https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2022/06/have-you-seen-them-meet-your-new.html
If you live in the Grandview area, you have likely seen Washington State Department of Agriculture team members in bright yellow and orange vests around town. Why Grandview? Who are they? What are they doing?
Why Grandview?
A few years ago, WSDA discovered an infestation of Japanese beetle in Grandview and the surrounding areas. That was alarming, because the ramifications to local yards, as well as the implications on agriculture, could be devastating. So, we buckled down and got to work. It started with determining where exactly the infestation was. Our teams went out and set traps to see where the beetles had set up camp.
The team determined the infestation was inside a 49-square-mile grid, in Yakima and Benton counties, centered on the City of Grandview.
This year, we’ve expanded the efforts to include treating properties with the most concentrated area of Japanese beetles, setting traps for the pest, and working on establishing a proposed quarantine to limit the spread of the Japanese beetle population beyond the identified infestation area. Part of that effort included hiring several new trappers to increase the grid we are keeping an eye on.
Who are they?
Amanda
The team’s supervisor, Amanda was born and raised in the Grandview area. She is looking forward to serving the community in which she lives, and helping save agriculture by ridding the area of this invasive pest.
Gabe
Originally from Florida, Gabe has lived in Washington state for about a year. He was drawn to WSDA and being part of the Japanese beetle eradication efforts because of the ability to benefit the community of Grandview.
Drew
Originally from Oregon, Drew and his family moved to Yakima. He was looking for a summer job while he looks for a job in his field of study, medical sciences. He loves being outside and is looking forward to the summer of Japanese beetle trapping.
Fernando
Fernando knows the importance of agriculture in Washington state. Growing up in the Yakima Valley, Fernando’s father owns a cherry orchard, and he has seen firsthand the type of damage a pest can do. He’s looking forward to being part of the effort to rid the area of this invasive pest.
Brenda
Brenda is looking forward to being part of the eradication and survey effort. She is excited to be part of the effort and to see the beetles firsthand.
What are they doing?
The Japanese beetle trappers will be going around to each set trap during the “adult flight season” between May and October, checking for catches and recording their findings. There will be more than 2,500 traps set in the area, and each trap will be checked every 10-14 days. If you see the friendly, smiling face of someone wearing a bright yellow vest, please wave, and know they are working hard to get rid of this pest to protect our lawns, roses, and especially, our agriculture.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
AG’s Office is working with law enforcement to collect the remaining samples in this second phase of its DNA project
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced that his lawfully owed DNA project identified 387 sex, kidnapping and homicide offenders still living in Washington who illegally failed to provide DNA samples after their criminal conviction. Of these 387 individuals, the Attorney General’s Office already collected 102 new DNA profiles, including:
5 new DNA profiles from individuals convicted of homicide;
10 new DNA profiles from individuals convicted of kidnapping; and
88 new DNA profiles from convicted sex offenders. (The previous phase of this project collected DNA profiles from registered sex offenders. This phase focused on sex offenders who are not required to register.)
All 102 new profiles were added to CODIS, the national DNA database.
Cleaning up for affordable housing on Bellingham Bay.
Once contaminated by decades of use as storage for a paper mill byproduct called lignin, four acres of downtown Bellingham will soon be cleaned up and redeveloped into affordable housing, thanks to a partnership between us, the Port of Bellingham, and Mercy Housing Northwest.
Washington’s 2021 average annual wage increase: second largest on record
OLYMPIA – Washington’s average annual wage grew by 7.5% in 2021 to $82,508, according to the state Employment Security Department. The strong demand for workers and hiring difficulties across different sectors drove average wage growth in 2021 to the second largest increase on record.
OLYMPIA - Sport anglers will have their first opportunity to catch salmon off Washington’s coast at Neah Bay and La Push (Marine Areas 4 and 3) beginning Saturday, June 18; Ilwaco (Marine Area 1) on June 25; and Westport (Marine Area 2) on July 2.
Recreational crabbing to open July 1 for many Puget Sound marine areas.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced Puget Sound summer crab-fishing seasons, which will get underway July 1 in many marine areas.
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers.
OLYMPIA -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
Clallam County
In April 2022 the Chiropractic Commission suspended for at least 12 months Frank Henry Springob (CH00001149). Springob, without forewarning, placed his hands into patient A’s pants and massaged near her vagina.
Hantwick Land Exchange Proposal Hearing Scheduled for June 28.
Exchange would facilitate future transfer of lands to Clark County for public park; meeting will allow for remote participation.
DNR Prepositions Aircraft in NW Region.
Officials still concerned about summer wildfires despite delayed start to warmer weather.
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:
Murray Helps Pass Historic Toxic Exposure Bill, Clears Path for Tri-Cities Veterans Clinic
At Hearing with Labor Secretary, Senator Murray Pushes For Permanent COVID Safety Standard, Put Wages Back in Workers’ Pocket
Senator Murray: “We have important work ahead to protect workers’ rights, raise wages, ensure decent, safe, and fair working conditions and deliver high-quality workforce development opportunities. And the increased funding for the Labor Department in this budget will help us get it done with many, much-needed investments.”
Kilmer Votes to Lower Food and Fuel Costs for Washingtonians
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act – a bipartisan legislative package aimed at lowering prices for Washington families in the grocery aisle and at the gas pump.
Communities Will Partner with DOE Experts, National Labs, and Regional Organizations to Accelerate Access to Clean Power, Help Lower Energy Costs, and Increase Resilience.
Act will strengthen the maritime supply chain and protect Washington farmers and exporters from shipping companies’ unfair practices.
communities and Tribes can apply for up to $77 million in funding, passed under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to remove dams, culverts, and other obstacles to salmon.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES;
From UN NEWS CENTER & USUN, along with other sources;
Nearly one billion people have a mental disorder: WHO.
‘Surprise’ early heatwave in Europe, harbinger of things to come.
Sweltering conditions in Europe have come earlier than expected this year but the bad news is, they’re the shape of things to come.
Urgent support needed for 14,000 who fled following Burkina Faso massacre.
World has ‘gambled on fossil fuels and lost’, warns Guterres.
More than 100 million now forcibly displaced: UNHCR report.
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Haiti.--USUN
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on UN-EU Cooperation.---USUN.
Remarks at a Diplomatic Corps Reception---US STATE DEPT.
Stoltenberg Details NATO Progress in Deterrence, Defense--DOD
Russia's invasion of Ukraine dominated the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, but the ministers — including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III — also considered a range of actions and programs in preparation for the Madrid Summit on June 29.
NATIONAL & BUSINESS HEADLINES;
Statement from Secretary Cardona on the 10th Anniversary of DACA.
Secretary Mayorkas Directs DHS To Reform Employee Misconduct Discipline Processes--DHS
BUSINESS NEWS HEADLINES:
A Florida man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for health care and wire fraud that cost Medicare more than $20 million dollars, and for evading taxes.--DOJ
Welcoming Remarks
Chair Jerome H. Powell
Proposed Merger Is the Second Abandoned in One Week Following FTC Complaint.
FTC Report Warns About Using Artificial Intelligence to Combat Online Problems
HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES;
Jan. 6 Committee Ignores Clear Evidence Of Mass Illegal Voting, Systematically Broken Election Laws--The Federalist
Biden Is Blaming You, America, for His Rotten Economy--PJ MEDIA
LOCAL MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam Commissioners work session for 6/21/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1320
Clallam County Board meeting for 6/21/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7322
Clallam County Board of health meeting for 6/21/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7322
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 6/21/22
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11739/CC-Agenda-Packet-06212022
PASD Board Meeting (School Improvement Plans)
When: Thu, June 23, 7pm – 9pm
Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA (map)
Description
Regular meetings are usually scheduled on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Call 360.565.3702 for information.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 6/21/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/924b5e64-4f71-4c07-ba8f-ece48d9ee60e
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 6/22/22
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/20220622-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
