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Fewer curves on the horizon for Mann Creek
Dec. 19 ceremony breaks ground on U.S. 95 project

U.S. Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter and others broke ground on the U.S. 95-Mann Creek Curves project Friday, Dec. 19 in front of the Mann Creek Store.
Left to right: State Representative Clete Edmunson, U.S. Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter, State Senator Monty Pearce, ITD Director Dave Ekern, Transportation Board Chairman Charles L. Winder, Mann Creek historian Ross Tarter, Transportation Board member Monte McClure, Steelman-Duff Inc. President Hyrum Cox, Washington County Commission Chairperson Diana Thomas, District 3 Engineer Pamela Lowe.


The project will reconstruct and realign 5.5 miles of U.S. 95 north of Weiser. The curves will be straightened while adding shoulder width to the highway and a wider bridge will be constructed over Mann Creek. Steelman-Duff, Inc. of Clarkston, Wash. is the contractor on the $5.5 million project, estimated to be complete by the end of 2004.

 
Transportation Board Chariman Charles L. Winder introduces ITD Director Dave Ekern as District 3 Engineer Pamela Lowe (left) and U.S. Congressman C.L. “Butch” Otter look on.
Two young fiddle players, accompanied by guitar, from the National Old Time Fiddlers’ Association in Weiser provided the tunes on the uncharacteristically clear day.


   
Everyone who attended the event was treated to
all the chili and cornbread they could eat, thanks to
weeks of hard work and preparation by the
Mann Creek Store staff.
After the ceremony the large crowd piled into the Mann Creek Store where owner Brenda Edwards and the gals dished up chili, cornbread, and fresh baked cookies. Butch Otter (above, left) discussed politics with the Washington County residents.