Paradise Inn reopens
The landmark Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park reopened on Friday after an extensive two-year, $22.5-million renovation to correct structural problems, including the building’s timber frame construction deformed by years of heavy snow loads.
The Paradise Inn was constructed in 1916 and is a National Historic Landmark. The building has a dining room and lobby, rooms for up to 118 guests, and a gift shop and cafe. Renovations have made the inn wheelchair accessible.
Info: www.guestservices.com.
Seattle Times
SHELLFISHING
Clammer rescued
Stuck in the muck with the tide rising, a clamdigger had to be rescued by firefighters on a beach around Penrose State Park near Tacoma.
The fire department says water was up to the man’s shoulders last week before he was freed. He was treated for hypothermia.
Working from the Anderson Island Fire Department boat, firefighters used a hose to loosen the sand that held the man up to his knees.
Associated Press
ARCHERY
New hot shots
For a fledging archery team, the Ebenezer Christian School Eagles are soaring high.
In it’s first season, the 13-student squad of sixth- seventh- and eighth-graders from the private Lynden area school won the National Archery in the Schools Program State Championship April 12 in Wenatchee.
In addition, the first-time team posted 2,836 total points, an NASP state record for middle schools.
Deer Park Middle School finished second with 2,712 points.
More than 4,000 schools across the nation have adopted the NASP international style target archery physical education curriculum.
Info: www.nasparchery.com.
Staff and wire reports
HUNTING
Virus hits grouse
North Dakota is considering canceling its sage grouse hunting season this fall due to record low bird numbers. The culprit appears to be West Nile Virus, researchers said.
Montana is still evaluating its sage grouse situation, but biologist are concerned about low counts.
West Nile Virus can be a deadly killer in sage grouse populations. The virus is known to be spread to birds, horses and people by the bite of a particular species of mosquito. Researchers are still unsure if it’s spread by other biting insects, as well.
Billings Gazette
NATIONAL FORESTS
Camp host needed
The Nez Perce National Forest is taking applications for a volunteer summer host for Spring Bar Campground on the Salmon River.
Info: (208) 983-1950.
Rich Landers
BICYCLING
Adventure Cycling top job climate
A bicycling touring association based in Missoula for 23 years has been cited this month by Outside magazine as one of the best outdoors-related places to work in 2008.
Adventure Cycling got high marks for camaraderie and office culture, spontaneous staff bike rides and competitive benefits and salaries among non-profit groups.
Adventure Cycling’s 28 staffers serve 44,000 members by leading tours and producing maps, info and a magazine.
The Missoula office is a pit stop for 500 to 600 cyclists who stop in each season for local expertise and the traditional free ice cream bar.
Among the groups’ benefits is the option of a “bike respite” — an extra week of vacation staff members can take if they spend the time on a bike trip.
Info: www.adventurecycling.org.
Rich Landers