Cusick
GOVERNMENT
Letter: Council members need to be held accountable
Regarding City of Chewelah recent water rate increases effective July 1, 2024 reported in The Independent on June 20. Many people living in the City of Chewelah are retired, widowed or a family surviving on a single income. A utility rate increase of any amount can be a hardship. Some believe their city utility bill will only increase by $10/month, which for some that may be true if their usage remains at 5,000 gallons/month, but many others will be subject to the double rate increase on overage gallons because the increase took effect at the hottest time of the year when many exceed the baseline gallons due to watering their grass more often, or using excessive amounts of water to keep their flowers and gardens flourishing through the hot, summer months.
Letter: Engell has qualities to represent 7th District
Andrew Engell and his family were already an established entity at the Chewelah Farmers Market when I came on the scene in 2012. Andrew and his wife, Celeste, were vendors selling farm vegetables and quality crafted skincare products. Andrew’s mom was also a vendor and brought with her Andrew’s younger siblings to many of the markets. I knew them all. I had the pleasure of witnessing the interactions of a close-knit, loving family.
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