City of George fined for storm drain drowning

GEORGE — The Washington Department of Labor & Industries fined the city of George nearly $16,000 for safety violations discovered during the investigation of the death of the public works director.

The Wenatchee World reports Wallace Bushman drowned last August when he fell into a storm drain while working alone.

Mayor Elliot Kooy says the city is appealing the fine — a large amount for the small Grant County city. He says the circumstances around Bushman’s death were not within his typical work duties.