Marijuana to be Topic of PABA meeting

At this Tuesday's meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association, the guests will be Sheila Roark Miller and Sheriff Bill Benedict.  They will be discussing the implementation of legalized marijuana in Clallam County.

Nippon Announces Replacement for Harold Norlund

Nippon Paper Industries USA has named Steven R. Johnson as the new manager of their Port Angeles mill, replacing Harold Norlund who resigned earlier this month.  Johnson was formerly the company's technical services and power manager.

Nippon's press release also said there will be other restructuring within Nippon; these changes will be announced in the near future.

PDN Poll Question, March 23, 2014

“Should the public get to review candidates for a top local government position — such as an executive director, manager or superintendent — or should the contract to hire be signed before revealing identities?”

With 544 votes cast so far, the results are:

Public review first  —  68.9%

Sign contract first   —   7.7%

Depends on agency — 23.3%

Department of Ecology Will Not Amend Dungeness Water Rule

The state Department of Ecology has denied a petition to reopen the Dungeness Water Rule.  The petition had been submitted by a local “property rights” organization, the Olympic Resource Protection Council.

PA United to be Topic at Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Todd Ortloff, Steve Burke and Todd Gubler will be the guests at tomorrow's Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon.  They will be discussing the progress made during recent PA United meetings.

Harold Norlund Has Resigned

Harold Norlund, executive vice president of Nippon Paper Industries USA, has resigned from the mill and will be returning to his home in Canada.  A Nippon human resources manager said:

“The company is grateful for Harold's many outstanding contributions during his career at NPIUSA, and his presence will be greatly missed.”

Three-Year Agreement between OMC and Service Employees International Union

Olympic Medical Center has reached a 3-year agreement with 378 nurses, dietary employees and service workers of the SEIU. All 378 employees will get a one percent annual raise for the next three years.  Dietary workers, in addition to the one percent annual raise, will also get a one-time 2.5% raise this year.

Clallam County Planning Commission to Unveil Stormwater Management Plan

As early as next month, county planning officials will be presenting to the public a 77-page plan for managing stormwater runoff.  The goal is to prevent storm runoff from carrying pollutants into waterways and shellfish beds.  Their methods for accomplishing this include new development standards, public education, control of illegal discharges and ongoing monitoring.

Olympic Medical Center Could Get an Additional $1 Million per Year

Both houses of the state legislature have passed the Sole Community Hospital Bill. This law, assuming it's signed by the governor, will bring in an additional $1 million a year to OMC.

$3.4 Million Loss for Towns Near Olympic National Park

During last October's Republican shutdown of the federal government, Olympic National Park had 42,000 fewer visits than during October of 2010 through 2012.  This led to a loss of $3.4 million in tourist spending in communities near the park.

Jim Hallett and Ken O'Halloren to Speak at Chamber Luncheon

At tomorrow's Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon, the guests will be Jim Hallett, president of the Port of Port Angeles board of commissioners; and Ken O'Halloren, interim executive director of the Port of Port Angeles.