Newsbriefs

Annual predictions begin for lake levels

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued its January water forecast for the 2019 flood control season that determines what the needed levels will be for Lake Roosevelt in the coming months.

“Based on current conditions, the April 20 flood control level … is 1249.9 feet above sea level,” noted Lynne Brougher of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which physically controls the level of the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam.

The predicted level for the end of April is about 40 feet lower than completely full. By the end of April, 2018 the level had been set about 28 feet lower than the prediction for 2019.

Brougher noted the forecast will likely change.

New car for Electric City

Electric City is purchasing a 2018 Jeep Renegade for an estimated $24,000 for a variety of purposes.

The city council approved the purchase at their Jan. 8 meeting.

The 4x4 vehicle will be used for hauling things, code enforcement, running errands, various training activities, and more as explained by City Clerk Russ Powers, who used his yearly trips to Tacoma for training as an example of how the car will be used.

“The model seems to be adequate for all its intended uses,” Powers said.

The vehicle insurance will cover the mayor, council members, and all city employees.

The vehicle is being purchased from Dwayne Lane’s Auto in Everett, Washington.