Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz told the Washington State Wire that annual fire suppression costs have eclipsed $153 million. “Last year, we had 1,850 fires, alone – the most in Washington State’s history,” she said. “Just last week, in the middle of March, we saw 50 wildfires.” She expects the cost to the state to only get worse, as suppression costs increase and lost economic value from losing forest lands rises as well. (Washington State Wire)

Despite being at a sizable vote disadvantage in the House and Senate, Olympia Republicans are helping shape the policy debate where they can. “We want to pursue things that unite our caucus and divide the other caucus,” said House Republican Leader JT Wilcox (R-Yelm). Republican opposition in the House has helped to slow the process down when Democrats have proposed policies to move the state even further left. They even have Democrats questioning how much political capital they want to expend on passing Inslee’s income tax. “We don’t want to spend a lot of time fighting over taxes,” House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D-Covington) said. (Everett Herald)

“When they spoke with Deputy Ryan Thompson’s family, the family said they preferred he not be there.” Inslee’s communications director admitted to the Dori Monson Show that the family of slain Kittitas County Deputy Ryan Thompson did not what the governor at the memorial service. Monson pointed out on his show that Inslee has a lot of questions to answer after the deputy was murdered by someone who entered the country illegally. “And now one of those illegal immigrants, who was getting safe haven because of our governor’s policies, has murdered one of our law enforcement officers,” Dori wrote. (MyNorthwest)

Don’t mind the open heroin use or people openly releasing themselves on the street, Seattle is going to finally put a stop to graffiti. The Cancer Pathways building is a prime target for grift artists, and after the city’s fines and refusal to provide assistance, the nonprofit says it’s at a breaking point. Oh, and we should mention that a U.S. Postal Service mailbox, and a Metro bus stop – neighbors to the nonprofit – are covered with scrawl and stickers, and have been for months. “What are we supposed to do? This is not what we are here for,” said executive director Anna Gottlieb about having to constantly being forced to clean graffiti off of their building. “We try everything, but nobody (cares). Certainly not the city.” (Seattle Times)

The Spokane Public Schools board adopted a resolution that would put staff reductions on the table to help reduce the deficit. The vote came after seeing projections that Spokane schools would see a $3.5 million loss in levy revenue. Director Deana Brower said she has, “faith in our staff and our board to look at every solution as far from the classroom as possible.” (Spokesman-Review)

After 11 years at the helm, Dave Bond will be stepping down as Kennewick schools superintendent. “Most of what we’ve accomplished over the past 11 years has been due to the phenomenal teachers, administrators and staff in our schools,” Bond said. “I’ve had the privilege to work alongside some of the best, brightest and hardest-working educators in the country.” The district hopes to have a finalist candidate to start as deputy successor superintendent by July 1. (Tri-City Herald)

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