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Inslee issues emergency drought declaration,

proclamations tied to extreme heat, firefighting

Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the state Department of Ecology to issue an emergency drought declaration for most of the state last Wednesday.

A historically dry spring and summer, followed by a record-breaking heat wave, have affected water supplies across Washington. The only areas excluded from the emergency declaration are Seattle, Tacoma and Everett.

A drought emergency means water supply is projected to be below 75 percent of average, and there is a risk of undue hardship to water users and uses. A formal drought declaration authorizes Ecology to take certain measures for the purpose of providing emergency drought relief:

• Expedite processing for emergency drought permits;
• Process temporary transfers of water rights;
• Provide funding assistance for public entities;
• Hold public education workshops

The governor also amended the state's partial burn ban to now also suspend the statutory truck driver hour limitations, to address the interruption in fuel distribution to firefighters.

We finally had the chance to get the updates from the City of Vader. Joe Schey, mayor of Vader, has taken the time to let us know all that has been accomplished in Vader in the past few years. One of the big issues has been the Water Treatment Sewer facility and other public facilities.

Mayor Schey stated, "The City of Vader has had tremendous momentum in recent times. As a result, the city is in compliance with all State requirements and has repeatedly passed intensive financial and procedural audits from the State. The city has met virtually all requirements to again regain ownership of the water system if it so chooses. After these many years of efforts to modernize, the city is finally able to qualify for a variety of grants that were previously out of reach."

Joe Schey has been in city government since 2014, a task he has taken very seriously. He knew that he had to continue his efforts for the water wastewater treatment plant, roads and the parks. In February of 2020, the Vader City Council voted unanimously to appoint Schey to fill the vacant mayor seat.

The string of successful grants continued through 2020 and 2021 with $30,000 more for street work taking place this summer, $4700 for an employee policy update, $11,200 for a Shoreline Master Plan update, and $20,000 expected to be approved for an Urban Design Standards update in the coming weeks.

"By applying for a variety of grants, we've been able to reallocate budgeted funds that were replaced by grants towards other necessities, like a new tractor," said Mayor Schey. "Currently, there's over $8 million in grants that have been applied for, mainly for street related work. If even a small fraction of that is approved, it will make a big difference to the city."

MENLO - This year's Pacific County Fair will probably be a little more low-key than in past years, largely because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Pacific County Fair Manager Bill Monohon updated the Herald with the latest developments about the 2021 fair.

It is almost cattle sorting time at the Pacific County Fairgrounds in Menlo. This is the 6th annual cattle sorting practice and riders from all over Washington attend this event. If cows and horsemanship are your thing, then this is the event to come to. It is fun and open to the public for participation or spectating.