News Briefs

Cheney Clothing Exchange in need of winter gear

Officials with the Cheney Clothing Exchange say they are seeing more and more homeless individuals using their services and are in need of more items.

Volunteer coordinator Connie Oakes said the exchange — which is open Wednesdays from noon – 6 p.m. in space on the Third Street side of the Wren Pierson Community Center — usually is averaging around 50 adult signatures per week, a number that does not include any children.

With temperatures dropping and people living on the street or in vehicles, Oakes said the exchange is in desperate need of items such as warm blankets, hats, socks, gloves coats and other winter clothing. These items can be brought in to the exchange during regular hours.

For more information, call 235-2327.

Christmas Gifts for Cheney kids distribution Dec. 14

The annual Christmas Gifts for Cheney kids gift distribution is taking place Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon. Parents wishing to sign up for the program have until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to do so.

Registration takes place Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Cheney Outreach Center, 616 Third St. from 9–11:30 a.m. Please call ahead at 235-8900 for information on how to qualify.

Gifts and volunteers are still needed. Unwrapped gifts in the suggested price range of $15-$25, such as scarves, hats, gloves, cologne sets, gift cards for teens, sports and fishing gear, toys, crafts, art supplies, toy animals and more can be dropped off at numerous businesses with boxes marked “Xmas Gifts for Cheney Kids.”

Volunteers should call Cheney Outreach and leave a message with your name and phone number. Monetary donations are also accepted by mailing a check marked “Xmas Gifts for Kids” to Cheney Outreach, P.O. Box 444 Cheney WA 99004.

Cost of workers’ compensation insurance dropping in 2018

TUMWATER – The price of workers’ compensation insurance will go down for many businesses in Washington next year. The state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced in a Nov. 30 news release that the average amount employers and workers pay for the coverage will drop by 2.5 percent in 2018. 

After proposing the decrease in September, the agency hosted several public hearings around the state to take input. L&I Director Joel Sacks made the final decision this week.

The rate decrease means employers will pay about $34 less a year per employee for workers’ compensation coverage in 2018. As a group, Washington employers will pay $67 million less in premiums. Employees will also pay less for their share. 

L&I attributes the decrease to several factors, including the improved economy, employers and workers focusing on safety and L&I initiatives that are helping injured workers recover sooner and reducing workers’ compensation costs. The 2.5 percent workers’ compensation premium decrease is an average; individual employers may see smaller or larger drops depending on that employer’s industry and claims history. For that same reason, some employers will see increases. 

The new rates go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

WSDOT seeks comments on proposed DBE contracting goal for highway projects

OLYMPIA – Contractors, trade and labor organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses and all others who may be interested in working with the Washington State Department of Transportation are invited to comment on the agency’s proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal for Federal Highway Administration contracts. 

DBE goals for transportation projects that receive federal funds represent a percentage of the value of work in which minority-and women-owned businesses should participate. WSDOT is proposing a 19 percent overall DBE participation goal on Federal Highway Administration- funded projects for federal fiscal years 2018 through 2020. 

Once submitted to FHWA early next year, the goal will be effective through Sept. 30, 2020. 

The purpose of the DBE program is to create a level playing field for firms owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals wanting to participate in federally assisted highway, transit and aviation programs.

Written comments can be submitted by mail or email: Jackie Bayne, policy & reporting manager, Washington State Department of Transportation Office of Equal Opportunity, P.O.  Box 47314 Olympia, WA 98504-7314 or at [email protected]. The comment period ends Friday, Dec. 15.