In the March 23, 2011 issue...

POSTED BY SANDY STOKES

Fire commissioner asked to step down

The Fire District 13 Commission abruptly canceled its meeting Tuesday morning when Commissioner Jim Grove’s eligibility to hold office was challenged and he was asked to step down.

 La Conner resident Dan O’Donnell told Grove he is ineligible to hold office because he had not filed an oath of office with the county, as required by state law. " For that, he should, "step down immediately and leave the room,” O'Donnell ordered.

Commissioners canceled the meeting until they could sort it out.  All three commissioners were elected in November, 2009. and were supposed to be sworn before taking office in January 2010 -- 15 months ago.

It's all hunky-dory now though. Grove’s oath of office was, “faxed to us a few minutes ago,” Skagit County Elections Supervisor David Cunningham said shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday ... This is in today's paper.

 

Suspended Battalion Chief update

So the REAL issue in Fire District 13 is the fate of suspended Battalion Chief Doug Avery, a district volunteer since 1982. His public hearing to appeal the commission's decision to  suspend and possibly fire him for alleged insubordination was two weeks ago.

After Tuesday’s meeting was halted, Grove said the commission hoped to have its investigation into the allegations completed and come to a decision on Avery at its next regular meeting at 6 p.m. on April 5. 

The great turkey chase

    Writer M.Sharon Baker has the latest on La Conner's newest spectator event -- watching town employees try their luck at catching wild turkeys with dip nets. So far, Old Tom, who was seen flaunting his freedom last week, and four other feathered fugitives are on the run.

From the Police Blotter:

4:13 p.m.: Burglary – Someone stole food from a freezer in the garage of a home on the 500 block of Maple Ave., La Conner. If anyone noticed someone walking around carrying 50 pounds of frozen food on March 12 or 13, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.

The paper is on sale at the liquor store, produce market, book store, gas station, drug store and in our office, which is conveniently located next to the Station House Bar & Grill.  Subscribe and you won't have to avoid fleeing turkeys to get a copy.