TUMWATER - The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has honored a Longview logging company with a "Commitment to Excellence" award for its outstanding workplace safety program. Don Fudge Contract Cutting Inc. is the first logging company in the state to receive the award.

Logging is historically one of Washington's most hazardous industries, and "timber faller" is the highest-risk occupation in the U.S., higher even than crab fishing.

The award recognizes the company for having had a full year without any work-related injury or illness that caused an employee to miss days of work or to need job restrictions (light duty) or a job transfer. The company has a lower-than-average workers' compensation claims history in comparison to others in the same industry.

OLYMPIA - State fishery managers will hold a public workshop May 20 in Edmonds to discuss efforts to update the federally approved fisheries plan that guides conservation of Puget Sound chinook salmon throughout their range.

The workshop, sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), will begin at 9 a.m. at the Edmonds City Hall, 121 Fifth Ave. North.

"This workshop is designed to promote public awareness of the plan and facilitate an exchange of ideas about possible updates to reflect current conditions," said Phil Anderson, WDFW interim director.

Edwards, Colo. • The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis' (http://www.heuga.org/) CAN DO program provides a unique opportunity for people and families living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to interact with 45 MS professionals July 22 - 26, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seattle-Bellevue.

The Heuga Center's CAN DO program focuses on improving the quality of life of people with MS and their support partners by answering questions and giving recommendations based on individual assessments and lifestyle goals. The program is an innovative educational and wellness program that teaches participants how to maximize their health and improve their quality of life.  Scholarships are available for CAN DO program participants.

To ensure individualized attention, the CAN DO program is limited to 25 participants with MS.  Each participant is encouraged to bring a support partner, often a family member or friend, who may attend the program's support partner sessions, in addition to participating in the workshops and lectures. 

Aberdeen High School's very own radio station, The KAHS 106.5FM, attended the Washington State High School Radio Broadcasting Awards in Gig Harbor WA, Thursday May 14^th and came away with many honors. Schools from around the state had submitted their best works last month and were judged by professionals in the Seattle and Tacoma media industry.

The KAHS received 3^rd place at state for overall excellence.

SKAMOKAWA - The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) this week announced the advertisement of the SR 4 - Skamokawa to Coal Creek Road - Paving and Guardrail Upgrade construction contract.

The $12.4 million project, which combines state funding with $200,000 in 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds provided by Wahkiakum County, is expected to support an estimated 110 direct and indirect jobs.