MOSES LAKE - Columbia Basin Job Corps stopped accepting new students at least through June 30.

The policy has been in effect since Jan. 28. Job Corps officials had hoped the move would be temporary, but currently it appears it will be in effect through June 30. The decision affects all Job Corps sites nationwide.

The only students being accepted are those considered at-risk, including youths in foster care, homeless young people and runaways.

Speakers at the recent Job Corps community relations council meeting included Susan Mann, the organization's business-community liaison. Mann reported on Groundhog Job Shadow Day, held Feb. 1, where Job Corps students accompany employees at local businesses as they work their jobs. Students worked at businesses ranging from health care to real estate to the lineman's trade.

Groundhog Shadow Day is an annual event, usually held on Feb. 2, but the Job Corps is ready to place students with employers any time they're willing. "Shadow day can be any day," she said, citing a trip students took to Grand Coulee Dam in mid-February.

Rebecca Milligan, of Big Bend Community College, reported that the college's annual spring job fair is scheduled for April. College officials are encouraging employers who want people to know about their businesses to sign up for a booth. People who want more information or who want to reserve booth space can contact Milligan.

Worksource officials reported that the center is experiencing increased inquiries, especially for candidates in skilled trades like welders and mechanics. People who are looking for work are encouraged to call and ask about the job market.

SkillSource officials said their program is open to youths to 21 years of age, and their job is to show participants what careers are available to them. The idea is to show youths the wide range of career possibilities.

The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce announced that retail task force participants will go to a retail trade fair in Las Vegas in May, with the intention of recruiting retail businesses for Moses Lake.

Youth Dynamics officials announced they will hold a fundraiser on March 16, the organization's biggest of the year. Youth Dynamics is a ministry focused on teenagers, especially middle school and high school students.