County Briefs

Belfair man dies in state Route 3 crash

A two-car crash Monday in Belfair on state Route 3 killed a 74-year-old man.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, William M. Cundiff of Belfair was declared dead at the scene. His next of kin was notified.

The release states Cundiff was driving west on Cokelet Lane to turn left onto Route 3 while the other vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old Tahuya male, was driving north on Route 3. Cundiff failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by vehicle two.

The road was closed for about two hours. The 17-year-old was injured and self-transported to St. Michaels Medical Center in Silverdale.

First-half property tax payments due May 2

Mason County Treasurer Lisa Frazier is reminding taxpayers that first-half property tax payments for 2022 are due May 2.

Anyone who needs to pay can come into the Treasurer’s Office at 411 N. 5th St., Building 1 on the second floor and pay in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or can use the drive-up payment drop box located in the alley.

Payments must be postmarked no later than May 2 to be considered on time and avoid interest charges. Delinquent interest will be charged May 3 at 1% per month until paid.

Questions can be answered by calling 360-427-9670, ext. 475 in Shelton or 360-275-4467, ext. 475. Answers are also available at tinyurl.com/2p8wbzxf.

MTA hires operations coordinator

Mason Transit Authority has promoted Dan Sharp to operations coordinator.

According to a news release, Sharp started with MTA in 2019 as a driver and his background includes more than 35 years of experience in insurance, investigations and law enforcement. He will be a liaison between the agency and community.

“Dan has been a phenomenal Mason Transit driver, even taking part in the new driver training process,” MTA General Manager Amy Asher said in a news release. “His past experience as a community outreach officer and knowledge of Mason Transit will make Dan the perfect fit for his new position.”

Hood Canal service provider receives $10.1 million grant

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has awarded Hood Canal Communications a $10.1 million grant through the Department of Commerce’s Washington State Broadband Office.

According to a news release, the grant is to build a fiber network along U.S. Highway 101 from Brinnon to the Jefferson County line. The project will provide fiber to home and close the digital divide for rural residents and businesses currently underserved. The project will be built to accommodate future expansion and faster speeds and will start with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.

Lingering winter limits forest access

Olympic National Forest experienced multiple atmospheric rain storms during winter which caused damage across the forest.

According to a news release, staff and volunteers have been working aggressively to clear blow down to ensure visitors can access the forest but some areas remain inaccessible due to many downed trees and low snow levels.

For updates on recreation sites, go to https://tinyurl.com/f87aymnt.