DUPONT — Police Chief Michael Pohl has been injured in a fight at a home, and investigators say it’s hard to determine what happened because so many witnesses were drunk.
The 49-year-old Pohl was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia by ambulance after the fight early Friday morning. Authorities say his face was swollen from being hit.
Thurston County sheriff’s Lt. Christopher Mealy says it’s unclear whether Pohl was a victim. Mealy says investigators have been hampered by “the level of intoxication of a number of witnesses.”
Pohl is a 22-year veteran of the DuPont police force. Municipal administrator Bill McDonald says he’s on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Olympia: Martin seeks state treasurer’s post
Republican Allan Martin has announced his bid for Washington state treasurer — and he has the backing of the outgoing Democratic incumbent, Mike Murphy.
Martin, a former Chelan County treasurer, has been a top Murphy deputy since 1998 and holds the post of assistant state treasurer. Martin says Murphy’s endorsement is a huge benefit, but says political affiliation doesn’t much matter in the running of the office. Martin says he’s also backed by many of the county treasurers around the state, Democrat and Republican alike. He says if elected, he’ll ask the Legislature to make state treasurer a nonpartisan office.
Yakima: Arson suspected in fires
Fires have caused damage estimated at more than half a million dollars to a property owner west of Yakima, and investigators say arson is suspected.
According to a news release, the first fire was reported at 7:10 a.m. Sunday. West Valley Fire Capt. Christy Boisselle says 38 firefighters spent more than six hours extinguishing flames that spread to 4,000 wooden fruit bins. Damage was estimated at $480,000.
Fires also were reported later Sunday in a Naches Heights camp trailer and an unoccupied house on the same property. Damage to the house was estimated at about $100,000.
Okanogan: Groups appeal mine permits
Environmental groups have filed more appeals of permits the state issued to operate a proposed gold mine on Buckhorn Mountain in Okanogan County.
The Okanogan Highlands Alliance, Washington Environmental Council and the Center for Environmental Law and Policy say five water rights issued by the state Department of Ecology are based on flawed studies.
Crown Jewel Mine officials say their plans do not violate clean water rules.
The board is expected to hear all permit appeals in a single hearing early next year.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
