Raspberries, Marionberries, Blackberries, Gooseberries, Thimbleberries- 

It's a berry fine time of year!  My husband decided last week to see how many different kinds of berry milkshakes he could make, and we had 8 fabulous flavors!  The surprise hit was Thimbleberry. It had a woodsy intensity, like the essence of all berries rolled into one.  I've always felt that they were underrated because they're so fragile.  So most of the time I just eat them right off of the bush. The Hoquiam Farmers Market has Raspberries and, ta-da! Marionberries this week!  The Little Wild Blackberries are having a great year, the best harvest in a long time.  I'll bear the scars for quite a while- I had a tussle with some vines and they don't fight fair.  But I won, I got the berries.

OLYMPIA ­- The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Request for Letters of Interest for partnership in the Biomass Initiative.

This is the beginning of the selection process that will launch the Biomass Initiative in Washington State. The initiative, sanctioned by HB 2165 passed by the Washington Legislature this year, authorizes DNR to seek public-private partnerships that will allow state and local communities to benefit from biomass and create renewable energy.

OLYMPIA ¾ Electrical hazards, rodent droppings, and other unsafe conditions have led the state Department of Health to immediately suspend the license of the Chinook Motel. The motel at 1414 E. First St. in Port Angeles poses an immediate threat to guests.

Investigators noted possible construction, maintenance, electrical, fire, and safety code violations. Motel room conditions include unsafe, exposed electrical wiring; improperly installed electrical equipment; and smoke detectors that don't work or are missing. Mold; badly stained mattresses; ivy growing inside some units from the outside; unsanitary floors, walls, and fixtures; and other unsanitary conditions were found in the rooms.

Shelton, WA - An 18 year old Shelton woman was killed in a one car collision early Sunday Morning four miles south of Union.  According to investigators from the Mason County Sheriff's Office Traffic Enforcement Team, Janelle S. Mills, of Shelton, was southbound on the McCreavy Road at a high rate of speed when her 1994 Mazda Protégé left the roadway and rolled several times. 

According to investigators, Mills was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.  Speed and alcohol appear to be contributing factors in this incident.  Investigators are awaiting toxicology reports.  This case is still under investigation by the Mason County Sheriff's Office and the Mason County Coroner's Office.

HOQUIAM - Motorists using the US 101 Riverside Bridge in Hoquiam this week should expect delays and lane closures.

Two bridge openings on Tuesday, July 21, scheduled at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., allow maintenance crews to lubricate the cables that lift the span. Drivers should expect delays of about 20 minutes during each bridge opening.

Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23, crews close a single lane to lubricate the remaining cables. Work hours both days are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For all traffic impacts please visit the WSDOT Olympic Region Weekly Construction and Traffic Updates Web page at:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/