November 2007

King County Water District 54 defended its service to downtown Des Moines, dubbed the Waterland Community, during a Nov. 1 city council meeting.

"There's no specific concern we have other than a rapid shut off in the water system," district engineer John Doe told the lawmakers.

Last month, South King Fire and Rescue submitted to the council a report on that agency's concern about water pressure being to low to fight fires in the city core of businesses and condominiums.

A rapid shut off occurs when the fire department uses a hydrant, then shuts it off quickly.

Highline School District officials disputed last week a new study that labels Tyee and Evergreen High schools as "dropout factories."

According to a Johns Hopkins University study, Tyee in SeaTac and Evergreen in North Highline are among 22 of 290 high schools in the state where less than 40 percent of students who start as freshman are still enrolled by their senior year.

In a study for the Associated Press, university researchers analyzed federal Education Department figures for three years, comparing 12th grade enrollment against ninth-grade enrollment for each school.

The newest member of the state House of Representatives was sworn in Monday by Judge Mary Yu as family and friends watched.

_" I fully understand that each community in the 34th District has unique issues," said Rep. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island), appointed to the 34th District seat vacated when Rep. Joe McDermott moved up to the Senate.

Almost 60 years ago, some residents in McMicken Heights, just east of Sea-Tac International Airport, set out to improve their neighborhood.

They formed the McMicken Heights Community Club in 1949 and with their own hands built a clubhouse.

The Des Moines Area Food Bank has been offered a real challenge by Carter Burnet, one of the owners of Dessert and Things, a new business in Des Moines.

"This community has been good to us and welcomed us. Now it's time to start paying the community back," Burnet said.

Burnet's plan for payback is to encourage his fellow retailers in the Des Moines-SeaTac area to match him as he collects money for the Food Bank.

"I am going to put a jar on my counter and ask my customers to donate their change.

Highline residents can help fight hunger and make the holidays brighter for those in need by donating food items or money to Southwest King County food banks.

Food banks rely on donations for 80 to 90 percent of the assistance they receive -- and, as the number of families seeking assistance this year has indicated, the need is greater than ever.

Highline residents who want to help their neighbors in need can:

Donate food -- Protein items such as meat, fish, peanut butter, and powdered milk are always in demand, as are canned goods such as fruits, vegetables an

Compiled by Ralph Nichols

The Times/News last week contacted candidates for Highline-area elective offices whose names appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Questions asked in each race and their answers appear below.

All candidates on the ballot are listed. However, due to space constraints only those with opponents were asked to respond to questions.

* incumbent.

Port of Seattle Commission

Space heater causes fire

that destroys apartment

October 30-A space heater is the likely cause of an overnight fire at the Century Apartments on Eighth Avenue Southwest.

According to investigators from the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department, a man was sleeping in an upstairs apartment when he awakened and noticed smoke and flames.

The man, who managed to get out, was treated for cuts and smoke inhalation.

Investigators said the apartment was a complete loss.

Members of the Highline High School drill team smile for the camera after a recent football game. Photo by Jerry Robinson

Seamount League tri-champion Evergreen of White Center used its resourceful backfield and its dynamic linemen to wear its opponent down Friday at Highline Memorial Stadium in Burien.

Running backs Kyle Tunney, Nuve Kongaika and Johnny Jackson joined quarterback Luther Leonard to lead a third quarter outbreak and keep the Evergreen Wolverines' wagons rolling to a 42-21 victory in a preliminary- round playoff game to the state football championship tournament against visiting West Seattle.

Tunney's long gains with one touchdown opened up the inside of the line for Nuve Kong