(By Brandon Hansen/Chewelah Independent)

K9 helcopter training at Deer Park Airport using Spokane’s Air one. (Ed Broberg photo – www.edbroberg.com)

Chewelah K9 Rebel and Officer Matt Miller get helicopter training to help round out training for policing pup…

Rebel got his wings.

The Chewelah Police Department’s newest addition has been undergoing a 10-week, 400-hour patrol school to better serve the community as a K9.

“A big portion of the training is building the dogs’ confidence level up, to where they’re not scared of anything and are prepared to go into just about any situation we throw at them,” Chewelah police officer Matt Miller said. More

(By Jamie Henneman/Chewelah Independent)

Current work on the new Snyder Field track is underbudget so possible improvements for the field are being suggested. (Brandon Hansen photo)

Potential improvements discussed…

As the Chewelah School District project of installing a new track at Snyder Field progresses, estimates show funds may be available after the track for additional improvements at the location. Current budget estimates show the district may have as much as $59,000 left over after the track is installed. On a list of potential improvements, one item that has moved to the top of the list is the installation of a new sewer line from the existing city sewer line to the district’s bus garage. The new line, estimated to cost as much as $10,000, should help resolve long standing issues with the bathrooms at Snyder Field.

Other potential projects were recently discussed at the June 21 Chewelah School Board meeting where the Chewelah Track Committee, a group of local citizens who helped back the track levy proposal, recently presented options to district officials. More

(By Brandon Hansen/Chewelah Independent) 

Fire crews battled the Beck Road Fire last Tuesday, which spread to between 10 and 15 acres and threatened one building. (Susan Summers photo/Tri County Fire Danger)

Despite wet spring, firefighters have been busy stamping out sparks…

Stevens County got its first taste of wildfire danger when a brush fire threatened a Stevens County home west of Addy last Tuesday evening.

Driven by the wind, the Beck Road Fire north of Addy-Gifford Road was first reported Tuesday (June 20) afternoon. Firefighters from both the DNR and Fire District 12 responded to the incident, which by the evening had burned about 10 to 15 acres. Washington DNR reported six engines and a helicopter working on the fire. It was contained and watched overnight after burning primarly grass and sage along with some individual trees.

With warming temperatures and windy conditions, the DNR raised the fire danger level to “Moderate” for much of Eastern Washington. on Friday, June 23.
More

(By Staff Reports/Chewelah Independent)

With a limited supply of agricultural property listed, land values have mostly been increasing in the Northwest, the Agri-Times Northwest is reporting.

Despite fewer sales in 2013 and 2015, it’s not an indication of weak demand but rather supply constraints as many transactions are happening between landlords and tenants, the newspaper reported.

The sales activity for 2016 is expected to match the 2013-15 trend as the database of information is still being collected by the Northwest FCS’ Apprasial Services. Preliminary sales data from 2017, the Agri-Times is reporting, has shown an increase in land value for the first quarter.

In Oregon, the average agricultural land has seen strong values since 2012, the newspaper said, with the demand being for good-quality irrigated and dry crop lands. Land values are stable and increasing throughout the state.

Washington has seen dollar-per-land values increase since 2011 since there is a limited supply of high quality agriculture land and a strong demand for cropland with permanent plantings.

In Central Washington, vertically integrated fruit warehouses have been big sellers since they carry large commercial interests and continuing investments, the Agri-Times said.

While cattle prices have been low, the paper said, the demand for ranches and quality agricultural properties have remained strong due to the limited inventory.

(By WA Fire Marshall) 

Washington state allows fireworks June 28 through Wednesday, July 5…

Consumer firework sales across the state will begin at noon on Wednesday, June 28, and continue until 9 p.m. on July 5. State Fire Marshal Charles P. LeBlanc reminds residents to “know the laws before purchasing and discharging fireworks,” and “only purchase legal fireworks.” This year 867 retail fireworks stand licenses were issued. More

(Police Blotter by Chewelah Chief of Police Mark Burrows)

The Chewelah PD handled approximately 50 calls last week & here’s your report. Seventeen of the calls were traffic stops, traffic situations, and a minor collision. An abandoned vehicle; a citizen requested an area check after smelling smoke; and an agency assist to the in Valley resulted in a man being jailed for violating a protection order. A disorderly conduct charge was requested after a renter of a Quonset Hut used foul and abusive language toward his landlord; a dog at large complaint; a parking complaint; an unfounded burg complaint; and citizens reported that someone had left a child unattended in a vehicle.

(By Staff Reports/Chewelah Independent)

Fire Danger for much of Eastern Washington “Moderate” now…

Washington DNR has moved up the fire danger for much of Eastern Washington to “Moderate” while much of the western part of the state is still at “Low” fire danger. Benton and Franklin counties are currently at “High” fire danger.

Here is how it affects burning in Stevens County…

“Effective at 12:01 June 23, 2017 DNR rule burns are prohibited. If you have a written permit, burning is allowed subject to the conditions of your permit.. Campfires are allowed in designated campgrounds only. Individual campgrounds may prohibit campfires. Always check with the camp host before lighting a campfire. Fireworks, incendiary devices such as exploding targets, sky lanterns or tracer ammunition are illegal on all DNR Protected lands. This message will remain in effect until further notice.”