County Briefs

Shelton man killed in U.S. 101 collision

A 27-year-old Shelton man died in a three-car accident March 22 on U.S. Highway 101.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, Aparicio Mendoza Matias died in the accident. Matias was southbound on U.S. 101 in a 2002 Volkswagen just north of state Route 3. A 2020 Jeep driven by a 60-year-old Shelton woman, was in front of the Shelton man. A third car, a 2004 Audi driven by a 64-year-old Shelton woman, was northbound on U.S. 101.

The Volkswagen struck the rear of the Jeep, lost control and crossed into the northbound lane, striking the front end of the Audi. All cars came to rest on the shoulder and the Volkswagen came to rest in the northbound lane.

A 19-year-old Olympia passenger in the Volkswagen was not injured in the accident. The 60-year-old woman was transported to Capitol Medical Center in Olympia and the 64-year-old woman was transported to Mason General.

The cause is believed to be driving under the influence, according to WSP.

VFW honors first responders

The Mason County VFW post 1694 sponsored a luncheon to honor local first responders and students of Mason, Thurston and Grays Harbor counties.

According to a news release, the honored first responders included law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, 911 operators and students in high school, middle school and elementary school. Students were honored for their participation in Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pin, and youth essay with the theme of what a veteran means to me.

Winners of the youth essay in third grade were Gemma Flowers of Olympia in first place, Olivia Bailey in Olympia in second place and Stella Jarvis of McCleary finished third. Youth essay winners in fourth grade were Nekoda Ash of Olympia in first place, Sasha Stephens of Tenino in second place and Emersyn Shelton of McCleary in third place. Youth essay winners in fifth grade were Stella Skeen of McCleary, Connor Reynolds of Elma in second place and Charlotte Hill of Tenino in third place.

Winners of the Patriot’s Pen contest are Adalyn Hentges of Olympia in first place, Makenna Minnerman of Olympia in second place and Henry Newlean of Lacey in third place.

Winners of the Voice of Democracy contest include Justin Kuykendall of Tenino in first place, Celine Joseph of McCleary in second place, Nyajia Henderson of Elma in third place and Jimmy Leiato of Lacey in fourth place.

Mike Brown, commander of Mason County VFW Post 1694, thanked all who participated and their family members for making it a great event.