Frustrated local animal rescue groups say many residents still believe Clallam County has an animal shelter — but it does not. And they are warning the gap between a rescue agency and a shelter is growing.

For years, the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society operated under contract with the county as an open?admission shelter. After closing and later reopening, OPHS changed its intake model and no longer accepts most strays, animals with behavioral issues, or many owner surrenders.

Rescue groups stress this isn’t a criticism of OPHS — only a clarification that the services people associate with a county shelter are no longer being provided.

To fill the void, private rescues across Clallam County are each caring for 30 to 40 animals, and collectively fielding 30 to 60 requests for help every month — including strays, surrenders, and law?enforcement cases.

They say they can only respond to a small fraction of those calls.

Rescue leaders say the reason is simple: rescues are not shelters.

They are small nonprofits with limited facilities, foster homes, staff, and funding — and none is equipped to serve as the county’s open?admission shelter.

That leaves residents, law enforcement, and rescue groups trying to manage situations with no countywide system responsible for taking in animals.

They argue Clallam County needs a sustainable animal?services system that provides a real safety net — including stray intake, reunification, owner surrenders, law?enforcement support, veterinary care, affordable spay/neuter, behavioral help, foster resources, and adoption services.

Rescue groups say they’ll keep doing everything they can, but they cannot replace the shelter system the county no longer has.

Move over, Seattle Seahawks. Step aside, Kraken. Washington's newest celebrity wears a mask, sleeps during the day, and has a weakness for garbage cans.

Meet Jimothy, the Ballard raccoon who's become an international internet sensation.

Jimothy has a rare condition called short spine syndrome, giving him his distinctive round appearance. A video of him waddling through a Seattle backyard has racked up millions of views, turning the longtime neighborhood visitor into an unlikely superstar.

The fame has now reached the Governor's office. Governor Bob Ferguson has named Jimothy Washingtonian of the Day, saying the little raccoon has inspired people with his resilience and ability to thrive despite his condition.

“I think one of the reasons he’s captured so much attention is he shows a certain resilience in getting by and even thriving, given that deformity.  So he’s been honored in so many ways. He’s had murals, he’s had all kinds of stuff going on, which is entirely appropriate. There’s really only one more honor I think we can bestow upon Jimothy, and that is to make him the Washingtonian of the Day.”

Jimothy's celebrity status has already produced murals, bobbleheads, T-shirts, tattoos, and enough memes to keep the internet busy for quite a while. Even Google has gotten in on the act. Search for Jimothy, and a cartoon version of the famous raccoon scampers across your screen.

Seattle city leaders plan to honor Jimothy with an official proclamation later this month—assuming, of course, he doesn't have a prior engagement... like knocking over someone's recycling bin.

Public health officials have one important reminder: admire Jimothy from a distance. Don't feed him, don't try to pet him, and don't invite him home for dinner. As cute as he is, he's still a wild raccoon and could bite or scratch if he feels threatened.

So congratulations to Jimothy—the only Washington celebrity who's managed to win over the governor, Google, and millions of fans... without ever posting on social media.

And unlike many internet stars, Jimothy has never asked anyone to "like and subscribe."

The City of Sequim has a new Public Works Director, and he’s coming from Alaska with more than a decade of transportation leadership under his belt.

Christopher Goins, a former regional director for the Alaska Department of Transportation, started June 8 and was introduced to the City Council that evening. Goins told councilors he made a “major life decision” to move to Sequim, saying his family fell in love with the area during a visit last summer.

Goins wasn’t actively job?hunting, but when Sequim’s opening appeared, he said he wondered whether “the stars [were] aligning.”

He replaces Paul Bucich, who retired June 12 after two years with the city. Bucich spent his final week helping Goins get up to speed.

City Manager Matt Huish says Goins rose to the top of a pool of more than 40 applicants and was the unanimous choice of staff interview committees.

In a statement, Huish praised Goins’ experience and his “strong culture of staff development, individual ownership, and team accountability.”

Goins spent 11 years with Alaska DOT, most recently overseeing highways, airports, and ferry terminals as Southcoast Region Director. He’s also held engineering and construction leadership roles and has been quoted in Alaska media on high?profile issues, including the delayed Cascade Point ferry terminal project and regional flood response.

He told councilors his former job had become “exceptionally political” and made being a “family guy” difficult — another reason Sequim appealed to him. What stood out most, he said, was how people here “take care of one another.”

In a city press release, Goins said his goal is to build trust by listening first and working alongside employees, residents, tribes, businesses, and community partners “to help Sequim thrive.”

Before his Alaska tenure, Goins worked as an engineer for the City of Albany, Oregon. He holds a civil engineering degree from Oregon State University and has completed national executive?leadership programs focused on transportation agencies.

PHOTO: City of Sequim

KSQM is pleased to welcome veteran broadcaster Al Brady to the all-volunteer staff of our radio station.  With 45 years of professional radio experience, Brady has agreed to accept the position of Program Director to lead programming for Sequim’s community radio station.

Brady’s extensive experience brings a background in programming, on-air performance, and community engagement. He recently relocated to Sequim after nearly a decade serving as Assistant Manager and Program Director at WVLG in The Villages, Florida.

Brady says joining KSQM is both a thrill and an honor.

He calls local radio a vital link to the community — a way to be there when listeners need it most — while sharing the timeless music people remember and love.

Often described as a walking encyclopedia of the rock ’n’ roll era, Brady has worked alongside legendary artists and broadcasters. In the mid-1980s, he served as a DJ and master of ceremonies at Little Darlin’s Rock ’n’ Roll Palace near Walt Disney World, where he co-hosted a nationally televised show with Hall of Fame broadcaster Wolfman Jack.

George Dooley, President of Sequim Community Broadcasting, says Brady brings passion, knowledge, and a genuine love of radio. Dooley says Brady’s leadership will strengthen the station’s mission and enrich the listening experience across the community.

KSQM first signed on the air December 7th, 2008. Broadcasting at 91-point-5 FM, the station is licensed to Sequim Community Broadcasting, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Operated entirely by volunteers, KSQM provides commercial-free programming throughout the greater Olympic Peninsula and Victoria, B.C., featuring local news, emergency information, timeless music, and community-driven programs and shows.

Brady will stepping in to fill the shoes of Tama Bankston who has been serving as interim Program Director for the past year.

The Sequim Food Bank has named its new executive director. She’s Jen Colmore who has been serving as the food bank's community engagement coordinator. The announcement comes after a nationwide search led by the board of directors and outgoing executive director Andra Smith.

Board president Deon Kapitan says Colmore stood out for her vision, compassion and practical leadership, noting her deep understanding of the organization and her long record of service to the community. In her role as community engagement coordinator she has strengthened donor relationships, expanded partnerships and helped shape organizational strategy.

She first joined the food bank as a volunteer and later led its first annual fundraiser “Everyone at the Table” which brought in more than $70,000.

Beyond her local work Colmore brings decades of non-profit leadership. Since 2005 she has served as Executive Director of Living Compassion. That’s a development initiative in Zambia supporting more than a thousand children and families.

Outgoing Executive Director Andra Smith says the organization is in excellent hands, praising Colmore’s clarity, steadiness and respect for the people the food bank serves.

PHOTO: Sequim Food Bank

The Sequim City Council has elected Rachel Anderson as Mayor and Nicole Hartman as Deputy Mayor at the City Council meeting on January 12.  Both are two-year terms that expire on December 31, 2027. 

Anderson was appointed to the City Council in February 2021, elected in November 2021, and re-elected in 2025. She currently serves on the Clallam Transit System Board, the Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the Housing Solutions Committee, the Council Finance Committee, the Clallam County Economic Development Council, Clallam County Solid Waste Advisory Board, and as the liaison to the Sister City Association and the Sequim Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Anderson earned her Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities in 2021.

Hartman was appointed to the City Council in April 2024. She was elected to a four-year term in November 2025.  Hartman serves on the Council Finance Committee and as the Sequim Planning Commission liaison.

PHOTO: City of Sequim