The state had hoped to re-open the Simpson Avenue Bridge in September. Now, according to a press release, it looks like that was overly optimistic:

The Washington State Department of Transportation(WSDOT) said today the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge will reopen most likely in November after

Jen Hough photo:

Bruce Richardson photo:

There were so many seagulls on the Ocean Shores beaches this weekend, because:

a) They’re protesting their LID assessments

b) Whales in the area dig up tasty tidbits from the ocean floor

c) August, nice weather, DUH!

d) They heard a bunch of people had new hats

does not belong?

Photo by D. Scanlon

After this afternoon’s count, released by the County, “Approve” votes have a slim lead over “Reject” in the Ocean Shores Library lid lift/levy measure.

• Approve 1,047 (50.17%)

• Reject 1,040 (49.83%)

According to Julie Murphy of the Elections Department,there are still 427 questionable ballots to be resolved;

State traffic site has a camera on the Simpson Ave. Bridge detour.

Nice day, not too crowded, plenty of room to have some fun . . .

Bill and Linda Sutherland celebrate their business’ one-year anniversary and help support the Interpretive Center, with a “BBQ and silent auction,” this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Exact Heated Storage/U-HAUL, 943 Pt. Brown Ave. SW (across from Electric Boats, on the way to the Interpretive Center). Raffle prizes include a $200 Levee Lumber certificate, $200 Collins Inn certificate, a Shilo room plus dinner and much more.

Check back, second tally to be released at 5 p.m. today, with County results including the supertight Library lid lift/levy vote.

Check out the glowing reviews of visitors to the Ocean Shores art gallery. Congrats to Kelly May and her partner in art, business and life, the unfairly talented photographer Stuart May. Here’s one of his latest (click on it for bigger image):