County Briefs

Christmas tree permits available online and through local vendors

Olympic National Forest holiday tree permits are available to purchase online through recreation.gov and in-person at vendors around the peninsula.

According to a news release, details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that can be cut will be outlined at recreation.gov.

“For every tree that is found, cut and carried home as a holiday fixture, a new story is created,” USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said in a news release. “These stories become the precious memories that create traditions worth carrying on for generations and further connect families with their local forests.”

Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health by helping to thin densely populated stands of smaller diameter trees. Removing the trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide forage for wildlife.

To obtain a Christmas tree permit for Olympic National Forest online, visit recreation.gov. Anyone interested in purchasing a Christmas tree from a vendor can purchase one at the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center or can purchase one in Quilcene, Sequim or Port Angeles.

Port of Shelton receives a clean audit

The Port of Shelton announced a clean audit opinion from the Washington State Auditor’s Office, according to a news release from the Port of Shelton.

According to the release, the audit focused on the 2019 and 2020 financial statements and accountability. The audit included a federal single audit focusing on the $3.6 million airport paving project, with the audit examining accounts payable, tenant leases, selected IT security policies, procedures, practices and controls protecting financial systems, IT systems and data, financial condition and fiscal sustainability and controls and scheduled for expenditures of federal awards and notes to those schedules.

There were no findings or management issues.

“It is our duty to the community to be financially responsible and transparent in all Port operations. This positive, clean report is the result of the integrity, commitment and experience of our staff and outside auditor,” Port of Shelton Executive Director Wendy Smith said in a news release. “In addition to the day-to-day operations, the support from our commission enables us to constantly be at our best and continue to receive clean audits each year.”

To view the full audit, visit sao.wa.gov and search the Port of Shelton.

Beware of fake fundraisers and false charities this holiday season

The Office of the Secretary of State is encouraging people to “give smart” this holiday season to ensure charitable donations go to their intended causes.

GIVESMART!, a collaboration between the Office of the Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities and the state’s Attorney General’s office, empowers people to make informed and educated giving decisions. It offers resources that can help Washingtonians, as well as senior centers, retirement communities and civic nonprofit organizations protect themselves from being victimized by fake charities and fundraisers. Resources include an info sheet and brochure for quick and easy pointers.

Other tips include not giving into high-pressure solicitations demanding an immediate commitment, check the Washington Corporations and Charities Filing System before donating, reviewing and organizations annual registration for federal tax-exempt status, checking the organizations rating on the Better Business Bureau, call a charity and donate directly if a third party is raising money for a charity and do not give any personal information over the phone to any charity.

To request hardcopies of the guide and other resources, call 800-332-4483 or visit sos.wa.gov/charities/givesmart.

Paul and Thelma Winger sentenced to jail, community service

The Paul and Thelma Winger animal cruelty case that began in May 2018 reached its conclusion with sentencing Nov. 19.

Paul, 40, and Thelma, 45, were sentenced to 15 days in jail and 240 hours of community service, beginning this month. The couple will complete 20 hours of community service every month until the obligation has been fulfilled.

Both will be under probation for 24 months, with a review hearing scheduled for Feb. 14, 2023.

Thelma and Paul were found guilty on four counts of first-degree animal cruelty and one count of second-degree animal cruelty in regards to dogs named Fred, Baby and Buddy, a horse named Kissy and a cat named Pearl.

Pickering Road Park and Ride reopened Wednesday

Mason Transit Authority announced the reopening of the Pickering Road Park and Ride Wednesday.

According to the MTA Twitter account, the Park and Ride is ready to go after about six months of renovations. MTA was waiting for security cameras and lights to be installed before reopening the park and ride.

The Belfair Par