November 2008 Archives

November 7th & 8th Yelm tied the all-time high temperatures for those dates of 63 & 64 degrees.
Yelm came within one degree of the 1995 November 29th record of 59 degrees.

From AccuWeather.

THE HONORABLE MAYOR RON HARDING

This last week has seen alot of deception coming from Mayor Harding on several varied issues, which seem to be overlooked in the coverage by the city's official newspaper of record, the Nisqually Valley News (NVN).
Where was their in-depth examination of these stories:

1. Regarding the Court decision against the City of Yelm in the water case
Mayor Harding is quoted in the November 21st NVN saying:
"Harding said the city has always proved water at final plat."

If that is true, then why would the city have to appeal the case, since the Judge ordered the city to prove water at final plat for the 5 developments at issue?
The city has gone to court to protect its desire to have a "reasonable expectation" of water after final plat at the building permit phase, long after the developer has gone, as the Judge pointed out in Court Documents.

2. Regarding Mr. Harding labeling "...Knight ad misleading"
as quoted in his Letter to the Editor in the November 28th NVN,
Mr. Harding "called a full-page ad placed in the Nisqually Valley News by channeler JZ Knight 'standard propaganda.'”
"Harding said he doesn’t want to get into a big public debate over the water issue and Knight’s court case, but claimed there was too much information in the ad that he believes is misleading and false."

If that is true, then why would Mr. Harding not specify what he believes is "misleading and false."
The Mayor mentioned nothing of what he thinks is not accurate.
His answer is the "standard denial" with no substantiation.
After all, Harding stated the city will appeal the case, though the Wa. State DOE has filed Court documents proving the City of Yelm does not have enough water for any new developments. The DOE has oversight on the city's water rights.
Why the NVN gives front-page coverage to the Mayor's letter without asking him what he thinks is not accurate in the ad is beyond me.

3. Regarding the Yelm public Library's future,
Mayor Harding is quoted in the November 21 NVN saying,
"Building a new library is not an option, said Mayor Ron Harding.

As the end of the lease draws near, Harding said the city’s options will be released to the public."

In 2012, Timberland Regional Library no longer splits the library's rent with the City of Yelm, instead all rental fees will fall to the city. In addition, the rent in the current facility goes up as announced by Margaret Clapp to the city, resulting in more than a 100% increase in library expenses to be borne by the City of Yelm, all because it doesn't have a public library building.
Why is the Mayor waiting until near the end of the lease to release the city's options for the library's future to the public?
That could be too late and the city could possibly be boxed into a corner with few options by then, with no public input.

4. Regarding Mr. Harding's comments about the Bypass to the City Council last Tuesday:
At the end of the meeting, the Mayor took questions from the Council.

Council member Don Miller asked about the status of the Bypass.

City Administrator Shelly Badger said that funding was to remain in the city's 2009 budget for a lobbyist, so that the city can be present in the 2009 Legislature to keep the Bypass up-front with the representatives when the Transportation Funding is discussed. She said they continue to have monthly meetings with the DOT and there is a potential for a Phase One start.

Mayor Harding said that construction funding will come in early 2009 from left-over, unused right-of-way money previously allocated and he hoped construction could begin on Phase One in 2009.

The facts on the Bypass:
The WSDOT site says of r-o-w acquisition:
"The purchase of Right-of-way is underway and will continue through 2011."

- If the r-o-w acquisition is still not completed, how does the city know what, if anything, will be left over to use for construction?
- WSDOT Olympic Region meets with the City of Yelm regularly, however about design aspects of a Phase 1, not about construction funding.
- WSDOT has no authority to make promises about construction funding - though they can share potentials.
- Regardless of what Mayor Harding is touting, there is no end-run around the legislative process. Governor Gregoire signs the next Transportation Budget prepared by the State Legislature sometimes in the first half of 2009. Until that time arrives, nothing is assured. Mr. Harding lost a champion of the Bypass with the defeat of Senator Marilyn Rasmussen. She overturned the Governor's veto in 2008, wielding great political influence to keep the initial $33 million 2005 gas tax funding intact. With Freshman Senator Becker taking her place and major budget cuts announced by the Governor, Bypass construction funding looks even more difficult in 2009. Senator-elect Becker is a Republican who ran successfully against Democrat Rasmussen about responsible budgeting, so this will be at the forefront of the agenda as the state grapples with sharply declining revenues.
- The Wildcard in funding Bypass construction is the possibility of a Federal infrastructure stimulus package in early 2009 from the in-coming Obama Administration. However, the Bypass would be vying for funding with every other unfunded and/or underfunded road project in the state.
The Nisqually Valley News reporter was in the Council meeting, yet reported nothing on this important subject.

5. Thurston County Commissioner Diane Oberquell steps down next month. She and Mayor Harding have corroborated on many city issues for several years and her replacement voted by the public is Sandra Romero, a no-nonsense, former state legislator who is known for her stands on controlling growth, something totally opposite of Yelm's Mayor and city officials' proposed quadrupling of Yelm. Mrs. Romero is very familiar with the issues out here in Yelm, having paid many visits to the area during her campaign. With a major Thurston County budget deficit left from the watch of Mrs. Oberquell to get under control, look for major changes coming in Thurston County & Yelm's relationship. Yelm's grow-grow-grow policies could be challenged by the County, or certainly kept in check by the declining economy, regardless of Mayor Harding's push to grow full-speed ahead.

The Thurston Highlands Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released last Wednesday. This writer will digest the city's response to the Draft EIS and give a full report for Yelm Community Blog readers. One chief question City Administrator Badger said in early 2007 would be answered in the EIS is how will the City be repaid for a 2/3 of a million dollar private-developer's water study the City Council authorized paying with taxpayer monies. The City has no contract about this with Thurston Highlands' developers, & therefore has no guarantees to be repaid if the developers pull out or do not build because of the economy.

The Protect Yelm site has taken aim at some of these stories, as well.

This month marks the required time that a 2009 Yelm Mayoral candidate must be registered to vote and live in the city limits. The Public Disclosure Commission requires a mayoral candidate has lived in the city for one year prior to the 2009 election.

As already reported in a Letter to the Editor I wrote in the Nisqually Valley News a few months ago, this writer will not run for Mayor in 2009 since I reside outside of the city limits, and will seek NO public office nor will accept any appointed, public position any further. Therefore, unless someone steps up to the plate, Mayor Harding will run unopposed in 2009, if he chooses another term.

WHAT SAY YOU ABOUT THESE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES?

Thurston County Fire Protection District 17 Logo
Mark Gregory, Fire Chief

The Bald Hills Fire Dept. has a new brush truck (free from the Air Force) that they will use as a "satellite" vehicle to be stationed at the home of a member pulling a shift. This added vehicle should cut response times out in the Bald Hills area, especially if folks in those outlying areas volunteer.
The department's average response time for October, 2008 was 7.5 minutes!!!
That is much faster than even Yelm/Rainier, and is approaching Lacy's response time.

The Bald Hills Fire Dept. service area comprising 38 square miles with a population of almost 3,000.

Information about the Bald Hills Fire Dept. can be found on Firehouse.com.

Information about the funding of the Bald Hills Fire District through a 2007 property tax levy is found on the Thurston County website.

Bald Hills gets grant
"The Bald Hills Fire Department is presented a $1,800 fire prevention grant by a representative from FM Global. The grant will be used to assist the department with fire prevention activities designed to educate
the community and reduce the number of fires," quoting the Nisqually Valley News.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED & WELCOME TO VISIT THE FIREHOUSE & STAFF TUESDAY EVENINGS.
WON'T YOU STOP BY AND TELL THESE FINE PEOPLE YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

UPDATE:
From Bill Owen, Fire Commissioner:
"Thanks for the nice "plug". We would love to have anyone interested in either helping us out, or who have questions or ideas drop by for a visit.
We have a dinner on the first Tuesday of the month, and are open all other Tuesday evenings (7-10 PM). Also the Chief is in during "banker hours" most of the time.

The fire commissioners meet at 8 AM on the second Thursday of the month and we welcome visitors, especially if you come with suggestions how we can serve the community better.

Too many folks think that we are only interested in those people who want to volunteer as fire fighters. In fact there is a place here for everyone.
The fire house is a community facility an is available for community activities, meetings etc.
We'll even make the coffee.

Bill Owen

Photo courtesy Victoria Harper Parsonson,
taken Nov. 6th, 2007 on Bald Hill Rd., 5 miles from Yelm

Yelm Timberland Regional Library
Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave

The Nisqually Valley News story last week titled "TRL, city looking at library options" sure raised more questions than it answered about the future of a Library in Yelm, so much so, I wrote to Timberland Regional Library (TRL) Manager of Administrative Services Michael Crose with these observations:

Here is what I gathered from this article:

1. So, due to the TRL budget deficit, I ascertain Yelm will continue to be the only library in the entire TRL system not housed in a public facility (except the gifted facility in Montesano).

2. TRL is going to allow Yelm ANOTHER exemption to operate in a leased, private & non-public facility for some unspecified length of time. How long will TRL allow Yelm to continue to lease in a private building after 2012 -- just on and on and on???

3. Staying in Prairie Park is one option and realistically the only one, since I know of no vacant building the size of the current location to house the Library were it to move.

4. Prairie Park is going to raise the rent, as it were, raising the costs in the current facility. Ouch!

5. At the end on the 2012 lease, the city takes on all of the expenses related to the Library lease, instead of splitting them with TRL for the 10-year lease. Ouch!

6. The city will not build a new library building. Ouch!

7. Mayor Harding will NOT share any of the options with the public until near the end of the lease in 2012 (assuming he is re-elected in 2009). Ouch!

Reading these 7 points, I am VERY concerned about a library here AND the fact that the public will be kept out of the loop about the future of their public library until 2012, according to the Mayor. Then City Council member Harding (elected in Nov., 2001) and the rest of the council heard in 2001 the Yelm Library was given an exemption beginning in 2002 to operate in a leased facility for 10 years, even at protestation from some TRL libraries who followed the rules and operated in a public facility.
The council did little to nothing in all of that time.
With the Mayor speaking untruths in the newspaper last Friday about a recent lawsuit the city lost and now other issues facing this city (from an unfunded Bypass, to having a vote to raise taxes last night, to a Superior Court Judge imposed mandate to halt the city issuing building permits in 5 subdivisions, to the State Dept. of Ecology telling the city they have gone over their water rights and have no water available for further building, to traffic that still has not been properly mitigated), I have NO confidence that there will be anything done about the library, except to remain where it is and pay the higher rent, all the while giving lip service to this issue until 2012 approaches. And clearly the Mayor and City Council do not get the Library Board involved and basically ignore this group and their mandate on the city's website. CLICK HERE, then Citizen Committees, then Library Board.

A Yelm public library building has never been a priority with this Mayor and this issue's fate seemed sealed years ago! Now, he will not tell the public of the city's options until near the end of the current lease?
Why not NOW!
Why not get the public involved in the PUBLIC Library!

If I were still involved, I would NOT wait for the Mayor to announce the city's options prior to the lease end in 2012, I would move to get a public building built here.
I know it can be done, even with the economic downturn.
I would immediately convene a group made up of the Schorno's, Williams, Margaret Clapp, Edwards, Browns, JZ Knight, Nutters, Glen Cunningham, Kleins, Steve Craig, Keven Graves, Yelm Chamber Board and a few others and use all of the energies devoted to polarization here pointed for a common community goal and get this talented collective working together to pull their muscle to build a permanent public Yelm Library. This is my wish list, however I do not see that happening.

I think the NVN's story points to some very big issues for our Yelm Library, where the City seems to have shoved them under the carpet to near lease end. Either privatize the library or make an effort for a public building; otherwise, the city is again using property-tax-collected, public monies to pay exorbitant rent for a public facility in a privately-owned building.

As one Yelm Blog reader wrote,
"As you know, TRL is experiencing financial cutbacks and a levy lid lift is scheduled for a vote in February. The library is now closed on Monday and although the Yelm Library core staff has not be cut back, their use of substitutes has been restricted. [Correction: the Yelm Library is now closed on Sundays, not Mondays. Open M-Th, 11-8, F/Sat. 11-5.]

Now, more than ever, people without jobs (and internet access) need the library's resources. But their concerns about their own income and the continually rising costs of basic necessities may force them to vote against this lid lift. Will Yelm be faced with the same choice Roy is having to make....choose your library or your police force.

I don't have the answer. I'm just one of the many people who live in this area existing on the edges just above poverty level and working a part-time job in town."

This American Library Assn. article speaks volumes on this issue facing America's Libraries.

TRL can do nothing without the cooperation of City Hall!

YELM LIBRARY DECEMBER ACTIVITY OF NOTE
A music program is coming up in December: "Classical Guitar Music from around the World," with guitarist Meredith Connie. You can sample her music at www.myspace.com/meredithconnieclassicalguitar.
Thursday, December 4, 7-8pm.
Check-out all of the Yelm Library events. CLICK HERE
then your month and check the Yelm location box.

And this story from the Nov. 14th NVN.
Library program expands local youths’ world view


SUPPORT OUR LOCAL LIBRARY -- THE KEYS TO KNOWLEDGE !

On the City Council Agenda tonight:

1. Ordinance No. 896 Ad Valorem [in proportion to the value] Property Tax to add 1% to property taxes.

2. Ordinance No. 893 Year End Budget Amendment
to amend the 2008 by almost $2 million dollars.

Won't you come out tonight and share your views with Mayor Harding & the City Council, who are looking after Yelm property owners' future with the 2009-2010 budget?


TONIGHT'S AGENDA WILL BEGIN AT 7:30PM AT THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING...

UPDATE 9PM:
With only myself as the Yelm Community Blog host, the NVN reporter and city Staff, there was only one other person in the audience. All issues passed, except the Budget Public Hearing will remain open for comment through Dec. 9th. E-mail, snail mail or voice your comment in person by Dec. 9th.

I mentioned several items that will have a detrimental impact on revenues in 2009, and the City Council may want to look at lowering their revenue projections. These stories highlight what I mentioned that will all mean less money in city coffers here:
New home sales fall to slowest pace since 1991

Meltdown far from over, new mortgage crisis looms

New jobless claims drop from 16-year high

New crisis in commercial real estate looms

I also mentioned the zero-down home being sold in Yelm has its days numbered, since banks and mortgage companies now require 20-25% down in cash.
These factors should be considered.

Unemployment, home sales dropping, home prices dropping, home assessments dropping, sales declines leading to less sales tax all will impact revenue.

Interesting that the Nisqually Valley News chose NOT to print any of these stories from the City Council meeting, though a reporter was at the session.

This month marks the required time that a Yelm 2009 Mayoral candidate must be registered to vote and live in the city limits. The Public Disclosure Commission insures a mayoral candidate has lived in the city for one year prior to the 2009 election.

As already reported in the Nisqually Valley News a few months ago, this writer is not eligible to run for Mayor since I reside outside of the city limits, and will seek NO public office nor will accept any appointed position.

Christian Hill covers Lacey and Thurston County for The Olympian & penned this thorough report in today's editions:

Judge says Yelm must prove it has water
Condition placed by city on subdivisions ruled illegal

"The city has lost the latest round in an apparent precedent-setting case that will determine when and to what level a city must prove it has the water to serve a planned development.

Yelm Mayor Ron Harding said Friday the city will appeal a ruling that overturns its preliminary approval of five subdivisions totaling 568 homes, townhomes and condominiums.

Superior Court Judge Chris Wickham ruled a condition placed on the preliminary approval of the subdivisions violated state law. The condition allowed the city to wait until someone applied for a building permit to prove it had enough water to serve the proposed development. He determined the city must show that proof earlier in the land-use process.

The final outcome could have statewide implications as cities continue to grow and drinking water becomes more scarce.

Channeler JZ Knight challenged the approval of the subdivisions on the basis the city did not have sufficient water to serve them and that could affect future development of her property.

The issues

The court challenge eventually focused on two questions: May the city of Yelm continue the practice of waiting until an individual requested a building permit to provide proof it has enough water to serve the proposed development? What level of proof must be shown?...

Yelm reaction

Yelm city officials said Wickham exceeded his authority by making a ruling on a action that has yet to occur, namely consideration of the final plat approval for the subdivisions.

They argued that, if upheld, his ruling means cities would have to "bank," or set aside water, even for property that may never develop.

"If it falls on Yelm, it's going to affect other cities," City Administrator Shelly Badger said of the ramifications of such a ruling.

Ecology position

The state Department of Ecology, which regulates the public waters in the state, sided with Knight in a friend-of-the-court brief filed in the challenge.

The state agency said it's important "the cart does not get before the horse" by cities approving subdivisions without securing the water to serve them.

"Having water in place early in the process would also eliminate the possibility of a lot owner's expectations being dashed and his or her investment being stranded because there is no water to serve the actual lot," wrote Assistant Attorney General Maia Bellon, representing the agency...

Yelm water history

Wickham also ruled the city was pumping more water than it had legal right since 2001 and doesn't have sufficient water rights to serve the five new subdivisions...

In its brief, Ecology noted one reason it was participating in the lawsuit was to prevent possible water rights violations by the city.

The two sides have reached agreement that the city will pump not more than 796 acre-feet this year, a limit Badger said the city is on pace to stay within. That limit would not provide enough water to serve the five subdivisions.

"Our job is to get people in compliance, and they are in compliance to the best of our knowledge. … That's success for us," said Tom Loranger, water resources manager Ecology's southwest regional office."

From the Yelm Community Blog of May 24, 2008:

Last year on Friday, July 20, the Nisqually Valley News reported about Yelm's new Wal-Mart opening and noted the official opening on July 18, 2007. The City of Yelm said then about the store's requirements to mitigate traffic, "Wal-Mart will also pave 103rd Avenue from Creek Street to the new connection, which must be built within 10 months of the store's opening."

That 10 months was up on May 19, 2008...

Not seeing any connector, this writer wrote to Yelm's Community and Government Relations Coordinator
Cindy Teixeira for an update for Yelm Community blog readers.

Here is her response:

"The land use approval and MDNS required the connector be constructed within 18 months of the purchase of the right of way. The State DOT closed on the property June 22, 2007, with the deadline being November 22, 2008. Wal-Mart contributed nearly $220,000 to the purchase of the right-of-way and the construction plans are in for review.

Wal-Mart has also submitted a letter of credit toward construction of the connector road."

UPDATE: November 22, 2008
NOVEMBER 22, 2008 has come and gone and not seeing any construction on this connector last week, I again wrote to Yelm's Community and Government Relations Coordinator Cindy Teixeira for an update. Lately, I have received NO answers from the City to my requests for information and this one is no exception. What is one to conclude when the City does not address these kind of issues, regardless of their opinion of me? What else are they hiding from the public? The only option left to get the City to answer is to paper them with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, to which by law, they must respond!

To reiterate, the Yelm Wal-Mart was ONLY permitted to be built by using the Yelm Bypass to mitigate its traffic.
The connector to 103rd was supposed to assist in that until the Bypass is built. As has been reported here ad nauseum, the Bypass was unfunded then and now and may be unavailable to mitigate Wal-mart's traffic for 8-10 years after the Superstore opened in 2007. Why was Wal-Mart allowed to be built with an unfunded Bypass to mitigate its traffic?

DON'T YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY WAL-MART HAS NOT FULFILLED ITS AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY AND FOLLOWED THE LAND USE APPROVAL AND MDNS REQUIRING THE CONNECTOR TO BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF OF THE PURCHASE OF THE RIGHT-OF-WAY?

WE CERTAINLY NOW KNOW THE CITY DID NOT FOLLOW THE LAWS OF LAND USE FOR 5 SUBDIVISIONS, AS THE THURSTON COUNTY SUPERIOR RULED ON NOVEMBER 7TH.
THE MAYOR SPOKE UNTRUTHS ABOUT THAT ISSUE IN THE NVN LAST FRIDAY.
IS THE CITY'S SILENCE INDICATIVE THE LAW WAS NOT FOLLOWED WITH WAL-MART, TOO?

DON'T YOU WANT TO KNOW???

Greetings Community,

Join us on Sunday, November 23rd @ 4pm at Gordon's Grange in Yelm.

(Downtown Yelm, beside Gordon's Garden Centers Patio & Gift Shop, 308 Yelm Ave East)

Doors open at 3:30pm, Please Kindly Arrive Early as we will start Prompt!

Here is our Basic Agenda:

~ Richard from Survival Center discussing the Ham Radio ARRL Amateur Licensing Class he attended in October.

~ Teri Simpson (formally Optimum Preparedness) discussing Basic CB’s & Single Side Band Radios (12 Watts) along with some good Antenna options.

~ Liza Bennett discussing Building your own Satellite Communities in 1-2 mile radius of your home. Also, CPR & Fist Aid Classes in our area.

~ Who is serious about getting a CB Radio (or pulling the one you have out & dusting it off) to use and test within your community.

~ Also, available is another Ham Radio Class in Centralia on Sunday, November 30th ~ Information at our meeting…

~ Open to Questions, Sharing Additional Information, Show and Tell with CBs and what is the Next Step for this Group…

Please let me know this week you are Attending and Thanks so much. Liza

Liza Bennett
EarthWave Living, LLC
www.EarthWaveLiving.com
888-589-WAVE

THE HONORABLE MAYOR RON HARDING

The Nisqually Valley News reported in their November 21st edition a front page story titled "City to appeal ruling on Yelm subdivisions" where Mayor Harding says in the story,
"the city will continue to do business as usual." Yet Judge Chris Wickham told the City of Yelm they did not have the water rights to issue any further building permits, least of all in the 5 subdivisions in the case brought by JZ Knight.

To continue to do business as usual means the City will be in Contempt of Court if they issue any building permits in the 5 subdivisions of Tahoma Terra Phase II, Divisions 5 & 6; Windshadow I; Windshadow II; Wyndstone; and Berry Valley I, which would have brought 568 new homes to Yelm.

Mayor Harding said in the same story,
"...the city will not reapprove the subdivisions before the city has appealed the judge's decision."
adding
"I feel bad because it's a waste of the city's resources, when really this is on the hearing examiner's decision."
[Ed. Note: Therefore, no building permits will be issued the 5 aforementioned subdivisions. The Mayor and city officials keep using city resources to defend a stand that is not consistent with the laws of Washington State nor their own city's Municipal Code, as pointed out by Judge Wickham.].

The Court said the hearing examiner's decision must be changed to follow the law, covered here previously. The City did not follow the laws of the State of Washington Water Code, the RCW or the Yelm Municipal Code, ACCORDING TO THE COURT & remanded the case back to the City & the hearing examiner to follow the State's laws.
Read the Court documents for yourself. Click Here

Further, Mayor Harding actually is quoted speaking untruths when he said to the NVN,
"Harding said the city has always proved water at final plat."

Mr. Harding, such is NOT the case, as I sat in Court and listened to City Attorney Richard Settle argue for the city's stand to prove water at the building permit phase, rather than final plat AND you know that to be true, which is documented in Court filings! You and the City Council rejected Ms. Knight's case before the city in 2007, arguing a "reasonable expectation" of water only at the building permit phase is all that is required. That's why this case went to Thurston County Superior Court - to get to the truth on when the city must provide adequate water.

Mr. Harding, you even said yourself about providing water at he building permit phase in the City's Press Release of October 10th:
"The City of Yelm is pleased with Thurston County Superior Court Judge Chris Wickham’s decision to deny JZ Knight’s request to overturn preliminary land use approvals for five separate subdivisions in the City."

"'To set aside water rights at a time other than building permit does not make sense. In essence, the City would have to set aside water for lots that might not ever be developed,' said Yelm Mayor Ron Harding, who is happy with the decision.

'If the judge had agreed with Knight,' Harding explained, 'all growth in Yelm, including the construction of new homes and businesses would stop.'”

Then on November 14th in the NVN:
"City officials say they aren’t pleased with how JZ Knight’s land use appeal on five area subdivisions was handled in Thurston County Superior Court."

Bottom line: new construction in these 5 subdivisions is now halted and what the Mayor said is totally false:
"Harding said the city has always proved water at final plat."
Reason this: If this statement by Mayor Harding were true, then there would be nothing for the City to appeal, since Judge Wickham ruled water must be proven at final plat!

Mr. Mayor, your continued dishonesty to the city is a travesty and I told you so in the City Council on October 28th.

As the NVN article stated correctly,
"The judge's order not only reverses approval of the subdivisions, but it sets a precedent that water must be proven at final plat approval."

The State Dept. of Ecology and other State agencies are watching this case closely as a precedent setting vehicle in other municipalities' water issues.

Further, from the NVN, "Knight calls sewer claims ‘retaliation’ by Yelm developers"

And, "Trespassing charges against former JZ spokesman dropped".

On April 28, 2006, The Olympian reported this about Lacey's water issues,
"Last June, the city imposed a de facto moratorium on new development within its urban growth area because it is rapidly running out of water it’s authorized to withdraw."

Is Yelm next for a moratorium on new development for lack of water?

SIMPLY HEAVEN’S GRAND FINALE

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! THE END is nigh!! Your last chance to go to HEAVEN before it’s forever too late!

SIMPLY HEAVEN is nearing the end of its store lease and has placed ALL FURNITURE on sale at either cost or less!

We have dining tables/chairs, 2 sofas, desks, dressers, sideboards, lighted display cabinets, chests of drawers, end &

coffee tables, a great selection of wall mirrors, lamps, and much more.

Looking for something "out of the box" for Christmas? Our Gifts, Decor and Gourmet Goods are also discounted 25%.

So come and help yourself to these fantastic savings! Don’t miss out or live with regret!

Located behind KeyBank in Nisqually Plaza Shopping Mall, we are open from 10am-6:30pm Monday to Friday,

and 10am-5pm Saturdays. Email heaven@fairpoint.net or phone 360.400.8025.

Our new website www.simplyheavenonline.com will continue to provide you our fun selection of

misses and PLUS sizes women's Clothing, stylish Accessories and innovative Body Care products.

SIMPLY HEAVEN . . . so much fun it’s almost WICKED!

Many thanks, Virginia

THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG WISHES VIRGINIA & HER TEAM WELL IN THEIR NEXT ADVENTURES!

THIS NOW LEAVES THE EASTERN END OF NISQUALLY PLAZA TOTALLY VACANT, WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE DOLLAR STORE ADDED TO THE OTHER VACANT SHOPS.

Hello Everybody

New Bee classes are coming up!

All Classes are held Friday evening 7 to 9 pm at Gordon's Grange downtown in Yelm (white building besides Gordon'S Garden Center)

November 21st, 2008:
for active beekeepers and all those of you who are interested in learning how to make mead (honey wine).
Further topics: candy board for winter feeding and wrapping up the bee season with Q+A
Costs: $13 (includes tasting of mead!)

December 5th 2008:
Introduction into beekeeping for beginners
Costs: $10

January 16th 2009:
Advancing of the beginning class on its way to get ready for spring.
Costs $10

Thomas Mani
360 894 6038

Check out our website for honeybee products, beekeeping classes and tree seeds
www.tree-of-life-enterprises.com

Own property & live in the Yelm area?

Here's what is in-store for 2009 for you:

1. Yelm School's Levy increase takes effect
2. Fire Levy
3. Your annual Library taxes
Plus:
- Yelm Schools targeting classroom construction funding before 2012
- Yelm Timberland Regional Library deficit funding levy
and a new library will have to be built to house the library in a public building.

all of this on top of economic news out this week:

Economy sailing into rougher waters
U.S. business economists see economy shrinking more
From MSNBC: click here

Mortgaging the future in desperate times
Despite big penalties, many are cashing in or borrowing against retirement
From MSNBC: click here

County proposes cuts, may need more
Work force would drop by 7 percent, but $1.2 million gap remains
From The Olympian: click here

Investors pay dearly to tap retirement funds
In addition to penalty, savers lose out on chance for more growth
From MSNBC: click here

Wholesale prices plunge by a record amount
October’s one-month decline of 2.8 percent is the biggest on record
From MSNBC: click here

State shortfall likely to increase
Governor to readjust budget after job, revenue outlooks are released this week
From The Olympian: click here
[Ed. Note: What will happen to the unfunded Yelm Bypass?]

Holiday sales outlook looks flat
Economic slowdown worries some South Sound retailers
From The Olympian: click here

The Washington Policy Center held its Pierce County 2008 Small Business Issue Forum [Nov. 18] in Tacoma in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.
"Michael Ennis, director of the WPC Center for Transportation, said his staff is watching two problems closely. The first is a projected $1.5 billion shortfall between gas-tax money collected for road improvement projects and the cost of those projects. In years past, the legislature has been able to make up the difference, but this year may be different. Ennis said lawmakers will either have to cancel several projects or fund them with money from the state's general fund," quoting the Pierce County Business Examiner.
[Ed. Note: Bypass funding in the 2009 Legislature appears in jeopardy. Expect Yelm's traffic to continue to get worse, since no capacity has been added to Yelm's main thoroughfare, only a turn lane to help with flow. There is still only one through lane in and one lane out and through town.]

Governor states State Government is challenged:
"Washington quarterly revenue projection down $1.9 billion"
From the State's Office of Financial Management: click here

Venture posts largest loss ever
From The Olympian of Nov. 20th: click here

Home construction cannot move forward in five subdivisions [Tahoma Terra Phase II, Divisions 5 & 6; Windshadow I; Windshadow II; Wyndstone; and Berry Valley I] because of a court order outlining the city's lack of water, so building permit fess, home sales taxes & owner property taxes from these projects will not be coming into city coffers, either.

YELM LEVIES RARELY PASS ON THE FIRST BALLOT.
HOW WILL THE PUBLIC VOTE IN 2009 ON MORE LEVIES & TAXES?

"The McClatchy Co. has announced that The Olympian newspaper will be printed at The News Tribune in Tacoma starting in November.

In an e-mail to employees Friday [Oct. 10], Olympian President and Publisher John Winn Miller said the move will allow The Olympian to be delivered earlier in most areas, and the newspaper could avoid future capital expenses.

Miller said eight jobs will be affected by the printing move. Three employees could be transferred from Olympia to Tacoma, and the company will try to avoid layoffs by seeking volunteers for severance packages.

McClatchy has been seeking greater efficiency in the past year because of an industrywide downturn in print advertising.

In June, The Olympian laid off 17 people, including four in the newsroom. It offered buyouts in September that resulted in four more newsroom employees leaving," quoting KING5-News.

Of course, McClatchy publishes The Olympian, The Tacoma News Tribune and The Bellingham Herald all in Puget Sound.

"Reducing waste is especially important during the holiday season. Americans throw away one million extra tons of waste each week between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Think about this: If every family in the U.S. used two feet less of gift wrap ribbon the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved would be enough to tie a bow around the whole planet.

This season is the perfect opportunity to teach children about what really matters. Ad agencies spend over $15 billion a year on advertising aimed at children, and parents can help wean their children away from material overload by setting an example. Plus, parents who are less stressed out and exhausted just might experience the real meaning of the holidays - a warm feeling inside that comes from doing something that makes a difference.

The following Thurston County businesses are participating in the 2008 Waste Free Holidays Program. Please contact them directly to purchase gifts or to find out more information. Discounted prices apply to purchases made from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2008.

The WasteFree Holidays program has started!

So visit www.wastefreeholidays.com and get some great ideas for your holiday shopping list this year," quoting Thurston County Waste Free Holidays.

"A longtime South Sound radio executive who has been trying to open an AM radio station in Yelm since 2004 says he can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"I felt that it gave me the best opportunity to be granted a license if I was choosing an area that was not yet served," said Brian Butler, the sole owner of the proposed station in Yelm.

Butler is the general sales manager at Olympia's KXXO at 96.1 FM and owns a small stake in that station. He has been with that station since it went on the air in August 1989.

Butler started work on the Yelm station in 2004, filing a short application with the Federal Communications Commission that year, then a longer one in December 2007, he said. He now is waiting for a construction permit to be granted and aims to be on the air in mid-2009, Butler said.

This much he knows: The station will broadcast at 1120 AM; will operate at 10,000 watts during the day and 6,000 at night; and because of its directional signal, it likely won't be heard east of Yelm or north of Tacoma. However, it should cover Thurston County, he said. The county is home to about 12 stations, according to FCC data.

Station call letters haven't been determined, and although he envisions a station carrying music, news and local sports, Butler did not want to disclose the music format...

Yelm is Thurston County's fastest-growing city, with its population growing 6.2 percent in the year-over-year period ending in April, according to a recent estimate by the state Office of Financial Management. A Wal-Mart supercenter opened there in 2007, and the city's taxable retail sales have been strong.

A category of taxable retail sales known as retail trade, which excludes construction and is considered a better measure of consumer spending, shot up nearly 50 percent to $21.7 million from $14.7 million in the year-over-year second-quarter period this year [mostly because of a Wal-Mart opening in July, 2007]. In the first quarter of 2008, year-over-year taxable retail sales in Yelm were higher by 52 percent, according to the state Department of Revenue.

'I've been in the radio business for 30 years, and I saw it as an opportunity as a station owner,' Butler said about putting a station in Yelm," quoting
The Olympian.

Of course, Yelm has been home to radio station KRSE - Beyond the Ordinary Free Webcast Radio for many years.
Owners Nancy Lorenz & Elena Young say:

"Our program is in service to the community ... now a world-wide community. Our intent is to promote the wonderment, possibilities, wisdom, discovery, and enjoyment of life!

Two friends, with many years of searching for knowledge and answers, traveled to a gathering of shamans on a mountain top in 1999, because of their message "the world is as you dream it." The radio program began with our desire to share with you this possibility, whatever truths we had found, and would continue to find ...and the magical quantum doors opened with a way to do it. The program started in 2000 as "Where the Eagle Meets the Condor" broadcasting over KNRY on Historic Cannery Row in California.

One year and a half later we found, through our own program... The most magical, Ramtha and his School of Enlightenment. That was when all the pieces of knowledge we had gathered from many sources came together, and where we finally found answers to the great questions and discovered just how true the shaman's message is --along with the knowledge and disciplines that enable us to experience it.
One more year after that, we moved to Washington and within months resumed the program under its new name. We now had so much more to bring to you, including quantum physics, neurobiology, explained in such easy to grasp and delightful ways...

The World Is Listening! Over 90 countries show up in our stats [that listen in to Yelm, WA.]."

"Thurston County Commissioner Bob Macleod announced Monday he has been diagnosed with very early stage Alzheimer's disease and will resign his seat Dec. 31.

The timing of his announcement, nearly a week after the election, presents some unique challenges for local Democratic Party leaders and elected officials in appointing his successor.

Macleod, 81, announced his resignation by reading a letter to Thurston County residents Monday morning at the end of the commissioners' regular meeting, which is televised. He noted his diagnosis for an unspecified medical condition in the letter, but later confirmed in an interview it is Alzheimer's disease...

Macleod said he has committed to staying on the board until the 2009 budget is adopted. The county faces a projected $4.3 million budget shortfall next year. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the budget Dec. 15...

The Thurston County Democratic Party will forward a list of three potential candidates listed in priority order for appointment by the remaining two commissioners. Gov. Chris Gregoire would step in and make the appointment if the commissioners cannot agree on a replacement within five days of the vacancy.

The precinct committee officers elected during the August primary will take office Dec. 1. They then have a month to finalize a slate of candidates. It's up to the party to determine if all the officers in the county or only those within the district now represented by Macleod will make those decisions...

Macleod represents District 3, which encompasses west Olympia, Tumwater and western Thurston County...

Last week, voters elected Commissioner Cathy Wolfe to a third four-year term and Commissioner-elect Sandra Romero, who will succeed incumbent Diane Oberquell on Jan. 1.

Sandra Romero

Cathy Wolfe

Romero must move up her oath of office to December from the traditional first meeting in January to be qualified to vote for Macleod's successor. She and Wolfe must vote at Romero's first meeting as commissioner, presumably Jan. 5, or the decision falls to Gregoire," quoting The Olympian.

THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG ACKNOWLEDGES MR. MACLEOD FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COUNTY AND WISHES HIM WELL!

Dear Readers;

I know that some of you may have issue with my "prattle" [to quote Dave's column in the NVN] yet no one else around here has even dared to stand-up and speak to the truth about the several issues here, especially the water case covered on this Blog several times.

Mayor Ron Harding was quoted on the front page of the Nisqually Valley News on October 10th saying that Thurston County Superior Court Judge Wickham's Letter Opinion about the case of JZ Knight vs. City of Yelm et al amounts to "Business as usual." And the City of Yelm Press Release of October 10th says "The City of Yelm is pleased with Judge Wickham's decision..."
Read the Press Release for yourself. CLICK HERE!

In the same story, City Administrator Shelly Badger said,
'In light of the vast time and money dedicated to this case,' said City Administrator Shelly Badger in a press release, 'it is ironic that the decision equates to Yelm doing business as usual.'

'The permitting process isn’t changed.'”

The permitting process has now changed and changed big time, Mrs. Badger!

To quote the NVN in their November 14th edition, "In the judge's findings, the city is required to prove potable water at final plat approval and notify Knight of water issued of these developments."

Yes, that is the key determination affecting the City of Yelm, a city that says they should not have to prove water availability until the building permit phase and that was in the Letter Opinion issued in October.
Where was the Mayor on this very issue then? That changes the permitting process for the city in a major way!

And, the NVN out on the newsstands today has quite a different headline from Mayor Harding now that Judge Wickham issued his final decision in this case on November 7th. Mayor Harding takes issue with the Judge's decision and says he "disregarded everything the city suggested."

What happened between the Judge's Letter Opinion and the Final Decision, which was virtually unchanged?

Readers of the NVN were not afforded that information until today, yet Yelm Community Blog readers not only had ALL of the details, they had access to the Court documents to read for themselves since this began in July, 2007!


Pastor Jeff Adams says in his NVN column today:
"In recent years, the losers of elections have acted so disrespectful and dishonoring of our elected officials. If our candidate loses, we act as obstructionists - like spoiled children who throw tantrums when they don't get their way.
May I encourage you to show character whether your candidate or his/her opponent is in office.
It's okay to disagree on issues and even let your disagreements be known.
However, if we cannot show proper respect when doing so, we taint our cause.
We mix foolishness in and undermine the very things for which we stand."

Pastor Adams, I could not agree with you more; have respect for our officials, yet speak up when one sees things differently!
Our government requires, indeed demands participation from the public. Dissent is the hallmark of a Constitutional Republic like ours.
Subjugation and subversion of the truth by officials we voted into office is not to be tolerated by anyone, period.
I find speaking up and calling our leaders on issues affecting our area to NOT be "disrespectful and dishonoring of our elected officials." Indeed, for city officials and the newspaper to keep facts from their constituents IS "disrespectful and dishonoring" of the public!
And last month, the city's "Business as usual" press release and NVN story kept the facts from the public, as I told the City Council on October 28th.
If the public does not want the truth here; if the public is not interested in what city officials are keeping from them, please let me know.

I will be interested to see if the City of Yelm honors and respects the Court's final decision, which means that the city may NOT proceed with these five subdivisions [Tahoma Terra Phase II, Divisions 5 & 6; Windshadow I; Windshadow II; Wyndstone; and Berry Valley I] until the City of Yelm proves water availability, that the State Dept. of Ecology says the city does not have.
Of course, the City has until early December to appeal.

The NVN reported in today's edition the "City tightening its belt for 2009-10". That would be wise, for now on top of the economic downturn, the city can expect no further tax revenue from building permit fees, home sales tax and future property tax revenue from these 5 subdivisions, until it gets it's water issues straightened out, which could be a long time.

And, the City still has alot of explaining to do. The City Council has always said they will not use public monies to fund private developments, yet that is exactly what they did in funding the Thurston Highlands water study to the tune of over 2/3 of a million dollars. City Administrator Badger said the Thurston Highlands Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will address how the Yelm taxpayers get repaid. One certainly will be interested in that because with the State Dept. of Ecology saying the City does not have sufficient water now to support all of the building permits already issued, how is a 5,000 home development going to get approval to build?

WHAT SAY YOU?

UPDATE [Friday, November 14th, 4:40pm]: The NVN published only on their website JZ Knight's Press Release in response to last week's NVN story about developers' Bloom/Chamberlain complaints on RSE campus sewage.

The Mayor said in the NVN story the city "will look this week to decide if we want to appeal.”

Who will take the appeals case when the Judge said the City of Yelm was not following:
- the RCW
- the Washington Water Code
- Yelm's own Municipal Code
- An Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) Brief filed by the Washington State Dept. of Ecology & the State Assistant Attorney General stating Yelm did not have enough water rights to support existing building permits, much less any new ones?

Mayor Harding said, “I’m confident in the end, the city will prevail.”
Prevail against the laws of the State of Washington meant to protect the public?

WHO WILL TAKE A CASE THEY ARE SURE TO LOSE AGAINST THESE CODES?

Yelm-based Intention Media announces the movie FUEL is being shown in limited release in the U. S. now as their current, featured project:

"Most Americans know we’ve got a problem: an addiction to oil that taxes the environment, entangles us in costly foreign policies, and threatens the nation’s long-term stability. But few are informed or empowered enough to do much about it. Enter Josh Tickell, an expert young activist who, driven by his own emotionally charged motives, shuttles us on a revelatory, whirlwind journey to unravel this addiction—from its historical origins to political constructs that support it, to alternatives available now and the steps we can take to change things. Tickell tracks the rising domination of the petrochemical industry—from Rockefeller’s strategy to halt ethanol use in Ford’s first cars to the mysterious death of Rudolph Diesel at the height of his biodiesel engine’s popularization, to our government’s choice to declare war after 9/11, rather than wean the country from fossil fuel. Never minimizing the complexities of ending oil dependence, Tickell uncovers a hopeful reality pointing toward a decentralized, sustainable energy infrastructure—like big rigs tanking up on biofuel at Carl’s Corner Texas truck stop, a new Brooklyn biodiesel plant serving three states, a miraculous Arizona algae-based fuel farm, and the Swedish public voting to be petroleum free by 2020. Sweeping and exhilarating, Tickell’s passionate film goes beyond great storytelling; it rings out like a bell that stirs consciousness and makes individual action suddenly seem consequential.

Josh Tickell, a leading expert on alternative fuels, grew up in Louisiana, where members of his family suffered from diseases linked to pollution from oil refineries. After discovering biodiesel, he earned an MFA in film from Florida State University's School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts to chronicle and vitalize the green-energy movement. He has been working on Fields of Fuel for 10 years. Tickell also authored a controversial companion book, Biodiesel America—How to Achieve Energy Security, Free America from Middle-East Oil Dependence, and Make Money Growing Fuel."

--© Sundance Film Festival

Intention Media is handling the distribution of FUEL, which is headed by filmmaker Betsy Chasse (co-creator of the hit film What the Bleep Do We Know?!) of Yelm.

Check-out theaters & show times.

Coming to Yelm Cinemas, December 5th, 2008
Q & A will follow with Josh Tickell, after the screening.

"Two troubling trends have reshaped the lives of Americans over the past few decades: Our jobs are less secure, and we are less likely to participate in social and community groups. A first-of-its-kind study suggests these phenomena are linked.

Analyzing decades of data, sociologist Jennie Brand of the University of California, Los Angeles and Sarah Burgard of the University of Michigan found workers who have been laid off even once are 35 percent less likely to be involved in community or social organizations than workers who have never lost a job under those circumstances.

What’s more, that lowered likelihood of civic involvement remains steady decades after the involuntary termination.

'That surprised us,' Brand said. 'It’s not like they got re-employed and things went back to normal. There was a change in their lifetime trajectory.'

'Just one disruption in employment makes workers significantly less likely to participate in a whole range of social activities, from joining book clubs to participating in the PTA and supporting charities,' she said.

'After being laid off or downsized, workers are less likely to give back to their community.'

The study, published in the September issue of the journal Social Forces, grew out of Brand’s longtime interest in the effects of losing a job, which is an increasingly relevant field of research. As Louis Uchitelle of The New York Times wrote in his 2006 book The Disposable American, the attitude of corporations toward their workers changed fundamentally between the mid-1970s and the late 1990s, as job security gradually gave way to 'the easy and frequent use of layoffs,'” quoting Miller-McCune.

THIS IS SOMETHING OF WHICH TO BE AWARE AS OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS HAVE THEIR JOBS AFFECTED.
THIS WRITER WAS IN A LOCAL SHOP HAVING LUNCH RECENTLY AND LISTENED TO FORMER ARNOLD'S EMPLOYEES SPEAK OF THEIR CHALLENGES SINCE BEING LAID-OFF. TWO FRIENDS BISTRO, ARNOLD'S COUNTRY INN, BAR CINCO & SEBASTIAN'S BEST HAVE ALL CLOSED HERE THIS YEAR!
OTHERS ARE BEING TESTED, AS THE NVN REPORTED ABOUT OUR GOOD FRIEND INSUK JOHNSON'S CHINESE WOK!

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND TELL THEM YOU READ ABOUT THEIR SHOPS YELM'S COMMUNITY BLOG!

"Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

Veterans Day is largely intended to thank veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to United States national security are appreciated..., quoting Wikipedia.

More from Wikipedia:
"The Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day."

"The Uniform Holidays Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. After protests by veterans' groups, it was moved back to November 11 in 1978 (most states had reverted to the original date during the '70s). Even though it is a federal and state holiday, it is formally observed in most parts of the United States only by government offices and banks."

"Veterans Day closures, events" in the South Sound, quoting The Olympian.

FROM "ANY SOLDIER.COM"
Want to send your support to a Soldier in harm's way,
but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it?

How this works:

We have Soldier contacts on the "Where to Send" page. Click through the names and select the one(s) you wish to support. They list what the folks they represent want and need. We even have a search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need most.

All the Soldiers involved in this effort are military volunteers stationed in areas that are in harm's way. You send your support (letters and/or packages) addressed to them and when they see the "Attn: Any Soldier" line in their address they put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail first. Everything is shared.

We have "What to Send", "How to Send" and "FAQ" pages to help you properly send letters and packages, please read these. Be sure to also read our "New & Stuff" and "Success Stories" pages. This effort is 110% voluntary. You send your support, and maybe some stuff, directly to whatever unit or units you want, you don't send us anything.

We also have a video you may watch free online, "Tango Mike!" which is a great overview of how the site works. The video is available for purchase HERE.

PLEASE read the entire web site before you send anything.
We want you to be informed and comfortable with this effort.

Thank you for your support!

Gail Louise Schorno Passes

Gail Schorno, "Age 65, of Yelm, passed away Wednesday, November 5th 2008, after a two-year battle with cancer. Born in Tacoma to Dallas and Marguerite Edwards, she spent most of her life in Yelm. Gail graduated from Yelm High School in 1961, and was married to her high school sweetheart Larry Schorno for 47 years. Gail, a devoted, talented mother and homemaker, had many interests. She enjoyed singing, acting, horseback riding, cooking, gardening, beachcombing, and piloting her Cessna. She was a great fan of her nine adoring grandchildren, attending their many ballgames and musical events. Many charitable organizations benefited from her generosity, including Yelm Dollars for Scholars, POSSCA, Yelm Performing Arts, Drew Harvey Theater, and Yelm Historical Society. She loved to love her family. She is survived by her mother Marguerite Edwards, husband Larry Schorno, daughters Gayla Schorno-Duerr and Cindy Schorno, sons Dan and Glenn Schorno, sisters Dallas Ann Landon and Christine Chatwood, brother Jeff Edwards, and nine precious grandchildren, Peter, Kristie, Daniel, Natalie, Austin, Jack, Will, Alexis and Laney. Gail will be dearly missed by all and we know we will see her again in Heaven. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 1 pm at the Lawrence Lake Pavilion in Yelm. A brief gravesite visit and reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Dollars for Scholars Endowment Fund in memory of Gail Schorno," quoting the Tacoma News Tribune.

THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG SENDS HUGS TO THE SCHORNO FAMILY DURING THEIR TIME OF LOSS!

Tired of Feeling Tired?
On medication or supplements that just aren't working, or have a condition that isn't getting better?

Come to our
Free Nutritional Healing Talk
Get the answers you are looking for!

Find out what Barriers to Healing may be preventing you from experiencing Better Health...and what you can do about it...

Date & Time: Tues. November 11th 2008 @ 6:30-7:30PM
Location: Roy Community Center

Presented by:
Brenda Duzan, RN, M.Ac., L.Ac.
&
Michael Balmer, LMT
Phone: 253-576-8278

owners of
"Acupuncture & Body-Alignment" located at the Wellness Clinic, 806 Yelm Ave. E., Ste.8.
Office hours by appointment Wed., Thurs., (10-8pm), and Sat. (10-6pm), phone: 253-576-8278.
We offer Acupuncture, Oriental Therapeutics, Nutrition Response Testing, and non-traditional massage called "Body-Alignment"-(a modality that corrects myoskeletal imbalances.

Please Call To Reserve Your Seat!

TELL BRENDA & MICHAEL YOU READ ABOUT THEIR TALK ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Regarding the NVN October 10th front-page story quoting Mayor Harding and the City of Yelm Press release concerning the case of JZ Knight vs City of Yelm et al titled "Lawsuit Ruling: Business as usual", Judge Chris Wickham made final yesterday his Letter Opinion dated October 7, 2008 about this case and did not change anything. The Court listened to a partial list of objections from the City and developers' representatives and then stated that the City was attempting to keep the truth from being known in this case, overruling the City's objection to have to inform Ms. Knight when any permits are issued in these five developments.
One can see that developers' Bloom & Chamberlain Tahoma Terra phases will be impacted with this decision. Telling the NVN in mid-October,
"Recently, we spent hundreds of thousands of our hard-earned money in attorney and consultant fees defending our livelihood.
Other local developers.builders and the city also spent an equivalent amount and for what?"

For what, they ask?
That was presented by Knight's attorney before a Hearing Examiner in Yelm and the Yelm City Council in 2007, which has now been addressed by the Thurston County Superior Court -
to get the City of Yelm to follow the laws of the State of Washington on water.
[Ed. Note: Bloom & Chamberlain knew all along there was not enough water to support these developments, as they have been feverishly attempting to acquire water rights for their properties for a couple of years now. Did they just go along and trust the City, expecting no one would be perceptive that there was not enough water or go to Superior Court if they did notice? Wise developers should make absolutely certain the city has the water available before committing on any development. Otherwise, they may sink alot of money into a project, not be permitted to build and accrue out-of-pocket expenses they may never be able to recoup.]

Yesterday, the NVN published Bloom/Chamberlain's unfounded accusations about Ms. Knight's property not operating in compliance & filing a complaint with Thurston County. Where was the NVN's award-winning investigative journalism on this issue. The only thing that was given ink were Bloom & Chamberlain's accusations, with NO questioning of the County. The NVN has previously reported the State's Dept of Health & Ecology were called on by Bloom & Chamberlain to investigate Knight's water systems and found to be in compliance, TWICE. Now Bloom & Chamberlain are asking the County to investigate Knight's sewage systems.

Playing the victim and then throwing out accusations is an easy way to divert attention from the fact that these 2 developers just did not do their homework on Yelm's water issues & moved ahead with their investments here anyway, expecting to acquire sufficient water only to be told the City does not have water to support some of their Tahoma Terra phases.

Bottom line:
"So it is clear that the City must make findings of "appropriate provisions" for potable water supplies in this case by the time of final plat approval.

The final determination of the Court concluded the City is required to show approved and available water rights sufficient to serve all currently approved and to-be approved subdivisions in this case. "The "reasonable expectation" based on historical City's suggested finding potable water would be considered insufficient to satisfy this condition."

This case has nothing to do with stopping or limiting development, rather to direct the City to follow the laws of:
the Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
the Yelm Municipal Code (YMC)
the Washington Water Code
and that a determination of 'appropriate provision' [of water] are a condition of preliminary plat approval and must be provided at final plat approval.

Quoting City Administrator Shelly Badger in a press release, "'it is ironic that the decision equates to Yelm doing business as usual. 'The permitting process isn’t changed.'"

That is not true now as NO permit can be issued in any of these five subdivisions unless adequate water is proven at final plat, NOT at building permit issuance stage.

Mayor Harding can say this is "business as usual", however to quote Knight's attorney Keith Moxon,
"The Judge agreed with JZ Knight that a "reasonable expectation" (Yelm's current wording to approve developments' water rights acquisition in the future) is not sufficient to meet the legal requirement of making "appropriate provisions" for a potable water supply.

JZ Knight is grateful that this Judge carefully reviewed the record of the city's actions and determined that the city's approach to approving development without provision for potable water is not lawful.

Hopefully, the City of Yelm will now make arrangements to stay within its water rights and approve new development only when it has an adequate water supply."

Read Judge Wickham's October 7th Letter Opinion in the case of JZ Knight vs. City of Yelm et al which was made final on Friday, November 7, 2008.

The City of Yelm Water Press Release dated October 10, 2008 says:
"'To set aside water rights at a time other than building permit does not make sense. In essence, the City would have to set aside water for lots that might not ever be developed,' said Yelm Mayor Ron Harding, who is happy with the decision.

'If the judge had agreed with Knight,' Harding explained, 'all growth in Yelm, including the construction of new homes and businesses would stop.'

'With the economic challenges we are facing, both nationally and locally, continued development is essential to maintain a healthy community,' Harding concluded."

Mr. Mayor, did you not read Judge Wickham's Letter Opinion about the 5 subdivisions as quoted above???
Bottom line: Water has to be proven to be available for these 5 subdivisions at final plat. If not, then construction in these developments cannot move forward.

Therefore, the City's Press Release and quotes from Mayor Harding & City Administrator Badger are not-so-subtle, calculated and deliberate attempts at subterfuge of the truth and public trust. Quoting only the city's own Press Release and not Judge Wickham's Opinion Letter is indicative of the newspaper's complicity, too, which is no surprise...

The Court saw that as well and mentioned this on the record yesterday!

The City must follow the Court's findings or be in contempt.
The City can appeal the court's decision.

Will the readers of the NVN be informed of this major decision affecting the way the City of Yelm conducts business?

"Prisons go green, farm, recycle to save energy
More facilities seek alternatives in attempts to reduce costs, waste"

"LITTLEROCK, Wash. - Of all the things convicted murderer Robert Knowles has been called during his 13 years behind bars, recycler hasn't been one of them.

But there he was one morning, pitchfork in hand, composting food scraps from the main chow line and coffee grounds from prison headquarters — doing his part to "green" the prison.

"It's nice to be out in the elements," said Knowles, 42, stirring dark, rich compost that will amend the soil at the small farm where he and fellow inmates of the Cedar Creek Corrections Center grew 8,000 pounds of organic vegetables this year.

Inmates of the minimum-security facility, 25 miles from Olympia, the state capital, raise bees, grow organic tomatoes and lettuce, compost 100 percent of food waste and even recycle shoe scraps that are made into playground turf.

'It reduces cost, reduces our damaging impact on the environment, engages inmates as students,' said Eldon Vail, secretary of the Washington Department of Corrections, which oversees 15 prisons and 18,000 offenders. 'It's good security.'...

Gains with 'Con-Post'
While there isn't scientific evidence that such activities are helping inmates, Nalini Nadkarni, an environmental studies professor at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash., notes anecdotal evidence that it's working.

'They were stimulating their minds and having conversations that were different than 'How much more time we have left?' said Nadkarni.

One inmate went beyond conversations, enrolling in a doctoral program when he got out and co-authoring a research paper with Nadkarni on a moss-growing project she started to help reduce the impact of wild moss harvesting on forests.

While Cedar Creek went green out of economic necessity — it had to conserve because it didn't have the wastewater capacity to expand four years ago — it is now embracing other benefits, said Dan Pacholke, a state prison administrator who helped implement many of the practices.

Cedar Creek uses 250,000 fewer gallons of water a year, saves $6,000 to $8,400 annually on garbage bills and avoided a $1.4 million sewage treatment plant upgrade.

A large "Con-Post" marks the prison's composting station, made of recycled concrete blocks and reclaimed wood, where Knowles spends about six hours a day, making sure the compost gets enough heat, moisture and air to break down food scraps.

'They trust me to do all this with no supervision,' said Knowles, who is serving time for the hit-and-run death of an off-duty police officer.

'I like growing the vegetables,' Knowles said. 'My mom had a garden. I can see having my own garden,'" quoting MSNBC.

"Confirm the appointment of Glen Nutter to fill the vacancy on the Yelm Planning Commission."

"Background
With great sadness, the Yelm Planning Commission lost member Peggy Wolf Kennedy.
Pursuant to the Yelm City Council’s Protocol Manual, the Community Development Department advertised the vacancy by an official announcement in the Nisqually Valley News, and posted the announcement at public places in City Hall and the Library. The announcement was also sent to all board and commission chairpersons and all persons who have expressed an interested in the past to serve, but who were not previously selected.
The Community Development Department received 2 applications," quoting the Staff Report to the City Council issued by Mayor Ron Harding on October 17, 2008.

The City Council confirmed Mr. Nutter to the post at their October 28th session.

"Dr. Glen Nutter, former superintendent of schools in Yelm, Washington, is serving as assistant to the vice chancellor and lecturer at Livingstonia.Glen is supervising several building projects and curriculum development.He has taught at universities in the USA, Kenya and Eastern Europe giving students and faculty a broad perspective in higher education," quoting Zoom Info. And this about Dr. Nutter from University of Livingstonia.

CLICK HERE for the NVN's report on Dr. Nutter's appointment.

[Ed. Note: This writer will always remember the kindness Peggy Wolfe Kennedy showed me when I ran for Yelm Mayor in 2005 by coming to my Town Hall Q & A and sharing her views, advice, wisdom and counsel with me.
Mrs. Kennedy passed June 1st, just short of her 80th birthday, which happens to be my birthday.]

CONGRATULATIONS DR. NUTTER!

CHANGE, CHANGE CHANGE COMES TO AMERICA --

I LOVE IT!

We're witnessing history that will be enshrined in the fabric our our society forever!

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA FOR VOTING FOR CHANGE!

Sandra Romero

Cathy Wolfe

Thurston County will see some changes as Sandra Romero & Cathy Wolfe make strong showings in their wins. Now, the work begins as Thurston County Commissioners must deal with a major budget crisis.

Incumbents Senator Marilyn Rasmussen & Reps. Jim McCune and Tom Campbell were all returned to continued service, although each were elected by strong opponents that made respectable showings.

The Olympian has up-to-the-minute coverage.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE TO SERVE!
Everyone was a winner for having choices on the ballot from all of those who gave of themselves in wishing to serve the public.

Mayor Harding reported in his monthly NVN column on October 17th:
"As tax revenue drops, so does the ability to provide those needed services.

I am most proud that we looked toward the future, planned ahead, and built strategic cash reserves.
We can weather a downturn in the economy and continue to provide vital city services."

One certainly hopes that what the Mayor says is true about the city's cash reserves. However, he is right;
"As tax revenue drops, so does the ability to provide those needed services."

Yelm's Wal-Mart, KFC/Taco Bell, Starbucks & Pizza Hut are providing the major sales tax increases year-over-year for Yelm. Property & permit taxes are all way down and the County has lowered the property values, which will impact 2009 property tax receipts. This will all impact Yelm's coffers.

Here are some stories that impact our county:

The Thurston County Food Bank is spending record amounts to keep up with demand as the economy sours.
From The Olympian

Hard times have some flirting with survivalism
Economic angst has Americans stockpiling 'beans, bullets and Band-Aids’
From MSNBC

Survivalists hunker down
From MSNBC

Home prices fall by sharpest annual rate ever
Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller price index off by record 16.6 percent
From the AP

First-Ever Layoffs Loom at Postal Service
From Labor Notes

Economic downturn may be picking up speed
Latest data show rising job losses, sharp pullback by consumers
From MSNBC

Thurston County residents face tax increase
Board votes to fund programs for mental health, addiction
From The Olympian

TIM'S PHARMACY

"At Tim's Pharmacy & Gift Shop, we're more than just your local pharmacy, we are your neighbors.

The staff at Tim's Pharmacy & Gift Shop is dedicated to helping take care of you and your family. Whether you need a prescription filled, a gift to purchase, or just have a question, we are here to help you in any way we can because that is just what neighbors do."

"Tim’s Pharmacy to stay in the family"
"Nancy Larson is approaching an important anniversary for her family-owned and -operated business, Tim’s Pharmacy Drugs and Gifts. Larson is nearing the 30th year of ownership," quoting the NVN.

TELL THE FOLKS AT TIM'S YOU READ ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

"Hard times have some flirting with survivalism
Economic angst has Americans stockpiling 'beans, bullets and Band-Aids’"


"Richard Mankemyer, general manager of the Survival Center, in McKenna, Wash. said he too is swamped.
'There are a lot more people interested in being prepared, stocking up and being on their own for extended periods of time, as we’ve been advising,' he said. Among them are businesses, he said, including a major Northwest corporation that recently spent “tens of thousands of dollars” to stock up on shelf-stable foods for its executives. He would not identify the company, but he said he urged the officials to stock up for its other employees as well," quoting MSNBC.

Survivalists hunker down [Excellent Video]
"While many Americans are worried about the tough economic times, Rob,
an urban survivalist in Seattle says he’s preparing his family for the worst-case scenario,"
quoting MSNBC.

Logo courtesy of Survival Center website

America's Premier Preparedness Center
In Continuous Operation Since the early 1970s
Supplier of Family Preparedness, Health, and Survival Supplies
We have the knowledge and experience.
Call the Experts at 1-360-458-6778
Mon.- Fri.
10 am - 6 pm PT.
Mail: The Survival Center
POB 234
McKenna Wa 98558

or visit their Cook Rd. store in Yelm.

Click here for Yelm Cinemas showtime information.

Yelm Cinemas at Prairie Park
Photo courtesy of Yelm Cinemas' website

"Irena Salina's award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World Water Crisis."

FLOW
"Water is the sleeping giant issue of the 21st Century and we all need to wake up about it. FLOW opens our eyes about the greatest threat of our time - the global water crisis. It is a compelling and passionate film. Its engaging narrative will grip the viewer."
Robert Redford

"Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel.

Interviews with scientists and activists intelligently reveal the rapidly building crisis, at both the global and human scale, and the film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, while begging the question "CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?"

Beyond identifying the problem, FLOW also gives viewers a look at the people and institutions providing practical solutions to the water crisis and those developing new technologies, which are fast becoming blueprints for a successful global and economic turnaround," quoting the film's website.

See Yelm mentioned as one of the national theater locations.

CHECK FOR SHOWTIMES NOV. 4-11