Born in the USA

Cradled safely in his mother's arms is Isaac Keith Whitley, the first baby born at Mason General Hospital this year. From left are sister Maite, age 8, father Allen and mother Paula Whitley of Shelton. Isaac was born at 10:58 a.m. on New Year's Day. He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and was 20-1/2 inches long. Dr. Farida Ghoghawala assisted during the birth.

MARTY BEST, the new director of Mason County's Department of Emergency Management, says he plans major changes in 2007.

Chute, I thought this field was the drop zone

A military parachutist stands in a small field on the east side of Highway 101 . He is well short of the drop zone on the other side of the highway at Sanderson Field. A second military jumper also landed short of the drop zone at the same time, coming down on Airview Way, the south entrance to the Shelton airport. Neither was injured.

Kamin bids farewell

Preparing to cut a cake at her farewell reception on December 27, is Mason County Commissioner Jayni Kamin. Kamin has represented Commissioner District 3 for the last four years. Ross Gallagher, who won the election for this position in November, is taking office this week.

DAVID BRANDT SITS in the motorized device loaned to the injured Union firefighter by The Scooter Store in Seattle. With him are John Oban, on left, and Bryan Rosino of the store. Brandt broke his right leg and ankle when he fell through a hole in the deck outside a burning Belfair home in the darkness on the night of December 15.

FLOOR BURNS REWARDED enliven teammates long since relegated to the bench during Saturday's Climber cakewalk over visiting Franklin Pierce. On her knees to complete a steal in the inset is Climber sophomore Alexan Ehrich. Identifiable behind her is junior teammate Marissa Hill, who had a handful of thefts herself. And variously animated on the hosts' bench, near, are (from left) Brynna Fuller, Jen Hoss, Krystal Lindblad, Michelle Davis and assistant coach Willow Shanahan.

LONGTIME FIRE District 2 Chief Michael Greene, seen here with "Sparky" the firefighter dog, is set to take the top spot at a fire department in Reno, Nevada, beginning next month.

THE HAHTO residence in LakeLand Village won the "PUD's Best Friend" award in the first annual installment of "Fred and Mike's Totally Excellent Lighting Adventure," a friendly contest meant to inspire holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood.