On December 19, 2016, Okanogan PUD Commissioners and staff presented Ernest ‘Ernie’ Bolz with a plaque and adopted Resolution No. 1630 honoring his service to the Utility. Bolz did not seek re-election and is retiring to the Wenatchee area to be closer to family.

Bolz was elected Commissioner in 2005 and immediately began his commitment to public power and rural telecommunications. Bolz helped guide Okanogan PUD’s development of telecom and broadband services and has been a staunch supporter of the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet). Additionally, Bolz was instrumental in Okanogan PUD’s Last-Mile Project made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Broadband Initiatives Program. This project extended high-speed broadband to residents and businesses in Okanogan County.

The Board of Commissioners and Utility staff extends its appreciation to Bolz for providing 12 years of dedicated public service to the residents of Okanogan County by serving as Commissioner from 2005 through 2016. 

Commissioner Vejraska presents outgoing Commissioner Bolz with a plaque thanking him for his 12 years of service to the Utility.