Navy Proposes New Pier on Ediz Hook

The Navy is considering building a pier at the Coast Guard station on Ediz Hook. It would serve as a staging area for the Transit Protection System (TPS).  The TPS is operated by the Coast Guard and provides escorts for submarines on their way to and from the Kitsap-Bangor Navy Base.

The Navy will be hosting a public comment session at the Port Angeles Elks Lodge on Thursday, February 5th, 6 to 8 p.m.

This Kitsap Sun article goes into more detail.

Website Available for Neighborhood Crime Information

Crimereports.com combines a Google based mapping system with information on crime activity anywhere in the country.

Lorraine Shore, an Administrative Coordinator with the Sheriff's Department, said the website lists all incidents that generated a crime report.  She also said it's important for people to report any criminal activity, because this provides timely data for law enforcement to use as a proactive measure.

The site also has information on registered sex offenders.

Should We Raise the Smoking Age to 21?

Today's Peninsula Poll Question is:

Should Washington's legal tobacco purchase age be raised from 18 to 21, as has been proposed in the state Legislature?

Number of votes cast: 537 

Wednesday Morning Meetings at Chamber of Commerce

In addition to their twice-a-month Monday luncheons, the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce will be holding a 7:30 a.m. meeting on the last Wednesday of the month.  These meetings will be at the Port Angeles Senior Community Center, 328 E. Seventh Street.

At this coming Wednesday meeting, business consultant Bill Rinehart will be advising business owners on how to keep their finances in order for the 2015 tax season.

Port Angeles Residents Might Have Impact on Future Cable Service

Two focus groups will meet on February 24th and 25th to provide information on the cable renewal process.  These meetings will allow public feedback on future services.

The meetings will be conducted by a telecommunications consulting firm from Sacramento.  Gregg King, Port Angeles' Power Resource Manager, said the city needs to get a better idea of what local residents want from local cable service.

The February 24th meeting will be at the Vern Burton Community Center conference room, with two sessions available:  9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  The February 25th meeting will be at the Port Angeles Skills Center:  3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Will the Washington Legislature pass an “Ag Gag” law?

Probably not.  But an Ag Gag bill — HB 1104 — has been introduced by the Factory Farm lobby's favorite prostitute, Rep. Joe Schmick.  The bill is being cosponsored by two other Big Ag boy toys:  state reps. Larry Haler and Vincent Buys.

“Ag Gag” refers to a law which criminalizes the reporting or photographing of animal abuse inside factory farms.  The abuse itself is OK; you're just not allowed to report it.  In addition to Big Ag lobbyists, these Ag Gag laws are being pushed by ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council), the same behind-the-scenes stealthbags that are trying to undermine labor unions in Sequim.

So far eight states — and they're all (inb)red states, needless to say — have passed an Ag Gag law.  Presumably a majority of Washington legislators won't want to be associated with that category.  According to the linked article, HB 1104 is so far reaching that a person could be fined and/or jailed for taking pictures of an orchard from a public road.

Even if HB 1104 doesn't stand a chance of getting passed, it's a chance for the three above-mentioned political skanks to reach out to the party base (see below):

Nippon vs. FSE Energy: Goliath vs. Goliath

Two Godzillas are suing each other over Nippon's stalled biomass cogeneration plant.  Factory Sales & Engineering Inc., d/b/a FSE Energy, has filed a $6.2 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against Nippon.

Nippon has filed a $10.85 million countersuit alleging negligence, negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.  Stay tuned...

Two Local Ground Transportation Companies Benefit from Kenmore Air's Pullout

Like they say, when a door closes a window opens; or something.

Dungeness Line and Rocket Transportation have both seen “at least” a ten percent increase in business since Kenmore's discontinuation of passenger service to Seattle from William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles because of “not enough passengers.”

A recent Dungeness Line passenger from the West End said “I probably would have flown there” if Kenmore still offered their passenger service, but also noted that the bus ride was cheaper and he didn't have to deal with parking after getting to Seattle.

“Property Rights” Group will File Suit against Dungeness Water Rule

The Olympic Resource Protection Council, a “property rights” organization made up of real estate and development interests, has filed a lawsuit against the water management rule in the Dungeness Valley.  The Dungeness Water Rule restricts water use in the Dungeness Valley, particularly for new homes and businesses.

There's only X amount of water, and the state Department of Ecology is putting a high priority on restoring optimum water flows for salmon and marine life.  These water restrictions could mean that a developer might not get what he wants when he wants it; hence the lawsuit.

Doug McCarry, president of the Olympic Resource Protection Council, said:

“It shouldn't be a burden on people who just come in now and want to use water.”