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Douglas Tobin could get out of prison as soon as next year. But when he gets out, he plans to come back. Not for future crimes. Rather, to keep carving totem poles there.

Last week, the Squaxin native oversaw the completion of one giant totem pole in the yard of the minimum security section of the prison, and the beginning of another. Under a temporary tarp, six other inmates prepped the new log for carving; stripping off the bark and smoothing the 120-year-old trunk.

Nearby, the brilliantly colored completed pole rested on its back, ready to be erected on the prison grounds. For Tobin, the pole is a symbol of respect, for himself, the inmates, and the system that incarcerated him. More

School of Shrock
Just because it’s a church doesn’t mean you can’t play Iron Maiden there. As long as the lyrics aren’t offensive, you can play what you want after school at the Monroe Community Chapel. And if you need help figuring out how to play your favorite song, Scott Shrock will give you a hand.
It’s part of a free after-school music program for Sky Valley kids, and Shrock, 28, a music major from Los Angeles and a music director at the church, hopes it grows in coming months. More