April Lake Life 2016

Presorted Standard | US Postage Paid Newport, WA | Permit No. 18 | ECRWWS

Celebrating Life at Diamond Lake and Sacheen Lake Volume 5, Issue 1

April 2016

New Deli

Two markets open at Diamond Lake

Sacheen Sewer Online

Seasonal Weather Forcast

Fishing Season Opener

EDITOR’S NOTE

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t’s a good day when you realize you’re too warm for the first time in months. The calendar still says April but it feels more like June out there. And life is about to get a whole lot better on the lake. Water skiing, fishing, barbecuing, sitting on the dock – those pastimes that are common during the summer months are sorely missed during fall and winter.

The Miner staff is back with Lake Life. This seasonal publication covers Diamond and Sacheen lakes for the months of April, May, June, July and August. This is a free publication highlighting life on the lake – both the hard news and the recreation, with an occasional cocktail recipe thrown in.

We’d love to hear from our readers. If you take a photo, catch a big fish or create a delicious new dish, we want it. Call us at 509-447-2433 or email us at minernews@povn.com.

This publication is mailed to every household on both lakes. If you would like us to mail it to you, give us a call and we’ll make it happen.

Welcome to Lake Life.

-MCN

Published: April 2016 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Design: Pandi Gruver and Brad Thew Advertising: Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober and Micki Brass

Serving all of the Tri County Area! * Ants * Spiders * Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps, Flies * Termites * Mice and Rats * And other creepy crawlers

(509) 684-3834 2 Lake Life | April 2016

LAKE LIFE is published monthly in April, 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.

Sacheen sewer working, more expensive than anticipated

By Don Gronning Of The Miner

SACHEEN LAKE – It has taken more than six years but the Sacheen Lake sewer system is virtually completed.

It has been a trying process, with a lawsuit, unexpected costs and an effort to disincorporate the district, along with neighbor dissention.

But the system is now built and dozens of old septic systems have been taken offline with most of the sewage for Sacheen Lake ending up in one of three lagoons located off Rocky Gorge Road.

Property owners started paying the $123.41 monthly fee in January. That’s for a full hookup. The cost of the $15 million system has grown quite a bit from the earlier estimates in the $7-8 million range.

There have been a number of reasons for the cost increase, not the least of which was a $1.5 million fix required after workers punched into the water table at the lagoon site.

Sacheen Lake Sewer District commissioner Perry Pearman said the district initially wanted to have one grinder pump serve several households, but that wasn’t feasible.

“It was too problematic as to who pays for the electricity,” he said.

Pearman said initial estimates were made when the economy was down and contractors were willing to work for less. After the court case, that window had passed, he said, and prices had risen.

The project isn’t quite finished yet, says district manager Sheila Pearman.

Lake Life photo|Don Gronning

This is the 800-square-foot headworks building. Sewage goes through the headworks system first to remove plastics and other non-organic matter before it goes to the lagoon.

Contractors Northwest, the contractors who built the lagoon site, is changing out some pumps that had been installed with the wrong motors.

When the project is complete, the sewer district will start billing customers about $500 annually for the cost of the system, Pearman says.

That will go on for 20 years, she said and will be in addition to the monthly cost.

The sewer district attempted to get $2.5 million in relief from the state Legislature. Citizens wrote letters and county commissioners wrote a letter supporting the request.

The Legislature did not

provide the additional funding. Pearman said the district would renew the request next year. It is based on the fact that the waters belong to the state, she said.

The project has received some state funding. The state Department of Ecology has provided a $7.2 million zero interest loan, and a $5 million grant. The district borrowed $2.72 million from the state Public Works Trust Fund at 2 percent interest. She said $1.1 million of the Public Works Trust Fund money was used for preconstruction work, including the additional engineering and site supervision and inspection for the under

drain work associated with punching into the water table at the lagoon site.

Perry Pearman said the district probably didn’t have to spend the $1.5 million to repair the watertable problem.

Ecology didn’t require it but they did recommend it. Pearman said it was far cheaper to deal with it at the early stage than later.

Shelia Pearman says the district will have enough to pay for the system if everyone pays their sewer bills and assessments.

Now that the system is functioning, the district has a full time wastewater treatment operator. Nathan Johnson,

26, started full time work for the sewer district in January.

His salary is $14 an hour or $29,000 annually.

He is familiar with the project, having installed most of the grinder pumps that are at people’s homes. He has worked for a family business, S&L Underground, one of the contractors for 10 years, he says.

“I started as a cleanup guy when I was 16,” he says.

Johnson also received some training from the Diamond Lake Sewer District wastewater treatment operator.

Johnson says as soon as See Sewer, Page 4 April 2016 | Lake Life 3

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the new pump motors are replaced, the system will be 100 percent finished. He says he will be available to help, so people can call him at 509844-8802.

The controversial process of putting the sewer in has taken its toll. When Gary Garrett’s term as sewer district commissioner expired last year, he didn’t run again. The position has been vacant since January, leaving the decisions to sewer district commissioners Perry Pearman and Peggy Johnsen.

Sheila Pearman says it has been difficult to find someone to fill the vacancy.

The whole sewer process has been contentious. In 2010 sewer district commissioners voted to establish a Local Improvement District.

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LIDs are formed by the commissioners voting to do so. If people don’t want to have an LID, landowners representing 40 percent of the LID area needed to formally object.

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withstood the many challenges, but they were wrong.

The formation of the LID was successfully challenged in court by a group opposed to building what they said was an unnecessarily expensive system.

The judge ruled that the district had improperly included some public property in the LID area.

Since the only way to overturn the LID without going to court was if owners of 40 percent of the property in the LID formally objected, including the public property in the LID unfairly raised the bar for the objectors, the judge ruled.

So district commissioners went back and formed another, smaller LID. Opponents then petitioned to dissolve the district, which was voted on in 2011, with the disincorporation defeated.

Now the sewer system is nearly built, with 310 lots with full hook ups, two commercial lots and some stubs.

The lake will no doubt be better for it, with several leaking septic homemade systems taken offline.

But the cost has been dear both in money and relationships.

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Bushels’ team in the kitchen (left to right): Katy Eash, Samy Baxter and Teresa Schwartz.

Bushels finds new home at Diamond Lake Store and bakery looks to expansion

By Sophia Aldous

DIAMOND LAKE – The Diamond Lake business community is growing with the addition of Bushels and the Diamond Lake Deli and More (see separate story on deli in Lake Life).

After almost seven years of keeping shop in Newport, Bushels, which is renowned for its hearty sandwiches and fresh-baked goods, has moved to 2445 Green Rd., just off of Hwy. 2 in

Courtesy photo|Katy Eash

Baked on site, scones, rolls, and an assortment of breads line the shelves.

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tDiamond Lake. The business opened the doors of its new home just over two weeks ago.

Housed in a former pub and restaurant on a three-quarter-acre lot, Bushels’ owner Jeremy Byler, 31, says the motivation behind the move was to be able to own the building and property his business is on and to have room to expand.

The original plan was for Bushels to move in late fall of 2015, but the business had to acquire proper building permits from the county first.

“Our former location was fine, and we did look at places in Newport, but there just wasn’t what we wanted to grow the business,” says Byler.

“Right now, we’re going to keep doing what we were doing in Newport, but we definitely are going to grow down the road.”

Besides sandwiches made with thick cut deli meats and cheeses, Bushels also specializes in cinnamon rolls, scones, a variety of breads and rolls (including gluten-free), bulk foods, locally made and organic skin care, and gift items. There is also a grocery selection of milk, butter and fresh farm eggs and Christian based literature, due in part to Byler’s Mennonite faith.

“We have a great selection of groceries and hard to find items that you won’t see in a conSee Bushels, Page 6 April 2016 | Lake Life 5

Fishing not allowed on dock

Horizon photo|Don Gronning

Saturday at the Circle Moon Theater

It looks like the last performance of “Flapper,” Saturday, April 23, was well attended, if the parking lot is any indication. The Circle Moon Theater, located off Highway 211 near Sacheen Lake, is home to Northwoods Performing Arts. Northwoods Spring Choral, “The Good Times -Then and Now” is the next scheduled production, with dinner theater performances set for June. For more information, check out the website at http://www.northwoodsperformingarts.com/.

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DIAMOND LAKE – While people do it all the time, fishing from the dock at the boat launch at Diamond Lake is not allowed for safety reasons.

“The dock is posted no fishing,” says Charlie Schaeffer, who teaches boating safety classes. He says the dock is for putting boats in and out of the water. It isn’t a safe place to fish, as a person could fall in the water near a spinning boat propeller. “Last year we had a couple near misses,” he said. In addition to not being safe, it can be costly to fish where it is not allowed.

“People could receive a fine,” says wildlife officer Severin Erickson.

BUSHELS From Page 5

ventional grocery store,” says Byler. “We have locally made skin care products from Priest River, milk from a dairy in Spokane, locally made barbecue sauce – we like to have an outlet for other local businesses that are trying to be successful in what they do.”

Byler credits two components to Bushels’ success: his work team (four employees, not including Byler) and word-ofmouth from customers.

“People have been very nice to us; they have given us feedback and been supportive.

That’s the key to keep going, what really matters,” Byler says. Bushels is open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9a .m. to 4 p.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays). For more information, including placing orders, call (509) 447-2100 or email shopbushels@gmail.com.

WEATHER BABBLE

More normal summer ahead

By Bob Lutz Climatologist

local tree population. So like many of you, I am no stranger to the dilemma of trying to clean up the winter mess, while at the same time trying to swipe at the blood sucking critters with my chain saw in a feeble attempt to discourage them from using me as their next meal ticket. Yeah, are we having fun yet?

So, what do all these changes in the Pacific Ocean mean for us and our summer outlook you ask??

Well for starters, I would be very surprised to see a repeat of the type of heat that we experienced the past two summers, but instead would expect normal, or even slightly below normal temperatures around the Inland Northwest. In addition, precipitation should be close to, if not slightly above average going into the second half of the year.

In summary, expect a pleasant summer temperaturewise with the potential for some wetter conditions at times as the massive, longlasting high pressure ridges begin to fade away, along with the pools of warm water out in the Pacific. By the way, it might be wise to stock up on the firewood this summer while you can, because I am already seeing some early indicators of a heavy winter ahead. Just saying. Of course I’ll have much more on that subject in my Winter Outlook, which I will talk about in the last seasonal issue of Lake Life.

In next month’s Weather Babble, we’ll discuss the chances of seeing any late spring flooding, and I’ll take a look at the wildfire outlook for the upcoming summer season as well.

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

Office open 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Maintenance hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

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Sacheen Lake Sewer & Water Dist.

509-447-4641 Mail: 8272 Fertile Valley Rd., Sacheen Lake, WA 99156 Located at Sacheen Lake in southern Pend Oreille County, the Sacheen Lake Sewer & Water District is finishing construction of a sewer collection and treatment system that will serve the majority of the lakefront properties.

The district also continues to work on lake water quality and lake level issues as well as milfoil control.

The district also owns and maintains the Myers/Harter Sanctuary, located near the corner of Highway 211 and See Contact, Page 11

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SACHEEN LAKE – I suspect in recent days that many of you were feeling a bit of déjà vu as summer-like weather made a very early appearLutz ance again, along with those pesky bugs of summer, which seem to have a serious vendetta against our car windshields.

This weather pattern is very similar to how the past two seasons have started - BUT I’m here to tell you that there are some significant changes evolving in the Pacific ocean which will likely lead to some different weather patterns this summer.

The first major transition that is occurring is the rapid weakening of El Nino, which was the intense warming of the Equatorial Pacific this past winter. In fact, the recent weather patterns that we experienced with the strong blocking high-pressure ridges of late are the lingering effects of this near record event. Now, while many of the long-range weather models leave a lot to be desired concerning their forecasting abilities, many are in surprisingly good agreement that the El Nino pattern will continue to make a hasty retreat in the months ahead.

That in turn should result in sea surface temperatures near the equator returning to near normal levels. But wait, there’s more.

The second, and more important change that has been unfolding is the demise of that nuisance pool of warm water which has been plaguing the

Eastern Pacific for almost three years now. That pool, by the way, is quite impressive and expands from the central Mexican coast to the Gulf of Alaska. In fact, scientists have affectionately named this phenomenon “The Blob” due to its gargantuan size. Many experts are perplexed as to where this “blob” came from in the first place, with some speculating that it could be the result of PDO, (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), which is the slow cyclical warming and cooling of the Eastern Pacific. I, for one, have suspected that PDO has been a contributing factor to our lighter than normal winters since 2010, especially with events like “The Blob,” which has been felt around the world with devastating effects to both weather patterns and marine life.

Oh, and while we are on the subject of winter, you might remember that late last summer I shared with you that I thought that this blob thing would likely lead to above average temperatures for our 2015-16 winter. I also indicated that this phenomenon was making precipitation forecasts a bit more uncertain.

Well, as it turned out, the winter was much milder than normal, and we did in fact end up experiencing a lot of moisture around our region, despite the fact that a near record El Nino should have resulted in just the opposite.

Here at my weather station near Sacheen Lake, we recorded just over 65 inches of heavy, wet snow in a very short period of time. Of course as many of you know, that heavy snow fell shortly after a near record wind storm making for one ugly mess of our

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(FAR RIGHT) This unidentified fisherman was baiting his hook on the shore at the Diamond Lake boat launch.

BARGE SERVICE 8 Lake Life | April 2016

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(IMMEDIATE RIGHT) Brian Boettcher of North Spokane displays the fish he caught with his friend Jason Butler of Diamond Lake. They caught four trout each, with the largest about 4 ½ pounds.

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Looking good, ladies Vintage swimsuits indeed! These beach goers take a stroll along the shores of Diamond Lake in 1912.

Spring Fire Safety Tips Spring is here and spring burning has begun

By Mike Nokes, Chief South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue

I know sometimes burn piles look obnoxious, people get tired of the smoke because of health or environmental concerns, and some people can’t follow the rules and burn illegal material or make their fires too big. The one thing to remember is, if done properly, spring burning of Nokes yard debris can be a benefit.

By cleaning up down and dead material, removing overgrowth, and ensuring you have a green or non-combustible buffer around your house, you are less likely to have a wildfire reach your home.

Also by cleaning up the material, if you do have a fire on your property the fire, it is less likely to spread as fast. It is also less likely to be able to access ladder fuels and get into the tall trees, which are all factors that will help reduce a large fire from starting on your property and spreading to others.

Please remember the following safety rules in regards to burning: One pile at a time no larger than 4-feet-by-4feet-by-3-feet

Only natural vegetation may be burned Burn barrels are illegal.

Never leave your fire unattended.

Always have a water source available to extinguish the fire.

Always ensure the fire is out and cold to the touch.

Do not burn if it is windy.

If you are burring bigger piles, more than one, or land clearing you must contact the state Department of Natural Resources and get a permit to burn from DNR before you burn.

Also, as a reminder, South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue Auxiliary was awarded a Rural Aging Grant from the Empire Health Foundation of Spokane. Its goal is to help residents 60 or over to stay in their homes longer by providing funds for safety equipment that will make their homes safer for them. It will also pay for address markers so the Fire District can find your home in an emergency. If you are interested in applying for these items please contact Randy Miller at 509-998-2226.

If you have any questions on burning, smoke detectors, or if you would be interested in serving your community as a member of the volunteer fire district please contact me at 4475305, or on-line at www.spofr.org.

CONTACT From Page 7

Fertile Valley Road.

Commissioners: position 1 Perry Pearman (2017), position 2 Vacant, position 3 Peggy Johnsen (2019) Commissioner stipend: 0 District manager: Sheila Pearman Commissioners meet at Sacheen Lake Fire Station, Highway 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. MondayFriday.

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

Take the home water test.

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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!

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.

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LATEX PAINT

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

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12 Lake Life | April 2016

Ecology paid part of loan for sewer district

By Sheila Pearman Sacheen Sewer and Water District Manager

Opening day of another fishing season and it isn’t snowing or raining sideways. As they say, “Life is good” at Sacheen Lake.

The sewer treatment plant is finally nearing completion. Final punch list items are being worked on and we should see substantial completion by the end of the month. Our engineer, Kevin Koesel from Sewell Engineering, has been working alongside Nathan Johnson, our wastewater treatment operator in trouble-shooting and fine tuning issues at the plant.The Department of Ecology has repaid the $5,856,629.77 from our zero percent interest loan to Public Works Trust Fund that was used for the bridge financing and we will soon be closing out the Public Works loan. Our loan balance to Public Works will be $2,723,370.23 and will be repaid through the LID assessment that we outlined in the November rate letter.

We will be working with the District’s Attorney, Laura McAloon to begin that process in the near future.

We have now been billing for sewer service for four months and most everyone seems to be getting into the routine. Please remember to sign your check and to make sure the written amount matches the dollar amount (a few of the issues we have

seen). Many of you have set up auto bill pay with your banks. It is an easy thing to do and makes for consistent payments, even if you are travelling. We are currently unable to accept credit cards, but may in the future. We have tried to ease into the bill process, but still have a handful of customers who have not made any payments. According to the County Treasurer, the next step in that collection process will be to place a lien on the property until payment is made. Placement of the lien will also incur filing fees to the customer for both the placement and removal of the lien, a cost of more than $150. We have yet to charge any late fees, but for those in arrears, that will likely happen in the near future.

“Thank you” to all who wrote their representatives and government official in an effort to reduce our debt.

It appears we were not successful this time. We will continue to work through our local representatives and legislators to help them better understand our position and look for support in the next legislative session.

If you know your representatives, talk it up. The next legislative session is the first of a biennial, and usually has more money to offer.

We recently received word that our funding opportunity for the Phase II project to serve Mt. View Estates has been withdrawn. With

our large amount of debt, the Department of Ecology has indicated that they would like to see us in a more secure position prior to extending more financing. We will continue to try to secure the easement that would allow us to access from the end of our current line to Mt. View. Having that easement in hand would also assist in scoring higher in the award process for readiness to proceed when reapplying for funding.

Our efforts in Milfoil control will continue this season with diver survey planned for June 22 and diver hand pulling scheduled for July 6 and 7. From the survey information an herbicide application plan will be developed. This application will likely take place between the middle to the end of July. Official notification will come out prior to application.

A huge “THANK YOU” to the many volunteers who help to make Sacheen Lake a great place to live and recreate. We have an open seat on the District Board that we would like to see filled. The term would run through the end of 2017 with the remaining 4 years of the term coming up for election in the fall of 2017.

Please consider being a positive part of your community.

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Lake Life photo|Sophia Aldous

Diamond Lake Deli and More will feature diesel fuel and non ethanol fuel for vehicles and boats.

Diamond Lake Deli and More almost ready

By Sophia Aldous Of The Miner

DIAMOND LAKE – There will be fuel for boaters at Diamond Lake again with the advent of Diamond Lake Deli

and More, located off Hwy. 2 where the Old Mercantile used to be. Purchased by Jason Earl of Earl’s Insurance in Newport and his wife, Kayola Miller, last September, the couple plans to sell gas, diesel, and propane.

509-671-0193 800-546-5570 Office: 509-447-3144

301 N. Union Ave., Newport, WA

“We had planned to have it open sooner, but my father passed away,” says Miller.

“We’re back on schedule and people have been very supportive.”

The deli will also specialize in take and bake pizza, espresso drinks, donuts, and fresh, homemade grab-and-go fare.

The convenience store will also be stocked with the usual products, including beer and wine, cigarettes, lottery tickets, and some fishing supplies.

According to Miller, the tentative opening time for the store is mid-May. “We still have a lot to do,” says Miller. “We’re cleaning, painting, installing our commercial oven, retiling—we

Courtesy photo|Cliff Snow

A new interior is planned for the lakeside business.

See DELI, Page 14 April 2016 | Lake Life 13

CONTACT From Page 11

Courtesy photo|Cliff Snow

In its previous incarnation, the store was known as The Old Mercantile. Photo taken in early eighties.

DELI | Plans to employ up to 4 people From Page 13

want the atmosphere to be

welcoming, to feel like home.”

The couple’s children, Jalin, 17, and Kaylia, 6, are getting in

Lifetime Guarantee Loaner Cars All Insurance Accepted Free Estimates

“Like it never happened” Newport, WA • 509-447-4225 www.rogersbodyandframe.com

14 Lake Life | April 2016

on the action too, helping their parents prepare the store for business.

The family has lived along Diamond Lake for 23 years.

“Our youngest said we should name the store after her,” says Miller, smiling.

Opening hours will be Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Miller estimates it’s been at least two years since anyone has occupied the building.

She and Earl plan to hire around four employees, not including Miller, who will be the manager. She hopes to be able to sell fishing licenses and possibly have biweekly fishing contests.

“It’s a new adventure, a new opportunity,” says Miller of opening Diamond Lake Deli and More.

“I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a long time now, and while I love my kids, I am looking forward to working with people again. We’re looking forward to making this a place that the community can depend on.”

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.

• 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. MondayFriday.

• 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, New-

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

Pend Oreille County Community Development Department 509-447-4821 Mike Lithgow, director Responsible for county land use, growth management planning and the county park system. Also responsible for the review and approval of various development and construction permits, such as building permits, shoreline development permits, subdivision and mobile home park and recreational vehicle park approvals. The park board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Cusick Community Center.

Mail: P.O. Box 5066, Newport, WA 99156 • Planning Commission District 1: John Stuart, Norris D Boyd, vacant. District 2: Donald Comins, Dan Mueller, Kevin Fitzpatrick. District 3: Dennis Osweiler, Paul Edgren, Judy Ashton.

Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Cusick Community Center for business, and on the fourth Tuesday of each month for workshops, starting at 6 p.m.

• Park board members: Dave Gruver, Don Comins, Mark Bender, Greg Jakeman, Jeanetta Taylor, Dwight Opp, at large vacant, District 3 vacant.

The park board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Cusick See Contact, Page 16

Dick Bockemuehl

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

Pend Oreille & Bonner County Waterfront Specialist Your Community Lender

Courtesy Photo|Mike Nokes

Pancakes for SPOFR

The South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue held their annual pancake breakfast Saturday, April 16, at the Fertile Valley Station. Pictured are Jesse Wise, Ray Buschbacher and Gene Selmer. SPOFR can always use volunteers.

Check out their website at www.spofr.org.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday, May 4 Diamond Lake Water and Sewer: 10 a.m. - District Office, 172 South Shore Road Diamond Lake Improvement Association: 6:30 p.m. - Diamond Lake Fire Station, Highway 2 Sacheen Lake Sewer and Water District Board: 7 p.m. Sacheen Fire Station, Highway 211

Wednesday, May 11

Wednesday, May 18

Home and Community Educators Diamond Lake Club: Noon - Call Billie Goodno at 509447-3781 or Chris King at 208-4370971

Diamond Lake Water and Sewer District Board: 10 a.m.

- District Office

Monday, May 16 Diamond Lake Book Club: 1 p.m. - Contact Val Urbat 509-2200200

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

email: cheryl.lipp@academy.cc www.academymortgage.com/cheryllip

Thursday, May 19 South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue: 7 p.m. - Station 31, 325272 Highway 2, Diamond Lake

I take pride in my customer’s who become life-long friends.

April 2016 | Lake Life 15

CONTACT From Page 14

Community Center.

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

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.

16 Lake Life | April 2016