INCHELIUM – Telephone service for Inchelium and surrounding communities moved nearer reality yesterday through efforts of the Inchelium-Kewa community planning committee under the rural resources development program.
Five pay phones, three at Twin Lakes, one at Inchelium, and one at Kewa, and seven private phones have been the only means of communications for eight small communities in which 80 families have said they want to have service. Carl V. Putnam, Ferry County Commissioner who lives south of Inchelium, said these 12 phones give service only 50 percent of the time and that, "we communicate by smoke signal, moccasin trail and by instinct."
More than 40 from the Inchelium-Kewa group of the Ferry county planning committee met yesterday with Maurice Kay, Republic, manager of the public utility district in the chair, to hear the report of six months survey of telephone needs in the community. The findings, approved by 90 percent of those present, were given by J.P. Fogerty, Davenport, district manager, General Telephone company.
The area was set up into eight zones with charges computed on a basis of 10 subscribers on a line, explained Fogerty. From the Hunters exchange, there are two underwater circuits. With a potential of 80 families and about 80 miles of line to construct, costs were figured on installation charges, based on 10 families to a line, Fogerty said.
If enough interest is shown Fogerty said engineering for new lines would begin in the early spring.
A water system for Inchelium, presently getting along with unsatisfactory individual systems, is next on the agenda.
It was reported an Inchelium water district has already been formed with Jim Hamilton, George Leader and Russel White as officials. Kay said the PUD commissioners have gone on record to give assistance to the water district. A meeting will be called soon.
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