IN BRIEF

Olympian staff

Originally published Monday, March 25, 2002

Substance abuse unit will cut 10 positions

The Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse at the Department of Social and Health Services will reduce its Lacey headquarters staff by 10 percent by July 1.

The agency will eliminate 10 positions from the 94 employees on its headquarters staff.

It will save an estimated $500,000 during the fiscal year that begins July 1 and $1 million during the 2003-2005 biennium.

The division's biennial budget is $236 million.

Director Ken Stark said the reduction is aimed at preserving the effectiveness of core services while living within the constraints of the tight state budget.

"This action is in no way a negative reflection on the job our highly skilled employees have performed tirelessly for our clients and partners," Stark said.

Nominees sought for older worker award

The country's largest provider of mature-worker training and employment is seeking nominations for Washington's most outstanding older worker.

The Experience Works Prime Time Awards were established five years ago to highlight the contributions that older workers make in their workplaces and communities. Winners are chosen in all 50 states and also compete for national honors.

Washington organizers are seeking nominations from individuals and co-workers.

Nominees must be 65 or older, residents of Washington, currently employed and working at least 20 hours a week for pay.

Nominations should include a brief narrative that describes the older worker's contributions to their place of work, including longevity, experience, skill level, work ethic, any disabilities the nominee has had to overcome, and a description of the nominee's community involvement.

Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Pat Corbett at 360-407-5185, or by e-mailing her at pcorbett@esd.wa.gov. The nomination deadline is May 31.

Fish and Wildlife officer wins award

A state Department of Fish and Wildlife officer has been named the Garfield County Peace Officer of the Year.

Jim Nelson of Pomeroy won the award for his efforts to thwart the abduction of a 15-year-old Clarkston girl, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of the abductor.

Nelson is a 15-year veteran of Fish and Wildlife's enforcement program and has an excellent record of work in everything from endangered salmon protection to elk damage control.

Agencies announce new appointees

The Governor's Affirmative Action Policy Committee recently appointed Gene Matt, Rob Fukai, Lee Lambert and Busse Nutley.

The Correctional Industries Board of Directors recently reappointed Howard Wolfe Sr. and Tom Harris.

Frank Fennerty, of Olympia, has been reappointed to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

Merritt Long, of Olympia, has been named chair of the Liquor Control Board.

Bill Lynch, of Olympia, has been appointed to the Pollution Control/Shorelines Hearing Board.

Trudy Marcellay, of Rochester, has been appointed to the Centralia Community College Board of Trustees.

Frank Wilson, of Tumwater, has been reappointed to the Cemetery Board.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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