Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Tom Short and Darlene Wise cut the cake during the dedication ceremony of the Tekoa Trestle.
Dignitaries cut the ribbon Sunday, June 5, officially marking the reopening of the historic Tekoa Trestle.
TEKOA - Nearly 50 people turned out Sunday morning, June 5, for the reopening of the historic Tekoa Trestle.
The John Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association crossed the span in the pouring rain and were greeted by Washington State Parks officials.
The heavy rain prompted officials to plan a quick ribbon cutting, with association President Tom Short cutting the ribbon, followed by ceremonial cuttings by parks staff.
As the rain picked up, the dedication ceremony moved to the Tekoa Community Center, where two cakes and hot coffee awaited those attending the celebration of the reopening of the trestle as part of the John Wayne Trail, also known as Palouse to Cascades Trail State Park.
The trail crosses Eastern Washington from the Idaho state line to Snoqualmie Pass.
Pete Martin has long advocated for the trestle restoration, and was instrumental in securing funding and support for the project.
Martin thanked the John Wayne Riders, state officials and Short for making it a reality.
"This is the John Wayners 41st year; they kept the dream alive," he said.
"Being the first people through was pretty cool," Short said.
Martin recognized several people for their commitment to the project.
"It took a lot of teamwork," he said, noting Washington State Parks was represented by Scott Griffith and commission Chairman Mark Brown, among others.
Following several short speeches and presentations, event-goers were treated to cake depicting the trestle, Tekoa and John Wayne.
The cake was baked by Darlene Wise of Tekoa.
"This isn't a cake, it's a work of art," Short said while cutting the cake with Wise.
Roger Harnack is the co-owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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