August 2008

Des Moines, the only Highline community with a downtown that borders Puget Sound, also harbors the only full-service marina between Shilshole in northwest Seattle and Point Defiance in Tacoma.

And Des Moines officials are hoping that a combination of additions, upgrades and renovations planned for the marina over the next 15 years will make it the crown jewel of the Waterland community.

Major work is expected to get underway in September with a $750,000 dredging project - the first step in implementing a revised Marina Master Plan.

Adopted earlier this yea

The race to replace state Rep. Shay Schual-Berke in the 33rd district and a challenge to state Sen. Margarita Prentice in the 11th district by two fellow Democrats highlight the Aug. 19 primary election ballot in Highline.

Besides the absence of Schual-Berke, another new feature will be the Top 2 ballot.

Instead of a Democrat and Republican automatically moving on to the Nov. 4 general election, the top two vote getters-regardless of party-will be listed on the general election ballot.

Looking for something to do this weekend? How about contacting the dead in order to help homeless pets?

A psychic ice cream social will be held at Germaine's Country Kitchen in Burien on Aug. 16.

It will feature psychic mediums Skip and Sharon Leingang.

Also there will be local author, Leslie Rule, whose books--such as "Coast to Coast Ghosts," "When Ghosts Scream," and her newest, "Ghost in the Mirror," - revolve around haunted homes, ghosts and other paranormal happenings.

What began as a solution to uncomfortably warm temperatures became a winning business strategy at the Cowgirls Espresso in Tukwila.

Baristas at Cowgirls wear different getups that match the theme of the day. It all started when one woman could no longer stand the heat and asked if she could wear a bikini top, according to owner Lori Bowden, who agreed to the request.

A spike in sales resulted and "Bikini Wednesday" was born. Soon, Mondays through Fridays were also themed.

In February, Robinson Newspapers reporter Tim St. Clair died at age 57 of pancreatic cancer.

Called "a legend in West Seattle journalism," St. Clair worked nearly 20 years for the West Seattle Herald/White Center News.

Now, Sheila Lengle, advertising manager for Robinson's south-end newspapers, is battling breast cancer. She is in charge of advertising for the Highline Times, Des Moines News, SeaTac News and Federal Way News.

The company decided to show its support and help raise some funds to benefit the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G.

A coalition of community organizations and the Family Resource Center are sponsoring a back to school resource fair for SeaTac families on Aug. 22.

The event is supported by businesses, community members, and service groups.

The goal is to provide 500 backpacks filled with supplies to SeaTac students. World Vision is contributing backpacks.

During the fair, parents will learn about after-school activities, affordable childcare, and parent support and assistance programs.

HealthPoint-SeaTac will provide walk-in sports exams and well-child checks.

All too often, by the time police are called to search for a missing child, it's too late.

Des Moines

Assistant fire chief accused of fraud

South King Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Grant G. Gaspard, 51, was arrested Aug. 7 and charged with defrauding taxpayers of more than $500,000 to purchase expensive personal items.

He is accused of using his district-issued credit card to buy fancy items such as camera gear, a television, DVD player, and computer.

He was ordered held without bond at SeaTac's Federal Detention Center.

South King serves Des Moines, Federal Way and portions of unincorporated King County.

Normandy Park swam to another victory amongst local swim clubs, soaking up the water in the sun at the grandest of all Seattle Summer Swim League meets - All City - held at the Kent Swim and Tennis Club pool Aug. 5.

Kent won All-City this year, blowing away the competition in their head coach's final year. Second was Aqua Club, way back, with 242, and third was Wedgwood with 190.5.

NP tied Innis Arden with 168 points. IA is a Northern Division club from the North Seattle area as are Aqua Club and Wedgwood.

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.