SEATTLE — Public health officials are becoming increasingly concerned about a variety of outbreaks of serious infectious diseases among people who are homeless in Seattle and throughout King County.
The Seattle Times reports Seattle-King County Public Health is investigating outbreaks of Group A Streptococcus, shigella, and a rare group of infections transmitted by body lice among people who are homeless. Health officials also are monitoring a potential outbreak of hepatitis A, a potentially fatal disease that spread in San Diego.
The county board of health passed a resolution Thursday urging more sanitation and hygiene services for unsheltered homeless people.
At the meeting, Seattle officials described efforts to increase toilets, hot water and hand-washing stations at the city’s six sanctioned encampments, and to bring hand-washing kits to the city’s many unsanctioned camps.
State Patrol promotion
PORT ANGELES — The State Patrol has promoted Vancouver Trooper Stephen M. Roberly to sergeant and reassigned him to Port Angeles.
The State Patrol said Thursday that six of its troopers and two civilian employees were promoted in a recent ceremony led by State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste, according to a trooper blog post.
Other promoted troopers serve the communities of Vancouver, Marysville, Wenatchee and Hoquiam.
Coupeville landings
COUPEVILLE — Field carrier landing practice operations for aircraft will commence at Ault Field midafternoon to night Monday and Tuesday.
Operations will continue mid to late morning Friday.
Aircraft carrier-based flight training also will occur at the Outlying Field evening to night Wednesday. Comments, including noise complaints, can be directed to the station’s comment line at 360-257-6665 or via email at comments.NASWI@navy.mil.
All other questions can be directed to the public affairs office at 360-257-2286.
Port Angeles and Sequim students testify in Olympia
OLYMPIA — Several Port Angeles and Sequim High School students recently provided testimony before the state House Capital Budget Committee.
Port Angeles students Ali Baccus, Hollund Bailey, Abby Sanders and Hailey Robinson, along with School Board Director Cindy Kelly and high school teacher Pam Helpenstell traveled to Olympia on Feb. 19.
Their testimony regarded the need for additional state funds for school construction.
Video of testimony; added by MJF
Following their presentation, state Rep. Steve Tharinger and others came out to congratulate them.
When students began their testimonies, the house committee members stopped their electronic devices and listened more attentively, the Port Angeles School District said in a news release.
Living alone workshop
PORT ANGELES — Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County will hold a workshop titled “Living Alone Now” on Wednesday, April 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The workshop is free and open to the public. As space is limited, pre-registration is required by calling 360-452-1511 or emailing vsm@vhocc.org.
The workshop held at Hospice House, 810 S. Albert St., is designed to assist those experiencing a recent transition due to loss of a life partner and facing — for the first time — issues of home and auto maintenance.
During the workshop, Michael Bucierka will provide information about home systems which require regular maintenance to avoid an emergency, and what to do in case of an emergency.
He will provide suggestions on what maintenance can be performed by the homeowner and when professional assistance is recommended.
Bucierka brings to the workshop extensive experience as a former licensed general contractor, home inspector and residential maintenance professional.
For more information, visit www.vhocc.org or Facebook.
Committee, board openings
The Board of Clallam County Commissioners is seeking volunteers to fill three openings on an advisory board and committee.
The deadline to apply is the close of business Friday, March 30. To apply, call the commissioners’ office at 360-417-2233; visit their office at the Clallam County Courthouse, Suite 4, 223 E. Fourth St.; or download an application from the county website, www.clallam.net.
The vacancies are:
• Chemical Dependency/Mental Health Program Fund Advisory Board (2 vacancies) — Openings for representatives of an at-large position and of a private provider of chemical dependency services not contracting for funding.
• Civil Service Commission (1) — Open for an independent member. Applicant must be a US citizen residing in Clallam County for two or more years who does not hold any salaried public office or work for the County.
Current members with expiring terms who wish to retain their position are asked to provide a written statement to the commissioner’s office: fax at 360-417-2493; mail at 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 4, Port Angeles 98362; or email pshimmin@co.clallam.wa.us.
