King County Sheriff Sue Rahr to resign March 31
March 14, 2012
NEW — 4 p.m. March 14, 2012
Sheriff Sue Rahr plans to step down as the top law enforcement officer in King County on March 31 to join the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Sue Rahr
The outgoing sheriff designated the No. 2 official at the King County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Steve Strachan, to serve as interim sheriff after she resigns.
“I made the decision to leave the sheriff’s office before the end of my term for a number of reasons,” she said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. “First, and foremost, I have complete confidence in Chief Deputy Steve Strachan and the rest of the command staff to effectively lead the sheriff’s office and continue to protect and serve the citizens of King County. I would not and could not leave this post without that confidence.”
Rahr had been expected to resign since accepting the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission post in late February. The organization trains all law enforcement officers in Washington, except for Washington State Patrol troopers.
Leaders invite civic-minded citizens to serve on King County Board of Ethics
March 14, 2012
NEW — 2 p.m. March 14, 2012
Newcastle residents interested in ethics and law can apply for a seat on the King County Board of Ethics, a watchdog group.
The position, for a three-year term on the five-member citizen advisory board, is open to all King County residents.
The board provides guidance on allowable actions and interests defined by the King County Code of Ethics. The board also supports the county policy for the private conduct and financial dealings of public officials and employees to present no actual or apparent conflict of interest between the public trust and private interests.
In addition, the board oversees the administration of transparency programs requiring financial disclosure by elected officials, designated employees, and board and commission members, as well as disclosure by consultants doing business with the county.
The board is also responsible for interpreting the ethics code through advisory opinions and hearing appeals.
Liberty High School PTSA organizes electronics recycling drive
March 13, 2012
NEW — 6:50 p.m. March 13, 2012
Newcastle residents will have the opportunity to donate unwanted items at the Liberty High School PTSA electronics recycling drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 at Briarwood Market Place at the corner of 164th Street Southeast and Southeast 128th Street.
The collection location will be in the back parking lot behind Doofers Bar and Grill.
Accepted items include working and broken electronics, appliances, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, batteries, fitness equipment, medical equipment, lawnmowers and barbecues.
Newcastle Library group to approve bylaws, elect officers
March 13, 2012
NEW — 1:40 p.m. March 13, 2012
An important Friends of the Newcastle Library meeting will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Newport Way Library on April 7. The Newport Library is located at 14250 S.E. Newport Way in Bellevue.
The meeting will lay the groundwork for the library and elected officer positions that will form the Friends of the Newcastle Library. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Made up of volunteers, friends groups act as advocates for local libraries and primarily focus on fundraising. The funds earned go to programs such as summer reading programs and other library system initiatives.
Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include approving of the group’s official bylaws, electing the group’s officers, viewing updated plans of the Newcastle Library and planning for the Newcastle Library’s opening day activities.
City seeks name for small park near Hazelwood Gardens
March 13, 2012
NEW — 10:20 a.m. March 13, 2012
The city of Newcastle is seeking suggestions from the public to name the small park at the intersection of 113th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 80th Street near Hazelwood Gardens.
Submit your ideas by mailing in an entry form or sending an email to michaelh@ci.newcastle.wa.us by 5 p.m. March 23. The city’s Parks Commissioners and the City Council will select the winning name.
Park amenities include several picnic tables, benches and a gravel pathway.
