NEWS BRIEFS: Timber panel sets meeting for Friday … and other items

PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles Timber Advisory Committee will discuss port business involving forestry when it meets at 9 a.m. Friday.

The panel will meet at 338 W. First St. in Port Angeles.

It also will review committee procedures, nominate officers and discuss the 2017 capital budget.

Laser penalty

SEATTLE — A Coast Guard Hearing Officer has assessed a penalty against a Freeland man for interfering with the safe operation of the state ferry Tokitae by shining a high-powered blue laser at the vessel Oct. 22.

The hearing officer assessed the $9,500 civil penalty against Mark Raden on Dec. 27, the Coast Guard announced Tuesday.

Raden was aboard the state ferry Kitsap, which was traveling between Mukilteo and Clinton when he pointed the laser at the Tokitae, striking the vessel’s master and chief mate in the eyes, the Coast Guard said, adding that 106 passengers were aboard.

Raden also pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Island County Superior Court for his conduct and was ordered to serve 15 days in jail, perform 240 hours of community service, and pay $3,740.89 in restitution to the master and chief mate, the Coast Guard said.

He will also serve 24 months of probation.

“Interfering with the safe operation of a vessel, particularly a large passenger vessel, endangers all of those on board and can also result in significant environmental impacts, said Cmdr. Darwin Jensen, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound chief of prevention.

“The Coast Guard will pursue appropriate criminal or civil enforcement actions against anyone who interferes with the safe operation of vessels.”

Agents of the month named in PA

PORT ANGELES — Marc and Pat Thomsen of Coldwell Banker Uptown Realty earned the Agent of the Month Spot for December.

The Agent of the Month is accomplished by producing the highest amount of business transactions in one month’s time.

They can be reached at MThomsen@olypen.com and 360-417-2782.

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