GHPUD: Storm- and tree-related power outages increase in 2020
An increase in the number of storm and tree related outages in 2020 led to an increase in total power outages for the Grays Harbor PUD. PUD crews responded to 345 outages, impacting 59,068 customers for a total of 186,224 hours. Although all three totals represented an increase from 2019, the total hours and customers impacted fell well below the averages of the last five years.
The main cause of the increase were storm-, wind- and tree-related outages, accounting for 69% of the outages in 2020. November proved to be one of the toughest months of the year, with three significant storm events accounting for 11,392 customers without power, or 19% of the yearly total.
“When you live on the coast of the Evergreen State, you need to take precautions for storms and falling trees and these numbers show just how important those investments are,” said PUD Commission President Russ Skolrood. “Outage totals would be significantly higher without the PUD’s vegetation management efforts, the strength of our system and the skills of the professionals who respond to these outages and get the power back on as safely and as quickly as they can.”
This year the PUD invested $1.2-million in tree trimming, tree removal and mowing the right of ways around power lines to keep them clear of low hanging trees, branches and undergrowth.
Martin Bruni Liquor Awarded GGHI business of quarter
Greater Grays Harbor Inc announced Martin Bruni Liquor as its business of the quarter. The award presentation took place during a small gathering at the store, 172 W Chance A La Mer NE #C in Ocean Shores.
Martin Bruni Liquor, in operation since 2011, is locally owned and operated by Kim and Jon Martin. Being the largest liquor store on the Washington Coast, this business offers spirits, the largest beer cooler in the North Beach area, a wide selection of wine, and lottery.
In the last year alone, Martin Bruni Liquor has supported various non-profits, including: PAWS of Grays Harbor, Ronald McDonald House, food and clothing banks, Habitat for Humanity, Garden By The Sea and many others. They’ve also supported service organizations such as Rotary, Elks and Eagles Clubs as well as the Ocean Shores Beautification Committee.
Martin Bruni Liquor can be reached at 360-289-3178.
Timberland Bancorp’s earnings increases 43%
Timberland Bancorp Inc. last week reported that net income increased 44% to $7.25 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, from $5.05 million for the comparable quarter one year ago, which quarter was affected by a $2 million ($1.58 million after income taxes) provision to the loan loss reserves, and decreased slightly from $7.29 million for the preceding quarter. Earnings per diluted common share increased 43% to $0.86 for the current quarter from $0.60 for the comparable quarter one year ago and decreased 1% from $0.87 for the preceding quarter.
For the first six months of fiscal 2021, Timberland earned a record $14.54 million, or $1.73 per diluted common share, a 24% increase in net income and a 25% increase in EPS from $11.70 million, or $1.38 per diluted common share for the first six months of fiscal 2020, which six month period was affected by a $2.20 million ($1.74 million after income taxes) to the loan loss reserves.
Timberland’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of $0.21 per common share payable on May 28 to shareholders of record on May 14, 2021.
L&I warns homeowners to beware of paving scams
TUMWATER — Like annoying allergies, paving scams are springing up in Washington state with the arrival of warm weather. Unfortunately, these rip-offs are nothing to sneeze at, and can cost homeowners in a big way.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is issuing a warning to beware of contractors showing up at your door, unsolicited, offering to pave your driveway. These fast-talkers typically claim to have leftover asphalt from a nearby job. Then they offer a one-time deal that’s too good to pass up.
Yet after the project’s done, these shady contractors jack up the price and demand payment for what’s often shoddy work with substandard materials.
L&I has already received at least a half-dozen reports this year about questionable out-of-state paving contractors in King, Mason, Lewis, and Pacific counties. Homeowners have been overcharged, and at least one swindled into spending thousands of dollars on a spur-of-the-moment project.
L&I received five reports this month about a contractor in a shiny pickup offering to pave driveways in rural neighborhoods in Mason, Lewis and Pacific counties.
At a minimum, homeowners should verify that contractors are registered with L&I. The department confirms that contractors hold a business license, liability insurance, and a bond, which provides some financial recourse in case of problems.
In addition, consumers should do a few things to protect themselves financially. For instance, getting written bids from at least three contractors allows you to compare their knowledge and credentials.
Along with the price, bids should spell out in detail what work you’re paying for and what materials the contractor will use. The lowest price often isn’t the best deal in the long run.
— Compiled by David Haerle/The Daily World
