Completion of construction on a parking lot at the Port Angeles City Hall is being lifted up as an example of a unique technology that paves the way toward improved environmental health and enhanced storm water management.  A PA City news release says the project is setting a new standard for future development on the Olympic Peninsula with consideration for on-site management. The project, largely paid for by a State Department of Ecology $1.43 million grant, provides significant improvements for storm water management and contributes to cleaner downstream waterways. It’s called a “Low Impact Development” project. It emphasizes the use of green infrastructure like permeable pavements, bioretention swales, and rain gardens to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater on site. By showcasing LID techniques, this project provides a model for how LID can be implemented to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements associated with new and re-development projects.

City Engineer Jonathan Boehme says “This unique project demonstrates how a parking lot can be built in a sustainable way that improves water quality in our urban streets.”  Public Works Director Mike Healy, “For years to come, the runoff from this rather large parking facility will be treated for contaminants prior to entering the receiving waters of Peabody Creek, thus improving the creek’s water quality and health.

The Sequim Police Department has a new patrol sergeant.  Police Officer Kyle Resser has been promoted to the position effective September 1. 

Sergeant Resser was hired as a Reserve Officer by the Sequim Police Department in 2015.   In 2016, he was hired as a full-time Police Officer and completed the 720-hour Criminal Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  In his time with the department, Resser has worked as a Patrol Officer; Field Training Officer, training newly hired Officers after they completed the Washington State Police Academy; and for the past three years as the School Resource Officer.  As an Officer, Resser has received the Target Zero Traffic Safety and Life Saving awards and was selected as Officer of the Year in 2021 by the Sequim Police Department.

Police Chief Mike Hill says, “Kyle’s promotion to Sergeant is directly related to his shown ability to foster positive relationships with the school and broader community.  His proactive approach to policing combined with thorough casework has prepared Kyle well for his new role as Sergeant.”

As Resser moves into the role of Patrol Sergeant, Officer Daniel Martinez has been selected as the new School Resource Officer.

Original story from: https://www.sequimwa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1431 

Somewhat reminiscent of the Covid pandemic years, Clallam County health officials say there are so many new cases of the COVID-19 virus showing up in the community, multiple long term care facilities have now been confirmed as being in “outbreak” status.  Peninsula Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry says five facilities in the county – which are the majority of them – have now been classified as being in outbreak status.

“As far as what’s driving those outbreaks, probably the biggest contributor is just the amount of COVID-19 itself. There is quite a bit of COVID-19 transmission going on right now and the safety precautions that were in place during the height of the pandemic have been really relaxed significantly in long term care facilities. And some of that’s good. You know we want to make sure the people have visitors and can participate in activities and all those other critical things. But the more connections you have, the more likelihood that some of that virus gets in.

She says that one of the challenging changes since the lifting of the declaration of emergency is that staff in long term care facilities are not required to mask outside of an outbreak which has led to a lot of transmission.

“For the facilities that do have an outbreak in place, they are mandated to have masks and encourage patients to have masks as well. And quite a few other infection related protocols as well. So we’re working with all of that at this point. But it is concerning that our long-term residents are at high risk of severe disease.”

Even visitors are encouraged to wear masks.

“Yes. So if you are visiting a family member in a long term care facility it’s a really good idea to wear masks generally, but especially now to wear a high quality mask given that there is likely transmission of COVID-19 in that facility.”

In addition, it’s a good idea she says, to make sure when visiting that you are well in order to reduce any likelihood of bringing anything into the facility.

An outbreak is declared when it is confirmed five or more residents are documented that they got it in the facility.

The owner of the Gold Rush Jewelry and Coin store on the east side of Sequim in the 400 block of E. Washington Street has been arrested for investigation of multiple counts of theft and alleged unlawful issuance of bank checks (UIBC) leaving multiple customers owed over $100,000. Sequim Police with the assistance of OPNET, the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team served a search warrant at Gold Rush and Coin Thursday, August 29 related to numerous ongoing investigations of the business and owner Kurt Miller, according to a City of Sequim news release. A previous search warrant was served on a related financial account.

Over the past several months, multiple people in the community have reported that after selling, buying, or consigning precious metals at Gold Rush Jewelry and Coin they were paid by Miller in check (either in full or partial payment).  When some attempted to cash or deposit the checks, the checking account was alleged to have insufficient funds (NSF) leaving them without their precious metals or the money owed by Miller. All cases combined, there reportedly is well over $100,000 dollars allegedly owed. There are currently 19 identified victims, and there may be more. 

An ongoing investigation continues by the Sequim Police Department into other allegations of additional UIBC and theft crimes, according to the City news release.

The City of Sequim Arts Commission (SAC) has rolled out its newest public art initiative. It’s called a “Busking Spot” and will be located at the Seal Street Park in Sequim.  Busking is defined as a performance of music, dance, street theatre or art in a public space. The pilot program envisions providing acoustical musicians an approved location to perform in an informal capacity in the downtown shopping corridor. The Arts Commission hopes that this project will provide a welcoming, artful, and unique flair for visitors and community members as they wander downtown, while also providing opportunities to musicians in our community.  The spot will be available on a first come, first served basis. No permit or advanced sign-up to perform is required.  The SAC asks that acoustical musicians respect a two-hour set limit to be courteous to fellow musicians.  The City says additional “Busking Spot” locations may be added in the future.

The Elwha River Bridge on Highway 101 west of Port Angeles reopened to vehicle traffic this morning after being closed for nine days to allow contractors to construct the approaches to the new bridge. Travelers will see occasional one-way alternating traffic with flaggers during work hours as permanent striping and signing are completed along with work on high friction surface treatment.

 
The new bridge is 40 feet wide with two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot wide shoulders to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.  The new bridge span meets modern earthquake standards and has a gentler curve on its westbound approach.

Crews will now begin demolishing the old bridge, which was built nearly a hundred years ago in 1926.  Over the last several years, the Elwha River has dramatically changed its course and flow, leading to significant erosion around the bridge foundations.  As a result highway engineers estimate the riverbed around the bridge’s piers had lowered 14 feet.  Crews will also continue installing engineered log jams to help restore more natural river conditions.  The entire project is expected to be completed in the late fall.

Hi Ciscoe, what are these red dots on my maple tree and what should I do?  Jeff from Lacey.

My neighbor has a beautiful bush rose that is lipstick in color and has many buds on it.  Can you please tell me what this is? Paul