Paul Kimmell: Friend to Whitman County

From last Thursday's Whitman County Gazette:

Avista Foundation helps library project

Nancy Lintvedt, Colfax, holds a $10,000 check to the Friends of the Whitman County Library from the Avista Foundation for the capital improvement project to make the library more ADA compatible. Paul Kimmell, right, Avista manager for the Palouse area, represented Avista. Library Director Kristie Kirkpatrick is at left. Lintvendt, who uses a walker, has written letters in support for the new library renovations that would make it possible for handicapped residents to get to all three levels of the library.

Paul Kimmell, a former Latah County Commissioner and former executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, has proven to be a real friend to Whitman County. I'm sure he had a hand in getting this check cut from Avista.

In January, Paul was present during the public hearings held by the Whitman County Commissioners on the infrastructure bond for the Hakwins project. Through his involvement with the Greater Moscow Alliance, I'm convinced Paul played a major role in getting the Moscow City Council to drop its appeals of Hawkins water rights and subsequent offer to sell water and sewer services to Hawkins.

Recently, when Whitman County solicited public comment for a new Revenue Development Area that includes the Hawkins development, Paul wrote, "...please know I wish you much success with your efforts."

Paul Kimmell defines a good neighbor, and gives me hope for continued cross-border cooperation on the Palouse.

Chalk Talk

The Moscow Chamber of Commerce announces:

Come to Moscow's first annual Oktoberfest and Chalk of the Town Competition. The fun starts September 6th, 7am with the Chalk of the Town chalk art competition. You can watch local artists create works of art out of chalk on Friendship Square in downtown Moscow. Oktoberfest will kickoff in Friendship Square at noon with sausages, beer, games and live music. The day will conclude with a community dance in the evening.

Brought to you by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce.

The last time there were chalk drawings in downtown Moscow was when "Hitler Youth" was scrawled in chalk in front of New Saint Andrews College back in August 2005. A prominent "tolerant" Moscow liberal later opined that this hate crime was a celebration of "free speech."

Here's hoping the worst thing that happens at Oktoberfest is that the beer gets warm.

Moscow Chamber Annual Meeting Today at 5:30 PM

In the new spirit of glasnost with our neighbors to the east, I am posting this annoucement from Moscow Chamber of Commerce executive director, Darrell Keim:

Moscow Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting

June 26th at the Best Western University Inn at 5:30PM. Join the Chamber and your fellow community leaders to see what is happening with the Chamber. Events include a keynote presentation by regional Time Warner representatives, announcement and installation of officers and a "State of the Chamber" address by Moscow Chamber Executive Director Darrell Keim. It has been an interesting year and the Chamber is about to kickoff some exciting activities. We hope you will come to find out more.

For more information contact the Chamber at 882-1800 or staff@moscowchamber.com