CHS senior's project a truly welcome one

Smith provided a design showing a leaping salmon under "Welcome to White Salmon" in large letters. The slogan "Where the sun meets the rain" is below that, along with the date the city of White Salmon was incorporated: June 3, 1907.

"As is mandatory by all Washington seniors, I am required to complete a culminating project," Smith explained to the council. "The project must encourage students to think analytically, allow students to explore an industry they are interested in, and offer an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a `real world' situation."

Members of the City Council voted unanimously to support Smith's proposal.

The sign will measure three feet by four feet. It will be mounted on galvanized posts and cemented into the ground.

"Students do different things with their projects, and for someone to think very outside the box and do something civic-minded -- it's pretty neat," said White Salmon Mayor David Poucher. "He's doing something for the community."

At the March 17 council meeting, Smith said he was not yet sure where the sign might go -- he said he had considered Firemen's Park; the bottom of Dock Grade Road; and on the Bingen-White Salmon hill. With possible drawbacks for all locations, he asked council members for any suggestions.

"He'd like to put it in Firemen's Park, and is talking to the Fire Department about that," Poucher said.

Late Monday afternoon, however, city officials said a location had been agreed upon.

Smith had asked for permission to place the sign at Firemen's Park, where the flag pole is at the intersection of E. Jewett Boulevard (State Route 141) and NE Grandview Boulevard.

Fire Chief Bill Hunsaker said he supports having the new sign placed at Firemen's Park.

"I told him to go ahead," Hunsaker said.

"I think it would be really nice complement to the area," added Poucher.

Hunsaker praised Smith's initiative in coming up with the idea.

"I think it's great," Hunsaker said.