ELMA, Wash – With tunnel construction on the rise across the nation, contractors and emergency responders are required to train their personnel in case of a tunnel based emergency.   Satsop Business Park responded last year with a decision to create a tunnel training facility utilizing existing infrastructure that allows trainers to create realistic tunnel emergencies in a safe, controlled environment.  That decision is attracting international attention in Tunnels & Tunnelling International magazine’s June/July edition. 

 Tunnels & Tunnelling International publishes a monthly magazine and digital version that reaches the tunneling community in more than 100 countries.  Local longtime journalist, Gail Ayres, tells the success story of Satsop Business Park’s tunnel training facility in the latest edition.   

Hoquiam, WA - The Hoquiam police department has received two more reports of cougar sightings. Chief Jeff Myers tells us around 3 Thursday morning a cougar was seen under the porch of a house in the 300 block of Garfield street, apparently chasing a raccoon. Both were gone when officers arrived, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife was notified, Myers said about a week ago a small cougar was also reported in the 200 block of Endresen road. 

DIAL 911 To Report Poaching in Progress  and Emergency Dangerous  Wildlife Complaints

NON-EMERGENCY  Poaching/Violations or  Dangerous Wildlife Complaints  1-877-933-9847 Online Reporting Email Reporting TEXT Your Poaching/Violation Tip Enter WDFWTIP (a space) and the Report  Send to: 847411 (TIP411)  Reports are completely anonymous

Earlier this month, the Hoquiam Police Department received a report from a citizen of a sighting of two cougars in the 400-block of Chenault Avenue early Monday morning, June 3, 2013 at 0535 hours. To date this year the department has responded to 9 Cougar sightings in Grays Harbor. 

Information provided shows the department killed a predatory cougar on Geissler Rd in Montesano June 4th. Another injured cougar was killed June 4th behind a home on Copalis Beach road.

Markham, WA - The Westport Winery earned top awards recently, at the 2013 Ultimate Wine Challenge held on June 3-7 in New York City. Owner Kim Roberts details their entries.

Swimmer’s Petit Sirah, crafted with grapes from Jones of Washington Vineyards, in the Wahluke Slope AVA was a competition finalist earning 91 points with an “excellent rating, highly recommended.” The judge’s tasting notes stated, “Alluring nose filled with blackberry, white pepper, cedar and intriguing biscuit like aromas. In the mouth it is sumptuously smooth with velvety tannins and a delectable blackberry jam profile. The finish is smooth and lingers on the palate.” A portion of the proceeds from this wine benefits Grays Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center.

Surfer’s Last Syrah with grapes Discovery Vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills earned 87 points with “very good, strong recommendation.” The tasting notes said, “Aromas of mocha and plums are delicate on the nose. Crushed roses, cocoa beans and blackberry jam are all strong in the mouth. A gritty texture adds body and depth to this easy drinking wine with a pleasant and smooth finish.” A portion of the proceeds from this wine benefits the South Beach EMS.

Shorebird Chardonnay with grapes harvested at Airfield Vineyards scored 86 points with a “very good, strong recommendation”. Of this wine it was said, “Aromas of white pepper, pear and melon are at the core of this pungent wine. Soft in the mouth with piquant citrus and a rich minerality that lingers long after each sip. A subtle chalkiness leaves the mouth refreshed.” This wine benefits Grays Harbor Audubon.

Castles! Mermaids! Pelicans! Bears!  The fun starts Friday, June 21st and runs through Sunday, June 23rd.  Admission is free.

Come to the beach to watch Master, Intermediate, and Novice Sand Sculpting Teams compete for over $7,000 in cash prizes. JOIN IN!!! Sign up for Free Lessons, then register a team of your family or friends in the Friends and Family Division and vie for Gift Baskets for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. Register Friday, June 21st from 10:00 - 5:00 at the ACT Booth located in the Ocean Shores Convention Center or Saturday Morning Before 9:00 AM at the Beach. Free Sand Sculpting Lessons conducted by Bert Adams, Sand Sculpting 101 College Instructor, will be held Friday on the Beach from 4:30 until 6:00 and Sunday at the Convention Center "Sand Pit" at 12:00. Team Sand Competition takes place on Saturday, June 22, beginning with check-in and plot assignment from 7:00 to 9:00AM. The Contest begins at 9:00 AM and Culminates with the Final Judging at 3:30PM. The Awards Ceremony will be Saturday, June 22nd, At the Stage in the Convention Center at 5:30 PM.

Watch the Ongoing Singles Sand Sculpting Competition at the Convention Center starting at 10:00 AM Friday, June 21st, and continuing until Sunday at 12:00 noon. The Public votes continuously for the winning Sculptor. Check out our newest Contest, "The Children's Quick Sand Castle Competition" Sunday, June 23 at 1:00 PM at the Convention Center Sand Pit immediately following the Sunday Free Lessons. Registration for the Children's Contest is on site, Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants'.

Olympia, WA - While the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) will not be accepting license applications until mid-September, the department has notified interested parties what they should be doing to prepare. Under the current draft rules, the WSLCB will open a 30-day application window for all license types in Septemeber. The Top 10 list warns that potential applicants must also be in compliance with other state and local laws and regulations, and includes tips like consulting an attorney, knowing your own criminal history, and communicating with your local government.