City Hall prepares for snow
December 19, 2013
NEW — 2:40 p.m. Dec. 19, 2013
Contributed
Newcastle’s snow-and-ice priority map determines which roads get plowed first, numbered in priorities from one to four, with priority one streets representing major arterials.
The snow is coming, possibly. Residents may see those soft, white flakes falling from the sky late Thursday evening into Friday morning, according to weather reports. Read more
King County prepares for winter weather
November 15, 2011
NEW — 11 a.m. Nov. 15, 2011
With La Niña in the long-term forecast and a steady decline in temperatures, the King County Road Services Division is urging motorists to prepare for driving in wintry conditions.
The agency faces a challenge in the months ahead due to budget cuts.
Because wintry conditions can start earlier at higher elevations, county road crews topped off salt and sand stockpiles to be ready. The latest forecast indicates ice and snow could start any day.
City revenue on the rise, but still below normal
May 6, 2011
The city’s revenue in the first quarter of this year is better than it was last year, which is indicative of a slow economic recovery, at least in the area of development and sales tax revenue, city Finance Director Christine Olson said.
The city has collected $1.45 million in revenue so far this year, which accounts for 24 percent of the $5.95 million budgeted in the general fund for the year. The city has spent $1.44 million so far, which accounts for 23 percent of the $6.38 million budgeted in the general fund for the year.
Olson said $6.38 million is likely higher than what the city will pay out of the general fund for the year, as other city funds will reimburse some expenses.
Sales tax collections for the year are at 19 percent of what was budgeted for the year, which is about 4 percent below what is typically collected in the first quarter. By the end of the year, that could amount to a $31,000 shortfall in sales tax revenue.
Olson said expenses from the city’s contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office could be higher than expected for 2010. When the city’s officers are sick or on vacation, the city must pay to have an additional officer fill in temporarily, and the exact cost of that can often be hard to predict. The city will pay for the 2010 overtime this year.
Crews shift focus to freezing conditions on roads
February 24, 2011
NEW — 12:50 p.m. Feb. 24, 2011
Temperatures should plummet into the teens Thursday night, raising the threat of freezing conditions on roads in Newcastle and surrounding areas.
In the city, crews are working in 12-hour shifts to keep roads clear, said Steve Roberge, interim public works director. Crews have focused on the city’s priority routes, clearing side streets as conditions allow.
He said the priority routes are clear as of Thursday afternoon.
Meteorologists forecast snow for Newcastle in days ahead
February 22, 2011
UPDATED — 8:20 a.m. Feb. 22, 2011
Snow is on the way.
National Weather Service forecasters in Seattle issued a winter storm warning for Western Washington through 10 a.m. Thursday.
Meteorologists predicted 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation in Newcastle during the daytime Wednesday. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. The temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees.
The mercury is expected to drop to 28 degrees Wednesday night. Meteorologists predicted another 1 to 3 inches could accumulate overnight Wednesday in Newcastle and the surrounding area.
Snow forecasted for this afternoon
January 11, 2011
NEW — 10:30 a.m. Jan. 11, 2011
Snow is forecast to start falling after 4 p.m. today — just in time for the afternoon commute.
National Weather Service forecasters said the Newcastle area could receive 1 to 3 inches of snow tonight. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent.
Residents should also brace for strong winds, including gusts up to 29 mph.
The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory for the area from 4 p.m. Tuesday until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Meteorologists said the temperature and the snow level should rise Wednesday. Expect rainy conditions for the rest of the day and Wednesday night.
Snow! / November 2010
December 3, 2010
November snow brings early test for city maintenance crew
December 2, 2010
As snow and ice blanketed Newcastle just before Thanksgiving, city maintenance workers took to the streets in the city’s three trucks fitted with snowplows, clearing roads around the clock in accordance with the city’s snow priorities map.
However, before snow began falling, maintenance workers had already laid de-icer on the city’s major roadways.
“We were very prepared for what happened,” said Steve Roberge, interim public works director. “The way the event occurred caught everybody off guard.”
Schools closed Wednesday
November 24, 2010
NEW — 7 a.m. Nov. 23, 2010
Issaquah and Renton schools are closed today due to snow and ice.
We want your snow photos!
November 23, 2010
NEW — 4:50 p.m. Nov. 23, 2010
Newcastle News would love to see your snow photos, and possibly print them in the newspaper! Send your photos to newcas@isspress.com.
