January 2012

Like slowing down to leer at a gruesome car accident, viewers seem fascinated with popular TV shows that take them inside hoarders' homes. We can't help but stare at those obsessed with hanging on to everything, decades-old paper napkins, opened cans of beans feasted upon by cockroaches, even bulky inflatable children's toys that have not held air since the Hindenburg disaster.

West Seattle professional organizer Karen Pfeiffer Bush helps hoarders unclutter their homes, inside and out. She works with therapists who assist hoarders with their underlying psychological problems that compel them to retain stuff they will never use that in some cases becomes a danger to themselves, and their kids, like out-dated foods, and heavy boxes stacked precariously to the ceiling.

It appears the region will be able to emerge from the freeze and road crews will be able to clear main arterials of snow and ice later today as temperatures are expected to rise into the lower 40s after 10 a.m.

Road conditions are still hazardous in the morning, so be careful out there.

Here is the latest from the National Weather Service (the following forecast is for Burien and while the report for the rest of the region is similar, you can hit the link and enter your city for more specific information):

Today: Occasional snow and freezing drizzle before 10am, then rain. Snow level 200 feet rising to 3700 feet. High near 40. North northwest wind 5 to 11 mph becoming south southeast. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight: Rain. Low around 40. South southeast wind between 14 and 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

By Cassandra Baker, Intern

11:23 a.m. on January 11th. 101st block of Greenwood Ave N

A man called police on the morning of January 11th to report that his barbershop had been burglarized overnight. He said that he closed the business at about 8:00 p.m. on the 10th. When he arrived for work at 11:15 the next morning, he found that a window had been shattered. Inside the barbershop, three chairs had Xs slashed on the back, and the waiting bench had been slashed from end to end. The flat screen TV had also been shattered. The victim said that two laptops, an iPod and an Xbox had been stolen.

The victim said that that he had had a “run-in” with someone who may have wished to vandalize his barbershop, but the responding officer determined that the person in question was currently in jail. The victim could not think of anyone else who would be angry with him.

Beware ‘phishy’ email titled “Seattle Traffic Ticket”

King County residents are waking up to a fifth day of weather-related challenges including power outages, slippery roads and reduced bus service. A mix of rain, sleet, and snow continues to fall in the region. As temperatures rise residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Friday, if possible. Many roads are still covered with snow and ice. More warming shelters have been opened to assist those without power.

Those who must travel today should be patient and take it slow. Watch for falling ice and tree branches. Stay away from downed power lines. Make safety your first concern.

King County operations: Some King County agencies are reporting altered operations for Friday. Updated closures are posted online in real time at www.kingcounty.gov. Here is a list of operations that are currently affected:

· Superior Court: Opening at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

· District Court: Opening at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

· Community Service Centers: Cottage Lake Community Service Center is closed Friday.

· Elections: Offices closed on Friday.

press release:
Although snow and ice may be replaced by slowly warming temperatures on Friday (with the forecast for somewhere in the 40 degree range), it is expected that road conditions will continue to be treacherous in the morning. King County Metro Transit will continue with chained buses and snow routing on Friday, January 20.

Metro plans to operate the same level of service it has used since mid-week, with 27 regular service routes canceled. If travel conditions improve enough, service on these routes could be restored, but not until it is safe to do so. Before traveling, riders should check for the most current status of Metro service.

Friday’s bus service will probably still be significantly disrupted and delayed, so it’s important for Metro customers to watch for updated information online or through Transit Alerts. At times on Thursday, even the designated snow routes for some buses were impassable due to trees across roadways and other unexpected barriers in many locations. Metro sends Transit Alerts when there are revisions or updates to published information.

Due to the freeze and snow, the artist reception for Sheila Lengle at Burien's Vino Bello, 636 S.W. 152nd St., has been rescheduled to next Friday, Jan. 27, 6-9 p.m.

The show runs through April.

More information at www.lengleart.com.

Press release:

Four Highline elementary schools have received recognition in the Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC). Beverly Park, Madrona, Southern Heights and White Center Heights Elementary Schools are all being recognized for creating healthier school environments through promotion of good nutrition and physical activities.

To qualify for recognition, schools must meet stringent criteria for the school meal program, nutrition education, physical activity and school policies which support a wellness environment, with efforts to:
improve the nutritional quality of the foods served,
provide students with nutrition education, and
provide students with physical education and opportunities for physical activity.

“Highline is honored to receive this recognition from the US Department of Agriculture, recognizing the outstanding efforts of Nutrition Services and school staffs in supporting students’ overall nutrition and wellness,” says Highline’s Nutrition Services Director Chris Neal. “Special recognition should be given to the school nutrition staffs for their efforts make changes to the school lunch menu to meet HUSSC standards.”

Seattle Public Schools will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 20 because of continued winter weather conditions. The John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence will also be closed.

“The snow is still falling and temperatures are low, making it difficult to safely transport students to and from school,” said Dr. Susan Enfield, Interim Superintendent. “We hope our students, families and staff members are staying safe and warm, and we look forward to re-opening our schools on Monday.”

Next Tuesday, Jan. 24 is a three-hour early dismissal from schools because of a scheduled furlough day. That day cannot be used as a snow make-up day. District administration will determine tomorrow if Friday, Jan. 27 – a scheduled day off for professional development – can be used as a snow make-up day.

Families and staff will receive an automated phone call about the closure, and can also check for updates on the District website at www.seattleschools.org

With continued snow and freezing rain in the forecast, brace for more travel headaches

Press release:

Although snow and ice may be replaced by slowly warming temperatures tomorrow, it is expected that road conditions will continue to be treacherous Friday. So, King County Metro Transit will continue with chained buses and snow routing on Friday, Jan. 20.

Metro plans to operate the same level of service it has used since mid-week, with up to 30 routes canceled for Friday. If travel conditions improve more than expected, service on these routes could be restored. Before traveling, riders should check for the most current status of Metro service.

Friday’s bus service will probably still be significantly disrupted and delayed, so it’s important for Metro customers to watch for updated information online or through Transit Alerts. At times today, even snow routes for some buses were impassable due to trees across roadways in many locations.

Press release:
Seattle Public Schools will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 20 because of continued winter weather conditions. The John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence will also be closed.

“The snow is still falling and temperatures are low, making it difficult to safely transport students to and from school,” said Dr. Susan Enfield, Interim Superintendent. “We hope our students, families and staff members are staying safe and warm, and we look forward to re-opening our schools on Monday.”

Next Tuesday, Jan. 24 is a three-hour early dismissal from schools because of a scheduled furlough day. That day cannot be used as a snow make-up day. District administration will determine tomorrow if Friday, Jan. 27 – a scheduled day off for professional development – can be used as a snow make-up day.