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  • Four new providers joined Mason Health this summer

    Staff report|Sep 19, 2024

    Mason Health has four new healthcare providers who started practicing this summer, three in primary care and one specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. “These providers bring a wealth of expertise and a dedication to preventative medicine to Mason Health,” a news release states. Jacqueline Gorzynski, MD, graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2021 and completed her residency training at Chehalis Family Medicine in 2024. She is a full-spectrum family provider and has special interest including addiction medicine, lac...

  • Bulldogs sweep

    Staff report|Sep 19, 2024

    The North Mason High School volleyball team swept rival Shelton 3-0 and defeated Port Angeles 3-1 on the road to finish the first week of the season undefeated. "Our first home match was exciting," North Mason coach Kanoe Lilly wrote in an email. "The Highclimbers challenged our ability to stay focused on the strategies we've been working on in practices. It was great to see that we can be successful, play well together, and have fun all at the same time." Senior outside hitter Adrianne Tupolo...

  • Preps: Shelton High football squad hosts Capital Friday

    Staff report|Sep 19, 2024

    The North Mason High School football team ran away from Kingston in the second half, capturing a 30-10 win over the Buccaneers on Friday at Phil Pugh Stadium in Belfair. The Bulldogs have outscored their first two opponents 67-16 en route to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2019. North Mason travels to Port Angeles at 7 p.m. Friday for its first road game of the season. Girls soccer The North Mason girls soccer team lost 8-1 at Port Angeles on Sept. 12, falling to 1-2 overall. The Bulldogs h...

  • Joe Schmit appointed to lead MACECOM

    Staff report|Aug 8, 2024

    Joe Schmit, who resigned from the Shelton City Council in April, on Tuesday was appointed executive director of the MACECOM Board of Directors. MACECOM is the primary public safety answering point for Mason County and operates around the clock. It is overseen by a board of directors of leaders from city, county and tribal governments, and emergency responders. “Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to MACECOM and, coupled with his deep commitment to serving our community, will ensure the public and first responders have access to l...

  • Peninsula CEO tabbed to international credit union board

    Staff report|Aug 1, 2024

    Jim Morrell, the president and CEO of Peninsula Credit Union, was appointed to the World Council of Credit Unions board of directors. WOCCU is a global trade association and development agency for nonprofit financial institutions. According to a news release from Peninsula Credit Union, it promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world, empowering people and communities through access to high-quality and affordable financial services....

  • House burns in Allyn

    Staff report|Aug 1, 2024

    An unoccupied house caught fire at 85 East Lakeland Drive in Allyn on July 24. Central Mason Fire & EMS responded two minutes after the 6:23 p.m. call, according to a news release. The fire was burning on the exterior of the residential structure, according to crews arriving at the scene. The flames extended up the siding and into the attic, according to CMFE. "Crews were able to quickly gain access to the residence, confirm it was unoccupied, and extinguish the blaze," the news release states....

  • Shelton enacts complete burn ban

    Staff report|Jul 25, 2024

    On Monday, the City of Shelton enacted a complete burn ban in city limits, according to a news release. “All burning, including recreational fires and charcoal, will be banned in the City of Shelton until further notice. Propane-fueled equipment and pellet grills will remain legal during this time,” the release says. The National Fire Rating System changed to Very High Fire Danger, prompting the ban. The rating system uses current and preceding weather conditions, fuel types, and live and dead fuel moisture to decide the dangers. The Dep...

  • Route 108 road closures

    Staff report|Jul 25, 2024

    Roadwork continues this week on state Route 108 west of Kamilche and travelers should expect periodic closures, according to the state Department of Transportation. Crews will be removing and replacing culverts to allow for fish passage. During each closure, drivers will be detoured to U.S. Highway 101 via Mud Bay and state Route 8 to McCleary. Times, dates and locations are: ■ 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Aug. 9: Just west of Eich Road. ■ 8 a.m. Aug. 14, to 8 a.m. Aug. 28: Just west of Eich Road. Travelers can sign up for email updates about maj...

  • State emphasizes safety on the water

    Staff report|Jul 18, 2024

    Next week is “Paddle Safe Week,” as proclaimed by Gov. Jay Inslee July 22 – 28, with support from Washington State Parks. “Paddle Safe Week is a great opportunity to help reduce paddle sports-related fatalities by sharing resources and educating the community on how to recreate safely,” Boating Program Manager Rob Sendak said in a news release. The best way to stay safe while paddling is to wear a life jacket, according to WSP, and having at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board all vessels, including canoes, k...

  • Explore the Fjord summer camps begin Friday in Belfair

    Staff report|Jul 11, 2024

    Explore the Fjord Summer Camp for youths ages 12 - 16, sponsored by the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, starts Friday. Activities include hiking, learning about shellfish, exploring tide pools and kayaking, according to HCSEG. Sessions are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays from July 12 to Aug. 16 for a $10 donation per camp session and financial assistance is available. Kids can register for the whole camp or just a single session. Campers meet at the Salmon Center, 600 Roessel Road, Belfair, where...

  • Closures begin Monday on 108

    Staff report|Jul 4, 2024

    Travelers should expect periodic closures on state Route 108 west of Kamilche, according to the state Department of Transportation. Crews will be removing and replacing culverts to allow for fish passage. During each closure, drivers will be detoured to U.S. Highway 101 via Mud Bay and state Route 8 to McCleary. Times, dates and locations are: ■ 8 a.m. Monday, July 8, to 8 a.m. Monday, July 22: Between West Hurley Waldrip Road and Eich Road. ■ 8 a.m. Friday, July 26, to 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 9: Just west of Eich Road. ■ 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug....

  • Fire merger of Grapeview, Central Mason now complete

    Staff report|Jul 4, 2024

    The voter-approved merger of Grapeview Fire District 3 with Central Mason Fire District 5 happened July 1. The merger easily passed on May's ballot. Both District 3's Chief Patti Graber and District 5's Fire & EMS Chief Jeff Snyder said at the time they were happy with the vote. The main station on Grapeview Loop Road will have increased staff and will eliminate duplicate services, allowing more firefighters and paramedics to respond to calls, the chiefs said in May. "Our new Central Mason team...

  • Programs available to benefit Mason PUD 3 customers

    Staff report|Jul 4, 2024

    Mason PUD 3 customers will benefit from two programs through the state Department of Commerce. The programs are available to low- and moderate-income households, one featuring bill credits and the other providing expended energy efficient incentives. Funding for both programs is limited and available now. Under the qualifications, a family of four in Mason County with an income up to $73,450 a year is considered low income. A family of four with an income up to $137,700 per year is considered moderate income. These programs are funded through...

  • New director for Turning Pointe

    Staff report|Jun 27, 2024

    Meg Quinlivan is the new executive director of Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center in Shelton. Quinlivan has been executive director of the YWCA of Kitsap County and Prison Pet Partnership. In a news release, the nonprofit organization noted Quinlivan has more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership, nonprofit management, fundraising and program development. "Meg has held leadership positions in similarly focused organizations, but an order of magnitude larger than Turning Pointe...

  • Mason Health wins three awards for sustainability

    Staff report|Jun 20, 2024

    Mason Health has again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship by winning three awards this year from Practice Greenhealth, a national membership organization for sustainable health care systems. For the fourth consecutive year, Mason Health earned the Practice Greenhealth Excellence Partner for Change Award, recognizing superior performance in environmental sustainability in programs and services. For the second year in a row, Mason Health also won the Greening the Operating Room Award. For the first time,...

  • Busy weeks for Central Mason

    Staff report|Jun 20, 2024

    Crews from Central Mason Fire & EMS responded to several major fires in the past two weeks, including this June 5 fire at a home on the 1900 block of Laurel Street. The fire was reported by a passerby at 7:21 p.m., and units arrived on scene within four minutes to find active fire in the attic of the residence. Crews made entry to conduct a search of the home, and to extinguish the fire. Central Mason also responded to fires on the 200 West block of Seattle Avenue on June 3 and a hopper fire at...

  • Registration for Goldsborough Creek run/walk open

    Staff report|May 16, 2024

    Time is running short to people to register for the Goldsborough Creek Fun Run and Walk, a Mason County Forest Festival event, scheduled to kick off at 7 a.m. June 1, with the 7-mile walk event. The 7-mile run, 2-mile run and walk begin at 8 a.m. The quarter-mile Junior Jog will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Kiddie Parade and Paul Bunyan Parade at 11 a.m. All participants must pick up their competitor number and Forest Festival button at the registration desk in front of the Shelton Post Office beginning at 6 a.m. before boarding the bus to...

  • Seasonal wildlife gates open in Olympic National Forest

    Staff report|May 2, 2024

    The Olympic National Forest opened seasonal forest service road vehicle access gates in the southern part of the forest on Wednesday. The seasonal openings provide vehicle access to the following forest road systems and areas: ■ FSR-2451 access to North Fork Skokomish River Watershed. ■ FSR-2354, FSR-2353 and FSR-2361 access to South Fork Skokomish River Watershed. ■ FSR-2294 and FSR-2270 access to Wynoochee River Watershed. The access gates will remain open to vehicle traffic until Sept. 30. The closing of vehicle access between Oct. 1 and Apr...

  • Assessor's Office mails exemption renewal applications

    Staff report|Apr 25, 2024

    Mason County’s Assessor’s Office mailed renewal applications this week to exempt recipients of the Senior Citizens and People with Disabilities Exemption from Real Property Taxes program. The intended recipients reside in the current inspection area, which includes Lake Limerick, Brockdale, McReavy, Hanks Lake, Eells Hill, California Road, Highland Road, Dayton Trails, Fawn Lake, Lynch Road, Kamilche, Cloquallum Road, Isabella Lake, Lost Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Star Lake, and Lake Nahwatzel out to Matlock, as well as parts of Tahuya, Belfair and...

  • First half 2024 property taxes are due Tuesday

    Staff report|Apr 25, 2024

    Property-tax payments for the first half of 2024 are due Tuesday, according to a news release from the Mason Couny Treasurer’s Office. Payments can be made in person at the office at 411 N 5th St., Bldg. 1 (second floor) and pay in person between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or can be deposited in the drive-up payment drop box located in the alley. Payments must be postmarked no later than Tuesday to be considered on time and avoid interest charges. Postmarks and delivery can be delayed when using USPS to mail payment, so the Treasurer’s Off...

  • New commodore at Shelton Yacht Club

    Staff report|Apr 11, 2024

    Terry Mehl is this year's Shelton Yacht Club commodore. Mehl chose the theme for this year's cruise schedule: "Doing More in 24." He and his wife, Donna, cruise in a Bayliner 3688 motor yacht, named Weather Wizard in homage to Mehl's Marine Corps career. They travel with a Shih Tzu, Rocky, and an African grey, Merlin. After graduating from Redmond High School in 1972, Mehl joined the Marine Corps and married Donna after boot camp. The couple moved to Lakehurst, New Jersey, for Mehl's schooling....

  • Skyline Drive house fire

    Staff report|Apr 11, 2024

    Around 12:30 a.m. April 5, Central Mason Fire & EMS responded a house fire in the Shorecrest area. Crews arrived to find a fire in the attic. During firefighting efforts, a section of the home's ceiling collapsed striking firefighters and one firefighter was transported by ambulance to Mason General Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The homeowner along with firefighters were able to rescue a mother cat and several kittens from the home. Crews remained on scene for several hours...

  • COMMUNITY BRIEFS

    Staff report|Dec 28, 2023

    Trio of bluegrass bands at Shelton High on Friday The groups Runaway Train Bluegrass Band, the Union City Council Bluegrass Band and The Rank Strangers perform at the ninth annual Bluegrass from the Forest Midwinter Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Shelton High School Performing Arts Center, 3737 N. Shelton Springs Road. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door and at www.bluegrassfromtheforest.com. Children ages 15 and younger are admitted for free. Kristmas Town Kiwanis hosts the concert. The group also presents the 19th...

  • YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 - FEBRUARY

    Staff report|Dec 28, 2023

    FEBRUARY 2023 A profile on an anti-government and law enforcement extremist set to air on NBC's "Dateline" on Feb. 4 featured the recollections of his former wife, a longtime Shelton resident, and his son, a 2002 Shelton High School graduate. Lloyd Barrus is serving three concurrent life sentences without parole in a Billings, Montana prison. He was in the driver's seat when he and his now deceased son Marshall Barrus lured Broadwater County Deputy Mason Moore into chasing them, and Marshall...

  • YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 - MARCH

    Staff report|Dec 28, 2023

    MARCH 2023 Shelton City Manager Jeff Niten will leave his position to be the new city manager of Mountlake Terrace. Niten made the announcement March 7 at the Shelton City Council meeting. His last day is March 31. Niten prefaced his remarks by saying his departure was in "the rumor mill." "It's bittersweet," he said. "I really enjoyed my time here and I can't tell you how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with council to address the issues we wanted to address." Niten said he will set...

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