Something's bruin
at Lake Cushman

This five-foot tall bear enjoys the deck off the home of Patrick and Evelyn Hodge above Lake Kokanee. He's come every day for a week, feasting on suet from birdfeeders, which they removed, but he fancies sunflower seeds. There's a bear trail below the property but this is the first year since 1998 they have seen one. He may seem passive, but they stay inside when he's about.

KOREAN WAR VETERAN Gerry Strong says he's getting excited about Shelton High School's graduation on Friday. Strong, who never finished high school because he joined the Army, will get a diploma.

Relaying a message

A boy waits for a couple dressed for salsa . The theme of the 2006 Shelton Relay for Life was "Say Adios to Cancer." Participants raised $168,706 by walking around Highclimber Stadium for 24 hours straight.

DIXIE SMITH announced this week she will run to retain her post as Mason County Assesor.

MARCO BROWN, a Republican from Belfair, announced this week he will challenge Democratic incumbent Kathy Haigh for her 35th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

PAUSING TO RELOAD their muskets are Shane Colglazier, center, and Jack Parsons, right, while Paul Timmerman answers a student's question during a recent Shelton visit by the Civil War reenactors.

MUSCLEDOM'S CONQUERING HIGHCLIMBERS strike a pose at state the weekend before last. Around the outside, starting from left, are Kayla Striplin, Harvey Hernandez, Broc Fredson, Gabe Shoemaker, Nick Shafer, Rusty Krumpols, Josh Munro, Caleb Schlauderaff, Jacob Nikolaisen, Luke Deakins, Cole Cavanaugh and Luis Alejandra. In the middle, from the front, are Kalvin Probst, Jacob Hanes, Kyle Ferrier (left), Casey Chamberlin and Jared Fraisure. Not pictured are Travis Belen and Nick Shafer.

NICK OWENS tossed the hammer 229-9 at the NCAA meet to finish third in the nation and will All-American distinction.

NORTH MASON High School's Class of 2006 graduation was an evening of hugs, laughter and tears as they welcomed life beyond high school in Bremerton's Kitsap Pavilion. The class included 133 seniors who earned their diplomas. Due to scheduling complications, the special graduation section will appear in next week's Belfair Herald .