Quincy council approves firehouse mural

Students to begin painting in May

QUINCY — Teens in Quincy have their own vision of their hometown, and the Quincy City Council Tuesday approved a plan that will allow that vision to be put on display for the whole city to see.

Juniors at Quincy's High-Tech High School had asked the council for their approval to paint a mural on the city's firehouse across from City Hall, highlighting various aspect of the community and its history. Quincy Mayor Dick Zimbelman has recently seen a slide show of potential paintings for the mural, and he told the council Tuesday that the students have several interesting ideas in mind.

"I guess they've got some real good artists in this class," Zimbelman said.

Work is expected to begin on the mural later this spring on the north and west sides of the firehouse facing City Hall.

"They're talking about putting in several things," Zimbelman said after the meeting.

Called "Through the Eyes of Quincy Youth," plans for pictures include scenes of agriculture and recreation in the area. Zimbelman said the project will likely include farm fields and apple trees. Proposals also include portraits to honor past community leaders from Quincy. Students said they plan to paint a section to represent involvement in the country's current war with Iraq.

In their proposal, students said they are planning to start painting in mid-May. The mural is part of a learning project for students to develop not only artistic skills, but math and communications skills to plan and implement the project.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council approved $320 to sponsor a Grant County flag for the county's trip to Gunpo City, South Korea, later this month. The council also approved a mutual aid agreement for emergency services with Chelan and Douglas Counties.