COUNTY BRIEFS

City Council candidates debate at forum

Mary Eagleson, Tristen Smith and George Blush, who are vying for a position on the Shelton City Council, took part in a candidate forum at the Shelton Civic Center on Monday.

The forum, sponsored by the Mason County Republican Party, was moderated by Jeff Slakey. It can be viewed on http://www.MasonWebTV.com.

The candidates answered prepared questions, as well as questions from the audience, on a range of topics including taxes, homelessness, business environment and public safety during the hour-long forum. 

The field will be narrowed two candidates in the Aug. 1 primary election.

Shelton Police sergeant completes FBI training

Shelton Police Sgt. Daniel Patton graduated as a member of the 286th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy on June 8 in Washington, D.C.

According to a news release, Patton is the second officer in Shelton Police department history to complete the program. Patton has been with the department for 16 years, working in patrol, detectives, crime prevention and narcotics. He became a sergeant in 2018.

The academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Participants must have proven records within their agencies to attend. On average, the officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to work in executive-level positions.

The 286th session had 238 officers from 47 states and D.C., and also had members of law enforcement from 25 countries, five military organizations and six federal civilian organizations.

PUD 1's Arnold receives award

Mason County PUD 1's Katie Arnold received the Robert E. Roundtree Rising Star Award during the American Public Power Association's National Conference in Seattle.

According to a news release, Arnold, PUD 1's director of Business Services and district treasurer, will receive a scholarship for being a future leader in public power as recognized by her peers for creative problem-solving in her job responsibilities. As the recipient of the award, Arnold will receive a stipend to travel to a conference or training program to advance her education and development in public power.

Arnold was a consultant through a local accounting firm before being hired by PUD 1 in a permanent accounting position and as board-appointed treasurer for the district.

2 injured in 1-car crash on U.S. 101

A 50-year-old Elma man and a 43-year-old Elma woman were injured in a one-car accident June 22 on U.S. Highway 101 near Shelton. A 5-year-old in the car was not injured.

According to a news release from the Washington State Patrol, a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder was southbound on U.S. 101 just north of the Shelton Matlock Road exit. The car swerved to the right to miss a deer in the road and left the road, ending up on its top 50 feet down an embankment.

The man and woman were both taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. The 5-year-old was not injured but was transported to St. Peter's Hospital for precautionary reasons.

The woman was charged with third-degree driving with a suspended license and second-degree negligence.