Clallam County health sets downgrade to shellfish harvesting

Discovery Bay is closed to all species for recreational shellfish harvesting, county officials said on July 14.

The Clallam County Department of Health and Human Services’ Environmental Health Division posted the downgrade announcement to the presence of biotoxins found in Discovery Bay.

All species shellfish harvesting is also closed in Sequim Bay as well as a seasonal closure of ocean beaches.

Dungeness Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Dungeness Spit east to Discovery Bay/Jefferson County line is closed to butter and varnish clams.

The Strait of Juan de Fuca from Low Point/Lyre River east to Dungeness Spit is open to all species, however.

For more information about the closure, call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 800-562-5632, or visit the Washington state Department of Health’s shellfish safety website at doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety.

Berry named health officer in Jefferson County

Dr. Allison Berry is now the public health officer for both Clallam and Jefferson counties, the Peninsula Daily News reported last week.

Former Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke will continue to assist the departments as a deputy health officer, but will be fully transitioning out the role of health officer over the next month.

The Jefferson County Board of Health voted unanimously on July 15 to approve the resolution that appointed the two health officers to their new respective roles.

“It’s an honor to step into this position,” said Berry, who is also the Clallam County health officer.

“I take public service incredibly seriously and I take the role as an independent scientific advisor for this region very seriously. I’m hopeful that I can bring a lot of strength to the position and that commitment to scientific independence.”

Last day to register for Primary approaching

The last day to register or update a registration by mail or online for the 2021 Primary Election in Clallam County is July 26.

Registrations must be received by the Auditor’s Office by this date. Printable voter registration forms can be found online at clallam.net/elections. Or, register using the online portal at votewa.gov.

Register to vote or update your registration at the Auditor’s Office, 223 E. Fourth St., Suite 1, Port Angeles, between 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Election Day, Aug. 3, the Auditor’s Office is open until 8 p.m.

An Online Voters’ Guide is be available at votewa.gov.

Ballot for the Aug. 3 primary were mailed to registered voters qualified to participate on July 14.

Pavement repairs set for US Highway 101 between Sequim, PA

Several sections of US 101 between Port Angeles and Sequim will see highway maintenance work starting this week (July 19-23).

Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will repair asphalt in locations along eastbound U.S. Highway 101.

Olympic Peninsula travelers are encouraged to plan ahead to help avoid delays.

The repairs include a stretch of Highway 101 between Sutter Road and Old Olympic Highway just east of Port Angeles, and another in the area of Hooker Road near Sequim.

Work began Monday and will continue from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Thursday, July 22.

During repairs, travelers will encounter a single lane closure.

State officials encourage people to watch for crews in work zones, slow down and give them room to safely work.

Get a WSDOT app at wsdot.wa.gov.

Soup’s On once again at St. Luke’s

The Soup’s On program is on once more at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 525 N. Fifth Ave. Enjoy a free lunch of soup with salad and dessert and coffee from noon-1 p.m. each Wednesday.

Organizers will be following COVID guidelines outlined by the state and its diocese; at this tie masks are not required for anyone who is fully vaccinated, though organizers strongly recommend those who are not vaccinated continue to wear a mask except when eating.

COVID forms, while not required, will be available for anyone who would like to be on a contact list in case of exposure.

Call 360-683-4862 for more information.

All-breed show set for July 30-Aug. 1

The Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club hosts its 2021 All-Breed Show July 30-Aug. 1 at the Carrie Blake Community Park ball fields. Events include conformation, obedience, rally, FastCAT, canine good citizen, trick dog and a puppy competition (4-6 months old), as well as nosework and K-9 freestyle demonstrations.

The event is open to the public and there will be some vendors onsite selling dog-related items.

The Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club was founded in 1988 and is an AKC-licensed all-breed club and no-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interests of dogs owners and breeders of purebred dogs. The club puts on an agility/rally/obedience trial, the three-day all-breed show and scentwork trials each year.

For more about the Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club, see hrkc.org.

Preschool has open enrollment

Faith Lutheran Preschool in Sequim is currently enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year.

Faith Lutheran offers programs for children ages 3-5.

For more information, call 360-681-7126 or email to faithlutheranpreschoolsequim@gmail.com.

Local office open to help disabled veterans

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office at 583 W. Washington St. is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each Wednesday, to serve veterans who are needing help with claims or other information.

Services are free and veterans do not have to be members of DAV to receive assistance.

The office is by walk-in; no appointment is necessary.

Masks are required upon entrance.

For more information, call 360-504-2843.