Jobs continued climbing in August, but unemployment inched up

OLYMPIA – Washington added jobs for the 11th straight month in August, gaining a seasonally adjusted estimate of 5,300 jobs, according to the latest monthly report from the Employment Security Department. At the same time, a small decline in the total labor force, combined with an increase in unemployed people actively looking for work, nudged…

Flag lowering to honor victims of Washington Navy Yard

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff, per President Obama’s proclamation, as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic event at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, Sept. 16. Flags should be lowered immediately and remain at half-staff until…

Nisqually Land Trust preserving a watershed for our future

OLYMPIA, WA — Sunday night was the Nisqually Land Trust’s Annual Membership Meeting and Salmon Bake. If you are not familiar with the land trust, they have been purchasing property along the Nisqually River for preservation since 1989. Their focus is to protect the water, wildlife, natural areas, scenic vistas of the Nisqually watershed. The…

Joint Legislative tranportation Committee to meet in Seattle

The following is a list serv announcement from the Washington State Legislature. The PPP thought you may be interested that out legislative transportation committee members are having this meeting in Seattle, especially since they did not produce a transportation package this session. Transportation, Joint Committee* – 9/11/2013 10:00 a.m. Full Committee, Union Station, Ruth Fisher Boardroom, 401…

Sept. 12 PSRC Transportation Policy Board Meeting

SEPT. 12 PSRC TRANSPORTATION POLICY BOARD MEETING: (Puget Sound Regional Council) Location – Seattle Central Library, Level 4, Room 1 (WAMU Meeting Room), 4th Avenue between Spring and Madison streets Walking – Use the 4th Avenue entrance.  The Library doesn’t officially open until 10:00, but a security guard or Library staff will be on hand…

Employers eligible for special incentive to avoid layoffs

OLYMPIA – Washington employers are now eligible for a special incentive to participate in a layoff-avoidance program run by the Employment Security Department. The incentive allows them to participate in the program through June 2015 with virtually no effect on their unemployment taxes. “Shared Work was already a good deal, but the incentive really sweetens…

Motorcyclist fatally injured in crash near Spanaway Walmart

The Washington State Patrol has been investigating an accident at 204th Street East and the Mountain Highway. A motorcycle rider allegedly failed to stop at the intersection and hit a car. The motorcyclist has died. No one else was injured. The accident occurred at about 6:20 p.m. and only one lane of traffic was allowed…

Council appoints Kevin McCann Judge and Dick Muri 28th Rep.

The Pierce County Council filled two key vacancies in the community on Tuesday, July 2. First, the Council voted 7-0 to appoint Kevin McCann as a judge on the Pierce County District Court bench. McCann, who has served the county as a deputy prosecutor for 17 years, succeeds Jack Nevin, who was elected to the…

Low tides will affect Pierce County ferry service July 2-11

Pierce County ferry riders in large vehicles – such as an RV, commercial truck or a vehicle towing a trailer – should plan ahead to avoid low tides from July 2-11. Load restrictions will be in place on some sailings, and riders may be asked to wait until a later sailing. Ticket agents and crew…

The Post Office hole on SR7 needs to go away

Editorial opinion This photo is of a drainage ditch on Pacific Avenue in Spanaway between Les Schwab and the Spanaway Post Office. This is the single biggest mistake in the sidewalk project for SR7. This little ditch 1) Almost never fully drains 2) Hides a very deep hole between the two locations 3) Creates a…

June 10 Memorial for Senator Carrell

Olympia, WA — Residents of Washington’s 28th Legislative District and members of the public are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, on Monday at the state Capitol in Olympia. Carrell, who was laid to rest Wednesday during a small, private ceremony attended by family and close friends, passed away…

Sediment health in Central Puget Sound declining

Washington State Department of Ecology, OLYMPIA – Sediments in the bottom of Central Puget Sound show declining environmental health over a 10-year period, according to a just-released report from the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology). Central Puget Sound is the area south of Whidbey Island to the Tacoma Narrows. It includes industrialized and urbanized Elliott…