December 2005

Solid scores stimulated superb scoring for Todd beamer last Wednesday.

Guided by a sturdy performance from sophomore Kaylyn Borden, the Titans outlasted a trio of teams to snare a South Puget Sound League gymnastics victory at home.

Beamer's 158.4 total outdistanced Federal Way (150.6), Kentridge (146.95), and Tahoma (136.75).

Seeking to improve upon last season's 9-9 seventh-place regular season finish, the Titans showed promise of good fortune in their future.

"I'm proud of them," said first-year Beamer head coach Hessica Eisenberg.

"Thi

On December 2, within the space of twenty minutes, Jaime Pourier went from crying tears of anguish and loss to weeping with gratitude.

A resident of the Twin Lakes area, the 24-year-old single mother had taken her young daughter to the doctor, afterwards heading to the Rite-Aid on 336th in Federal Way to fulfill her prescription. Hearing that it would be a half-hour wait, Pourier and her daughter walked across the parking lot to the Safeway to pick up a few essentials.

"Kaylana wanted a fresh donut, and well, I did too," said Pourier.

What does it cost to run a successful campaign for public office in Federal Way?

Michael Morgan, who was elected municipal judge in Federal Way last month and will start his new job on January 1, 2006, spent a total of $40,608 on his campaign, according to documents filed with the Public Disclosure Commission of the State of Washington.

His opponent, Judge David Tracy, told the Federal Way News he spent between $40,000 to $45,000.

This year marked the first time a municipal court judge has been elected by the voters of Federal Way rather than app

"What's the single biggest concern facing public schools in Washington today?" she asked, almost rhetorically, before biting into a tuna salad sandwich from Marlene's Deli.

Jason Scott Roberts, the confessed killer of Federal Way police officer Patrick M. Maher, has been sentenced to thirty years in prison as penalty for his crime.

Although closer to the high-end of possible sentences, it was not the maximum penalty sought by prosecutors.

Judge Michael J.

Forward move needed

Thank you for your editorial of November 16 in support of Burien Town Square. Rest assured that we invite continued public scrutiny, as we have over the past two years.

We have enjoyed more than 20 public meetings on this project and I am sure you will agree that the project has benefited consistently from comments we have received. We truly enjoy the public process.

On the other hand, you note correctly that delays can be fatal in our business.

Residents and business owners in the North Highline area have a complicated decision to make regarding annexation or incorporation.

One thing is certain, however, annexation into the City of Seattle will lead to a dramatic increase in the sewer bill for most residents of the North Highline area.

This has not been clearly stated in recent articles in the Highline Times.

Most property owners will be paying $19.50/month for sewer service in 2006.

The public seems confused about North Highline Annexation.

First, the Burien City Manager stated that he is “NOT in favor of annexation of North Highline.”

This is a direct quote by Gary Long at the December 9 meeting of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership.

The issue of whether or not to declare a PAA (Potential Annexation Area) confuses the issue.

While the chilly weather may encourage cuddling up to a good book or movie with a nice fire, it’s important to get to major chores in the garden.

Planting and transplanting hardy trees and shrubs should be number one on the list.

Cool temperatures and dependable rains make this the idea time for developing or adjusting the “bones” of the garden. So, get cozy with Homeland Security and secure passports for those woody plants.

Finish planting spring bulbs by mid-December to allow sufficient cold weather for proper growth.

Recent news reports about the theft of a company laptop computer containing personal information for thousands of current and former Boeing employees serve as a timely reminder of the need to protect your personal and financial information.

While major incidents like the Boeing laptop theft are thankfully rare, identity theft and financial fraud schemes are an ever-present risk to today’s consumers.

A recent study sponsored by the Better Business Bureau estimates that there were more than nine million cases of identity fraud nationwide last year, for a total dollar