The action was high-flying and wet at 49 Degrees North on Saturday. (Courtesy photo)

Mueller investigation finds not collusion with Russia by Trump campaign…

The long-awaited Mueller Report has been delivered to Attorney General William Barr. While details have not been released, Barr said that the special counsel of Robert Mueller did not find that President Trump’s campaign or anyone associated with it conspired with Russia during the 2016 election. The investigation or Barr did not say if Trump had obstructed justice during the process. Since the report isn’t out, it will continue to be a point of speculation by both political sides. Click here for the full story. More

Rain and higher temps could do away with bulk of lower elevation snow…

Much like a No. 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the snow has little chance against the changing temperatures in the Chewelah area. The spring warm temps will continue with highs in the high 50s and lows above freezing nearly all week. More

(PRESS RELEASE/Washington State Department of Transportation)

Time to remove your studded tires. (Brandon Hansen photo)

If you have your studded tires on after March 31, expect a $136 fine…

With a record-setting winter finally in the history books, the arrival of spring means drivers in Washington have until Sunday, March 31, to remove studded tires.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers that state law requires all studded tires to be removed by the end of the day March 31. Starting at midnight on Monday, April 1, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.

Studded tires also damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways. Tire removal services can get crowded near the removal deadline, so please plan accordingly. More

(EMMA EPPERLY/WNPA Olympia Bureau)

Bill would increase levy cap from $1.50 to $2.50 as majority of school districts say they need additional funding…

Voter-approved school levy lid rates would rise from $1.50 to $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property, under Senate Bill 5313, currently under consideration in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

The measure would also add a hold-harmless provision for school districts that would receive less in funding assistance from the state and would allow school districts to raise additional funds through levies needed for extracurricular programs and activities that many say are currently being cut.

Levies under this bill would revert back to the most recent rate approved by voters within the $1.50 to $2.50 range. If a district’s most recently approved levy was over $2.50 they would revert to the cap of $2.50.

The bill continues to create differences in funding formulas based on school district size, with higher dollar-per- pupil rates for school districts with more than 9,600 full-time-equivalent students.

The McCleary decision in 2012 required the Legislature to fully fund “basic education.” The Legislature had been found in contempt of court until 2018, when it adopted a plan to put billions of dollars toward K-12 education in coming years. As a part of its McCleary solution, the Legislature reduced the levy cap to its current rate of $1.50. More

SPORTS NEWS
Gonzaga thumps opponent in first round NCAA game
Gonzaga posted the most lopsided score in a No. 1 vs. No. 16 seed matchup since 1985 when the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams. The Zags posted a 87-49 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday. Rui Hachimura led Gonzaga with 21 points and eight rebounds, and his team led 53-17 at halftime. The Zags will play Baylor tomorrow in the round of 32 at 4:10 p.m. Click here for the full story. More

(BRANDON HANSEN/Chewelah Independent)

State senate passes bill establishing community forests pilot program…

A bill that would establish a community forests pilot program has passed the state senate by a vote of 41-5 and is in committee in the senate, signaling another victory for the Chewelah Valley Land Trust and their goal to preserve the Gold Hill area near the Chewelah Golf Course.

The Chewelah Valley Land Trust is hoping to purchase 400-acres of Hancock land and preserve it for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. The non-profit group would manage the grounds as a community forest and is hoping for state grants that could be acquired through this pilot community forest program.

Jake Wilson, one of the members of the Chewelah Valley Land Trust, said that Chewelah’s Gold Hill project is ranked in the top three for programs that could receive money if the legislation is passed for the pilot program. More