As we continue our analysis, it appears that the colder than normal temperatures continued through the month of August. I find it interesting the impact on our area a simple few degrees have. Gardens are stunted, Cotton wood trees develop leaf mold and Red Thread disease in lawns becomes active. For your information, we’ve updated the temperature chart above to now include August.

By: Megan Snow, Regional Director of Communications
As we approach the peak of wildfire season and kids are heading back to school, the Apple Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross urges the community to get prepared during National Preparedness Month in September. Disasters can strike at any time – from hurricanes to wildfires to terrorist attacks like those that occurred on 9/11 ten years ago. National Preparedness Month provides our nation with the opportunity to both remember the victims and honor those who responded, and to make a renewed commitment to being better prepared for the future.

“We all must do what we can to prepare our families and make our communities ready for the next emergency,” said Regional Emergency Services Director Jenny Carkner. “Everyone can take three key action steps to get started: build a kit, make a plan, and be informed.”

Step 1: Build a kit.
Emergency preparedness kits should include enough supplies for at least three days in case you have to evacuate. Water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents should go in every kit. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of supplies at home. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

Step 2: Make a plan.
All members of the household should work together on an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire. Each person should know how to reach other members of the household. The plan should also include an out-of-area emergency contact person, and a location where everyone should meet if they can’t go home.

Step 3: Be informed.
People should be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live and how local authorities will contact you in the event of a disaster. First aid and CPR/AED training empowers individuals with the confidence and skills to respond to health emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

For more information about National Preparedness Month or to schedule an interview, please contact Executive Director Marriah Thornock at 509-663-3907, our our Website.

Highway 2 from Coles Corner to Leavenworth was closed Wednesday afternoon due to fire activity at mile 92 in Tunwater Canyon. It remains closed at 12 noon on Thursday August 18th and will remain so indefintely.

By: Michelle Alberts
My Husband and I have a cabin on Lake Wenatchee. As we were driving to Plain Hardware Saturday after noon, a large female deer ran across the road ahead of us. I told my husband he should slow down in case there is another one. Sure enough we spotted another smaller deer running out of the woods. Hot on it’s tail was a large Black Bear, the Bear proceeded to take the Deer down right in the middle of the road. We were completely stopped at this point as well as a few cars that had been going the other direction. The bear appeared to get a better grip on the deer, then turned around and headed very quickly back were it had come from. We could hear the deer cry and branches breaking, but the bear disappeared very quickly. It happened so quick and the bear was very fast. I understand that this is probably something that happens frequently, but isn’t seen. It could also be another sign of just how hungry the bears are this year and how diligent and aware everyone should be. The deer was smaller, but not a new fawn. It happened around the 17 (& 3/4) mile post on Beaver Valley Road.

The Forest Service wants to remove 64 miles of USFS roads in the Peshastin and Chumstick watersheds from public use. That proposal will be discussed in a public meeting tonight at 6PM at the Fire District 3 station across from the high school in Leavenworth.

The Cove will again be hosting the Bullet Creek Band this year. Mark your calendar for July 30th from 9pm to midnight. You can find more information on the band here.

By: George Wilson
Last night we took in the musical The Drowsy Chaperone currently being staged by the Music Theatre of Wenatchee at the Riverside Playhouse in Wenatchee. It was delightful!! The casting, costuming and performances were terrific. We really recommend seeing this production if you can. See their website at www.mtow.org The Playhouse is located at 233B N. Wenatchee Avenue. Performances continue through the 21st of May.

The Kahler Glen golf course is now open for 18 holes with carts. The restaurant, now known as the Kahler Creek Grill, will be open 7 days a week starting Thur May 12th. Hours of operation are:
Mon & Tues 11:30 to 5pm
Wed & Thur 11:30 to 7:30pm
Fri & Sat 11:30 to 8:00pm
Sun 11:30 to 7:30pm
We just updated the website at http://kahlerglen.com with a copy of the new menus & hours of operation. For your extra viewing pleasure- we had several people confirm that a young moose walked across the golf course a couple of hours ago.

Was a $2500 kayak new. It’s about 7 to 10 years old and in very good condition in Plain. Paddles included. Very fast and sleek in the water. Controllable foot rudder. Two airtight storage compartments and bungies on top. Perfect for Lake Wenatchee or salt water. $1650 OBO. Call Mark at 360 661-1147

A watch was found on the cross-country ski trails in the North part of the State Park on Saturday, March 13th. If you think it’s yours call Vern at 509-763-2907 and describe the watch to claim it.