South Sound briefs for Aug. 25

The Olympian | • Published August 25, 2008

• Comments (0)

Thurston County

Two women injured in crash of motorcycle

Two women were injured in a motorcycle crash on state Route 507 on Saturday night, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.

Kelly Grantham, 45, of Oakville was driving a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle southbound on Route 507 near Rainier about 7:15 p.m. when she lost control and struck a road sign. She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center and was listed in satisfactory condition Sunday, according to a nursing supervisor.

Her passenger, 37-year-old Renee M. Frenken of Puyallup, was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Frenken's is listed in fair condition, according to a nursing supervisor.

The crash closed both lanes of the highway until about 10:15 p.m., according to the Department of Transportation.

Tumwater

Public hearing is today on medical-pot limit

A public hearing to take testimony on a proposed draft rule defining a 60-day supply of marijuana is set for 11 a.m. today at the state Department of Health's Point Plaza East, 310 Israel Road S.E., Rooms 152 and 153.

The legislature previously directed the agency to define a 60-day supply. For more information about the draft rule, go to www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/medical-marijuana.

Lacey

Budget talks to precede school district meeting

North Thurston Public Schools will have a public hearing on its 2008-09 budget and a budget extension on the 2007-08 budget tonight at 305 College St. N.E.

The public hearing on the extension is set for 7:40 p.m., followed by the hearing on the 2008-09 budget at 7:55 p.m.

The board is considering a $121.6 million general-fund budget, which incorporates about $3.8 million in cuts. The 2007-08 budget was $112.8 million.

Like many districts, North Thurston employs more people than the state pays for. When the state raises wages for school employees, the district costs outpace revenue. The North Thurston and Olympia districts both face cuts of about 3 percent in the 2008-09 year; Tumwater faces cuts of less than 1 percent.

The regular board meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. today. Business at the board meeting includes the annual discipline report and a review of the 2008 six-year capital facilities plan.

Olympia

Two tall ships to be in Olympia for three days

The historic tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will arrive in Olympia with cannons blazing Friday as part of Olympia Harbor Days.

The official ship of Washington state and the Chieftain will add a day in the capital Sept. 1 for additional public tours and sailings that celebrate the region's maritime heritage.

The ships are scheduled to arrive at Percival Landing, 222 Columbia St. N.W., on Friday about 6 p.m.

Crew members in period costume will welcome visitors aboard the ships for walk-on tours Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A $3 donation per person is appreciated.

The ships also will take passengers on five Battle Sails — three-hour excursions featuring booming cannons and close-quarter maneuvers between the two vessels. Those sails are scheduled Saturday, 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; Sunday, 6-9 p.m.; and Sept. 1, 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $60 for adults. For reservations, call 800-200-5239.