August 2008

Maybe it's just me, but do any of you get the feeling that something funny is going on with the upcoming switch of our analog television signal to digital?

Due to a Congressional mandate that, beginning February 17th 2009, all over-the-air television broadcasts must be digital, if you have a TV that uses an antenna and is not hooked up to cable or to a satellite dish, you will need a converter box to be able to view any broadcast TV news or shows.

The reason for this has to do, in part, with the events of 9/11, that because of the need for more bandwidth for "public safet

The pop of a dozen baseballs hitting leather mitts cut through the cool summer air.

It's a familiar sound that resonates throughout ballparks across America during the summer, and one this team of boys from Federal Way has likely heard a thousand times.

Standing in the dust and dirt of the Thomas Jefferson High School baseball infield, the state's best Babe Ruth ball players stretched their arms during a mid-week practice.

To acheive the level of success they've attained this season, this team of 18-year-olds has sacrificed much of what teenagers cherish in the

In an effort to enhance water quality protection measures in the Redondo Beach and surrounding marine environment, the Lakehaven Utility District will sink $4.8 million into the upgrade of the Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant outfall line. The outfall discharges treated wastewater effluent into the Puget Sound.

Construction began in July on a project to replace the existing Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant marine outfall pipe, located near the southern end of the boardwalk along Redondo Beach Drive.

Public health officials are urging parents to protect their children and those around them for in the upcoming school year by making sure their children's vaccinations are complete.

According to staffers, this year in our state under-immunized children have been responsible for several outbreaks of measles, chickenpox and pertussis ("whooping cough.")

"Immunizations are a very safe and effective way to keep children healthy and in school," said Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County.

South King Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jerry Thorson earned the title of "Certified Emergency Manager" (CEM) last month.

South King serves the cities of Des Moines and Federal Way.

The certification in emergency management will be officially presented in Overland Park, Kansas in November.

The credential is an internationally recognized program that certifies achievements within the emergency management profession.

Boating

Coast Guard Auxiliary

Ongoing

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Des Moines Flotilla No. 32 regularly offers Boating Safety and Seamanship courses in the Federal Way and Des Moines areas.

They cover the full range of boating safety subjects, including federal requirements, basic piloting, marlin spike, seamanship and boat handling.

The instruction is free, although there is a nominal fee for the student text and work books.

1. A victim of theft contacted the Federal Way Police to report that an unknown person or persons had stolen her cell phone from inside her purse. The incident occurred sometime in the two weeks prior to August 8. The woman's report indicates that she left her bag unattended while she was inside the church located at 345 South 312th Street. The woman was up front singing at the time of the incident. The woman told police that she didn't realize it was missing until she got home. "Nowhere in my mind did I think any of my stuff would get stolen in my church," the woman told officers.

The Camp Long Advisory Council and the Nature Consortium are happy to present the Arts~in~Nature Festival. This festival celebrates the relationship between artists and the environment in a natural setting. From fire performers and string quartets to dance troupes and an outdoor museum of sound, the 2008 festival has something for everyone.

The locally renowned performing artists, sound artists and ensembles this year include: Lelavision, Phffft!

The Seattle Police Foundation held its annual Picnic at the Precinct event on Saturday, August 16th and enjoyed the hot, sunny weather and an excellent turnout by the public. The first Picnic at the Precinct was held in September 2004 at the East Precinct. Since then, the Picnic at the Precinct program has grown to include all five precincts. Thousands of Seattle residents enjoy food, music, clowns, and magic as well as an opportunity to learn about their local precincts and many of the Department's specialty units including K-9, mounted, bomb squad, and SWAT.

The Tukwila Historical Society has announced the first ever tour of 25 historical homes, buildings and sites around Tukwila.

Scheduled for Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, the tour begins at the Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S.