County Briefs

Woman dies while diving in Hood Canal

A 57-year-old Oregon woman died July 24 while diving in Hood Canal.

According to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, the woman experienced a medical problem while diving and died when she came back to the surface. There was no information on what medical problem occurred.

Monkeypox case in Mason County

The state Department of Health notified Mason County Public Health of a positive test for monkeypox in Mason County on Monday.

According to a news release, Mason County Public Health is conducting a case and contact investigation so vaccinations, therapy and isolation can be initiated. The illness usually lasts two to four weeks and most people get better without treatment. monkeypox can cause scars from the sores, lead to pneumonia and in rare cases be fatal. People who have Monkeypox can spread the virus from the time symptoms start until the rash is fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

The county recommends steps to prevent from contracting monkeypox, including avoiding skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. People should not touch the rash or scabs or kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone who may have monkeypox. Avoid contact with objects or materials that a person with monkeypox may have used, do not share utensils or cups, do not handle or touch bedding, towels or clothing and pets of individuals with monkeypox should be isolated from the individual. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Five COVID-19 deaths reported

Mason County reported five deaths from COVID-19 in the past week.

According to Mason County Division of Emergency Management, a man in his 40s, two men in their 80s, a woman in her 70s and a woman in her 90s died in the past week. The county reported 161 cases form July 28 to Sunday. The seven-day case rate is 166.0, and the 14-day case rate is 371.7. There are two people hospitalized as of Tuesday and 59.7% of the county is fully vaccinated.

Central Mason Fire dedicates engine 51

Central Mason Fire & EMS hosted a dedication ceremony Sunday at the Allyn fire station to dedicate a fire engine to retired chief Richard Knight in honor of his work.

According to a news release, Knight was fire chief for 55 years from 1956 to 2011. During his tenure, the Allyn-Victor fire department, which became Mason County Fire District No. 5 before what it is now known by as Central Mason Fire. Knight was the longest serving fire chief in the state.

Skokomish River project advances

The Upper South Fork Skokomish restoration project began the next steps of the restoration work Monday.

According to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service, engineered log jams will be constructed using previously airlifted trees on the mainstem reaches of the upper Sourth Fork Skokomish River and lower Church Creek. Log jams are naturally occurring accumulations of trees and pieces of large wood in rivers and streams that alter the flow and provide important fish habitat. The placement of the trees bolsters the natural process by creating complex river channels and increasing habitat for aquatic species.

The upper South Fork Skokomish watershed has been identified as a high priority habitat restoration area by local, state and federal entities.

Construction is anticipated to occur through August and noise from operations may be heard by those recreating in the area. There are no road closures expected. For public safety, the Forest Service is asking forest visitors to use caution when driving in the area with large equipment at work.

For more information, the Skokomish Tribe has information at Skokomish.org, the Mason Conservation District is at masoncd.org and the project site is tinyurl.com/yksub4cx.

Humane Society needs cat adoptions

The Humane Society of Mason County seeks people to adopt cats with more than 70 cats in need of homes.

According to a news release, one of the cats up for adoption is Houdini, a 2-month-old kitten who came to the shelter after being born with siblings in blackberry bushes. They were found alone. Houdini had corneal ulcers in both eyes that impaired his vision and the Humane Society veterinary team was able to remove both of his eyes so he can live a life without pain and discomfort.

“We need adopters now more than ever,” said Katherine Johnson, president of the Mason County Humane Society in a news release. “These are the most adoptable cats that we’ve had in quite some time.”

All adoptable pets can be viewed at hsmcwa.org.

Prison reports COVID-19 cases

The Washington Corrections Center in Shelton reported 10 active COVID-19 cases July 27.

According to a news release, there are seven cases among inmates and three active staff cases.

Total incarcerated cases are 448 and 91 total staff cases have been reported since the pandemic started.