HOQUIAM - Preparation for a four-month paving project on sections of US 101 and SR 109 begins next week.
 
From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, June 1 - 5, drivers should expect intermittent, temporary lane closures and delays on US 101(known locally as Sumner Avenue, Riverside Avenue and Lincoln Street).
 
The closures allow crews to set signs, stage equipment and adjust utilities in advance of 10 miles of paving work that starts later this month.  

The Grays Harbor county Coroner has confirmed that Grays Harbor Economic Developement Council President Michael has passed away over the weekend. Tracy's body was discovered yesterday morning, the victim of what appears to be a natural death. Tracy was discovered in the backyard of his home by his wife, the coroner says he will be talking with Tracy's doctor and scheduling an autopsy and toxicology tests today.

Grays Harbor County Undersherrif Rick Scott tells us an exact time of death has not yet been established, his officers were called to Tracy's home in the 1400 block of SR109 Sunday morning. Tracy had recently resigned his position at the EDC after ten years of service.

OLYMPIA... As this year's election season opens with Filing Week on Monday, June 1, Secretary of State Sam Reed is encouraging citizens to become more involved in their community by running for office.

"There will be hundreds of nonpartisan offices up for election this year throughout Washington, but unfortunately, many of them usually have only one candidate running," Reed said. "I hope more people will consider running for public office as a way to give back and get involved in their community. Whether you have great passion for education or economic development or some other issue, you can put that passion to good use by serving in public office."

A 67 year old Ocean Shores man was arrested on Memorial Day for Theft in the First Degree for allegedly embezzling in excess of $80,000 from the Port Hole Pub during a 3 year period. John Butschky was arrested by Det. Chris Iversen after a 12 month investigation revealed that Butschky, a bookkeeper for the Port Hole Pub, had taken money from the business and gambled at the Quinault Casino. The investigation disclosed that during this 3-year period Butschky had losses totaling more than $148,000 at the Casino. Butschky admitted to a gambling addiction that had increased in severity over the past several years. Butschky currently is in custody at the Grays Harbor County Jail with a bail amount set at $30,000.

The Ocean Shores Police Department wants to remind individuals that if they have a gambling problem they are encouraged to contact the Gamblers Anonymous hotline at 888-GA-HELPS (888-424-3577)

ASTORIA, Ore. - The Coast Guard airlifted a 24-year-old man off a fishing vessel 15 miles from Grays Harbor, Wash., Wednesday due to an unknown medical condition.

The 46-foot fishing vessel Pacific Girl contacted the Coast Guard approximately 10 a.m. to request assistance with a crewmember that was experiencing severe pains.

Coast Guard Air Station Astoria immediately diverted an HH-60 rescue helicopter crew that was on a training flight to assist.

The man was successfully airlifted and transported to the Port of Grays Harbor Airport in Hoquiam, Wash., where he was met by awaiting emergency medical services.  The man was then taken to Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Wash.