(By Jamie Henneman/Chewelah Independent)

A local group of citizens who want to create a 51st state by carving away a significant portion of Eastern Washington are holding a fundraiser in Colville on Sat., Jan. 20 in an effort to get 100 “Liberty” state flags flying by the month of January.

The event is being hosted by the Stevens County Property Rights Group (SCPRG) and will begin at 3 p.m. at the Ag Trade Center at the Stevens County Fairgrounds in Colville. A live auction and dessert auction are planned in an effort to raise the $4,000 needed to make 100 flags for the proposed 51st state, which would be called “Liberty.”

The effort to have official “Liberty” flags flying in current Washington is just the first step towards awareness, according to supporters. To legally create a new state requires a majority vote of the Washington State legislature and approval by Congress, per the U.S. Constitution.

SCPRG President and 51st state committee member Renee Holiday said the creation of a 51st state is critical for rural Washingtonians who are feeling increasingly intolerable levels of government intrusion.

“The Hirst decision really pushed it over the edge,” Holiday said, referencing a recent court decision that may restrict the use of rural, domestic wells. “When you can no longer use your own water or develop your own property, that is intolerable. We kicked the British out for less.”

Holiday said other issues that concern Liberty state supporters include the Growth Management Act, Common Core standards in public schools, the state’s support of gay marriage, over-regulation by the Department of Ecology and other issues.

“Washington State government is out of control,” said Holiday. “It no longer adheres to the U.S. Constitution and it is no longer representing Eastern Washington . This is not a Republican, Democrat issue. It’s everybody.”

Holiday said according to recent polls, over 75 percent of Washingtonians support the splitting of the state in order to address the problematic policies and attitudes coming from Olympia. With other U.S. territories potentially making the move to become states, Holiday said the time is ripe for the consideration of the state of Liberty.

“It’s likely that Puerto Rico, Guam and the Mariana Islands are going to petition to become states this year, so it would be easy for us to come along side those efforts and be included as well,” she said.

Rene, who is acting in a leadership role on the 51st state committee as a county captain, said there are supporters of the Liberty state in 20 of the state’s 39 counties.

“There has never been this level of organization. It’s very encouraging,” she said.

The fundraiser event is open to the public and information regarding the state of Liberty will be available for those who have questions. There is also a website, www.libertystate.org, that has been launched in support of the effort. Holiday can also be contacted directly at 935-8377.