January 2012

Locals remember Ballard businessman Lafa Lane Jr.

This afternoon locals will be remembering longtime Ballard businessman and sports fan Lafa Lane, Jr. who passed away on Friday, January 6 at 95 years of age.

"He was a very kind and generous man. A courteous man. I miss him," said longtime friend and Ballardite Tom Treece.

A leader in both business and sports, Lane had many notable accomplishments throughout his life.

In 1934, he set a Kansas State High School record by running the mile in 4 minutes and 32 seconds at the Baker Relays. Later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he boxed professionally under the guidance of world champion Al McCoy and beat every fighter in his weight bracket.

In 1939, Lane and his family relocated to Washington, and he worked in the grocery business before serving in the US Army during World War II.

Upon his return from the war, Lane worked for Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company and became one of the top producing agents in Seattle.

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SDOT now in 24 hour mode with snow removal

press release:
Seattle deployed a fleet of 30 plows, de-icing trucks, and graders to remove snow from approximately 750 miles of priority roadways in the city today. Residents are discouraged from traveling to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal.

Road crews continue to focus on plowing and salting major arterials and transit routes for emergency vehicles and buses. If you must drive, be prepared with tire chains, warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Be aware of the potential for icy or slippery conditions.

On residential streets, residents should be cautious about accumulated ice and snow which will not clear until temperatures rise above freezing for an extended period.

Melting snow can overwhelm storm drains by filling them with ice, leaves and accumulated street debris. Clogged drains can result in flooding and hazardous road conditions. In Seattle, there are about 80,000 storm drains — far more than city crews can clear quickly. Residents are asked to clear storm drains on their streets if it can be done safely.

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Discover Burien announces Annual Awards Dinner & Silent Auction

To be held on March 2 at the Burien Community Center

Press release
Discover Burien will be hosting their annual Awards Dinner and silent auction fundraiser on March 2, 2012 at the Burien Community Center 14700 6th Avenue SW, Burien WA 98166 from 6 – 9 p.m.. Money raised will support the continued efforts “To create and sustain a vibrant Burien business community through promotions and education" -Discover Burien Mission Statement.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Tables seating 10 can be purchased for $280 in advance. Sponsorships are available at the Gold, Silver, Table, Auction Table and Swag Bag levels. Contact Debra George for information debrageorgemi@aol.com .

Auction items are now being accepted. Donation forms are available on the Discover Burien website, http://www.discoverburien.com/pdf/AUCTION%20PROCUREMENT%20FORM.pdf

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Burien road crews working 24 hours during snowy weather

Press release

Burien road crews are working 24-hour shifts and have extra sand stockpiled to keep roads clear and drivable during the snowstorms hitting our area.

Primary arterials are the highest priority and are plowed and sanded first.

View the snow removal routes map to see primary streets. Watch the City website for updates.

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UPDATE: Metro route 54 restored to snow route

Route 54 has resumed it's designated snow route east of 45 Av SW & SW Brace Pt.

Original post
Press release:
Due to road conditions, Metro Route 54 is unable to serve the portion of its routing to White Center.

Until further notice, when heading toward White Center, all Rt 54 service will be turning back at 45th Av SW & SW Brace Pt, not serving the White Center area.

Metro expects this reroute to be in effect until the road can be cleared and safely traveled. 

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At Large in Ballard: Character actor for all seasons

From Random House Dictionary of the English Language. Copyright 1987:
"Stentorian, adjective, very loud or powerful in sound, usually describing a voice, from Homer’s Iliad, Stentor, a Greek herald with a loud voice."

Who would use the word stentorian to describe their own voice? The answer is a man who describes himself as a character actor for all seasons, but who currently refers to himself in third person as Mr. Dickens.

February 7, 2012 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Charles Dickens. Although character actor Jake Esau realizes this is a bigger deal in England or New York City his mission is for Seattle to appropriately honor Dickens the man and writer, well beyond the season of “A Christmas Carol.”

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Due to freezing rain and icy roads, King County continues to urge residents to use caution

Freezing rain and snow mix continues to fall in the region. Residents should use caution if they must commute to work, and are urged to telecommute on Thursday if possible. Snow and ice did not melt off roadways overnight.

While road crews worked through the night, this morning drivers and bus riders are being met with potentially worse road conditions than yesterday due to cold temperatures and freezing rain. Individuals who must travel to work today should take their time, be patient, and emphasize safety over getting to their destination quickly.

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

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