News Briefs

COVID cases declining in Mason County

Mason County recorded 230 COVID-19 cases in the past 13 days and the case rates have dropped in recent weeks.

According to the Mason County Emergency Management data, the county has seen four additional deaths in the past 13 days, including women in their 40’s, 60’s and 80’s and a man in his 60’s, bringing the pandemic total to 72.

The 14-day case rate per 100,000 is 288 and the seven-day case rate is 108.

The county is 53.8% vaccinated. The U.S. authorized COVID booster shots for all adults Nov. 19 and urged people 50 and older to receive one to ward off a winter surge.

One injured in crash on state Route 300

A 61-year-old Bremerton driving east on state Route 300 was injured in a two-car accident Wednesday night.

According to a news release from the Washington State Patrol, the Bremerton man was driving east and vehicle two was driving west when the man’s car went over the fog line and he overcorrected and struck the car traveling west.

The 54-year-old driver in vehicle two was not injured. The injured Bremerton man was transported to St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale.

Extreme weather causes damage to Olympic National Park near Forks

The extreme weather, which included 10 inches of rain in Forks on Nov. 14 and 15, caused severe damage to Olympic National Forest.

According to a news release, Olympic National Forest staff are working to conduct an assessment of washed out roads, damaged culverts, eroded trails and downed trees. Multiple roads have closed and staff discourages the use of the forest in damaged areas for safety until staff can clear areas and make repairs.

Roads that are closed include Forest Service Roads 29, 2922, 2932 and 30.

“We appreciate your patience as we work to assess the damage we’ve endured to the Forest,” said Kelly Lawrence, Forest Supervisor for the Olympic National Forest. “At this time, we ask everyone to respect barriers and make safe choices in our area after this extreme weather event.”