On Sept. 10, a powerful regulatory agency will begin the process of deciding an issue that has split the community of Julian — whether to disband its 34-year-old volunteer fire department in favor of the County Fire Authority assuming control and staffing. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), which has countywide jurisdiction but is independent of county government, will hear the pros and cons during what promises to be a lengthy hearing.
- PUB DATE: 9/7/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: San Diego Union-Tribune

A Tyler hospital, an affiliated ambulance company and an Oklahoma agency have agreed to pay about $21 million to settle a federal kickbacks lawsuit, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The former East Texas Medical Center, its former subsidiary Paramedics Plus and the Oklahoma agency Emergency Medical Services Authority agreed to settlements totaling $20,949,000, according to the federal government.
- PUB DATE: 9/7/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Tyler Morning Telegraph

South County Fire Deputy Chief Shaughn Maxwell has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation. He is one of 46 scholarship recipients selected from across the country. “As a recipient, you represent the future of the fire service to lead, serve and protect our communities,” wrote IAFC Foundation President Anthony P.
- PUB DATE: 9/6/2018 11:51:47 PM - SOURCE: Lynnwood Today

The Cougar Creek fire in Chelan County has improved to 71 percent containment and remains over 40,000 acres in size. While the size has grown to 42,412 acres, the containment percentage has steadily increased over the week. Crews say fire spread was minimal on Wednesday. Helicopters continue to drop water on the area to support containment efforts by firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 9/6/2018 5:46:31 PM - SOURCE: KAYU-TV MyFox Spokane