COUNTY BRIEFS

Special filing period Aug. 8-10

The Mason County auditor’s Election Department announced a special three-day filing period Aug. 8 to 10 for no filing fee.

According to a news release, candidates for the positions of Mason County Cemetery District positions No. 1, 2 and 3, Fire Protection District 18 commissioner position 1 and 4, Public Hospital District No. 2 commissioner position No. 4, Port of Dewatto commissioner district 2, North Mason School District school board director district No. 4, and Tahuya River Water District commissioner position No. 3.

Candidates can file at masoncountywaelections.gov. A valid email is needed to file online. If you cannot file online, people can file in person at 411 N. 5th St., Shelton. All candidates that file during the special period will appear on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. If no one files, the incumbent retains the position for the first two years of the next term. There is no candidate withdrawal period for the special filing.

Any questions can be directed to the Mason County Auditor’s Election at 360-427-9670 ext. 470.

Picnic Saturday at Schafer Park

The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia are hosting a community picnic at 1 p.m. Saturday at Schafer State Park in Matlock.

According to a flyer, the group will serve free hamburgers and hot dogs and the Grays Harbor Banjo Band will play a mini concert at 3 p.m. Side dishes and desserts for sharing at the picnic are welcome but not required.

For more information, go to http://www.Facebook.com/friendsofschaferlakesylvia.

Sunday morning fire destroys residence

A structure fire Sunday morning resulted in the loss of a residence.

According to a Central Mason Fire & EMS news release, a porch fire was reported at 421 E. Osprey Lane. People were evacuating just before 3 a.m. CMFE arrived on scene in six minutes to find a two-story residence engulfed in fire. Crews worked to confirm everyone was out of the house and initiated a defensive attack to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes and property. Crews were on scene for hours and the residence was declared a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

CMFE thanked Fire Districts 3 and 13, West Mason Fire, South Mason Fire, North Mason Regional Fire Authority and PUD and MACECOM for assistance responding to the fire.

Motorcyclist injured Saturday on U.S. 101

A motorcyclist was injured Saturday afternoon in an accident on U.S. Highway 101 south of Shelton.

According to a Washington State Patrol news release, a 54-year-old West Richland man was southbound on 101 near the intersection with Old Olympic Highway. The motorcycle left the road on the left side, struck the cable barrier and ended up in a southbound lane. The man sustained a compound fracture to one of his legs but was conscious after the accident. He was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The road was partially blocked for two hours.

Forest Service objection period

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced the availability of the draft decision notice, environmental assessment and comprehensive plan to start the objection period for the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan.

According to a news release, the comprehensive plan guides the development of nonmotorized trail throughout the entire length from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.

The forest service gathered public comment and documents for the comprehensive plan was updated to address the comments received.

The Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile-long hiking trail that starts in Glacier National Park in Montana, crossed through northern Idaho and finished in Olympic National Park. Currently, one-third of the trail is on roads, and some portions in remote areas require bushwhacking with no trail.

During the objection period, the Forest Service will accept objections from those who submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during the scoping comment period or the draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period. The objection period is open from July 14 to Aug. 28.

Structure fire on Oak Street

Central Mason Fire & EMS responded to a fire on July 8 on 201 Oak Street in Shelton.

According to a CMFE news release, CMFE responded to a smoke investigation and while enroute, CMFE was advised by dispatch that there is smoke coming from a structure on Oak Street.

The call was at 4:30 a.m. and CMFE arrived on scene four minutes later to an abandoned structure fire with a large amount of discarded material inside. Crews had responded to this house for a fire months ago. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and the cause is under investigation.

South Mason Fire, Shelton Police and MACECOM assisted on the incident.

Paddle Safe Week starts Friday

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation declaring next week Paddle Safe Week statewide.

According to a news release, Paddle Safe Week will lead an effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports.

The campaign recognizes the state’s diverse waterways require different skills, preparation and safety equipment.

In the last five years, paddlers are 55% of statewide recreational boating fatalities, with growing popularity and lack of safety education have contributed to the fatalities.

The program recommends safety practices including get educated, use a leash, carry essential gear, check and understand the weather, protect against cold water shock, file a float plan, paddle with a group, avoid alcohol and drugs, learn how to self-rescue, label your paddlecraft and be visible to other boaters.

For more information, go to http://www.tinyurl.com/2tjshm6h.