There are currently three budgets that have been proposed for Washington State and they differ greatly. We have been lucky to have an increase of 2 billion in revenues but how that is implemented it up for debate. I am including a simple comparison of the three budgets, that give you an idea of what is being talked about. The Senate coalition budget does not make temporary taxes permanent or increase the B&O tax. So if I had to pick one, this would be my choice. However, if I could have it my way there would be a 4th version on the table. 04/12/2013

Have you ever had a home that experienced flooding when a lot was cleared and another home was built nearby? Maybe you have moved into a new home and had no idea how to transform the pile of dirt it sits on into a yard? Or perhaps you made a mistake and now have environmental concerns on your property. The Mason Conservation District is here to help...not judge or fine. The Mason Conservation District assists residents of Mason County by providing a link between landowners, industry, and government agencies. They also provide technical and financial assistance to residents willing to implement conservation Best Management Practices. The District is funded through a variety of program grants. One of my favorite aspects of the Conservation District is their annual native plant sale. Not o... 12/09/2010

...from my family to you and yours! We hope that your holiday season will be filled with the greatest joy and happiness! Happy holidays! Sincerely, Shawn Anderson 12/18/2009

I want to Fly To drift through the air. The wind choosing my direction as my heart finds my destiny. Above me the glorious sun and far below me the thoughts of yesterday. To look beyond my time into the whole of eternity. Living for a moment my dream of freedom. Untethered to the course of mankind. To Fall with grace until my feet find the hard earth once again. Touching the clouds and watching the sun etch the rounded horizon from memory. This is my day. This is my time and this is my unstolen moment. 10/28/2009

My wife and I recently moved back to Island Lake in Shelton, Washington after moving away 2-1/2 years ago. We had always beat ourselves up for selling our home and moving away and we are so happy to be back. It's been great becoming reacquainted with the surroundings and seeing what has changed or not changed. Last night we drove downtown and found that a store we had been a patron of was no longer in business but had been replaced by the Mason County Habitat for Humanity reclamation store. If you have never been, it's a must see for any "do-it-yourselfer". Even if you don't want to take on any projects they have much more than you would expect. We saw books, furniture, lamps and more. What a fantastic place to rummage through. I had also noticed that Lumberman's is now Pro Build. I bel... 10/08/2009

Island Lake on a cold winter's day. The sun is out and everything just seems to sparkle. I think the colors have even more life in them.This area is a wetlands and it is wonderful to come by in the spring to listen to all of the frogs. In the evening just as the sun sets natures sounds pull you in. The trickling waters croaking frogs, & crickets singing can make it feel like a world all it's own- 02/05/2009

While I was driving through Shelton Washington today, I found a very lucky home. The tree limb must have given way in the recent windstorm we had. I could not believe it did absolutely no damage at all to this house- not even a broken window! One of the small twigs broke up against the house, but the house it's self is perfect.I wish I had a better picture to show you just how significant this was, but I am certain the home owner knows! Do you have any lucky houses where you live? 01/08/2009