Lake Life

Presorted Standard | US Postage Paid Newport, WA | Permit No. 18 | ECRWWS

Celebrating Life at Diamond Lake and Sac n Lake Volume 2, Issue 2

Produced by The Miner Newspapers

May 2013

Inside

Third generation on opening day

Opening day success

Sacheen weather watcher reports

County assessor sends mail

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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Lake Life fun begins

Dorothy Yeaw Broker ABR, GRI, SRES (509) 671-0458

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new

Exclusively at

Our cover was taken a few summers ago on Diamond Lake

by Cliff Snow. The skipper is Dick Yahne and the mate with his hands in the air is Tom VandeVanter who is usually piloting his own boat. There are several of the twin hull speedsters on the lake providing thrills for those on board and scenic views for those on

shore. Sailors, anglers and even a few wetsuit-clad wakeboarders have started the summer fun season this month on the lakes.

We are pleased that our readers have told us they enjoy this publication. Since we mail it to every mailbox and hand it out at stores free in the southern Pend Oreille County area, we

get many readers who don’t live on the lakes telling us they enjoy it. Many fish and swim in the lakes, making us realize that lake life in this region is for everyone during the summer.

Enjoy your summer and this issue. We will be back next month.

Published: May 2013 Publisher: Fred Willenbrock Writers & editors: Michelle Nedved, Janelle Atyeo and Don Gronning Design: Michelle Nedved Advertising: Susan Willenbrock, Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober LAKE LIFE is published monthly in

April, May, August, July and August as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156.

TELEPHONE: 509-447-2433 E-MAIL: minernews@povn.com, mineradvertising@povn.com FAX: 509-447-9222 Reproduction of articles &

photographs is prohibited without permission of the publisher.

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2 Lake Life | May 2013

-Fred J. Willenbrock Publisher

See all issues at: The Miner Online: www.pendoreillerivervalley.com.

If you want to receive Lake Life in the mail outside Pend Oreille County contact The Miner at 509-447-2433.

Boat inspection stations open for holiday weekend

OLDTOWN – Out of state boaters going to Idaho will need to purchase a sticker for the Idaho Invasive Species Fund.

The cost is $22 for out-of-state motorized vessels and $7 for non-motorized, available at selected retailers and through Idaho State Parks.

Those licensing their boat in Idaho pay $10 toward the fund with the annual boat registrations. All non motorized vessels entering Idaho will need the $7 invasive species sticker, regardless of the state of origin.

Boat inspection stations in Idaho will open by May 21.

Their purpose is to check boats for invasive species such as milfoil and zebra mussels before they’re launched in local waters.

The state of Idaho operates 15 inspection stations, including one at Oldtown that opens Thursday, May 23 just east of the Oldtown Bridge on Highway 2. It will typically be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week through summer. About half of Idaho’s station were open already in April, including a few around Coeur d’Alene.

Diamond Lake level dropping

Sacheen will get public boat launch upgrade SACHEEN LAKE – After the project was put off last season, the public boat launch upgrade planned at Sacheen Lake is on track for construction to start after Labor Day. Until then, the existing boat ramp is useable.

By the end of May, a new pit toilet will be installed at the public access site, located on the northeast shore of the lake off of Highway 211.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will lead the construction project, hiring a local contractor to do the design and development.

The state approved $500,000 in capital funding money from the state jobs bill in the 20122013 fiscal year.

Lake

North Shore Road

DIAMOND LAKE – With the outlet channels kept open, more beavers trapped and Mother Nature providing a dryer spring, Diamond Lake is at its lowest level in two years and still dropping, as of mid-May. The county commissioners have said they do not plan to enact an emergency no wake ordinance this year.

Dan Holman, a Diamond Lake Improvement Association board member leading the lake lowering effort, said they are continuing to keep the channel free of new beaver dams and obstructions to the large beaver ponds. They have also kept a breach in the dams open.

The association has paid to have 10 beavers trapped by a licensed trapper.

They plan to trap more beavers in the fall, he said. They pay $85 per beaver trapped.

All their work is done under permits issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Holman said they have a permit to install permanent tubes in the large beaver dams but plan to wait until the water is lower.

The lake level that has been at record highs for several years dropped 7 inches since March after they worked on the channel and dams.

The level in mid-May was

y Hw

2

Beaver Ponds

COURTESY PHOTOS|PEND OREILLE COUNTY

about 2,341 feet above sea level, measured at a DLIA gauge.

The highest level was estimated before this gauge was installed. It was about 2,353

feet, or 12 inches higher, Holman said.

Since the culvert at North Shore Road is one of the main outlets, when the level reaches the bottom of it, the

road will act as a dam unless another culvert is installed.

Holman estimates the lake can be lowered only another 16 inches until it is below the culvert. Evaporation during

the hot days of summer will reduce the level of the lake.

Holman said they continue to monitor the flow toward Sacheen Lake so they don’t cause more problems there.

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Shows are planned all summer long, starting in late May. Northwoods Performing Arts spring chorale brings to the stage 40-plus powerful talents

for an over-the-top choral tribute to “all that is.” Directed by Mark D. Caldwell, “Those Were the Days,” runs for three weekends.

Shows are Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, featuring a garlic roast chicken dinner done by River Catering by Darcie. On Friday and Saturday,

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June 7 and 8, the menu is a smoked pork dinner by Owen’s Catering. The night of Tuesday, June 11, will have a show only, no dinner. Closing weekend is Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, with chicken and pork chow mein by Skeyes the Limit.

In the spirit of ’76, Heidi Kuban and Diane Copeland will put on a patriotic show titled “Two Old Broads Present the Music of World War II.” Shows are July 5 and 6, and the dinner is barbecue ribs made by River Catering

by Darcie.

One of Newport’s own is back for what’s becoming an annual show. Larua Sable and her husband Bill Wiemuth present “Music, Magic and Mayhem” Aug. 1, 2 and 3. Catering is chicken marsala by Skeyes the Limit.

The Coffey Twins will put on a 1950s and 60s rock and roll show for two weekends: Aug. 16 and 17 and Aug. 23 and 24.

Opening weekend features a menu of chicken fried steak by Owen’s and the second week is barbecue beef and chicken by Skeyes the Limit.

Heidi Kuban will be back on stage Sept. 6 and 7 for her third annual “Song” series of folk music. Skeyes the Limit will cater a chicken stroganoff dinner.

Each night, dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Sheriff reports on crime stats NEWPORT – There were fewer calls to the sheriff’s office from the Diamond and Sacheen lake area compared to a year ago.

The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office responded to 133 calls for service in April compared to 177 a year ago.

Boat inspections drew six calls.

Five thefts were reported.

There were 16 reports of suspicious circumstances.

Motorists stirred some commotion. There were eight reports of erratic drivers and two reports of driving under the influence.

Three traffic accidents with damage occurred. In all, there were 21 traffic stops for the month.

Boy Scouts gear up for summer camps DIAMOND LAKE – Camp Cowles, along Diamond Lake’s north shore, will be a busy place this summer, like all summers. The Inland Northwest Council of Boy Scouts had its first spring camporee already the weekend of April 27, and a couple more spring campouts are planned in May. The first one brought about 250 scouts from Spokane Valley to a camp based at Carbon Lodge and Camp Ponderosa.

The first weekend in May brought 30 to 50 adult leaders to receive outdoor skill train-

ing.

“It’s basically teaching the adults to teach the kids,” said Tim McCandless, Scout Executive and CEO for the Inland Northwest Council.

From June 16-22, the Japeechen Rendezvous will have about 25 scouts living as if it were the 1820s. They’ll learn about black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, blacksmithing, and building a dugout canoe, among other activities.

Registrations are already coming in for the Cub Country

program this summer. There will be six sessions of the summer camp, lasting three or four days each. The first session starts July 5. This will be the seventh summer for Cub Country, a camp for Cub Scouts, ages 6-10. Every summer there’s about 550 Cub Scouts, plus another 500 parents and grandparents that participate.

Fundraising is ongoing for the construction of the new dining lodge that will replace Finch Lodge. McCandless said they’re getting close to raising the necessary funds.

Warm weather brings out black flies

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

NEWPORT – The insects that have been swarming areas such as Diamond Lake probably aren’t true gnats, but are likely black flies, according to Mike Johnson, a forest entomologist with the state Department of Natural Resources.

“We’re starting to warm up and they’re starting to emerge,” he said. They are sometimes called buffalo gnats, he said, because of the hump on their back, or turkey gnats because they also bite turkeys.

“There are 17,000 species worldwide and 250 species in North America,” said Johnson, who has a doctorate degree in entomology. “They’re finding more all the time.”

He said some black flies bite.

“The female has to have a blood meal for the eggs to develop,” he said. In addition to humans, the females also consume poultry or livestock blood.

They are attracted to the carbon dioxide emitted in breath, he said, as well as to perfume and dark colors. On people, they bite the exposed areas of the skin, such as around the belt line and the forehead. If a person suffers many bites, it can result in a rash, a fever, joints that ache and headaches, he said.

“The severity depends on the species and the individual’s sensitivity,” he said.

The insects, which range in size from 5 to 15 millimeters, have blade-like mouth parts, he said, which slice open the skin to get at the blood.

They also emit an anticoagulant, which slows the blood from clotting so the insects can drink it, he says. The pain and swelling of the bite are due to the body’s allergic response to the fly’s saliva that they inject when feeding. The adult flies have to be near oxygen-rich running

water, he said. The flies lay their eggs either on the water or on wet grass, he said.

The flies are difficult to control with insecticide, he said, because they can fly seven to 10 miles, farther with a strong wind.

The best way to avoid being bitten is to avoid being outside around the water at dusk or daylight, he said.

“While they do fly in the middle of the day, the peak times are at dawn or dusk,” Johnson said.

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not be too far off the mark.

Doing circles on the lake might be fun, but not very useful.

As for the beer, well, the Pend Oreille County Marine Sheriff might have a thing or two to say about that theory! Stormbusters? Are you kidding me?!

(Actually, keep that notion in the back of your mind, because in our next issue, we’re going to talk about those controversial contrails.)

Okay, while the “none of the above answer” would be correct, it certainly does not do much to give you a clue as to what to do. Many of you fellow boaters could probably tell stories all day long about close calls being caught out in storms, and I am no exception.

Having spent many hours out on Lake Pend Oreille, I can tell you that that is one scary place to be during stormy weather.

But, here’s the trick, and this is the most important piece of advice that I can give you, and that is to stay informed. See, the key to surviving a big storm on the water is not to be out on the water in the first place.

Sounds so easy, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately in the real world, there are exceptions to every rule, especially when it comes to weather. In many of “our” incidents, we were well informed, but time and time again the weather was just a tad faster than we were. A majority of the time, it was those blasted fish that kept hooking themselves onto our lines, and because of that, we pushed the limits.

Having participated in a few search and rescue missions out on Lake Pend Oreille (a couple with the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office) I can tell you it’s not much fun. During the middle of one such search assist back on July 6, 2003, we sadly learned that the person we were looking for was our good fishing buddy, Mike. We found his boat, but never recovered his body. Often times, irrational decisions and lack of respect for both the water and Mother Nature will lead to needless tragedy. This one hit close to SEE WEATHER, 11

PUD fiber ready to go Call providers to get hooked up SACHEEN LAKE – After more than two years of construction the Pend Oreille Public Utility District made the first connections to their fiber system at Sacheen Lake May 14. From that date on until completion this fall they will be making connections as retail service providers take orders throughout the southern part of the county.

Barbara McCabe was one of the first people connected. She says the fiber project has lived up to the hype so far.

“The speeds are phenomenal,” she said. She works from home for Cerium Networks of Spokane, sending large files and participating in trainings over a Virtual Private Network.

“That takes a lot of bandwidth,” she says. She says she still uses the VPN with the fiber optics and it works considerably better than it did with Verizon Wireless, her former Internet service provider.

In addition, her boyfriend, Russ Rottach, is a software programmer who also does some work from their Sacheen Lake home.

She says they have used the connection to watch Netflicks videos and that has also been much smoother.

The PUD offered the first three connections to each of the three retail service providers signed up with them. Two of them made connections and the other was making contact with the customer.

Joe Onley, PUD community connectivity manager, said on May 14 that they had about 300 orders from the different retail service providers to hook up customers. The PUD puts the electronics in the gray boxes they had installed on homes and businesses and connects it to electric power. From there, the company the customer has selected to provide Internet service, television or phone can begin their installation.

Onley said they have more than 3,400 boxes installed with a goal of more than 4,000 in the south county area. Work will continue until fall on the remaining lines, primarily more difficult underground connections.

The system in the Deer Valley

and Diamond Lake areas is ready, and customers need only to make arrangements with a retail service provider if they have the gray box installed, Onley said. The PUD crews will be doing the work at the boxes but can be scheduled only by the providers. He said the providers will also schedule their crews’ time to do the interior wiring for the service.

Onley’s house on Sacheen Lake was one of two hooked up first. He said they decided to do that so he could help monitor how it worked. He also has Internet protocol television with his Internet and phoneservice.

The television over the PUD fiber won’t be generally available until July, he said. They want to make sure there are no bugs in the system.

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Opening day success Thousands of anglers enjoy good fishing during lowland lakes opener NEWPORT – Anglers were smiling in Pend Oreille County on the opening day of fishing season Saturday, April 27, as they pulled a steady stream of big fish out of area lakes despite a chilly, windy day.

A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

staff member was at the Diamond Lake boat launch counting fish for the opening day of lowland lakes.

He said there were many limits of trout in the 14inch range with the biggest opening day he saw about 24 inches.

One fisherman casting from the launch area kept his string of trout in the water and was shocked when an Osprey swooped in and stole

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the catch.

Anglers at other lakes in the county reported good fishing on opening day.

Based on creel checks conducted at 98 lakes around the state, WDFW estimates that anglers caught an average of 4.6 trout on opening day.

At Diamond Lake, 25 anglers were surveyed, and the average catch per angler was 3.2 fish.

“We saw a lot of limits caught at lakes around the state and many anglers happy with the large trout,” said Chris Donley, WDFW’s Inland Fish program manager. “Late morning and early afternoon windy weather blew folks off of some waters, but not before they caught lots of fish.”

For most lakes, the daily limit is five fish. Donley said the 4,076 anglers contacted

by WDFW on opening day retained an average of 2.8 trout – up from 2.3 fish in recent years. The rest of the fish were released.

Donley said one reason for the higher retention rate may be that 2.2 million of the “catchable-size” trout WDFW planted before the opener averaged 10-12 inches – about a third larger than in the past.

Many lakes were also stocked with thousands of triploids, broodstock and other large trout weighing up to 11 pounds apiece.

The largest fish caught and recorded included a 24.5-inch rainbow trout at Vance Creek Pond NO. 2 (Lake Inez) in Grays Harbor County, and a 24-inch rainbow at Lincoln County’s Fishtrap Lake.

Donley reminds anglers that opening weekend is just the beginning of five to six months of good fishing, especially through June and then again in September and October for some lakes.

Anglers looking for information about where to fish can find it on WDFW’s updated Fish Washington online information tool at wdfw. wa.gov/fishing/washington/.

Place your classified or display ad with The Miner and it will appear in both newspapers - The Newport Miner (Pend Oreille County) and The Gem State Miner (West Bonner County).

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COURTESY PHOTO|KATIE WILLENBROCK

Three generations of Diamond Lake fishermen

Ten-month-old Carson Willenbrock helped his dad, Colin, right, land this little rainbow on opening day. His grandfather, Miner publisher Fred Willenbrock, was driving the boat, removing hooks and giving fishing lessons. They noted that this cold, windy opening day April 27 introduced the third generation to opening day on Diamond Lake.

Together, with mother Katie, they caught eight trout and released them in about an hour before heading home to warm up.

OF THE MINER

NEWPORT – The consolidation of Pend Oreille County Fire District Nos. 3, 5 and 7 took place years ago, but the paring down of the number of commissioners has been ongoing ever since. There are currently five members on the board, but following this next election, the number will be down to three.

Fire Districts 1 and 3 merged in August 2008 to create South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue.

Voters ratified the merger in November 2008.

In December of that year, commissioners from Fire District 7 decided to merge with SPOFR. Voters also ratified that merger.

About a year later, in November 2009, the first election was held to reduce the number of commissioners, resulting in commissioner position 1.

Since voters elected commissioners, they had to be allowed to serve out their terms. As each term has expired, the number of commissioners has decreased.

Three commissioners have

terms expiring Jan. 1, 2014: Karen Johnston, Leonard Pielli and Randy Miller. As of Thursday, May 16, Johnston and

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SEE FIRE, 11

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Lake area gets new property assessment

BY JANELLE ATYEO OF THE MINER

NEWPORT – Late last October, about 3,200 notices were mailed to Pend Oreille County landowners whose assessed property value changed in the last year.

The value of waterfront property is going up as there get to be fewer and fewer places to build on the water. At Sacheen Lake, property values were up overall, even before counting the newly constructed homes, worth about $1.85 million.

“It was one of the few areas that saw an increase,” assessor Jim McCroskey said. Diamond Lake saw a reduction in value, by about $1.5 million, but with $5.3 million in new construction, the overall value was up slightly.

Many homeowners – especially those in the city of Newport – are finding that their property value dropped. In Newport, the number of foreclosures contributed to driving down values by about $8.5 million. There was about $2 million in new construction to help leverage that loss a little.

As a whole, the county value increased by about $7 million.

While property values dropped since last year, there was about $22 million in new construction.

Last year, the south part of the county got a visit from appraisers, including the Newport city limits, and properties around Diamond and Sacheen lakes.

SEE ASSESSMENT, 16

Report any leaks to water-sewer district DIAMOND LAKE – Anyone experiencing leaks in their water pipes should contact the Diamond Lake Water and Sewer District. Leaks burden the system and cost ratepayers money.

If you’ve had a leak, contact the district office at 509-4474660.

10 Lake Life | May 2013

FIRE I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

May 17. If only two people file, they will go to the general election Nov. 5. If more than two file, they will appear in the primary election Aug. 5, with the top two

going on to the general election.

The district could put forth a ballot measure to increase the board to five commissioners. The issue will not be on the primary ballot this August, but it does have the chance to get on the

November ballot if filed with the county before the Aug. 6 deadline. For the primary election, the deadline for new voter registration is July 8 by mail or online. Voters can register in person through July 29.

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WEATHER I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

home and as a result, we no longer push that envelop.

There were (and still are) times however, that despite all our precautions, the weather sneaks up on us. Knowing what to do when that happens could save your life. So, onto the meat of the article, and that is to share a few important safety tips – many of which you already know – but it never hurts to recharge the ole memory.

First off, stay informed using one of the many sources of weather information now available: A) Newspaper, local radio and television stations.

B) NOAA Weather Radio – You can pick this broadcast up on most VHF units or you can purchase a special portable weather radio. The Spokane frequency is 162.40 MHz and in the Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene area the frequency is 162.44 MHz. C) Internet – the National Weather Service address is: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/ Some of the more serious weather problems which may affect boaters on Inland Northwest waters include fog, heavy rain, wind and lightning associated with thunderstorms.

Fog and heavy rain will greatly reduce your visibility.

Slow down and pay extra attention to the surface of the water. In dense fog, sound the horn once in awhile.

Wind is a major problem on Inland Northwest waters.

It can rapidly whip up large waves and swells and create dangerous boating conditions. Again, slow down and take large waves at a 45-degree angle to avoid capsizing and stay out of shallow water where waves are breaking.

Thunderstorms pose the greatest hazard while boating.

They are capable of producing all kinds of nasty weather such as heavy rain, strong downdraft-type winds, hail

and dangerous lightning. If a thunderstorm approaches, get off the water fast if you can. Your goal is not to be the highest object in your general vicinity. At the very least, get to the shoreline as quickly as possible, but stay on the boat if no other shelter is available.

This will put you more out of harm’s way, and will get you off the open water, which will be subject to violent waves and possible lightning strikes.

I have said it many times in this article and that is knowledge may save your life by keeping yourself abreast on the latest forecasts, you can avoid being caught in dangerous situations. Listed below are some common weather makers and what they typically produce during the summer months here in the Inland Northwest: High pressure: A “bubble” in the atmosphere which serves to block most major storms from moving in. Expect fair weather and light winds from either the northeast or southwest. If a storm moves close to the high

pressure center, winds could become gusty at times.

Low pressure (storm): Area of inclement weather. Expect showers and possible thunderstorms, gusty southwesterly winds and cooler temperatures.

Cold front: This typically produces the most active and dangerous weather as colder air overtakes a warmer air mass already in place. They are notorious for producing violent weather with heavy showers, gusty winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Warm front: This is the least active boating hazard.

As warmer air overtakes cold air, you can expect lots of low clouds, drizzle or light rain, but usually not a lot of wind or hazardous weather.

So, there you have it. Get out and enjoy the water this season, but be wary of that sneaky gal we call Mother Nature because she can certainly make for a bad day if you’re not keeping careful watch on her antics!

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May 2013 | Lake Life 11

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12 Lake Life | May 2013

520 Highway 2 • Oldtown

Funding available to help improve water quality NEWPORT – The Pend Oreille Conservation District (POCD) is currently seeking volunteer landowners to implement riparian restoration projects in the Little Spokane River (LSR) Watershed, which includes the Diamond and Sacheen lake area.

POCD has acquired a costshare riparian restoration grant that is focused on the Little Spokane River and its tributaries throughout the watershed. This funding opportunity is designed to assist volunteer landowners with the implementation of riparian restoration plantings, exclusion fencing and off-site watering facilities.

The cost-share for this funding program requires a 25 percent contribution from the landowner, through labor, equipment use/rental, out of pocket costs etc., with 75 percent reimbursement from the grant.

The projects implemented under this grant will increase woody debris recruitment, help shade and cool surface water, remove livestock from surface water areas and aid in the filtering of storm and farmland runoff, ultimately reducing harmful water quality impacts. The three main types of projects involved with this funding opportunity are: Riparian Livestock Exclusion Fencing – Keep livestock out of surface water, improving herd health and water quality; Riparian Plantings – filter runoff, stabilize banks, provide shade and improve water quality; Off-site Watering Systems – work in conjunction with exclusion fencing keeping livestock out of surface water areas improving water quality while also improving herd health by giving the livestock a continuous source of fresh water away from muddy and sometimes dangerous stream banks.

SEE FUNDING, 14

From the commissioner’s desk It has been almost five months that this board of county commissioners has worked together, and we are findGUEST ing our own OPINION niche in the KAREN SKOOG broad area PEND OREILLE that county COUNTY COMMISSIONER government DISTRICT 1 covers.

With open communication and mutual support we are able to divide our responsibilities to match our skills and interests.

District 3 Commissioner Steve Kiss focuses on the practical issues of county lands, buildings, equipment and forest property as well as committees relating to criminal justice and emergency management.

District 2 Commissioner Mike Manus is the current chair of the board and deals with many administrative, employee, union and financial issues as well as economic development.

As your District 1 commissioner, I focus on natural resource policy and state legislative issues. Although the wolf policy bills did not pass, it was through our visits with both sides of the aisle and the gov-

ernor’s staff that the Department of Fish and Wildlife was pressured to unanimously pass a change to the wolf plan. It is now legal to protect your pets and livestock from wolf attack with lethal action.

We have met four times with our northern neighboring counties Okanagan, Ferry and Stevens to discuss our shared concerns. The top of our list is our National Forest health and lack of harvest. Our next meeting will be June 7 at the American Legion in Cusick.

By working as a team and respecting our niche, we have a strong and proactive board.

We all share a desire to do our best to serve the public.

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Rock hobby turns to business

BY DON GRONNING OF THE MINER

DIAMOND LAKE – Jeff Hanley, 50, has been interested in rocks since he was a youngster.

“I can remember going garnet hunting in Idaho as a child,” he said.

Now he is opening a store and turning his hobby into a full time business – GoldE-Rocks, which opened this week at Diamond Lake. His wife, Michelle Hanley, will actually be the storeowner, but Hanley’s expertise with gems and lapidary will be a key part of the business.

Hanley offers precious and semi-precious gems, as well as lapidary equipment, both new and used. He will also teach lapidary, the art of cutting larger gems into smaller ones and making decorative objects.

Hanley has been on the show circuit for 20 years. He goes to shows in Washington and Idaho, as well as venturing into Oregon occasionally.

Hanley has some interesting items, such as mastodon ivory, and some expensive items, such as $1,500 pieces of green agate called chrysoprase, as well as opal.

“But we’ve got an awful lot that sells for $1 or less,” he said.

He will also have gold panning equipment.

Hanley

Hanley has a background as a mechanic, which was his main occupation until shoulder problems made him unable to work at that about six months

ago.

The Hanleys grew up in Stevens County and moved to Pend Oreille County a couple years ago. They have five children and another one on

the way.

The youngsters range in age from 2 to 17.

Hanley also works as a school bus driver and is active in Cub Scouts, teaching youngsters about geology.

The store is located in the old Eagle Point Laundromat, off Highway 2, at 325182 N. Highway 2 B. It will be open seven days a week this summer, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to take advantage of summer traffic. 509-671-3155.

May 2013 | Lake Life 13

1-800-310-DOCK www.marinewestindustries.com

Don’s Affordable Landscape www.donsaffordablelandscape.com

Floating & Free-Standing Docks Gangways & Ramps Boat Lifts & Canopies Swim Rafts

Display yard 8800 N. Fairview, Spokane

Rock Walls Water Features

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Gorgeous Home & Horse property! Complete privacy. 37+ acres! Newer home has 3 bedrooms 2 ½ baths. Lovely fireplace. Huge master suite with double walk in closets.

Massive living room. 1 story. Handicap accessible. Covered front porch. Gourmet kitchen w/new stainless appliances & rock fireplace. Attached 2 car garage. Huge 3 bay 48 x 56’ shop with full length upper bay! Wired and ready for apartment. Full RV hookup.

36’ x 36’ Barn has 6 stalls & tack room that is top of the line! Two lean-tos & corrals!

Creek! Log Cabin! It’s all here. Beautiful views. Tour www.johnlscott/25256 $399,900 Gorgeous Home & Horse Setup! Top of the line home has scraped birch floors, hickory cabinets, a beautiful floor to ceiling fireplace. Lovely craftsman stone work throughout the home.

Kitchen boasts hickory cabinets, granite counters and a warm friendly open atmosphere. Loft family room. 5 bedrooms 3 baths. Full basement. Wrap around decks w/ stone columns. Large barn, pasture, paddock, riding arena & riding trails. Add views of Sacheen Lake & nothing is lacking in this beautiful estate.

Tour at www.johnlscott.com/47923 $399,900 NEW HOME! 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, Office, Large Utility room, 2 car garage.

Open floor plan. 1805 sq ft. Front & back country porches. Custom cabinets. Stainless appliances. Master has 2 walk-in closets, lg corner tub, double sinks & separate shower. 5 nicely treed acres. Paved county road.

Quiet cul-de-sac. Minutes from beautiful Diamond Lake.

Tour at www.johnlscott.com/36227 $229,900.

Private Diamond Lake beach access in this beautiful cedar 1 ½ story home plus basement. 4 bedrooms 3 ½ baths. Living room boasts beautiful d ce panabode floor to u d ceiling windows Re and tongue and groove ceiling.

Master suite with private deck and full bath. Basement has large family room, second master suite with full bath and walk-out entrance. Large double lot. Borders small neighborhood park.

Tour www.johnlscott.com/61940 $214,900 One of the nicest 5 acre lots in the county. Ready for your new home. Just minutes from beautiful Diamond Lake. Paved Road. Culdasac Lots of privacy. Rural setting.

Abundant wildlife. Will build to suit. Builders welcome.

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14 Lake Life | May 2013

301 N. Union Ave • Newport, WA Office 509-447-3144 • Toll FREE 888-234-7355

Watershed group meets June 12

SPOKANE – Diamond and Sacheen lakes are part of the state’s Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 55 for the Little Spokane River drainage.

A planning group meets monthly to discuss watershed issues. The WRIA 55 group meets jointly with WRIA 57, the middle Spokane River area.

Meetings are typically on the first Wednesday of each month at two rotation locations. The next meeting is Wednesday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Spokane Conservation Districts office at 210 N. Havana.

There is also a committee for the West Branch of the Little Spokane River, which meets as needed two or three times a year. The next meeting will probably take place in the fall.

FUNDING I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

If a person is a streamside landowner and thinks they may like to participate in this funding opportunity with the POCD, they should contact the office in Newport for a free site visit to your land, to determine if their property qualifies for this funding.

POCD encourages landowners not to be discouraged to call for assistance. If they feel their property’s project does not fall under this grant’s requirements, the POCD will be more than happy to seek other funding sources and/ or resources to assist you in your property management goals.

Contact Andy or Terry at 509-447-5370 or andy@ pocd.org.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SUMMER PROJECTS? 2 college students from the Newport area available to help with any of your summer projects. Lawn mowing, yard cleanup, housecleaning, painting, car washing and detailing, or any odd jobs. Great references! Hard working, responsible, reliable. (509) 671-1775 or (208) 9466374. (15HB-2)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MONDAY, MAY 20 Diamond Lake Book Club: 1 p.m. - Contact Val Urbat 509220-0200 WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 Sacheen Ladies of the Lake Noon - Various Locations, call President Maria Bullock at 509-998-4221 FRIDAY, MAY 31 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater SATURDAY, JUNE 1 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater

172 South Shore Road Diamond Lake Improvement Association: 6:30 p.m. Diamond Lake Fire Station, Highway 2 Sacheen Lake Sewer and Water District Board: 7 p.m. - Sacheen Fire Station, Highway 211

SATURDAY, JUNE 8 Free Fishing Weekend - Washington ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater

TUESDAY, JUNE 11 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 7:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater SATURDAY, JUNE 15 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater SUNDAY, JUNE 16-29 Japeechen Rendezvous - Camp Cowles

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 Home and Community Edu-

MONDAY, JUNE 17 SEE CALENDAR, 16

Little Diamond Lake KOA open for summer camping DIAMOND LAKE – The Newport/Little Diamond Lake KOA Campground, located at 1002 McGowen Road just north of Diamond Lake, opened for the season in April and is welcoming campers for the 2013 summer camping season.

The Newport/Little Diamond Lake KOA is one of 487 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds now in the Kampgrounds of America system.

“We’ve now been helping campers have fun for more than 51 years,” said KOA President Pat Hittmeier. “We pride ourselves on having KOAs for every type of camping, and being where we know people want to go. Campers in this area are fortunate to have such a great KOA right at their doorstep. They are part of the KOA family, so I know they’ll take great care of their guests.

“A lot of campers are discovering that they have a great KOA very close to home,” Hittmeier said. “There is just no better way to share quality

time with your family and friends.”

For more information on the Newport/Little Diamond Lake

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7 ‘Those Were the Days’ Spring Chorale: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater

SUNDAY, JUNE 9 Free Fishing Weekend - Washington

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 Diamond Lake Water and Sewer: 10 a.m. - District Office,

cators Diamond Lake Club - Noon - Call Billie Goodno at 509-447-3781 or Chris King at 208-437-0971 WRIA 55/57 Meeting: 10 a.m. to noon - Spokane Conservation District Office

KOA Campground, or to make reservations, call the campground at 509-447-4813 or go to www.KOA.com.

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May 2013 | Lake Life 15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FROM PAGE 15 Diamond Lake Book Club: 1 p.m. - Contact Val Urbat 509220-0200 Diamond Lake Water and Sewer District Board: 10 a.m. - District Office

Lake Fire Station Junk From My Truck: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Foxwood Tea House WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 Sacheen Ladies of the Lake Noon - Various Locations, call President Maria Bullock at 509-998-4221

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 South Pend Oreille Fire & Rescue: 7 p.m. - Station 31, 325272 Highway 2, Diamond Lake

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Lake Clean-up and Barbecue Diamond Lake

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 Sacheen Lake Association General Meeting: 9 a.m. - Sacheen

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 Diamond Lake Water and Sewer: 10 a.m. - District Office,

Attention Boat Owners!

All boat registrations expire on June 30th.

You won’t get a renewal notice for your boat in the mail.

How to renew: • Online at www.dol.wa.gov • In person at the Auditors Office Pend Oreille County Courthouse • By Mail- send check or money order to PO Box 5015, Newport, WA 99156 • WN number requried Questions call (509) 447-6489

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16 Lake Life | May 2013

172 South Shore Road Diamond Lake Improvement Association: 6:30 p.m. - Diamond Lake Fire Station, Highway 2 Sacheen Lake Sewer and Water District Board: 7 p.m. - Sacheen Fire Station, Highway 211 THURSDAY, JULY 4 Diamond Lake Swim: 6 a.m. Public Boat Launch Diamond Lake Half Marathon: 7 a.m. - Boat Launch Parking Lot Boat Parade: 2 p.m. - Diamond Lake Fireworks Display: Dusk - Diamond Lake FRIDAY, JULY 5 Cub Country - Camp Cowles Two Old Broads Present the Music of World War II: 6:30 p.m. - Circle Moon Theater

ASSESSMENT I CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

The assessor’s office does a physical inspection for a different portion of the county every year, with each area getting an updated physical inspection every four years.

In the meantime, other parts Area

2011 value

2012 value

Newport

$124.28 million

$119.91 million

Diamond Lake

$138.37 million

$142.26 million

Sacheen

$71.17 million

$73.83 million

County

$1.359 billion

$1.352 billion

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Boat registrations due in July NEWPORT – All boat registrations in Washington expire at the end of June.

Starting last year, boat owners are no longer notified of their expiring registrations by mail. You can sign up for email reminders at the Washington State Department of Licensing website: www.dol.wa.gov.

Renewals can be done in person at the Pend Oreille County auditor’s office on the main level of the courthouse in Newport. You will need to know the registration number on the bow of the boat when renewing.

The registration fee includes a $20.25 base fee, plus an excise tax of 0.5 percent of the boat’s value, with a $5 minimum. Boat trailers are $21.75 for the smaller variety or $36.75 for those over 2,000 pounds.

New boat registrations must be done within 15 days of buying the boat or within 60 days for new residents moving to Washington.

Those visiting Washington for 60 days or less don’t need a Washington permit as long as the boat is currently registered in another state or has a current U.S. Coast Guard documentation paper.

of the county are revalued based on statistical analysis from home sales and trends.

Property owners had 30 days from the day the notice from the county was postmarked to file an appeal if they disagree with their assessed value.

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