home, including Pappy Boyington, Lloyd McCarter and Vernon Baker, as well as the “Fallen Soldier.”
The Fallen Soldier monument will honor those who died in the service during a time of war and conflict. Their names will be on a special bronze plaque on a monument that will feature a bronze sculpture of a deceased serviceman’s rifle, boots and helmet. These articles are recognized as pertaining to all branches of service.
The list of those who died has been gathered from official military records, local archives, families and friends of the deceased. Great care has been taken to include those from the immediate surrounding areas as well as former area residents whose backgrounds included considerable time spent here. The Plummer American Legion Post as assisted us in gather the names on our list.
Organizers of the Benewah County Veteran’s Memorial have collected more than $14,500 toward the goal of $75,000 for the monument. The entire project will be built and paid for with private donations.
The monument is sponsored by the St. Maries American Legion Post. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to the Benewah County Treasurer at 701 College Avenue or to the Gazette Record at 610 Main Avenue, St. Maries, 83861. Checks should be made to the Legion Veteran’s Memorial.
The St. Maries Centennial Celebration begins Feb. 2, 2013. The public is invited to Mayor Tami Holdahl’s proclamation of 100 years of the city’s incorporation at the Elk’s Lodge. Cake and coffee will be served from 2 to 4 p.m.
The event will be followed by the Rotary Club’s fundraising dinner and auction. The money from the dinner will benefit the group’s band shell project planned to be built in City Park. The committee will sponsor a Father’s Day Bake Sale June 14 at City Hall.
The celebration continues with the Rotary Club’s Family Fun Day and Centennial Celebration in City Park. Members of the community will also be invited to the free barbecue to celebrate our history.
This year’s annual Labor Day Parade Sept. 2 will feature 100 years of the St. Maries, its history and its people.
Celebrate St. Maries!
Join your neighbors and district trustees, administrators and educators for the St. Maries Joint School District No. 41 Supplemental Levy Information Forum at 6PM, Monday, January 7 in the high school band room.
There will be a discussion of the district’s current financial picture, the upcoming levy election, and the need for continued support of current educational programs and future opportunities. Information will be shared, needs presented and questions answered.
For additional information be sure to contact the district office, 245-2579 or email the district superintendent, Joe Kren at jkren@sd41.k12.us
From snowmobile rides on surrounding mountain trails, to fishing and hunting across the valley, there’s a multitude of activities in St. Maries for residents and visitors alike.
Seasons don’t stop us. Snow, rain, sun or sleet, we’re always going, always planning, always entertaining.
The last year brought us jet boat races and the annual Summer Sucks Grass Drags, the St. Joe Cycle Club’s dirt bike series at Xmas Hills and the smArt Festival at Cherry Bend Boater’s Park. We had picnics and barbecues, boat rides and community gatherings.
St. Maries and its residents have a lot to look forward to in 2013 as well. The snow is falling in the high country for snowmobile enthusiasts, the jet boat races will return in May and, as always, Paul Bunyan Days will be bigger and better than ever!
We have a lot to be thankful for in 2012 and a much to look forward to 2013!
Happy New Year from St. Maries, Idaho!
Whether it’s a single string of glittering white lights lacing a roof line or a yard full of brightly lit trees and standing ornaments, several area homes are trimmed in holiday lights and brighten these longest winter nights.
Add freshly fallen snow and you’ll find glowing landscapes as lovely as any Christmas card.
Most every neighborhood, from Shepherd Road to River Pine Estates, from Cottonwood Drive to Capitol Hill, has at least one exceptional display.
Along West Jefferson Avenue, Dale and Robin Baerlocher’s home combines the old and the new, in their holiday decorations. From the old-style twinkle lights and the glistening icicles, to the new strings of LED that glow in the night, the Baerlocher’s home is a sight to behold.
In the tradition began in their first home more than 50 years ago, Jack and Lorna Botts have decorated the house, trees, fence line and much of the shrubbery in their yard in a glowing, holiday green.
Mr. Botts had considered cutting back the number of lights he hung this year, but worked until nearly every corner of their large city lot is bedecked and bedazzled.
Further west, Cromwell Drive near the Assembly of God Church is another sight you won’t want to miss as much of the street leading into the cul-de-sac is trimmed in holiday lights.
Tom and Peg Carver’s corner lot is a welcoming sight as you enter the street where homes, both north and south are decorated for the season. And don’t miss the large, air-filled Santa stands in a hot air balloon, a piece that is sure to delight sightseers of all ages.
This year’s displays and lights on west Washington Avenue in the southwest corner of town may top the ever-popular Second Street and Capitol Hill neighborhoods.
At 21st Street the short dead end street is a glimpse of a winter wonderland where the Lewis family, the Wilkersons and Gabriel Sullivan have trimmed the trees and decorated their yards.
The lights continue to the east to include a charming display at the corner of Washington Avenue and 20th Street.
Perhaps the most dazzling display in town can be seen from State 5, behind the fairgrounds near Cabin City. The lights beckon passersby to take turn around the block for a second, longer look where stands a fabulous display put together by the Sorensons at their St. Maries Avenue home.
The house is trimmed from its upper story windows and dormers to the light post at the end of their short driveway. A nativity scene is spotlighted in the yard, with every shrub, every bush set to shine. Although theirs is not a large front yard, it is a magnificent scene.
Ten miles to the north of St. Mares, it’s said that Teresa and Tim Kraack’s home at the top of Peterson Hill on Harrison Flats, becomes brighter every year as the family adds new displays and new arrangements. There’s a manger scene and Santa Claus, a few reindeer and WSU Cougar emblems. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss.
Perhaps the grandest display, and certainly the one that should be at the top of the list of must-see displays, is the one at Arlo and Michelle Slack’s Evergreen Terrace home.
At first glance the blinking, flashing colors look like another gaudy, overly commercialized cluster of holiday glitz. However, a sign instructs drivers to tune their stereos to FM 107.5.
Once done, the blinking and twinkling lights become a mesmerizing, choreographed scene of music and lights.
Set against the snow-covered yard with classic Christmas music piped in through the car stereo the dancing lights become more than just another decorated house. The scene captivates its audience with the magic and wonder of Christmas.
So warm up the car, bundle up your family and head out to enjoy some of the sights of this glorious season.
