Internet Tips & Tricks: Protect Yourself with a Strong Password
by StaffTechAlert
Date Submitted: 12/2/2009

Hackers and other online criminals are getting more sophisticated every day. Having strong passwords for your accounts has never been more important. While it is not practical to use a random series of letters and numbers, there is an easy way to create a similarly strong password that is still fairly easy to remember.

The first step is to start with a phrase that you can remember, such as "INeedAStrongPassword”. Next, replace one or more of the letters and add a special character (something other than a letter or number), so your password may look like this: NeedA$trongPa$$word.

From there, replace some of the letters with similar numbers. For example, replacing the letter "o" with the number "0", like so: !NeedA$tr0ngPa$$w0rd.

Lastly, adjust the upper and lower case in a way that's memorable but not immediately obvious, such as capitalizing the letters that are in your name. If you're name is Steve, you're password would look like this: !nEEda$Tr0ngpa$$w0rd.

In just a few steps, you've created a password that you can still remember but, at first glance, is unrecognizable. Best of all, you've made your account that much more secure.

 

Warnings & Alerts: Viral Emails – Look before you forward!
by StaffTechAlert
Date Submitted: 12/7/2009

Some junk emails are designed to sell you things that you may not need (and likely don’t work). Others are designed to infect your computer with trojan software or viruses. But still another type is designed simply to generate a response, whether it’s concern, outrage or something else. There is nothing to buy, but these emails are written in a way to convince you to pass them along so that your family and friends can share your feelings.

These “viral” emails fall into two categories: Real and Fake. The real emails may contain a legitimate story but they are still a problem. At best they clog up mail systems; at worst they may cause frustration, embarrassment or fear to the subject of the story, or even the recipients.

To give an example, there is a viral email that advised sending Christmas cards addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier”. The intention is good — there are programs to distribute cards to wounded soldiers and this email may have been prompted by a simple misunderstanding of how these programs work. However, the result may not be as planned; in this case, the postal service will receive cards that they are not able to deliver and will have to be returned or disposed of.

The solution here is simple – check that an email is accurate before passing it on or doing what it asks. The majority of emails like this are not useful, so forwarding them only causes more people to possibly waste their time and money.

The fake emails are far more shameful; however the end result is the same. These emails are crafted to be spread around and cause problems. The author knows that there is no good outcome from the beginning and derives pleasure from the chaos they may cause. A good example of this type is the email that claimed Microsoft, Bill Gates or AOL was tracking email and would give money to you for each copy you forwarded.

Not only did this reward program never exist, but these groups cannot even track email that is sent outside of their organization. Many will guess that it is a scam, but will not want to risk the chance that they could get money for simply forwarding a few emails. The problem is that if you send 20 emails and half of your recipients decide to do the same, it quickly adds up to hundreds and even thousands of bogus, unwanted emails.

The solution is simple and twofold –

•Be suspicious of any email that asks you to forward it to anyone else.
•Check any claims before you recommend them to others. This is as simple as copying and pasting a section of the email text into your favorite search engine. Viral emails are usually well documented online and you can find the answer quickly and easily, saving you and your friends from unwittingly taking part in a scam.
If you catch on before forwarding it, hit the delete button, pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for being a better informed Internet user.

 

8.1 Approval of the Veterans Assistance Fund applications for: Scott Kaylor - Food $200.00 as recommended by the Veterans Assistance Fund Screening Committee.
 Approved
8.2 Approval of the resolution appointing the current Mason County representatives to the Washington Counties Risk Pool. Commissioner Ross Gallagher is the county's representative and Monty Cobb is the alternate representative.
 Approved
8.3 Approval to appoint Randy Neatherlin as a member of the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission under RCW 36.70.100. This appointment fills a vacant position that expires 12/31/2012.
 Approved
8.4 Approval to rescind the Mason County Fairgrounds Petty Cash Fund Resolution #47-09 in the amount of $100, the Change Fund Resolution #83-06 in the amount of $100, and the Revolving Fund Resolution #71-07 in the amount of $15,000. The Revolving Fund is currently below the established amount of $15,000 and will not be replenished due to the anticipation of closing the account. Rescinding the Resolutions allows the funds to be deposited into the Fairgrounds Fund#100-000-000.
 Approved
9.1 Public hearing continued from November 17, 2009 to review the request by Sharon Morris and John Robinson Estate to rezone one parcel (11.38 ac.) at end of Robinson Rd. west of the Lilliwaup Hamlet; request involves Comprehensive Plan map change from Long Term Commercial Forest designation to Rural Lands, and then zone parcel to Rural Residential 5. Staff: Allan Borden
 Approved
9.2 Public hearing continued from November 3, 2009 to consider adopting zoning for properties previously and incorrectly determined to be part of the Olympic National Forest and amending the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map. Staff: Barbara Adkins
 Approved
9.3 Public hearing continued from November 3, 2009 considering the adoption of the Belfair Future Roads Map with text amendment into the Belfair Sub Area Plan. Staff: Barbara Adkins
 Tabled to Dec. 2010
9.4 Public hearing to consider adoption of revised Mason County Comprehensive Plan Chapter VI (Capital Facilities). Approved with revisions to Appendix C on or before 12/22/09

 

By Greg Skinner, Belfair Herald, 12/3/2009
The Board of Mason County Commissioners announced Monday an unofficial meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on December 15 at the North Mason School District offices on Highway 3.
For a few moments during a regular briefing session the board was indecisive about holding its traditional fifth-Tuesday Belfair meeting in December on the third Tuesday.
Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson in whose district Belfair lies, was noncommittal and Commissioner Ross Gallagher sat silent. There is not much to talk about, they said. Commissioner Tim Sheldon countered the briefing room's ambivalence and he favored the meeting go on so that citizens distant from the daily operation of county government could speak to their leaders about issues nearer to home.
"I'd hate to think they feel like they're not being heard," Sheldon said.
With a few minutes work the board created a brief and unofficial agenda that includes topics such as the 2010 budget, a briefing from the sheriff's office and an update from staff on the $40-million Belfair Waste water & Water Reclamation Facility. Emmett Dobey, Mason County Utilities and Solid Waste director, said ground should be broken and work begun by then.
The December 15 meeting will follow the December 7 budget hearings, which will explore the proposed 2010 operations budget. Copies of the budget are available at the Mason County Auditor's Web site.

(c) Belfair Herald

The Commissioners will hold a special meeting in Belfair, North Mason School District, on Tuesday, December 15th, 6 p.m.  This will be in place of meeting on December 29th (5th Tuesday) in Belfair.  The agenda will be forthcoming.

The Commissioners will also hold their regular Commission meeting in Shelton on Tuesday, December 15th at 9 a.m.

Thanks, Diane

Diane Zoren
Assistant to the Mason County Commissioners
(360)427-9670 ext. 747
dlz@...

BELFAIR — Growing crops and rearing alpacas have been added to the list of programs being conducted by Pacific Northwest Salmon Center, which recently moved into its new home near the Belfair wetlands.

For the first time in years, staffers from the salmon center and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group are located together in offices and laboratories at a single location — specifically the old Jack Johnson farm, which was acquired with state grants and local contributions.

“It’s been a long path,” said salmon center President Fred Barrett, “but we’re finally here.”

The salmon center, created 11 years ago, was conceived by members of the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group who saw the need for a regional education and research center focused on salmon. Salmon studies remain a primary goal, and staff have been working with the North Mason School District, Olympic College, the University of Washington and other institutions to plan future programs.

The remodeled farmhouse contains offices and meeting rooms, mostly leased to the salmon enhancement group. Over the next year or two, educational and research programs operated by the enhancement group will be transferred to the salmon center, according to Neil Werner, executive director of the enhancement group and a board member for the salmon center.

“We’ll get back to the way we were maybe 10 years ago,” Werner said, speaking about the original goals of the salmon enhancement group, which include rearing young salmon and restoring salmon habitat.

Educational programs to be transferred to the salmon center range from classroom presentations to daylong field trips to four-day “salmon camps.”

As new research grants come up and old ones are renewed, the programs could come under salmon center jurisdiction, Werner said. Ongoing research efforts range from water-quality testing to habitat and species inventories.

A freestanding garage on the farm has been converted to a wet laboratory and classroom. In the future, a large barn could be converted to classroom space. And salmon center officials are still working on a plan to build one or more new buildings to house salmon research programs — including a man-made stream channel for studying salmon habits and spawning.

The Pacific Northwest Salmon Center will continue its annual dinner for inducting award-winners into the Wild Salmon Hall of Fame. The next dinner is likely to be held on the property, Barrett said.

Also, new members are being sought for the center’s board of directors, he added.

Trails beginning on the adjacent Theler Wetlands still proceed onto the farm property, as they have for years. Plans are under way to punch one or more holes in the dikes to restore natural tidal wetlands on a portion of the farm property owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Bridges across openings in the dikes will maintain the continuity of the trails all the way to the Union River and beyond.

Plans call for looping one trail around portions of the farm where crops will be grown, said Barrett, noting that the salmon center will be operated as an organic farm. Plans have been developed with the help of WSU Mason County Extension and Mason Conservation District.

Garlic has been planted already, and various kinds of berries are likely to be planted next spring.

“The important thing is to show environmentally friendly farming techniques,” Barrett said. “There is a lot that we can do as a farm.”

Plans are under way to breed alpacas and hold community shearing events so people can learn about the animals.

“Farming is a historic function of this property,” Barrett said, “and it’s also a revenue source. The more people we have interacting on this farm, the better off we are.”
 
COMMENTS

November 22, 2009
4:54 a.m.
kvanb writes:
Im glad to hear that the part of the farm will be operated as an organic farm. This is an important heritage farm well worth preserving. It's a shame our Fish and Wildlife department spent so much money for the 45 acres portion that they now want to spend more of our money on to flood. I don't think they are sure how much of the acreage will be flooded and to me it is counter productive, the land is far more valuable left as it is. The majority of the farm is already federally classified as "wetlands" and is on or adjacent to a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. Mason County is required to protect existing wetland function and value. Three important wetland functions that the farm are providing currently are removing sediment and nitrogen, recharging groundwater, and providing much needed community open, green spaces. Maybe the Department of Fish and Wildlife would consider leasing the 45 acres of agricultural land as "pea patch gardens" for those folks in the UGA that don’t have garden space available. Children could have something to do in the summertime. They might also consider an anaerobic digester operation. In any case breeching the dike needs to be carefully considered and the public needs to be involved. In my opinion Ken VanBuskirk
 
...November 22, 2009
2:49 p.m.
rbruemmer74#264603 writes:
alpacas????
possibly off focus, Keep it simple, pig, chickens, maybe some sheep.
wish these groups luck, like to hear more of the pros and cons of breaking the dikes.
I like walking at theler wetlands, hope in the future its possible to walk from theller center to Klingel Wetlands
 
...November 22, 2009
4:20 p.m.
nmmom writes:
From what I've learned this is a wonderful development for our community. They now have one place to be centered out of and the public will benefit from the changes down there. I have heard the naysayers and I've found them to be less than honest with any sort of facts. I've looked into this and it appears consistent with the article. The dike will only be replaced by bridges in two or three spots. The trails are not going away and it sounds like there will be an additional loop added that wasn't there before. More trails is good in my book. This means there is more 'open space' then the public used to have access to. They couldn't go in there when it was Mr. Johnson's farm. I've heard there are plans to extend them even further in addition to this new loop. Has anyone else heard this?
It bothers me that so many are willing to either put out false information or constantly be against everything that may be different or may be progress to some. Sometimes just based on personalities I think
Back from the days when Mr. VanBuskirk was on the board it's always been negative, negative, negative. It seems like he's always against everything. What is he actually FOR? This project won't hurt the recharge areas and if he wants Pea Patches for the community why don't we all go down and pick out our corner on the Davis Farm to do that. They've got plenty of acreage that's not being used.
I wish I heard more people around here talking about how we CAN do something. How CAN we work as a community? How CAN we develop more trails or more jobs or more opportunities for kids?
When does all the obstructionism stop?
 
...November 22, 2009
5:44 p.m.
rbruemmer74#264603 writes:
NMmom,
Since the first person was open enough to print his name (it meant nothing to me but it did for you) and you talked about him, maybe you should have said yours. VanBuskirk said things like "I think" "my opinion". Hard to be critical of that.
It bothers me that people want "change" just for the sake of "change" regardless of thought to if its better or not. the dikes have been there for 45 years surely there is time to make sure 1. its the right thing to do, 2. best bang for the buck
Rodney Bruemmer Jr
 
November 23, 2009
9:44 a.m.
crazy_politics writes:
VanBuskirk gave some positive ideas to think about, such as supporting wetland functions, community open spaces, pea patch gardens, anaerobic digester operation.
It's nice the Salmon Center is thinking outside the box on their operations, but, to me, it's still all about the money--the next fed/state grants they can procure--to keep the operation afloat. Good luck. MSwoboda
By the way, it's easy to assault the character of individuals who have different opinions when one can hide in anonymity. Better to just stick to the issues...
 
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/nov/22/salmon-center-embraces-new-farm-home/?partner=RSS

 

MY TURN: Take Belfair Bypass Off the Shelf
Rep. Fred Finn, 35th Legislative District
Posted November 18, 2009

OLYMPIA — It’s hard to remember when the question of a so-called Belfair bypass wasn’t a public issue here in Mason County, and in Kitsap County as well.

For years, people have been advocating, opposing or simply talking about a stretch of asphalt that would give motorists on State Route 3 the option of skirting the increasingly congested retail/commercial area of Belfair as they drove north from Shelton or south from Bremerton. Now that the SR3 widening and the sewer project are in process, it is time to work on this important boost to commerce. Such a road would mean jobs and a shot in the arm to the local economy.

Since 2006, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has invested $2.5 million in the project, with that figure paying for countless community meetings, traffic analyses, environmental impact studies, surveying, and a comprehensive design of a 5-mile highway.

Belfair business owners and others who once feared they would be literally bypassed if the road were built have become boosters. They’re now convinced that by diverting through-traffic and easing congestion and out-and-out traffic jams, the bypass would make a quick trip to the market or the dry cleaner or the insurance agency far safer and much more attractive to their customers and clients. The Legislature did its part, allocating construction funds after the public gave a thumbs-up to a gradual increase in the gas tax.

So the logical question is, when is this thing going to happen? Why haven’t the earthmovers begun scraping? Why haven’t the inevitable ground-breaking photos showed up in local area papers?

At the risk of oversimplifying, it essentially boils down to two things: a worldwide recession that has put a choke-hold on Washington‘s economy, and a gold-plated plan from the DOT that, even in good times, would make state budget writers do a double-take. In short order, the 2009 Legislature issued a transportation spending plan that no longer included funds for the new highway, and DOT shelved its plans, announcing it would take another look in 2019.

A 10-year delay in an already overdue project is unacceptable. Using that timetable, a child who just entered the third grade a few months ago would have graduated from high school — and most likely added yet another car to the bogged-down Belfair corridor — by the time we looked at this project again. It’s time to get moving.

Obviously, this is not an economic climate that makes for easy approval of any government project that costs tens of millions of dollars. But when the 2010 Legislature convenes in January, one of my top priorities is going to be getting the bypass back on my colleagues’ transportation radar screens, and I know that most, if not all, other legislators representing this area are committed to this as well. A relatively modest investment — modest when compared to other worthy transportation projects currently in the works — can pay for itself many times over.

Free-flowing traffic can speed up the flow of dollars into businesses, and not just in Belfair. Shelton, Bremerton, Allyn, and even Union and other Mason and Kitsap County communities will all benefit from relieving the Belfair bottleneck. Increased business means more jobs, and as a businessman myself, I’m convinced that creating more jobs for more families is the best stimulus an ailing economy could ask for.

 

November 17, 2009
9:08 p.m.
roger2012 writes:
It is nice to see someone from the 35th District is almost looking at something involving Kitsap County. Some of us that live west of Hwy 16 feel under represented by the Mason County based 35th District elected officials.
As for the bypass of Belfair, what is the State and the two Counties plan to improve the travel through this area? The area that runs from Shelton, to Belfair, to Gorst and Hwy 16? Many years of ideas, but little action. I have lived here over 24 years and it really has not changed much, except for much more traffic. Talk of Pine Road being extended and improved to Hwy 16, talk of a Belfair bypass, talk of improvements to reduce accidents and traffic congestion, talk, talk, talk. Maybe our elected officials are being paid by the word. They should be up in the Bill Gates arena by now. They sure are not getting paid for action and results.
Maybe after the next election it will be different, then again, I have said that before too.
Roger Gay
South Kitsap
...November 17, 2009
9:58 p.m.
cjcampbell writes:
The voters approved a gas tax increase to pay for the bypass. Has the tax been repealed? Will we get a refund? Hardly. No doubt we will be asked for yet another tax increase to pay for the stuff that was promised with the last dozen tax increases. No wonder so many people don't trust the the politicians. Even less wonder that the politicians treat the public as if they are idiots. After all, the public keeps falling for the same old scam time after time.
...November 18, 2009
3:33 a.m.
SharonOHara writes:
"when is this thing going to happen? Why haven’t the earthmovers begun scraping? Why haven’t the inevitable ground-breaking photos showed up in local area papers?..."
That is what you were elected to do, Mr. Finn.
Now, for the benefit of the Belfair'ites who have waited so long and driven in fear through the Belfair traffic - go to work.
Make it happen...that is your job.
Sharon O'Hara
...November 18, 2009
6:40 a.m.
TomRosendale writes:
Roger,
Fred Finn isn't even from Mason County. He represents the 35th district, but lives in Thurston County. Not only was it his Democrat cronies that suckered us in to the gas tax by dangling the by-pass in front of us, it was them that put this project on the shelf.
I would venture that if he couldn't keep it from being put on the shelf, he will be even less effective getting off the shelf.
This is also the representative, whose campaign mailed out seriously distorted photos depicting his opponent as a sleaze.
What is the likelihood that these are anything more than just placating words, sent north to cajole the voters?
...November 18, 2009
6:42 a.m.
jim2370 writes:
Right on FRED! I wish you the best getting this going and the higher the priority the better.
What a about a joint Mason - Kitsap project rather than DOT with a little Fed funding thrown in?
...November 18, 2009
7:23 a.m.
belfairdave writes:
I appreciate Mr. Finn discussing the bypass. Everyone who drives through Belfair can see the need for this to get done. Good luck sir! I hope you are successful in this very important project.
...November 18, 2009
7:36 a.m.
daddydog55 writes:
I believe that a toll placed both ways would be a viable answer to all this talk of money. I would gladly pay .50 cents each way to get around this mess. Tolls are not new technology. Go back east they are everywhere. As far as Finn being able to take this off the shelf.... we'll see. With all the folks being so negative towards new tax increases it is a wonder any representive can effectively do the job. I am convinced Finn is doing a way better job than his challenger would have.
...November 18, 2009
9:55 a.m.
HWSlach writes:
A toll road here makes sense. An unmanned toll road. Bremerton's bridges had lanes that accepted exact change 50 years ago so it is old technology. Use cameras to catch those trying to avoid the toll. Just don't use a different transponder system than the one on the Tacoma Narrows. Once it is paid for, remove the tolls.
You would have the option of using it and saving time, or not using it and going through the congested area.
...November 18, 2009
10:31 a.m.
TomRosendale writes:
daddydog55: "With all the folks being so negative towards new tax increases...."
I was one of many that voted FOR the 9 cent gas tax increase, "specifically" because the Belfair By-pass was on the list. What good did it do when the Democratic honchos in charge of their party see the world as being centered on their part of the I-5 corridor? They will 'replace' something before we can 'build' something. They debate a horrendously expensive tunnel versus viaduct within Seattle, while we're left to choose between a toll bridge we alone are paying for or a congested 2-lane road off this huge peninsula.
On this particular job, how could his challenger have done worse? Shelved is shelved. For that matter, I would rather have had it shelved without being duped.
...November 18, 2009
11:55 a.m.
daddydog55 writes:
I say let the people who use the bypass pay for the bypass. That goes for the tunnel or viaduct or any other fixed single project. At least we could get bonds and the money to build, that is what we want isn't it? Tom you asked how his challenger could have done worse... Finn's opponent said right out of the gate that he wouldn't raise taxes.. that is a Republican talking point not the position of someone who watches out for a large constituency like the 35th district.
...November 18, 2009
12:36 p.m.
BadMammaJamma writes:
in response to SharonOHara:
"when is this thing going to happen? Why haven’t the earthmovers begun scraping? Why haven’t the inevitable ground-breaking photos showed up in local area papers?..."
That is what you were elected to do, Mr. Finn.
Now, for the benefit of the Belfair'ites who have waited so long and driven in fear through the Belfair traffic - go to work.
Make it happen...that is your job.
Sharon O'Hara
Well said Sharon O'Hara!
...November 18, 2009
12:53 p.m.
CPatti writes:
in response to roger2012:
It is nice to see someone from the 35th District is almost looking at something involving Kitsap County. Some of us that live west of Hwy 16 feel under represented by the Mason County based 35th District elected officials.
As for the bypass of Belfair, what is the State and the two Counties plan to improve the travel through this area? The area that runs from Shelton, to Belfair, to Gorst and Hwy 16? Many years of ideas, but little action. I have lived here over 24 years and it really has not changed much, except for much more traffic. Talk of Pine Road being extended and improved to Hwy 16, talk of a Belfair bypass, talk of improvements to reduce accidents and traffic congestion, talk, talk, talk. Maybe our elected officials are being paid by the word. They should be up in the Bill Gates arena by now. They sure are not getting paid for action and results.
Maybe after the next election it will be different, then again, I have said that before too.
Roger Gay
South Kitsap
The 35th is such a large area covering West Thurston County, East Grays Harbor County, Mason and Southwestern Kitsap County. When I changed jobs and moved my family, we moved from the 35th(Thurston) to the 35th (N. Mason/Kitsap) and it is a quite a difference in demographics and political climate. Rep. Finn, if I remember correctly used to live in the area before moving to Thurston County, so I know he is familiar with the problems. I am confident that unlike his previous opponent, Rep. Finn has the ability to make things happen.
...November 18, 2009
1:57 p.m.
NativeBremertonian writes:
Finn should have never let it "get on the shelf".
You would think with Norm Dicks living in that area he might have been able to help. After all he got a tunnel, 3 blocks long, built in downtown Bremerton that cost more than the initial bypass figures.
...November 18, 2009
4:48 p.m.
crazy_politics writes:
Good point NativeBremertonian! Thanks for mentioning.

....

Planning Advisory Commission Vacancies
Mason County is seeking applicants from Commissioner Districts 1 and 2 for the Mason County Planning Advisory Commission to fill two vacated positions.

The Planning Advisory Commission is a seven member citizen board appointed to advise the Board of Commissioners on policy related to amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Shoreline Master Program, and land use regulations

The Commission typically meets once per month on the third Monday at 6:00 p.m., with special meetings scheduled as necessary. Appointed Commissioners normally serve a four-year term. The terms of these positions will expire in July of 2012 for District 2, and July of 2013 for District 1.

Application forms may be obtained from the Commissioners Office, 427-9670, ext. 419 or visit our website at www.co.mason.wa.us.

 

Mason County Parks and Trails Department would like to announce the creation of a sponsorship program for Mason County Recreation Area (MCRA) and Sandhill Park. Fees generated from the sponsor program will be used for maintenance of both sports facilities. There are a total of 14 fields, 7 fields at each park site.

With the county budget reductions for 2009, the Parks and Trails Department was forced to drastically reduce maintenance levels at both MCRA and Sandhill Park. Sponsors have the choice of sponsoring an entire field, dugout, or individual space on the outfield fence.

 

 

Outfield Fence Signage:      ---- Per Field ---
3.5 x 8 sign on outfield fence $250 one year, $450 two years

3.5 x 8 sign on outfield fence - preferred location* $300 one year, $540 two years

 

Backstop Sign (sponsor an entire field):  --- Per Field ---
2 x 4 backstop sign (only sign on the backstop) $1,000 one year, $1,800 two years

 

Dugout sign (sponsor a dugout)    ---Per Dugout ---
2 x 4 dugout sign (only sign on dugout) $500 one year, $900 two years

 

If anyone has any questions about the sponsorship program, please contact John Keates at Mason County Parks, 427-9670, ext. 669 or by e-mail, johnk@...

 

Commissioners' Chambers in Building 1, 411 N. Fifth St. in Shelton • Monday, November 9, 3 PM — In 2009, there have been a series of changes in Mason County related to garbage and recycling. In order to help clarify what services are currently available and how to best use them, Mason County will be hosting a workshop to answer questions and provide accurate information. This workshop will provide an Overview of the program and 2009 changes; Clarify existing disposal options; Clarify existing recycling opportunities and options; Provide information about the effects of the changes so far; Improve understanding of the decision-making process, and Solicit public input on recent changes and future programs.  360-275-4467, EXT. 419

I have exciting news!

The price in the paper was incorrect. The correct price for a night of mystery and entertainment is $15 per person or $25 per couple!

mary

With dirt from the mammoth Belfair wastewater project’s groundbreaking still settling, the company running the $40-million project has asked for millions more to do the job.

Representatives from CH2M Hill, a billion-dollar international construction and engineering firm, Monday asked the Board of Mason County Commissioners to consider paying $2.7 million more for the job.

Elizabeth Hill, CH2M Hill project manager, said her company needed $1 million of the increase to provide “construction management services” to the project they already oversee. The rest is for land acquisition, surveyor costs and legal fees.

Doug Berschauer, CH2M Hill senior technical consultant, said his company would provide a three-layer construction management service for the cost.

In essence, CH2M Hill would watch over Boss Construction as they build the wastewater facility.

Without further elaboration Hill said, “With Boss there are good reasons for that.”

Commissioner Tim Sheldon said he was skeptical of the request because nothing had yet been done and the proposed $40-million project is $2.7 million out of whack.”

“It makes me nervous,” Sheldon said. “We only have a certain amount of money.”

Most of the money for the new reclamation facility comes from grants and stimulus money.

In 2008 the Ohio city of Bonita Springs filed a $14-million suit against CH2M Hill, and local leaders, for charging the city $3.9 million to provide the same water service that the city previously had done for $1.4 million, according to the Naples Daily News. In that case the city’s mayor and a local businessman were convicted of racketeering and other charges, according to the News.

That same year CH2M Hill was sued for allegedly overcharging the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, according to the Los Angeles Times.

An audit revealed that CH2M Hill inflated the value of its work and overcharged by as much as $4.5 million, according to the Times.

Mason County Utilities and Waste Management Director Emmett Dobey said the construction management was not part of the original contract bid and the county put out a call for bids to see if the same service can be had for cheaper. An answer is expected within weeks, he said.

Increased land and legal fees associated with acquiring 70 additional acres needed for the reclamation facility, originally planned to be 20 acres, are pushing the cost overruns. Dobey said the tripling of needed land resulted from poor soil conditions at the site.

County leaders Tuesday held a closed-door meeting on land acquisition. Dobey said no action resulted from the meeting.

Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson advised Hill to find a way to stay within the approved budget. Reflecting on the total rise in cost since first proposed, Ring Erickson said, “This started at $26 million.”

(c) Shelton-Mason County Journal

Thank you for posting information about the candidates social Monday evening!

The NM Community Voice appreciates the publicity!

mary

 

To those of you with VOICE signs, please put them out today. (Ugh. Even in the rain!!!)

See you Monday. Remember, the candidates social starts at 6:30 PM.

I'll be putting 6:30 stickers on the signs we put out around town.

mary

Mason Sheriff's Office Raises Enough Money for Patrol Dog
By Kitsap Sun staff
Tuesday, October 13, 2009

SHELTON — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has raised enough money to add a patrol dog to its ranks.

The sheriff’s office has raised the $25,000 necessary to start a K-9 Patrol Dog Program. The dog will join the deputies in time to undergo intensive training in November and will begin tracking down and capturing offenders in January.

“I was overwhelmed by the public’s enthusiasm and generosity for this program,” Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury said in a news release. “I look forward to putting a patrol dog to work early next year.”

The sheriff’s office, which has had to rely on other agencies when it needed help from a police dog, began fundraising for its own dog in August. A shrinking county budget made it impossible to pay for the dog out of the county’s coffers.

In addition to sniffing out suspected criminals, the dog will also be able to assist in the search of buildings and hazardous areas and help protect deputies in dangerous situations.

While enough money has been raised to obtain the dog, fundraising will continue to pay for food, veterinary services and other recurring expenses, the sheriff’s office said.

The office received more than 80 contributions to raise the initial $25,000, ranging from a few dollars to $5,000. All donations are tax-deductible.

Ceremonial First Step Launches Long-Awaited Belfair Sewer Project
By Barbara Clark, Kitsap Sun
Monday, October 12, 2009

BELFAIR — There’s no turning back now.

The Belfair Urban Growth Area’s long-awaited sewer project has been launched, with completion of the treatment plant and core phase by spring 2011.

As momentous as Monday’s groundbreaking was, it’s just the beginning of work that must be done to preserve the health of Hood Canal waters, said one of the event’s speakers, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks.

The Belfair Democrat held center stage, surrounded by state and county officials. Among them was Dicks’ son, David, executive director of Puget Sound Partnership, a governor-appointed board charged with cleaning up all of Puget Sound.

The ceremony was held behind Belfair Assembly of God church, near where one of three pump stations will be built. The treatment plant itself will be located in woods above town.

Rep. Dicks, who lived in Bremerton in his youth but spent summers on Hood Canal, said he was proud to have helped obtain federal funding for the project, including $5.9 million in economic stimulus money.

As the second largest estuary in the nation behind Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound as a whole deserves more federal attention, Dicks said.

“This is ground zero in the fight to save Hood Canal and restore Puget Sound,” he said.

The technology planned for Belfair, a membrane bioreactor system that could reduce nitrogen discharge by 80 percent, is needed all along lower Hood Canal, Dicks said. Excessive nitrogen leads to plant growth that depletes oxygen, which in turn kills fish.

Dicks cited a small treatment system at Madrona Beach near Alderbrook Resort as proof that even that kind of collective installation is better than individual septic tanks.

In early planning for the Belfair sewer system, the county considered including heavily populated pockets at the tip of Hood Canal. But the idea was contrary to state Growth Management Act restrictions because the area is outside planned growth boundaries.

“The Legislature is gonna have to look at this,” Dicks said of limits to sewer service.

The new system will open the flood gates of constrained growth, said North Mason Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Boyle.

“A sewer is one thing that can bring infrastructure in here,” he said.

But, he added, two other projects also must become reality: the planned widening of Highway 3 through Belfair, expected to start in 2012, and the long-delayed Belfair bypass, which would create a new state highway skirting the business district.

Mason County Commissioner Lynda Ring Erickson said interagency cooperation to obtain sewer funding was “almost beyond belief,” with some $37 million collected. More grants may be in the works.

Only about $3 million is in the form of loans that must be repaid.

While the financial support is expected to keep monthly rates below $100 for homeowners, they will face some heavy costs for hookup — $3,200 to $5,000 in connection fees payable to Mason County and another $3,000 on average to re-plumb and disconnect their septic tank. Low-interest loans are available.

The effort and expense will be applauded by future generations who can continue to enjoy Hood Canal fisheries and recreation, Ring Erickson said.

“In 100 years people will care about what we did today,” she said.

In this first phase, only the core of the UGA will be covered. Other funding, largely from future development, will be used to extend the system as needed.

The firm CH2M Hill designed the project. The county has selected Boss Construction Inc. of Bellingham to build the treatment plant. Ceccanti Inc. of Puyallup will construct the pump stations and conveyance system.

Work will start in coming weeks but stages along Highway 3 affecting traffic won’t begin until spring.

Posted by frankkenny on October 12, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Videos of the day are posted here http://www.mynorthmasonchamber.com/video/mike-boyle-and-ross-gallagher
Frank Kenny
North Mason Chamber

Posted by daddydog55 on October 13, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We don't need a band aid fix! We need a regional system similar to Bremerton and Port Orchard systems. I can't believe the folks living near Ricky World on the hill above town, will let the county put a drain field in there. This project will not serve the Hood Canal Watershed like it should. The Mason County Commissioners are just covering their butts with the State otherwise why would they be in such a big hurry.

Posted by belfairdave on October 13, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the planned sewer is an economical train wreck that will devastate most people in Belfair. The sewer in Gorst is free! This is the County forcing many people to choose between "affordable" sewer rates that are starting at $100 a month and having food on the table to eat. i am ashamed to admit that i contributed campaign money to 2 of the three County Commissioners who are so proud of their new sewer. How much does sewers cost in Shelton? Not $100 I bet! This is a tremendous economic burden on Belfair to protect the Hood Canal foe everyone else. Free connections like Gorst is getting! Step up Mason County and make sewers affordable to Belfair. The County approved all the septic systems in use in Belfair and they are paid for. Come on Commissioners, make this mess right and provide free connections like Gorst. Your credability is at stake! Come on Norm Dicks, Bremerton got federal money to allow free connections in Gorst, help Mason County get those funds to provide free hook ups in Belfair now!

Posted by BlueLight on October 13, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder if Norm Dicks uses fertilizer on his lawn. I wonder if Alderbrook does.

Posted by dcr4ever on October 13, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
'the flood gates of constrained growth' - is that an oxymoron or what?
'in 100 years people will care about what we did today' - wow- I sure hope you see a benefit before that or the people there should all be moving out.

 

 

Web site: nmcommunityvoice.com (Meeting minutes are posted here)

 

Belfair Is Home to New Dollar Store
By Rodika Tollefson, Kitsap Sun
Monday, October 5, 2009

BELFAIR — North Mason bargain-hunters have a new place to shop. Belfair Dollar opened its doors in September, and owner Catherine Buckley is stocking everything from seasonal décor and household cleaners to kitchenware, tools and plastics. She even has a generously sized crafts section with scrapbooking and other supplies, and about 30 choices of Mylar balloons.

The store, located on State Route 3 next to Mitchell Lumber (in the old post office building), has been in the works for about eight months. The building has been painted in and out and Buckley has been busy stocking the shelves. Her husband and son are helping out at the store, and so far she’s hired one part-time helper.

“I’ve frequented dollar stores a lot but it was always a half-hour drive,” she said. “People need a place in Belfair where they can save money — and have fun.”

The Buckleys had owned other businesses in the past, including a vegetarian restaurant in Buffalo, NY. Locally, they operated a DHL shipping business but closed it earlier this year.

Buckley grew up in the retail business. Her father worked at JCPenney for 35 years, and she recalls running around the store as a little girl. She said she almost gave up on the idea of a dollar store because she couldn’t find the right location when her husband offered to help — and two weeks later found the right spot.

Local people were hired recently to merchandise the store before opening, and signs were ordered from Case Inlet Signs just down the road. Even before the store opened, some people tried to stop in to shop. Among them was friend Donna Brush, who came in to offer her support. “They’re a loved couple — the whole community is behind them,” she said. “I’m so glad they’re doing it.”

Buckley said she hopes to work with local teachers and groups for special orders. Already, her own church, North Mason Bible Church, is planning to do the shopping at Belfair Dollar for the Samaritan’s Purse holiday project. Churches around the country participate by filling shoe boxes with gifts that are shipped all over the world to families in need.

Belfair Dollar will host a grand opening celebration on Oct. 10 and include door prizes. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Scary Time and Good Will at the Wrecking Yard
By Rodika Tollefson, Kitsap Sun
Monday, October 5, 2009

BELFAIR — This October, prepare to have the socks scared off you at Belfair’s wrecking yard off State Route 3 — and while there, do a good deed and bring a food donation that will be passed on to a local family in need.

Several local organizations are teaming up this year to provide Christmas cheer to local families. The North Mason Rotary, Kiwanis and the Lions Club in the past had their individual programs going, but this year they’re teaming up, according to Rotarian Jeromy Hicks, who works at Mason County Fire District 2. The plan is to collect food, presents and provide entertainment like the tree lighting.

That’s where Belfair Truck & Auto Wrecking comes in. Owner Parris Shepard has been staging a haunted house of sorts at his business for four years — or, more precise, a haunted wrecking yard — during October. Last year, he collected about 8,500 pounds of food from visitors to his “Scrapyard Massacre” and then distributed it to local families and organizations helping families, using his own outreach network.

This year, visitors to the haunted yard can receive $2 off admission if they make a nonperishable food donation. Shepard has teamed up with the fire department to distribute the food via the newly formed coalition. The fire department will pick up the food, store it, then distribute it. “I’m glad the fire department is taking over because they have direct hands in the community. These guys are going door to door in a sense,” he said.

The Scrapyard Massacre had 6,000 visitors last year, and has been called one of the best in the Northwest. The setting has been expanding every year. This October, visitors will get to park right inside the yard, so the chill factor starts before they even get out of the car. Shepard said people already think of wrecking yards as scary — but imagine going there in the dark, with loud music and screams piercing the air.

But that’s nothing. Three trailers sandwiched together will become a maze of all sorts of gory scenes — the show is truly not for the faint of heart, and makes Freddy Krueger look like an amateur. Shepard spent thousands of dollars on props and has recruited as many as 60 volunteer actors. “We try to appeal to adults who want to be scared,” he said. “We try to scare them because that’s what they come for … It’s an extreme experience.”

The event may attract a specific type of crowd, but it’s very community oriented. Shepard points out that 98 percent of the props and materials are recycled and in addition to the food donation, proceeds benefit local groups like the Little League or projects like the fundraiser for the sheriff’s K-9 dog.

And the tattoo-covered, punk-rock-band playing Shepard does make a disclaimer that he and most of the people helping him organize are Christians, so people shouldn’t read much into some of the satanic imagery. “This is theatrics, we’re not a cult,” he said.

The event’s participation has been growing every year, and Shepard estimates a good crowd this year — that hopefully means many food donations. “I look forward to distributing all that food,” Hicks said.

Say Boo!

The Scrapyard Massacre is open through Oct. 31 every Friday and Saturday, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Part of the experience is outside but a large portion is indoors, away from the elements. The haunted yard is not recommended for children under 12 or anyone else who doesn’t have the stomach for horror-like experience. Admission is $15, with $2 off with a food donation.

Traffic during the construction of the Belfair Sewer will be horrible. That is what officials told residents Tuesday night during the Mason County Commission's "Fifth Tuesday" meeting in Belfair. Last week, the Commissioners awarded the construction of the Belfair Water Reclamation facility to Boss Construction and next week are expected to award the construction of the system's wastewater conveyance lines to Ceccanti Construction. Construction should begin November 1st.

The main sewer line will be placed at or near the center of Highway 3 which will cause significant impacts to traffic although that work will be done at night. During the day, motorists will encounter steel plates on the roadway as crews will do what they can to minimize impacts to homes and businesses. The County hopes to have the first phase of the sewer project in Belfair operational by January 2012. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project is scheduled for 2 PM October 12th at the Belfair Assembly of God Church where one of the three pump stations for the project will be built.

 

Grants Help Staffing of Local Law Enforcement Agencies
By Josh Farley, Kitsap Sun
September 30, 2009

Two recent grant awards from the federal stimulus will help the Bremerton Police Department and Mason County Sheriff’s Office keep more officers on the beat.

The Mason County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that it had received a two-year $611,000 stimulus grant aimed at helping rural law enforcement agencies.

Mason County sheriff’s spokesman Dean Byrd said the award was the largest yet of its kind in the state.

The office, which was forced to cut deputies earlier this year, plans to use the money for three deputies, a corrections officer, a clerk, and some equipment, Byrd said.

Earlier this month, the Bremerton City Council accepted a three-year, $831,000 grant that will go to keep three to four more officers working, said Andy Parks, Bremerton’s director of financial services.

The grant was geared toward agencies contemplating or having to make layoffs because of the recession. A stipulation of the grant is that the city must fund the officers’ positions for at least a year beyond the grant funding.

Both Mason County and Bremerton also received Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG), administered through the U.S. Department of Justice, earlier this year, in the amounts of $77,000 and $245,000, respectively.

Other agencies in the county have been awarded stimulus funding this year, including:

—The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office has taken a total of $457,000 in Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG), though it did not win any money from the hiring program grants that Bremerton won.

—In July, the Port Orchard Police Department received $243,000, enough to add a new officer. Police chief Al Townsend said the new recruit entered the police academy this week. The department also received $58,000 in the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program, used for equipment and training, Townsend said.

—In March, the Bainbridge Island Police Department was awarded a $17,000 grant while the Poulsbo Police Department was awarded a $19,000 grant, also under the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program.

—Recently, the Suquamish Tribe and the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe received federal money from the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) office. The Suquamish Police Department received $200,000 for training and equipment, while the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Department of Public Safety got $179,000 to hire an additional officer.
 
COMMENTS
 
Posted by crazy_politics on September 30, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just curious. There's always strings attached to grants, especially fed grants. What hoops are these agencies required to jump through? The government never gives away money (it's our money, by the way) without some kind of obligation or precondition. MSwoboda

 

Web site: nmcommunityvoice.com (Meeting minutes are posted here)

Boeing announces flight testing over Hood Canal

Sheriff Salisbury in cooperation with Daniel's Grill, will be hosting a fundraising event in support of the new Sheriff's Patrol K-9 Program. The Sheriff's goal is to raise a total of $25,000 to fund the program for the first year. Funding will provide the animal, training and equipment to get the program off the ground. Daniel's Grill owner, Daniel Jonas will host the event. He will be donating a portion of the proceeds for every meal sold on these days to the program. Sheriff Salisbury and his staff will be serving as wait staff during the dinner hours on the above dates. Direct donations to the program are also welcome. Just ask your waiter how to contribute.

Kitsap Board of County Commissioners, Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board and the Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance present

 

Planned free services: Women, men and children's clothing / Limited meals / Hygiene items & shaving gear / Groceries / Haircuts / VA health benefits / VA claims / Employment referrals / Dental screening / Limited medical screening / Immunization / Financial assistance / Where to find your DD214 / Housing options / DSHS enrollment / ONE, OEF & OIF benefits / Help with 3rd degree driver's license suspension / Foreclosure advice / Free voice mail / Free mail address / Access to other agencies and programs.

 

 

 

Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance
Stand Down Planning Committee
American Legion Post #68
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22
Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program
Marine Corps League Detachment 531
Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Post #239
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2669
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4992
WorkSource Kitsap Veterans Section

 

 

North and Central Kitsap County
Approximately every hour.
Depart Poulsbo: 9:30 am North Kitsap Fishline, 18916 3rd Ave NE
Depart Kitsap Mall: 9:45 am Bus stop. West side of Sears
Arrive County Fairgrounds: 10:05 am
Depart Fairgrounds: 10:10 am to Poulsbo
Continue circuit, last fairgrounds departure: 2:00 pm

 

South Kitsap County and Bremerton
Approximately every hour.
Depart Port Orchard: 9:15 am, St. Vincent, 1200 Bay Street
Depart Bremerton: 9:35 am Salvation Army, 832 6th St
Depart East Bremerton: 9:50 am, Fred Meyer, grocery entrance
Arrive County Fairgrounds: 10:05 am
Depart Fairgrounds: 10:10 am to Port Orchard.
Continue circuit, last fairgrounds departure: 2:10 pm

North Mason Veterans Service Office opening at the North Mason Chamber of Commerce
4th Wednesday each Month beginning September 23, 2009
9:00 am — 3:00 pm

 

 

 

American Legion Post 200
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 200

 

Call to Order  7:00 PM
Flag Salute
Members/guests introduce themselves 5 minutes

 

Business meeting
To meet the legal requirements of the State and Federal Governments, we must conduct certain "legal" business. Generally, the actions are by vote of the Board of Directors, although non-Board members may participate in discussions where appropriate.

Approval of minutes  5 min
Treasurer's report 5 min
PIO's report 5 min
Other Board business 5 min
Adjourn the business meeting 7:25 PM

 

Informational meeting
The main purpose of the VOICE is for the community to share information of general and common interest. Consequently all those attending the meeting are encouraged to participate. Please observe the Code of Conduct.
Emmett Dobey, Director of the Department of Community Development will discuss the Belfair Sewer project 20 min

 

Old business
Old business Old business unresolved in previous meetings.  20 min

 

 

Announcement of the times and dates of upcoming meetings on topics of interest.  3 min

 

Meeting reports

Members and guests are invited to comment on public meetings they have attended such as:  10 min
" School Board
" Government bodies (e.g., County Commission; Fire, Hospital & Port Districts)
" Advisory Boards (Planning, Sheriff)
" Other organizations (e.g., non-profits, Chamber, community clubs)
" Special-purpose public meetings (e.g., WSDOT, sewer, stormwater)

 

For the Good of the Order

"Open mic" comments Members and guests may comment on subjects of general interest.  10 min

 

Adjourn  8:30 PM

Web site: nmcommunityvoice.com (Meeting minutes are posted here)

 

Belfair Sewer Project Bids Accepted, Groundbreaking Set
By Barbara Clark for Kitsap Sun
Friday, September 18, 2009

BELFAIR — Mason County has selected winning bids for Belfair’s new sewer system and set a date next month for groundbreaking.

The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Oct. 12. Utilities director Emmett Dobey said the location still is being decided because it isn’t practical to take the public to the woods above Belfair where the wastewater treatment plant will be built.

The low bids came in about 1 percent under engineers’ estimates. County commissioners are expected to approve the contracts at their regular meeting Tuesday.

The bid process was divided into two projects. Boss Construction Inc. of Bellingham bid just under $11 million on plant construction. Ceccanti Inc. of Puyallup bid approximately $11.5 million to put in the pipes and pump

stations. Both prices include materials and sales tax.

There were seven proposals on the conveyance portion and four on the treatment plant.

The sewer project is being tackled in stages. This first stage, in operation by spring 2011, includes the expandable treatment facility and main lines in the core of Belfair’s Urban Growth Area.

The system will extend to other areas as development occurs and funding is secured.

Work on the treatment plant, which will use membrane bioreactor technology, is expected to start by late October or early November.

Installation of the conveyance system along Highway 3 will start next spring. Property owners will get information about traffic restrictions in the coming months.

Dobey said the county had hoped bids would come in lower than they did, given the current economic climate. That would have meant “more pipe in the ground.”

The first phase has a total price tag of about $39 million, covered by various grants and loans. Only $5 million is in loans and $1.9 million of that is “forgivable,” meaning it won’t be repaid.

Of the total, $7 million went to design work by CH2M Hill and $500,000 for property acquisition and easements. More is set aside for roadway restoration, treatment pond construction and an irrigation system for treated water dispersal. There’s also a $4 million contingency fund.

Property owners will pay their own connection costs, with the county exploring options for financing. Some U.S. Department of Rural Development loans are available.

Posted by frankkenny on September 18, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
These are very exciting times for the North Mason Region. Building out the Belfair and Allyn UGA's will create a solid tax base, bring new jobs, and create economic development that will benefit the entire area. The sewer will allow this while helping to protect the Hood Canal and the environment that we all cherish.
Nice work to the elected officials, county, state and federal staff, and all the citizens that worked to make this happen.
Frank Kenny
North Mason Chamber

Posted by chris8160 on September 19, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While this is an development that makes the small town more environmental friendly, the politics of the sewer really chaps me. For one thing, this was an agenda of the environmentalists for "saving the Hood Canal". That is a good thing; but at what cost to us small homeowners who scrape to get by? The county approves all permits and allows septic systems to be installed knowing that they will be in the near future obsolete and the homeowners will have to make them inoperable when the spur lines comes to their, (homeowners) property. Who has 3,000.00 permit fee and then another 2-5,000.00 dollars to spend on the installation of sewer pipe to homes? Yes, there is a program for eligible owners to get low interest loans, but the "conditions" for the loan leave alot of people out. The installation of the sewer in Gorst doesn't cost homeowners a dime.