By BILL JENKIN

Well, the Summer is over and it's time to get back to business!  This month's column contains a few ramblings about our community.  Subjects included are the entry sign, the revival of Selah Stars, the Matson Fruit Company expansion and a little bit about the Czech Republic.
You might think that Prague and Selah have nothing in common. In fact they did for a week as this writer visited there. It was amazing what the city has done since their independence in 1989. Tourism enables this beautiful and historic city to thrive and prosper.  A four or five hour white knuckle drive down the autobahn to the east side of Berlin paints a totally different picture. The communist built block houses are still grey and uninviting. You might ask yourself; What does this have to do with Selah? Simply, if you don't grow, adapt and change, a community is destined to fail. Selah is changing.  The city has a vision to become a destination through youth sports. We have held multiple high profile tournaments and events. The North Park Lodge enables these participants and families an opportunity to stay here in Selah and visit our businesses and restaurants. The city is also exploring a modern soccer facility. An aquatic center at the Matson Fruit Company expansion location has also been suggested.
Last week I was able to sit down with Jordon Matson from Matson Fruit. Jordon's responsibility is to work with the city to rezone an 8.43-acre portion of a 14.28 total parcel to industrial use. The current zoning is commercial. This rezoned portion would then house the company's offices, a packing plant and a storage facility. Keep in mind that Matson Fruit has been doing business here in Selah for more than one hundred years. The company currently employs more than 300 workers, many of whom live here and send their children to our schools and spend their money here in town. Jordon's frustration is that a current Planning Commission staff report seems to contradict a prior finding that the rezone was suitable and acceptable. The contiguous property owners have been notified and are accepting to the rezone, according to Matson. The Planning Commission discussed this issue last week. My personal view is that Selah needs sales tax base as well as jobs. Matson indicated that this expansion may result in an additional 30 jobs per year over the next 10 years or so. The final building may not be completed for another 20 years he said. The plans include three .53 acre commercially zoned parcels to be used by potential new businesses.  The most intriguing parcel is 4.36 acres at the current round-a-bout. Matson said they have proposed to the city that it become our aquatic center. Not too bad: an aquatic center and we keep the 300 jobs here in Selah.
"I am confident a resolution can be worked out and will be here for another 100 years,” Matson said.
Have you ever had a pain that never goes away?  Well that is what the Selah entry signs feels like.  We just want to get it done in a way that makes everybody happy. That has been quite a challenge. There, of course, have been many meetings that have resulted in as many changes to the sign.  The American Legion was approached about being represented on the sign.  The groups will also include the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Selah Viking Crew and the Selah Chamber of Commerce.  The apple has been added in a prominent location.  The location of the sign has been thoroughly explored.  The Economic Development Committee will bring the current proposal to the City Council shortly.
The final bit of news is very exciting for Selah. Your Chamber of Commerce is looking into the revival of the Selah Stars event. Launee Wolverton of Yakima National Bank is assembling a committed committee to put together an elegant upscale evening to honor Selah’s citizens and businesses. The event will be held in March of 2010 at a venue that is large enough, such as the Capitol Theater. Gay Parker, the general manager who is also on the Chamber Board of Directors, has offered the facility for our event. The event will include a silent and live auction with plenty of entertainment. The matter will be taken up at this month's Chamber Board meeting.
Well, I guess that's about it for now.  Have a great month and remember to shop Selah whenever possible. See you around town!