Motorcycle rider airlifted

A Sequim man was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after his motorcycle went off the road on state Highway 104 near Quilcene.

Cole Smithson, 20, was traveling eastbound on Highway 104, just east of U.S. Highway 101, at about 5:54 p.m. on Friday, April 18, when he lost control on a curve and failed to stay on the road, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Smithson was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he was in satisfactory condition on Monday, April 21, according to the Harborview nursing supervisor.

WSP reported that Smithson was wearing a helmet, and no drugs or alcohol were involved in his accident, which totaled his 2023 Kawasaki EX650.

Rhody parade deadline nears

Applications for those interested in participating in the 2025 Grand Parade during the Jefferson County Rhododendron Festival are due May 12. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. on May 17 on Lawrence Street at the fire department. Rhody Week will kick off on May 14 with trike races and the Rhody Run. The following few days will bring a pet parade, a hair and beard contest, and a community meal among other events. The 2025 Rhody Royalty was announced at the Queen’s Coronation on Feb. 8, with 17-year-old Taylor Frank crowned queen and 16-year-old Lorelei Turner crowned princess.

Foster care month

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and Olympic Angels, a foster care non-profit, reminds the community that foster care happens here. “The Olympic Peninsula is a uniquely difficult place to be in foster care,” the press release reads. “When a child enters foster care, there are often no beds available to receive them.” Many foster children under Olympic Angels’ care are sent to live in communities three or more hours away and spend many hours a week traveling to visit their siblings and parents. Olympic Angels recognize that not everyone has the resources to be a foster parent. Still, they believe anyone can improve foster care for children on the Olympic Peninsula by becoming a volunteer, mentor, or donor. Those interested can visit their website for more information. 

Upper Hoh repairs

Onsite construction to repair the Upper Hoh Road began on April 15, with work anticipated to be completed in three to four weeks. “It’s to early to put a specific date on re-opening the Upper Hoh Road and Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center but early May is probable,” wrote Monte Reinders, the county public works director. the The county secured $623,000 from Governor Bob Ferguson’s Strategic Reserve Fund to repair the road, which was washed out after heavy rainfall. The community raised an additional $27,000 for the repairs. 

Hospital update 

Jefferson Healthcare’s Campus Modernization and Expansion Project is nearing its conclusion, according to the hospital’s most recent To Your Heath Podcast. Construction is expected to wrap up by July 18, with patients welcomed into the new space starting in September.  “This will feel like one cohesive facility — even though it’s built from multiple buildings,” said Jefferson Healthcare COO Jake Davidson. “It’s modern, it’s easy to navigate, and it reflects the high standard of care we’re proud to provide here in Jefferson County.” The $96 million, 56,000-square-foot expansion aims to enhance care and reduce the need for patience to travel far for specialized care. New services will include ear, nose and throat, neurology, pulmonology and radiation oncology. Crews are focused on putting brick up on the building and installing windows. Infrastructure improvements are also being made, including 120 additional parking spaces, electric vehicle chargers and a new entrance. 

Port lands award 

The Port of Port Townsend was given the Harbor Achievement Award from the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers (PCC) for its breakwater replacement project at the Point Hudson Marina. It was bestowed during the harbormaster conference on April 16.

“The Port is well aligned with a strong board of commissioners, representing the community’s values and a staff team pulling together to make big projects happen,” said Port Executive Director Eron Berg.

Built in the 1930s, the breakwaters had been repaired over the years but winter storms in 2018 left them severely damaged. The two-year, $12.14 million project wrapped up in April 2024.