072016lakelife july

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Celebrating Life at Diamond Lake and Sacheen Lake Volume 5, Issue 4

July 2016

The Heat is On Get to know your candidates | Public access questions answered

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2 Lake Life | July 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

N

Public access, politics at the Lake

o matter how hard you try there is just no getting away from politics this year and the south county commissioners’ race is one that is drawing quite a bit of interest. We have biographies of each of the candidates – Karen Skoog, Bob Eugene and Norris Boyd – along with their answers to some questions we asked.

So just where can you go swimming if you don’t have a place on one of the lakes?

Writer Sophia Aldous looked into public access at Sacheen and Diamond lakes and reported on what she found.

As usual we have the entertaining and informative Weather Babble column written

by Sacheen Lake’s Bob Lutz. South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue chief Mike Nokes wrote about how fire insurance rates should be going down in the area around Diamond Lake that has fire hydrants, welcome news for sure.

And with boating season in full swing, we have a story about the necessity of making sure your boat is clear of invasive weeds to protect the water for everybody.

And speaking of weeds, Sharon Sorby, coordinator of the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Control Board, announced an Aug. 2 Aquatic Weeds Workshop to be held at the Camas Center in Usk. The cover is a shot of sunrise on Sacheen Lake about 6 a.m.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Lake Life.

-DG

Published: July 2016 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Design: Brad Thew and Pandi Gruver Advertising: Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober and Micki Brass LAKE LIFE is published monthly in May, May, June, July and August as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156.

TELEPHONE: 509-447-2433 E-MAIL: minernews@povn.com, mineradvertising@povn.com FAX: 509-447-9222

Reproduction of articles & photographs is prohibited without permission of the Publisher.

See all issues at:

The Miner Online: www.pendoreillerivervalley.com.

If you want to receive Lake Life in your mail contact The Miner at 509-447-2433.

Miner illustration|Brad Thew

An illustration of Diamond Lake showing public access points in red.

Who can swim where?

Public access to lakes raises questions

By Sophia Aldous Of The Miner

NEWPORT – With summer in full swing, there’s nothing like a day at the lake to thoroughly take advantage of the season. Depending on which lake an individual chooses though, there’s an issue of public

access, particularly around lakes like Diamond and Sacheen, where private residences cluster together along the shore, and no signs designating public access are to be seen.

“We’re a lake rich county,” says Mike Lithgow of Pend Oreille County Community Development. “There is some confusion regarding who can

access some lakes and how they can access them.”

For example, there is a controversy over some alley ways that access the water on Bead Lake. The controversy is over who own/manages these very small strips of land. The original platting documents are not clear and no legal determination has been made,

says Lithgow.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, if a lake bed is owned by the state, by law, the public has the right to access those waterways.

There is a public access point on See Page 4 July 2016 | Lake Life 3

Dick Bockemuehl

Waterfront Specialist 509 951-4390 dickb@21waterfront.com www.parade-of-lakes.com www.21waterfront.com

Pend Oreille & Bonner County Waterfront Specialist

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Miner illustration|Brad Thew

An illustration of Sacheen Lake showing public access points in red.

From Page 3

Diamond Lake in the form of the boat launch owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) seven miles southwest of Newport, adjacent to Highway 2. It remains locked during the winter season and traditionally opens three days before the opening of fishing season the fourth Saturday in April, according to WDFW spokesperson Brian Trickel.

Recently, the Pend Oreille County Commissioners approached the WDFW, requesting to take over access to the gate, which is posted along a county road, Southshore Diamond Lake. The point of taking over operations of the gate would be to open it earlier in the season for recreation, says Pend Oreille County Public Works

Director Sam Castro.

“The reasoning is that the

We’ve had a few comments from the public pertaining to public access around Diamond Lake, and we are doing research and our due diligence to possibly acquire access to the department’s gate leading down to the water so it could be opened earlier in the season,” Mike Manus Pend Oreille County Commisioner

gate is on a county road, perhaps it would be in the best interest for recreationists if

the gate was opened earlier in the season, so that people could put their boats in the water sooner,” Castro says.

Trickel says the WDFW is not opposed to the idea of the county taking over access of the gate, but that it had more pressing projects, like establishing a boat cleaning station at that launch to help keep milfoil and other invasive species out Diamond Lake. He adds that the department does not allow swimming from the boat launch.

“We’ve had a few comments from the public pertaining to public access around Diamond Lake, and we are doing research and our due diligence to possibly acquire access to the department’s gate leading down to the See page 7

Fire hydrants bring down cost of fire insurance

By Mike Nokes, fire chief South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue

In May of this year South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue (SPOFR) was re-evaluated by the Washington Survey and Ratings Board (WSRB). They evaluate fire pro- Nokes tection capabilities of fire districts throughout the State of Washington as they relate to fire insurance ratings. The classification ratings run from a 1 to 10, with the lower numbers being the best rating for fire districts allowing for lower fire insurance premiums within that fire district.

In years past, SPOFR has been rated a class 8 for residential and some commercial properties within five road miles of any of our five fire stations. A class 8 is a very common rating for rural volunteer fire districts throughout the State of Washington. We are pleased to announce that the area with fire hydrants around Diamond Lake will be dropping to a class 7 rating for both residential and commercial properties effective Nov. 1.

Over the last few years SPOFR has been working very hard to make improvements that have helped immensely in the rating change.

SPOFR has updated worn out equipment and vehicles, along with adding one full time training officer and a part time staff member last year.

We have increased firefighting-

training opportunities while implementing a duty officer program and a Volunteer on Duty program. The duty officer program ensures we always have at least one officer in our fire district 24 hours a day, seven days a week, yearround. The Volunteer on Duty program puts two volunteers on duty during the day on weekends at one of our stations during the summer months of July, August, and September.

These programs help ensure immediate responses to emergencies.

All of these things we have been able to achieve, in con-

junction with the Diamond Lake area having fire hydrants, qualified us for the lower rating of the 7 in that area. I wish I could put a number on the potential savings you might see in your annual fire insurance premiums, but that number could and probably will vary drastically from Insurance company to company.

All I can recommend is that on Nov. 1, if you live inside the Diamond Lake area and your home or business is within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant, you should contact your Insurance

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Primary race for county commissioner NEWPORT – Three candidates are running for Pend Oreille County Commissioner, District 1, which covers the southern end of the county. Only voters within the district will vote in the

primary, where the top two vote getters will move on to the general. The entire county will vote for the position in the November primary election.

The term for a county commissioner

is four years and the salary is $53,945 annually.

Incumbent Republican Karen Skoog takes on Republican Norris Boyd and Democrat Bob Eugene.

Ballots went out in the mail last week, and must be returned to the county auditors office, postmarked by Tuesday, Aug. 2, or deliver no later than 8 p.m. that day.

Norris Boyd

Bob Eugene

Karen Skoog

Party: Prefers Republican

Party: Prefers Democratic

Party: Prefers Republican

Age: 69

Age: 67

Age: 52

Residence: Diamond Lake

Residence: Diamond Lake

Residence: Elk

Occupation: Retired U.S. Air Force, real estate, business owner

Boyd

Norris Boyd has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 46 years, and they have two grown daughters, Heather and Erin.

He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1969, was stationed at the USAF Survival School at Fairchild AFB, and completed his military career as a Captain and the Chief of the Survival School’s Instructor Training Branch.

He then managed commercial and residential real estate. He purchased a building supply company in the late 1970s, which he sold in the mid80s, then formed the Boyd/Wilson Company, managing 1,230 apartments and two shopping centers, employing 65 to 100 people. He is currently Managing General Partner, but no longer involved in the day-to-day operations.

He served on the United Way of Lancaster County for 14 years, culminating in two years as the president of the board.

Occupation: Retired, Underwriters Laboratories and City of Spokane Building Department

Eugene

Bob Eugene has been part of the Diamond Lake community for more than 60 years.

He achieved a Master in Engineering Management degree from Washington State University in 1991. He and his wife, Carol, were married in the old St. Anthony Catholic Church in Newport. Their three grown children and seven grandchildren live in western Washington.

Eugene said his career makes him uniquely qualified for the position of county commissioner. His experience reflects the complex role demanded of county commissioners. His career blended between the public and private sectors focused on health, safety and welfare of the general public for more than 38 years. During that career, he managed people, projects and budgets in the City of Spokane Building Department and integrated regulations with safety standards at UL LLC.

Occupation: co-owner Sunvek, family roofing business

Skoog

Elected office: Pend Oreille County Commissioner, elected 2012 Karen Skoog was elected as County Commissioner in 2012. She is an appointed member of the Public Lands Steering Committee with National Association of Counties and received the 2016 Property Rights Defender of the Year award from Citizens Alliance for Property Rights.

Karen lives with John, her husband of 30 years, near Elk. They are blessed that their five children live close by so they can enjoy the grandkids. They are partners in a family owned roofing company called Sunvek and enjoy their small farm, church family and community.

What is the most important challenge facing Pend Oreille County and what would you propose to do about it?

Currently, the impending loss of the paper mill and its tax revenues to the county will put a significant hole in the county’s budget. In addition, that loss would cost jobs and revenue to other local businesses that is going to be difficult

Economic vitality of the entire county is critical. Pend Oreille County lags behind the state and the nation.

I believe that the county needs to recruit more manufacturing, mercantile and service industries to supplement the traditional agriculture, forestry, tourism and mining activities. Some of the county’s current policies

If I have to choose only one challenge it would be Secure Rural Schools and how not receiving the $400,000 would affect the budget. The Secure Rural Schools program provides assistance to rural counties and school districts affected by the decline in revenue from reduced timber harvests on federal lands. The Act has expired and counties are left asking for extensions.

As a member of the Public Lands Steering Committee, I will continue to work with other western counties to press for funding options for SRS as well as search for long-term sustainable solutions. This is part of several

See page 8

See page 11

See page 7

What is the most important challenge facing Pend Oreille County and what would you propose to do about it?

6 Lake Life | July 2016

What is the most important challenge facing Pend Oreille County and what would you propose to do about it?

From Page 6

challenges relating to U.S. Forest Service public lands.

Do you support the county pursuing the return of federal lands to the state?

I support finding solutions for problems caused by changes in state funding and I want to see help for our families and neighbors affected by mental health and drug addiction issues. Counties that have adopted the 1/10 of 1 percent sales tax have found state funding has been reduced in other programs by the state Legislature.

water so it could be opened earlier in the season,” Pend Oreille County Commissioner Mike Manus says. “However, looking at developing other access points for the public on the lakes is not at the top of the list of our priorities.

That would take money to develop and there are other more crucial projects that deserve attention and resources.”

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Is man made climate change real?

Our knowledge of how this planet works, science, and technology is always evolving.

Scientific conclusion should not be philosophical. When an outcome of study is concluded and the hypothesis becomes theory it is settled till new information is obtained to change that outcome. We all lose when positions are held onto like religion. The winners are the huge industries on both side of the debate – both green and natural resource extraction – that have tax money, contributions and product sales that pad pockets. What really matters is that our “can do” American Spirit is finding innovative ways to live lightly on this planet. We all care about where we live. We breathe in the same air and expel CO2.

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PUBLIC ACCESS From Page 4

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Should the county adopt a mental health tax to support counseling services?

What are your views on climate change?

Washington state is a very small portion of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Over the years both green and the natural resource extraction industry has answered peoples’ concerns with more energy efficiency in our daily lives and innovation in many areas of production. It makes sense to conserve energy and to be efficient.

I do not support punitive taxes meant to alter human action. Many times the tax is meant to support a specific issue but gets swept to another area. Additional regulations relating to emissions in a state that is already one of the most efficient in the world could damage our competitiveness.

Rural Washington is a low impact to the climate so I keep an eye out for proposed regulations and taxes that would affect our families such as wood stove bans and taxing vehicle miles traveled.

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Washington State Association of Counties introduced a bill in the state legislature to study the pros and cons of such a transfer because Washington is a good example of state lands that are managed. National Association of Counties has supportive platform language on the transfer because of common issues of mismanaged unhealthy forests and fires as well as uncertainty of future payments.

The policy of American Lands Council, a non-profit group started by county commissioners, is to retain public ownership of public lands.

Federal public lands shall become state public lands to be managed in accordance with state and local plans. The State Enabling Act requires that 95 percent of the proceeds for public lands sold after transfer be given to the federal government. There is no incentive to privatize. Transferring public lands requires an act of Congress and a willing state.

I believe the citizens of Washington state have a vested interest and commitment to the lands where we live. Clearly, counties with federally managed public lands should support the transfer to state management for the best interest of the people and the environment.

The rules with this tax are that it must be used for new services, so we could have a reduction in funding for basic services. The county should continue to study the issue and work with the Legislature to resolve consequences.

D S

We W

SKOOG

In Bonner County there are 49 lakes with some form of public access, according to Erin Mader, spokesperson for The Lake Pend Oreille, Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake and Priest River Commission, also known as the “Lakes Commission,” based out of Sandpoint.

However, she said it was difficult to pinpoint where those access points are for many of the lakes, whether it was on state, federal, or private land.

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The commissioners need to explore every avenue to bring in new businesses and to support the expansion of existing businesses. Current efforts in economic development need to be supported and enhanced.

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Do you support the county pursuing the return of federal lands to the state? Why or why not?

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Clearly, the federal government has ignored the “equal footing doctrine” under which the Western states entered statehood by

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keeping vast areas of land under federal control. Under the “equal footing doctrine,” all new states are entitled to the same powers of state government that belonged to the original 13 states.

And those states operated under a federal policy of transferring ownership of federal lands to private and state ownership. The platform committee at the 2016 Republican National Convention has even proposed language for the Republican Platform calling on Congress to return federal lands immediately.

It is clear that federal lands are not managed to maximize their benefit to the local communities that surround them.

However, returning federal lands to state and local control, if it happens, will be a long, drawn out process. I don’t believe the

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ELEGANCE

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county, as a governmental body, should devote resources to the return of federal lands to state control, it is properly a function of the state government.

In the meantime, we need to continue to work hard to increase the priority of benefits to our local community in federal land planning.

Should the county adopt a mental health tax to support counseling services? Why or why not?

Counseling services are in high demand in Pend Oreille County and a significant benefit to the community.

However, the complex decision as to whether a new tax is required to support those services is not one that I’m in a position to make at this time.

I have not explored this question enough nor do I have enough information to make an intelligent decision.

What are your views on climate change? Is man made climate change real?

Climate change has been occurring since the earth was formed and I’m sure it will continue. There have been so many conflicting reports concerning man’s influence on the climate, some true, some false, that it’s difficult to draw an informed conclusion.

Is climate change real?

Yes. Is man the sole factor in causing climate change?

No. We should consider environmental factors in every decision, but currently I believe they are weighted too heavily.

WHO TO CONTACT Diamond Lake Water & Sewer Dist.

509-447-4660 Fax: 509-447-0180 172 South Shore Diamond Lake Road, Newport, WA 99156-9300 Operates water and sewer systems around Diamond Lake.

Commissioners (six-year term): chairman Bob Graham (2017), Secretary Richard Swan (2021), Ray King (2019) Commissioner stipend: $70 per meetingBoard meets on the first and third Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the district office.

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In addition, they can be reached by telephone after hours for emergencies.

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The district also owns and maintains the Myers/Harter Sanctuary, located near the corner of Highway 211 and Fertile Valley Road.

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WEATHER BABBLE

Understanding precipitation probabilities

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SACHEEN LAKE – So you’re sitting in your living room watching TV because the rain is coming down so hard that even the beavers are running for cover. Then you see it.

The local weather forecast, which as it turns out, is only calling for a 20 percent chance of rain.

Lutz “SAY WHAT!” you shout at the TV. (You’re probably shouting something else, which I’m sure wouldn’t be appropriate to repeat in this article). None-theless, you are a bit peeved to say the least and you’re likely calling that poor weather guru on TV a name or two as well. I know this all too well because once upon a time, I was there myself. Believe it or not, that weather guru was actually correct in the forecast to some degree.

Now, before you start calling me names, allow me to explain.

In reality, precipitation probabilities are probably the most misunderstood when it comes to the world of weather terminology and for good reason. This is in part due to the complexity of forecasting for multiple areas, for multiple time periods, using multiple possibilities (or scenarios) for any given weather phenomenon. Now, before I confuse you to the point of wanting to kick the cat, allow me to break this down.

When a storm or disturbance moves in off the Pacific, there are multiple computers taking a stab as to where the storm will track, and what affects it will have. Many times, those computer models are in total disagreement with one another, sort of like bickering siblings. To compensate for that, forecasters also look at climatological information (historical data) to see if there are any similarities to past storms. In many instances, there are indeed similarities.

The next step to consider is terrain, which results in microclimates. As luck would have it, Pend Oreille County is just loaded with them. In fact, some are so active, that I have affectionately named them the “funnels of the earth.” When it comes to thunderstorms, one of those “funnels” is typically down the Highway 2 corridor toward Diamond Lake, Newport, and finally toward Priest Lake in North Idaho. Another funnel exists around Cusick, and then further north toward Ione.

Of particular interest is the northern quarter

of Pend Oreille County, which seems to pick up measurable precipitation no matter what, even with the smallest of disturbances. This is especially true around the Sullivan Lake area.

In any event, once all these factors are determined, forecasters will then begin the arduous task of developing precipitation probabilities.

This complex formula first tackles the confidence levels that precipitation will actually occur in at least parts of the forecast area. The next step is to determine the areal coverage of that precipitation. A simple example would be that if there is a 40 percent chance of precipitation, then in most cases, that means that there is a 40 percent chance of precipitation at any given point within the forecast area. Of course, if that precipitation is occurring at your house, then you are obviously within the 40 percent coverage. Again, some areas see precipitation no matter what the percentage, which is mostly the result of local terrain.

One tip that I have picked up over the years is that if you see the National Weather Service lowering the precipitation probabilities over time, then there is a good chance that we likely won’t see much precipitation at all. The prime reason why we see a lowering of the probabilities is because something in the weather pattern has changed. Rather than totally taking out the precipitation chances all at once, the weather service just lowers them gradually just in case of another sudden change in the pattern.

In summary, there are many different variables, at multiple elevations to consider when developing precipitation likelihoods. As such, forecasting them is not, and will never be an exact science. Having said that though, the National Weather Service is continuously working to upgrade computer model software in order to deal with the enormous amounts of atmospheric data that pours in on an hourly basis from a variety of sources.

So, the next time you’re calling that poor weather guru a useless human, remember the complexity of Mother Nature and maybe, just maybe you can cut that weather guesser a little slack.

In my next issue of Weather Babble, this weather guesser will let you know what I think the upcoming winter will bring to us here in the great “white” north ... Oops, I think I just divulged a clue!

Boaters reminded to clean, drain, dry boats to stop invasive species OLYMPIA – As summer weather heats up in Washington and boaters prepare for more adventures on the water, the Washington Invasive Species Council would like you to remember: Clean.

Drain. Dry. Invasive species are nonnative animals, plants, microorganisms and pathogens that can out-compete or prey on Washington’s existing wildlife, harming the environment, human health and businesses.

They come to Washington

on car tires, on boat hulls and motors, on hikers’ boots, by wind and sea and many other ways.

Some of the worst live in the water.

“There are many ways that we accidentally introduce and move invasive species from one waterway to another,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington State Invasive Species Council.

“The best way to prevent introductions is to remember the mantra ‘Clean-Drain-

Dry.’ “Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is serious business,” Bush said.

Researchers estimate that invasive zebra and quagga mussels alone cost the power industry more than $3 billion, and industries, businesses and communities more than $5 billion nationwide over six years.

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tend to discourage development of diversified economic drivers.

I intend to ask the department heads to identify policies and procedures that create impediments to economic growth and replace them with good management practices.

otherwise appropriated within the enabling act. I believe that pursuit of acquisition of federal lands by the state is not in the best interest of the tax-paying residents of the state. The state is already struggling with funding basic services without taking on additional unfunded mandates.

Do you support the county pursuing the return of federal lands to the state? Why or why not?

Should the county adopt a mental health tax to support counseling services? Why or why not?

The term “return” is a misnomer. The term should be “acquisition” of federal lands.

In the enabling act, which created our statehood, federal government retained ownership and control of the federal lands within the boundaries of the states, which were not

Counseling services are critical to many segments of our local population including veterans, uninsured, unemployed and addicted individuals, among others. Failure to fund these services will likely increase costs of other services such as public safety. I believe

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in exploring multiple reliable funding sources for the services before adding another unreliable regressive tax.

What are your views on climate change? Is man made climate change real?

My understanding of climate change is that there are multiple contributing factors, ranging from natural to those impacted by policy decisions. Potential impacts due to climate change will guide policy decisions on the local level to respond to the related challenges. Most important is assuring an adequate and reliable supply of water to support our current and future needs, ranging from timber, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, recreation, health, safety and other services.

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EUGENE From Page 6

Caring for Family and Friends

LATEX PAINT

HOW TO DISPOSE OF LATEX PAINT

At home, remove paint can lid and place can in a warm spot to dry out, OR add a claybased kitty litter, sawdust or soil to the LATEX paint. Stir daily to break the “skin” and allow the rest to dry out.

When the LATEX paint is DRY or in a semi-solid state, dispose of LATEX paint can (keep the lids off) with your regular garbage.

Pend Oreille Public Works Department at (509) 671-6147. bgillespie@pendoreille.org

Friendly, Professional and #1 300 S. Washington • Newport Licensed in Washington & Idaho (509) 447-2421 • (800) 788-3084 www.cbnorth.com July 2016 | Lake Life 11

Take the home water test.

Y

N

Rusty-Red stains on sinks, lavatories, etc.

Blue-Green stains on sinks, lavatories, etc.

Soap crud ring on bathtubs, showers Rotten egg odor Soaps lose suds quickly Chrome fittings etched or being eaten away Rusty stains on clothing, linens, etc.

Excessive spotting of dishes and silverware Black stains on silverware Tastes and/or odors in drinking water

If you answered “YES” to one or more of these questions, call “The Water Professionals” at Fogle Pump & Supply!

We’re the water problem solvers!

WHO TO CONTACT CONT. way 211, on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.

South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue Serving south Pend Oreille County including Diamond Lake, Sacheen Lake, Deer Valley, Camden and Fertile Valley areas Chief: Mike Nokes 509-4475305 Annual salary: $62,930 Commissioners: Gary Wilkey 509-447-0744, Randy Miller 509-292-8065, Galen Hansen 509-292-9458, Karen Johnston 509-939-7714, Harry England 509-936-0524 Commissioner stipend: $100 per meeting Commissioners meet the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake Station.

Diamond Lake Station is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Mail: 325272 Hwy. 2, Newport WA Website: www.spofr.org

County Offices Website: pendoreilleco.org Pend Oreille County offices are located at the following locations, all in Newport: • County Courthouse, 625 W. Fourth St. - Assessor, Auditor, Commissioners, Human Resources, Public Works, Community Development, Treasurer. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

• Courthouse Annex, 418 S. Scott Ave. - Weed Board • Sheriff’s Office, 331 S. Garden Ave. - Sheriff’s Offices, County Jail and 911 Dispatching.

See Page 15 12 Lake Life | July 2016

INVASIVE SPECIES From Page 11

cies and violators can face a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. To avoid fines, potential jail time, and harming Washington’s waters, follow the “Clean-Drain-Dry” methodology.

Clean: When leaving the water, clean all equipment that touched the water by removing all visible plants, algae, animals and mud.

This includes watercraft hulls, trailers, shoes, waders, life vests, engines and other gear.

Drain: Drain any accumulated water from watercraft or gear, including live wells and transom wells, before leaving the access point to the water.

Dry: Once you get home, let all gear fully dry before using it in a different water body.

If transporting watercraft from outside of Washington State, the “CleanDrain-Dry” method may not sufficiently remove some invasive species.

In this case, the council recommends that you call the state’s aquatic invasive species hotline 1-888-WDFW-AIS managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Be prepared to provide the state and water body where your watercraft was used and whether you decontaminated your watercraft before you left that state.

In certain conditions, the state will require a free intensive decontamination upon entry into Washington.

“Many of the worst aquatic invasive species are not yet found in Washington and your vigilance

will keep it that way,” Bush said. “’Clean-Drain-Dry’ will not only eliminate invasive animal species, but prevent introduction and

It is illegal to transport or spread aquatic invasive species and violators can face a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. movement of invasive diseases, plants and insects.

Finally, remember a second mantra: “Don’t Let it Loose.”

Dumping bait can introduce some invasive species to waterways.

Dispose of all unused bait in a trash can instead of dumping it back into the water or on the shore.

“Your diligence will protect Washington’s water

resources from invasive species and ensure that future Washingtonians can experience the same water activities that you enjoy,” Bush said.

If you suspect you have an invasive plant, fish, mollusk or crustacean, report it to the Washington Invasive Species Council using the online form or the WA Invasives smartphone app, available at www.invasivespecies. wa.gov/report.shtml.

The Invasive Species Council, established by the Legislature in 2006, provides policy level direction, planning, and coordination to combat and prevent harmful invasive species throughout the state.

To learn more about how you can prevent the spread of damaging invasive species, visit the council’s website at www.wise.wa.gov/.

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July 2016 | Lake Life 13

Aquatic weeds workshop set for Aug. 2 Paid for by the Committee to Elect Karen Skoog, Cecily Wright Treasurer

Pend Oreille County

Public Utility District “Quality Service at Low Cost”

www.popud.org

509-447-3137

509-242-3137

Your Community Lender Cheryl M. Lipp Loan Officer 509 684-6885 509 680-1597 309 South Main St.,

USK – The Pend Oreille River Aquatic Weeds Workshop – for all herbicide applicators, waterfront property owners, users and interested citizens – will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kalispel Tribe’s Camas Center for Community Wellness, located just outside Usk. The purpose of the workshop is to share information and learn more about native aquatic plants versus noxious aquatic weeds, permitting and management options for the landowner, says Sharon Sorby, coordinator of the Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Control Board. There will be tool demonstrations and “hands on” exhibits as well.

“We recently received a state grant for our approach to managing and surveying noxious aquatic species threats on

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14 Lake Life | July 2016

Newport 509-447-0418

IntoThe Garden UpToThe Lake Oldtown 208-290-3867

Colville

email: cheryl.lipp@academy.cc

our river, especially flowering rush,” Sorby said. “We will now resurvey the river to learn how and where the invasive species are advancing so we can adjust our efforts.”

Other agencies involved include Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Natural Resources, who both provided the grant, Pend Oreille PUD, Seattle City Light, Idaho and Washington States’ Departments of Agriculture and the Kalispel Tribal Extension WSU. “This approach builds our community partnerships to address critical issues that adversely affect the Pend Oreille River today and into the future,” she said. “We hope to partner with all residents and contractors in understanding the challenges and responsibili-

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Newport 509-671-1758

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Newport 509-447-4300

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Priest River 208-448-3202

Collectables

ties we face to ensure a quality river ecosystem today and for generations to come.”

The workshop is free and complimentary beverages and snacks will be provided.

A detailed meeting agenda is available at: www.pendoreilleco.org/your-government/ noxious-weed-department/ or www.popud.org. For more info contact Sharon Sorby, Loretta Nichols or Lisa Alkire at 509447-2402 or e-mail noxweedinfo@pendoreille.org.

NOKES From Page 5

agent and let them know of the classification change. Have them quote you a new policy to check if you will see a savings.

Also it never hurts to shop around. You could be missing out on a lot of savings.

We plan on continuing our growth as a fire district and we always strive to be the best we can. Our next evaluation will occur in about 3 to 5 years, and we plan to work hard to bring down our class rating even more throughout the entire fire district. For those wondering how that’s going to happen, well it all starts with you. We cannot hope to continue to lower our class rating without more volunteer members. We do not have the funds to add more full time staff, so we must recruit at least another five firefighters per fire station. Meaning we need to add another 25 firefighters to our roster.

If you have any questions or if you or anybody you know would be interested in serving your community as a member of the volunteer fire district, please contact me at 447-5305, or on-line at www.spofr.org.

WHO TO CONTACT CONT. • McNally Hall of Justice, 229 S. Garden Ave. - Superior Court, Clerk’s Office, District Courtrooms and Office, County Prosecutors and Juvenile Department. Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Counseling Services, 105 S. Garden Ave. - Mental Health, Chemical Dependency Services and Prevention • Information Technology and Emergency Management, 101 S. Garden Ave • WSU Extension – 227 Garden Ave.

Commissioners 509-447-4119 District 1: Vice Chairwoman Karen Skoog (2016) District 2: Chairman Mike Manus (2018) District 3: Member Steve Kiss (2016) Four-year terms Annual salary: $53,945.28 Serves as chief legislative and executive body in county, including, but not limited to: approve taxes, adopt a balanced budget, operating budgets under control of appointed department heads; oversee public roads and works, counseling, planning of unincorporated areas, and other services which are not clearly the responsibility of another elected official; appoint citizens to commissions and boards; represent the county locally, regionally and statewide on various boards such as public health and economic development.

P.O. Box 5025, Newport, WA 99156 Board meets every Monday and Tuesday at 9 a.m. in commissioners’ office, main floor of the courthouse.

Clerk of the Board: Rhonda See Page 16 July 2016 | Lake Life 15

WHO TO CONTACT CONT.

Want Waterfront?

Shannon M. Sheckler, ABR, GRI, SRES

Waterfront & Horse Property Specialist

(509)885-3333 (Text/Call) Email: WantWaterfront@aol.com

ED T S I L

Diamond Lake Primary Waterfront, 2,500 sq ft, 50 FT, 5 Beds, 2 Baths, Grass to waters edge, P Primary Waterfront, Gourmet Kitchen, Large master suite. Will sell fast,

JUST

Diamond Lake Primary Waterfront: 50FT FLAT LOT, Sandy Beach, 3 rooms, 2 baths, updated boathouse/ bunk house & storage galore.

Hurry, was just REDUCED to

$319,999

50FT, 3Beds, 2Baths, Large home w/ Walk out Basement, Dock, PRIVACY $279,000

$385,000

JUST

D E T S LI

Cary Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Is Now

D E T S LI

DIAMOND LAKE Vacant Primary Waterfront Lot, 50 FT FLAT lot, Sunset Views, Ready to build on.

Dock, Building plans in DIAMOND LAKE Vacant place. 1161 Southshore, $269,000 Primary Waterfront Lot, 40 FT FLAT lot, Grass to waters edge, Read to build on. 81 Terrace,

JUST

ED T S I TL

$210,000

JUS

Best deal on the lake: This large 3,000 sq ft yearDiamond Lake Primary Waterfront: 40 FT, Private & Serene Setting, 2 Beds, round PRIMARY Diamond Lake home offers a 2 lofts, 2.5 Baths. 7 Yrs rental history. Fully furnished with a full price offer. very open floor plan on a 50 FT flat lot & main $395,000 floor utilities. 3 Beds, 2 Dens, 2 Baths, Private Boat Dock, Walk out basement, sunset views & Sellers loss, your gain! This NEW Diamond Lake home offers a gourmet more $380,000 Now $370,000 kitchen & open floor plan. Enjoy a great 75 FT sandy beach, large 2+ car garage & plenty of room for expansion. Extra 420 sq ft for future expansion Now 0!

0

$416,000 $399, 0

PRIMARY Pend Oreille River WATERFRONTS

N

DI L O S

Rivers Ed Edge d offers ff 11 gorgeous acres, 745 Ft waterfront & privacy!!! NEW home, NEW guest quarters, NEW 40x60 shop, 8 bed septic. 4 beds/3 baths, Southern exposure. 671 Bear Paw Dr

SOLD

Y A D 1

Remodeled so everything is NEW-NEWNEW! Primary Diamond Lake home on a VERY PRIVATE & FLAT 50 ft lot, T&G pine, furnished & ready for summer!

$329,000

4.4 Acre PRIMARY waterfront lot, 125 FT, Newport…..$149,000

ND A D CE DAY U D RE IN 1 D SOL

Looking for a great large WATERFRONT home? 4 beds, 3 baths, gorgeous tiled showers, boat dock, sunset views, 85 FT. 5453 Le Clerc S, Newport HURRY: Was $449,000, now $399,000!

$625,000

Want your property SOLD? Call Shannon Sheckler

SOLD

IN 1 D AY

SOL

AYS D 5 D IN

SOLD

IN 8 D AYS

See these listings & other WATERFRONT properties at:

www.WANT-WATERFRONT.com

16 Lake Life | July 2016

Pend Oreille Conservation District 509-447-1155 Website: www.POCD.org 121 N. Washington Ave., Newport, WA 99156, in the back of the building Director: David Marcell Board of Supervisors: George Stuivenga, Michele Mausen, Randall Leestma, John W. Floyd, Mike Mumford Board meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. during the winter months of October through March, and at 5 p.m. during the summer months of April through September.

Pend Oreille County Noxious Weed Control Board 509-447-2402 Fax: 509-447-6477 Charged with ensuring the control of noxious weeds in the county. The weed board office has moved and is located at 227 S. Garden Avenue, Newport and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is closed Tuesday and Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday.

Mail: P.O. Box 5085, Newport WA 99156 Board: Warren Koontz, Wes Bailey, David Hoisington, Joe Sherman, Brad Berg The board meets every even month on the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the weed board office.

Weed coordinator: Sharon Sorby Email: ssorby@pendoreille. org