Traffic signal now on at Newcastle Library intersection
December 22, 2011
NEW — 10:45 a.m. Dec. 22, 2011
After several months of work, the traffic signals located at Newcastle Way and 129th Ave. S.E. are now live, said Public Works Director Mark Rigos.
The mast arms of the traffic signals, which are located near the construction site for the Newcastle Library, went in about two months ago, while other work including ADA accessible ramps, electrical wiring, testing and underground construction began early this summer, Rigos said.
A police officer was stationed at the new signal Dec. 21 to ensure a smooth transition for motorists and pedestrians, he said.
Large orange construction signs indicating the new change are posted at all four approaches to the device.
Environmental groups to offer gift-wrapping event
December 21, 2011
NEW — 9:40 a.m. Dec. 21, 2011
The Newcastle Weed Warriors and Hazen High School’s Earth Corp Club will host a holiday gift-wrapping event 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23 in the Newcastle Professional Building.
The gift-wrapping is available by donation and benefits both environmental groups that work in Newcastle to battle invasive weeds in parks, trails and open spaces.
Newcastle Dentistry and Peaceful Agreements, LLC, of the Newcastle Professional Building are opening the foyer of the professional building for the gift-wrapping event.
Commission seeks submissions for park-naming contest
December 20, 2011
NEW — 3:05 p.m. Dec. 2011
Members of the public are encouraged to submit ideas to the city’s Parks Commission for a park-naming contest for a park near the Hazelwood Gardens area.
The commission will consider the entries and ultimately recommend a name for the park, located on the west side of Newcastle at S.E. 80th St. and 113th Ave. S.E., to the City Council. Entries are due to the commission by 5 p.m. Jan. 31.
The site is about .15 acres or 100 feet by 60 feet, has small native plantings and pine trees and includes picnic tables, benches and a gravel pathway.
Report: King County homicides, suicides decline
December 20, 2011
NEW — 11:25 a.m. Dec. 20, 2011
King County experienced the fewest homicides — 59 — in a decade last year, as suicides declined after a spike in 2009.
The information comes from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. In the agency’s annual report, officials analyze suspicious, sudden, unexpected and violent deaths in King County, plus trends in drug overdose deaths, homicides and traffic fatalities. The agency released the 2010 report Monday.
Overall, King County experienced fewer homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and deaths from natural causes last year than in 2009. (The report includes only deaths under medical examiner’s office jurisdiction.)
The deaths investigated by the medical examiner’s office also made 156 organ transplants possible last year.
Newcastle Boy Scouts to collect Christmas trees for fundraiser
December 19, 2011
NEW — 3:50 p.m. Dec. 19, 2011
Newcastle’s Boy Scout Troop 499 will begin circulating through local neighborhoods at 9 a.m. Jan. 7 to collect Christmas trees from homes for disposal.
The group will go through the neighborhoods several times until 2 p.m. for its annual fundraiser.
Homeowners may place their tree at the curb of their home for pickup. Donations for the scouts are accepted by placing a Ziplock bag and envelope addressed to Troop 499 at 8042 116th Ave. S.E., Newcastle, WA 98056 on the tree. Donations can also be mailed to that address.
