January 2009

King County encourages residents to take advantage of the many options for recycling Christmas trees, instead of throwing the tree in the garbage.

Recycling the tree is better for the environment, costs less than putting it in with the garbage, and leaves space in the county's landfill for the waste that really needs to go there.

The King County Solid Waste Division recommends these Christmas tree recycling options:

Curbside pickup: If you have curbside yard waste collection service, you can place your tree at the curb with your regular yard waste.

Nami Mun will visit Highline Big Picture High School on Jan.

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.

Burien Councilwoman Sally Nelson has been appointed to chair the 2009 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Advocacy Committee of the National League of Cities (NLC).

NLC President Kathleen M. Novak, mayor of Northglenn, Colo, announced Nelson's appointment.

The committee is one of NLC's seven standing committees that develop policy positions and advocate on behalf of municipal governments.

"The year ahead will be critical for the future of this country - and for our cities and towns," said Novak.

SPORTS EDITOR

Two titles by John F. Kennedy top the list of the biggest sports stories of 2008.

The Lancers captured both the Class 3A fastpitch and girls swimming titles, and came close in some other sports.

The fastpitch crown was Kennedy’s second in a row, and came against Timberline - which is also in the West Central District tournament with the Lancers.

“Timberline is a good club,” said Kennedy head coach Dino Josie.

Girls basketball

SCS 57, Kentlake 43

Lexi Peterson led Seattle Christian to victory at Kentlake last Monday, Dec. 22 with 17 points. Kara Kogle contributed 13 points to the Warriors’ cause and Melissa Collier hit 11.

Admiral Theater

2343 California Ave. S.W.

938-3456

Movie tickets $5.50

Tickets available at http://www.farawayentertainment.com/admiral.html

http://www.farawayentertainment.com/admiral.html

Current films

Jan. 2-8

Role Models (R, Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd), 2:05, 4:15, 6:50, 9

Jan. 3

Early design guidance for apartment/nursing home expansion

Thursday, Jan, 8, 8 p.m., West Seattle Christian Church 4400 42nd Ave. S.W., Social Hall Room.

Project 3008453

7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.

Contact, R. Kevin McFeely, 937-2086

The proposal is to expand an existing apartment, assisted living and nursing home facility.

Wow, what a year 2008 has been; full of ups and downs, strange weather, changing economics, and a new President. I am excited to see what 2009 brings.

One thing for certain this next year is that all of us are paying a little more attention to how we spend our money. In the automotive industry, less new cars are being sold and overwhelmingly people are hanging on to their car longer.

Realistically, most cars should be able to last for at least 20 years and up to 200,000 miles as long as maintenance and repairs are kept up.

After a very memorable Sunday evening after the Seahawks defeated the New York Jets and thousands of fans braved the monstrous snowflakes at Quest field to see Mike Holmgren make his final walk around Qwest Field, one individual in Ballard had another agenda.

Usually, when we return home we are greeted with a sign that reads "Welcome to Ballard" with delicately docked boats, soaring seagulls and Bardahl Oil intriguing your senses as you cross over to Ballard.