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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
January 4, 2007     Shelton Mason County Journal
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January 4, 2007
 
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Proud Editor, The Herald: I fully expected the slanderous rant contained in Mr. Raymond Anderson's December 21 letter to the editor as he published the Neatherlin-Landram party line. I find it interesting that it is so easy to find such stooges in Belfair. Too bad the principals don't have the character to substantiate their al- legations without relying.on prox- ies to spread unfounded rumor, innuendo, gossip and self-serv- ing half-truths. Therefore, I'll re- spond this last time in an attempt to set the record straight regard- ing the some two-score allegations made by Mr. Anderson. I invite THINKING people to investigate the truth. Look at the big picture. Observe who these people are and what they represent. It is true that I worked with both Neatherlin and Bill Eick- meyer. I was president of the Theler board of directors from December 2004 until the board was summarily fired with the exception of Neatherlin in April 2005 (five months). I am proud of my service to the Mary E. Theler Organization under very difficult and trying circumstances. I very much enjoyed working with the 12 charter members of the board of directors. Moreover, I am happy to see that the Theler Community Center remains a viable asset to the community. When fired, the Theler bank ac- counts were net positive $10,000- plus ($12,500.00 in the Theler accounts). The checking account was overdrawn by $2,500 be- cause the available funds were not transferred by the incoming (interim) board of directors. The executive director did not have accurate books, howeyr the local CPA maintained an accurate ac- counting off site. The board on my watch authorized and paid a CPA to maintain a backup set of books as the executive director was un- able to accomplish this goal. This and the executive director's lack of administrative and leadership skills led to her facilitated resig- nation on my watch. The Theler board was publicly commended by the assistant su- perintendent of schools (Mark Flatau) fbr an accurate and eas- ily understood draft budget sub- mission at the March 2005 school board meeting awaiting results of the 2004 financial audit con- tracted with a local CPA befi)re final submission. The audit was late in coming as the then execu- tive director continually failed to st...., i Episcopal I L.J Church I_.. I We inviteyou to join us for '__ Sunday Family Worship "rh7ur of service to Theler 10a.m. Snnday School Provided Assail:( i 2 8 0 E. 3W6h0c.2 7w;i h;5S;., A, I y n - :[e:! deliver needed information to the the enhancement group paid for to date. tion I guess Mr. Anderson doesn't Conal card For: or 27 9 Belf Chur call Nc Club. housi tion ( Nc numerous improvements in the center and grounds. For example, wiring the Theler Center with state of the art Category 5 Eth- ernet cables for Web and network access. Randy Neatherlin took it upon himself to tear out the cables after the enhancement group ob- tained offices elsewhere. On my watch the Theler board consisted of 12 members of the community. Presently the board consists of five members. Shortly after assuming the duties as the president of the board, we formed a committee of an additional 20 members of the community to develop a more-inclusive master planning document for submis- sion to the school board for ap- proval. When it became obvious that there truly was going to be widespread community involve- ment the school board {Glenn Landram) canceled the meetings and within a few days thereat: ter fired the board. So you be the judge on who is inclusive. Anderson claimed that I advo- cated selling Theler property. I supported the position of the ma- jority of the board. The final ar- biter for any sale of Theler trust property was the trustee, not the Theler board. Anderson also claims that I left the Theler Cen- ter broke and Neatherlin rescued it. This argument was put in play to cover the school board's lack of financial oversight with the pre- vious Theler trustee. The trustee advised the school board that overpayment had occurred and the proceeds of the trust would have to be reduced. The school board took no action for several years in resolving this issue. Un- fortunately, the Theler board had no say in the matter and was sim- ply forced to pay for the school board's dereliction of fiduciary oversight. Additionally, earlier Theler boards bought and refur- bished the "Head Start" property presently adding positive cash flow for the center while adding value to the balance sheet. Also, earlier boards were instrumental in obtaining and placing buildings on the two Theler properties next to the old post office. This action increased the value of the trust and generated additional positive cash flow for the trust. I accept responsibility for my actions. Further, when p.sented with unfortunate circu/6stances I try to energize those around me to solve the problem, not launch per- sonal attacks as has been the case auditor. The audit was completed after a new executive director was hired on my watch and provided the available and needed informa- tion to the auditor. It is absolutely unfounded and untrue that there was a com- mingling of funds. The incoming interim board paid the auditor commissioned on my watch for the 2004 audit, but has not pub- licly disclosed the audit results as it disproves this and other un- founded allegations by the Neat- herlin-Landram crowd. Why pay $4,000 for an audit and then not disclose the findings of the audit? Did Neatherlin lose the docu- ment? Did the interim board pay fi)r the audit, but fail to obtain the document? Nobody seems to want to answer this question. I did, indeed, work for the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and am very proud of my service to that hard-working com- munity-minded group of staff and vohmteers. 1 was also a member of the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center board and, again, was proud ef my affiliation and volun- teer service. It is absolutely untrue that em- ployees and their pay were com- mingled under the Americorps grant. Six Americorps members were assigned to and paid by the salmon enhancement group and six were assigned to and paid by the Mary E. Theler Organization under an overarching contract with Americorps administered by a Washington State agency. Un- tbrtunately, the then executive director was never able to submit an accurate or complete expense report on the first submission. No grants that once belonged to Theler moved to the enhance- ment group or salmon center that I know of. On my watch, and before, the board advocated the sale of the parking lot "at fair market value" to be determined by an official real estate appraisal conducted by a li- censed and bonded appraiser, not some bank actuary. This was in keeping with an openly disclosed and widely disseminated master plan developed in 2002 with com- munity input. The enhancement group rented two offices in the Theler Center at market rates. The rates were for- mally reviewed by the executive director in 2004. The school board approved the renting of the space which brought in over $13,000 per year to the center. Moreover, An important legacy Obituary is created bY priinermd.a" °bct::p ] east e ioO:r y mattOn , ,  , tion is not only an appropri- He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Wing Huson, in 1971. Survivors include his son Mike and his wife, Brenda, of Tahuya; his daughter Nancy and her hus- band, Tom Webb, of Tahuya; his brother John Huson of Belfair; his sister Helen Olsen of Tahuya; his grandchildren Zac, Jessie, Jake, Tessa, Tyler and Tanya; and great- grandchildren Gabriel, Eli, Ethan and Emma. A graveside service, conducted by Reverend Ernest S. Radcliff, was held Friday, December 29, at Twin Firs Cemetery in Belfair. Arrangements are by McComb Funeral Home in Shelton. ate tribute to the deceased but Donald R. Huson Tahuya resident Donald R. Huson died of natural causes on Christmas day. He was 79. He was born August 8, 1.927 in Seattle to John and Frances (Boy- er) Huson, He graduated fi'om South Kit- sap High School in 1943 and served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He married Myrlis Joy Whit- man on June 12, 1949 in Union. She preceded him in death in Oc- tober. Mr. Huson was self-employed in the construction and tbrest indus- tries. He and his brother, John, owned Huson Brothers Construc- tion tbr many years. ullulllluuuuuuuuuulu P.O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528 Telephone 275-6680 Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience there is a mail slot by the door for copy, Office located in the Log Plaza. KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter Office Telephone (360) 275-6680 a part of history. Thq Herald provides forms and is happy to print information on the lives of residents and former residents. Please stop by our office in the Log Plaza if we can be of any help. want community-minded volun- teers that work long hours and give freely of themselves while maintaining open and honest diah)g with the community they serve to remain in the North Ma- son area. I assume he prefers the likes of a school board president that has alienated 90 percent of the teachers and two fifths of the school board and buffoons that come out after the battle, slay the wounded and then claim victory. I: oath Lots of luck with that. ] S ELL IT -: formali, John D. Blankenship [ WITH AN AD IN THE HERALD. Allyn r.,Au. 36o-275-$I1o  l As I p. Soci i ferenc Since 1961 _. N A !)' [' more i ling ..... [}00]L00_NMiller Remode Frida 6p Buildin on Your Dreams with Qualit and Service Club s ' '  p.ra * 360-275-5702 Victor l)esign/Build • Remodels • Additions • Restorations • Custom Homes 360-426-2058 VMt www.tnmillerremodeling.com to read about our o./€ approach Hood: & Relaxation from the Holidays We offer... * Body Wraps * Salt/Sugar Scrubs * Aromatherapy * Relaxation & Deep Massage * Paraffin Nina Brush, LMP MA#00022101 Office: 360.275.0636 Belfair Center 24090 NE Hwy 3 #D2 Cell: 360.204.4162 ii i i YOUR DEALERSHIP i: call 2 I 6 t, dettes l{i00ary ! call 2 iiaforn I: 275-9; I!choice iini°r C Comn i' il2forn 6:3 1197, tist C - tion c ! tra (holding Rufus), Brennan and Mark Did you know that your car doesn't have to be serviced at the dealership to keep your manufacturer's warranty covered? STOP paying dealer priced You only need to see the dealer for something you don't have to pay forl Ayers Automotive, the NEW shop in Grapeview (Mason/Benson Lake Area) is a family owned, fully licensed repair shop. Mark is an ASE =rter Technician with over 20 years experience. We work on most foreign and domestic cars and light trucks. Give us a call to see if we can help you with your automotive repair needsl • l, 8:3q Arnold & Smith "Since 1970" Insurance Agency, Inc. NOW OPEN IN BELFAIR. I e°pl es eti Located at 11 N.E. Old Belfair Hwy., Belfair, WA 98528 (Across from QFC) Our new Belfair office provides the same products and services you have always known. Come in and see Chris Ladner, Artemia Settle, and our team of insurance professionals for all your insurance needs! A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Beltair, Allyn, Grapevlew, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor. uuuuu Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 4, 2007 Phone: (360) 27715300 Toll Free: 1.800.633.4848 Proud Editor, The Herald: I fully expected the slanderous rant contained in Mr. Raymond Anderson's December 21 letter to the editor as he published the Neatherlin-Landram party line. I find it interesting that it is so easy to find such stooges in Belfair. Too bad the principals don't have the character to substantiate their al- legations without relying.on prox- ies to spread unfounded rumor, innuendo, gossip and self-serv- ing half-truths. Therefore, I'll re- spond this last time in an attempt to set the record straight regard- ing the some two-score allegations made by Mr. Anderson. I invite THINKING people to investigate the truth. Look at the big picture. Observe who these people are and what they represent. It is true that I worked with both Neatherlin and Bill Eick- meyer. I was president of the Theler board of directors from December 2004 until the board was summarily fired with the exception of Neatherlin in April 2005 (five months). I am proud of my service to the Mary E. Theler Organization under very difficult and trying circumstances. I very much enjoyed working with the 12 charter members of the board of directors. Moreover, I am happy to see that the Theler Community Center remains a viable asset to the community. When fired, the Theler bank ac- counts were net positive $10,000- plus ($12,500.00 in the Theler accounts). The checking account was overdrawn by $2,500 be- cause the available funds were not transferred by the incoming (interim) board of directors. The executive director did not have accurate books, howeyr the local CPA maintained an accurate ac- counting off site. The board on my watch authorized and paid a CPA to maintain a backup set of books as the executive director was un- able to accomplish this goal. This and the executive director's lack of administrative and leadership skills led to her facilitated resig- nation on my watch. The Theler board was publicly commended by the assistant su- perintendent of schools (Mark Flatau) fbr an accurate and eas- ily understood draft budget sub- mission at the March 2005 school board meeting awaiting results of the 2004 financial audit con- tracted with a local CPA befi)re final submission. The audit was late in coming as the then execu- tive director continually failed to st...., i Episcopal I L.J Church I_.. I We inviteyou to join us for '__ Sunday Family Worship "rh7ur of service to Theler 10a.m. Snnday School Provided Assail:( i 2 8 0 E. 3W6h0c.2 7w;i h;5S;., A, I y n - :[e:! deliver needed information to the the enhancement group paid for to date. tion I guess Mr. Anderson doesn't Conal card For: or 27 9 Belf Chur call Nc Club. housi tion ( Nc numerous improvements in the center and grounds. For example, wiring the Theler Center with state of the art Category 5 Eth- ernet cables for Web and network access. Randy Neatherlin took it upon himself to tear out the cables after the enhancement group ob- tained offices elsewhere. On my watch the Theler board consisted of 12 members of the community. Presently the board consists of five members. Shortly after assuming the duties as the president of the board, we formed a committee of an additional 20 members of the community to develop a more-inclusive master planning document for submis- sion to the school board for ap- proval. When it became obvious that there truly was going to be widespread community involve- ment the school board {Glenn Landram) canceled the meetings and within a few days thereat: ter fired the board. So you be the judge on who is inclusive. Anderson claimed that I advo- cated selling Theler property. I supported the position of the ma- jority of the board. The final ar- biter for any sale of Theler trust property was the trustee, not the Theler board. Anderson also claims that I left the Theler Cen- ter broke and Neatherlin rescued it. This argument was put in play to cover the school board's lack of financial oversight with the pre- vious Theler trustee. The trustee advised the school board that overpayment had occurred and the proceeds of the trust would have to be reduced. The school board took no action for several years in resolving this issue. Un- fortunately, the Theler board had no say in the matter and was sim- ply forced to pay for the school board's dereliction of fiduciary oversight. Additionally, earlier Theler boards bought and refur- bished the "Head Start" property presently adding positive cash flow for the center while adding value to the balance sheet. Also, earlier boards were instrumental in obtaining and placing buildings on the two Theler properties next to the old post office. This action increased the value of the trust and generated additional positive cash flow for the trust. I accept responsibility for my actions. Further, when p.sented with unfortunate circu/6stances I try to energize those around me to solve the problem, not launch per- sonal attacks as has been the case auditor. The audit was completed after a new executive director was hired on my watch and provided the available and needed informa- tion to the auditor. It is absolutely unfounded and untrue that there was a com- mingling of funds. The incoming interim board paid the auditor commissioned on my watch for the 2004 audit, but has not pub- licly disclosed the audit results as it disproves this and other un- founded allegations by the Neat- herlin-Landram crowd. Why pay $4,000 for an audit and then not disclose the findings of the audit? Did Neatherlin lose the docu- ment? Did the interim board pay fi)r the audit, but fail to obtain the document? Nobody seems to want to answer this question. I did, indeed, work for the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group and am very proud of my service to that hard-working com- munity-minded group of staff and vohmteers. 1 was also a member of the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center board and, again, was proud ef my affiliation and volun- teer service. It is absolutely untrue that em- ployees and their pay were com- mingled under the Americorps grant. Six Americorps members were assigned to and paid by the salmon enhancement group and six were assigned to and paid by the Mary E. Theler Organization under an overarching contract with Americorps administered by a Washington State agency. Un- tbrtunately, the then executive director was never able to submit an accurate or complete expense report on the first submission. No grants that once belonged to Theler moved to the enhance- ment group or salmon center that I know of. On my watch, and before, the board advocated the sale of the parking lot "at fair market value" to be determined by an official real estate appraisal conducted by a li- censed and bonded appraiser, not some bank actuary. This was in keeping with an openly disclosed and widely disseminated master plan developed in 2002 with com- munity input. The enhancement group rented two offices in the Theler Center at market rates. The rates were for- mally reviewed by the executive director in 2004. The school board approved the renting of the space which brought in over $13,000 per year to the center. Moreover, An important legacy Obituary is created bY priinermd.a" °bct::p ] east e ioO:r y mattOn , ,  , tion is not only an appropri- He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Wing Huson, in 1971. Survivors include his son Mike and his wife, Brenda, of Tahuya; his daughter Nancy and her hus- band, Tom Webb, of Tahuya; his brother John Huson of Belfair; his sister Helen Olsen of Tahuya; his grandchildren Zac, Jessie, Jake, Tessa, Tyler and Tanya; and great- grandchildren Gabriel, Eli, Ethan and Emma. A graveside service, conducted by Reverend Ernest S. Radcliff, was held Friday, December 29, at Twin Firs Cemetery in Belfair. Arrangements are by McComb Funeral Home in Shelton. ate tribute to the deceased but Donald R. Huson Tahuya resident Donald R. Huson died of natural causes on Christmas day. He was 79. He was born August 8, 1.927 in Seattle to John and Frances (Boy- er) Huson, He graduated fi'om South Kit- sap High School in 1943 and served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He married Myrlis Joy Whit- man on June 12, 1949 in Union. She preceded him in death in Oc- tober. Mr. Huson was self-employed in the construction and tbrest indus- tries. He and his brother, John, owned Huson Brothers Construc- tion tbr many years. ullulllluuuuuuuuuulu P.O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528 Telephone 275-6680 Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience there is a mail slot by the door for copy, Office located in the Log Plaza. KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter Office Telephone (360) 275-6680 a part of history. Thq Herald provides forms and is happy to print information on the lives of residents and former residents. Please stop by our office in the Log Plaza if we can be of any help. want community-minded volun- teers that work long hours and give freely of themselves while maintaining open and honest diah)g with the community they serve to remain in the North Ma- son area. I assume he prefers the likes of a school board president that has alienated 90 percent of the teachers and two fifths of the school board and buffoons that come out after the battle, slay the wounded and then claim victory. I: oath Lots of luck with that. ] S ELL IT -: formali, John D. Blankenship [ WITH AN AD IN THE HERALD. Allyn r.,Au. 36o-275-$I1o  l As I p. Soci i ferenc Since 1961 _. N A !)' [' more i ling ..... [}00]L00_NMiller Remode Frida 6p Buildin on Your Dreams with Qualit and Service Club s ' '  p.ra * 360-275-5702 Victor l)esign/Build • Remodels • Additions • Restorations • Custom Homes 360-426-2058 VMt www.tnmillerremodeling.com to read about our o./€ approach Hood: & Relaxation from the Holidays We offer... * Body Wraps * Salt/Sugar Scrubs * Aromatherapy * Relaxation & Deep Massage * Paraffin Nina Brush, LMP MA#00022101 Office: 360.275.0636 Belfair Center 24090 NE Hwy 3 #D2 Cell: 360.204.4162 ii i i YOUR DEALERSHIP i: call 2 I 6 t, dettes l{i00ary ! call 2 iiaforn I: 275-9; I!choice iini°r C Comn i' il2forn 6:3 1197, tist C - tion c ! tra (holding Rufus), Brennan and Mark Did you know that your car doesn't have to be serviced at the dealership to keep your manufacturer's warranty covered? STOP paying dealer priced You only need to see the dealer for something you don't have to pay forl Ayers Automotive, the NEW shop in Grapeview (Mason/Benson Lake Area) is a family owned, fully licensed repair shop. Mark is an ASE =rter Technician with over 20 years experience. We work on most foreign and domestic cars and light trucks. Give us a call to see if we can help you with your automotive repair needsl • l, 8:3q Arnold & Smith "Since 1970" Insurance Agency, Inc. NOW OPEN IN BELFAIR. I e°pl es eti Located at 11 N.E. Old Belfair Hwy., Belfair, WA 98528 (Across from QFC) Our new Belfair office provides the same products and services you have always known. Come in and see Chris Ladner, Artemia Settle, and our team of insurance professionals for all your insurance needs! A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Beltair, Allyn, Grapevlew, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor. uuuuu Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 4, 2007 Phone: (360) 27715300 Toll Free: 1.800.633.4848