Local novelist reaches finals in international contest
Rick Rosenkranz, Covington resident, has reached the finals in the international contest for Christian fiction sponsored by the American Christian Fiction Writers.
According to a media release, Rosenkranz’s unpublished manuscript, Luminarium, starts with the rescue of a man left on a planet to die.
The final results from the contest will be announced at an awards gala on Sept. 23 in Texas.
Demolition scheduled to begin today
Demolition at the site of the SoCo Park in Covington is set to begin today, Aug. 18. The park is located at 17081 SE Wax Road.
The city purchased this property in October 2016 using funds from a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant, according to a media release.
Current development of the park will include the demolition of structures, installing new fencing and other basic land improvements. Future phases will include additional land acquisition, design and construction.
For more information, contact Mary Gardocki, parks project manager, at 253-480-2488 or mgardocki@covingtonwa.gov.
Information on the project can also be found online at www.covingtonwa.gov/parks.
Silver Shadows show times announced
The Maple Valley Creative Arts Center announced show dates for Silver Shadows.
Show times begin Sept. 14 through the 17. Thursday through Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s show begins at 1:30 p.m.
General admission is $12 and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at www.maplevalleyarts.com and at the door.
Mobile mapping now happening through Aug. 25
The King County Parks Department has authorized Transmap Corporation to traverse the Regional Trails System using a customized motorcycle, according to a media release.
The motorcycle is equipped with a sensor to take inventory of trail surfaces and assets such as rest areas and trash cans.
This will not result in any closures or delays but cyclists should use caution when near the vehicle.
Board member announces resignation
Kent School District Director Russ Hanscom announced his resignation effective July 25, 2017.
An Aug. 9 release from the school district included the following:
“Superintendent, Dr. Calvin J. Watts, commented on Hanscom’s impact by saying, ‘We appreciate Russ’s service on the School Board. One of his strengths rested in his desire to face complex issues directly, particularly when students and families were impacted.’
The Kent School District thanks Mr. Hanscom for his commitment to the children, schools, families, and communities served, and we wish him well in all his future endeavors.”
Community center needs clothing, supplies
The Black Diamond Community Center is looking for slightly used/clean clothing for kids, in all sizes.
The clothing bank is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
If you have questions, call 360-886-1011.
Back to school supplies are also needed for the community center’s Aug. 28 event. Applications for supplies are available now.
For a list of needed supplies, visit www.BlackDiamondCommCenter.org.
Logjam cleared from Cedar River
On Aug. 11 it was announced that a section of the Cedar River that had been closed for more than a year due to a logjam is now open for recreational use.
An inspection by the King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue and Dive unit approved work that had been done by the county’s Water and Land Resources Division, Road Services Division and the Washington Conservation Corps to mitigate an hazards caused by the jam.
“We are happy to announce that the Cedar River is open to the public,” said Sheriff John Urquhart in a media release. “We want users to enjoy themselves but still remember that rivers are inherently dangerous.”
This 9 mile stretch of river between Renton and Maple Valley had been closed since July 2016.
With the reopening of this section of the Cedar River, the media release included this reminder when floating or boating on rivers and other bodies of water:
• Always wear a life jacket, regardless of your ability to swim.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when recreating on the river.
• Watch children closely when they are on or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately.
• Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out.
• Have a back-up plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency.
• Never float a river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed.
• Bring a dry bag with food, water, warm clothes and sturdy footwear for hiking around danger areas.
Extra DUI patrols
From Aug. 18 through Sept. 4 extra driving under the influence patrols will be taking place statewide.
According to a media release from Washington Traffic Safety Commission, impaired drivers were involved in crashes that resulted in 277 deaths and another 371 serious injuries.
The extra patrols will be looking for those drivers who are drunk or under influence of drugs.
