Local task force outlines sesquicentennial events, mural and funding requests from county

A local sesquicentennial task force presented a draft budget and a program outline for county commissioners, seeking county support and outside grants to cover event costs and a legacy mural.

The task force representative said, “On the income side, we are asking the county to get in 12,500. The port has contributed will contribute up to $2,500,” and described additional grant applications under consideration including a request to the Wildhorse Foundation for $30,000. The group said the mural—planned on the side of the building adjacent to the Palouse Museum and in front of the former Scott Lumber building—has a mural subcommittee working with contracted artists and property owner support.

Planned events and partners: the task force said it hopes to stage living‑history reenactments, a legacy mural unveiling and a community dinner potentially supported by the Innovia Foundation, with related programming at the depot and Palouse Park. The group said the mural funding already includes $8,000 from the task force and that local building owner Jeff Williams “was ecstatic” and agreed to allow the mural on his building.

Budget approach and fundraising: the task force said it will prioritize grants and institutional support before seeking public donations; staff said they applied for the Blue Knot Community Foundation grant cycle and were encouraged to apply for other cultural grants. The representative said banners, advertising and mailers are included in expense plans to attract out‑of‑community visitors.

Timing and deliverables: organizers want the mural completed for an October 4 unveiling and the committee said they will coordinate with the museum and alumni for archival displays and walking tours. Commissioners did not take final funding action at the meeting; staff asked about potential use of lodging‑tax or economic development funds for promotion and advertising.