State parks prepare for possible $30 million budget gap
November 28, 2011
NEW — 9 a.m. Nov. 28, 2011
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission officials said the agency is prepared to change amid the prospect of a $30 million budget gap.
The state parks agency used to receive about 75 percent of operating funds from the state general fund, but in the last legislative session, lawmakers set aside $17 million in “bridge” funding to transition the agency off of general fund dollars. Legislators also implemented the Discover Pass, a parking fee for state parks and state-managed recreation lands.
“The Discover Pass is a vital funding source for state parks,” Commission Chairman Joe Taller said in a statement. “We are asking the public to support and protect state parks by purchasing the Discover Pass.”
Issaquah City Hall Apple Cup rivalry / Nov. 23, 2011
November 25, 2011
Some good-natured boasts, insults precede Apple Cup for city employees
November 25, 2011
Theresa Schaap (right), city administrative assistant, keeps score as University of Washington and Washington State University fans face off in a pre-Apple Cup competition for city employees. By Greg Farrar
NEW — 4:45 p.m. Nov. 25, 2011
The faithful donned crimson and gray or purple and gold, depending on geography, history or loyalty — and sometimes, a combination.
Tacoma Dome is a second home for Skyline
November 25, 2011
NEW — 10 a.m. Nov. 25, 2011
Every time Skyline High School football coach Mat Taylor drives past the Tacoma Dome with his family, his boys, Jackson and Cole, say the same thing.
“That’s where daddy plays.”
Since Jackson was born in 2005, the Spartans have advanced to the state-title game five times. Cole, 3, has not experienced a season in which his father’s team didn’t finish indoors.
“It’s kind of what my family has grown up with,” said Taylor, who met his wife, Katie, during the school’s 2000 championship season. “Not just the success, but just being a part of Skyline football.”
The Spartans (9-3) are again heading back to the Tacoma Dome, this time to play second-ranked Woodinville (12-0) Saturday in the Class 4A semifinals at 1 p.m.
Attorney General Rob McKenna offers shopper survival guide
November 24, 2011
NEW — 6 p.m. Nov. 24, 2011
Black Friday starts at some stores as early as midnight, as turkey-and-stuffing-stuffed shoppers line up for bargains.
Then, comes Cyber Monday, as online sales ramp up and the holiday shopping season shifts into gear.
Just before Thanksgiving, state Attorney General Rob McKenna offered consumers some tips for a safe shopping season.
Take ads for sales and deals with to the store, because advertising a set of sales or deals — and refusing to honor the advertisement — is deceptive, illegal advertising in Washington.
Shoppers should make specials advertised match the items on shelves, and then read the fine print or disclosures before making a purchase.
Browse black cats on Black Friday at Seattle Humane Society
November 24, 2011
NEW — 6 p.m. Nov. 24, 2011
Cat lovers are invited to shop around for a new best friend on Black Friday at the Seattle Humane Society.
For that day only, the society will waive adoption fees on all black cats and kittens. Those who take an animal home also will receive instant membership in the Black Cat Club. Members are entitled to a $10 Black Cat Club T-shirt and access to the Humane Society’s Black Cat Club Facebook page.
According to the humane society, black animals often get overlooked at shelters, which explains the extra push for adoption.
The Seattle Humane Society is at 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue. Business hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.
Learn more and see cats available for adoption at www.seattlehumane.org/adopt/pets/cats.
Occupy Seattle protester in miscarriage case is Issaquah graduate
November 23, 2011
NEW — 10:35 p.m. Nov. 23, 2011
Jennifer Fox, a protester at Occupy Seattle and a 2011 Issaquah High School graduate, skyrocketed to national attention in recent days after she said she miscarried following a confrontation between police and protesters, even as police and the media questioned the claim.
Fox, 19, attributed the miscarriage to kicks and pepper spray from police. The teenager is seen in a video screaming after police used pepper spray against Occupy Seattle protesters at Westlake Park on Nov. 15.
Fox initially told The Stranger, a Seattle alternative newspaper, she suffered a miscarriage after the confrontation, but she has not provided medical documentation to the media during subsequent interviews.
Use caution on roads as soggy conditions continue
November 23, 2011
NEW — 4 p.m. Nov. 23, 2011
Rain is expected to continue on Thanksgiving and through the holiday weekend.
King County Road Services Division officials reminded motorists to watch for road closures due to flooding or blockages. Motorists should use caution on the road, and monitor the latest road closure information before heading out. Never drive around barricades or through standing water.
King County remains under a flood watch as officials monitor flood-prone rivers. Issaquah Creek flooding is not expected to occur.
National Weather Service meteorologists said rain is expected during the day on Thanksgiving and Friday. Black Friday shoppers can encounter soggy conditions before 10 a.m.
More rain is in the forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
Crews rescue elderly man after car winds up in retention pond
November 23, 2011
NEW — 11:25 a.m. Nov. 23, 2011
Firefighters pulled a man from a half-submerged car in a downtown Issaquah retention pond Wednesday morning.
The elderly man had been driving erratically before the car headed off East Sunset Way and into the pond beneath the Interstate 90 Sunset Interchange at about 10:20 a.m. Eastside Fire & Rescue crews freed the man from the waterlogged car.
Medics transported the man to Group Health Bellevue Medical Center. EFR spokeswoman Josie Williams said the man did not sustain serious injuries and remained conscious during the rescue operation.
EFR Chief of Maintenance Kelly Refvem had been driving behind the man as the car slipped into the waist-deep water. Refvem called in the incident and aid vehicles responded moments later.
“He was only in water that was waist-deep, but I’m sure it was pretty cold,” Williams said.
Providence Marianwood Harvest Dance / Nov. 18, 2011
November 23, 2011
