April 2007

Responding to a public fed up with having cars stolen, a new bill in the state legislature will give law enforcement officers better tools to fight the crime of auto theft. The House companion measure unanimously passed the Senate on April 4.

Auto theft is on the rise, with Washington now ranking fourth in the nation for such crimes.

The bill was a top priority for the city of Federal Way, which has seen an increase in the number of auto thefts.

Prospective students and their families are invited to learn about Highline Community College's Puget Sound Early College at an information meeting on Wednesday, May 2.

The early college program gives high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree simultaneously, tuition-free.

There are costs for student fees, books, and supplies.

During the 6:30 p.m.

A popular saying among young musicians asks, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice."

And practice members of the Highline Community College Chorale, directed by Sandra Glover, obviously have done.

The HCC Chorale is scheduled to perform in Carnegie Hall on April 22 by invitation from MidAmerica Productions in New York.

The choir will join four other outstanding choruses selected from throughout North America to form a festival chorus of approximately 175 singers.

They will be accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble, conducted by Dr.

Community and youth organizations that are interested in developing or renovating neighborhood youth sports facilities can qualify for matching grants of up to $75,000 from King County.

The Youth Sports Facility Grants Program, administered by King County Parks and Recreation, is accepting applications from qualified groups that partner with a public agency, such as a school district or city parks department, to develop or renovate sports facilities.

Grant requests range from $5,000 to $75,000.

SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

It was pretty, quick and painless, for one, and, ugly, quick and painful for the other, as rivals battled it out in girls fastpitch with Decatur beating visting Federal Way, 11-1 in a five-inning mercy rule-shortened game April 10.

The Gators and Eagles both need to improve to make it into the playoffs.

SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Federal Way had a two-goal lead over Decatur 20 minutes in and that was enough to hold on against a hard-charging rival in the second half, getting a 2-0 victory at Federal Way Memorial Friday.

Eagles head coach Jason Baumgardt likes what he is seeing.

"Again, excellent game," said Baumgardt.

The Eagles have gone from an abysmal 2-7 league season last year to a startling and sterling 6-0-1 mark to lead the South Puget Sound League South through the first half of the season.