Report: King County suicides increase as murders, traffic deaths decline
December 28, 2010
NEW — 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28, 2010
Deaths due to murder and traffic accidents dipped to the lowest point in a decade last year, but the number of suicides increased to the highest number since 2000, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office announced Tuesday.
The office’s annual report presents detailed analyses of suspicious, sudden, unexpected and violent deaths, as well as trends in drug overdose deaths, homicides and traffic fatalities.
The medical examiner’s office estimated 12,967 deaths occurred in King County last year. Officials performed autopsies in about 10 percent — or 1,226 — of the cases.
The agency assumed jurisdiction in 2,190 deaths — 989 natural deaths, 632 accidental deaths, 253 suicides, 141 traffic deaths, 63 homicides and 59 deaths due to undetermined causes.
The total includes 18 Issaquah deaths — 13 accidental deaths, three suicides, one traffic fatality and one death due to undetermined causes.
Options abound for disposing of old Christmas trees
December 28, 2010
NEW — 8 a.m. Dec. 28, 2010
Issaquah residents eager to toss out a dried-out fir face a handful of options to dispose of natural Christmas trees.
Customers tired of evergreens dropping brown needles can set out trees for yard waste collection on regular collection days. The trees must be cut to 4 feet or less. Haulers do not collect trees decked in flocking or decorations.
For residents interested in recycling, or tree-cycling, the King County Solid Waste Division offers a list of recycling locations. Or, residents can drop off trees at Cedar Grove Composting near Issaquah and other recycling sites.
Residents can also wait until Jan. 8 to dispose of old trees.
Department of Ecology turns to Twitter to alert residents to hazards
December 28, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Dec. 28, 2010
Evergreen State residents can turn to Twitter for up-to-date information about oil and hazardous material spills.
The state Department of Ecology has enlisted the micro-blogging service to disseminate accurate, credible and timely information to the media and public about spill response, preparedness and prevention issues and activities including.
The effort also includes a spill-specific website, a presence on Facebook and the agency’s EcoConnect blog.
“In the past year alone, Ecology responded to more than 3,600 reported spills and conducted about 1,200 field responses,” Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Program Manager Dale Jensen said. “The breadth of what we do to protect our environment, our economy and our cultural resources is immense.”
King County executive reflects on 2010 milestones
December 27, 2010
NEW — 5 p.m. Dec. 27, 2010
King County Executive Dow Constantine touted a series of initiatives to reform county government after a year in the top spot.
The executive highlighted efforts to reduce labor costs, implement a “green” energy policy, reform the permitting process and upgrade infrastructure. Key accomplishments included the creation of a regional partnership to offer animal-control services in Issaquah and more than 30 other cities, and recommendations to change Metro Transit in order to put the agency on more solid financial footing.
“In one year we’ve made dramatic strides toward putting the county on sound financial footing, while handling emergent issues in a methodical and responsible way,” Constantine said in a statement released Monday. “Thanks to our strong leadership team, and dedicated King County employees, we have accomplished much to protect what matters most to the people of King County.”
Habitat for Humanity plans hearty treat for highlands volunteers
December 27, 2010
NEW — 10 a.m. Dec. 27, 2010
Habitat for Humanity of East King County plans to kick off 2011 in hearty fashion.
The nonprofit organization has planned a Chilly Chili Challenge volunteer event at the Habitat construction site in the Issaquah Highlands. During the event, volunteers chow down on a hot lunch of chili, soup and other goodies donated by local businesses and churches. The community event also features a raffle for prize from local spas, bookstores, restaurants and the local Target.
The challenge is scheduled for every working Thursday in January and February.
Organizers said the Chilly Chili Challenge should help to continue the positive partnership between Habitat and the Issaquah community. Construction on the 10 duplexes in the highlands has benefited from neighbors and Issaquah businesses.
Drivers face stiffer penalties in emergency zones soon
December 27, 2010
NEW — 8 a.m. Dec. 27, 2010
Motorists face increased penalties soon for failing to make room for emergency vehicles and crews.
The enhanced emergency zone law builds upon existing “move over” regulations to create zones similar to constructions zones around emergency workers. The emergency zone stretches 200 feet in both directions from emergency vehicles.
Under the law, the fine doubles for drivers caught speeding or failing to move over in emergency zones. Offenders face a possible gross misdemeanor charge, jail time and a mandatory 60-day license suspension. The updated law takes effect Jan. 1.
State offers extended deadline to deliquent taxpayers
December 27, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Dec. 27, 2010
Some taxpayers just received more time to settle old tax bills.
Legislators rolled out a state amnesty program for taxpayers with overdue state taxes in early December. Taxpayers may be eligible to pay the overdue taxes without penalties or interest under the amnesty program.
The amnesty — authorized by the Legislature during a one-day special session Dec. 11 — applies to state business-and-occupation and public-utility taxes, and state and local sales and use taxes.
The amnesty program is open to registered and unregistered businesses.
Remember home heating safety as forecast calls for cold
December 26, 2010
NEW — 10 a.m. Dec. 26, 2010
Temperatures in Issaquah reach freezing and below in the week ahead, and the state fire marshal has reminded residents about the safety of fireplaces, space heaters and wood stoves.
Residents often turn to the alternative heating sources as the mercury falls, and especially due to the high cost of home heating. But the sources also rank as a leading cause of residential fires.
State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy said residents should take steps to reduce the risk of fires in the home.
“Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire,” he said in a statement. “And remember to practice your home escape plan frequently with your family.”
Customers can steer clear of rush at licensing offices Tuesday
December 26, 2010
NEW — 8 a.m. Dec. 26, 2010
State Department of Licensing offices close Monday for a furlough.
The licensing offices and other state agencies reopen Tuesday. The licensing agency has advised customers in need of driver’s license services to consider online service options.
The offices usually experience a rush after holidays and furlough days.
“Our previous temporary layoff days have taught us to expect longer-than-average wait times for several days following the temporary layoff,” Licensing Director Liz Luce said. “We expect the combination of the temporary layoff and the state holiday to significantly increase wait times in many offices.”
Department of Health aims to create flu-free ‘WashYourHandsingTon’
December 26, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Dec. 26, 2010
The state Department of Health urges residents to journey to “WashYourHandsingTon” as the traditional flu season starts.
In “WashYourHandsingTon,” everyone remembers to cover coughs, wash hands and receive a flu vaccine. The campaign is part of a statewide effort to remind residents to prevent the spread of flu.
“We use a fun approach to get people’s attention, and then remind them that flu is serious and getting vaccinated will keep you well,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “We want Washington to be the state where people ‘give high-fivers, not high fevers!’”
The campaign includes a YouTube video, radio ads, bus cards and billboards.
