For nearly two years West Seattleites have been mourning the closure of the beloved Alki Market. All the while, many have anxiously awaited the news of what business would move into this idyllic waterfront space next. And though nothing will replace the 40-year-old beachside grocery store, a classy new operation has sprouted up on the corner of 63rd and Alki Ave.
The adult smoking rate in Washington has dropped to 17.8 percent, which is the fifth-lowest smoking rate in the country.
Adult smoking in Washington has dropped by 21 percent since the state began its comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in 2000, far outpacing the national rate of decline.
"I am proud that Washington has become a national leader in the battle against tobacco use," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "It has taken a lot of hard work and the consistent decline in adult smoking rates shows that the hard work is paying off.
The Employment Security Department says it has reshaped its employer-auditing program as part of its efforts to make the unemployment-insurance system more equitable for employers across the state.
The department is now focusing its audits on employers and industries that are more likely to misreport information or file incorrectly.
When employers do not report wages and hours correctly, benefits for unemployed workers may be calculated at a higher rate than warranted. It can also lead to higher socialized tax rates.
Ballard took a preliminary step in becoming the first carbon neutral community in the nation during the "Carbon Neutral Campaign" kick-off last Wednesday at Bergen Place.
The campaign is meant to help educate local residents on how they can reduce their impact on the environment through efficiency, car sharing, conservation and developing new sustainable habits.
The goal is to counteract Greenhouse Gas (GHG) by neutralizing its impact while increasing public awareness on how carbon dioxide emissions damage the atmosphere.
Over 100 members of the community atten
Thanks in part to popular new attractions, the Woodland Park Zoo is boasting its highest attendance ever for July, preceded by its best attended June in more than a decade, said Jim Bennett, communications and marketing director for the zoo.
The zoo opened two new exhibits this summer: Zoomazium, an indoor, all-season, nature play space, and an antique, historic carousel. Early on, Zoomazium drew about 80 percent of the zoo's daily visitors, but that's dropped to a more manageable 70 percent, said Bennett.
"It's really a revolutionary concept," he said.
The end of summer is a good time for nursery visits - whether you are preparing a new garden or renovating an existing one. Nurseries begin to reduce inventory in August as they prepare for the new year.
You'll find lots of sales to move plants that have been around since spring. In addition to the benefit of reduced cost, potted plants are now large and filling their containers - unlike new spring transplants. So, get out their and support the industry.
Q: I have a hot south facing wall where I'd like to put a climber.
Next week will be my 52nd and last issue of the Ballard News Tribune as its editor.
A relationship with a guy has meant only hurt to newly cautious Annabel, young Margaret is exploring the difference between having a boyfriend and a friend who is a boy, and in the midst of Audrey's infatuation she loses her sense of self. These stories feature spunky girls navigating the rapids of romance.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Reading anything by Sarah Dessen is an invitation to a world of complex, interesting characters who are wrestling with important issues.
Robert J. Dillon, born July 14, 1957, in Merced, Calif., died Aug. 28, 2006, in Seattle.
Bob resided in Boulevard Park for seven years.
He is survived by son Bobbie and granddaughter Nicole, and brother Brian.
Services will be at Riverton Crest Cemetery, 3400 S. 140th St., Tukwila at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.
May 30, 1959 - August 18, 2006
Tracy fought a long hard battle with cancer and joined her father, Harlan Lunos, on his birthday.
