County Briefs

Shelton gets grant for crisis responder

The City of Shelton is implementing a pilot program for a crisis responder for Shelton and Mason County.

According to a news release, the city was awarded a grant from the Association of Washington Cities and Washington State Healthcare Authority.

The grant will allow a crisis responder to work with the Shelton Police Department to receive and respond to referrals from community members, service providers and law enforcement.

The position was recommended by the city’s Homelessness Task Force, which met six times this year. Designated crisis responders play a role in the state’s mental health system and are called to evaluate those who might be exhibiting signs of a behavioral health disorder/substance use disorder.

The new program is intended to lead people to treatment or resources.

One-car accident sends 2 to hospital

A one-car rollover accident on U.S. Highway 101 resulted in two people transported to the hospital Monday.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, a 49-year-old woman from Kent was driving a Chevy Silverado south on U.S. 101 just south of state Route 106 with a 47-year-old male Tumwater passenger. An unknown vehicle crossed over the centerline and the Kent woman made an evasive maneuver, overcorrected, went through a ditch and rolled onto the driver’s side.

Both were transported to St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia.

Central Mason’s Deffinbaugh promoted

Lieutenant Abel Deffinbaugh was promoted to battalion chief at Central Mason Fire and EMS.

According to a news release, Deffinbaugh started his fire service career in 2006 with Mason District 5 as a volunteer firefighter.

He graduated from Tacoma Community College Paramedic school in 2012 and has been a professional firefighter and paramedic with CMFE since graduation.

Exceptional Foresters needs board members

Exceptional Foresters is looking for volunteer board members to lead and strengthen programs for people with disabilities.

According to a news release, EFI has been a part of Mason County for 65 years, serving people with disabilities. Board members must attend regular meetings with the EFI board of Trustees, prepare in advance for decision-making and policy formation at board meetings and responsibly review and act upon executive director recommendations brought to the board for action.

Members must also use personal and professional skills, have a strong understanding of board leadership needs and EFI programs, and a strong network of decision-makers and influencers at other nonprofits.

For more information, contact Dani Cook at 426-0077, ext. 126 or email [email protected].

One injured in state Route 3 accident

A 30-year-old Shelton man was injured in a two-car accident on state Route 3 Monday near Grapeview.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, the Shelton man was driving a Honda Civic north on Route 3. The Civic struck the guardrail and then hit a southbound car driven by a 31-year-old Longbranch man.

The Shelton man was transported to Mason General Hospital. The Longbranch man was uninjured in the accident.

Hood Canal club hosts holiday festivities

The Hood Canal Improvement Club is hosting a holiday market and old-fashioned Christmas party.

According to a news release, the holiday market will be at the New Community Church of Union at 951 E. Dalby Road on Dec. 9 and 10. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have local arts and crafts, lunch served at the cafe and a raffle.

The old-fashioned Christmas party will be 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 18 at the McReavy House, 10 E 2nd St. in Union. Holiday refreshments will be served and caroling led by Mick and Laura McCartney of Rhythm and Sass.

Mason Health hires new CFO

Mason Health has hired Steve Leslie as chief financial officer.

According to a news release, Leslie comes to Shelton with a background working in health care finances in Alaska and California.

Leslie started at Mason Health on Oct. 31 and will work alongside Chief Financial Officer Rick Smith, who will step down in December.

“In health care, there are many options out there when it comes to looking for work,” Leslie said in a news release. “There are lots of things attractive to me about Mason Health, including the fact that Eric (Moll) has built an exceptional leadership team. The people here want to stay long term, and you know that if they want to stay, there’s got to be something good going on.”