Detective testifies that Parnel admitted hitting baby with tire iron

Patrick Parnel sat stoically as a detective testified that Parnel admitted hitting his hours old baby daughter in the head with a tire iron and leaving her in the brush of a vacant lot.

The testimony of Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate came Thursday on the third day of Parnel’s first degree murder trial. Parnel, 23, faces life in prison if convicted. He allegedly helped his girlfriend, Brittany Taylor, give birth to their child in an Ocean Shores motel room, took the baby from the motel and hid it near the airport. Taylor has testified that she and Parnel thought the baby was dead when he left the motel.

Shumate told the courtroom that he interviewed Parnel at the Grays Harbor County Jail on April 8, 2013, five days after the infant’s body was found. Shumate testified that he told Parnel that he had seen the autopsy results and knew the baby’s head injury was too severe to be caused by being cut with scissors, as Parnel had told police. Shumate says Parnel continued to deny any wrongdoing.

Parnel was later transferred to the Sheriff’s office’s annex for more questioning. Shumate it was then that, Thomas Taylor, a forensic interviewer with the Children’s Advocacy Center in Montesano, left the room he was in with Parnel and told Shumate that Parnel “had something to tell us.”

According to Shumate, Parnel then told investigators that when he arrived near Fisher Avenue to hide the baby, he slipped when getting out of his vehicle and fell on the infant, who then started to cry. Parnel then took the baby to the woods to dispose of it. Parnel told Shumate that when walking back to his car, he couldn’t “bear to leave her like that,” and got a tire iron from his car and struck the baby in the head with the tool once.

Both Shumate and Taylor testified that they were surprised by the lack of emotion Parnel showed when talking about what happened. The two stated that Parnel kept referring to the baby as “it” during interviews and seemed to not have any reaction when shown pictures of the wounds to the infant’s head.

Marian Clark, a forensic scientist with the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, examined the tire iron that prosecutors allege Parnel used to kill the infant. When questioned by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Katie Svoboda, Clark said the tool was tested for indications of blood, but none was found. Additionally, Clark tested the washrag that was hanging from a tree near the baby’s body when she was found and said the blood on the towel matched the DNA of the infant.

Steven Rostad is a neuropathologist who examined the brain of the infant and testified that hemorrhaging in the brain was consistent with trauma to the head, saying that “very significant force” needed to be used to cause the kind of injuries the child sustained. Rostad added that the baby was alive at the time of the trauma it sustained.

“For blood to get anywhere, you need a pump. For you to get blood of this extent, the heart has to be beating,” he said.

Further, Rostad explained that it is highly unlikely that the injuries the baby sustained would occur during the process of child birth or when the baby was being carried by Brittany Taylor, Parnel’s girlfriend.

“I have no knowledge of such severe hemorrhage or swelling inside of the womb. It would take enormous pressure to cause that injury.”

Taylor is serving a four and half year sentence for her part in the baby’s death.

Testimony ended before noon as Parnel’s defense attorney asked Judge Stephen E. Brown if the court could be recessed until Friday morning.

Robert Quillian explained that he wanted to discuss with his client the “various decisions he has to make” regarding the trial’s proceedings. Specifically, Quillian expressed to Brown that he didn’t want to rush things, given the severity of the case.

Brown allowed Quillian’s request and decided that proceedings will continue on Friday morning. The jury is expected to begin deliberations sometime Friday.

Citizens say no oil by rail during Olympia public hearing

More than 600 people gathered in Olympia on Thursday night to show state regulators they’re against rail shipments of crude oil and coal throughout the state.

A hearing at the Red Lion Hotel was preceded by a rally outside where concerned citizens gathered to first speak their piece and encourage each other before staring down the Department of Ecology representatives.

The hearing is part of a directive to the Department of Ecology put forth by Gov. Jay Inslee in June, following what he saw as slow progress from a Legislature directed and funded study on marine and rail oil transportation.

Preliminary findings and recommendations were released on Oct. 1 and two public hearings were held — last night’s and the first one on Tuesday in Spokane.

During the rally preceding the hearing, people gathered with large signs sporting slogans including “No oil trains no way,” “Big oil riding the rails at our expense,” and “Turn back the trains.”

Guest speakers included Olympia Mayor Stephen Buxbaum, Quinault Indian Nation representative Ed Johnstone and Washington State Dungeness Crab Fishermen’s Association representative Larry Thevik of Ocean Shores.

Buxbaum commended the governor for putting the directive into motion, but wants to ensure things don’t slow anytime soon.

“Let’s join our voices to urge state lawmakers to act swiftly on these recommendations and enact provisions that keep our communities safe,” he said.

He also questioned why communities had to pay for their own oil spill response equipment and training. “The cost to protect our communities and our transportation systems should fall on the oil industry,” he said. “It shouldn’t be a burden that’s placed on the taxpayer.”

Buxbaum also advocated for clean energy.

Johnstone spoke for the Quinault Nation. “We’re here to stand with all of the tribal nations and say we will not get on board with and we are opposed to oil by rail — not now, not ever,” he said.

Thevik pointed out that more than 30 percent of the Grays Harbor workforce is employed in marine resource related jobs. Potential oil spills from rail transport could mean pollution to the resource.

“Our members have witnessed first hand the difficult task of recovery of oil on water and shorelines,” he said. “While there are many plans for a response in the case of spills, the practical reality is recovery is daunting, desperate and it’s most often overwhelming.”

The jobs that could be created from the proposed terminals in Grays Harbor (three companies — Imperium, Westway, and U.S. Development — currently are undergoing environmental impact statements for terminals on the Harbor) are not enough to justify the dangers posed to the natural resource, Thevik said.

“Proponents of the unprecedented expansion of crude by rail and the transport of oil through our communities and waterways, knowingly or not, are systematically placing all the elements necessary for one of the worst man-made disasters we could suffer,” he said.

Everybody then moved inside for the hearing.

Those wishing to comment were asked to sign up. About 150 people signed up, from throughout Washington and northern Oregon.

Department of Ecology Program Manager Dale Jensen opened the meeting with a presentation recapping the preliminary report.

After about 20 minutes, the crowd started to call out at him.

“You’ve talked long enough,” one person shouted from the back of the room to the applause of the audience.

He rushed through the report’s recommendations, which include:

• Adequately fund the state’s spill prevention, preparedness and response program.

• The hiring of eight full-time employees for additional inspection.

• Allow inspectors to enter a private shipper’s property.

• Hire three full-time Ecology planners to develop and maintain response plans.

• Continue funding for assessing oil transportation risks.

• Enhance and provide oil spill response and first responder firefighter equipment.

• Require local authorities to submit hazardous materials plans and updates every four years.

• Allow designated first class cities to opt in to the railroad crossing inspection and enforcement program.

• Provide funding for railroad and road reviews of high-risk crossings.

• Issue certificates of financial responsibility to ensure that those transporting oil can pay for cleanup costs and damages resulting from oil spills.

Providing comments to the department during the hearing were State Rep. Sam Hunt and Port of Olympia Commissioner George Barner.

Barner and fellow commissioner, Sue Gunn, pushed through a resolution from their port commission urging the Port of Grays Harbor to reconsider the proposed oil terminals. It also urged the City of Hoquiam to deny permits for the terminals and requested action from state lawmakers regarding rail transportation.

The Washington Public Ports Association later censured Barner and Gunn for the resolution.

Most of the public comments called for a moratorium on crude by rail and oil terminals statewide.

Those who didn’t specifically ask for a moratorium criticized the recommendations for not going far enough.

Like Buxbaum, many want oil companies to prepare communities (supplying both equipment and training) for possible spills.

Safety was the biggest issue. Proximity of “blast zone” to populated areas and schools, proximity of rail to waterways, natural disasters and their effects on terminals and rail, and the chance of cars derailing while shipping crude oil.

Damage to infrastructure from heavy oil cars, and the age of current infrastructure also was concerning.

Many worry about the greater impact of oil in and of itself, citing their concerns about climate change.

Aberdeen City Councilman Alan Richrod told regulators: “We’ve had four derailments — strike that, we had three because the first one wasn’t technically a derailment,” he said. “The cars were sitting in the yard not hooked up to a train, and they fell over.”

The audience broke into laughter.

The hearing lasted about five hours, but many people left well before the last comments were heard.

Many who had signed up also left, and by the end of the meeting, a lot of time was consumed with name cards being read aloud.

When each name card was either read or discarded because the person no longer was present, the Department of Ecology allowed those remaining in the audience to give comments if they hadn’t signed up.

The public hearing was just one of several steps in the process.

A final report will be submitted to the Legislature on March 1, 2015.

Between then and now, the Department of Ecology will continue to hold workshops, intergovernmental meetings and public meetings.

Comments for the public hearing still can be made at http://ift.tt/1tIyirh. Comments close on Dec. 1.

Hogan’s Corner property up for auction

Property bargain hunters with cash for a quick sale might want to check out the new low price being set for two pieces of land just south of Hogan’s Corner along State Route 109.

Tim Reinertsen, senior vice president of Realty Marketing/Northwest, said one of the properties to be sold at auction is zoned commercial, while the other is zoned general development (G5) by Grays Harbor County.

The company represents a federal court receiver, Peter McKittrick, who has ordered the properties be sold at auction. The properties were connected with Michael Rich, who was involved in a securities fraud scheme nearly 10 years ago that included what was to be a $12.5 million, 540-acre development at Hogan’s Corner.

“The case is being closed at the end of 2014 and the receiver has instructed us to find buyers for the property,” Reinertsen said.

According to the bid packages, one property is comprised of 140 acres along the highway with more than 4,000 feet of highway frontage is zoned general development. It borders the now unused airstrip, with a previous asking price of $495,000. The minimum bid now is $225,000, or about $1,600 an acre, Reinertsen said.

“The tract was logged-over 10 years ago, and has not been replanted. The Grays Harbor zoning designation allows for minimum lot sizes of five acres, or for the potential for development of up to 28 residential parcels, an RV Park, or additional commercial uses. Power is available to the property. Water is available within 1/4-mile. Private, on-site septic systems will be required,” the bid package said.

The other property is a 15-acre site is commercially zoned (General Commercial, C2) and has frontage along the highway. The last asking price was $299,000. There’s no minimum bid listed for the property.

“A portion of the property was previously used as a gravel pit. The Quinault Beach Resort & Casino is less than one mile from the property. Power and water are available to the property. A private septic system will be required,” the bid package states.

Both properties will be sold at oral auction on Nov. 15. For more information, call the Auction Information Office at 1-800-845-3524, online at http://www.rmnw-auctions.com.

The company is offering the properties in affiliation with Jim Donahoe of Ocean Shores Windermere Real Estate.

Donahoe noted the two pieces of property were once part of an ill-fated planned Olympic Resort, which was to build a golf course/commercial and residential development there. Also still for sale are other tracts, including 200 acres with the airstrip owned by Pat Hogan, and another 18 acres to the west.

The price of the two properties offered by Realty Marketing/Northwest are quite a bargain compared what they were originally worth, according to Donahoe.

“Any time you get to an auction like this, it’s a really good deal,” he said. “I can see an RV park or Westport Winery-type of business.”

With the county getting closer to approving a sewer system for the area, Donahoe speculated the future of development at Hogan’s Corner might be ready to take off again.

“I’m convinced that will make a huge difference for Oyehut, Ocean City and Copalis,” he said of the potential for the property with a sewage system.

Parnel’s girlfriend testifies at murder trial

The girlfriend of Patrick Parnel testified Wednesday that she and Parnel, who is accused of murdering their newborn daughter, thought the baby was dead when he left their Ocean Shores motel room with the child shortly after it was born.

Parnel’s trial for first-degree murder started Tuesday in Grays Harbor Superior Court.

Brittany Taylor told the court that she and Parnel went to the motel for the child’s birth because they didn’t want anyone to know she was pregnant. She said Parnel cut the umbilical cord after the baby was delivered and then put it in a garbage can in the motel room. Taylor said she didn’t see the baby moving or breathing and asked Parnel if he thought the baby was alive and he said he didn’t.

Taylor said that before Parnel left the motel with the baby she asked him if he would “take care of the situation.”

“I do not believe the baby was alive and I wouldn’t’ have let him take her if she was,” she said.

The prosecution alleges the baby was still alive when Parnel, 23, hit the child with a tire iron and hid her in some brush. A woman walking her dog found the baby’s body a couple of days later. Parnel faces life in prison if convicted.

Taylor was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree abandonment of a dependent person in 2013.

Sigmund Menchel, a forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on the body, testified Wednesday that he found a two inch thick scalp laceration on the back of the baby’s head that exposed the skull. He also said that based upon the autopsy, it appears that the baby was born alive.

“To me it indicates the head of the newborn came into contact with a hard object; it could be a metal bar, it could be a hard edge of something, it was a very linear clean laceration,” he said.

Menchel said two blunt force trauma wounds to the infant’s head caused the baby’s death.

Grays Harbor Sheriff Detective Darrin Wallace testified that he searched the car that Parnel drove the night Taylor gave birth and found a four-way lug wrench in the backseat of the vehicle, the tool the prosecution believes was used to commit the alleged murder.

A jury of 14, 12 with two alternates, was selected on Tuesday and testimony began on Wednesday morning. Defense attorney Robert Quillian is defending Parnel and Chief Criminal Deputy Katie Svoboda and interim Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney Gerald Fuller are prosecuting the case.

On Wednesday, Ocean Shores resident Diane Smith told the jury that she had been walking her dogs around 6 p.m. two days after the alleged murder when she noticed a washrag with blood on it hanging from a tree near an area of brush on Fisher Avenue in Ocean Shores. Smith didn’t walk into the brush but saw what she thought to be the head and arm of a baby.

Smith said she then told Brian Ritter, an Ocean Shores firefighter who lived nearby, what she saw. Ritter followed Smith to the scene and checked the pulse of the baby and determined that she was dead. “I knew the second I touched that arm,” he said.

Ritter said he called police. Officers from the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s office, Hoquiam Police Department and Ocean Shores Police Department arrived at the scene that night to investigate.

Taylor said she and Parnel were planning on putting the child up for adoption and made an appointment with Planned Parenthood, but failed to show up.

“It was a hard situation,” she said. “We didn’t feel like we were financially stable enough to have a child, we figured we’d just drop it off at a hospital.”

According to Taylor, she was living with Parnel at her grandfather’s house when she felt like she was going to go into labor. She then told Parnel and the couple made a mutual decision to go to a motel, as both did not want anyone to know about Taylor being pregnant. Taylor said they arrived at the motel around three in the afternoon on April 3 and that she went into labor about 1 a.m. on April 4.

When asked by the prosecution why the two didn’t take the baby to a hospital, Taylor said she didn’t know how long she had before the baby would be delivered. She said they originally planned to go to an Olympia hospital, due to the fact that Parnel had relatives who worked at Grays Harbor Community Hospital. “I didn’t want to end up giving labor on the side of the road in a car somewhere,” she said.

Grays Harbor Sgt. Robert Wilson told the court that he interviewed Parnel the weekend after the child’s body was found. Following pleas for help to identify the child’s parents, Misty Landon, who had been Taylor’s supervisor at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, called the 911 center and said that Taylor had called in sick to work because of the pregnancy.

Wilson said he had gone to Taylor’s grandfather’s house in Humptulips with Undersheriff Dave Pimentel and Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate and spoke with Parnel. When told what police were there to discuss, Wilson said Parnel told him, “We didn’t know what to do.”

When being interviewed by Wilson, Parnel said he disposed of a bed sheet from the motel that was stained from the birth. Initially, Parnel told Wilson he had discarded the sheet by throwing it in a burn pile near Copalis Crossing. He later admitted that he hadn’t been truthful with Wilson and directed him near milepost 10.5 on Kirkpatrick Road where the officer found the sheet. Wilson then placed Parnel under arrest.

In an interview at the Sheriff’s Office, Parnel told Wilson he had cut the baby’s umbilical cord with a scissors and inadvertently caused a laceration on the baby’s head while doing so. Parnel also stated that during the delivery, the infant went into the toilet Taylor was sitting on. After taking the baby out of the toilet, Parnel told Wilson he tried to slap the baby on the back to revive her and also put his finger in the baby’s mouth to remove mucus. Parnel told Wilson he drove the baby out near the airport to dispose of the child. “I think she (Taylor) just knew I as going to take the baby somewhere to hide it, but I did not tell her where,” he told Wilson. Wilson stated that Parnel told him he was not ready for a baby and also worried the child might suffer physical deformities or mental problems due to Taylor’s alcohol and marijuana consumption during the pregnancy, adding that he had talked to Taylor about the possibility of an abortion.

The trial will resume on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. and is expected to continue through Friday.

Spencer leading the pack in fundraising effort

Attorney Mike Spencer has raised nearly three times as much money as Acting Chief Criminal Deputy Katie Svoboda in his bid to take back the Prosecutor’s Office.

For Spencer, a rush of direct mailings and newspaper and radio ads is about overcoming a 10-point deficit to Svoboda in the primary election.

By raising more than $32,000 and financing his campaign mainly by himself, he’s turned the Prosecutor’s Office election into one of the most expensive county races ever, eclipsing this year’s county commission contest and county races dating back several years, according to filings with the state Public Disclosure Commission. As a single candidate, he may very well have raised more money than any other single candidate in recent county history.

“I really didn’t realize that this could be one of the most expensive county races when I went into this,” Spencer said.

County Commission candidate Vickie Raines is no slouch herself, raising more than $25,000.

As a comparison, both Terry Willis and Wes Cormier, together, raised about $25,000 when they ran against each other in 2012.

And Raines has raised more than when Al Carter unsuccessfully fought to retain his seat when he was challenged by Herb Welch. Carter raised $20,000 at that point — and had to fend off $14,000 in marketing spending by Welch and $7,700 from an independent expenditure group that purchased ads to convince people to vote against Carter.

You’d have to go back to 2008 to when Willis and then-county commissioner candidate Ken Estes faced off to get the kind of dollars raised that the county is looking at today, when Willis raised about $28,000 and Estes, now Montesano’s mayor, raised $25,000. Prior campaigns, dating back to 2000, typically saw candidates raising between $10,000 to $20,000, according to PDC filings.

Fast forward to today, and both Spencer and Raines have an overwhelming advertising presence — and challengers that aren’t keeping pace dollar-for-dollar.

COUNTY RACES

Spencer has raised at least $32,082, although the actual numbers will likely be higher once up-to-date filings come in. He wasn’t sure how much more money would be added when the filings are updated. The “in-kind” reports show that Spencer has self-funded $19,177 in direct mailings, newspaper ads and T-shirts. He’s also loaned his campaign $3,684 and donated another $2,000 himself. Beyond what he’s labeled as in-kind expenditures, he’s reported spending about $6,000 from donations to fund more print advertising and yard signs. But the expenditure reports do not yet list current radio ads, extra print advertisements that have appeared or extra direct mailings. Spencer has sent at least three mailings out.

Besides himself, his biggest donor is his own law firm at $950, with his partners contributing an extra $1,450 combined. Other large donors are Five Star Dealerships at $500 and Attorney Wayne “Tiger” Hagen at $500.

“I haven’t personally solicited any money at all,” Spencer said. “If I don’t win, I’m going to feel bad, but I’ll feel bad for the county because I am putting my money where my mouth is in order to do what I need to do to turn around that office. This is something I really want — and I’m proving it with my own money. Maybe I’m not going to have the kitchen I was going to remodel, but I’ve been defending my record or experience. I’ve been defending all these untrue rumors.

“Some have generously donated voluntarily to my campaign, but, other than a select few, I have not solicited funds other than having contribution information on my campaign website,” Spencer added. “No telephone calls or mailings. This decision was made to avoid possible criticisms that future decisions as Prosecuting Attorney could be influenced by campaign contributions. I have borne the substantial costs of this campaign largely on my own. … The false allegations of my opponent’s supporters have required me to spend an inordinate amount of money in refuting those false claims, which otherwise would have been unnecessary. It would be interesting to note if prior campaign’s expenditures have been adjusted for inflation.”

Svoboda has raised $10,880 with $1,168 of personal funds and taking a $2,000 loan. She says she probably has another $1,000 that will show up when the filings are updated. She has 75 donors on her list compared to 29 for Spencer. Her top donor is the Grays Harbor Democrats, which has given her $1,425. Joan Newman gave her campaign $500, as did attorney Vini Samuel. She also lists other donations from attorneys and law enforcement.

“I’m too fiscally responsible to spend that much money on an election,” Svoboda said. “I guess that’s the difference between being in the private sector and being in the public sector. I’m used to having to deal with public dollars, so I’m more tight with my money — and we’ve run a really effective campaign so far.” Both Spencer and Svoboda are running as Democrats.

Raines, who isn’t running with a party preference, has raised $25,858 — bringing in an extra $6,000 since she finished first in the four-way primary election, where expenditure reports show she spent most of her money. During the primary she raised more money than all three of her challengers combined.

“I had to spend the money in the primary because I just wasn’t sure how it would turn out,” Raines said. “I was less known in the Hoquiam area than I am county wide.”

She faces Republican Keith Olson, who has raised $9,777 — about $4,000 more than during the primary.

Olson’s top donor is his dad, John Olson, who gave $1,140; followed by Darrel Bell, described as being retired from Aberdeen, who has given $1,000. His filings show he’s raised $2,290 from four “low-cost fundraisers.” He’s also personally given his campaign $762.

The county assessor race is seeing

Incumbent county Assessor Rick Hole has spent roughly twice what challenger Dan Lindgren has. Hole, running as a member of Neither Party, has raised $12,583, and he spent a good chunk of it in the primary to survive the three-way contest. Lindgren has raised $6,174, but didn’t spend much of it in the primary.

Hole has self-financed most of his campaign, utilizing $8,753 in personal funds. His top donors are his parents, Rick and Patricia Hole, who gave a combined $1,500.

Lindgren, a Democrat, has given his campaign $692. His top donors include $675 from the Grays Harbor Democrats and $325 from Mike Burgess, the owner of Dairy Queen. He also had a “low-cost fundraiser,” which raised $871.

STATE RACES

Across the legislative districts, incumbents have dominated the fundraising effort.

State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, doesn’t have a challenger, but still raised $80,265. He’s spent $54,864.

State Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, raised $78,642 — and spent not even half of that at $31,992. His challenger Thomas Greisamer has raised and spent about $9,000.

State Rep. Dean Takko, D-Longview, raised $105,837 and spent $58,837. His challenger David Steenson has raised and spent about $2,500.

State Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, raised $108,313 and spent $47,393. His challenger Hugh Fleet has raised $1,729.

Ocean Shores council unanimous in opposition to crude oil shipments

Ocean Shores has joined several Grays Harbor cities in taking a stand against plans to ship crude oil by rail and sea through the Port of Grays Harbor.

The unanimous 7-0 vote by the Ocean Shores City Council on Monday night approved a resolution that expressed the city’s opposition to the proposed oil shipment plans and urges Gov. Jay Inslee and the state to protect the Harbor and marine resources that could be damaged in the event of an accident or spill.

“The City of Ocean Shores joins its partner and neighbor to the north, the Quinault Indian Nation, as well as most of the cities and towns of Grays Harbor County, in opposing the import and transportation of crude oil and its potential threat of oil spills arising again to our fisheries, our seabirds and other coastal wildlife and their food sources, our livelihood, and our coastal way of life,” the resolution states.

Last week, the Elma City Council by a 4-1 vote approved a resolution requesting that the commissioners of the Port of Grays Harbor “reconsider their proposal to allow the construction of three marine terminals for the transfer of Bakken, tar sands and other crude oil,” which would travel on the rail tracks running through the middle of Elma.

The Elma council became the fourth city on the Harbor to make the request, with approval already coming from the councils in Westport, Aberdeen and Montesano.

The action on the Ocean Shores resolution had been scheduled along with a presentation to the council by the Port of Grays Harbor on the general operations and economics of the Port, which had to be rescheduled after equipment failures of the PowerPoint presentation at the previous council meeting. But the Port presentation was taken off the agenda by another scheduling conflict on Monday.

Councilwoman Jackie Farra has led efforts to bring the oil/port resolution forward, with support by Mayor Crystal Dingler.

“The citizens of the county elect the port commissioners and expect them to seek economic development through means that do not damage existing economic drivers like the marine fisheries, coastal environments and tourism,” the resolution states.

It says the council and the mayor “vigorously oppose efforts by the Port of Grays Harbor to allow the expansion of facilities on its properties for the storage and loading of crude oil onto barges and ships which would travel out through Grays Harbor north along coastal Washington and south along the coast of Oregon to distant refineries, endangering our environment and livelihoods.

All seven council members spoke in support of the resolution, and all audience comments from a crowd of about 50 people favored the action.

“I believe a lot of folks in our area believe this is not a good thing for Ocean Shores. We have been through an oil spill from an oil barge once before and we know what it is like,” Dingler said, referring to the 1989 bunker oil spill of 231,000 gallons from the barge Nestucca. “It’s not going to help our economy… . If we had oily beaches, I’m afraid our tourism economy would go south really quickly.”

Ocean Shores crab fisherman Larry Thevik, vice president of the Washington Dungeness Crab Association, thanked the council for the action. “My heart soars like a hawk,” said Thevik, an outspoken opponent of the crude oil shipping plans.

Thevik noted that tribal and non-tribal Dungeness crab catches average $44 million a year, with an annual economic benefit estimated to be between $80 million and $150 million a year.

“The crab fishery is just one of many marine resource-related jobs,” Thevik said.

Councilwoman Ginny Hill said she was “on the fence” about the resolution until recently when she learned the proposals to ship the oil through the Harbor won’t significantly create any new jobs.

Councilman Randy Scott noted he volunteered to clean oiled seabirds during the Nestucca spill, and he suggested the establishment of a water quality authority to ensure protection of the Harbor and its estuary.

“I believe the transportation, storage and shipping of crude oil has the potential to impact our water quality, the habitat of the greater estuary, our salmon and its habitat, groundfish and their habitat, candlefish, oysters, razor clams and crab — all that are important to the economy of our greater area,” Scott said.

Councilman Dan Overton suggested the Port was “lazy” in continuing to promote the crude oil shipping business.

“This does not show any creativity, and I would put it to them to try to come up with something a lot more creative. If they are looking for more industry or income, be creative,” Overton said.

Farra thanked the “whole council for really studying this issue. I’m very proud to be here tonight because of the decision you all have made.”

Joe Schumacker, marine resources scientist for the Quinault Indian Nation, noted that Quinault President Fawn Sharp and the tribal council urged him to attend the council meeting and express support for the resolution.

“We thank you for joining with the other communities around the Harbor that have taken this same step,” Schumacker said.

County Commissioner Frank Gordon was in the audience and said he wished he could convince his other two fellow commissioners, Herb Welch and Wes Cormier, to take a similar position.

“Kudos for you guys for having some guts,” Gordon told the council.

Ocean Shores resident Marlene Penry said the resolution needs to be followed through with more direct action.

“I would really like to see that our voice is not just heard tonight, but our voice keeps getting heard over and over and over again,” she said.

Oil shipping opponent Arthur Grunbaum, Friends of Grays Harbor president, noted the city could make its resolution public at a meeting Oct. 30 in Olympia to assess the health and safety risks of oil transport in the state. The meeting is from 5-10 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW in Olympia.

The public also can comment until Nov. 3 on the scope of the environmental impact statement that is being prepared for one of the proposed projects — the Grays Harbor Rail Terminal Project, which would be the new proposed bulk liquids rail logistics facility at the Port of Grays Harbor terminal 3. The state Department of Ecology and the city of Hoquiam are co-lead agencies for the environmental review, being conducted under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

“Citizens are what make government happen and government change, and decisions change,” Grunbaum said.

Also, there is a public discussion on the health impacts of oil shipments in Grays Harbor on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Hoquiam High School Little Theater, Grunbaum said. Physicians for Social Responsibility, Grays Harbor Audubon Society, Citizens for a Clean Harbor and Friends of Grays Harbor will be making presentations.

Veterans and congressman help local organzation get new ride

A local organization has a new tool in helping victims of sexual abuse, thanks to the assistance of a congressman and the generosity of a neighboring veterans organization.

On Tuesday Beyond Survival received a donated 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix from the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 5 in Bremerton.

Congressman Derek Kilmer’s office helped arrange the donation after a conversation he had with Beyond Survival staff in January.

Staff had told Kilmer they could better serve survivors of sexual assault if they had a vehicle.

Kilmer already had a connection with the DAV and his office put the donation in motion.

“We just connected them,” Kilmer said on Tuesday.

The DAV typically gives vehicles to disabled veterans, but donating the Grand Prix to Beyond Survival fit well into their general mission, as some victims of sexual abuse conceivably could be veterans, said Joel Courreges, Chapter 5 president and past state commander of Disabled American Veterans.

“We were waiting for the right vehicle and the right time,” Courreges said. “This was a good opportunity, and we found a car that runs well, looks good and doesn’t need a whole lot of attention.”

Beyond Survival board member Aminta Hill said Courreges was understating the effort and importance behind the donation.

“The Bremerton DAV held fundraisers to get the car,” Hill said. “That’s a very big deal for us — it’s very humbling and we’re very appreciative.”

The congressman, too, was impressed by the donation. “What’s amazing about the DAV is they’re all men and women who’ve served our country, and they continue to serve our country today,” he said.

Founded in 1993 as a sexual abuse crisis line, Beyond Survival is a Grays Harbor organization offering support, education and empowerment for all people impacted by sexual abuse. In 1995, Beyond Survival expanded into personal one-on-one assistance.

Now, with a vehicle, the organization will be able to provide transportation or make house calls to those in crisis.

The office is located at 313 South I Street in Aberdeen, with hours from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the office at 533-9751.

A 24-hour crisis line can be reached by calling 888-626-2640.

Halloween house lights up the neighborhood

The route along Fairway Drive in Central Park is more serene than spooky, especially before sunset.

But as the road winds and the sun ducks behind the tree line, who knows what lurks in the darkness beyond the screen of trees lining backyards? What waits ahead near the road’s end, promises the potential of a hearty Halloween fright.

Coming around a bend in the road, the orange lights flash on the edge where the pavement reaches grass, hovering above the patch of green separating the street from the trees.

Nearing the lights, it’s clear that it’s a typical traffic sign, the type that stands on an orange trailer and usually is placed a mile or so ahead of construction sites warning of impending road work or delays.

The traffic sign along Fairway flashes: “The Bemis Crypt” and “Happy Halloween,” alternating the two phrases.

Across the pavement and into the nearest lawn, ghosts and witches (some 15-feet tall, others stout), tombstones, black cats and pumpkins are scattered along the property.

From the windows of the house, a mummy stares out, hands flat against the glass.

The Grim Reaper rides a pumpkin carriage on the corner of the lot and at the front door another interpretation of the Grim Reaper looms over the porch.

A congregation of ghosts dance through fog in the grass beneath a window, and the walkway to the porch steps is accented with a bird bath fountain spewing a red, blood-like substance, eyeballs and miniature skulls bobbing as they float in the rippling liquid.

A knock on the door summons the homeowners, Dennis and Michelle Bemis, who step into the door frame, a ghostly sight themselves, hauntingly pale and dressed to the nines — a tuxedo on Dennis, a gown and veil on Michelle.

They quote the construction sign, “Happy Halloween,” in unison as they step forward.

Not yet Halloween, but who can wait to adorn the uniform of a Victorian-era ghost? Not the Bemises.

Throughout the country, children will slow traffic to a crawl through neighborhoods and downtowns, dressed as ghosts, or cats, or grim reapers, or skeletons, or any of the Disney favorites — both time tested and flavor of the year — congregating and so full of sugar they may be bobbing to burn away excess energy and excitement.

They’ll rap residents’ front doors with their little hopeful knuckles.

Sometimes they’ll find adults with bowls of candy (the adults playing up their own amazement of the children’s costumes), sometimes they’ll find a bowl of candy on the porch, and sometimes the porch light will be off and nobody will come to the door.

At the Bemis house, they’ll find a PG-rated Halloween scene — the most frightening sight is the bloody bird bath, and possibly one or two of the hanging bodies, but the rest are blow-up figures, well-lit and light hearted.

Fitting for a Halloween created for children close to the Central Park couple.

“At first it was mostly for the grandchildren,” Dennis Bemis said. “Then the rest of the neighborhood took a liking to it.”

The grandchildren have grown, but the tradition of going all out for Halloween continues.

“Even though the grandkids are older, they would be disappointed if we didn’t do it,” Michelle Bemis said.

Dennis’ mother inspired his passion for decorating during the holidays — her big decorating holiday was Christmas.

“It’s mostly a family tradition — my mom did it and still does it,” he said.

And Dennis takes it to another level, celebrating both Halloween and Christmas with the most knickknacks he can get his hands on.

“It started as a menagerie of scary things,” Dennis said.

And the tradition to deck the halls for Halloween and Christmas grows each year.

“If there’s a talking wreath, Denny will buy it and put it up somewhere,” Michelle said. “We decorate every single year and it gets bigger and bigger.”

Additions to the Halloween menagerie this year include a “big green guy” and a 12-foot ghost.

Though they go all out, it doesn’t mean the house is completely sought out, but the couple has hopes each year that additional children will tread lightly along their walkway to solicit candy from the Victorian ghostly hands.

“We don’t have a lot of trick or treaters because we’re so far in, but we have people come every once in a while to look at what we’re doing now,” Michelle said.

Neighbors with children have moved in this year, increasing the odds of the doorbell ringing on Halloween night.

A busy night of trick-or-treaters emptying perpetual bags of candy, or two or three ghouls taking a few pieces and leaving enough leftovers to make the Bemis family dentist smile or cringe (depending) — the point is the excitement.

They’ve been decorating to the nines for Halloween in Central Park since 2004, and there’s no end in sight.

“We’ll keep decorating as long as we’re capable,” Dennis said. “We’ve never thought about not doing it.”

All are welcome.

“If they appreciate it and want to come take a look around, the more the merrier,” Dennis said.

To get to the Bemis house, follow US-12 East, heading toward Olympia, turn right onto Linkshire Drive, hang a left onto Fairway Drive, and take the first right to stay on Fairway.

The construction sign marks “The Bemis Crypt.”

Silent movies, pipe organs and haunts this weekend.

30 Thursday

Aberdeen

Buster Keaton stars in “Sherlock Jr.” a silent movie featuring Andy Crow at the Robert Morton pipe organ, playing at Fern Hill Funeral Home at 2208 Roosevelt St. Two shows begin at 6 &8:30 p.m. Free popcorn and free admission.

Teens-Become a Zombie. Be monstrous, then watch a scary movie and eat some pizza. Come to the Library, if you dare. Learn how to create disgusting wounds.Creatures must be present to vote on which movie to be terrified by. Sponsored by the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library. This is an after hours program. 6- 9 p.m.

Hoquiam

The Hoquiam Timberland Library will also present a “Teen Halloween Scream,” from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., October 30 for teens. Bring a white T-shirt to make a zombie-inspired creation, decorate a zombie cookie, enjoy pizza and a movie. The library closes before the program ends. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hoquiam Timberland Library.

Montesano

Montesano Timberland Library presents Road to Santiago. 7-8 p.m. The Camino de Santiago is the name of the pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle James in northwestern Spain where tradition has it the saint’s remains are buried. Lindy Schroeder from Brilliant Moon in McCleary will share the story of her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Montesano Timberland Library, 125 S. Main St.

Olympia

Rally &meeting with Governor Inslee starting at 5-8 p.m. Red Lion Inn, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW. Written comments regarding Rail and Marine Crude Oil Transportation are due by Nov. 3. Carpooling and more info see www.cleanharbor.org

Central Park

There will be a Huge Harvest Festival today at Grays Harbor Foursquare in Central Park. Carnival with games, jump houses a corn maze, a dunk tank and free food from 6 to 8 p.m. Everything is free.

Free food, including hot dogs, chips, cider, coffee, popcorn and cotton candy will be available for the first 500 people attending. 4800 Central Park Dr. For more information, call 538-0111 or contact the church through www.ghfoursquare.com.

31 Friday

Elma

Downtown Elma Trick or Treat. 3-6 p.m. Take your trick or treaters to participating businesses.

Montesano

Downtown Montesano Trick or Treat. 2-5 p.m.

Look for the orange and black signs on the doors or windows of participating businesses.

Hoquiam

The united Methodist Church will host a Halloween party with a free hot dogs and stew dinner from 5:30 - 6:30. Party will follow with games, pumpkin carving and prizes for best costume.

Aberdeen

Businesses at the SouthShore Mall in Aberdeen will hand out candy from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Halloween. The mall is located at 1017 S. Boone St.

Top Foods will be offering free Halloween crafts and trick or treating in all the departments. United Way of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties will benefit from all the donations offered in the photo booth as well as from sales of root beer floats and popcorn.

Pacific Beach

Haunted House at the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center. 360-589-5004.

Westport

The Grays Harbor Lighthouse will host a special “haunted lighthouse” event. Going from 4 p.m. to about 6 p.m., on Halloween, the event is for youths, where candy will be given out and tours will be offered of the lighthouse. Parking is available on Ocean Avenue. Flashlights are encouraged.

South Beach VFW will host an adult party Halloween evening 7 p.m. - close. Catch of the Day will provide music. Come in costume and food will be available for purchase. 211 E Pacific Ave. $7

November

1 Saturday

Elma

The Washington State University Extension presents First Saturday with Master Gardeners — Plant Propagation. 10 a.m. to noon. Grow plants from cuttings and layering. For more information contact Cindy at cindyaburton@comcast.net. Demonstration garden at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma McCleary Road.

Aberdeen

Bill Lindstrom will be available for a signing of his new book “John Tornow: Villain or Victim?” 2-4 p.m. Aberdeen Timberland Library, 121 E. Market St.

OCean Shores

Vaughn Johannes will play music at the Ocean Beach Roasters from 6:30 - 9 p.m. 841 Point Brown Ave.

Westport

Writing workshop presented by Rex Martin 1-3 p.m. Refreshements provided by friends of the Westport Timberland Library.

Westport Aquarium invites community members and visitors to its second annual Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibit at the aquarium this Saturday, Nov. 1, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Admission to the aquarium is free for this event. Art that honors our fisherman ancestors and the great fish we have caught and want to remember will be on display. Come enjoy light refreshments, free art activities and music by great local artists. New this year, the vertebrae of a 40-foot gray whale.

Hoquiam

A free public panel discussion hosted by Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, Grays Harbor Audobon Society &Friends of Grays Harbor, entitled “Oil Trains and Terminals in Grays Harbor: Health Risks &Environmental Impacts. 1 - 3 p.m. at Hoquiam High School “Little Theatre,” 501 W. Emerson Ave. Call 206-547-2630 to RSVP.

The 80th annual Fireman’s Ball and Silent Auction will be held 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Simpson Plaza in Hoquiam located at 220 5th St. A silent auction will take place during the event along with live music. performed by Ready or Not.

The event is open to the public and admission is $10 per person. Attendees must be 21 or over and bring identification in order to gain admission.The event is sponsored by Aberdeen Firefighters Local #2639 and Hoquiam Firefighters Local #315. 360-532-1254.

Rochester

Charlie Daniels Band at Lucky Eagle Casino. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with players club card. To purchase tickets visit www.luckyeagle.com or call the box office at 1-800-720-1788. Lucky Eagle Casino, 12888 188th Ave. SW.

3 Monday

Westport

Ocosta Booster Club at the high school library 6 p.m.

4 Tuesday

Aberdeen

Grays Harbor Corvette meeting upstairs in the Aberdeen Top Foods meeting area. Club meets first Tuesday of each month. 360-589-1716.5:30 p.m.

5 Wednesday

Ocean Shores

“Get to Know Raptors.” Dr. Dan Varland, Executive Director of Coastal Raptors, speaks about identification of birds of prey that frequent our beaches. The Coastal Interpretive Center Board has set new lectures for the 2014-15 Glimpses Series, which includes five lectures on the first Wednesday of the month. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the talks will take place at Ocean Beach Roasters, 841 Pt. Brown Ave.

6 Thursday

Westport

Bill Lindstrom, author, “John Tornow: Villian or Victim?” will be the guest speaker at Westport Library meeting 1 p.m.

Hoquiam

The Robert Gray Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will meet at the Hoquiam Timberland Library, 612 K St.

“Pre-needs for Christmas Stockings for Soldiers: by Colleen &Nathan Harrison. Bring a sack lunch at 11:30 p.m. Meeting starts at noon.

7 Friday

First Friday in Aberdeen. Head downtown for art, deals and you never know what might happen along the block on Broadway.

The Sons of Itally will have a Lasagna Luncheon and bake sale from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall , 306 E 3rd St.Adults $8, children $4.

8 Saturday

Hoquiam

“The Great Escape,” (1963) starringa Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough at the 7th St. Theatre in Hoquiam. Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. All tickets are $5 and available at the door. Advance tickets are available at Harbor Drug, City Drug and at http://www.brownpapertickets.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. (360) 537-7400.

Ocean Shores

• Toast the Harbor Food and Wine Festival, 2-9 p.m. at the Quinault Beach Resort &Casino, presented by the Aberdeen Lions Club: http://www.toasttheharbor.com. Tickets at the door are $20, presale are $15.

9 Sunday

Ken Albert and Christine Hill perform Christmas Favorites at Westport Winery from noon to 5 p.m., 1 South Arbor Road, off State Routhe 105. No cover charge. To make lunch reservations, call (360) 648-2224.

11 Tuesday

Washington State Parks will celebrate Veterans Day with a FREE DAY. A Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is required to visit recreation lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources.

15 Saturday

Elma

Grays Harbor Rockfest 3. Headlining: Bill Manspeaker - Green Jello “Three Little Pigs” - Bill Manspeaker will be preforming &providing a class on puppet making. Which also includes performances by Gebular, The People Now, TSAVO, Full Moon Radio, Fishing With Bigfoot, Within The Pride, Letzer Guiest, Motar, Anitize, The Bangalores, Reverent Circle; plus other individuals playing between band setups. From 10 to 1 p.m. Class on Rock Music; which is included in the price of the admission. Concert commences at 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs to the concert and plan on staying the whole day. This is a non-profit event put on by Chinook Spirits. For ticket purchases please go to http://www.BrownPaperTickets.com 10a.m. - 11:30 p.m. $15

22 Saturday

Hoquiam

Turkey Trot Registration at 8 a.m. , race begins at 9 a.m.

28 Friday

Winter Fanta- Sea Craft Show- Ocean Shores Handmade crafts &art from over 50 vendors. (360-289-9586

DEC.

6 Saturday

hoquiam

Ho Ho Hoquiam Run. Registraion starts at 8 a.m. at the 7th St. Theatre. Race begins at 9 a.m.

Jan

2 Friday

First Friday in Aberdeen

Feb

14-16

Ocean Shores

Seabreeze Walking Festival Biennial volkswalking festival featuring 6 walking trails and 1 bicycle route through Ocean Shores, along the beach, through State Parks, and up the North Beach. Routes vary in length from 5 Km (3.1 mi.)- 30 Km (18 mi.) Will begin at the Ocean HSores Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd.

Three schools recognized as “schools of distinction”

Three schools in the Twin Harbor area have been recognized as a Washington State 2014 School of Distinction — Raymond Junior/Senior High School, Willapa Valley High School and Wishkah School.

The award acknowledges outstanding improvement in reading and math sustained over a five-year period and is limited to schools in the top 5 percent of improvement for their grade band.

This is the eighth time the School of Distinction award has been made in Washington State. Statewide, 54 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 17 high schools, and 8 alternative schools received the award. Describing the schools that are designated as School of Distinction award winners, Greg Lobdell, President of the Center for Educational Effectiveness noted, “These schools are from all regions of the state, all sizes of towns, with a range from 2.7 percent to 100 percent poverty and enrollment of English Language Learners as high as 40percent. These schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools.”

Each regional Educational Service District throughout the state will be hosting an award ceremony to recognize the award winners within their districts.

Dates will be announced in subsequent, regional press releases. Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of the North Central ESD in Wenatchee and leading this work for the ESDs stated, “At a time when our schools and classrooms are experiencing the pressure of reform initiatives at the state and national level, it is great to celebrate the success and hard work of our highest improving schools across the state. This celebration provides important validation and highlights our need for the continued support of improvement efforts across Washington that are making a difference for all students. Our congratulations to the staff, students, leaders, and communities for their exceptional passion and dedication.”

Unbeaten Monte girls nip Aberdeen in shootout

Jennifer Johnson’s first goal of the season came at the right time for Montesano.

Johnson’s conversion on the final round of penalty kicks enabled the unbeaten Bulldogs to complete a 0-0 (3-1) shootout victory over Aberdeen in an Evergreen 2A/1A League championship girls soccer showdown Saturday at rainy, blustery Stewart Field.

The victory enabled Montesano — a team with only one senior on the varsity — to clinch the undisputed league title. The Bulldogs (13-0, 15-0) had long since secured the league’s top-seeded district 1A berth.

The loss will have no impact on Aberdeen’s postseason plans. The Bobcats (11-2, 12-3) were already assured of a date at Centralia on Thursday for a district 2A qualifying contest.

Six days before Halloween, Saturday’s game was played in conditions traditionally associated with a Gothic horror movie. Heavy rain fell throughout and was accompanied by a strong, gusty wind. Stewart Field’s synthetic turf kept the field playable, but standing water had begun to form by the time the varsity match ended.

Montesano’s Makenzi Howard, Samantha Stanfield and Johnson scored in the shootout to trump Aberdeen’s lone conversion, by Mackenzie Arnold.

The Bulldog MVP, however, may well have been freshman goalkeeper Haylee Perkinson, who turned away several Bobcat threats in the second half and overtime.

“Haylee is a tough kid,” Monte coach Mike Malpass said. “She’s motivated. She wants to be the best goalkeeper around and most of the time is totally reliable.”

Perkinson’s biggest save came in the shootout.

After Montesano’s Tiana Schurr shot wide on the first set of spot kicks, Perkinson dove to her right to swat away Ericka Manwell’s on-target attempt.

When Howard banked one off the top crossbar and into the net and Aberdeen’s Amanda Bradt shot high in the second round, there was a sense that the momentum had swung in Montesano’s direction.

Stanfield and Arnold each scored on the third round. A miss by Monte’s Taylor Birdsall gave the Bobcats an opportunity to tie it, but Brianna Ashlock’s shot sailed wide to the right.

That gave Johnson, a junior defender who takes most of her team’s goal kicks and long free kicks, an opportunity to provide the Bulldogs with an insurmountable lead. Bobcat goalkeeper Kayla Arnold guessed correctly by diving to her left, but Johnson’s low shot glanced off her hands and into the net.

The first half of regulation was evenly played, with Aberdeen enjoying an advantage in time of possession but Montesano having the edge in scoring chances.

The dynamics of the match drastically changed in the second half. With the wind at their backs, the Bobcats outshot the Bulldogs 10-3, although many of their attempts were easily handled by Perkinson.

“We took advantage (of the wind),” AHS coach Fidel Sanchez noted. “We had some nice crosses, we just couldn’t connect at the end.”

The Bobcats nearly won it in dramatic fashion in the final minute of regulation. Tayler Housden crossed a pass to a wide-open Manwell, but the latter’s shot from 10 yards out was high.

In the first minute of the second OT, Housden blocked a Bulldog clearing pass and poked the ball past Perkinson, who had come out of the net. By the time she reached the loose ball, however, Housden was at a nearly impossible angle and her attempt slammed into the side netting.

Monte’s best scoring chance came in the 35th minute. Birdsall broke free from the right wing, but Kayla Arnold came out of the net to cut down the angle forced a shot that missed wide.

“I’m just glad we played better than the first time we played them (a 2-0 Montesano win at Rottle Field)” Sanchez concluded. “We didn’t play our best game up there.”

Johnson was praised by Malpass for her all-around performance.

Sanchez cited midfielder Mackenzie Arnold and defenders Bradt and Sophie Hillebrant. The Bobcats chose to focus their defensive efforts on Birdsall and Schurr rather than high-scoring freshman forward Stanfield.

Both teams will conclude league play on the road tonight. The Bulldogs visit Rochester, while the Bobcats travel to Tenino.

Raymond High recognized as a “school of distinction”

Raymond Junior/Senior High School has been recognized as a Washington State 2014 School of Distinction. The award acknowledges outstanding improvement in reading and math sustained over a five-year period and is limited to schools in the top 5 percent of improvement for their grade band.

Statewide, there were 17 high schools recognized.

This is the eighth time the School of Distinction award has been made in Washington State. Statewide, 54 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 17 high schools, and 8 alternative schools received the award. Describing the schools that are designated as School of Distinction award winners, Greg Lobdell, President of the Center for Educational Effectiveness noted, “These schools are from all regions of the state, all sizes of towns, with a range from 2.7 percent to 100 percent poverty and enrollment of English Language Learners as high as 40percent. These schools demonstrate that significant improvement is occurring all across our diverse public schools.”

Each regional Educational Service District throughout the state will be hosting an award ceremony to recognize the award winners within their districts. Dates will be announced in subsequent, regional press releases. Dr. Rich McBride, Superintendent of the North Central ESD in Wenatchee and leading this work for the ESDs stated, “At a time when our schools and classrooms are experiencing the pressure of reform initiatives at the state and national level, it is great to celebrate the success and hard work of our highest improving schools across the state. This celebration provides important validation and highlights our need for the continued support of improvement efforts across Washington that are making a difference for all students. Our congratulations to the staff, students, leaders, and communities for their exceptional passion and dedication.”

Jury selected in first day of Parnel murder trial

The trial of Patrick Parnel, charged with first degree murder in the death of his newborn daughter in Ocean Shores in April of 2013, got under way Tuesday in Grays Harbor Superior Court.

It took all day to seat a jury. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Wednesday morning.

Parnel, 23, allegedly killed his newborn daughter after he helped his girlfriend give birth to the baby in an Ocean Shores motel room. An autopsy revealed the baby was alive at the time of birth and also found evidence of severe blunt force trauma to the infant’s head. Prosecutors allege that Parnel hit the baby with a tire iron before leaving the child in the bushes where a jogger in Ocean Shores found her the next morning.

Parnel’s girlfriend, Brittany Taylor, was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree abandonment of a dependent person in 2013.

The jury selection process lasted from early Tuesday morning until a selection of 14 jurors, 12 with two alternates, was made around 4:30 in the afternoon. Chief Criminal Deputy Katie Svoboda said the two extra jurors are backups in case any member of the jury cannot sit in on the case during the next three days. The trial is scheduled for four days, and is expected to continue through Friday. Svoboda and interim Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney Gerald Fuller are prosecuting the case. Attorney Robert Quillian is representing Parnel.

Irish Fest continues through the weekend

The 11th Annual Irish Music Festival is in full swing, with a full schedule of bands slated for Saturday and Sunday. For more information and a full schedule, visit http://ift.tt/1yyGcUr

Hoquiam installs 24-hour drug drop box

Now every day is “drug take-back day” at the Hoquiam Police Department.

Following four years of successful participation in the national biannual program, the department recently installed a 24-hour drug drop box in the department’s lobby — the first of its kind in the county.

“The goal (of the national program and the box) is to get unwanted prescription medicine off shelves and out of cabinets and safely dispose of them so they aren’t stolen, or get in the hands of children, or get flushed down the toilet and into our water supply,” Hoquiam Chief Jeff Myers said.

When the department participated in the national program, the take-back only was held for four hours twice per year.

On each occasion, the program gathered several large boxes of unwanted medications.

The first Hoquiam take back day was in September 2010.

In April this year, the department collected 312 pounds of unwanted drugs, filling eight large boxes, from 98 people. In September, the program gathered 165 pounds, filling six boxes, from 58 people.

Those boxes, provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, were sealed and sent to the DEA to be incinerated.

But there often were stragglers.

“Typically, a couple of days after the take-back, someone shows up asking when the next take-back day is,” Myers said.

Officers were put in a position where they had to either turn the citizen away or take on the “collateral duties” of logging the drugs into the evidence system.

More often than not, the department had to turn those people away until the next drug take-back day.

“It’s important to provide a take-back service, but we can’t absorb more services and programs in our daily routines,” Myers said.

During department leadership meetings, Hoquiam sergeants, the deputy chief and Myers discussed the idea of a 24-hour drop box.

While collaborating with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Hoquiam Detective Sgt. Shane Krohn asked about their drop box program only to find out Jefferson County had an extra drop box, which they offered to Hoquiam for free.

Krohn rearranged the back seat of his undercover car and undertook the arduous task of loading in the steel box (about the size of a mail drop box).

“They offered to hold it for him until he could come back with a different vehicle, but he loaded it anyway,” Myers said. “I think he just wanted to get the box before they had the chance to change their minds.”

Decals were put onto the box by Image Signs of Hoquiam.

Myers’ biggest concern was taking on an unfunded service to deal with unwanted prescriptions.

A donated box meant Hoquiam wouldn’t have to invest in equipment, and a 24-hour drop means the department won’t have to take on extra paperwork like they would if they accepted drugs from individuals on a walk-in basis.

Still, Hoquiam will have to periodically empty the drop box, seal it, and either send the drugs to the DEA or incinerate them along with other department incineration procedures.

“It’s so important to get unwanted medications disposed of safely, we’re willing to put in the extra effort to get it done,” Myers said. “This is the most efficient and cost-effective way, and it’s convenient, which means people are more likely to use it.”

The program is not only for Hoquiam residents — all Harborites, rural residents, those passing through, or anybody really, can use the box to safely discard unwanted medication.

“It doesn’t matter where the medication came from, it doesn’t matter whose it is — just come into the lobby, drop it in the box and walk out,” Myers said. “It’s a good service and we’re hoping people will take advantage of it.”

The box was installed over the weekend. “One of ourpolice services officers, Roy Kinney, working a graveyard shift, spent some time installing the box,” Myers said. “He even came back on his own time to finish it when he was missing a part. We have outstanding people here who go above and beyond.”

As of Wednesday, it already had been used.

2 dead, 4 wounded in high school shooting north of Seattle

SEATTLE — Two students are dead after one of them opened fire Friday morning in the Marysville-Pilchuck High School cafeteria before turning the gun on himself, according to law enforcement sources.

Police said four other people were wounded in the 10:45 a.m. shooting.

Austin Joyner, a student at the school, said on Twitter that he saw the shooter come into the cafeteria, walk over to a table, pull out a gun and shoot students who were sitting there. Jarron Webb, 15, said the shooter was angry at a girl who would not date him, and that the girl was one of the people shot.

Students reported pandemonium in lunchroom after the shooting, with dozens rushing for doors and then jumping a fence to escape.

Freshman Austin Wright said every exit in the lunchroom was jammed with kids escaping gunfire. “I heard three gunshots and I ran.”

Four of the injured were taken by ambulance to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. Three were in critical condition, with head injuries. A fourth, with lesser injuries, was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

At a news conference, Marysville Police Commander Robb Lamoureaux called the scene an active investigation and said police officers were going door to door to ensure that the campus was safe. They were leaving tape to mark the doors of rooms that had been cleared. Officers were finding students and staff members hiding alone or in small groups.

“We are confident that there was only one shooter and that the shooter is dead,” Lamoureaux said. He did not confirm reports of injuries. Students were reporting that the shooter was a freshman.

Some of the school’s 1,200 students were being evacuated, walking out and across the fields with their hands up. Others were being told to stay inside classrooms.

Sophomore Arlene Cortez, 16, says she locked herself in a classroom with other students for about 45 minutes before police came in.

Some were bused to the nearby Shoultes Gospel Hall, where they are being accounted for. Lamoureaux urged parents and family members of students to stay away from the scene, saying authorities would provide information on a location for them to be reunited with students.

At the church, tearful parents and students were being reunited, and hugging.

“I never thought I would be standing here after a school shooting,” said Heather Parker, whose son, Corbin, is a senior. “He’s pretty shook up. He just said ‘I’m OK.’ He was trying to calm me down.”

Adam Holston, 14, a freshman, was just leaving the lunchroom when the gunfire broke out. “Everyone just started running. I could hear the gunshots and my heart was racing and we didn’t know what was going on.”

Some ran out to the parking lot, some to the field.

“Someone opened a door and we all ran into classrooms and just stayed there.”

He said all students had been loaded on buses. His sister is a senior. He’s been texting with her and she’s OK.

“The person who everyone thinks did it was just acting normally. It didn’t seem like there was anything wrong.”

Jery Holston has two children in the school now communicating with him by cellphone. They are both OK. Adam is a freshman; Kayliegh is a senior.

Holston said Adam called him this morning yelling, “Dad, dad, hurry, someone is shooting. Please come.” He said his son ran and hid outside in the field by the stadium.

Jery was in Stanwood at the time. “I probably did a hundred miles per hour to get there. I didn’t stop for anything. My heart went into my stomach. As a father, this has been my fear since my kids have been in school, that something like this would happen.”

Ayn Dietrich-Williams, a spokeswoman for the FBI in Seattle, said agents are on their way to Marysville to offer assistance.

PUD candidates have differing viewpoints

The two candidates running for the District 3 PUD Commissioner seat in November have very different viewpoints regarding the PUD’s budget and how to handle the public utility district’s finances in the next coming years.

Russ Skolrood is the incumbent District 3 commissioner and running for his second term with the PUD after being elected to the seat in 2008. He has lived on the Harbor all his life and graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1979, where he now teaches commercial art and photography.

Skolrood initially decided to run for the position as a way to make a positive impact on residents of Grays Harbor, an area that he is passionate about.

“I thought it was a chance to affect change in an area that I was interested in. It’s a valuable position because you get to make decisions that reflect directly the quality of life for the people around you,” he said.

John Straka, Skolrood’s challenger, is also a lifelong resident of the Harbor, owns Straka Trucking and has worked as a social worker in the past. He decided to run for the position in an attempt to rectify decisions the PUD has made in the past that he hasn’t agreed with.

“I have been following the PUD since about 2008 and have been upset with a lot of the decisions they’ve made. At some point you have to stick your feet in the water and try to change it,” he said.

Both candidates are concerned with the PUD’s costs and finding ways to serve Grays Harbor in a way that is most effective for its residents. However, when it comes to rates paid by consumers, Skolrood and Straka disagree on what the best solution is. Currently, the residential rate for power is 8.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

Skolrood feels that it is impossible to lower power prices for Harbor residents without cutting into the PUD’s infrastructure, which he feels is necessary to keep the utility system running smoothly.

“That’s the toughest part of the job: controlling the rates. It’s (the PUD), not a for-profit agency. The idea is to make sure you have a safe and reliable system; costs go up for transformers and pole lines. Our power costs come from the Bonneville Power Administration and that’s 70 percent of our budget. You cut everything out that can to be as efficient as possible, but at a certain point you’re still tied to keeping the system safe and reliable. To say I would lower rates would be a lie. It’s not financially responsible,” he said.

Straka, on the other hand, believes the PUD needs to lower rates to attract more business to the area. He believes cutting costs is a feasible option and a way to propel the economy.

“The reason we have a PUD is for cheap power rates to bring in business,” he said. “When you have high electrical costs, it makes it very difficult for these businesses. They can’t hire, they can’t expand because they become a slave to the PUD,” he said.

Straka added that, if elected, he would reconsider spending within the organization.

“On any given day you see ten cars behind the PUD. You have to look critically at how the money is being spent.”

In regards to Initiative 937, a ballot measure passed in 2006 that requires large public utilities to have a certain amount of their power produced by renewable resources, both candidates think the proposal is costly and something that is hurting the residents of Grays Harbor. The measure forces utility companies to have 20 percent of their power produced by renewable energy sources by 2020, with incremental increases fulfilled each year. The proposal requires 9 percent of power produced by utility companies to be created by renewable energy sources by 2016.

Skolrood likes the idea, but says the initiative inadvertently hinders Washington. He said that generating wind power, for instance, is roughly three times the cost of what the PUD would normally pay for traditional sources of energy. This price increase falls on the consumer.

“It’s really frustrating to me because the Harbor is one of the hardest-hit areas economically,” he said.

He added that those who can’t afford implementing renewable energy sources in their homes suffer higher electricity costs, as well. The PUD subsidizes customers who purchase environmental friendly water heaters or insulated windows and therefore need to make up for the revenue lost by charging other customers more.

Straka disagrees with I-937 and believes residents should voice their concerns.

“You need to mobilize ratepayers. People need to contact their legislators and make sure they’re making decisions that are consistent with the welfare of the Harbor,” he said.

Both Skolrood and Straka believe their past experience will give them an edge if elected as District 3 commissioner. Skolrood cites his experience already working at the PUD, while Straka mentions his background in business.

“I think when you do six years on the term you get a lot of knowledge on how complicated it is to run a system effectively. We’ve done a lot of team-building and I think I’m an integral part of that and I want to continue to be a part of it,” said Skolrood.

Straka feels his diverse work experience will provide a new way of looking at PUD issues.

“I look at things differently. I have an agency background, I worked for the Department of Social &Health Services for 30 years, and I’ve also had paralegal training. Since 1985 I’ve had a trucking company. I have that business background and I’ve been an owner-operator. I have a perspective from a business point of view,” he said.

Irish Music Festival - a must go

Raise your glass to the sounds of the Irish, continuing today andtomorrow in Ocean Shores at the Galway Bay, Convention Center and in Hoquiam at the 8th St. Ale House.

Irish music encompasses many different genres of music — ballads, to lyrical folk songs to ACDC on the bagpipes — there truly is something for everyone.

You really need to spend an entire day.

Today the festival begins at 11 a.m. At that time at Galway Bay Maggie’s Fury will take the banquet room, Carragaline in the tasting room and Grafton Street out on the newly enclosed beer garden. At the Convention Center, The Stout Pounders (not to be confused with the Stomptowners) from Seattle -- a very fun and silly band -- will start off in the Rock room, New Shilling, from Dublin, will take the Session room and in the Ballad room, Erin McNamee of Seattle.

Call your attention to Beltaine, a self-proclaimed “the fun band” and they are. You have three chances to hear them today. They play Galway Bay banquet room at 1 p.m. the Convention Center Session room at 9 p.m. and back to the Galway tasting room at 11 p.m. They do not play on Sunday.

If hard rock is your style, you must check out the Celtica Pipes Rock from Vienna, Austria. Performance times for this high-octane band are Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Galway main stage and 10 p.m. at the Convention Center main stage. On Sunday they will play again at the Convention Center at noon.

If Ballads are your style, hang out in Ballad room of the Convention Center.

Lastly, in Hoquiam, the Ale House will feature Cool on Tea starting at 1 p.m., followed by Erin McNamee, Crooked Jacks, Sons of Malarkey and Grafton Street.

The Irish are here. Be sure to make the most of it.

A few days out

25 Saturday

Westport

The Westport Timberland Library will offer games and pizza for teens today from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

VFW Kids Halloween party - All area children up to 12 years of age to their free annual Halloween Party at 1 p.m. A responsible adult must accompany all children. 211 E. Pacific Ave.

Elementary School Halloween Carnival - This year’s Ocosta PTO Halloween Carnival will be held in the Community Gym this 4 to 7 p.m.

The OHS Class of 2015 Senior Parents will offer a Haunted Forest Hayride at American Sunset RV Resort today from 8 to 11 p.m. $5

Ocean Shores

“The Dixie Swim Club” will be presented this weekend and next at the Ocean Shores Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd. Curtain times are 7 p.m Fri &Sat and 2 p.m. on Sunday. $10 adults, $5 students.

Irish Music Festival continues today starting at noon and continues through Sunday.

Hoquiam

Haunted Hoquiam Fun Run will start at Sunset Memorial Park with registration at 9 a.m. 2 mile walk/run, a 5k and a 10k. Race begins at 10 a.m. $5 - $15

Trick or Treat downtown Hoquiam today from 1-3 p.m.

Shaun of the Dead at the 7th St. Theatre at 7:30 p.m. $5.

Aberdeen

Volunteer Opportunity Fair takes place today at the Aberdeen Eagles at 208 W Market St. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Discover the world of giants at the Timberland library. 10:15 a.m. Free.

Grays Harbor Cancer Outreach will host a tea and fashion show in observance of breast cancer awareness month at noon. $10.

Aberdeen Trick or Treat is scheduled from noon-2pm downtown.

Aberdeen Parks &Recreation and Aberdeen Girl’s Softball Association host the Halloween Spooktacular at 102 W Wishkah St (next to Pizza Hut) today from noon - 2 p.m.

Halloweentown and Haunted Asylum will be presented at the South Shore mall by the Aberdeen High School Orechestra. Halloweentown is open 3-6 p.m today. $1 per game, $5 face painting. The Haunted Assylum is open from 7-10 p.m. today $5 per person or $12 for a group of 4 people.

Elma

Humptoberfest, bands include Humptulips, Last Chance Band, Sacred Road and Breaking Midnight at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma McCleary Road, 3 - 11 p.m. $20 in advance D4 sports in Cosmopolis, and Rosevears Music in Aberdeen or $25 at the door.

Ocean Shores

Alice’s Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Gallery of Ocean Shores will feature finger sandwiches, tartlets, cakes and tea as well as a Cheshire cat silent auction which closes at 4 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Peter Jordan play at Ocean Beach Roasters. 841 Point Brown Ave.

Raymond

A Disaster Benefit Concert: Appalachian and Southern Gospel Music will be performed at the Raymond Theater 323 1/3 3rd St. at 2 p.m. Free. Donations accepted.

26 Sunday

Raymond

Jeff Scroggins &Colorado play bluegrass at the Raymond Theater, 323 3rd St. at 2 p.m. Opening act is Mara Lavine. Tickets $12 in advance available at South Bend Pharmacy, Sagen’s Pharamacy and Raymond Theatre, $15 on the day of the performance.

27 Monday

Elma

Hope from Horses, a 4-H program to provide horseback riding for children with disabilities will take place at Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, Free call 360-470-3471 or 360-861-8686.

Hoquiam

Community Yoga at Sitka Yoga Studio 5:30 p.m. $4

Ocean Shores

Patricia Smith exhibits photos of the Berlin Wall from the 1960s and of the 1989 East German Revolution and recent shots from Berlin and Leipzig. Refreshments will be served in an opening tonight from 5-6 p.m. at the Timberland Library.

28 Tuesday

Hoquiam

Bill Lindstrom will be available for a signing of his new book “John Tornow: Villain or Victim?” Noon to 2 p.m. Hoquiam Elks Building, 624 K St.

Montesano

“Author visit: Douglas Rhoades ‘Labels, Leadville &Lore.’” Noon-1 p.m. Author Douglas Rhoades turns 19th century canned food labels, into a book. For more information, call (360) 249-4211.Montesano Timberland Library, 125 S. Main St.

Elma

Summit Pacific Medical Center presents a Ladies’ Night Out event. 5:30 p.m. This free evening will include speakers Kim Schaaf, a breast health educator with the organization Check Your Boobies, Dr. Carey Martens, OBGYN with Coastal Women’s Health and Summit Pacific Medical Center, and nurse practitioner Bonnie McReynolds with Summit Pacific Medical Center. There will also be a complimentary Italian dinner, lots of door prize giveaways and a chance for women to ask questions and share experiences. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend the event. RSVP by calling the Diagnostic Imaging Department at (360) 346-2243. For more information, call (360) 346-2250. Summit Pacific Medical Center, 600 E. Main St., Elma.

McCleary

McCleary Timberland Library presents “PageTurners Book Discussion.” 3-4 p.m. Read or listen to any food themed book and come join a conversation. Everyone is welcome to join any or all discussions. For more information call (360) 495-3368. McCleary Timberland Library, 121 S. 4th, McCleary.

29Wednesday

Aberdeen

William “Doc” Carter is back by popular acclaim with the third of four programs on classics of Greek philosophy, presenting “Aristotle, The Nature of Tragedy from the Poetics. The series is an encore to his popular Rainy Day Reading review of Plato’s “The Republic” earlier this year. The Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library will provide refreshments. Aberdeen Timberland Library. 121 E. Market Street, 10:30 a.m. - noon

30 Thursday

Aberdeen

Buster Keaton stars in “Sherlock Jr.” a silent movie featuring Andy Crow at the Robert Morton pipe organ, will play at Fern Hill Funeral Home at 2208 Roosevelt St. Two shows begin at 6 &8:30 p.m. Free popcorn and free admission.

Teens-Become a Zombie. Be monstrous, then watch a scary movie and eat some pizza. Come to the Library, if you dare. Learn how to create disgusting wounds.Creatures must be present to vote on which movie to be terrified by. Sponsored by the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library. This is an after hours program. 6- 9 p.m.

Montesano

Montesano Timberland Library presents Road to Santiago. 7-8 p.m. The Camino de Santiago is the name of the pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle James in northwestern Spain where tradition has it the saint’s remains are buried. Lindy Schroeder from Brilliant Moon in McCleary will share the story of her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. Montesano Timberland Library, 125 S. Main St.

Olympia

Rally &meeting with Governor Inslee starting at 5-8 p.m. Red Lion Inn, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. SW. Written comments regarding Rail and Marine Crude Oil Transportation are due by Nov. 3. Carpooling and more info see www.cleanharbor.org

Central Park

Huge Harvest Festival Oct. 30 at Grays Harbor Foursquare in Central Park Carnival games, jump houses and free food are among the many attractions featured this year at the Harvest Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct.30, at Grays Harbor Foursquare Church in Central Park. But perhaps the biggest attraction is that everything is free.

This year the event, which is designed for parents and children through sixth grade, features some 25 decorated trunks full of candy for “trunk ‘r treating” outside for the first hour of the festival – from 6 to 7 p.m.

Inside the building, a large carnival with two different jump houses, various games for little and big kids, face painting and even a corn maze, will be open from 6 to 8 p.m.

Free food, including hot dogs, chips, cider, coffee, popcorn and cotton candy will be available for the first 500 people attending.

“We had a great crowd last year and are expecting even more parents and kids this year,” said organizer Sean Jamieson. “So we’re adding even more fun elements and making sure to keep the crowd pleasers from the past – like the dunk tank.”

“Kids love this festival because it is fun and they leave with lots of candy. Parents love it because their kids spend an enjoyable evening inside a warm, safe building,” he said.

Grays Harbor Foursquare Church is at 4800 Central Park Dr. For more information, call 538-0111 or contact the church through www.ghfoursquare.com.

31 Friday

^Elma

• Downtown Elma Trick or Treat. 3-6 p.m. Take your trick or treaters to participating businesses.

Montesano

• Downtown Montesano Trick or Treat. 2-5 p.m. Look for the orange and black signs on the doors or windows of participating businesses.

Aberdeen

Top Foods will be offering free Halloween crafts and trick or treating in all the departments. United Way of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties will benefit from all the donations offered in the photo booth as well as from sales of root beer floats and popcorn. That is something every ghoul will love.

Pacific Beach

Haunted House at the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center. 360-589-5004.

Nov.

1 Saturday

Elma

The Washington State University Extension presents First Saturday with Master Gardeners — Plant Propagation. 10 a.m. to noon. Grow plants from cuttings and layering. For more information contact Cindy at cindyaburton@comcast.net. Demonstration garden at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma McCleary Road.

Aberdeen

Bill Lindstrom will be available for a signing of his new book “John Tornow: Villain or Victim?” 2-4 p.m. Aberdeen Timberland Library, 121 E. Market St.

Hoquiam

A free public panel discussion hosted by Washingto Physicians for Social Responsibility, Grays Harbor Audobon Society &Friends of Grays Harbor, entitled “Oil Trains and Terminals in Grays Harbor: Health Risks &Environmental Impacts. 1 - 3 p.m. at Hoquiam High School “Little Theatre,” 501 W. Emerson Ave. Call 206-547-2630 to RSVP.

The 80th annual Fireman’s Ball and Silent Auction will be held 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Simpson Plaza in Hoquiam located at 220 5th St.

A silent auction will take place during the event along with live music. performed by Ready or Not. The event is open to the public and admission is $10 per person. Attendees must be 21 or over and bring identification in order to gain admission.

The event is sponsored by Aberdeen Firefighters Local #2639 and Hoquiam Firefighters Local #315. For more information, contact the Aberdeen Fire Department at 360-532-1254.

Rochester

Charlie Daniels Band at Lucky Eagle Casino. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30 with players club card. To purchase tickets visit www.luckyeagle.com or call the box office at 1-800-720-1788. Lucky Eagle Casino, 12888 188th Ave. SW.

5 Wednesday

Ocean Shores

“Get to Know Raptors.” Dr. Dan Varland, Executive Director of Coastal Raptors, speaks about identification of birds of prey that frequent our beaches. The Coastal Interpretive Center Board has set new lectures for the 2014-15 Glimpses Series, which includes five lectures on the first Wednesday of the month. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the talks will take place at Ocean Beach Roasters, 841 Pt. Brown Ave.

7 Friday

First Friday in Aberdeen. Head downtown for art, deals and you never know what might happen along the block on Broadway.

The Sons of Itally will have a Lasagna Luncheon and bake sale from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall , 306 E 3rd St.Adults $8, children $4.

8 Saturday

Hoquiam

“The Great Escape,” (1963) starringa Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough at the 7th St. Theatre in Hoquiam. Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. All tickets are $5 and available at the door. Advance tickets are available at Harbor Drug, City Drug and at http://ift.tt/GFWON9. Doors open at 7 p.m. (360) 537-7400.

Ocean Shores

• Toast the Harbor Food and Wine Festival, 2-9 p.m. at the Quinault Beach Resort &Casino, presented by the Aberdeen Lions Club: http://ift.tt/1lY8KVU. Tickets at the door are $20, presale are $15.

9 Sunday

Ken Albert and Christine Hill perform Christmas Favorites at Westport Winery from noon to 5 p.m., 1 South Arbor Road, off State Routhe 105. No cover charge. To make lunch reservations, call (360) 648-2224.

11 Tuesday

Washington State Parks will celebrate Veterans Day with a FREE DAY. A Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is required to visit recreation lands managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources.

15 Saturday

Elma

Grays Harbor Rockfest 3. Headlining: Bill Manspeaker - Green Jello “Three Little Pigs” - Bill Manspeaker will be preforming &providing a class on puppet making. Which also includes performances by Gebular, The People Now, TSAVO, Full Moon Radio, Fishing With Bigfoot, Within The Pride, Letzer Guiest, Motar, Anitize, The Bangalores, Reverent Circle; plus other individuals playing between band setups. From 10 to 1 p.m. Class on Rock Music; which is included in the price of the admission. Concert commences at 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs to the concert and plan on staying the whole day. This is a non-profit event put on by Chinook Spirits. For ticket purchases please go to http://ift.tt/GFWON9 10a.m. - 11:30 p.m. $15

22 Saturday

Hoquiam

Turkey Trot Registration at 8 a.m. , race begins at 9 a.m.

28 Friday

Winter Fanta- Sea Craft Show- Ocean Shores Handmade crafts &art from over 50 vendors. (360-289-9586

DEC.

6 Saturday

hoquiam

Ho Ho Hoquiam Run. Registraion starts at 8 a.m. at the 7th St. Theatre. Race begins at 9 a.m.

Jan

2 Friday

First Friday in Aberdeen

Feb

14-16

Ocean Shores

Seabreeze Walking Festival Biennial volkswalking festival featuring 6 walking trails and 1 bicycle route through Ocean Shores, along the beach, through State Parks, and up the North Beach. Routes vary in length from 5 Km (3.1 mi.)- 30 Km (18 mi.) Will begin at the Ocean HSores Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd.