Grocery strike set to begin Monday evening
October 18, 2013
NEW — 8:15 p.m. Oct. 18, 2013
After months of negotiating and recent days of closed-door bargaining sessions with employers, grocery worker union representatives announced Oct. 18 they would begin striking in 72 hours, if no deal was reached.
The workers are opposed to employer proposals that would stop health care coverage for employees who work less than 30 hours a week, deny workers paid sick days and cut pay, including for those who work on holidays.
In September, an overwhelming 98 percent of the union membership voted to authorize a strike.
Affected local stores include the Safeway and QFC. This is the first major grocery worker strike in Western Washington since 1989.
The website Stand With Our Checkers has created an interactive map with grocery store alternatives. It suggests Matthew’s at Lakemont and Sunset Market Place as the most local alternatives.
China Creek resident scares up thrills with Halloween decorations
October 18, 2013
NEW — 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 2013
By Christina Corrales-Toy
China Creek resident Kim Alhadeff takes her Halloween seriously, and it shows in her elaborate yard display that attracts visitors from as far as Auburn.
China Creek Halloween / October 2013
October 18, 2013
County program tests Lake Boren for bacteria
October 18, 2013
NEW — 10:35 a.m. Oct. 18, 2013
The King County Lake Stewardship program performed bacterial testing on Lake Boren Oct. 7 and noted presence of an algae bloom, according to a city of Newcastle press release.
After further testing, it was determined that the bloom’s makeup was almost exclusively of the blue-green algae variety, the type that does not tend to produce high toxicities in the area.
Test results also found the presence of plankton in the water. The amount is slightly above the minimum detection level, but below the state’s provisional recreational guideline threshold for recreational activities.
The city notes there is little concern for public health and safety due to the low values reported. However, since there is still some toxicity, the city recommends avoiding accidentally drinking the lake water during the short duration when such blooms occur. Read more
Second half of 2013 King County property taxes are due Oct. 31
October 17, 2013
NEW — 12:15 p.m. Oct. 17, 2013
King County property owners have until Oct. 31 to pay the second half of their 2013 property taxes. After that, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.
King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently.
Taxpayers can pay securely online with a credit card or e-check here.
Owners can pay the tax by mail if postmarked no later than Oct. 31. Taxpayers should include the tax statement and write the property tax account number on checks or money orders. Send them to King County Treasury, 500 Fourth Ave., Room 600, Seattle, WA, 98104. Read more
YMCA hosts Chamber after-hours social
October 16, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. Oct. 16, 2013
The Coal Creek Family YMCA will play host to the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s Oct. 17 after-hours event.
“Come and take a tour of the facility, enjoy a tasty treat and mingle with staff and community,” said Sara Biancofiori, associate executive director of the Coal Creek Family YMCA. “Attendees can stay and use the Coal Creek YMCA facility after the event.”
The entire community is invited to the event that goes from 6-7:15 p.m. For all who attend, there will be a giveaway of three facility guest passes to use at a later date.
The Coal Creek Family YMCA is at 13750 Newcastle Way. RSVP for the event online here.
Council to review 2014 budget at Oct. 15 meeting
October 14, 2013
NEW — 4:40 p.m. Oct. 14, 2013
The Newcastle City Council will review the 2014 preliminary budget at its Oct. 15 regular meeting.
Discussion of the budget is the only item listed under general business. A public hearing regarding the budget is also set to occur.
The preliminary budget forecasts a surplus of more than $150,000 in the general fund for 2014.
View the preliminary budget online here, and review the agenda for the Oct. 15 meeting here.
The mayor is also expected to suggest appointments to the Community Activities Commission to fill the vacancies left by the resignations of Craig Belcher and Jesse Tam.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Newcastle City Hall, 12835 Newcastle Way, Suite 200.
