Science center ceremony is today

RATHDRUM - A groundbreaking ceremony for the youth STAR (Science, Technology and Research) Center will be held today at 3:30 p.m. at 7350 W. Willadsen Road, a quarter of a mile north of Rathdrum off Highway 41.

There will be food, parking, robot demonstrations and family entertainment. The public is invited.

The ceremony will feature Gov. Butch Otter, other elected officials and area school leaders.

The center will focus on offering educational opportunities to all students and research projects, addressing technical issues in agriculture, mining and energy that could lead to economic opportunities for Idaho.

The 20,000-square-foot center is expected to open in fall 2011 and cost between $2 million and $2.5 million, said Lorna Finman of the nonprofit North Idaho Discovery Association.

The building will be privately funded through NIDA, science camp and program fees and exhibit and building sponsors.