It’s time to update the track for many good reasons

On the November ballot there will be a levy to vote on for the Ritzville School District. The money raised, which will take two years to complete, will help to finalize a dream that the members of the Class of 1956 started at their fiftieth class reunion. That dream is to have an all-weather paved track at Jimmie Snider Field.

There was a lot of hope that the project could be completed through donations. There were many fine folks donated wheat, memorials and/or purchased meters. Members of the track team raised funds by sponsorships from track meets. A great deal of money was raised.

Project 56 has held fundraisers, a golf tournament and the group has collectively volunteered nearly 14,000 hours to make this happen. It hasn’t been easy but it will be worthwhile.

Some of the early money was spent on an incredible renovation of the tennis courts with help from grants from the US Tennis Association. People who donated early wanted to see some progress and the tennis court was in dire need and results could be accomplished quickly. There was a hope that with the tennis court overhaul there might also be an influx of donations.

The recession caused many to hold off on donating. Higher oil prices meant higher costs for the project. The longer we wait the more money we need to get through donations.

Project 56 has applied for close to a dozen grants but has been turned down for unknown reasons. Yet we keep trying. Project 56 is adding $139,000 of donated funds and we’re still raising money for the project.

To complete this project in a timely manner we are asking for you to vote yes on the Ritzville School levy on your November ballot. This will allow our high school track team to have track meets at home, which will also help local businesses. We can also keep our busses from traveling to other communities every week in the spring. It’s time and I hope you support our students and our community.

Dale Anderson, Vice-President, Project 56