OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Road crews began work to remove dirt and debris from drainage ditches along park roads this week, causing some delays for drivers.
Roads will remain open during the maintenance work to improve road drainage and provide safer conditions for motorists, Olympic National Park said.
Northbound delays of up to 15 minutes were expected on Sol Duc Road through today.
On Whiskey Bend Road, motorists could encounter delays of up to 60 minutes on Thursday.
On Deer Park Road, delays could be up to 30 minutes next Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 8.
On Oct. 9, Hurricane Ridge Road drivers could find delays of up to 15 minutes.
For current road information, phone 360-565-3131.
Orchestra practice
SEQUIM –– The Sequim Community Orchestra kicks off its fourth season with an opening rehearsal from 7 to 9 p.m. in the James Center for the Performing Arts, 563 N. Rhodefer Road, this Tuesday.
The orchestra is open to anyone with the ability to read music and play an orchestral instrument.
Formed in February 2012, the orchestra has grown from 27 members to more than 40, according to president Lili Green.
The orchestra’s first regular concert performance will be Feb. 20.
More information about the orchestra and enrollment information can be found at the orchestra’s website, www.sequimcommunityorchestra.org, or by contacting Lili Green at legreenmusic@gmail.com or 360-681-5469.
Test-drive benefit
PORT ANGELES — Price Ford of Port Angeles is offering test-drives as a fundraiser for Port Angeles High School on Sunday.
During Drive One 4 UR School, members of the public can stop by Walmart at 3471 E. Kolonels Way between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to test-drive a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle.
For each test-drive taken, Price Ford will donate $20 to the high school.
The annual fundraiser has been known to earn upwards of $6,000 for the Port Angeles High choirs.
There is a limit of one test-drive per address. All drivers must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. Car seats cannot be accommodated for this event.
There will be no pressure to buy a vehicle.
For more information, phone Joel Elliott at Price Ford at 360-457-3333.
For additional assistance, contact Jolene Dalton Gailey at 360-565-1535 or jgailey@portangelesschools.org.
Ghost stories to haunt PT this Friday
PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Historical Society’s First Friday Lecture this Friday will feature ghost stories of Victoria
The talk will be in City Council chambers, 540 Water St., at 7 p.m.
Victoria is considered by many to be the most haunted city in British Columbia.
John Adams, Victoria’s foremost authority on the city’s dark past and haunted present, according to a news release, will speak at the event.
Admission is by donation, which supports the historical society’s programs.
Adams founded Ghostly Walks and has been guiding tours through Victoria’s dark streets and alleyways since 1999.
He has appeared on the Canadian television shows “Ghosts and Ghoulies” and “Creepy Canada.”
Checkpoints meet
PORT ANGELES — The next Stop the Checkpoints meeting will be at the Museum at the Carnegie, 207 S. Lincoln St., at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The meeting topic is “Defending Civil Liberties: Stop the Militarization of Our Borders, Towns and Schools.”
At the meeting, there will be a short presentation on the recent increases in military equipment given to local law enforcement and school districts.
Discussion will follow on how this equipment is being used to “squelch civil liberties,” plus a brainstorm session on what can be done to stop the “militarization of communities.”
There also will be a report on the local People’s Climate Rally and the multi-issue speeches connecting the dots between climate change, food justice, money in politics, immigration, racism, poverty and other issues.
The public is welcome to attend and participate.
For more information, phone 360-452-7534 or visit www.stopthecheckpoints.com.
Outdoor school
Jennifer Goldstein, 29, of Port Townsend recently completed wilderness expedition travel in the Southwest with the National Outdoor Leadership School.
During the course, Goldstein and nine other students set out on a path during which they did not have access to modern conveniences and were challenged to step outside their comfort zones.
Goldstein, her coursemates and three instructors embarked on a two-week hiking expedition in the Galiuro Mountains of Arizona.
On this first section, foundational camping and travel skills such as cooking and navigation using a map, compass and GPS were taught and used in the backcountry. Other curriculum focused on leadership, Leave No Trace techniques and ecology.
All students had a turn to be “Leader of the Day.” Students learned to make decisions that put the health and well-being of expedition members first.
Overall, the group traveled 74 miles and gained 10,000 feet of elevation.
Next, the group transitioned to a rock-climbing section in the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains of Southern Arizona.
All students successfully summited at least one route and were given the opportunity to teach their own classes.
Goldstein and her coursemates join the National Outdoor Leadership School alumni network of more than 221,000 graduates.
Trooper sworn in
OLYMPIA — At a recent ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda, Jamieson T. Hodgson of Port Ludlow and 38 other Washington State Patrol troopers were sworn in by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen of the state Supreme Court.
They were then presented their official commission cards by Gov. Jay Inslee and Chief John R. Batiste.
The cadets completed more than 1,000 hours of training.
The State Patrol Academy produces approximately two cadet classes each biennium, which accounts for about 60 to 120 new troopers. Historically, only about 4 percent to 6 percent of the total number of applicants makes the grade to become troopers.
“The 39 cadets graduating today endured a rigorous application process, extensive background investigation and received the best training, unmatched anywhere else in the nation,” Chief John Batiste said.
