Olympic National Forest Trail Closed Because of Hikers Feeding Mountain Goats

A popular trail in Mason County northwest of Hoodsport will be kept closed by Olympic National Forest officials.  This decision was the result of hikers feeding the mountain goats in the area and allowing the goats to lick their sweat-stained equipment.

Up to twenty mountain goats have been sighted on Mount Ellinor Trail No. 812.  Many of the goats are reported to be aggressive and inured to the presence of people.

Port Will Not Pursue PenPly for Money Owed

The Port of Port Angeles will not actively pursue Peninsula Plywood for the $1.6 million that the company owes the Port.

A Summary Judgment was issued by Clallam County Superior Court against Peninsula Plywood for breaching agreements concerning licensing, leasing and equipment rental on land owned by the Port.  Port Attorney Dave Neupert said PenPly “does not appear to have assets available to apply toward that judgment.”

New Hearing on Rayonier Cleanup

There will be a State Department of Ecology open house on the Rayonier mill cleanup.  The hearing will be this Wednesday in Linkletter Hall, Olympic Medical Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Federal Judge Dismisses Mountain Goat Claim

A federal judge has dismissed most of the lawsuit against Olympic National Park relating to Robert Boardman, who was gored to death by a mountain goat in the park two years ago.

The judge left only one claim remaining:  that the park staff failed to act quickly after the attack was reported.

Highway 101 Improvements Between Sequim and Port Angeles

A $90 million Highway 101 project between Kitchen-Dick and Shore Roads will start in either December 2012 or January 2013.  The project will include widening the highway and constructing two bridges over McDonald Creek.

 There will also be closures of several county roads during the construction period.

Paul Cronauer R.I.P.

Paul Cronauer, local business leader and owner of the Landing Mall, has passed away at age 63 after a battle with cancer.

City Council Passes "Buy Local" Resolution

The Port Angeles City Council has OK'd a resolution allowing city staff to pay up to five percent more for products and services within the Port Angeles city limits and eastern urban growth area, even if those products/services are cheaper from outside sources.

Terry Gallagher to Speak at PABA meeting

Port Angeles Police Chief Terry Gallagher will be the guest speaker at this Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association.

Sprint Boat Races this Saturday

On Saturday, August 11th, the Sprint Boat Races will commence at the Extreme Sports Park, 2917 W. Edgewood Drive, Port Angeles.  Warmup runs will start at 9 a.m.; the races will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More than 5,000 people attended last year's Sprint Boat Races and an even larger turnout is expected this Saturday.

Tentative Primary Results

So far, Mike Chapman and Maggie Roth are the top two vote-getters for Clallam County Commissioner District Two.  For Clallam County Superior Court Position One, Eric Rohrer and Chris Melly are the top two.

The Civic Field Improvement Bond is losing with 55% approval.  A 60% vote is needed to approve this.

In the race for the congressional seat held by Norm Dicks (who's retiring), the likely candidates are Derek Kilmer and Bill Driscoll.

Wild Olympics Effort: Yay or Nay?

There's a guest column in the PDN expressing each viewpoint of the Wild Olympics effort.

In Favor.

Opposed.

City Council to Review Contract with Downtown Association

The City Council has decided to review the City's contract with the Port Angeles Downtown Association.

This has been simmering for a long time, but the boiling point came last month when the PADA Board voted to remove a member from the Board, and then decided retroactively that the vote was just "advisory."  Or something.

The comments at the end of the linked article are pretty colorful.  Check them out before they get deleted.

Chinook Motel Pool Being Filled In

The pool at the defunct Chinook Motel is being filled with dirt.  This is being done as part of a city-required nuisance abatement.  The owner is trying to sell the property but is required to clean up the exterior.

The Port Angeles Planning Manager described the pool as an “eyesore” containing “biological stuff.”