With the Fourth of July upon us, we remember that the Declaration of Independence was likely drafted - in part - at a tavern by our founding fathers, including Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, who also were home brewers. So, as you toast to our nation's independence, remember to do so responsibly and always make a designated driver part of your plans. Carol Clark with Anheuser-Busch is quoted in the attached audio.

Mason County Deputies have been asked to assist in the investigation of the disappearance of 10 year old Lindsey J. Baum of McCleary.  Four detectives from the Sheriff's Office Special Operations Group are currently assisting the McCleary Police Department and Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office in following up on a large number tips coming in about the disappearance.  Mason County Detectives have also assisted the investigation by verifying addresses and providing information to the investigation about registered sex offenders in west Mason County.

Lindsey went missing on Friday evening June 26, while walking home from a friends house about ten blocks to her home on Mommsen Road.  This should have been roughly a 10-minute walk. But something happened in that short distance, and she never arrived home. 

OLYMPIA - Effective 12:01 A.M., July 2, 2009, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with officials from Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor Counties, will enact restrictions on all outdoor burning. As of July 2, 2009, all land clearing, residential and silvicultural burning will be banned until further notice. This burn ban does not extend to federally managed lands. 

Recreational campfires are allowed if built in improved fire pits in designated campgrounds, such as those typically found in local, county, and state parks and in commercial campgrounds. On private land, campfires are permitted with the landowner's permission if built in an approved manner:

• In a metal, stone or masonry-lined fire pit such as those seen in approved campgrounds.
• They may not exceed three feet in diameter,
• They must have an area at least ten feet around them cleared of all flammable material and at least 20 feet of clearance from overhead fuels.
• Campfires must be attended at all times by a responsible person at least 16 years old with the ability and tools to extinguish the fire, a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

Ocean Shores officers arrested a twenty-year-old male early Monday morning regarding allegations that he assaulted another male with a potato peeler.

Officers had been to the location, an apartment building in the 800 block of Anchor Ave NW, twice during the night for reports of excessive noise.  Just after 3:00 AM, on Monday morning, officers were called again for a report of an assault that had just occurred. 

A great way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display produced by trained professionals.  In Washington State, Independence Day fireworks displays are spectacular productions illuminated with vibrant colors.  Some are fired from barges on Washington's waterways.  Many fireworks shows are accompanied by patriotic soundtracks which are carried live by local radio stations.  Public fireworks displays that are televised include: 

Chase Family Fourth- Televised KING 5, Seattle

Freedom Fair and Fireworks Extravaganza - Televised KOMO-4, Seattle

 There are over 120 professional displays on July 4th in Washington State, and many other Independence Day activities. For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, check the Celebrate Safely website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.