WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seems unlikely to allow Washington state to get out from under a court order to restore salmon habitat by removing barriers that block fish migration.

The justices heard arguments Wednesday in a long-running dispute that pits the state against Indian tribes and the federal government.

At issue is whether Washington state must fix or replace hundreds of culverts.

Those are large pipes that allow streams to pass beneath roads but can block migrating salmon if they become clogged or if they’re too steep to navigate.

Twenty-one tribes and the federal government sued Washington in 2001, arguing that the pipes have caused a reduction in salmon. The tribes say they have been deprived of fishing rights guaranteed by treaty.

The state said the work could cost $2.4 billion.

Market, craft fair

SEQUIM —The Sequim High School Swim Team Booster Club’s Spring Market-Crafts Fair fundraiser is set for Saturday and Sunday.

The sale will begin at 9 a.m. both days at the Sequim High School cafeteria at 601 N. Sequim Ave., and end at 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is free, but event organizers encourage those interested to bring a nonperishable food item for the Sequim Food Bank.

Featured at the sale will be vintage items, watercolor paintings, farmhouse and other decor, jewelry, LuLaRoe clothing, art, candles, plants, homemade items, raffles, and a bake sale.

The market will benefit the high school’s girls’ swim team by defraying district and state championship expenses, according to a news release.

Lodging committee

PORT TOWNSEND — The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will convene for a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. today.

The meeting will be conducted in the county commissioners room at Jefferson County Courthouse at 1820 Jefferson St.

The advisory committee will review and possibly make recommendations for 2018 lodging tax supplemental funding requests, as well as cover feedback on the new funding application format.

Inappropriate sign

SEATTLE — Washington state’s transportation department has apologized for an “inappropriate message” that appeared on one of its traffic signs.

Motorist Ruslan Kozlov told KCPQ-TV he was driving on Interstate 5 south Tuesday afternoon when he spotted the message “U Suck” on an overhead sign.

The state Department of Transportation said it was “clearly a mistake” that was caused by a “training error.”

The agency says it’s taking steps so it doesn’t happen again.

Peninsula Daily News