Chelan, WA - Dr. Thomas Kindell will appear at Chelan’s Valley Christian Center February 7th, 8th and 9th to present four seminars on creationism. Dr. Kindell has lectured throughout the United States and abroad, is a frequent guest on the radio series “Science, Scripture & Salvation,” and his creation-science seminar has been repeatedly acclaimed as one of the best in the nation.

According to his biography, Dr. Kindell was once an ardent believer in the “fact” of evolution, but became a zealous creationist through his exposure to the scientific case for creation. He has received advanced training in scientific creationism through the Graduate School of theInstitute for Creation Research in Santee, California and holds a Doctorate in Philosophy of Theology.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum reports his office has been receiving calls from citizens concerned with phone solicitations. These calls are in many cases fraudulent and the callers are taking advantage of the recent tragic deaths of police officers. The Sheriff is angry and the public should be angry that organizations are soliciting contributions in light of our fallen officers.

Sheriff Harum said. "We do not do phone soliciting. When you get a phone call soliciting money from some law organization claiming they represent law enforcement in Chelan County just say no."

There are many national organizations that conduct fund raising phone solicitations claiming the funds raised will support local law enforcement. The Sheriff has personally received these types of calls at home and when the caller is questioned and he says, “No” they quickly disconnect the call.

If anyone wants to make a donation, there are avenues set up so that 100 percent of the donation goes to the families and or agencies. Sheriff Harum recommends do not give any money over the phone. Call your local law enforcement agency to verify how you may donate.

Chelan County Sheriff - Sheriff Harum reports on January 28, 2010 at approximately 1059 hours, Rivercom Dispatch Center advised deputies of a subject at the Lake Chelan Community Hospital in the Emergency Room with a gunshot wound.

The victim, Randy U. Forbes, 52, a Chelan resident reported the bullet that struck him, ricocheted off an old vehicle he and his boss, Donald Casal, 54, a Chelan resident, were shooting.

Mr. Forbes reported he was in Manson at the Stevenson’s Orchard collecting scrap metal with Casal. Together, they placed old metal and a junk car onto their trailer and began using the junk car on the trailer for target practice.

Casal was firing his personal 9mm handgun and one of the bullets ricocheted off the junk car and struck Forbes in the left leg, above the knee. Forbes told Casal he had been shot by a ricocheting round and Casal drove Forbes to the Lake Chelan Community Hospital. Forbes only sustained soft tissue damage, as the 9mm round went through.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are continuing follow up but at this point, this shooting appears to be accidental.

Chelan County PUD - After debating whether to continue defending a case they felt was strong for the PUD, commissioners voted 3-2 late Tuesday afternoon to settle a lawsuit for $135,000 that had been brought by former employee Corey Redick over being fired in 2004 for repeated tardiness.

General Counsel Carol Wardell told PUD commissioners in an open special meeting that the PUD was not admitting any wrongdoing, but that the $135,000 was the same amount she had offered last week to Redick's attorney Steve Lacy and had been rejected by Lacy at that time. She called it the most cost-efficient approach to resolving the lawsuit. Jury selection and opening arguments had been presented already this week, and the first four witnesses had testified.

PUD continues fish-tagging progress with new contracts

Chelan County PUD - In order to continue progress on fish survival and hatchery evaluations as part of long-term Habitat Conservation Plans, Chelan County PUD commissioners on Monday approved new contracts for fish tags and related equipment totaling about $1.4 million for 2010.

Commissioners approved a contract not to exceed $395,000 for 158,300 passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and another not to exceed $1,003,957 for 3,085 acoustic tags. Hydroacoustic Technology Inc. of Seattle is the sole source provider for the acoustic tags, and Biomark Inc. of Idaho is the sole source provider of the PIT tags and related equipment.

Susan Gillin

Chelan County PUD -  Chelan County PUD customers can apply now for a new program to help them save energy and money by adding insulation and replacing old windows and glass doors.

The PUD’s Energy Savings Plan offers customers 25 cents a square foot to add insulation to attics, walls and crawlspaces, and $3 a square foot to replace windows and glass doors (sliding glass and French doors), up to $2,500 per household for any combination of the measures.

“The goal of the program is long-term energy savings, but customers who take part will likely see an increase in their home’s comfort right away,” said Susan Gillin, PUD Customer Service administrator.

Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce - The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce welcomed 2010 with elections to determine executive officers for its board of directors. Morgan Picton, Owner of real estate firm Morgan Picton and Associates, will govern as the newly elected president. He’ll be joined by Maribeth Clark of Chelan Vacation Properties as Vice President. Bob Christopher, former Chamber president and associate member, will act as secretary/treasurer. The final members of the executive committee are 2009 Chamber President Scott Anderson of North Cascades National Bank, and Chamber Executive Director Mike Steele. Elections were held at the board’s monthly meeting on January 13.