NEWS BRIEFS: Man charged with killing mother … and other items

SEATTLE — A 25-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in his mother’s slaying in Hoodsport on Christmas Day.

The Seattle Times reports Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Dorcy charged William R. Foster Thursday.

Sheriff’s deputies in Mason County say Foster stabbed and beat his mother to death Tuesday because he believed the 62-year-old woman was a demon.

According to documents from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Foster lived with his mother, Claudia Foster, in Hoodsport. Police say he arrived at the nearly home of a family member later Tuesday covered in blood and saying he “just slayed the demon.”

Documents say sheriff’s deputies found Foster’s mother dead at her home.

A judge Wednesday ordered Foster held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

It wasn’t immediately known if Foster has an attorney.

Eagles’ New Year’s Eve

PORT ANGELES — Black Diamond Junction will perform at the Port Angeles Eagles Club on New Year’s Eve.

Dancing and dinner are planned from 6 p.m. Monday to 1 a.m. Tuesday at the club at 2843 E. Myrtle St.

Tickets are $50 for the dinner and dancing and $20 after 8 p.m. for dancing only at the door.

In advance, they are $260 per table of eight, $75 per couple and $40 for an individual.

Dinner entrees are prime rib and chicken cordon bleu. Champagne will be available.

For tickets, phone 360-452-3344.

Holiday party supports area family center

PORT ANGELES —First Step Family Support Center recently held a holiday party for its clients.

More than 470 children and parents attended the party held in the Vern Burton Community Center.

According to a press release, more than 70 volunteers, including the men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams from Peninsula College, helped to make the event a success.

A turkey dinner was served and children had the opportunity to make ornaments, get presents for their parents and visit with Santa.

The Literary Council donated books for the children to take home.

Students assist area families with meals

PORT ANGELES — Students from Port Angeles High School distributed Thanksgiving dinner kits to families in need at all five district elementary schools last month.

Members of the Distributive Education Clubs of America club at the high school delivered the kits

to 47 families Nov. 19 and 20.

According to a press release, Westport Yachts, Wilder Auto Center, Windermere Real Estate Port Angeles, Irwin Dental Center, Mitch Gray Incorporated, Deer Park Self Storage, Mittelstaedt Chiropractic, and 4 Sisters Creations donated the turkeys for each kit.

All other food items were donated by club members.

For more information, email Jennifer Rogers at jrogers@portangelesschools.org.

Students honored by Rotary Club

CHIMACUM — Chimacum High School students Grace Aman and Delana Horner were recently honored by the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County as its October Students of the Month.

According to a press release, the students were nominated based on their leadership within their class as well as for their academic performance and involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Each student received a certificate of improvement from club President Caleb Summerfelt.

Sequim grad on dean’s list

JAMESTOWN, N.D. — Sequim native Abigail Hanstead has been named to the University of Jamestown’s fall 2018 dean’s list.

To qualify, students must maintain a semester GPA of 3.50 or better and carry 12 or more credit hours.

More in News

Construction set to begin on new marine life center in Port Angeles

Groundbreaking event scheduled for April 8 at Pebble Beach Park

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory rower propels his craft in the calm waters of the Salish Sea. Whidbey Island is in the distance. Today’s high temperature is forecast to be in the low 50s with partly cloudy skies. Rain is set to return this weekend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Rowing on the Strait

A seal pops its head out of the water as a dory… Continue reading

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint

County, Port Angeles to rebid public safety building

Three bids rejected due to issue with electrical contractor

Aliya Gillet, the 2025 Clallam County Fair queen, crowns Keira Headrick as the 2026 queen during a ceremony on Saturday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. At left is princess Julianna Getzin and at right is princess Jasmine Green. The other princesses, not pictured, are Makenzie Taylor, Molly Beeman and Tish Hamilton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Clallam County royalty crowned for annual fair

Silent auction raises funds for scholarships

Port Angeles Community Award recipients gather after Saturday night’s annual awards gala. From left, they are Frances Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Organization of the Year; Kyla Magner, Country Aire, Business of the Year; Amy Burghart and Doug Burghart, Mighty Pine Brewing, Emerging Business of the Year; Rick Ross, Educator of the Year; Kayla Fairchild, Young Leader of the Year; John Fox, Citizen of the Year. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Community leaders honored at annual awards banquet

Fox named Citizen of Year for support of athletic events