County Briefs

Ziply Fiber acquires iFIBER Communications

Ziply Fiber has agreed to acquire iFIBER Communications, a provider of high-speed fiber internet services, in partnership with local public utility districts in the state.

According to a news release, iFIBER offers fiber internet and phones for residential customers in Mason County.

“From our start, Ziply Fiber has been dedicated to elevating the connected lives of our neighbors in the Northwest,” said Harold Zeitz, CEO of Ziply Fiber. “We continue to look for new ways to bring high-speed fiber connectivity to as many communities as possible. Today’s agreement with iFIBER not only expedites our ability to bring fiber internet to more customers, but also supports our belief in building effective public-private partnerships.”

The acquisition was announced Dec. 12 and once complete, Ziply Fiber will provide fiber internet through an indefinite right of use with each partner PUD. Ziply Fiber is headquartered in Kirkland More information can be found at http://www.ziplyfiber.com.

One injured in SR 300 crash

A 67-year-old Belfair man was injured in a two-car collision in the afternoon of Dec. 9 on state Route 300 near Sandhill Road.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, the 67-year-old was driving east in the westbound lanes of state Route 300 approaching Sandhill Road. A 54-year-old Belfair man was driving west in the westbound lanes when the 67-year-old hit the 54-year-old’s car head-on, coming to rest blocking all lanes of traffic.

The 67-year-old was taken to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale to be treated for injuries. He was charged with a DUI. The 54-year-old man was not injured in the accident.

Two injured in SR 3 accident

Two people were injured and transported to medical facilities after a two-car crash in the morning of Dec. 8 on state Route 3 near Allyn.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, a Honda Civic driven by a 23-year-old Allyn woman was pulling left out of her driveway onto state Route 3. A Ford F150 driven by a 19-year-old Renton man was driving south on state Route 3 and struck the Civic pulling out of the driveway.

The Allyn woman and a child in the car were injured. The woman was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and the child was transported to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale as a precaution. The Renton man was not injured in the accident.

County to update hazard mitigation plan

Mason County is in the planning process to prepare for effects of natural disasters as required by the federal mandate in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and will update its 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan to enhance resilience throughout the county.

According to a news release, the planning process is led by Mason County’s Division of Emergency Management Project Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator Tammi Wright, who will have support from Bridgeview Consulting’s Beverly O’Dea. The project is funded by a planning grant from FEMA and the planning process will take seven to nine months to complete.

During the process, residents will be asked to share knowledge of the areas vulnerability to hazards based on past occurrences. The public can get involved through public meetings, web-based information, questionnaires, maps and updates on the plan’s progress through a website. Notice of date, time and locations of meeting will be posted on the county’s website.

The website for the plan is at tinyurl.com/3cb546am. The website will be the best way for the public to gain information on the plan and ways to participate in the planning process. The public is highly encouraged to provide comments on all phases of the plan’s development.

Questions or comments can be directed to Wright at [email protected] or to O’Dea at [email protected].

County seeks federal broadband assistance

The Federal Communications Commission released a pre-production draft of its new national broadband map that shows where internet service is and is not available.

According to a news release, the draft map is a public challenge process that plays a role in improving the accuracy of the map and bringing much needed funding for broadband in the state.

To view and challenge the map, go to broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home. Challenges are to be filed no later than Jan. 13.

Jorgenson announces retirement from PUD 3

Mason County PUD 3 Commissioner Bruce Jorgenson announced his retirement at the Dec. 6 board meeting.

According to a news release, Jorgenson, 92, was first elected in 1995 and is in his fifth term in office. Jorgensen’s retirement will be effective at the end of the year.

“I am grateful for the years I’ve had the privilege to work with Bruce,” PUD 3 Manager Annette Creekpaum said in a news release. “He has been a consistent voice throughout my entire career with PUD 3. The PUD will face a big learning curve – losing two long-standing commissioners at the same time.”

The Board of Commissioners will appoint his successor at a future meeting.