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Keller Ferry resumed service Monday

Keller Ferry service, on SR 21, resumed service at 6 a.m. on Monday after a shutdown five weeks earlier for repairs.

The M/V Sanpoil was removed from service starting Wednesday, Dec. 4 for repairs to strengthen the hull.

During the course of that work, State Dept. of Transporation contractors discovered that both propellers and drive shafts on the M/V Sanpoil needed to be refurbished.

Initially, the run had been planned to reopen Monday, Dec. 23.

State to use helicopters to capture mule deer

Starting in early January, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will conduct mule deer captures from helicopters in three study areas along the east slope of the Cascades in Okanogan, Chelan, and Kittitas counties.

The deer have lost winter habitat in recent years along the lower elevations of the east slope of the Cascades to human development and declining habitat quality due to increasing effects of environmental factors including drought, wildfire, and invasive plant species.

Contracted professional crews will capture approximately 50 adult female mule deer in each area using humane methods, the agency says.

The deer will be fitted with GPS/satellite collars to track them to evaluate movement and migration patterns and learn more about habitat use of the populations. Each animal will be collared and released at the site where they are captured. The collars are programmed to remain on the deer for four years before dropping off.