(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

(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.
More

(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.

(By Jamie Henneman/Chewelah Independent)

A map showing the proposed expansion area is attached from the BLM Environmental Assessment. (Courtesy map)

Application with BLM accepting public…

The Lane Mt. Company in Valley recently submitted an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to expand their South Quarry activities near Springdale from 60 acres to 218 acres. The LMC South Quarry currently employs a local workforce of up to 18 employees that include administrative workers, mine equipment operator, and haul truck drivers.

The mine is seasonal and shuts down during the winter when snow and cold temperatures prohibit efficient and safe mining operations. Typically, the South Quarry operates from the middle of April through the end of November and the mined materials are hauled to the Lane Mt. processing plant in Valley, according to the BLM Environmental Assessment of the proposed expansion. An expansion near the mining permit is not expected to increase jobs at the mining site, but will prolong the life of the mine by over 200 years. More

(By Staff Reports/Chewelah Independent)

The Noisy Creek Fire burns under a starry sky. (Courtesy photo)

Fire now 68 percent contained…

The Noisy Creek Fire, near Metaline Falls, is now 68 percent contained and the final measurement of the fire is at 4,025 acres. Remaining crews on the fire will scout, patrol and hold established containment lines. There are 139 personnel assigned to the fire.

All evacuation orders have been lifted near the fire.

The fire was caused by lightning on July 15, 2017 and was located east of Sullivan Lake. No structures were lost or damaged in the fire. At the fire’s peak, 330 personnel were working on the fire.

No new updates about the fire will be released after Monday’s press release by the US Forest Service.

MUCH OF STEVENS AND FERRY COUNTY NOW IN LEVEL THREE SHUTDOWN
The Washington DNR has placed much of Stevens and Ferry County into a Level three shutdown classification which means no chainsaws except to use in landings and with tractors or skidders. There is to be no firewood gathering with chainsaws.
When it comes to rain, the 10-day forecast for Chewelah has sunny with zero percent precipitation through the end of August and into September.

CONSTRUCTION CREWS HIT GAS LINE IN COLVILLE
While working on the new Grocery Outlet, construction crews hit a gas line around 8:30 a.m. Monday morning, the Statesman Examiner reported. Colville Fire District responded while Avista went in and clamped the line within 15 minutes of responding.
People in the vicinity of the gas line were evacuated by 8:38 a.m.

The gas line that was hit was behind the Do-It Center in Colville.