Local briefing - Feb. 21

The Olympian, News Services | • Published February 21, 2009

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Elma

Teacher back on job, under investigation

Elma High School social studies teacher Sean Ekerson has been reinstated to his teaching position after being placed on paid administrative leave while the district looked into an allegation that he was involved in a relationship with a student, according to The Daily World of Aberdeen.

Ekerson, the school's head wrestling coach, was not reinstated to his coaching position. The school district's internal investigation is complete, but it will not discuss the report and a judge's order prevents its release.

A separate police investigation is not yet complete.

Elma Police Chief Jeff Troumbley said Thursday that the police investigation continues into whether the teacher engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a teen before she graduated a couple of years ago.

Olympia

Native stories will be shared at Evergreen

Native tradition bearers from Lummi, Yakama, Jamestown S'Klallam, Chehalis, Skokomish, Quinault and Squaxin tribes will tell stories from 1 to 5 p.m. today at The Evergreen State College Longhouse.

The event is free and open to the public.

Bucoda

Offender considered high risk to repeat

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office has notified the public that Cody H. Johnson, a level 3 sex offender, has registered as a transient. Level 3 offenders are considered at a high risk to re-offend.

Johnson spends much of his time in Olympia, detective Daryl Leischner said.

Johnson was sentenced to six years in prison followed by three years of supervision after his conviction on charges that included rape, burglary and attempted murder. The crimes occurred in 1994 in Oregon. Johnson knew his victim, an adult woman.

Johnson is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches and 150 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes.

For more information about any registered sex offender living in Thurston County, call Detective F.M. Frawley at 360-754-2894.

Centennial party needs volunteers

Participants are sought for a committee that will arrange celebrations recognizing the 100th anniversary of Bucoda's founding.

People who know the area's history, have old pictures or used to live in the town are sought. The committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 7 in the Town Council chambers, 110 N. Main St.

For more information, call 360-278-3525 or e-mail bucoda@ scattercreek.com.

The Olympian, News Services