NEWS BRIEFS: Beaches open to shellfish harvesting … and other items

PORT ANGELES — The area from the Lyre River east to Dungeness Bay is now open to recreational shellfish harvesting.

The state Department of Health announced the move Friday.

The area had been closed to shellfish harvesting since April 28 because of high levels of the marine biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning found in samples of shellfish.

The only closures now in effect on the North Olympic Peninsula are for butter clams and varnish clams in Discovery Bay, Sequim Bay and Kilisut Harbor including Mystery Bay, as well as the seasonal closures of Pacific coast beaches to all species.

Recreational shellfish harvesters can get the latest information before they leave for the beach by visiting www.doh.wa.gov or phoning 800-562-5632.

The emergency regulation hotline is 866-880-5431.

Pedophile lawsuit

SEQUIM — A lawsuit filed in King County claims a church ignored warnings about a now-convicted pedophile principal.

KIRO-TV reported that Douglas Allison taught at Mountain View Christian School, part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, until last year when he pleaded guilty to having sexual contact with two girls.

Lawyer Chris Davis represents parents who claim their 10-year-old daughter was the victim, along with another 10-year-old girl.

Their lawsuit claims the school was warned about Allison being too affectionate with students more than six months before his arrest.

The lawsuit also claims at least one student at a school in California, where Allison worked before moving to Washington, claimed Allison molested her.

Davis said the church did nothing about those claims.

A Seventh-day Adventist Church spokeswoman said she hadn’t seen the lawsuit and couldn’t comment.

Road striping

Motorists in Jefferson County can expect minor traffic slowdowns or delays on county roads beginning Monday, July 10, as the county’s Road Maintenance Division commences its annual lane striping operations.

Maintenance is slated for completion by Saturday, Sept. 30, the county’s Department of Public Works said in a news release.

Lane striping operations consist of two vehicles with the leading vehicle spraying paint on the center and edge lines, while the tailing vehicle — approximately 300 feet behind — displays a sign warning drivers against passing the striping vehicle.

No traffic is allowed in the 300-foot space between the two vehicles.

Jefferson County and the striping contractor are not responsible for paint removal if a vehicle travels within the wet paint zone between the striping operation vehicles, public works said in the release.

Public works stated that “the new stripes are typically dry enough to drive on by the time the follow-behind vehicle passes any freshly painted areas.”

For more information, phone Public Works at 360-385-9160.

Physical therapy

SEQUIM — Shipley Center will host Barb Paschal in leading a “Healthy U!” session and a presentation on “Healthier Neck and Back” at 1 p.m. Friday, June 23.

The event is free for center members; a $2 donation is suggested for nonmembers at the center, 921 E. Hammond St.

Paschal, a retired physical therapist and community educator, will focus on core alignment, which includes how to properly stretch and strengthen, as well as increase awareness of the body’s position.

A question-and-answer session will be held.

Registration is required for this event, and those interested are asked to register by Thursday.

To register, phone 360-683-6806.

Accepting applications

The Ben and Myrtle Walkling Memorial Trust is currently accepting applications for grants to be awarded during 2018.

According to a news release, Myrtle Walking intended for her fund to be used for charitable and civic projects that otherwise might not happen.

Applications can be obtained by sending a self-addressed and stamped envelope to the Ben and Myrtle Walkling Memorial Trust, P.O. Box 1588, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Completed application forms must be submitted by Saturday, Sept. 30.

Garage sale

PORT ANGELES — The Sons of Norway will hold a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Scandia Hall, 131 W. Fifth St.

Featured at the sale will be clothing, books, kitchen items, arts and crafts, glassware and children’s toys.

Proceeds will benefit the Sons’ camperships and high school awards.

For more information, phone Dick Grinstad at 360-452-6334.

Chain gang busy clearing debris, weeds

PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Chain Gang took the mobile kitchen back to the county yard and worked in the jail due to minimum staffing during the week of May 8-13.

Crew members weed-eated guardrails on Sherbourne, Hooker, Lost Mountain, Fish Hatchery, Happy Valley, Louella, Palo-Alto, Blyn Crossing, West Sequim Bay, Washington Harbor and Port Williams roads, and Whitefeather Way.

Notable items found along roadways were 18 tires, a recliner, a couch, a bicycle and a teddy bear.

Crew members found illegal dumpsites on a county road pit as well as Laird and Piedmont roads totaling 2,800 pounds of garbage from the dumpsites.

Crew members also cleaned 1 mile of Mary Clark Road and 20 pounds of litter.

From May 29 to June 2, the chain gang cleaned 2 miles of curbs and sidewalks on Mount Pleasant and Monroe roads.

Crew members found illegal dumpsites on Woods, Jimmy-Come Lately, Fairmount and Pioneer roads totaling 940 pounds of garbage.

Notable items found along roadways were five pallets, four mattresses, an alternator, siding, a window frame, a car battery, a starter, a car fender, one 5-gallon bucket, six needles, two pillows, small propane tanks, a barbecue grill, a vacuum, barbed wire, a cable, a stovetop, a wood cabinet, a tire, a computer monitor, a refrigerator and an area rug.

Crew members also recycled 74 pounds of aluminum for $27.40.

Crew members cleaned 2.5 miles of Jimmycomelately Road and 250 pounds of litter, 3 miles of Woods Road and 380 pounds of litter, 6 miles of state Highway 112 ad 220 pounds of litter, 0.5 miles of Baker Street and 30 pounds of litter, 6 miles of O’Brien Road and 160 pounds of litter, and 4.5 miles of Hoko-Ozette Road and 30 pounds of litter.

During the week of June 5-9, the chain gang weed-eated as well as removed grass and debris from the Port Angeles Police Department parking lot.

Notable items found along roadways were a propane burner, a bed frame, a metal couch frame, one needle, three tires, a cooler, a recliner, a marijuana pipe, a vacuum, three Safeway shopping carts, a metal shopping cart and wood cabinets.

Crew members found illegal dumpsites on Brook Avenue and Lees Creek, Little River, Mount Pleasant, Woods and Jimmycomelately roads, totaling 780 pounds of garbage from the dumpsites.

Crew members also cleaned 5.5 miles of Mary Clark Road and 60 pounds of litter, 1 mile of Lower Elwha Road and 60 pounds of litter, 5 miles of Black Diamond Road and 140 pounds of litter, and 1.2 miles of Woods Road and 280 pounds of litter.

Crew members also placed road signs for county chip sealing on Mount Pleasant, Mount Angeles, Blue Mountain and Deer Park roads.

The chain gang has so far this year cleaned 441.8 miles of roadway, picked up 57,810 pounds of dumpsite litter, picked up 38,820 pounds of roadside litter, recycled 2,992 pounds of aluminum, trimmed 35,267 feet of weeds along guardrails, removed or sprayed 810 scotch broom plants, and brushed 23.25 miles of county rights of way.

Baylor honor roll

WACO — Wilson Brannon Eiland, formerly of Port Angeles, was named to the dean’s academic honor roll for the 2017 spring quarter at Baylor University.

A student must be an undergraduate with a minimum 3.7 grade-point average while enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours.

Graduate

MARYLHURST, Ore. — Former Port Angeles resident Benjamin M. Walton is expected to graduate from Marylhurst University on June 24 at the Oregon Convention Center.

He is set to receive a Master of Business Administration in sustainable business.

Gonzaga honors

SPOKANE — Three former Port Angeles residents were named to various Gonzaga University honors.

Michael Konopaski participated in the university’s graduation exercises May 7 in the Veterans’ Memorial Arena.

According to a news release, students who participated have either completed their undergraduate degree or are expected to complete their degree requirements this year.

Nicholas Fritschler was named to the university’s dean list for the spring 2017 quarter.

To qualify, a student must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average.

Rozalyn Piper was named to the university’s president list for the spring 2017 quarter.

To qualify, a student must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average.

Graduate

BOTHELL — Former Port Angeles High School graduate Christopher W. Sohlberg is expected to graduate from the University of Washington on Sept. 13 at Safeco Field.

He is set to receive a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics.

He is the son of Vern and Penny Sohlberg.

Scholarship received

PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center recently presented the $500 Anne Murphy Ocean Stewards Scholarship to Port Townsend High School student Tyler Sudlow.

The scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who shares the same vision that ex-Executive Director Anne Murphy exhibited during her 24-year tenure at the science center, according to a news release.

Sudlow volunteered as a docent for more than 30 hours at the science center and presented his senior project there, as well.

Air Force grad

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Air Force Airman Austin D. Trimble graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The airman completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Trimble is the son of Laurence and Denise Trimble of Folsom, Calif.; brother of James Trimble of Folsom; and grandson of David Trimble of Big Bear, Calif., and Elva Leach of Port Townsend.

He is a 2016 graduate of Folsom High School.

More in News

U.S. Rep. Emily Randall.
US Rep. Randall speaks on House floor about insurance

Example of fictional family shows premium increase of more than 1,000 percent

Spending patterns led to pool audit

Office identifies $33K in unsupported payments

Comments oppose plan against Port Townsend zoning changes

Option would increase maximum limit on units per 40,000 square feet

x
Sequim program uses grant for utilities, rent

Community support through Peninsula Home Fund gives $10,000 to organization

Firefighters Tyler Gage and Tatiana Hyldahl check out the light connections on the 1956 fire truck that will travel the streets of Port Angeles during the 41st Operation Candy Cane beginning Monday. Santa and his helpers will pass out candy canes to those who donate food items or cash. The runs will begin at 5:30 p.m. and include the following areas: Monday, west of I street and M street; Tuesday, I and L streets to C street; Wednesday, C Street to Lincoln Street; Thursday, Chase Street to Chambers Street; Friday, Jones Street to Golf Course Road; Dec. 13, above Lauridsen Boulevard. It will be stationary from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Port Angeles Grocery Outlet and during the same time on Dec. 15 at Lower Elwha Food and Fuel. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Operation Candy Cane

Firefighters Tyler Gage and Tatiana Hyldahl check out the light connections on… Continue reading

Online survey launched for Sequim parks access

The city of Sequim has launched an online survey to… Continue reading

Crews work to remove metal siding on the north side of Field Arts & Events Hall on Thursday in Port Angeles. The siding is being removed so it can be replaced. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Siding to be replaced

Crews work to remove metal siding on the north side of Field… Continue reading

Tsunami study provides advice

Results to be discussed on Jan. 20 at Field Hall

Chef Arran Stark speaks with attendees as they eat ratatouille — mixed roasted vegetables and roasted delicata squash — that he prepared in his cooking with vegetables class. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Nonprofit school is cooking at fairgrounds

Remaining lectures to cover how to prepare salmon and chicken

Port Townsend Main Street Program volunteers, from left, Amy Jordan, Gillian Amas and Sue Authur, and Main Street employees, Sasha Landes, on the ladder, and marketing director Eryn Smith, spend a rainy morning decorating the community Christmas tree at the Haller Fountain on Wednesday. The tree will be lit at 4 p.m. Saturday following Santa’s arrival by the Kiwanis choo choo train. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Decoration preparation

Port Townsend Main Street Program volunteers, from left, Amy Jordan, Gillian Amas… Continue reading

Port Angeles approves balanced $200M budget

City investing in savings for capital projects