Morning News — Monday, May 18, 2026

In today's headlines:The Port of Shelton Commission has appointed Jeff Neely to fill the vacancy left by former Commissioner Dale Ellman, with Neely to be sworn in June 2nd and serve through 2027.WSDOT is urging drivers to plan ahead for heavier than usual traffic on I-5, I-90, and US-2 over Memorial Day weekend, with early mornings and late evenings the best bet to beat crowds.Law enforcement statewide is in the middle of the national Click It or Ticket campaign through May 31st, with Washington's primary seatbelt law allowing officers to pull drivers over for unbelted violations alone.Sunshine and a high near 69 today, with Thursday shaping up to be the warmest day heading into Memorial Day weekend.In local sports: The Mariners were swept by the Padres over the weekend and open a series tonight against the Chicago White Sox with a 5:30 pregame here on KMAS. The Shelton Highclimbers fastpitch team is state-bound for the first time since 1995 after beating Prairie 3-1 in the District 4 winner-to-state game Saturday — Emmy McFarland went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two RBI, and pitcher Jonni Gouley retired 21 of 27 batters. North Mason softball's season ended in the District 3 consolation bracket, with the Bulldogs beating Bremerton 15-5 before falling to Kingston 10-6 to finish 13-11 on the year. Shelton fastpitch now waits to learn their opening-round opponent for state beginning Thursday at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey.Got a news tip? Email [email protected] or call 360-426-1030.For long-form interviews with local leaders and community voices, subscribe to KMAS Radio at kmas.transistor.fm.Listen live weekday mornings 6–10 AM on KMAS AM 1030 and FM 103.3 — the Voice of Mason County since 1962. Stream anytime at kmas.com.