January 2009

Some airport neighbors testified Jan. 8 that they have become prisoners in their homes after the start up of the new third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport.

A couple said they would like to move but doubt they could sell their homes.

The public comments came following a special afternoon Highline Forum meeting at the airport to discuss use of the new runway.

The forum is made up of representatives from the cities of Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way as well as the Highline School District and the Port of Seattle.

"Area X" marks the spot.

That is what Burien City Manager Mike Martin told North Highline residents during a recent open house on the annexation project that would add nearly three square miles and 14,350 people from a southern swath of unincorporated North Highline to his city.

The meeting was held at Shorewood Elementary School and nearly 30 residents attended, most from unincorporated King County. Some had concerns, but few voiced objections to then plan.

"Area X" refers to the southern swath of unincorporated North Highline Burien wants to annex.

Love blooms unexpectedly in Breeders Theater's new show, "Prairie Heart."

Written by T.M. Sell, "Prairie Heart" is about Scandinavian pioneers in North Dakota in the 1890s.

"That's about the time my great-grandparents homesteaded there," said Sell.

State Rep. Zack Hudgins (D-Tukwila) has been appointed by the House Democratic Caucus to serve as Majority Floor Leader throughout the 2009-10 legislative biennium.

This is Hudgins' fourth two-year term in the House of Representatives, during which he has served in a leadership position every term.

As floor leader, Hudgins is a member of the House Leadership's inner circle and directs the day's action on the House Floor.

Funding for the Mt. Rainier Pool generated the most conversation at the Jan. 8 Des Moines City Council meeting.

The main question regarding the pool was whether or not it had the support of the citizens of Des Moines and Normandy Park.

The council discussed the possibility of surveying the public or putting a pool tax measure on the ballot and letting the voters decide.

"The pool is going to die, it's going to go away," said Councilman Ed Pina.

The 2009 Des Moines budget, which included major cuts and increased taxes to fill a $2.7 million shortfall, was barely passed by the Des Moines City Council on Dec. 22.

After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Pro-tem Dan Sherman as well councilmen Dave Kaplan and Scott Thomasson voted against the budget.

Developers of a proposed 179-room hotel next to Angle Lake Park want the hotel to share the park's access road.

The existing site for the planned Residence Inn on the park's south side is right-in and right-out only, preventing guests from entering or exiting southbound on International Boulevard.

The park's access road has a traffic signal at the boulevard.

Moshier Community Art Center Potters have teamed up with the Highline Food Bank and Discover Burien to sponsor Empty Bowls 2009 on Jan. 30.

Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while dinner will be served from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Moshier Community Art Center, 430 S. 156th Street in Burien.

Empty Bowls events can be found around the country raising money to combat hunger in communities.

Boys basketball

Ev. Luth. 57, Raymond 52

Evergreen dealt Raymond a non-league defeat Friday, Jan. 2.

Ev. Luth. 78, No. Beach 72

Evergreen Lutheran edged North Beach by a 78-72 score Saturday, Jan. 3.

Charles Wright 49, SCS 42

Baseball

Blackhawk Mountain

Ongoing

Blackhawk Mountain Baseball of Highline continues to offer coaching clinics, baseball camps, one-on-one instruction, team practices and parent/child camps.

Former professional minor league players Steve Goucher and Troy Rusk serve as instructors.

Call (206) 244-3062 for more information. A scholarship fund is available and donations are accepted, including through 20 percent of regular fees.