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Methow Valley News May 30, 2001 Endangered Species Coverage Power council sees some light in drought Bountiful well brings hope for varsity soccer Power Council sees some light in drought Region can continue to benefit from conservation by Lee Hicks A new analysis concludes the power situation for the region may have improved but that continued conservation and power plant construction will be needed. The report by the Northwest Power Planning Council also acknowledges that survival of out-migrating fish—those not barged—will be reduced by measures to hold water behind dams for hydroelectric power production. In a Friday (May 25) announcement, the Power Council said the probability of power shortages in the coming winter has been reduced from 20 to 17 percent. That is still threefold the power industry standard. The Bonneville Power Administration and utilities should continue to negotiate for contracts for reduced power use to help keep rates from escalating, the Council said. "The region needs to continue improving energy efficiency and building the cleanest generating plants possible to meet future demand for power," according to Larry Cassidy, chairman of the four-state council and the Washington representative. Short term actions—such as diesel generators, emergency power contract actions that have cut employment and reduced spills of water for fish—need to be replaced by "sustainable solutions for the region," Cassidy said. While the outlook could improve with continued conservation and more power generation, there are factors that could impede this. Among them are delays in anticipated new generation, transmission line problems, power plant outages, and "generating resources located in the region (that) are not fully available to meet Northwest needs (an apparent reference to power that may be required by contract to California or elsewhere)." On the other hand, the outlook could improve with more precipitation, new power plants and voluntary conservation, the Power Council said. The Power Council was established by Congress through the 1980 Northwest Power Act to guide policy for power marketed by the Bonneville Power Administration from 29 federal dams, and to direct federal funding of fish and wildlife programs to offset effects of hydropower operations. The Council, based in Portland, is made up of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Bountiful well brings hope for varsity soccer By Carol Stull A "gusher" of water from a new well, plus a pledge from enthusiastic boosters to raise $23,500, means if all goes well, soccer will move up to a varsity sport at Liberty Bell next school year. Drillers seeking a source of back-up irrigation water struck a pocket late last Friday, which produces at least a 600-gallon-per-minute flow, reported Superintendent Lou Gates. He predicted the new well, at the southeast corner of the Methow School District’s campus, could be providing water for school fields within two weeks. The schools’ previous single "unpredictable" source for irrigation water, Wolf Creek ditch, is expected to be turned off by mid-June this year, said Gates. Cost of the new well could run from $7,500 to as much as $26,000 when fully equipped, said Gates. He noted, although no potable water will be drawn from it now, a four-inch main will be installed to handle potential expanding school water needs in the future. The district budget contains "some" money which could go toward well costs, advised Gates. But officials and the Methow Valley Soccer Club hopes to secure grant funds, perhaps from the county, to cover part of the expense. Soccer boosters came to last Wednesday’s (May 23) school board meeting with an ambitious plan for raising enough money to supplement district dollars to pay for separate boys’ and girls’ programs. They also requested that district well funds be diverted to pay for an additional playing field if the grant search is successful. With Dalton DuLac as spokesperson, the group proposed bringing in $3,000 from fundraisers, plus another $10,000 from both "major" and "small" donations, in addition to $10,500 they hope to secure from three grants. "We are optimistic we can come up with this funding," declared DuLac. Board members, however, came with concerns and hesitation toward jumping on this bandwagon. "We’re living on the edge right now," director Ron Massonne worried about district finances. He suggested delaying board approval for an expanded soccer program until the district budget is finalized in July. "I think it is important to continue a budgeting process that shows people they can trust us." Directors Bart Bradshaw and Barbara Williston encouraged the soccer club to push forward while noting their proposal is to "cost the district nothing" except levy funds already committed to that sport. That amounts to $19,000 over the next two school years. They also pointed out soccer’s continued future will depend on levy funding. Favoring directors said approval must be contingent on the success of the boosters’ fundraising effort. Getting Methow Valley teams on the league schedule now could mean withdrawal later if the money doesn’t materialize. Bradshaw said the school board will "take the heat" for any problems this causes. "We will do this," promised DuLac, but also agreed, "If we fail we will go back to the junior-varsity only program." He said the group will seek pledges rather than donations at this time. DuLac’s report indicated the group already has a pledge of $1,000 plus a major donor interested in contributing from $5,000 to $8,000. Responding to another board concern, boosters said they believe the Title IX committee will not object to raising money for a particular sport because both boys’ and girls’ soccer programs will benefit. A move by director Rosey Hough to approve the club’s proposal, contingent upon funds being raised, passed with Massonne voting no.(He did stress he really does like soccer.) Director Sue Roberts was not present. Bradshaw noted he has asked district business manager John Koch to come up with an official report to more closely track activities budget spending. In other action, the board approved adoption of a new science curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade. The new hands-on science kits are expected to cost around $24,000. Levy funds are available for this. Additional money is to be sought for teachers’ in-service training and to cover replacement costs of consumable items. Community members have 30 days to review the proposed new science materials. Individuals who wish to do so should make arrangements with Liberty Bell teachers Tucker Barksdale and/or Mike Putnam. The new curriculum should be ready for use next fall, said the superintendent. Director Rosey Hough announced dedication of a maple tree, planted next to the high school, will take place at 7:30 p.m. during the June 13 board workshop. She said the tree is intended as a memorial to "all the children who have left us too soon." Opinion | Sports |
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