Former councilman Bob Olson was appointed arts commissioner of Buckley by Mayor Pat Johnson at a recent regularly-scheduled city council meeting.

Olson’s responsibilities will include making recommendations to the mayor and city council in connection with cultural and artistic endeavors involving the city; reviewing the suitability of art intended as gifts to the city; and encouraging donations, grants and other support to expand the arts within the community.

Olson wasted no time discerning his first order of business as arts commissioner, stating that he had an idea whose time had come in Buckley.

The project entails trying to generate community support for raising a colossal memorial log, to be placed in the city park, with the names of Buckley soldiers who have served and given their lives for their country.

Olson was encouraged by early contributions in the form of donations by the Buckley Masons Western Star Lodge No. 61 ($250) and Buckley Eagles Aerie No. 1387 ($500).

“Several volunteers have stepped forward with their money and talents to get this thing done,” Olson said. “For example, Gene Rawson has pledged to have his crew looking out for a good-sized cedar log, so that proceedings can commence. We just need to keep up the good work on this worthwhile endeavor.”

Those wishing to donate to the project can mail a check to Buckley City Hall, c/o Buckley Art/Memorial Log, P.O. Box 1960, Buckley, 98321.

For answers to any other questions concerning the memorial, Olson can be contacted at 360-829-5475.

John Leggett can be reached at jleggett@courierherald.com or 360-802-8207.