By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     Tonasket city council member Connie Maden said in the June 24 council meeting that she had received numerous phone calls about mosquitoes and even a visit at work from someone wanting to show all her mosquito bites.
     She recommended finding a solution to the city's pesky mosquito problem.
     Council member Jean E. Ramsey added that a petition was going around the city to have the mosquitoes killed.
     Last year, the council had discussed the use of brickettes in storm drains where mosquito larvae thrive. But according to city clerk Alice Attwood, that window of opportunity is now passed.
     A single spray of the city’s 420 acres would cost $5.70 per acre, Attwood said, bringing the total to $2,394 plus tax.
     Money for mosquito spraying is not provided in the budget, Attwood added.
     Ramsey said the council said last year that the only way to deal with the mosquito problems would be through a mosquito district to build a tax base.
     But the council itself cannot form the district; residents must form it, according to the council.
     Council members indicated they will look into possibilities for mosquito control.
     Meanwhile, Attwood said people should be aware of measures they can take to help the mosquito problem: Remove all standing water from yards, keep grass cut, wear long-sleeved shirts and use bug repellant.