Other Headlines

County may call for outside review
As criticism of Grays Harbor County’s planning and building department becomes increasingly vocal, political and even personal, the county commissioners have been asked by the staff to initiate an outside review.

“We’re of the belief this could be a good thing for our county and for our staff,” Paul Easter, director of public services told the commissioners on Monday. “Our staff is saying all we want to do is good public service. If we can get better, we would want to get better.”

Easter said the International Code Council is the agency that virtually wrote the building code and they have a review program. At least two of the three commissioners are all for it.

“Have them get in touch with the commissioners,” Chairman Al Carter of Hoquiam said. “It needs to be a review run by the commissioners — a complete third party review done for us.

Montesano Council approves pact;
now clerks to decide
The Montesano City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to authorize a proposed three-year contract with its public works and clerical employees — the non-uniformed employees.

They are represented by Teamster’s Local No. 252. The shop steward, Debbie Wisdom, said Wednesday morning that she didn’t want to discuss details of the offer until she has a chance to brief the membership, but she plans to recommend a favorable vote at the Aug. 19 meeting.

Mayor Ron Schillinger was not available for comment Wednesday on the details of the proposed contract, which became public upon the vote of the council.

The contract, if approved by the membership of 15, is for 2008-2010.
The clerk’s contract expired on Dec. 31, 2007, and negotiations have been under way, off and on, since last fall.

Asked whether it’s been difficult working without a contract and negotiating past the expiration date, Wisdom said, “It always takes a little longer than you think it should go, but I’m pleased that it didn’t take as long as our last one.”

Council members were briefed for about 90 minutes by their labor consultant, Puget Sound Public Employers, before emerging to take the 4-1 vote.

Voting in favor were council members Nick Swinhart, Chris Hutchings, Albert Collins and Doug Streeter. Voting against without comment was Councilman Pat Herrington. Council members Rich Klinger and Chris Thomas were absent.

The council has yet to reach an agreement with its police officers and the firefighters.

Other Sports

Sport fishing season still in full swing off Westport coast
WESTPORT – In recent days, fishing off the coast near Westport has been great at times, according to executive director of the Westport Charterboat Association, Mark Cedergreen.
As this unusual fishing season unfolds, according to Cedergreen, Coho salmon are becoming scarce, but the Chinook salmon catches are abundant.
Late last week we have experienced “good ole days-style fishing” Cedergreen said.
“Most charter boats were back early in the marina with their fishing limits - mostly Chinook - ranging from 15-25 pounds,” he said.

Aberdeen Parks & Recreation Co-ed Slow-Pitch results
Coed Division 1
Captain’s Corner 9
Pacific Care Center 8
Freida Ralston had three hits, while Kristal Hyde and Vernon McCrory had two hits each for Captain’s Corner. Lisa Rock had four hits; John Smith had three hits, including a double, while Suzanne Dehnert had two hits for Pacific Care Center.

Flag Football sign ups due
The Aberdeen/Montesano Adult Non-Contact Flag Football League fee deadline is Friday, Aug. 22. The fee per team is $660, and can be turned into the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department at 200 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.
The league will consist of nine regular season games, plus a single elimination post-season tournament for the top six teams. The winner of the tournament qualifies for the state tourney in December.
The games will have six players on each side playing on a shortened field, with 15 minute running quarters. There is no blocking.
Contact the Aberdeen Parks and Recreation at 360-537-3230 or the Montesano Parks and Recreation at 249-3021 ext. 112 to receive sign up forms or for further information.

Youth fastpitch tryouts planned
The Elma Eagles youth competitive fastpitch teams will be holding tryouts on the weekend of Aug. 15-17 at the baseball/fastpitch complex south of Elma on Highway 12.
Three teams will be holding tryouts in different age groups — 10U, 12U and 14U.
The 12U team coached by Scotty Scott will hold tryouts on Friday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. The 10U team coached by Monica West, and the 14U team coached by John Madagora will hold their tryouts at 11 a.m., on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Appropriate softball gear is required to participate. Direct any questions to Jody Scott at (360) 482-3881.

First MHS Cross-Country practice set
The Montesano High School Cross-Country team is holding its first practice for the 2008 fall season on Monday, Aug. 25, at the Rottle Field track. All Jr./Sr. High students are welcome to attend, said new coach James Edwards.