The Year in Review

The year in review highlights the main events that took place during

each of the months of 2014 as reported in The Odessa Record. June and

July are provided here, with more to follow over the next few weeks.

June

A recent disaster designation due to drought in Lincoln County prompted

federal disaster relief for local farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers have eight months from the date of the designation

to apply for emergency loans. The loans are low interest, currently

3.125%, with payment terms of up to 40 years. FSA will consider each

loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of

losses, security available and repayment ability.

The Odessa Town Council heard from the Odessa Police Department that

there have been citizen complaints about wild animals causing damage to

property and, in some cases, death to household pets within the town

limits of Odessa. Both officers are appealing to the citizens of the

town to not feed the feral cat population or leave pet food outdoors

over night.

The wild population includes raccoons, skunks, and coyotes, and all are

attracted by pet food left out by well-meaning citizens unaware of the

negative consequences. Trapping and removing problem animals takes time

away from other duties that the police could be performing. The wild

population is also known to carry rabies and other diseases which can

affect local pets.

July

Odessa principal Ken Schutz and Harrington principal Jacob Bang have

both accepted positions elsewhere for the coming academic year. Bang,

has accepted the 6-12 principal’s job at Soap Lake. Schutz will be

heading to Ferris High School in Spokane.

Employees of the Odessa School District retiring at the end of the

school year are Apryl Wraspir, Jeanne Read, Jackie Allington, Sam Read,

and Deb Walter.

Damon Pistulka, the restart specialist at TransMessis Columbia Plateau,

LLC, issued layoff notices to all employees and put them on standby

status, saying, “Market conditions have forced (the company) to suspend

operations while we complete the capacity expansion.”