Unwanted Guests

Northwest Farm and Ranch Report / KayDee Gilkey

January 05, 12

The Northwest’s high quality soil which makes our agriculture so productive is also conducive to cultivating higher quality, and therefore more expensive, marijuana. Drug trafficking organizations have now found it easier, less dangerous, and more profitable to grow closer to their market in the Pacific Northwest, especially in rural areas.


CR Katlin, Homeland Security Planner for the Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management, shares what the challenges are monitoring large geographic area owned by multiple jurisdictions.

   "Eastern Washington offers the narco-criminals a vast rural region of private agricultural, tribal, state and federal lands. These mostly un-patrolled sanctuaries are the home of undermanned/ underfunded county and tribal law enforcement agencies. With in Yakima County alone there are 15 municipal jurisdiction, eight counties on the border, one sovereign nation, 806 square miles owned by Feds and 363 square miles owned by state. All this makes for an abundance of jurisdictionally hazy border lands to set up grow operations.”

Katlin says a property owner’s discovery of any unfamiliar fertilizer, garden hoses,camouflage netting, "Keep Out" signs, guard dogs or unusual structures can indicate the presence of a marijuana grow operation. He urges property owners NOT to investigate any suspicious activity but rather to report it immediately to local or state law authorities.



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Prepare/ Update Your Emergency Plan This October

OCT. 4, 2011-Yakima, WASH.

    As we approach fall/ winter weather Yakima Valley O.E.M. reminds you that when a major disaster occurs, it is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone’s needs. It is important to be prepared to take care of your family. Plan to be on your own for at least three days.

This month start to prepare for any emergency if you have not done so already. You can do it by:

• Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.

• Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.

• Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents.

• Make a family plan . Involve all key people in planning.

• Check your home for potential safety hazards.

• Put together a disaster kit . Plan to have supplies for yourself and your family for at least 3 days following a disaster.

• When planning, consider the special needs of kids, disabled, seniors, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Learn more at our website: http://www.yakimacounty.us/oem/checklist.htm

WHITE SWAN RECOVERY

-White Swan, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation/ Washington State

Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management has received calls regarding questions and concerns about the White Swan Fire. While we supported efforts at the fire, we would like to remind readers that it did not occur directly with in our jurisdiction. It happened with in the confines of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.

     The Nation managed the incident. Our office and numerous valley First Responders supported the Yakama Nation, just like the Nation has and would support the cities of the valley in similar circumstance. The Yakama Nation as a sovereign entity, is in charge of this event. All questions regarding recovery efforts need to be directed toward the Tribe and the Yakima Nation Office of Emergency Management.

   If people would like to show there support to the victims of the White Swan Fire we have a list of donation sites and support events.Several places are accepting donations of money, clothing and other useful items for families affected by Saturday’s fire. Officials say the greatest needs are for children’s clothing and diapers. Locations and fundraisers include:



--Toppenish Armory, 326 S. Division St. The armory also will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner today.


--White Swan Methodist Church.


--Winter House in White Swan.


--The Trading Post in White Swan.


--EZ bucks in Toppenish and Wapato.


--Top Stop in Toppenish.


--The Yakama Nation has set up a bank account at Bank of America called White Swan Fire Relief Fund.


--The Wapato High School boys and girls basketball teams will hold a spaghetti fundraiser dinner from 5:30-8 p.m. today in the Wapato High School cafeteria.