SEATTLE - Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed are slinging their pistols - figuratively speaking -- at lawless "badge charities." The state officials joined the Federal Trade Commission, state enforcement agencies and AARP Washington in announcing a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent charitable solicitors claiming to help police, firefighters and veterans.

Dubbed Operation False Charity, the sweep includes local and national enforcement actions and outreach initiatives.

"Operation False Charity is about sounding the siren on the phonies, cheapskates and outlaws," McKenna said. "We're policing those who claim to be raising money for cops, firefighters and veterans but aren't being honest.

"Just because someone says they are raising money for veterans or police does not mean every dollar you give will go toward those deserving causes," said Reed. "Some solicitors will return very little - or nothing at all - to the charity they claim to be representing. That's why it's so important to know who is taking your donations, and how that money will be spent."

Aberdeen- The Grays Harbor PUD Board of Commissioners will hold off on a possible 4% increase in the energy charge on PUD bills. The decision came after a report from PUD management on cost saving measures and the PUD's financial condition, as well as indications from the Bonneville Power Administration that a proposed rate increase for the power Grays Harbor PUD purchases to serve customers may be lower than originally proposed.

"We are pleased to hear from BPA that the rate increase may be significantly lower than the originally proposed 9.4 percent," said Rick Lovely, General Manager of Grays Harbor PUD. "Knowing that many of our customers and our Board of Commissioners actively opposed the BPA rate increase, we are gratified to see indications of progress being made in right direction," he said.  "While we won't know the final figure from BPA until July, we believe the utility is in a position to hold off on an increase.  We won't know if an increase is necessary until we know BPA's final rate," said Lovely.

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire and Washington Transportation Sec. Paula Hammond this week announced a stimulus-funded contract award to Granite Northwest, Inc. of Camas to repair and replace damaged concrete panels and re-pave sections of Interstate 5 between North Kelso and Castle Rock.

"Washington is leading the way in getting federal recovery transportation dollars obligated and out into the community," said Gregoire. "We are exceeding expectations for getting the funds turned around and getting projects completed this summer."

The three-month project, which is expected to support more than 100 jobs, combined an existing paving project with a second paving project funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Granite Northwest's winning bid of $9.9 million was more than 14 percent below the engineer's estimate of $11.6 million.

OLYMPIA - Memorial Day is the kick-off to the summer travel season, and a few minutes of planning could make your weekend travel more safe and less aggravating.

WSDOT offers many ways to know before you go, including our web site, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/, and the 24-hour traveler information line, 5-1-1

WSDOT also has listed on the Web site the times and places drivers may likely see holiday weekend delays: US 2, I-90, I-5 at the Canadian Border and I-5 south of Olympia through Lewis County.

Work at most construction projects around the state will move off the highway from noon Friday until Tuesday morning. Although there may not be any active construction, drivers should prepare for shifted lanes, roadway detours and reduced speed zones in places.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is gearing up for the upcoming holiday weekend by dedicating troopers statewide to patrol the interstate and state routes enforcing all traffic laws with special attention being paid to speed, aggressive driving, DUI's, and seatbelt/child restraints violations.

Statewide in 2008 Washington State Troopers arrested 249 drivers for DUI, issued 3,688 speeding infractions, and 797 safety restraint infractions (744 seat belt and 53 child restraint) over the Memorial Day Weekend.

WSP is asking motorists to have a game plan in place to make your travels safe and enjoyable. Have extra supplies in your vehicle to include a flashlight with extra batteries, water and food, blankets, a first aid kit, and an emergency communication device. Also make sure your vehicle is up on its maintenance. Check your tires air pressure (including your spare tire), and look for deformities. Make sure you have a working jack and the necessary tools to change a flat tire.