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b r i e f ly Bonners Ferry home hit by bullet BONNERS FERRY – On Thursday, Nov. 30, about 8 a.m., Boundary County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the Pleasant Valley area where a bullet had pierced a bedroom wall and struck an occupied bed.

A man and wife had been asleep in their bed when the bullet came through the wall and struck the mattress only inches from them. No injuries resulted.

Deputies determined it was a bullet fired from a high-powered rifle. The person responsible for firing it is unknown. According to a press release from Boundary County, deputies believe the shot was fired from a cultivated field at least 500 yards from the victim’s residence. They don’t believe the residence was fired upon intentionally, however they think the round was recklessly fired toward the home by someone hunting in or near the field.

A Newport woman was shot in the knee in mid-October when a bullet came through the wall of her trailer at Ponderay Shores and hit her. That was also thought to be a shot from an errant hunter.

Doors locked at Priest River high school PRIEST RIVER – All doors, including the main front door to Priest River Lamanna High School are now locked during the school day. Access for students and visitors will be gained by ringing the bell on the front door and being “buzzed in” by one of the front office secretaries.

Newport blood drive Dec. 21 NEWPORT – The Inland Northwest Blood Center will hold a blood drive Thursday, Dec. 21 at United Church of Christ, noon to 4:45 p.m. INBC needs an average of 200 blood donors every day to meet the needs of more than 35 hospitals in the Inland Northwest.

For more information, call INBC recruiter Noreen Johnson 509-991-2418.

Pre-cut fruit linked to Salmonella outbreak OLYMPIA – A Salmonella outbreak involving pre-cut watermelon, cantaloupe, or fruit mixes containing watermelon or cantaloupe has been reported in both Washington and Oregon, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

People who purchased these products on or about Oct. 25 up to Dec. 1 from QFC, Fred Meyer, Rosauers, and Central Market in Washington and Oregon are urged not to eat the fruit and throw it away.

A combined total of 18 people from King, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Yakima counties and two individuals from Oregon have been diagnosed with Salmonella.

DOH is working with state and federal partners to determine the source of the fruit, including where it was cut and packaged, and if there may be additional retailers where related products were sold.

Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. People experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider.

In severe cases, the infection can be fatal.

DECEMBER 6, 2017 |

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2017 Festival of Trees raises $21K NEWPORT – Mild temperatures, clear roads and early holiday spirit created the perfect storm for high attendance at the 2017 Festival of Trees at Sadie Halstead Middle School. The day of festive celebration shared holiday event-goers with the Stratton Elementary Craft Fair and several other local holiday events in Newport.

“After last year’s record crowd we were ready for a huge group this year, but the volume of people coming through was staggering this year...

Santa didn’t get a break for five hours,” said Jenny Smith, Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation Director. “Thankfully, we had outstanding help getting ready for the Miner photo|Sophia Aldous event. Even the Sadie Halstead Middle School Prospective winners check out some of the Christmas trees and the gifts up for raffle at the Festival of Trees Saturday, Dec. 2. The Wrestling Team pitched annual event is a fundraiser for Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation. in and used their Friday practice to help set up for the event.” all-time high. rath (“Who Let the Girls enjoyed a festive holiday by the fiddle, guitar or Festival of Trees atThe event benefits Out”); Greg Jakeman feast prepared and served mandolin. tendees were invited to Newport Hospital and (“A Peachy Christmas”);

by Newport Hospital’s The NHHS Foundadecorate cookies, have Health Services FoundaKim Bolstad (“Winter Pine Street Café. Live tion’s next event is the their pictures taken with tion charitable programs, Wine and Roses”); Kirby music by four time Na2018 Iron Sommelier Santa, make holiday including Healthy Kids O’Connor (“Puttin’ on tional Fiddle Champion, and Brewmaster Event crafts and all took part of Snack Bag program and the Glitz); Anna Watson Justin Sherfey, wowed on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the tree viewing and raf- Reach Out and Read. (“The Man Tree”); Melathe audience and feathe Priest River Event fle. The Dalkena Church The 2017 raffle tree nie Endicott (“Grizmas tured country/bluegrass Center. Tickets go on sale Cantata and Newport winners were: Monica Tree 2017”); Chris Coon vocals accompanied Monday, Jan. 8.

High School Choir Jones (“Alice in Wonder(“Cheers to a ‘Beer’y provided entertainment land”); Robin McCrosMerry Christmas and during the daytime event key (“All Around Town ‘Hoppy’ New Year!”); that showcased 16 raffle Tree”); Dana Cantrell Arlene Toliver (“And the trees boasting a collec(“Let the Games Begin”); Winner Is...”); Dayton tive $15,000 in prizes Tish Morford (“The Allemand (“Get Out and gift certificates. The Toy Tree”); Lexi Ellison and Play!”); and Mar2017 Festival of Trees (“Hollywood”); Harry tina Coordes (“Rotary Starts Dec. 8th raised $21,000, which is Loskill (“Gear Up for the S.P.O.R.T.”).

Show time 7:30 p.m. • Closed Thursday $4,000 more than 2016’s Outdoors”); Becky WalEvening attendees Sunday 2:30 p.m. Matinee Only

Celebrating 15 years of success in the woods COLVILLE – The Colville National Forest (CNF) and the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition (NEWFC) recently celebrated 15 years of working together to make the Colville National Forest a healthy, productive forest while providing forest products to local communities.

Prior to 2002, the management of the CNF was mired in gridlock and controversy. That has since changed as an alliance of timber companies, conservationists, business owners, and forestry professionals came together to find common ground and to move forward with new solutions to forest management problems.

Together, this partnership has improved forest health, designed and implemented forest restoration and fuels reduction projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to forestry on more than 360,000 acres of the CNF. “It hasn’t always been easy, but the hard work by everyone involved with this process has moved the Colville towards a forest that will continue to provide clean air and water, recreation, wildlife habitat and economic opportunities for our region. The success of the projects crafted together has proven that this model works,” said Rodney Smoldon, Colville National Forest Supervisor.

This model has dem-

onstrated how a diverse coalition of stakeholders can work together to successfully promote restoration forestry and

‘I believe our collaborative work is a great model that has helped establish collaboration across the national forest system.’

productivity of the Colville National Forest for future generations.

“Work that’s worth doing is often hard yet rewarding. The collaborative efforts we’ve put forward with NEWFC, the Forest Service, and See woods, 5A

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community protection from wildfire while protecting the values of conservation for future generations.

“Over the past 15 years NEWFC has come together and found common ground on forest restoration and in helping the communities surrounding the Colville National Forest. I believe our collaborative work is a great model that has helped establish collaboration across the national forest system,” said Mike Petersen, Executive Director of the Lands Council.

The coalition continues to meet regularly to take on the challenge of restoring the health, diversity and

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St t d att th Started the PUD PUD: 2013 Administrative Assistant, Regulatory & Environmental Affairs Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese Favorite Color: Purple Favorite Sport: Football (Go Steelers!)

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utumn is a true asset to our PUD. She did a tremendous job leading our Box Canyon Dam Safety Exercise this year.

Her positive personality is amazing.”

-Colin Willenbrock PUD General Manager

utumn started at the PUD by serving as our On Call Customer Service Representative at Box Canyon. Later she moved into the role of Administrative Secretary at Box and then transitioned into the role she is in today.

Autumn has one adorable cat, two big fat bunnies and a giant beast of a dog that live with her in Ione. When the weather is cold, Autumn likes to read and crochet.

Autumn graduated from Western Washington University and double majored in Geography/Social Studies and Political Science. She also did a summer abroad program in South Africa. While there, Autumn completed one of the highest bungee jumps in the world (over 700 feet). She also got to hold the adorable baby lion in her photo.

Autumn’s favorite part about the PUD: “There is a lot to learn and a lot of people to learn from, that makes it interesting.”

PEND OREILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 447-3137 • 242-3137 • 446-3137 • www.popud.org

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DECEMBER 20, 2017 |

Newport home damaged by fire NEWPORT – A house at 230 S. Calispel in Newport suffered significant damage in a fire that started in the late hours of Saturday, Dec. 16. Newport Fire Department (NFD) received the page for the fire at 11:40 p.m.

According to NFD Chief Rob Owen, the fire is believed to have started in the garage, though the exact cause is under investigation by the Pend Oreille County Fire Investigation Unit.

The property is a rental that is unoccupied. No one was injured during the fire.

Owen said about 20 firefighters responded to the page, including personnel from Fire District No. 4 and South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue. There were six fire engines on the

correction Due to incorrect information supplied to The Miner, the wrong dues were listed in last week’s ‘What’s a life without Friends?’ article for Friends of the West Bonner Library District membership.

The new annual dues rates are $10 for individuals, $15 for a family and $100 for a lifetime. We regret any confusion this may have caused.

Now Showing Show time 7:30 p.m. • Closed Thursday Sunday 2:30 p.m. Matinee Only

Miner photo|Don Gronning

A house fire that started last Saturday evening severely damaged this rental in Newport on Calispel Street.

scene. Crews remained at the site until 4:30 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 17. A small flare-up occurred Sun-

day morning and was quickly extinguished.

“A portion of the structure could be saved,

study is really the first step toward determining if and how HiTest could connect to the system,” Willenbrock said. “HiTest has committed to paying the costs associated with the feasibility analysis.”

The request included a cost reimbursement agreement with an associated deposit for system studies and engineering work necessary for power deliveries to the proposed facility south of Newport, he said.

With a load of this size, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) requires feasibility, impact and facilities studies to determine any potential effect to neighboring

utilities and the overall power grid.

The PUD also will complete the necessary engineering and project planning to determine the feasibility and the facilities necessary to deliver power to the proposed HiTest facility. The study process is anticipated to take approximately six months to complete.

Additional money would be required from HiTest for actual construction of any facilities or infrastructure.

According to Brook Beehler, spokesperson for the state Department of Ecology, HiTest had not submitted a State Environmental Check List as

New school board members take their places

By Sophia Aldous Of The Miner

NEWPORT – New Newport School Board members Roberta Clausen and Rick Hughes were sworn in at Monday night’s December board meeting, overseen by superintendent Dave Smith.

Clausen and Hughes are filling the rolls vacated by former board members Mitch Stratton and Paul Wilson, respectively.

Both Stratton’s and Wilson’s terms expired during the general election cycle in November, and neither decided to run again. Clausen and Hughes both ran unopposed and will serve four-year terms.

After the swearing in, the board elected Clausen to serve as their legisla-

tive representative. A legislative representative is elected by the board each year to serve as their district’s liaison on legislative issues. They inform the board of legislative developments and contact state legislators.

Hughes was elected as the board’s Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) representative. The WIAA is the governing body of athletics and activities for secondary education schools in the state of Washington. It is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that consists of nearly 800 member high schools and middle/junior high schools, both private and public.

See school board, 5A

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but it would probably be cheaper (for the owner) just to knock it down,” Owen said.

HiTest pays to start power study NEWPORT – Silica Investments, Inc., the parent corporation to HiTest Sand, Inc., made a formal request for power and put down a $250,000 deposit Dec. 13 to begin planning how to deliver power to the proposed silicon smelter, according to Colin Willenbrock, PUD general manager.

A second $250,000 deposit is due before Feb. 1, 2018. A third deposit of $500,000 is due before July 1, 2018. The funds will be used to cover all study fees and associated planning costs and will be kept in a separate, non-interest bearing district account.

“BPA’s system impact

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of Tuesday morning, Dec. 19. The SEPA checklist is one of the steps to permitting the project.

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Pend Oreille PUD, keeping you warm during the holidays since 1936.

PEND OREILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 447-3137 • 242-3137 • 446-3137 • www.popud.org

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| February 7, 2018

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Legislative

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

By Taylor McAvoy WNPA Olympia News Bureau

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OLYMPIA - A proposed pilot project would partner mental health professionals and local law enforcement officers on calls that involve a mental health crisis.

HB 2892 creates a grant from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to fund services from mental health professionals who would either go with police officers on calls or respond to scenes when requested. The bill was voted out of the House Public Safety Committee and advanced to the rules committee Thursday, Feb. 1.

“Our current system works but I think it is a system that can be expensive and at times ineffective,” said Representative John Lovick, D-Snohomish, the bill’s prime sponsor. “Jails are not designed to be mental health treatment centers.”

Lovick said he brought the bill before lawmakers when he saw a similar program in action in Edmonds while he was volunteering at the Edmonds Gospel Mission. He said having a mental health professional on the scene can better serve someone in a crisis.

The legislation’s aim, he said, is to improve the initial law enforcement interaction with people in a crisis, increase bystander and officer safety, and connect those who need it with mental health services instead of jail.

“Somebody in a mental health crisis is not in of themselves by virtue of their crisis committing a crime but our system continues to send law enforcement officers as its only response,” said James McMahan, policy director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

He said that the bill would require the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to provide a study of the grant program’s effectiveness to make sure it works. He said that could establish a foundation on which to build future response teams.

“We see cities as policy innovation

mechanisms, as agents,” said Logan Bahr, government relations advocate for the Association of Washington Cities.

“This is a great marriage between the state and locals in responding to the needs of our communities.”

Partnerships with mental health professionals have already proven effective.

McMahan explained two working models; the Seattle model, in which a professional is in the passenger seat of a patrol vehicle, and the navigator model, in which a mental health professional goes to a scene on their own upon request of an officer who is already there.

“The most critical point in this program is to have the mental health professional there on scene in that moment of crisis,” McMahan said.

Karl Hatton, regional emergency communications director for Jefferson and Clallam counties, said 911 operators should be included in the program because they have the best sense of who needs to respond to a scene. He also said that ongoing training for 911 operators should be included in the bill’s language so they know how to best respond as the first point of contact.

Lovick said he is seeking at least a couple million dollars for the grant and hopes to implement at least one project on each side of the state. The funding could come from a small surcharge on traffic citations. However, the funding won’t be determined until the bill reaches the appropriations committee.

The bill was introduced late in the session, but Lovick is optimistic that it will pass this year.

“If we do it, it’s going to be done this year,” he said. “This is really a time to bring the community together to see what we can do to work with the vulnerable population.”

Chair of the House Public Safety Committee Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, sponsored a similar bill, HB 2234, which has a companion bill in the Senate, SB 5970 sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, D-Kenmore.

Lawmakers still grappling with court mandated education funding

By Josh Kelety WNPA Olympia News Bureau

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OLYMPIA - Despite the passage of last year’s bipartisan agreement to fully fund K-12 public education with a property tax hike, the state Legislature is still wrestling over the issue.

In November, the state Supreme Court ruled that the Legislature needs to ramp up funding for teacher and other school staff salaries to meet its imposed September 2018 deadline, despite the billions that have already been allocated to public education.

However, some lawmakers believe that they’ve already provided adequate funding public education, and are in disagreement over how to respond to the court’s recent ruling.

The court’s ruling comes after recent dramatic changes: During last year’s legislative session, lawmakers passed a massive reform bill – HB 2242 – that will funnel more than $7 billion to K-12 schools throughout the state of Washington more than four years, a move aimed at appeasing the monumental 2012 state Supreme Court McCleary ruling that the state was unconstitutionally underfunding public education.

At the root of the court’s mandate was the fact that, in the absence of adequate state funding for public education, local

school districts were relying heavily on property tax levies to finance basic education costs, such as market-rate staff compensation.

While lawmakers had already put money towards education over the years, they hadn’t addressed funding for teacher and staff salaries.

The reforms passed last summer by lawmakers aimed to tackle this issue, by increasing state funding – partly through a hiked property tax – while capping the amount that school districts can bring in through local levies. Under the reform bill, local levies are to be used for their original purpose, “enrichment” programming, such as extracurricular activities, summer school, and tutoring. The limitations on local levies would begin in 2019, while the new statewide property tax kicks in this year.

In its November ruling, the Supreme Court argued that, while the state Legislature is now in compliance with the McCleary mandate, lawmakers need to speed up the implementation of its funding plan for teacher and staff salaries, arguing that the plan, as is, won’t meet the September deadline. The cost of ramping up the state funding to meet the deadline is roughly $1 billion.

As such, the court is maintaining the $100,000 per day fines

that it were imposed back in 2015 to incentivize the Legislature to act.

Responses from lawmakers have varied.

Democratic Governor Jay Inslee has proposed dipping into state reserves to meet the court’s most recent mandate, while Republicans have largely opposed the idea.

Democrats have argued that school districts need stability to reorient to the funding reform package passed last year, and that injecting additional funding will further complicate schools’ budgets and operations.

“This is a major systems change,” said Deputy Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, D-Spokane, at a Jan. 16 press conference.

“It does take some time for those changes to get in place so that the increased funding and the improved policies that are coming out of that bill can have a positive impact on kids.”

However, House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, said that while he shares similar concerns, Democrats are “not going to ignore this.”

Rep. David Taylor, RMoxee, and member of the so-called ‘gang-of-eight’ – a group of lawmakers from both parties and chambers that hashed out last year’s education funding package – said that he’s skeptical of dipping into state reserves.

“I believe we’re due for a See funding, 7A

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| February 28, 2018

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POC: ‘A season of contention’ From Page 2A

A hearing examiner conducts public hearings on various land use applications, appeals of land use determinations made by divisions of the County Public Works Department, and certain other quasi-judicial matters. Since there is no official Pend Oreille County hearing examiner, one would have to be contracted if the need arose.

Snow said he wasn’t sure what the cost would be.

“I think it could be a way to simplify the process, so people would have a better understanding of where certain businesses could be built before they got too deep into the process,” District 1 planning commissioner Norris Boyd said.

“But it’s just a proposal at this point.”

In minutes from the November planning commissioner meeting, commissioners used the proposed HiTest Silicon Smelter as an example when asking what permits would be required and what role would a hearings examiner have. According to the minutes, Snow said both a rezone and a CUP would be required, and that besides a local appeals process, there is a land use

petition process available to appellants.

“Please keep in mind that this proposed change would effect every CUP, not just HiTest,” Snow said last Tuesday.

The planning commission meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m., at the Cusick Community Center.

Meetings are open to the

public.

“We want people to come to the meetings because public opinion has a significant part in the process; we look for input from everyone,” Boyd said. “I think there’s a season of contention coming up concerning HiTest, so whether you’re for or against it, it’s a good idea to attend these meetings when you can.”

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(49HB-TF) PUBLIC MEETING Cusick Town Council will hold its regular monthly council meeting March 12, 2018, 6:00 p.m. In addition to town business there will be discussion regarding budget amendments and an introduction of new town employees. This is a public meeting and all are encouraged to attend.(5) ABANDONED VEHICLE AUCTION Newport Towing, 137 South Newport Avenue. (509) 447-1200. March 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Viewing starts at 9:00 a.m.(5)

MARKET READY HOGS Weigh 260 pounds, $220 each. Whole or half available. Krogh Ranch (509) 447-4632.(49HB-tf) GIRL POWER Women’s self defense workshop by Erin Mix, $15. March 3, 10:00 a.m. at Create, 900 West 4th, Newport. (509) 447-9277. www.createarts.org Must pre-register.(5p) ROAD ATLAS Current, detailed road atlas, spiral bound with laminated cover. Pend Oreille County, Washington $35.00. Bonner County, Idaho $37.50.

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(208) 290-7178.(5) VOTE FOR United States Coast Guard Veteran Glenn Blakeslee for Sheriff. That’s where he learned great leadership and management skills.

Paid by Bob Moran. (5p) KNOW LOCAL When you need to know what’s happening in our community, turn to the No. 1 source for all things local – The Newport and Gem State Miner Newspapers.

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PEND OREILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 447-3137 • 242-3137 • 446-3137 • www.popud.org

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Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County

Request for Qualifications, Consulting Engineering and Project Management Services Supporting Construction of a Proposed Manufacturing Facility Pend Oreille County Public Utility District is currently seeking the qualifications of firms interested in providing the following professional services to the design and construction of power lines and substation equipment to support a proposed manufacturing facility near Newport, Washington.

Qualified entities are encouraged to submit a response to this RFQ based on the following scope: • Provide project management services for an approximate three-year period commencing immediately • Interface regularly with the District, Bonneville Power Administration, and the owner of the manufacturing facility • Provide occasional on-site support with personnel located at the District’s office in Newport, Washington • Develop project specifications, schedules, budgets, contracts, and reports • Support administration of additional contracts for engineering consultants, land rights specialists, and construction contractors, including development of future requests for qualifications/proposals • Manage tasks to meet the requirements of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) • Oversee engineering tasks including but not limited to electrical feasibility studies, system impact studies, line design, substation design, and development of construction specifications • Oversee real estate tasks including but not limited to path feasibility studies, permitting processes, land rights acquisition, and public outreach • Oversee construction activities including but not limited to advertising specifications, evaluation of bids, awarding contracts, submittal review, quality assurance, and acting as the owner’s representative during construction Responses to this RFQ will be evaluated on the degree each prospective entity can demonstrate the following: • History of similar project experience including references

• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure in Washington State • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification • Education background and resume of key individual(s) • Fee schedule • Availability of personnel • Safety record A Bachelor’s Degree in project management, engineering or a combination of education and experience is required. A minimum of 10 years of experience; five years project management experience at an electric utility or similar field is desired.

Safety is extremely important to the PUD. Applicants are encouraged to submit the following information with their RFQ: •Company drug and alcohol policy (if you have one) •Company written safety program (if you have one) •OSHA Inspection Record – The past three years incident rate and time lost data.

•Number of fatalities experienced during work in the past three years •Number of man-hours worked for the past three years •Description of company’s involvement with subcontractor safety and how it is managedon work sites •Description of company’s process and criteria to select subcontractors The District reserves the right to request additional information and clarifications as necessary to allow for corrections of errors and omissions. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals without prejudice. The District assumes no obligation to reimburse individuals for any expenses incurred in responding to this request for qualifications. Women’s, minority and small business enterprises are encouraged to apply. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. March 9, 2018.

Proposals packets must be requested via email:ktornow@popud.org. Questions may be directed to: David Nichols, 509-447-6756.

RTI – Pend Oreille Telephone Company is a quality telecommunications service provider who provides basic and enhanced services at reasonable rates within its service territory.

Basic services are offered at the following rates:

Monthly Service Charge Single Party Residence Service $18.00 Access Recovery Charge $2.50 Business Service $25.03 Single Line Access Recovery Charge $2.50 Multi-Line Access Recovery Charge $3.00 Federal Subscriber Line Charge/Residence/Business $6.50 Federal Subscriber Line Charge/Multi Line $9.20 Emergency 911 Service-The State-.25/County-.70 mandated surcharges for exchanges: 442, 445, and 446.

Toll Restriction Services- Currently there is no charge from RTI Pend Oreille Telecom for toll blocking services to low-income customers participating in the Lifeline program. Please contact your local Health & Welfare office for more information on Lifeline and Link-Up programs.

Access to long distance carriers- There is no charge from RTI Pend Oreille Telecom for the ability to place and receive calls through long distance carriers that Offer service through our network.

However, the call may involve a charge from the long distance carrier depending on the type of call.

Access to directory assistance- There is no charge from RTI Pend Oreille Telecom for the ability to call Directory Assistance. The amount charged depends on the area called and the rates of the company whose operator provided information.

Access to operator Service: There is no service from RTI Pend Oreille Telecom for the ability to call the operator; however, the call may involve a charge depending on the service requested and the rates of the Company whose operator handled the call: These services are available to all consumers of RTI Pend Oreille Telecom. The cost associated with each are reflected each month on the regular telephone billing along with charges for services provided

by RTI Pend Oreille Telecom. The services listed above are the basic serves offered by our company.

Other services are available by contacting RTI Pend Oreille Telecom office at (888)636-2840.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Did you know ....Telephone assistance Programs are available to low-income households. To qualify for Lifeline Services, please contact your local Health & Welfare Office. Lifeline Services are programs designed to assist low income-households to afford local telephone service. Lifeline assists with monthly telephone bills. Enhanced Lifeline benefits are available to low-income residents of Tribal lands. Provides a monthly discount of the cost of telephone service. Tribal Lands Link Up provides qualified subscribers living on tribal land with a one-time discount up to $100 on the initial installation or activation of wire line or wireless telephone for the primary residence. For more information on Tribal Lifeline and Link-up, visit: http://www.fcc.gov/indians/financialassistance.html or contact Washington State Department of Social and Health Services or call our office Toll Free (888) 636-2840.

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Stay Away From Downed Power Lines In the winter season heavy snow or fallen trees can cause power lines to fall. Some downed lines will spark, burn or worse won’t do anything making it look as if the line is off. If you see a line on the ground please avoid it for your safety and others, and please notify the PUD right away so we can help.

PEND OREILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT 447-3137 • 242-3137 • 446-3137 • www.popud.org

QUALITY SERVICE AT LOW COST 2

Winter Voice