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Public voices concerns of marijuana, utilities and messy yards

August 23, 2017

(By Jared Arnold/Chewelah Independent)

Chewelah Police Chief Mark Burrows talks with the public during the city council’s open forum last Wednesday. (Brandon Hansen photo)

Lady escorted out to begin public forum…

Last Wednesday’s open public forum of the Chewelah City Council got off to a rough start when a Chewelah-area resident had to be escorted from the meeting room by police. Mary Fossum was one of the first to speak with lengthy comments about the city’s swimming pool and flight patterns over her home near the Sand Canyon Airport before Mayor Dorothy Knauss had to ask Fossum repeatedly to take a seat in order to allow others a chance to speak. Fossum did sit down briefly, but continued speaking and appeared disoriented. Sergeant Ryan Pankey then asked Fossum to leave and escorted her from the room.

The rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly with approximately 40 people in attendance to voice their opinions on a variety of issues including utility rates and nuisance properties. The major topic, however, was recreational marijuana sales in the city.

The city has had a ban on recreational marijuana production, processing and retailing since 2014 but in recent months several people have requested that the council reconsider and reverse that ban. More

Turnout for primary election 35 percent in Stevens County

August 23, 2017

(By Brandon Hansen/Chewelah Independent)

State rep and senate races get most votes…

With results finalized in the primary election, voter turnout was down as 35.2 percent of Stevens County voters actually cast a ballot on Aug. 1.
That is down from 39 percent in 2016, but that election had more statewide positions on the ballot, meaning more Stevens County voters could cast a ballot. This year has many contested races locally, as locally Chewelah saw eight races they could narrow down for the general election.

“Washington’s top two primary is unique,” Stevens County Republicans chairman Lori Larsen said. “Only California and Louisiana (in some races) use this style of primary election. It has the effect or making the primary more like a general election, and the general election more like a runoff election. In this way, our primary is an important time for voters to express their positions by the candidates they support.”

This year’s primary election, was still better than 2015 when 21 percent of Stevens County voters cast a ballot. Only two local matters were on the ballot that year, a levy for the Evergreen School District and a school board position for Mary Walker in Springdale, so the number of people that could vote were far fewer.
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From the Mayor’s Desk: Water recreation for local youth

August 23, 2017

(By Chewelah Mayor Dorothy Knauss)

What is the City doing with regard to water recreation for our youth?

In 2013 the City commissioned a professional study of our pool by Pool World from Spokane. Estimate for repair (but not bringing the facility up to current ADA standards) was approximately $400,000. The City inquired about a state grant, but we would have been required to sign documents indicating we would operate that pool ‘in perpetuity’. The Council did not take further action.

If I was directed to do so by the Council, I would work diligently to find available funding.

I suggest an alternative (and have been directed to find funding) – a splash pad in the park. The City Administration and I met in July with a representative of RCO (funding for outdoor recreation) – a splash pad is something they will fund with only a 10 percent match required by the City. The next grant applications are due March 1, 2018.

A Splash Pad is one of the elements of the Parks & Recreation segment of our Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Both Colville and Newport have splash pads. Ideally, we would locate the pad on the West side of the park. The grant would also cover the addition of ADA compliant restroom(s) adjacent to the pad, and ADA compliant walkways from the parking area.

This seems like a feasible alternative which would encourage motorists to stop, eat and maybe shop while their children play on the splash pad.

FASTER INTERNET IS COMING TO TOWN
Steven Gerber, Senior Executive with Charter Cable, announced Tuesday at a meeting hosted by Greater Spokane, Inc. that the company is in the process of upgrading internet service in Chewelah, both in Chewelah South and Chewelah North, to 60 mbs. If you have seen the orange cable around town, this is Charter working! Mr. Gerber stated that all work should be complete and the system in operation by Thanksgiving.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, Senator Shelly Short, Representative Mary Dye (9th District), Stevens County Commissioner Wes McCart and I attended the meeting, together with members of the Spokane Tribal Council , members of the Stevens County Broadband Action Team, executives from Verizon, AT&T, Microsoft and others.

I am so pleased that our citizens and businesses will have access to faster internet speeds. This will also help to promote and attract future economic development. Broadband is no longer an option in order for businesses, both brick and mortar and home-based, to operate efficiently. This is one of the first ‘needs’ my visioning committee identified back in 2014, and it definitely is a victory for Chewelah.

Dorothy L. Knauss
Chewelah Mayor

Purcell: Money and the Pursuit of Happiness

August 23, 2017

(By Tom Purcell/Tom Purcell is a nationally syndicated humor columnist. Send your comments to Tom at Purcell@caglecartoons.com)

Money does make us happy, so long as we spend it right.

According to the U.K. newspaper The Independent, “New research from the University of British Columbia has found that spending money to buy free time, such as paying others to cook or clean for you, does improve happiness, leave you feeling less stressed and generally more satisfied with life.”

Beyond that, however, money does NOT necessarily make us happier.
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From the Editor: Tackling the Chewelah pot shop issue

August 23, 2017

(By Brandon Hansen/Managing Editor of the Chewelah Independent)

At the Chewelah City Council open forum last Wednesday, a large chunk of the conversation that dominated the forum focused on whether or not a pot shop should be allowed into town.
While the city’s head electrician, Chief of Police Mark Burrows, community members and some marijuana business owners spoke at the forum, what was particularly sparse during the long discussion were statistics and an examination of the issue.
Previously I had asked the City Council to bring in some experts and individuals that could bring some insight on the issue instead of just their opinion, and I hoped that the city could do more research on the issue. Understandably, there were no experts there at an open forum for the public which could have been about any issue. Somewhat less understandable was the only city leader that seemed to have done research was Mayor Dorothy Knauss — who gave the public information on the excise tax from pot sales.
People just admitted they didn’t have the statistics or information.
So, I’d like to use this column space to present some marijuana statistics so people can get more information on the issue. I’ll inject opinion in here or there, but my goal is to better inform.

VIOLENT CRIME
Reported by the Tacoma News Tribune, the FBI crime statistics show lower rates of violent crime in Washington than before legalization (295.6 offenses per 100,000 in 2011 compared to 284.4 violent offenses per 100,000 people).
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Violent crime rates in 2015 are roughly half of what they were in 1993, so don’t believe someone when they say the world is going to heck!)

YOUTH USE
According to the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey of more than 230,000 8th, 10th and 12th grade students have shown that marijuana usage has remained the same for the past decade even after voters legalized it in 2012.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (a state that has also legalized pot), arrests in Colorado of black and Latino youth for marijuana possession have increased 58 percent and 29 percent respectively after legalization. That same survey also found that white teens arrested for marijuana possession dropped ten percent. This is a complex issue and arrest statistics aren’t always the best usage indicators. As Keith Humphreys of Stanford University pointed out, there are more patrols in heavily-populated minority areas because they tend to have a lower income and therefore a higher crime rate.

EFFECTS ON YOUTH
One issue that worries me is children using the edible form of marijuana since it’s become more popular in treats and snacks. While an adult might realize after a half hour or so that something is funky about their rice krispy treat and lay off, a kid may not know. Small children may have to be hospitalized because of overconsumption. Short term effects from pot can include difficulty thinking and problem solving, problems with memory and learning, loss of coordination and distorted perception.
It must be stated, however, no one has ever lethally overdosed from pot in the US.
Long-term effects is the scary stuff, because it’s an incomplete picture. We don’t know. According to the Colorado Children’s hospital there hasn’t been “the research and science findings to know the full effects.”
That said, there are a growing numbers of studies showing regular marijuana use could change the structure of the teenage brain in areas dealing with memory and problem solving. I’m taking this directly from an NPR story says Krista Lisdahl, director of the brain imaging and neuropsychology lab at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Keep in mind new state laws also prohibit pot shops from using “kid friendly advertising” so Joey the Friendly Pot Plant isn’t going to be walking down Main Ave. anytime soon.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, traffic accidents increased by three percent in states that legalized in marijuana. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, there was no increase in vehicle crash fatalities.
Alcohol continues to be the biggest car-accident culprit. 10,265 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2015 in the US. It was estimated in 2014 that 2,880 died in accidents where marijuana was a factor.

REVENUES
As Dorothy Knauss pointed out at the open forum, the excise tax brought in $7,000 last year, has already collected $4,000 for the town this year but the state is restructuring the excise tax and Colville could get as little as a $1,600 a year from excise tax at current levels.
Sales tax from pot has brought Colville an additional $11,600 in revenue but the town does a lot of business. This is where stats fail us.
What would the sales in Chewelah be? Would the same pot shop out of town remain out there or move their operation in town? How many pot shops would come into town?
Pot sales have been steadily increasing as national legal sales grew to $5.4 billion, up from $4.6 billion in 2014.
I feel that the city council is being honest when saying this will not solve our budgeting woes. Let’s be way too optimistic and say Chewelah sells as much as Colville does, which with changed excise laws would be an extra $12,000 in the coffers. While a nice chunk, it wouldn’t even cover half of the repairs the city did on two streets because of winter heaving damage.

“IT’S ALREADY HERE.”
Here’s the tough thing to quantify statistically. I really don’t have a stat to illustrate this but if there is a shop just outside of town and many shops throughout the county it would be silly to think Chewelah is some sort of pot-free zone.
Growing up in Chewelah, I can tell you it wasn’t difficult to get even when it was illegal, not that I ever bought any. Even members on the city council have said “it’s already here.”
I think that perhaps the city is putting too much hand-wringing into an issue because their choice has very little impact on the access of marijuana. There’s no clothing store in town and everyone has clothes on. They really don’t have control over how marijuana gets into town. They merely have control over a section of city blocks that they draw tax money from. All they’re deciding on is the appearance of a shop in town, and numbers in their budget.

“IT’S ABOUT THE KIDS”
We learned about this in journalism school because anything and everything can be made an “It’s about the kids” issue.
Let’s say, for example, a new toy on the market kills three kids because they stick it in an electrical outlet. That’s horrible. This toy has killed kids. Release it to the media. Tell people to stop buying this toy and ban it.
However, cars, buckets of water, their own parents, improper use of booster seats and many more unexpected causes for youth fatalities happen at an exponentially bigger number. The difference is cars, buckets of water, parents, booster seats and other things are culturally accepted norms and risks.
It’s an emotional tool so people do need to understand that “it’s about the kids” can be used to tweak at their heartstrings. “It’s about the kids” could be used to do away with automobiles or TVs that tip over onto toddlers. Understand if this is brought up as a reason it should be qualified with statistics and studies along with more deep thought. Parading kids through a city council meeting is meant to elicit an emotional response, but it adds little to the governing function of the discussion.

MY OWN VIEW
It’s not my decision. It’s the city council’s decision and they’ve already decided to ban the sale of pot in town. I think we need to stop eating up a lot of these council members’ time if they’ve shown they don’t want to allow it.
Nothing really changes for the average pot user. Access to marijuana is just right out of town and throughout the county. They’re not banning use in the city. The only thing they are deciding is if they want that tax money in their budget or not.
My feeling would be let’s table this issue until our city government can do more research and we can see how trends are going statewide. It seems that this town is not ready for it and emotions are high. We had two council members yelling at local business people about the issue and I don’t think that’s the best optics to have in a town wanting more growth.
What would be disastrous for a business owner would be for a city council to barely pass a lift on the moratorium, have a pot shop move into town, have a city election and then a new council reinstates the moratorium.
The council might think they are affecting the access to marijuana — which also can be very helpful to a lot of people with a variety of ailments — but they really aren’t. As we’ve already said it’s readily available throughout the state and county. All they are deciding on are numbers coming into their budget. If they don’t want those numbers and don’t want the public backlash for having a pot shop in town then that’s fine. They would, however, be kidding themselves if they thought their decision on this sales ban actually kept pot out of town.
Maybe in the future we learn that legalization was a big mistake but right now there isn’t enough information to say with absolute certainty things are going to be a certain way.
I would like to point out, when there was the possibility of bringing in a silicone smelter plant to Addy, there would have been an environmental study and many other things done by the government. When it comes to allowing a pot shop in town, we need to stop having these knee-jerk reaction conversations and instead study these very, very, very complex issues.
My eye rolls could have powered the city’s electrical grid for the evening when the open forum became the pot forum. Not because I’m gung-ho about a pot shop but because the entire conversation went around in circles and no new information was brought to the table. Just feelings and emotions.
The time could have better been spent on other important community issues.

Letters to the Editor for August 24, 2017

August 23, 2017

Here are Letters to the Editor for Aug. 24, 2017

Want to bid on livestock at the NE Washington Fair?

August 22, 2017

(By Aubrey Markel/FFA Advisor)

A guide to bidding and buying a livestock animal at the Northeast WA Fair. This time of the year I field a lot of questions about the fair and the livestock sale, mainly, “How do I buy an animal at the fair?” The whole process can seem intimidating, but I hope to explain the process simply and encourage you to join in the fun on Saturday August 26 at 3 p.m. at the Northeast Washington District Fair in Colville. Through 4-H and FFA Livestock Programs, local youth gain skills in raising, showing and marketing livestock. In the process, they learn record keeping, responsibility, financial accountability, and animal care, fundamental skills that last a lifetime!

WHAT IS THE LIVESTOCK AUCTION?
The Livestock Auction is the culmination of 4-H and FFA livestock members’ efforts – when the animals they have raised are sold to the public. It is the last step in their project where the educational marketing aspects come to life.

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE A 4-H or FFA ANIMAL?
First and foremost, the high quality of locally raised meat!
• The personal satisfaction of supporting youth in their “learn by doing” projects!
• Free advertising!
• It is a nice way to say thank you to the parents of members who do business with you!
• You may qualify for a tax deduction; consult a tax advisor.

WHO CAN BUY AT THE AUCTION?
The livestock auction is open to the general public – businesses and individuals. Two or more individuals can also go together to purchase an animal by splitting the purchase price. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and excitement of the Auction!

SHOULD I PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY?
It is a good idea to arrive early enough to register as a buyer, review the sale animals and talk to the 4-H/FFA members and other buyers. Sale catalogs will be available at the clerk’s table at sale time.

HOW DO I BID?
When an animal you would like to buy is in the ring and at a price you desire, signal the auctioneer by raising your hand. If you receive the final bid, make sure the auctioneer has your name and number so that it can be announced and recorded.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN ANIMAL I PURCHASE?
Buyers have several options:
• First decide if you want to have the animal processed for personal consumption or if you will be “Turning” the animal. If you purchase a 1,200 pound steer for $3.00 per pound the gross cost would be $3,600. If you elect to TURN the steer, the “market price” would be subtracted, for example, if the market price is $1.00 per pound, your credit would be $1,200. Subtract the difference, and you then now owe $2,400. Note you do not receive any meat if you “Turn” the animal.
• Have the animal processed and give as a bonus to employees or as a gift to customers.
• Have the animal processed and donate it to a local food pantry or another non-profit organization of your choice.

AFTER I PURCHASE AN ANIMAL, THEN WHAT?
Every person that purchases an animal must checkout before leaving the sale. Please report to the clerk’s table as soon as possible after you are finished bidding for the day. At the clerk’s table you will need to:
1. Indicate whether you would like the animal processed for your personal use and your choice of processor.
2. Pay for your purchases or request to be billed. (Please keep in mind that 4-H and FFA members do not receive payment for their animals until the buyer has paid.)

IF I DECIDE TO HAVE MY ANIMAL PROCESSED, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
You will need to choose a processing plant. Make sure the clerk is aware of your processing plant choice. A list of processors will be available on the day of sale. Contact the processor following the auction to inform them of: the tag number and species of animals you are having processed, the cutting instructions, payment arrangements, and to arrange for picking up your packaged meat. Note that you are responsible for any cutting and wrapping fees with your selected processer. Transportation of the animal to the listed processors is provided.

Here are some examples of costs to purchase for personal consumption:
Beef-A 1200 lb. live weight beef provides about: 720 lbs. of total dressed meat. With a bid of $3.00/lb., the animal would cost $3,600. Add about $500 for processing, and you’d pay $4,100 or $3.42/lb.
Lamb- A 125 lb. lamb provides about 60 lbs. of total dressed meat. With a bid of $4.00/lb., the animal would cost $500. Add about $60 for processing, and you’d pay $560 or $4.48/lb.
Pork- A 250 lb. swine provides about: 125 lbs. of total dressed meat. With a bid of $3.50/lb., the animal would cost $875. Add about $180 for processing, and you’d pay $1,055 or $4.22/lb.

I hope this information gives you the confidence you need to attend the Northeast Washington Fair Livestock Auction and support local 4-H and FFA Members on Saturday August 26 at 3 p.m. in Colville.