Meet Your Future Leaders: Lake Stevens Candidate Forum 2023
The Lake Stevens community will host a Candidate Forum on October 5, 2023. The forum will feature individuals running for Mayor, City Council, and other roles in the Lake Stevens Sewer District and School District.
Read full storyLocal Health Advocate RFK Jr. to Run as Independent in Presidential Race
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., founder of Children’s Health Defense, is planning an independent run for the U.S. presidency, a campaign source has revealed. Mediaite reported that Kennedy will make his announcement on October 9 in Philadelphia. The source suggests that Kennedy's decision to run independently stems from his perception that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is altering regulations to exclude him.
Read full storyLocal Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center to Receive $70K Federal Boost for Enhanced Mental Health Services
The Hope for Heroes Horsemanship Center in Yelm, Thurston County, is due to receive $70,000 in federal funding. The news was announced by U.S. Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, and Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma, on September 22. The center provides therapeutic horsemanship services for individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety, chronic depression, and traumatic brain injuries.
Read full storyBellingham Local News: Western Wednesday Welcomes Students, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Planned, and Climate Action Week Wraps Up
Bellingham city held its traditional event, Western Wednesday: First Night Out, welcoming Western Washington University (WWU) students back to school. The event, co-hosted by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and the city, saw over 1,000 students walking from campus to Depot Market Square on September 27, 2023. It featured entertainment, music, and food. Many local businesses offer discounts to WWU students, faculty, and staff during Western Wednesday throughout the year.
Read full storyLatest BSD E-Newsletter: District Updates and Indigenous Land Acknowledgement for Bellevue Residents
An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 28, with information on how to participate in district activities and advisory groups, important testing dates, School Board updates, and more. The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.Visit here for more details.
Read full storyThurston County Sheriff Announces Temporary Staffing Emergency: What Local Residents Need to Know
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders has announced a temporary staffing emergency due to ongoing staffing problems over the last three years. The county currently has only 36 active deputies for 150,000 residents. The shortage is due to staff illnesses and injuries, training delays, background check issues, and a low number of funded deputy positions.
Read full storyAnnual BSD School Board Visits to Enhance Community Engagement in 2023-2024
The school board visits BSD schools every year. These visits allow the board to meet with students, staff, and the community. The goal is to give the Board a chance to learn more about the school from those who are part of it.
Read full storyExpanded Eligibility for Emergency Food Assistance Program Benefits More King County Residents
Washington State has introduced a new policy expanding food bank eligibility to households with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Previously, food banks in Washington, including King County, could only distribute food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to households earning below 185% of the federal poverty level, or around $46,000 for a family of three. Now, the policy includes households earning nearly $100,000.
Read full story2023 Fall Foliage Map: Plan Your Autumn Activities Around Peak Leaf Colors
The 2023 Fall Foliage Map, an annual product from SmokyMountains.com, is now available. The map predicts the peak colors of autumn leaves across the United States, using factors like temperature, precipitation, and tree type. It features an interactive design for users to follow the season's color changes.
Read full storyVolunteer Caller Needed for SeaTac's Meals on Wheels Program: Help Support Our Local Seniors
Meals on Wheels in SeaTac is looking for a volunteer caller. The volunteer's duties include taking client orders. The role is part of a team that helps homebound seniors by providing nutritious food and personal contact.
Read full storyDistrict Replaces 'Let's Talk' Platform with New 'Contact Us' Webpage for Community Communication
The district has decided to end the Let's Talk platform on its websites due to budget constraints. This platform allowed community members to voice their questions, comments, or concerns. It will be removed by the end of September 2023. A new Contact Us webpage has been launched as a replacement to facilitate communication with the community.
Read full storyBellevue School District Invites Local Residents to Join 2023-2024 Community Advisory Groups
The Bellevue School District is now accepting applications for its Community Advisory Groups for the 2023-2024 school year. These groups are set up by the Superintendent or School Board. Their role is to gather feedback and insights on various District issues from students, families, community members, and staff. The groups strive to represent the community widely and advise the Superintendent.
Read full storyOctober 3, 2023 Transportation Committee Meeting Cancelled, Rescheduled for November 7
The Transportation Committee meeting initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2023, has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The following Transportation Committee meeting is set for Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. This meeting may be remote or in-person. A public notice will be released at least 24 hours before the meeting to disclose the meeting's location.
Read full storyShoreline Residents, Get Ready for an Eventful October 2023: From Art Residencies to Senior Fitness Classes
October 2023 will be a busy month for Shoreline residents with several activities and events planned. The Northwest Neighbors Network will continue its work to assist seniors in their homes with volunteer services and events. The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is offering fitness classes like Line Dancing and Zumba.
Read full storyTukwila Residents and Businesses: Application Deadline Extended for Financial Sustainability Committee
The City of Tukwila has moved the application deadline for its Financial Sustainability Committee to Friday, October 6. The city is inviting community members and business representatives from Tukwila to apply.
Read full storyRichland Mourns Loss of Former Mayor and Dedicated Public Servant, John Fox
John Fox, former mayor and councilmember of Richland, passed away at 95. Fox served in various roles including planning commissioner, parks commissioner, and school board member. He was known for his dedication to public service and community projects.
Read full storyLocal Gasoline Investigation: Recovery System and Air Quality Monitoring in Progress
The Washington Department of Ecology is analyzing gasoline samples. Discussions with affected parties are underway to decide the next steps. One considered solution is to create a recovery system for the product.
Read full storyRemembering Michael Bobbink: Whatcom County Hearing Examiner and Longtime Public Servant Passes Away
Michael Bobbink, the Hearing Examiner for Whatcom County, has passed away. Mr. Bobbink joined the County in 1984, first as a part-time Deputy Hearing Examiner. He later became a full-time Hearing Examiner in 1996.
Read full storyWhatcom County Emergency Update: Sourdough Fire Continues, Drought Emergency, and Road Closures
The Emergency Management Daily Briefing for Whatcom County on September 29, 2023, shared updates on current emergencies. The Sourdough Fire, which started north of Diablo Lake on July 29, is still active. It is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The fire has spread to 7,377 acres and is 25% contained. Over the past weekend, the fire grew due to hot, dry conditions. It expanded by approximately 1,000 acres in the Stetattle Creek drainage. Firefighters have been using water dropped from aircraft to fight the fire in the Sourdough Creek area.
Read full storyLocal JASCOM Meeting Scheduled for October 2, 2023 Cancelled: New Date Pending
The Joint Animal Services Commission (JASCOM) has cancelled its meeting, initially set for Monday, October 2, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be rescheduled, but the new date is yet to be determined.
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