Deputy discusses budget cuts

amsong@gorge.net

The High Prairie residents have their monthly meeting at the Community Center (701 Struck Road) every fourth Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

This past month's meeting featured Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Kaley, who addressed the 6 percent cut in the county sheriff's department annual budget. Kaley explained how the $250,000 reduction will probably affect county services in "manpower," as will likely happen in other county departments as well. Therefore, the sheriff's office will concentrate on calls that involve crimes in progress, but will not have enough deputies to always respond to other non-emergency 911 calls. And because of our area's larger traveling distance when calls come in, Kaley suggested there may be a delay in the response, due to reduced available deputies. There is a need for "non-commissioned deputies" to assist on a volunteer basis to help cover more routine needs, and Kaley would welcome any interest in this area.

Also attending the meeting this month was a deer with a huge rack, peering at us through the glass door for some time, departing only when one person approached him to take his picture. We wondered what his agenda was!

Then on Tuesday, Aug. 2, John Foltz and hydrologists of Aspect Consulting presented their results of a thorough study of wells and water tables in Klickitat County to a large group of High Prairians at the community center. They explained how "folds and faults" can make barriers to water flow, thus allowing for adequate well water in one place and serious water availability nearby. They addressed the fact that High Prairie appears to have many distinct aquifers, so water level monitoring is the best way to gauge hydrologic response. Some questions from the large turnout were addressed, and many indicated further interest in their findings.

Exercise classes during August at the High Prairie Community Center: Tai Chi continues at 9 a.m. every Tuesday; Zumba Gold meets at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Anyone is welcome, and during the month of August and early September, there is simply a one-time suggested contribution of $5 to cover the cost of DVD leadership.