Olympia Regional Airport reported a high temperature of 92 degrees Saturday, June 28, tied the record set on this date on 2003.
Sunday, June 29th 94 degrees was one degree shy of the record of 95 set in 1951.
The temperatures will be in the low 80's today and through mid-week.
Olympian veteran reporters Lisa Pemberton & Jim Szymanski have been laid-off as of June 27th in the downsizing reported here last week by owner McClatchy newspapers.
Pemberton was the only press reporter to take a Ramtha School of Enlightenment class and publish observations and Szymanski covered business news and Yelm's NASCAR track issue several years ago and both will be sorely missed, in an area where news is limited, at best!
We wish Pemberton & Szymanski well in their next adventures and acknowledge their fine work, especially in their interests in Yelm.
If you have general story ideas for The Olympian, a good place to send those is to
features@theolympian.com.
This story by the AP today highlights what is happening to American newspapers:
"Newspapers are bracing for more bad news
Deep job cuts, outsourcing, more asset sales coming as industry retrenches"
I am away until July 1st, so have gone ahead and published this weeks' stories in advance.
Look for more local news July 1st!
Thank you for your interest and support...
Yelm Mayor Ron Harding said in the NVN of Yelm's landmark Arnold's Country Inn Restaurant closing,
“'I don’t know all the reasons around Rick’s decisions to close, but I think the local economy is going quite well.'
Harding speculated that the restaurant catered to a specific group of diners, who perhaps no longer have the discretionary income to spend on upscale meals."
Mr. Mayor, with the national economic downturn and the Thurston County deficit announced last week, if Yelm patrons "perhaps no longer have the discretionary income to spend on upscale meals", that should be of concern to city officials, who will feel the tax revenue loss in the coffers, rather than such a casual dismissal of Arnold's closure.
Yelm now has its two long-time, full service restaurants closed (Arnold's & Annie's Bistro/Two Friends' Cafe)
and a convenience store (at 93rd). Even the NVN says the closing of Arnold's involves the loss of "34 full- and part-time employees". That's a huge job loss for Yelm.
Further, Yelm Community blog readers have known for quite some time what The Olympian readers learned about Yelm last week
"Homebuyers look to cut commutes and fuel costs
Rural housing market could lose out to urban centers"
"South Sound homebuyers are looking for houses closer to work, to cut the high cost of commuting brought on by record fuel prices, real estate agents and their customers said Wednesday [June 18].
It's another indication that skyrocketing fuel prices are driving major changes in the way U.S. residents live...
Laura and Craig Haff of Olympia made a similar decision, Laura Haff said.
The couple recently bought a house in Olympia after living in Steilacoom for four years.
Their first choice was to live in Yelm where they found a house for $183,000 with a really large yard.
The Haffs soon decided that Yelm, without a direct road to Fort Lewis, was too inconvenient for work and not close enough to shopping, Laura Haff said.
'It took forever to get anywhere, and if it takes forever, that costs more gasoline,' she said."
This story reflects what this writer has been reporting for months --
Yelm has a perfect storm brewing as people sell their homes here to be closer to urban centers and cut their commuting costs, businesses here losing customers that would come here from as far away as Gig Harbor or Puyallup for the Drew Harvey Theater, Arnold's Country Inn & Gordon's to name a few, as patrons are not driving out here because of the fuel costs. These factors plus Yelm's ambitious announced projects including a Public Library, new City Hall & new Recreation Center and County cutbacks will all come to roost here before too long.
There are signals here that things are changing, regardless of Mr. Harding's pronouncement "the local economy is going quite well."
THIS IS THE TIME TO SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY -- NOT SPEND, SPEND, & SPEND!
STORM CLOUDS HAVE GATHERED!
With the Thurston Highlands Draft EIS now out and available for public comment, this writer again brings up the subject of how the City of Yelm can be involved to pay for this draft EIS.
After all, Thurston Highlands is a private development and taxpayer monies were used to fund a private water study that formed the basis of this draft EIS.
The City of Yelm has been "called on the carpet" by the State for previously for using tax monies to fund private payments;
most recently when the city was collecting a hotel tax to fund the Prairie Museum's rent in a private building, when tax monies are to go for payments for the museum to operate in a public building.
This issue was covered here on December 1, 2007.
Regarding the water study, the Yelm Community blog previously asked the city about funding the Thurston Highlands water study that became a front page story for the NVN. That story is here from February 3, 2007.
Again, using taxpayer monies to fund a private development's water study for an EIS is an unauthorized use of taxpayer funds, because there is no recourse - there is no agreement on how/what the city is to be repaid.
From what City Administrator Badger said, we know:
"The City of Yelm has no contract, pro-rata or otherwise with the Thurston Highlands Associates for the SW Aquifer study. An agreement with the City of Yelm granting access to the property is not a binding contract telling the citizens of Yelm what share Thurston Highlands associates will pay for the $550,003 to date. Further, nothing binds Thurston Highlands Associates to pay anything, until after their EIS is underway."
And, Mayor Harding told a lady at the City Council last year that she could not divide her property for an additional home because city policy is that "development must bring water to the table." This lady was just short of the required water rights and her application was denied by the council.
So, why did the city accept the Thurston Highlands' application prior to their owners providing water????
The City of Yelm is a defacto proponent of the Thurston Highlands development for accepting the application without the developers first providing water, which means the city has a conflict of interest in this case.
WHAT SAY YOU, THE YELM TAXPAYER WHO FUNDED THIS???
"McClatchy to cut 10 percent of work force"
KING-5 TV in Seattle reports:
"McClatchy Co. said Monday [June 16] it will cut 10 percent of its workforce in a move to save $70 million a year as the newspaper publisher continues to struggle to attract advertising dollars.
McClatchy, which publishes The Kansas City Star and The Miami Herald, will trim about 1,400 employees. The staff reductions are part of a plan to reduce overall expenses by $95 million to $100 million over the next four quarters.
"The effects of the current national economic downturn - particularly in real estate, auto and employment advertising - make it essential that we move faster now to realign our workforce and make our operations more efficient," said McClatchy Chief Executive Gary Pruitt, in a statement."
[Ed. Note: This is a huge blow to Washington State news coverage with McClatchy's ownership of The Bellingham Herald, The Olympian The Tacoma News Tribune, & Tri-City Herald in Kennewick.]
Trader Joe's is rumored to be considering a new store either at Gig Harbor or Olympia.
They are always looking at potential expanision sites, as explained on their website.
You can CLICK HERE and request Olympia.
" Just what is this thing we call Trader Joe’s? Well, we’re a grocery store, sure, but really so much more. Our shelves are stocked full of delicious foods and beverages from the basics like milk, bread and butter to more exotic fare like imported cheeses, organic produce and hand-tossed pizza from Italy. We taste every product before we decide to sell it, and we guarantee you’ll like it.*
You might expect indulgences like these to come with unbecoming prices. But at Trader Joe’s, we’re as much about value as we are about great food. In other words, we keep our costs low, cut out the middleman whenever possible and pass our savings on to you in the form of terrific everyday prices. So you can afford to be adventurous without breaking the bank," quoting Trader Joe's.
UPDATED AUGUST 8, 2008:
This writer finally received a return phone call from Nikki, Trader Joe's Customer Relations Manager, who said, "we have no confirmed plans to move into that area (Olympia and Gig Harbor). We have sent a location request to the real estate department (about South Puget Sound.).
Ron Mallet, Ph.D., Professor of Physics
University of Connecticut
"Film rights to TIME TRAVELER by Dr. Ronald Mallett with Bruce Henderson -- the inspiring memoir by one of America’s first African American Ph.D.’s in theoretical physics who has discovered the basic equations for a working time machine -- have been acquired by director Spike Lee’s production company, Forty Acres & A Mule Filmworks,Inc. The Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated Lee will co-write the script and direct,"
quoting Variety.
In 2007, Dr. Mallett was a two-time visitor to Yelm as speaker at Ramtha's School; his book is available here and in Yelm at JZ-Rose.
Dr. Ron Mallett was interviewed in April on Yelm's own by Beyond the Ordinary – KRSE internet radio, where he updated his work on time travel. Dr. Mallett is a Professor of Physics at the University of Connecticut & author of "Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality." He advanced Black Hole theory in the process, shared a lot more in this interview. Listen here.
TIME TRAVELER: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality (Basic Books) is the compelling and touching story of a man whose deep childhood trauma -- at age ten the sudden death of his father -- drove him on a quest to build a time machine in an attempt to go back in time to save his father," quoting the June 16th Press Release.
Dr. Mallett has also appeared in SuperConsciousness Magazine.
Click here for Yelm Cinemas showtime information.
Yelm Cinemas at Prairie Park
Photo courtesy of Yelm Cinemas' website
YELM CINEMAS ONLY ONE OF 2 THEATERS IN WA. STATE TO DATE TO SHOWCASE LANDMARK FILM!
From the Press Release now carried by Yahoo.com:
“Bloodline – The Movie”, the controversial documentary that rocked this year’s Cannes Film Festival, will come to Yelm, Wa. for a very special limited engagement June 27 – July 3, 2008 at Yelm Cinemas.
Chronicling a three-year investigation by British filmmaker Bruce Burgess and his American producing partner Rene Barnett, “Bloodline” follows the pair as they uncover evidence sure to re-ignite the debate that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene married and had children. Taking a close look into the secret society Priory of Sion, believed to have protected the truth about Jesus’ bloodline for centuries, the film raises questions that will have people talking long after they’ve left the theatre.
Did Mary Magdalene really remove Jesus’ body instead of his being resurrected as believed for centuries? Did the Knight of Templar hide the body three separate times finally laying him to rest in France? Is the shrouded corpse that was discovered with treasures in a French cave really that of Jesus Christ? “Bloodline” answers these and more while raising some new queries altogether.
Yelm resident and the internationally renowned founder of Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment, JZ Knight, has worked tirelessly with Yelm Cinemas to bring to fruition the only screening of this highly anticipated film to the Puget Sound. The film’s producer and director will also speak at Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment and host a screening for RSE students the morning of Monday, June 23, 2008. “I am thrilled to be able to expose Yelm to this innovative and fascinating film”, said Knight. “This movie is sure to have all of Washington abuzz and spark debates nationwide.”
“Move over Harrison Ford, this incredible adventure is the real ‘Indiana Jones’”, proclaims Fox News, while WENN calls the documentary “Riveting…the year’s must talk-about film.”
Bloodline: The Movie will be in Yelm for a short run from June 27-July 3.
Rainier-based award-winning author Bettye Johnson
Congratulations to Bettye Johnson, who won the 2008 Independent Publishers Book Award for her book,
Mary Magdalene: Her Legacy (Living Free Press).
This year's contest attracted over 3,100 total entries;
just over 2,500 entries in the national categories and just over 600 entries in the regional competition. Bettye's book won in the Religious Fiction category. CLICK HERE & scroll down to #16.
Bettye's first award was in 2006 for Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.
"In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year (near June 22) is when the Sun is farthest north. In the southern hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged. The summer solstice marks the first day of the season of summer," quoting Science World.
June 20, 2008 at 5:56pm in Yelm is the official start of Summer!
HAPPY SUMMER...
"The rise in gas prices is turning out to be good business for some bike stores who are reporting an increase in commuter-style bicycles and in repairs of older bikes," quoting KING-5 TV in Seattle.
Check-out this new Yelm business for your bicycle:
NEW DYNAMIC TRANSPORT
is a revolutionary, cost effective, zero emissions, convenient and fun way of getting around... As a distributor of Dahon and Trikke products, we will help you select the perfect fit bike or trike. Whether you are riding in the city or the country, we have the right match for you.
Our bikes offer a revolutionary, cost effective, zero emissions, convenient and fun way of getting around...
NEW DYNAMIC TRANSPORT
206 Yelm Ave East
Yelm, WA.
360-400-7433 (RIDE)
Owners: Sir Robert D. Jones, Jr + Cozette S. Fyrst
Long time Yelm fixture Arnold's Country Inn has announced their last day of operation will be this Sunday, June 22nd.
Please stop by and wish Rick & Judy Sutherland well in their next adventures.
Arnold's has been THE PLACE for the finest in Northwest Cuisine, wines, service & atmosphere whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner for over 20 years.
Rick told the Yelm Community Blog host that they have been a specialty restaurant with their "bread & butter" customers coming for the fine food & country atmosphere from Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup, Olympia & Panorama City in Lacey. With gas prices well over $4.25 a gallon, the drive to Yelm has those customers staying close to their homes.
Many of our area's teenagers have waited on us for decades and received their very first customer service training right here. This restaurant will be sorely missed.
[Ed. Note: This is not just a local phenomenon. This writer was visiting his family last month in Louisville, KY. when this was reported in Louisville's Courier-Journal:
"How Restaurants feel the bite of higher costs"
"Skyrocketing fuel costs and rising commodity prices are affecting bottom lines in restaurants across Louisville, cutting into the already-tight profits of the city's independently owned eateries.
Consumer prices last month were up 3.9 percent over a year earlier, compared with an average 2.5 percent annual rise for the past 15 years. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture's most recent report forecasts increases through next year.
Basic economics account for most of the increase: Bad weather has hurt crops, economic prosperity has driven up demand in developing countries, and surging fuel prices have hiked transportation costs.
Stacy Roof, president and CEO of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, said the national trends can be seen throughout the commonwealth."]
"Small businesses fighting to survive"
"Many owners say they are hanging by a thread that may soon snap"
From the AP on June 9.
The loss of Arnold's good-paying jobs with tips, business and occupation taxes, sales tax revenue and traffic to their restaurant for adjacent businesses will reduce income to the City of Yelm's bottom line, as discussed here just Monday.
And, Applebee's pulled their plans for a Yelm restaurant.
However, some fast food restaurants are seeing increases in traffic, as people are moving from specialty restaurants into fast food to save money, as reported in this June 10th New York Times story.
A new Pizza Hut and KFC open soon in Yelm and Starbucks just opened its first company store here.
As Mr. Sutherland stated, the customers that would drive out to Yelm for the country ambiance are just not making the drive out here. Gordon's Garden Center attracted alot of customers to Yelm from afar for their unique product line and formerly advertised on Seattle's KIRO-710 radio. The drive to Yelm for many is just not palatable anymore. With +$100 a barrel gas seemingly here to stay, several local real estate agents have reported that some of their customers have listed their homes here for sale to move closer to Tacoma or Olympia, to reduce the expensive commute.
Remember when Panorama City residents and many others would take a day trip to Yelm and bring 10-30 people on buses for lunch at Arnold's and a matinée at the Drew Harvey Theater? Now, that country ambiance is to be gone!
"Please attend the open house
from 6 - 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 18
at the Public Safety Building,
206 McKenzie Ave. SE
to offer your comments and suggestions related to water use efficiency goals for the City of Yelm.
Your input is important as the City Council considers and finalizes efficiency goals for the future.
Click the link above for more information about how Yelm is planning for the future using efficiency goals and updating the Water System Plan," quoting the city's website.
[Ed. Note: I was stopped recently by my neighbor across the street from my City of Yelm property when I was cutting the grass there. My neighbors have lived in their home for 25+ years and raised their children to adults there. They told me that in all of their years here, they have never seen anything like the city's water rate increase this year. They added last year's was bad enough - they watered only their back yard last year. This year, they can barely afford to water their house plants, and have to forget their yard. They live on fixed incomes and were sharing how the city told them they would always have water when they hooked up to the city's water line.
They asked what they could do. I encouraged him to write to the city & they said he would.]
You, too, should write and let the city know how you feel!
"Poor planning led to budget woes"
"Reduced sales-tax revenue, depleted reserves and inflation exceeding property-tax growth have had a corrosive effect on Thurston County's 2009 budget, leaving a $4 million hole...
Commissioner Diane Oberquell said that when she and the other two commissioners approved "unmet needs" expenses and "budget extensions" between November 2006 and December 2007, she thought there was enough slack in the budget to cover it. At the time, the county had built up reserves after rapid growth from 2004 to 2006, when new-home construction and extra consumer spending were keeping sales-tax revenues up.
Oberquell says it might have been better for the county to start cutting expenses earlier, rather than spend from reserves last fall," quoting The Olympian.
This writer received an email from a reader in response to the June 12 entry about the County's budget shortfall, asking if Yelm is going down the same primrose lane.
While The Olympian wrote last week, "Unlike cities, counties do not collect business and occupation taxes, because the state Growth Management Act concentrates businesses in the urban areas, Oberquell added," where does Yelm stand?
Let's take a look:
1. On the revenue (income) side:
Revenues to cities & the county from sales taxes are down (consumers spending less), new home construction is way off, so permit fee income is way down, homes sales have slowed, so excise taxes and property sales tax income ARE way down. Then, area property values are going down here finally, leading to less taxes collected from lower home values for those that do sell.
2. On the expenses side
Fuel prices have gone through the roof. While Tumwater shifted to electric cars for meter patrols, as an example, Yelm has gas-guzzling vans, trucks and large vehicles for their city's needs.
Prices for food & fuel nationwide are leading to inflation, which means that prices are going up in most every sector of the economy, while consumer spending is declining, which means a city has to budget for the loss of sales taxes.
As an example in Yelm, current road work now involves rising steel prices for the rebar for construction, asphalt for petroleum products, concrete, and fuel for machinery, which have all gone far beyond the $65 a barrel oil cost when Yelm did it's budget last Fall -- now at near $140 today. Do you think any city or county budgeted for any of this.
I am on the record on this Blog last year warning about this very issue and on Beyond the Ordinary internet radio, which is archived for all to hear.
Now, where is Yelm's City Council going to get the dollars for all of these announced projects?
- a new City Hall,
- a new Yelm Community Recreation Center,
- land/building for a new Yelm Timberland Regional Library, which MUST be housed in a public facility after July, 2012. The City Council knew in November, 2001 that Timberland gave the city a 10 year exemption to rent space for the library in a privately owned building and did nothing to procure land in all of that time to be in a public facility in 2012.
- Yelm Community Schools announced need for public money for High School classroom in the next 3 1/2+ years? This on top of operation levies that barely pass already.
Yelm's City Council just raised water prices on their citizens to the heavens to pay for their folly, as they don't have enough water for all of the homes they permitted. The city is quoted in the June 13 NVN saying this is not about raising money, it's about conservation. You bet your sweet bippy it's not about raising money, as the city must force its water users to conserve, because the city is out of water to support all of the people it agreed to serve -- and they all know it. So, raise the prices (coercion) to get public consumption down so the city can save its bum and get by this summer. And this does not include the 1,000 new home applications that the city has approved and have not been built and hooked-up to city water as of yet.
When I asked the city about where the money for all of these new projects will originate, Ms. Teixeira said that will be determined in the Fall, 2008 budgeting sessions. HMMM!
This city is spending money like there is no tomorrow; from a $300,000+ reclaimed water line to Longmire Park to $50,000 for a lobbyist for the Yelm Bypass to name a few.
Will this town be requiring layoffs soon, like the county? Or issuing bonds? Or more taxes on its citizens' backs?
On the state side, if Gov. Gregoire asks this state to raise the gas tax again to make up for the shortfall in road tax revenue from less gallons-of-gas consumption, she will be voted out of office big time.
DOESN'T THIS DEMAND YOU TO SPEAK UP NOW AND ASK ABOUT YELM, AND NOT WHEN YOU GET THE TAX BILL OR THE STORY THAT SERVICES ARE BEING CUT?
"Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it will be celebrated on June 15th in most countries.
In the United States, the first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia or on June 19th of the same year, in the state of Washington. Today, Father's Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June," quoting Wikipedia.
Seattle couple makes national news as adoptive parents this Father's Day:
"Gay couple's adoption of 3 brothers is part of a growing trend"
"Meet the Brothers Z: 4-year-old twins Zach and Zayn, and their younger sibling Zeth, fast approaching 3. In many ways, they are typical denizens of the hilly suburban neighborhood where they have lived most of their lives...
But Father’s Day will be a double celebration at their house because the brothers have two daddies — Geoffery and Devin, foster parents for the boys for three years before adopting them.
That’s a modest description for what the county judge who finalized the adoption in December called an act of heroism. The boys, taken from substance-abusing and incarcerated biological parents, faced long odds against growing up together. Given their treatment by the birth parents, there were far more questions than answers about physical and emotional issues that might arise for them down the road.
'You are heroes in our community,' Judge Mary Yu said, beaming from the bench while the boys frolicked about the courtroom, the whole family decked out in red-and-white Mickey Mouse ski sweaters. 'Who’s going to assume the burden of taking care of children like this, children who possibly have been neglected or set aside in some way? … People like you, who step up. Thank you,'" quoting MSNBC.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL FATHERS EVERYWHERE!
The Yelm Community Blog host received this letter last week from the owners of Anytime Fitness:
"I have read your blog almost daily to learn about Yelm and what's going on in the City. As a business owner coming into the Yelm area I read everything I could to learn what was going on and if Yelm is a great
location for our second gym. We decided it was, and took our savings and opened our second gym. Our first gym is in DuPont. You keep us informed about the community and we learned alot from your blog.
Thanks,
Mark and Helen
Owners of Anytime Fitness
I asked Mark & Helen if they would share with you why they chose Yelm to expand and what they have experienced since you have been here?
Here, in their own words, is their response:
"Mark and I looked at the Yelm location a couple years ago and held off on opening the second gym at that time. Then last year we drove out to Yelm to get another feel of the community, we stopped at a coffee shop called "The Blue Bottle" and just thought it was such a friendly and cozy place, then we had dinner at a restaurant called "Arnolds" and fell in love with their dinner menu. We started getting the feeling that Yelm was a great location, because we felt welcome.
We have been opened for 8 weeks now and we have exceeded our expectations. The community is very close, it seems everyone knows everyone when they come into the gym. We have contributed to many events with donations of free memberships and also sponsored a local sports team by paying for their uniforms. Mark and I believe the secret to a family owned business it to be part of the community, support that community anyway you can and they will support you as a business owner."
TELL ANYTIME FITNESS YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!
"Transportation experts who have pushed mass transit since the 1970s are getting their wish as soaring gas prices persuade Americans to abandon their cars for buses and trains in record numbers. But as the adage says, be careful what you wish for.
Mass transit ridership is at its highest point in 50 years, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association. For many riders, it just got too expensive to drive...
The story is the same everywhere: In Seattle, commuter rail ridership recorded the biggest jump in the nation during the first quarter, with 28 percent more riders than during the same time last year...
...when gas prices go up, gas purchases go down. And while the price of a gallon of gas may soar, the tax levied on it remains the same. Less gas sold equals less tax revenue for states and municipalities.
So far this fiscal year, gas consumption is down about 3 percent in Indiana, costing the state about $12 million, state Budget Director Chris Ruhl said. That’s money that would have helped fund road construction and repair.
Even as national politicians debate suspending the federal gas tax to give drivers a break, many state officials are swinging in the opposition direction. Florida, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky and Maine have raised their gas taxes this year, while Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed a 2.9-cent increase in the state’s 18.5 cent-a-gallon tax. Meanwhile, transportation planners in Ohio last month proposed raising the gas tax by up to 40 cents more per gallon," quoting MSNBC.
WITH ONE OF THE HIGHEST GAS TAXES IN THE NATION, GOV. GREGOIRE WOULD BE COMMITTING POLITICAL SUICIDE TO SUGGEST RAISING THE GAS TAX HERE AGAIN. THAT MEANS LOOK FOR BUDGET CUTS ON ROAD PROJECTS AS THE REVENUE'S FROM LOWER GASOLINE SALES CONTINUE TO DROP, AS COVERED HERE PREVIOUSLY ABOUT THE STATE AND COUNTY!
This writer published a story here on April 21, 2008 that building permits in the county had been taking a sharp drop and predicted this would be affecting the budget before too long.
I wrote,
"What does this mean to you?
These cities and the county will be getting less revenue from permit & construction fees, so they will be forced to reduce their budget expenditures."
Now, the "other shoe" has finally dropped, "With Thurston County facing a $4 million budget shortfall in 2009, the county commission is asking department heads to make voluntary budget cuts that could total up to 10 percent.
The cuts include slashing program costs and absorbing staff members' annual cost-of-living increases, which previously weren't covered by individual departments' budgets. They were outlined in a memo sent Tuesday to all county department heads from Commissioners Diane Oberquell, Bob Macleod and Cathy Wolfe...
Sgt. Dave Odegaard, president of the Thurston County Deputy Sheriffs Association, said he was frustrated by news of the possible cuts.
"The commissioners should have known some time ago that the revenues available were declining and taken less-severe actions earlier," he said.
"While we realize that economic times are tough right now, it is readily apparent that the board of county commissioners and their administrative staff have demonstrated their incompetence and fiscal irresponsibility," he said.
Oberquell said the county's revenue stream is declining because of the economic downturn and because the state requires the county to do various programs but doesn't allocate money to finance them...
She said the commissioners are considering administrative service cuts, such as closing the courthouse one day a week.
"We're in the first phase of figuring out what to do and how to do it," she said," quoting The Olympian.
In other words, expect more cuts, layoffs, delayed road projects, park closures, and reduced services.
Here is the complete memo from the Thurston County Commissioners.
THIS COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO YELM COMMUNITY BLOG READERS.
This writer asked months ago about Yelm's budget:
Where is Yelm going to get the money for three ambitious projects with such a drop in permit/construction activity:
A new City Hall, a new Yelm Community Recreation Center,
land/building for a new Yelm Timberland Regional Library losing its lease in 2012,
added to Yelm Community Schools request for public money for High School construction in the next 3 1/2+ years?
STAY TUNED!
"The City of Yelm Community Development Department has issued the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community, and is in the process of distributing it to agencies and interested parties...
The Draft EIS contains a description of the project and how it may impact all elements of the environment, from air quality, groundwater quality and quantity, water quality and flooding along Thompson Creek, traffic, and even public services provided by the City. An EIS is meant to ensure that the decision makers, in this case the Hearing Examiner and City Council, have a full understanding of the choices they make in approving or denying a project and what conditions are appropriate to mitigate potential impacts. The EIS by itself does not approve or condition a project, it just reports the impacts and potential mitigation measures.
The Draft EIS is subject to a 45 day comment period, which ends on July 28th. During that time period, there will be two open houses at the Yelm High School commons, both from 5 PM to 8 PM to be held on Wednesday June 25th and Wednesday July 16th...
After the close of the comment period, CDD will respond to each comment received. Depending on the comments, this may even entail additional technical studies. The response to comments becomes the Final Environmental Impact Statement and after that point the actual Master Planned Community application will be modified based on the Final EIS, and heard by the Hearing Examiner and City Council," quoting the City of Yelm (then click "Thurston Highlands Draft EIS").
Comments on the Draft EIS should be sent to:
Grant Beck, Community Development Director
City of Yelm
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
or emailed to highlands@ci.yelm.wa.us
NOW IS THE TIME FOR THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT OFFICIALLY!
THIS 45 DAY PERIOD IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET YOUR COMMENTS ON THE RECORD!
This writer was observing through the news media over the weekend that gasoline consumption has been dropping as the price continues to rise, as more and more people are finding ways to conserve, carpool and consume less. I started to think that since the Washington State gas tax is tied to gallons sold, that the State's coffers for roads projects must be dwindling, as well.
That was confirmed on June 9 with NBC's Today Show interview with Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service who said that oil consumption is down 3-4% from last year.
Declining gas consumption leads to less road funds, when budgets for the year were pegged to higher sales before the price per gallon rise. Then we have rising construction costs that include rebar, concrete, petroleum based asphalts, and fuel for machinery. All of these factors are coming together at the same time to make road projects tenuous, at best.
"WSDOT has already begun to delay some of the lower profile projects in its overall plan, as is necessary to balance the Transportation budget for this biennium and beyond," says my contact at the WSDOT.
So we have inflation along with lower tax receipts.
There will be some challenging decisions about which road projects will be funded and which will not, come the 2009 legislative session.
The Governor cut the Yelm Bypass in the 2008 budget, however powerful legislators Rep. Tom Campbell in the House and Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen in the Senate got most of the funds restored.
Will they be successful in that again?
That remains to be seen.
If we get a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico as predicted, higher gas prices are inevitable yet.
The latest WSDOT cost for the Yelm Bypass is now $95 million and rising, with $56 million unfunded, regardless of what the Mayor says. Is the $50,000 Yelm is spending on a lobbyist to convince lawmakers to fund the Bypass really necessary? I mean if Campbell & Rasmussen can get the Governor's budget cut for this project restored, then they are the champions who will, in the end get funding or not. A $50,000 lobbyist will make no difference!
As the City of Yelm has reported, traffic through town has eased, thanks in part to more carpools and one real estate agent telling me Yelm commuters to Olympia and Tacoma are selling here and moving back there to reduce commuting expenses.
STAY TUNED.
Midnightblue Auld
Congratulations to Yelm High School student Midnightblue Auld for being one of the youngest graduates in 39 years and possibly ever to graduate from Yelm High School, at age 15. Ms. Auld received several scholarships last week at the Yelm High School Awards Night on June 2nd, including one from Mayor Ron Harding.
The Nisqually Valley News said this about Ms. Auld, "Auld started high school in September 2005. She was a junior at the beginning of the school year, and became a senior half way through.
By supplementing regular classes at public school with home schooling and running start classes, Auld was able to skip a few grades.
“From the day she was born, she was home schooled,” said Anita Auld, Auld’s mother.
“Teaching her at home was fun, it became a creative sort of game. She was definitely reading by 3, to me that was an indication she needed to go to school early.”
The next step in life for Auld is to enter college before she is old enough to drive or hold a full-time job.
Auld expects her freshman year to be the toughest, but once she turns 16, she said her life should get a bit easier.
Still, Auld will be living independently in a dorm before she becomes a legal adult, and throughout most of her college years.
Auld doesn’t turn 18 until February of her junior year in college, as long as she doesn’t skip any grades there...
At age 2 she took her first ballet classes, and at age 3 she participated in her first play.
Auld learned dance at Prairie Dance Center in Yelm, and got a taste for acting at the Drew Harvey Theater.
Before the theater closed in 2005, Auld performed in 52 shows...
One of her greatest mentors as a child was Nancy Hillman, who was executive director for the Drew Harvey Theater, and was a child actress herself."
[Ed. Note: Midnightblue's mother Anita tells the Yelm Community Blog that the NVN coverage last Friday of this story was incorrect in several key areas:
Anita said, "I did not say I channeled her spirit to get her name. I asked her spirit what she wanted to be called. The writer was supposed to say that Midnight credited much of her success to the disciplines and focus she had learned at RSE (Ramtha's School of Enlightenment)...
The idea was that she set a goal and worked hard to achieve it. It was never a joke (or fun between friends) for her, as stated (in the NVN story)."
Anita further says, "She was the youngest to ever be admitted to the SPSCC (South Puget Sound Community College) Running Start Program and has managed to get 42 college credits this year.
Congratulations also to Midnightblue's mother Anita Auld and father Efim Alter! Their devotion, love, and fine parenting has shined in the contributions their daughter has made in our lives - especially her lively directions to the fire exits of the Drew Harvey Theater as a little girl!]
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your interest in the Yelm Community Blog.
I started this in Spring 2006 after many said I should share my views with the community - views that challenged this community to think of local issues from a different angle. I had then written the NVN editor to inquire about writing a regular column for our local newspaper and was declined (however, D. Klein is my brother David! smile).
A local web host at the time encouraged me to start my own Blog and offered to set-up the site. This was on top of being approached by a web addresses owner to buy his links "Yelm.com, "City of Yelm.com" and "Yelm Community.net" which I did. Certainly seemed like all fell into place to get started.
At first, I wrote only a few columns a week, growing steadily to one or two daily.
Immediately upon starting the Blog, the Nisqually Valley News editor wrote a stinging rebuke about blogs and this blogger in particular, in his editorial.
Soon after, his newspaper's internet address changed from Nisqually Valley Online to Yelm Online and he, too, started a blog on his newspaper's website. I direct your attention and invite all of you to also read the NVN's blog & forum, which offers their views about our community. As Yelm Community Blog readers know, the NVN is often quoted here.
Our differences are what make us great!
As we all know, Blogs have become part of the fabric of America's sharing of information.
I certainly have continued this in hope's that these entries have assisted in bringing greater knowledge on issues to our community. Little did I know that this Blog has reached across the country, as new people look to move to Yelm turn to the Blog to gather information about the community, local businesses and what is making news here.
Recently, I have given thought to closing down the Blog and walking away because of the time-consuming work that getting a story line right requires. Every time I am about to go that route, I get someone telling me what a difference the blog's in-depth coverage on an issue has meant to a greater understanding for all.
Last week, I sat down with a reader whom I have not seen in a 1/2 dozen years and he told me all that he has learned about the area from the Yelm Blog he never knew, and he has lived here for 20 years!
He expressed what a challenge I must have to be perceived as a dissenter on local affairs week in and week out by officials and many in the community. He encouraged me to continue to share my viewpoints with the community, telling me that dissent is protected by our Constitution and is a hallmark of the American way of life.
He told me not to be intimidated by the newspaper, other website's critiques, the local establishment or others who just criticize from the sidelines and do not get involved. He also said the Blog provides an invaluable service no one else does around here, with archives where any subject can be searched and then accessed going back to the first 2006 entry. That made me pause and reflect.
The hundreds of daily readers who stay on the Blog for more than 30 seconds is indicative that visitors have come to the blog to read the entries, and did not get to this link by accident. I am pleased to note that Yelm.com is continually in the top ten, first page listing on Google when searching the word "Yelm."
So, as I am into my third year as host of the Yelm Community Blog, I thank you for your support and interest, whether you agree or not with what I pen.
This Blog is here to serve the community, and many have stepped forward to write Guest Entires about their area of expertise. I invite all of you to share and pen your Guest Entry this Summer. You are an asset to the community and YOUR views and experience help to make the Greater Yelm Area Greater.
With sincere appreciation,
Steve Klein
steve@kleinerskorner.com
"Saturday, June 7 Bar Cinco Two-Year Anniversary Party.
Live Music, including local favorites Paul Rodriguez and Croon Ella (www.croonella.com). Paul will open the evening around 8 pm followed by Croon Ella around 10:00ish. Win a Bar 5 tank top or other raffle prizes. Help us celebrate two years of tapas, music and great beverages."
Congratulations to Lynne Glore, Proprietor and her staff for providing Yelm with such quality for 2 years.
On to the future, Lynne!
Shopping for Father's Day or Graduation Gifts?
Support our Local Businesses and Merchants!
We've got what you're looking for!
How about 2 rounds of golf at
Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club
and a meal afterwards at Chef Ricardo's?
Restaurant Gift Certificates:
Bar Cinco
Rainier Espresso & Pizza
Sebastian's Best European Pastry
The Blue Bottle
Personal Services - Looking Their Best!
Al Victor's Salon
Aolani's Natural Nails & Pedicure
Jea'Lea's Enchanted Salon
Mirror Magic
Sharon's Salon
Getting Away From It All?
2 night stay at Imagine Inn
Gift Certificate for an Oil Change & Lube - J & S Autoworks
For Your Pet:
Gift Basket from Alpha Pet Supply
Travel in style in your new Pet Carrier, from Tari Parker
Documentary DVD's:
Babes in Belts dvds
Emergency Medicine and Building Safe UG Homes
Contact Has Begun with James Gilliland DVD from DCT Enterprises
Nourish Your Body:
Artistic Design Hair Products from Mary Kidd
Shaklee Vitamins and Minerals from Anna Vollman
Tahitian Body Cream from Florence Vincent
Ziquinn Mind and Body Tonic from Donna Love
Office Items:
Original Art from Bridgette Silberhorn Tomassini
Austrian Crystal Desk Set
World Globe Desk Set
Wood Duck Photo Album
Pampering:
Aolani's Natural Nails & Pedicure
Lyon's Bridge Aromatherapy Cocoon
Promotional Items:
Radio Promotional Packages: Beyond The Ordinary
Advertising: MastersConnection
Logo & Websites: Mindcepts.Net
Realignment:
Reflexology by Connie Hald
Marvin Kuniko
Rainier Chiropractic
Yasha Sandberg - Way of Life
Time to Relax?
Sleepsonics Hemi-Sync Executive Black Speaker Pillows
Wicker Picnic Hamper with Wine
Wine Baskets with accessories
Pipe and Tobacco items: Yelm Smoke Plus
Updating Your Wardobe?
Giorda E Gift Certificate
How about a new pair of Rossi Boots?
How About A Good Autographed Book:
JeanMarie Christenson: The Keepers and the Caged
Suzanne Fairbrother Phd: Finding The Goddess Within
Bettye Johnson: Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls,
Mary Magdalene - Her Legacy, and Christmas Awakening
Louise Oliverio: I Am A Woman, I Am A God
Greg Simmons: These Things You Shall Do...and Greater!
Bertha Rainen: No Excuses! My Plea For World Peace
Elaine Smitha: If You Make The Rules, How Come You're Not The Boss?
More fascinating books on the Book Table!
Love To Cook?
Kitchen Culinary Basket
Italian Basket
Bread Machine
Sandwich Grille
Cook Books
Food from The Survival Center
For The Kids:
Cupcake Party by Melissa Graham
Storytelling by Bruce Smith
Toy Packages
Alpaca Teddy Bear
Collectible Porcelain Dolls by Babes In Belts
For Your Garden:
EM Micro Organic products feed your plants and compost
Will of the Wind: butterfly kite and orca windsock
Beautiful plants from Nature's Garden
For Your Dorm, Home or Office:
Gift Certificate & Ceramic Coffee Cup from Color Me Mine
Crystal Creations by Bobbye Caine
Portraits by Maryann Hasken Photography
Etched Crystal Perfume Bottles from JZ Rose
Quilted Cover up by Elizabeth Schenck
Twin Quilt Bedspread w/2 pillows
New Neighborhood Award Winning Quilt by Jean Handley
Oh yes - our candidate will be on-hand, too!
Campaign contributions welcome!
Please visit us at the:
Silent Auction
for
JeanMarie Christenson
JeanMarie Christenson
Candidate for State Representative, LD2, Position 1
Sunday, June 8th, 2008
from 4-7pm
Gordon's Grange
308 Yelm Ave East, Yelm, WA 98597
THE HONORABLE MAYOR RON HARDING
Mayor Ron Harding will be giving the keynote talk at the Yelm Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday, June 10, 9am at Nisqually Moose Lodge about the city's water rate hike.
While I applaud the Mayor for addressing this issue in a public forum, I must say that in all the cities in which I have lived, I have never witnessed a local Chamber of Commerce having their mayor as the keynote speaker more than twice in a calendar year - and this is the third time in five months Mayor Harding has addressed Yelm's Chamber. Sure wish there would be an open-public forum so that ALL Yelm area citizens can hear the mayor speak, and answer questions from the public-at-large on important topics.
On May 23, 2008, the Nisqually Valley News published a letter from RSE General Manager & JZ Knight's partner James Flick about Yelm's water rate hike. While acknowledging the mayor for his tips on community conservation efforts, Mr. Flick stated,
"Yelm's water problem does not lie with its people it lies with the local government. The city's policy of "you can't stop growth" is coming home to roost".
Mr Flick continued, "Yelm exceeded its own water rights in 2006 and 2007 and the first three "winter" months of 2008. From January 2007 through March 2007, the city used about 5.88 million cubic feet. From January through March 2008, the city used about 6.40 million cubic feet of water.
This represents an increase of 526,900 cubic feet for the first three months of 2008, an increase of approximately 9 percent just this year.
The situation will be further exacerbated by the water demand resulting from significant development that was approved by the City of Yelm. It will bring 1,000 residential units, most of which are not connected to the city's water system [until built].
...The City of Yelm's over-allocation of water to serve new development is a lack of good stewardship of our vital and crucial resource that will continue to burden not only the local populace but the environment as well."
Mr. Flick brings up some good points. Hopefully, the Court will require the City of Yelm and Washington State Dept. of Ecology to bring out their differences on Yelm's water issue as a result of Ms. Knight taking this issue to Superior Court. The WA. State DOE should enforce Yelm to comply with the correct water allocation numbers.
Interesting, with the water rate hike in Summer on the backs of local property owners because of Yelm maxing out its water supply, that the City Council approved over $300,000 to build a reclaimed water irrigation line to Longmire Park to insure the ball fields remain green through Summer. On March 11, 2008, Yelm's City Council authorized $40,649.70 be spent for the first phase of this project; engineering services for the design of the line.
What does this mean to you, the Yelm property owner?
The city will have green ball fields while you will pay through the roof to water your yard and plants, so Yelm yards will go brown in Summers from here on out. This city is using today's property owners to amortize the area's finite water resources so they can keep approving more home construction. If you own property in Yelm, basically you are being taxed for water to restrict your usage, so the city can take the water use reduction and approve more new construction. HMMM!
MR. FLICK URGED THE COMMUNITY TO GET INVOLVED ON THIS ISSUE.
WHERE ARE THE CITIZEN'S VOICES ABOUT THIS!
Representative Tom Campbell
Photo from Representative Campbell's official website
GOP Rep. Campbell wins environmental endorsement
"Republican state Rep. Tom Campbell of Roy has won the “early endorsement” of Washington Conservation Voters. Campbell shepherded bills dealing with environmental toxics bills in this year’s legislative session.
All told, two Republicans and six Democrats earned early endorsements, which are given to previously endorsed lawmakers who maintain their leadership on the environment.
Campbell, a maverick, was appointed by majority Democrats to chair the Select Committee on Environmental Health. WCV says he is “positioned to have a big impact on environmental policy” in that chairman’s role.
The other GOP member endorsed was Rep. Skip Priest of Federal Way. “He is now considered the most influential Republican voice in Olympia on environmental issues, a role that he plays well and one which Washington Conservation Voters is proud to endorse,” the group said in its endorsement announcement.
The Democrats: Sen. Craig Pridemore of Vancouver, Sen. Phil Rockefeller of Kitsap County, Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson of Seattle, Rep. Hans Dunshee of Snohomish, Rep. John McCoy of Tulalip and Rep. Eric Pettigrew, D-Seattle.
Kurt Fritts, executive director of Conservation Voters, said this in a statement:
Over the past two years, our elected officials in Olympia have done right by the environment. Our state has been blessed with strong environmental leadership from key individuals, including these champions. We’re happy to support their bids for re-election and look forward to working with them to continue the effort to leave a strong environmental legacy for our children," quoting The Olympian.
Go to the Conservation Voters’ website here to see why each lawmaker earned the endorsement.
"To secure additional funding for the 510 Loop project, the City of Yelm contracted legislative services this week to protect city interests in the state Legislature.
The city contracted with Davor Gjurasic, of Gjurasic Public Relations, and Kathleen Collins, of Capitol Strategies, to lobby issues for the city, specifically the 510 Loop.
The pair was contracted by the city previously and helped the city acquire the first $35 million for the project.
While contracting for these type of services isn’t new to Yelm, it isn’t something they do annually.
“The city hasn’t always been in the position to lobby for money,” Mayor Ron Harding said.
“We figure this is going to be the year to get funding.”
In 2005 the city contracted the pair’s services for about $40,000, and they helped to obtain $35 million in loop funding in return.
Between June 1 and May 31, 2009, the city will pay up to $50,000 for the legislative services.
“It’s well worth the investment,” Harding said. “Hopefully we can get the whole $54 million (we need).”
With issues changing on an hourly basis at the capitol, Harding said it’s important to have someone up there being the eyes and the ears for the city," quoting the May 30, 2008 edition of the Nisqually Valley News.
While I applaud the intent of the Mayor & City Council focusing on the 2009 legislative session to get more funding for the Yelm Bypass, is spending $50,000 REALLY necessary?
Think about this for a moment:
Yelm has two powerful allies in obtaining funding in the 2009 state legislature in Rep. Tom Campbell & Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen. If these two public servants in Olympia can get funding restored when the Governor axed this from the budget in 2008, then they will be the ones best to deliver funding in the 2009 legislative session, and without the need for Yelm to outlay such $50,000 of taxpayer monies for a lobbyist to lobby the very people who are the very champions of Yelm's Bypass.
Go figure???
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
The work of Campbell & Rasmussen on Yelm's behalf were previously covered in-depth on the Yelm Community Blog:
April 13, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 1, 2008
HMMM!
Vanda Mikoloski
Photo credit: Vanda's website, taken by Guustaaf Damave
Vanda will be doing her "Spiritually Incorrect Comedy Show" where it all began -
at The Mark in Olympia July 17, 18 and 19.
$20 in advance, $25 at the door. Buy tickets early as shows tend to sell out!
Dinner reservations accepted.
Partial proceeds will benefit The Master's Fund.
"Vanda Mikoloski is a renowned stand-up comic and speaker whose passion is personal growth and development. Vanda's work is a delightful, irreverent romp down her twisted spiritual path. The concept "enlightenment" is fascinating to her. Vanda's stand-up comedy deals with the human predicament, inquiring into the nature of being a human being, the trap of it all and the absurdity of it all. She offers powerful spiritual distinctions in a ridiculously funny way that leave the audience empowered, inspired and transformed. She begins by questioning our point of view about our point of view and then challenges many of our spiritual beliefs and beliefs about reality. Many people have reported profound shifts after experiencing Vanda's stand-up work," quoting her site.
Vanda tells the Yelm Community Blog she will be up on local happenings upon her return, so "I can be a little topical now when I come back." Expect a spin on local Yelm area stories that will have you doubled-over in a belly-laugh!
The Nisqually Stream Stewards have only a few seats left for students who can complete the course in those spots . Also, students are asked to pledge 40 hours of volunteer activity with us or another organization, that benefits their community or surrounding communities in some way.
(June 4 thru July 19) Class Schedule and Locations
Class days: Wednesday evenings, and Tuesday, July 1, 6pm to 9pm
Field Tours: Saturdays, 9am to 3pm
Wednesday June 4th, 6pm to 9pm
Location- Yelm School District Office Building- Board Room
DON PERRY-Nisqually Tribe Salmon Recovery Outreach Coordinator,
Participant Introductions, Overview of Stream Stewards Course
Goals, Expectations, Volunteer Opportunities. Watershed Geography, GIS maps
and Review. PAT PRINGLE- Assistant Professor of Earth Science, Centralia College- How the Nisqually River Watershed Was Formed - Geology and Soils of the Nisqually Basin (including prairie formations and the establishment of the river and delta). DON PERRY- The Nisqually Stream Stewards Program- Mission Statement and Goals-Volunteer Components Including Salmon Watchers, Restoration-Site Stewards, Habitat Restoration, Water-Q Monitoring, Macro-Invertebrate Training, volunteer opportunities.
JENNIFER CUTLER- Nisqually Tribe GIS Program Manager, The Role of Global Information Systems in Salmon Recovery Work and Natural Resources Management.
Wednesday June 11th, 6pm to 9pm
Location- Pack Forest Center for Sustainable Forestry, room Macbride 102
TOM TOUSE- Pack Forest Outreach Specialist-Forest ecosystems of the
Nisqually Watershed. Sustainable Forestry. Visit to Old-Growth Tree Stands on Pack Forest. MASON McKINLEY- The Nature Conservancy- The Prairie Ecosystems of the Nisqually; Intro to First Field trip on Ft. Lewis Prairie—Distribute Map, Discuss Logistics, Topics. KIRK HANSON- Northwest Certified Resource Group- Promoting Innovative Forest Management Strategies for Small Forestland Owners.
FIELD-TOUR, Saturday June 14th, 9am to 3pm
Location- various watershed sites
EMILIANO PEREZ- Nisqually Tribe Field Technician-Tour of Nisqually Tribe Clear Creek Hatchery; Discussion of Purpose and Goals; ROD GILBERT- Fort Lewis Restoration Biologist- Tour of Fort Lewis Prairie Community; Tour of Fort. Lewis Restoration Sites.
Wednesday June 18th, 6pm to 9pm
Location- Yelm School District Office Building- Board Room
LINDA KUNZE, Nisqually Land Trust- Protecting Riverine Habitat and More: The Nisqually Land Trust, History and Mission. JEANETTE DORNER- Nisqually Tribe Salmon Recovery Program Manager-Salmon of the Nisqually Watershed and Salmon Recovery. JEANETTE DORNER/ DON PERRY- Looking Forward; Transforming Education into Action.
FIELD-TOUR, Saturday June 21st, 9am to 3pm
Location- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
JACKIE LARUE-Volunteer Coordinator, NNWR, Orientation to
the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, its Habitats and Management; SEAN MacDOUGALL- Program Manager,Pierce County Noxious Weed Program, Invasive Plants of the Nisqually Watershed; JESSE BARHAM-Native Plant Restoration Biologist, Nisqually Tribe Salmon Recovery Program; Nisqually Estuary Restoration Project on Braget Marsh.
Wednesday June 25th, 6pm to 9pm
Location-Ohop Grange
TIM ABBE-Senior Geomorphologist, Entrix, Inc.- Streams of the Nisqually Watershed—Characteristics. FLORIAN LEISCHNER- Restoration Biologist Nisqually Salmon Recovery Program- Habitat Conditions, Stream Restoration Principles - Including Highlights of Recent and Future Stream Restoration Projects of the Nisqually
Tuesday, July 1st, 6pm to 9pm
Location- Nisqually Reach Nature Center at Luhr Beach
DANIEL HULL- Nature Center Director, Nature Center Activities, Mission and
Goals; Collection and ID of Puget Sound Aquatic Life-Forms. SAYRE HODGSON/CHRIS ELLINGS- Research Biologists, Nisqually Tribe Salmon Recovery Program- Juvenile Salmon Census Beach Seine activity; The Importance of Near-Shore Marine Habitat to Juvenile Salmon; Nisqually Estuary Research Findings;Steelhead Tagging.
Wednesday July 9th, 6pm to 9pm
Location- Yelm School District Office Building
GEORGIANA KAUTZ- Nisqually Tribe Natural Resource Manager, Chief Leschi- His Life and Exoneration; The Boldt Decision and Nisqually Fishing War History ; ED BERGH- History Instructor, Yelm High School, Early Pioneer Settlement of the Nisqually Basin.
FIELD-TOUR, Saturday July 12th, 9am to 3pm
Location- Mt. Rainer National Park
TOUR GUIDES TO BE ARRANGED- Exploring the Upper
Nisqually River Watershed- Including Nisqually River Hydrology and Life Zones From Sub Alpine to Lowland Old-Growth Forest, and the Nisqually Glacier.
Wednesday, July 16th , 6pm to 9pm
Location- Ohop Grange
DAVID TROUTT/STEVE PRUITT, Nisqually River Council, Foundation, and Citizen’s Advisory Committee-Discussion of Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan—Goals, Opportunities, for Volunteers.
ERICA GUTTMAN-Native Plant Salvage Project/DAVID HYMEL-Program Manager, Stewardship Partners; Designing Your Own Rain Gardens; STEPHANIE SNYDER/JACKSON SILLARS, Garden Raised Bounty; PAT RASMUSSEN, Terracommons-Nourishing a Strong Community by Empowering People to Grow Food at Home.
FIELD-TOUR, Saturday July 19th, 9am to 3:30pm
Graduation and More!!!
Location- Ohop Grange and various watershed sites
FLORIAN LEISCHNER- Salmon Habitat Restoration, Large Woody
Debris Projects on Mashel River; Graduation Celebration, Volunteer and Partner Organization Recognition and Awards/Traditional Salmon Bake by the Wells Family (Nisqually Tribe) at Ohop Grange. Laura Lynn & Students of Wa-He-Lut Indian School Perform River Songs. Blessing by Nisqually Tribal Elder Bob Sison.
For more information, contact:
Don Perry
Nisqually Stream Stewards Coordinator
(360) 438-8687 ext. 2143
dperry@nwifc.org
