POST FALLS - For Butch Andrews, it's Love's or leave.

Andrews, who has been looking for work locally for two years, is among those seeking one of about 80 jobs being offered by Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores.

The company, which plans to open its plaza on the west side of Post Falls at the Pleasant View interchange on Sept. 8, is holding a job fair at the Idaho Department of Labor in Post Falls.

"If this doesn't pan out, I'm outta here," said Andrews, who has experience in plumbing and construction and is hoping for a maintenance job. "It's my last hope before packing up and leaving because there's nothing out there."

The plaza, one of the few major projects being built in Kootenai County, will offer about 45 positions at the Carl's Jr. fast-food restaurant, 25 at the Love's store and six or seven at the commercial tire care center.

Many of the positions are part time with the potential of turning into full time. The advertised pay for most of the jobs range from $7.25 to $8.65 per hour depending on experience. All shifts are available. The management team has been hired, but shift leaders are being sought in all three parts of the plaza.

Positions include cashiers, cooks, maintenance and tire technicians.

The job fair continues today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at IDOL and during the same times and place Aug. 18-19.

"We hope it will be a boost for the local economy," said Alan Merha, Love's manager.

About 50 people attended the first half of the fair on Monday, a decent turnout considering an ad erroneously stated that the interviewing was being held at IDOL's Idaho Falls office, not Post Falls.

"With the economy being the way it is, I think we'll get there (on hiring)," said Mike Anderson, who will manage the Carl's Jr.

Those interested in applying for a job are encouraged to fill out an application at www.loves.com first, then attend the job fair. However, applications are also available at the job fair. Interviews are being conducted at the job fair.

"It offers some hope for people wanting a job," Andrews said. "I could leave, but I'd like to stay because I have family in Idaho."

The job fair for Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores continues today and Aug. 18-19 at the Idaho Department of Labor office in Post Falls from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested in applying are encouraged to do so first at loves.com before coming to the fair. However, applications are also available at the fair.