June 2007

A transient was seen entering a Highland Park yard and defecating in the driveway. In his report, the officer noted that the resident, a 90-year-old widow, was not home at the time of the "illegal dumping."

A Morgan Junction store clerk refused to sell beer to a man and woman who were already intoxicated. In protest, the man went outside and kicked the clerk's car. The clerk told him to stop, and the two began to scuffle. The drunken man managed to stab the clerk in the abdomen. When police arrived, they found the bleeding victim pinning the suspect to the ground.

The public housing facility, Cal-Mor Circle near the Morgan Street Junction is undergoing renovations including replacing unit kitchen and bathroom fans, refinishing 1st floor common areas with upgrades to public bathrooms; replacing exterior waterproofing and makeing structural alterations to the roof.

A series of new flagpoles and a stone marker will be installed at Ballard's Bergen Place park later this summer paid for by a $4,375 grant from the city's Neighborhood Matching Fund.

The six poles will be 25-feet tall with the flags of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, along with the U.S. flag. The current flags at the south end of the park will be removed because they tend to twist too much on windy days.

The flagpole in the original park with the five Scandinavian flags and one U.S.

At Large in Ballard by Peggy Sturdivant

One Saturday afternoon I heard sirens that were too close for comfort. I listened as they came north from Market Street and then breathed a sigh of relief as they turned one block past my own. But whether we think we know someone personally or not, shouldn't matter. This is the story behind a police report that wasn't on the adjoining page. It's the story of Bob and Charlotte.

They have been married 7 years but behave like newlyweds; she packs love notes in his with his lunch; he surprises her with gifts of jewelry.

As drum majors for the Ballard High School band, judges in the larger parades watch Andrew Zachary and Rachael Phelps closely.

During the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Parade last month, all eyes were on the Ballard students as they won the drum major competition against 25 other high school bands.

"As drum majors they lead the band and call up the songs. They conduct the band while we are marching on the street," said Music Teacher Michael James.

Zachary is the drum major and he is assisted by Phelps.

In 1972, when I was eight, my father bought a restaurant - with his younger brother - to better provide for our family despite not knowing anything about the food business. The Ballard Smoke Shop, a popular watering hole for rowdy Nordic fisherman, was known for stiff drinks, large portions, and loyal waitresses.

For nearly 30 years, he worked six - sometimes seven - days a week, in a dingy kitchen, cursing eggs and omelets, while his heart longed for the sea. He never raised his prices. He awoke every morning at four to open the Smoke Shop by dawn.