The Federal Way News | Recent Articles

Officer dies while apprehending car theft suspects

sethb — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:48:59 -0700

On March 21, 2010 at approximately 0115 hours, Federal Way Police Officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle located in the 33300 Block of 26th Avenue SW in Federal Way. The vehicle was described as a dark colored Lincoln SUV with two persons sleeping in the back. The vehicle was backed up against an unoccupied residence.

Federal Way police officers responded to the area of the vehicle. Once officers were on-scene, it was determined the vehicle was reported as stolen by the King County Sheriff’s Office. As the officers approached, applied vehicle stopping devices, and initiated verbal commands, the driver of the vehicle started the engine and began to flee against the verbal commands of officers. As the vehicle left the area, it struck/rammed three Federal Way marked patrol vehicles.

Two Federal Way police officers fired their weapons at the driver and the vehicle.

The vehicle was subsequently found nearby. The driver was found hiding in a carport area of a residence and was taken into custody without incident by Federal Way police officers.

The suspect driver is a 17-year-old Hispanic male with an extensive criminal history and is a convicted felon. The suspect sustained a non-life threatening bullet wound to his arm and was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. There is currently one suspect occupant from the stolen vehicle at large.

The two Federal Way Police Officers who discharged their weapons were not injured. They have been placed on paid administrative leave (standard procedure) pending the outcome of an investigation.

The officers involved are veteran police officers:

* Officer #1 was hired as an experienced police officer in 1999 and has over 12 years of municipal law enforcement experience.
* Officer #2 was hired as an entry level police officer in 2007 and has over 2 ½ years of law enforcement experience. He is a US Army veteran with 7 years of service.

The Federal Way Police Department made the request of the Renton Police Department to conduct the investigation regarding this officer involved shooting incident (standard procedure for South King County municipal agencies).

While this Officer Involved Shooting incident was being investigated, Federal Way Police officers maintained a perimeter around the crime scene. At approximately 0645 hours, one of the perimeter officers was found collapsed in his patrol vehicle.

Federal Way Police officers initiated CPR which continued with the arrival of the King County Medic One unit. Officers and medics were unable to revive the officer and he was pronounced dead at approximately 0721 hours this morning. The cause of death is unknown at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2010.

Federal Way Police is securing evidence and leading this death investigation at this time. Preliminarily observation of the scene shows no sign of foul play; however, a comprehensive investigation is underway pending the outcome of the scheduled autopsy.

The deceased officer was 34 years of age and a 4 ½ year veteran of the Federal Way Police Department. He was hired as an experienced police officer with over 4 years of police officer experience prior to coming to Federal Way.

He was a member of the Air National Guard beginning in 1994. He is survived by his wife, 2 children, and his extended family. Their third child is due in May.

The Federal Way Police Department wishes to thank the Renton Police Department for their assistance with the ongoing criminal investigation involving the officer involved shooting.

Federal Way Police are taking steps to address the needs of our deceased officer’s family in this time of loss as well as offering support and assistance to the members of the Federal Way Police Department.

Talented exchange student gives Raiders an edge

sethb — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:58:30 -0700

From Kenya to Washington State, and, specifically, Thomas Jefferson High School, it's been an easy transition for studying-abroad student Jimmy Oganga, who is a native African and now a scoring striker on the Raiders boys soccer team.

He provided the game's only roar (goal) in the first half that gave his team the eventual victory, 1-0, over Kentlake in boys soccer action at French Field in Kent Tuesday.

Both's opener and ever without their coach, Dave Hanson, away for three weeks, and, his son, Chase, the Oganga offensive was ready to supplant the missing star and coach of the Raiders.

Good game, Jimmy, giving your team the offense that was needed to keep this game untied. How's that feel to have scored the winning -- and only -- goal in this game?

"It was good," said Oganga, in somewhat broken English who said then, "I still learning English."

Well, the TJ school's intensive International Baccalaureate program, a.k.a. "IB," is quite a transition, surely, for Oganga, but if soccer can be any indication, then Oganga is going to be helpful to this team's chances to progress farther than falling one game shy of state, in districts, last season.

Tyler Manthie, a junior captain for the Raiders, was asked if the maroon and gold has a good base from last season?

The answer to that was simple.

"No."

"Not many back," said Manthie, whose team won the South Puget Sound League North Division last season before bowing out before state's round of 16 teams went for all the marbles.

Well, so, how many lost?

"Nine graduated," said Kim Duke, filling in for Hanson who said he used to mentor Dave Hanson when he was a kid. Duke's grandson is on the team, too, so it's really a fatherly type relationship core leading this Raiders team.

So, what will make you better than last year if so many were lost to graduation, Tyler?

"Well, we got Jimbo (Oganga) here. He will definitely help us a lot," said Manthie.

Chase Hanson is a junior this season but has been center midfield playing for the Raiders since he was a freshman, so his experience is just another year out there. Hanson was a first-team all-SPSL selection last season and led his team with assists.

So, Jimbo, Chase, are going to help and Manthie -- who is one of the returning (third year) starters. And, also, the other captain on this Raiders team is Carson Wright, who anchors the backline as the team's sweeper. He is going to be of great assistance, time and again, making nice plays with his head in the 18-yard-box, clearing Kentlake threats and crosses.

Wright takes over for last year's sweeper, Lenin Ramirez, who was solid back there. Also, a defensive stalwart for TJ should be Christian Toscano, who played in front of Wright some of this game and Toscano will be a good presence defensively for the Raiders it looks like.

The season is early and this game was a win for the Raiders. That was good. The shots on goal were plentiful for the Raiders in the first half, but the Falcons came out more energized after halftime to control the play more even though the Raiders did outshoot the Falcons, 4-1, in the second half. The Falcons' lone shot was in the first minute of the second half, too, so Wright and company were very stingy defensively back there.

What is the goal of this team?

No easier way to answer that question than listening to the Raiders do their cheer after this win over Kentlake....

"Win," they said altogether, hands in a circle, afterward, loudly chanting the word.

That really is what it is all about isn't it?

"Win," said Manthie, "Yeah, that is our motto."

Eagles pick up where they left off

sethb — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:06:26 -0700

The Federal Way Eagles boys soccer team flew out of the season starting gate, blasting a 4A-final four team from last season.

The Eagles did that, thanks largely to, perhaps the state's best player -- UCLA-bound Kelyn Rowe. He scored two beautiful goals on Kentwood for a 2-0 win in both's opener at French Field in Kent Tuesday, March 16.

"I thought everybody played well, knocked the ball around well, with other players than just Kelyn doing good things out there," said head Eagles coach Jason Baumgardt, who took this team to the state championship game three seasons ago.

The Eagles improved to 1-0 in South Puget Sound League North Division play while the Conquerors start off 0-1.

Just an amazing display of talent from Rowe, who took off two year's per Crossfire Academy (club soccer) rulings made after Rowe played his freshman year.

So the Eagles, who were not in the playoffs -- or even close -- the last two seasons look like a team that could go right back where they were when Rowe was a talented freshman leading the Eagles to the state final where they lost, 4-3, to Pasco.

"That is what we are hoping for," said Rowe, a senior and captain on the team as well as the mighty talented Eagles field goal kicker for coach John Meagher's football team the past four seasons.

Kentwood was good as a team, but Rowe was too good as a player dynamically interacting teammates with the ball when he wasn't doing amazing things with the black and white sphere himself.

Rowe's first score came at the 25:00 mark of the first half, just a rocket of a shot that (no kidding) sounded like a cannon going off, albeit a small cannon, but nonetheless, a blasted Johnny Depp movie mortar fire that everyone heard -- even the other team's coach of Kentwood.

"That was an amazing shot. It had a kind of movement on it that most shots do not have," said Kentwood coach Aaron Radford. "It was from about 40 yards out, too, and went the same (low) height until it hit the back of the net."

The shot bordered on spectacular for not only decibal volume but for what it left a very good keeper doing as the ball went by him, even though it was taken from a long ways from goal-standing still.

"Amazing shot, and hopefully my keeper doesn't have to face that kind of shot no more than once in league like that," said Radford. "That was the typical play we hoped we wouldn't present them with."

And, how good was the keeper of Kentwood on that shot, who, to note, made several spectacular saves in this game himself or this game would have been 4-1 Eagles, or 4-2 at most, as Kentwood had, one, maybe two, real-life chances to score in this one. But not many. FW outshot Kentwood, 6-3, in the first half, and 11-4 in the second.

"Yes, our keeper is a junior, Rodney Greiling," said Radford. "He was an all-league keeper last year and was just chosen recently for the Sounders Academy."

So, that's the kind of talent that, frankly, Rowe just made look not just silly, but helpless and not ready for Rowe's kind of shooting. Not once either. Twice Rowe put the hammer down on Greiling.

After Rowe's first score that was wicked with 15 minutes left in the 40-minute first half was Rowe's second score, a great bit of deft dribbling that resulted in a left wing, left-footed shot in the fifth minute of the second half that seared the turf as it went by Greiland again.

The shot flew by without Greiland even getting a hand on it.

"That second goal was almost as good as the first," said Radford.

Except no cannon sound.

The goals were pretty much unassisted as on both occassions Rowe took dribbles before launching the blasts but Rowe let the local world know it was not all about his doing.

"Thanks to my players, they put me in good positions," he said.

There were other players that made good plays in this game, like Nevin Hair, a forward on the team nearly scoring a time or two and Mitchell Wadleigh, in the second half, dribbled a little bit of specacularness himself as he cut the dribble back and forth a couple times on the run -- stop and go -- to lose a defender or two before square ball lifting a cross over the middle of the field far-post to the diving head of Rowe, who just knocked it wide in a spectacular full-out dive for the leather.

There is not much that could stop the Eagles from another great run as Rowe is back in the fold. Only one thing and ironically, coincidentally, call it like you want , but Rowe and Baumgardt both said the exact same word in unison after the game when the question was posed of "What will stop this team this season?"

"Ourselves," they both said.

That could be it. The defense was strong with Max Ward and Coby Eli, both seniors, playing side by side in the center area on defense and then two freshmen flank the sides.

"I was thinking we might be a little shaky back there at first, but having two seniors and two freshmen is a good mix," said Baumgardt.

And the keeper, Gomez, who wasn't having to make many spectacular saves in this game like Greiling, still made a great save with 13 minutes off the second half clock at the 27 minute mark, diving all out for a ball to slap it away.

"Eddie did great," said Baumgardt.

Everyone did, and this team, that may very well have not just the state's best player in Rowe but also maybe the best player ever to come out of Federal Way, matching the skill set of players like Ciaran O'Brien for Decatur, and, maybe, the best examples would be a center midfielder, Jimmy Weber, from the TJ team that won four straight championships from 1983 to 1986.

And, from that same team, Wade Webber, the sweeper on that team that went on to play for DC United in the Major Soccer League. Also, the O'Briens, Leighton (FW) and Ciaran (Decatur), come to mind. Both led their teams well. And Rowe's mark to surpassing that kind of excellence may very well be in how far his team gets this year in the state tournament.

Gomez saved five shots in the first half and four in the second, while Kentwood keeper Greiling was about the same busy first half -- with four saves -- but then made 11 in the second half to keep this game as close as it was.

Domestic violence homicide leaves woman dead

sethb — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:36:03 -0700

On March 17 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Federal Way Police officers were dispatched to a reported shooting located in the 2400 block of S 320th St.

Upon arrival officers located one gunshot victim, a 38 year old white female and resident of Lakewood, Washington.

The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition and later succumbed to her injuries.

Initial investigation showed the victim’s husband, a 42 year old white male and resident of Lakewood, Washington, fired a handgun several times at the victim during a counseling session at the location.

The suspect was later placed into custody on scene without incident. Detectives are investigating this incident as a homicide.

Federal Way Police Detectives are currently following leads from witnesses and other involved parties in an attempt to further investigate this incident.

Federal Way Police Department encourages anyone who has any information regarding this incident to call 911 immediately.

SLIDESHOW: Spring sports underway

sethb — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:03:03 -0700

Photographer Kurt Howard captured these images of Thomas Jefferson's 1-0 victory over Kentlake and Federal Way's 2-0 triumph over Kentwood on Tuesday, March 16. CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO PLAY SLIDESHOW.

Can you ID this photo?

sethb — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:06:33 -0700

A reader sent us this photograph of the 1971 Federal Way Cubs and seeks the public's help in identifying any of the players or coaches. Please send your responses to sethb@robinsonnews.com. Please see the attached file for a higher resolution version of the photo.

FW Boys finish third at state

sethb — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:16:39 -0700

Federal Way rebounded from a disappointing 53-45 upset loss to Jackson of Everett in the state Class 4A boys basketball semifinal to capture third place with a 53-44 win over Wilson.

The Eagles missed out on the second-straight state title they were gunning for, but they made the most out of their situation with the consolation win over the Rams from Tacoma.

"In retrospective of it all, it's been a great run," said Federal Way head coach Jerome Collins, whose team finished with a 26-3 overall record including an out-of-state loss to Jefferson of Portland, Ore. "I'm just proud of our kids and our program. It's just a lot of tradition. We thought about the legacy we wanted to leave."

Leading the way for much of the season was 6-foot, 7-inch senior center Cole Dickerson, who is the younger half brother of former University of Arizona and NBA player Michael Dickerson.

"I wanted to finish strong and leave a tradition for the young kids," said Cole after he scored 16 points and hauled down 13 rebounds against Wilson. "I didn't want to lose my senior game.'

Dickerson has already signed up to take his talents to the University of San Francisco.

"I just really liked the coach," said Dickerson of how that came about. "He's an ex-NBA player and he really knows a lot."

Collins continues to work with him in the meantime.

"He still has a ways to go with his foot speed," Collins said. "We're still working on that."

Dunking ability is a strength for Dickerson, and he proved it by using two hands to slam down a shot to open the scoring in the third place game against Wilson played at the Tacoma Dome.

The Rams jumped ahead, 5-2, with the help of a three-point shot basket by Mikey Hope.

Dickerson answered that by scoring two to cut the lead to 5-4 with 6:30 to go in the quarter.

Wilson then took an 8-4 advantage, and built it to 18-10 before Roosevelt Jones helped to keep the game from getting out of reach too early, sinking a three-point shot from the right corner right at the buzzer.

The Rams came up empty on two free-throw shots to open the second quarter, and Dickerson took advantage by scoring two from underneath to make it 18-15 at the 7:33 mark.

Tyrell Lewis followed with a tip-in to make it 18-17 at 6:54 to play in the half.

Federal Way fell behind, 32-27, by halftime, in spite of another Dickerson two-hander at the 3:00 mark. But a low-scoring third quarter was dominated by the Eagles.

Senior guard and floor leader Isiah Umipig struck from underneath to make it 32-29 with 6:39 left and Dickerson added wo at 3:28 left -- with no scores by either team in between.

Jerry Duckworth then delivered a three-point shot to the hoop for a 34-32 lead at 2:36 to go.

Hope hit Wilson's only basket of the quarter to tie it at 34-34 with 2:05 left, but Lewis dazzled the crowd by soaring to the hoop to knock down a ball that was popping back out at 1:42.

The Eagles' 36-34 lead held through halftime, before Wilson stuck like mud on Federal Way's sneakers through most of the fourth quarter.
Federal Way only led, 44-43, but the tide turned on a couple of turnovers. The Eagles lost the ball on a 10-second call, then Wilson gave up a 30-second call.

Robert Christopher of the Eagles was then fouled while going to the hoop and made his ensuing free throw to complete a three-point play.
Jibreel Stevens of Wilson followed by making one of two free throws to make it 47-44, but that was it for the Rams' scoring as the Eagles padded the lead to 49-44 with 47 seconds left.

Dickerson sank a shot with 29.9 seconds to go, then Umipig made a pair of free throws in a one-and-one situation to make it 53-44 with 17.0 seconds left.

Dickerson missed the front end of a one-and-one with 8.6 seconds left, but Wilson only had time for Perris Jackson to miss a three-pointer from the right side.

Christopher backed up Dickerson wih 22 points and nine rebounds and Umipig and Lewis sank eight apiece.

Dickerson, Umipig, Christopher and George Williams all graduate from this year's team, while Lewis, Duckworth, Jones and D'Londo Tucker can all return.

Who should be fired when schools don’t work?

sethb — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:53:46 -0700

In the newspapers and on television there has been a great deal of coverage of the latest “motion” to improve schools.

Let’s fire the principal; he/she has to be the reason for this failure! The presumption is that a different principal will, operating under the same rules, be able to radically improve the school!

Does the term “Musical Chairs” come to mind here? It does for me.

If we look at the schools designated as the most serious failures, I think we will find a great deal of commonalities among them.

1. They tend to be in low income and low levels of adult education communities.

2. They tend to have little parent participation in the operation of the schools.

3. Most also are in school districts with very defined rigid work rules and hierarchies.

I believe it was Einstein who said, “Continued, repeated actions with an expectation of different results is a definition of insanity.”

If this is the case the replacement of the principal, or a group of teachers, may simply be an attempt to distract us from the real issue of actual gain in the body of knowledge that students know.

If firing the Principal isn’t the right answer what is? I am not sure that I know, but here are some pretty good guesses.

1. Recently the Washington Policy Center invited the Principal of Manuel High School in Denver to address them on the remarkable changes he has made to a Denver High School that was considered to be the worst in Colorado. It was clear from his remarks that he has a much different arrangement with his employees, than the negotiated agreements that our principals are required to observe. The employees at Manuel are responsible to the Principal, not the work rules of the District.

If we are going to fire principals and simply replace them with another face, we are meeting the definition of insanity that Mr. Einstein suggests.

2. It would appear that schools need to do a much better job on educating parents about what schools can, and cannot, do to assist, not complete, the education of their children. This is particularly true in those families that educators like to call, “From a different Culture.” These parents will tell you, as most parents will, that they want the “Best Education” for their children. Where schools seem to have failed is that they have suggested that they can do this, and not suggested that this will not happen without the support of the parents.

If we were to just change these two parameters, I would suggest that many schools would move very quickly off the bottom of the list.

A friend of mine brought me an Arizona paper the other day that had an excellent article on the plight of Arizona’s schools and students. It suggested that educators were a complicit part of the achievement problem when they report “false progress” to parents. I believe that this is often the case, and I have seen examples of this in our district. The Arizona paper then put together a matrix of possible ways to change this.

Their first suggestion was, “Hold back third graders who still cannot read, and eight graders who cannot read and do math at grade level.” They then listed the “Pain” that they thought would be felt. “Parents would be livid, students would be embarrassed and principals and teachers would come under public scrutiny in schools where fewer kids would move forward”

Bingo! What we need is all of these parties, Parents, Principals, and Teachers to share a common concern about the achievement of the children! “No Parent Left Behind!” “No Student Left Behind!” Livid parents and embarrassed students are a significant part of the solution. Instead of feeding them sleeping pills to placate, move to prodding with a cattle prod!

One of the more successful reform programs in modern times has been the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) that is now in 88 schools throughout the country. They have found out that they are not welcome in Washington. These schools form a strong alliance between parents and teachers and are very serious about education. The motto is “Work hard and be nice!” Evidently what they have shown just wouldn’t be acceptable in the Northwest.

In Oregon a school district is proposing to fine parents who fail to send their kids to school. It is amazing the responses this has prompted. Many parents are saying that “School has to be more interesting!” A national poll a few years ago suggested that parents wanted their children to be “Satisfied” with their schools! I believe we have to break this “Child Centered” approach to education.

When we go to the Doctor and he suggests a medicine that tastes bad, do we let children balk at taking it? Not if we want them to improve. Isn’t education the same?

The Arizona paper points out that the employment outlook for high school drop-outs, and those who “Finished High School” (Whatever that means) is very bleak.

I don’t see much difference between Arizona and Washington. Firing Principals may seem like a “Change” but it is, in most cases, just moving the goal posts!

Des Moines Methodists trying something different on Sunday mornings

sethb — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:35:56 -0700

The Des Moines United Methodist Church has begun offering a new style of worship at 11:30 a.m. Sunday mornings.

The pNEWma Worship Service (pneuma is the Greek word for spirit) features a worship band, diverse musical styles, interactive events, and contemplative rituals.

This new service provides an opportunity for people who want something different from a traditional approach to worship.

The goal is to welcome a broader range of community members into the church.

"Our church is very committed to reaching out and helping people find the peace, belonging, and empowerment that come with following Jesus Christ," says Pastor Rev. Karla Fredericksen. "We are providing new and creative programs for young adults and families as well as strengthening our current programs for children, youth and adults."

A worship leader and family ministries coordinator was recently hired to design the new service and develop programs to help meet the spiritual and social needs of young adults and young families.

"Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" is the slogan of Des Moines United Methodist Church. "That means we are open to change and to serving the needs of our congregation as well as our community," says Rev. Fredericksen. "This is an open, warm and loving faith community where all are welcome-and "all" means ALL!"

Community members are invited to try the new service.

Des Moines United Methodist continues to hold its traditional service featuring the chancel choir and pipe organ at 9 a.m. In addition, a new "Opportunity Hour" at 10:15 a.m. has been added, providing creative, engaging social and faith-building classes for children, youth and adults.

For more information visit www.desmoinesumc.org

That's the way news was and the way news is

sethb — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:25:41 -0700

There's nothing quite like a crinkling, printed, newspaper feel and sound with today's local news-- and a good cup of coffee.

Choices are many in our media machine-operated world. Consider the addicting computers, television news with fine-looking folks reading and commenting on current events.

Still, it's just not the same thing as turning crinkling pages to re-read something missed. Try that with a live TV broadcast.

The Greatest Generation grew up with newspapers and street corner vendors loudly calling, "Get you newspaper here. Pearl Harbor bombed." Or whatever catches attention.

Television and computers changed this world with colorful, interesting subjects that strongly influence our lives. Especially when our eyes become less age-efficient and reading options are limited.

Not for a minute do I believe that printed newsprint is going out. Some newspapers are producing fewer pages, given the present economic impact. That will change when advertisers' business picks up.

The Internet is a powerful tool too. Check out www.highlinetimes.com.-- the Web site for current news and story archives.

Can you believe people in Europe read what's happening here, too? What an exciting world we live in!

Local news, whether in print or Web site, is the touch to community that sustains small town atmosphere. It's what's happening here, it's about our home. The more news we know about our communities, the better.

Years ago I was lamenting in a less-than-fully informed way about how sad it was that another like business started up that would be competition to an existing nearby business.

Well, it only took a minute for that seasoned business person I was sympathizing with to say, "Actually, the more competition the merrier, because each one brings more interest and more people here."

Newspapers made Des Moines and Highline history. I picture Des Moines and Burien as sister cities, yet independent, and beautiful. Normandy Park is the golden loop that ties us together. Cities working together benefit residents and newspapers make newsworthy information public.

The first Des Moines history book was published in 1975, "Timber, Tides and Tales," authored by historian Melanie Draper, now deceased.

Richard T. Kennedy, who masterfully reproduced her writings in 1989 after significant editing, incorporating and up-dating it into the current edition "One Hundred Years of the "Waterland" Community, was assisted by Grechen Schmidt.

Explorers sailed these waters in the early 1800's. And newspapers played a significant role in Des Moines and Highline history:

In 1884 Des Moines had a new Black Powder Manufacturing Plant.

In 1900 a mushroom growing business was unsuccessful at 240th and 12th Ave. So.

The 1908 Des Moines Express newspaper reported Markwell Lumber Mill burned down (at now Beach Park) and was rebuilt at 227th where Anthony's Restaurant is now located.

In 1952, the Federal Way News owned by Jerry Robinson and Al Snead, also covered the Des Moines, Midway, Fife, Milton, and areas.

In 1957, Tom and Ruby Petersen founded and produced The Des Moines Tribune for seven years from their home. It was a family project with three sons, Donald, Roger and Gary, (better known now as Gary Petersen, owner of Pete's Towing) who delivered the newspaper to residents.

In 1964, Jerry Robinson established the newly named Des Moines News. Its official office was above the Dugout Tavern (now Lighthouse) later moving it several times, including to a lawyer's office and where E.C. Computer is now.

In 1967, the newspaper narrowed and concentrated its efforts on Des Moines and Midway. Copies cost 10 cents or 30 cents per month if delivered.

The first editor was Agnes Webb, a natural for homey, intimate weekly newspaper columns that fits a small growing, tightly knit community. Sometimes I think my writing has a touch of Agnes' writing style, though not planned. We seasoned citizens think alike.

In 1975, the first Sunday issue was printed, though it has not continued.

From then to now, it's been Gerald (Jerry) Robinson who keeps Highline Times and Des Moines News in our neighborhoods.

His last rescue was after he sold his interest. He canceled his retirement to quickly step in and take back these newspapers when the Seattle Times chose to quit publishing them. We really are fortunate to have our local newspapers.

So, with some "Irish Luck" I'll be visiting with you again, Over The Fence, -- with a good cup of coffee and lots of memories and fun facts.
Today's Thought: "One kind word can warm winter nights."

Airport noise study to be discussed in Normandy Park, SeaTac

sethb — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:28:00 -0700

The Port of Seattle Commission will be holding their March 23 regular meeting at the Cove in Normandy Park, 1500 S.W. Shorebrook Drive.

The agenda includes a staff update on the Part 150 noise study and the commission will be taking public comment.

The meeting starts at 1 p.m.

On March 24, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 noise study at SeaTac City Hall's Council Chambers, 4800 S. 188th Street. The meeting begins at 2:30 p.m. and the public is invited to observe.

The Highline Forum includes the Southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way, and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

Formore information, visit the dedicated Part 150 Web site (http://www.airportsites.net/SEA-Part150/) that has been established as the single location for all documentation connected to the study.

Alaska Airlines encourages flyers to follow Apolo Ohno to Hawaii

keith_daigle — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 12:24:45 -0800

8 time Olympic medal winner Apolo Ohno appeared at SeaTac Airport Friday afternoon as part of a promotion with Alaska Airlines. Ohno signed an Alaska Airlines Airplane with his picture on the side. Afterward he greeted all of the passengers on the plane, giving them a lei and getting his picture taken with them.

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO SEE A SLIDESHOW OF THE EVENT

Highline College trustee appointed to state board

sethb — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:18:16 -0800

Elizabeth Chen, of Federal Way, has been appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire as the newest member of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Chen has served on the Highline Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees since 1995. She was the HCC Board chair in 2001-2002 and 2006-2007.

"Elizabeth Chen's extensive experience and deep commitment to the community and technical college system will be extremely valuable to the State Board as we continue pursuing initiatives that will help more people reach higher levels of educational attainment in Washington," said Jim Bricker, SBCTC board chair.

Chen has been appointed to serve a four-year term as one of nine members of the Board, responsible for overall policy, leadership, and strategic direction of the community and technical college system. She replaces Lyle Quasim, who left the board in January.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years serving Highline Community College," Chen said. "I am so grateful for this new opportunity to serve the entire community and technical college system at the statewide level."

Chen is a visiting instructor of Chinese at the University of Puget Sound. She has served on the Highline Community College Foundation board, the City of Federal Way Diversity Commission, and now serves as an advisor to the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission of Taiwan, R.O.C.

She was named "Trustee of the Year" by the Washington state Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges in 2006, honoring her years of service to HCC and higher education. In September 2007, she was elected to a two-year term as Pacific regional director of the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). She also served as chair of ACCT's Diversity Committee from 2005-2007.

Chen earned both her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Wyoming.

SLIDESHOW: Capt. Sullenberger, Hudson River hero, inspires Tukwila museum audience

sethb — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:40:27 -0800

As he fought to land his plane loaded with 155 passengers and crew safely on the Hudson River on that remarkable day in January 2009, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger never once thought he was about to die.

His first thought was disbelief-"this doesn't happen to me."

"In four decades (of flying,) I had solved every problem; I had never been challenged to my limit," Sullenberger told an audience at Tukwila's Museum of Flight on March 8.

Disbelief was quickly followed by a realization that this would be his challenge of a lifetime and he would have no time to do everything he should do,

He took three steps that he credits with helping him successfully land the plane on the water.

"I forced myself to be calm, I imposed order on the situation, and I focused on the highest priorities," Sullenberger reported.

Sullenberger presented a highly inspirational talk to the sold-out crowd packed into two auditoriums at the Tukwila museum.

He emphasized preparation, integrity, realistic optimism, teamwork and high professional standards.

The heroic pilot noted he has known since age 5 that his passion is flying airplanes and described himself as a "regular guy who prepared himself well."

Sullenberger credited his father and mother for teaching him their values.

His father served as a naval officer in World War II-part of the "Greatest Generation," who were "ordinary people who found themselves in extraordinary situations."

His mother, a Texas first-grade teacher, instilled in him an understanding of the value of education and made him into a life long reader and learner, Sullenberger noted.

At the United States Air Force Academy, he volunteered for training as a safety officer, he noted.

Sullenberger defined integrity as "doing the right thing, even when it is not convenient."

An example is delaying a flight because of safety concerns, even when it means he and the passengers would not get home that night, he said.

"I was trained to be intolerant of imperfection," Sullenberger declared.

Realistic optimism comes from confidence through preparation, according to Sullenberger.

"It is the knowledge you will obtain your goal, but you know you could face hard times,' he said. "Every moment of that flight I knew we could solve the next problem. I knew I could do it, based on my preparation. I knew what was possible."

Sullenberger also stressed teamwork. He added that when employees are trusted, they are willing to go the extra mile.

He said that he knew if he could land the plane safely, the flight attendants would get the passengers out safely.

"Further action is always possible when you have teamwork," Sullenberger added. "If we work together, there is little we can not do."

He said in the days after the flight, former colleagues started remembering, "Sully Stories" and told him, based on his past actions, they were not surprised at the flight's outcome.

"My reputation was built one action at a time," Sullenberger said. ""It is the same for everybody.

"Everybody has the opportunity to be a leader, the opportunity to take responsibility, the opportunity to make a difference."

Following the speech, Sullenberger, who retired from U.S. Airways on March 3, signed copies of his book, "Highest Duty."

A line snaked throughout the Tukwila museum exhibits as people sought Sullenberger's autograph.

Public invited to meet FWPS superintendent candidates

sethb — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:44:28 -0800

Federal Way Public Schools staff and the community are invited to meet the finalists for the position of superintendent on March 24, 25 and 26.

On each evening, one finalist will provide background information, engage in informal dialogue and answer questions. These public events are scheduled for 6 to 6:50 p.m. in the Board Room at the Educational Service Center, 31405 18th Ave. S., Federal Way.

The public sessions will cap a full day for the candidates, which includes interviews with the board in executive session. The board interviews will not be open to the public.

Currently, a citizens’ advisory committee is forming to provide information to the Board of Education during the superintendent selection process, and a search firm is reviewing all received applications.

Timeline of events related to hiring the next superintendent:

Saturday, March 13, 2010: The board meets in executive session with the search firm to review all applications, and to discuss logistics and the nuts and bolts portions of the hiring process. The review of candidates will take place during executive session; otherwise, the meeting will be open to the public.

Saturday, March 20, 2010: Initial interviews with semifinalists will be conducted by the board in executive session, not open to the public.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010: The board will announce the names of the finalists for the position.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 24, 25 and 26: Public invited to meet finalists; board interviews finalists in executive session.

The week of March 29, 2010: The Board will visit the places of current employment of its final candidates.

By April 6, 2010: The board will be prepared to offer a contract to the selected candidate.

July 1, 2010: The new superintendent will begin his/her position on July 1.

The Educational Service Center is located at 31405 18th Ave. South, Federal Way, WA. For more information and updates about the Superintendent Search, visit http://www.fwps.org/info/supt/search.

Decatur, Federal Way edge Gonzaga Prep

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:37:46 -0800

Decatur and local rival Federal Way never played against each other this winter, but they did have common opponents including Gonzaga Prep at the state Class 4A boys basketball tournament at the Tacoma Dome.

One day after the Bullpups almost beat No. 1-ranked Federal Way, the Decatur Gators followed suit and beat Gonzaga by three, 48-45, in Friday, March 5 action.

"I think it's a good win," said Decatur head coach Kevin Olson. "Federal Way won the game last night, but Gonzaga was right in there and for us to beat them is huge."

Making Olson feel even happier was the fact the win clinched a top-eight state trophy since it got the Gators to the last day of action.

"Our goal was to get to Saturday," said Olson. "You get a trophy."

Decatur had to hold off the Bullpups to get the win Friday.

The Gators led, 43-38, after a three-point basket by Jerron Smith with 3:54 to play.

Parker Kelly of Gonzaga of Spokane answered with a three-pointer to close the Gators' lead to 43-41 with 2:37 left, before Decatur's Anthony Williams sank two free throws at the 2:29 mark to up the lead to 45-41.

Kelly hit a turn-around jumper for the Bullpups at 1:58 that put the gap back to only 45-43. Jordan McCloud of the Gators got one of the free throws back at 1:22 to make it 46-43, but Gonzaga shaved it real close as Ryan Nicholas hit two free throws at 1:07 to go for only a 46-45 deficit.

But McCloud stepped back up to hit an outside shot for two points with 35 seconds to go that put Decatur back up, 48-45.

The Bullpups then came up empty on a three-point attempt with 4.1 seconds left. Gonzaga quickly fouled Robert Oliver and he missed the front end of the one-and-one with 4.1 seconds still remaining.

Abraham Ferrell-Logan of Gonzaga then came up empty on a three-point try to seal the Gators' 48-45 win.

McCloud led Decatur with 14 points and eight rebounds and Terrell Williams led with six assists. Smith scored 12 points and Williams hit 11. Dom Hunter added six points and Anthony Williams five.

Ryan Nicholas scored 26 for the Bullpups.

Gators leave Class 4A with seventh place

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:22:32 -0800

Tough sledding in the fourth quarter kept the Decatur boys' basketball team from claiming a fourth place trophy in its final Class 4A state tournament appearance before switching to Class 3A next season.

Struggling to just two field goals in the final period, the Gators (19-11) allowed the Blue Devils of Walla (25-6) to pull away for a 48-38 victory in the game for fourth and seventh places.

"We just didn't make the plays, make our shots and didn't execute," Decatur head coach Kevin Olson stated. "We more than stalled there. Fourth quarter, give them credit for their defense."

Despite Jerron Smith's strong outside shooting -- including a pair of three-pointers -- in the first quarter, the Gators trailed 14-13. The inside-outside threats of 6-foot-7 Michael Weisner and 6-foot Gary Winston, respectively, took away a 12-7 Decatur lead.

This duo continued to be thorns in Decatur's side. Weisner scored all the Blue Devil points in a 9-4 run that gave Walla Walla a 27-20 halftime lead after Terrell Williams had whittled down a five-point Walla Walla margin to 18-16 on a three-point missile with 6:44 left before halftime.

Smith and Williams combined for eight consecutive Gator points that turned a 32-26 Decatur deficit into a 34-32 lead under the two minute mark. Smith's three-pointer beyond the arc at the top of the key capped the surge.

Both teams missed opportunities to score. Evidence of the extreme Gator hustle manifested itself when Anthony Williams crashed into the courtside media WIAA officials table. Williams even helped put the table back together. but Blue Devils point guard Gary Winston was eventually fouled and converted two free throws to send the teams to the fourth quarter in a 34-34 deadlock.

Dom Hunter assisted Anthony Williams for an inside goal to keep Decatur with 37-36 with 3:33 remaining, but the Gator offense then dropped off the radar while Walla Walla outscored Decatur 11-2 the rest of the way.

"We fought hard," said Jerron Smith, who led the Gators with 16 points. "It just didn't come out for us. As for going to 3A, I think we can win in any classification."

Rebounding, especially off the offensive boards, kept the Gators in the game. A 42-31 dominance in total rebounds and a 13-5 advantage on the offensive rebounds partially offset 27 percent first half shooting and 27.1 percent field goal shooting for the game. In contrast, Walla Walla shot 40.7 from the field in the first half before dropping to 32.7 at the end of the game.

"The team experience was good," recalled Terrell Williams, who scored seven points. "We got exposure on the big stage. Playing 3A will be pretty much the same as 4A. We''ll still have to work hard."

Anthony Williams worked hard for 12 Decatur rebounds.

Gary Winston scored a game-high 24 points for the Blue Devils. Michael Weisner added 18 points and six rebounds.

The seventh place trophy is the Gators' third state tournament trophy and the second in the last four consecutive state appearances. Their previous trophy placing was sixth in 2008.

Despite finishing without the state championship, Olson was still proud of his team's state performance.

"The realistic goal for every team is to be playing on the last day of the season and earn a trophy," he declared. "One of the final eight teams in the state. I think there are a lot of people that didn't expect Decatur to be playing, so I'm very proud of this team."

Senior Jordan McCloud, likewise, looked back at the achievements.

"I'll really remember playing together and working for a state title," recalled McCloud, who finished the game with 14 rebounds and eight points. "When that went away, we made use of what we could do and play for a trophy. Becoming a leader this year was big for me. We had a number of leaders last year. This year, there was a big hole and I grew to be a leader. It's a blessing to be the first Decatur player to play in four state tournaments. That means we did some good things."

Decatur moves to Class 3A next season after 11 Class 4A appearances, which included second place in 1996, sixth place in 2008 and seventh this season. The Gators' losses at state in this four-year period were close and to top level teams.

"As coaches, we kept pushing the guys," said Olson. "It's been a very interesting year (through distractions and adversities that included a number of roster adjustments for various reasons). Jordan McCloud and the rest won some big games when we were down. The guys worked hard all year. My experience the last three years has prepared me for all of this. I have found that I need to stay on an even keel to make it through. We've had a great run and we won the big games when we needed to, to put us in the right place. There are definitely some tough teams in 3A and our work will still be cut out for us next season."

The state tournament team roster and the player class year for Decatur includes Jordan McCloud (Sr.), Terrell Williams (Jr.), Dom Hunter (Soph.), Brenden Willliams (Jr.), Robert Oliver (Sr.), Austen Wilson (Jr.), Jerron Smith (Jr.), Abraham Ferrell-Logan (Fresh.), Markus Rawls (Soph.), Tre Kelly (Sr.) and Anthony Williams (Sr.).

Assisting head coach Olson are coaches Steve Richardson, James Van Stralen and Shane Steneson.The athletic director is Kelly Kirk.

Celskis celebrate an amazing Winter Olympics

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:01:52 -0800

Amazing Awaits. That's what the banner hanging in the Celski's home states.

The Family Project was amazing. Each and everyone of the Celski family was pulling together to make the dream of a lifetime come true.

J.R. Celski competed in the 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC. Not only did he make the USA Olympic Team in Short Track Speed Skating. Not only did he bring home two Olympic Bronze Medals. He did it just 6 short months after a devastating career ending injury where his skate cut his thigh to the bone in crash during the Olympic Qualifying Trials.

His come back is nothing short of...amazing.

The Family Project included an extended family of over 40 members from Federal Way, road tripping up to Vancouver to cheer on J.R. Celski.

You can imagine it difficult to gather a family of mom, dad and three brothers just for meals in the Olympic city of Vancouver, packed with a crowd of international visitors.

Just imagine the challenge of gathering 40.

P&G House provided an amazing facility for the USA Olympic Athletes and their families. A place to gather, a place to share the thrills of victory and the agonies of defeat (J.R. was disqualified in the men's 1000m semi-finals).

A place to wash some clothes, grab a bite and do what families do: support one another!

Little did Sue Celski know she was to star in a P&G commercial about moms, and her love and support of her son J.R. really showed the excitement and spirit that P&G wanted to capture.

Congratulations Celski family and thank you Sue, Olympic mom!

Eagles repeat title bid nipped by Jackson

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:30:05 -0800

Federal Way's dreams of a second-straight state Class 4A boys basketball championship were dashed by Jackson of Mill Creek at the state semifinal level.

The Eagles absorbed a 53-45 loss in the Friday, March 5 action at the Tacoma Dome.

Federal Way left the court in shock and tears, including floor leading senior guard Isiah Umipig.
Umipig had to sit out most of the game in foul trouble.

"It was extremely frustrating to see the guys struggling and I couldn't do a thing about it," said Umipig before the team entered a long meeting led by Eagles head coach Jerome Collins.

Sharpshooter Brett Kingma did the most damage against Federal Way, sinking four three-point shots on his way to 25 points. Ryan Todd led with 12 rebounds.

"I am so proud of our guys," said Todd, whose team went on to take a championship loss to Kentwood the next day. "We had to play a perfect game and that was real close to perfection."

Jackson jumped out to a 6-0 lead against the Eagles before Umipig his a three-point shot to break the string. Cole Dickerson then scored two on an inside pass from Umipig and Federal Way was back in it at 6-5 with 4:39 to play in the first quarter.

The Eagles stayed with the Timber Wolves most of the way from there, in spite of more Jackson scoring strings.

Jackson entered the fourth quarter with a 41-31 lead and still trailed, 45-36, with 4:50 left before Umipig knocked down another three-point shot to make it 45-39 with 3:45 to go.

Todd answered with two points at the 1:51 mark to make it 47-39, before Tyrell Lewis connected for a three-pointer to put his team within five at 47-42 with 58.1 seconds remaining.

Kingma hit a pair of free throws on a one-and-one chance with 31.1 seconds left, but teammate Austin O'Keefe came up empty on a pair of free throws with 20.2 seconds left.

Jerry Duckworth of the Eagles sank a three-point shot with 13.7 seconds left to somehow get his team back into the game at 49-45.

But Kingma sank two free throws on a double bonus to put Federal Way out of reach at 51-45 with 12.6 seconds left. Mike Wishko scored two final free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining to make at 53-45 and that was where the score stuck as Duckworth missed from underneath.

Umipig led the Eagles with 12 points and Dickerson scored 10 with seven rebounds. Tyrell Lewis and Robert Christopher added four apiece and Christopher led with nine rebounds.

Lady Eagles drop opener

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:10:32 -0800

The importance of a fine floor leader presented itself on Wednesday, March 3, at the Tacoma Dome in a Federal Way girls basketball 43-40 loss to No. 4 Chiawana of Pasco, a team it had beaten 55-48 in Pasco on January 2.

Clutching a decisive eight-point lead with 4:44 remaining in the fourth quarter of its Class 4A WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires girls basketball state tournament opener at the Tacoma Dome, third-ranked Federal Way had its lead and hopes of victory fall off after sophomore point guard and leading scorer Darah Huertas-Vining fell to the floor with a tournament-ending high ankle sprain incurred by stepping on the foot of a Chiawana defender less than a second after a precision assist to Talia Walton that gave the third-ranked Eagles a 39-31 command.

Huertas-Vining was helped off the floor shrieking from the utter painfulness of the injury.

Without Huertas-Vining, the Eagles failed to make another field goal the rest of the game while turning the ball over numerous times

Shelby Ellsworth's three-pointer ignited a Riverhawk charge that gave the Riverhawks their first lead of the game at 40-39 with 1:10 remaining in regulation.

Federal Way missed two chances to regain the lead and was forced to foul. Chiawana's Mikaela Rivard converted the second of two free throw chances to complete the Riverhawk 10-0 surge and push the lead to 41-39 with 28 seconds remaining.

The Eagles then lost the ball on a wild pass and had to scramble to get the ball back.

Chantel Dixon was fouled on a drive with 4.2 seconds remaining and converted the second of two free throw opportunities. The Eagles were forced to foul again and Ashley Hodgkin's responded with two free throws with 1.8 seconds left.

Federal Way's Brittany Barrington missed a last-ditch halfcourt three-pointer at the buzzer.

"They did a good job of making the right plays at the right time," said Eagle head coach Danny Graham. "We took good shots, although they were heavily guarded."

Graham refused to use the Huertas-Vining injury as the deciding factor.

"We've had a no excuse policy all year," he stated. "We've lost a lot of girls this year. We still expect to win games. So the girls we had on the floor we expect to do the job."

Before being injured, Huertas-Vining scored 13 points to lead the Eagle game scorers. Walton finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Barrington added six points.

Federal Way began the game hitting Chiawana like a tornado by putting intense pressure on the Riverhawks while also outquicking them for a 6-0 start that turned into a 12-4 first quarter lead.

Huertas-Vining's three-pointer put FW up 19-8 with 2:12 remaining until halftime before Chiawana closed to 21-14 going into halftime.

Chiawana capitalized on nearly five minutes of Eagle scorelessness to rally within 25-20 in the third quarter. Huertas-Vining knocked down a three-pointer later for a 30-22 margin before the quarter closed with Federal Way ahead 30-25.

Chiawana narrowed its deficit to one point on two occasions before Barrington's putback basket and Huertas-Vining's three-pointer joined with the fateful Huertas-Vining to Walton basket that set the end action into motion.

E-W 55, Federal Way 52

Federal Way was bumped from the tournament early with a 55-52 loss to Edmonds-Woodway on the second day of action Thursday -- even though they outscored the Warriors, 22-13, in the fourth quarter.

Talia Walton tallied 20 points to lead the Eagles, also hauling down seven rebounds and coming through with five steals.

Brittany Barrington scored 16 points and had four rebounds and three steals. Chantel Dixon chipped in eight points and five assists. Dyesha Belhumeur scored three with five rebounds. Molly Campbell and Cache Jones tossed in two each and Tiara Fuller added one.

Edmonds-Woodway was led by the 17 points of Sydney Donaldson and Angela Woods. Madeline Kasper added 11 and Ashley Albertson scored eight. Alex Kenney contributed two.

Albertson also had 14 rebounds and four steals. Donaldson had six rebounds and Amia Nash had four rebounds with Kenney adding three.

Campbell, Jones and Fuller are graduating off of Graham's team, while the rest are eligible to return.

When can anyone be “Judgmental?”

sethb — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:38:51 -0800

Recently our school board met with the District’s attorney to review the legal implications that are involved in the appeals hearings that they conduct for students who have been expelled, had a hearing with a paid hearing officer, and wish to dispute his findings.

Having been involved in many of these hearings in the past, I found the “constraints” that the attorney was advising to be a significant indicator why schools, and general society, may be having some difficult problems.

Typical students using this appeal process admit to “Doing the deed” for which they are being expelled, but do not wish to be excluded from school, often in spite of dubious evidence of scholarship. The school board is provided with a complete record of all discipline incidents that the student has incurred prior to this hearing. Often this list is quite lengthy.

What the District’s attorney was cautioning the Board about this was that they should not be “Judgmental” with either the student or parents!

Isn’t this a significant part of our problem in our society? Are “Judges” the only people who can be judgmental? Is conduct and behavior “Optional?” It seems so. Looking at the reader’s responses to a school district’s decisions in Oregon to fine parents for truant children, it would appear that many do not believe that parents have any responsibility for the actions of their children! I could be very “Judgmental” about this.

In the local paper a feature editorial suggests that we should wear condoms as decorative earrings! I would guess that most would advise job applicants that this wouldn’t be the best choice in dress for an interview. However if an employee were to come to work wearing condoms on their ears, and be dismissed for this, it is very likely that a court case might arise. Why? The supervisor has made a “Judgment,” and we seem to be very condemning about making such a judgment!

As I walked in front of the local movie theatre I noticed a promo that said, “Fall in love, get married, have a baby, not necessarily in that order.” It used to be that the “order” was considered pretty acceptable, and other “orders” were judged as being inappropriate. What we do know now is that when this order is not preserved the likelihood of success, in education, drops significantly. In other words, if you were “Judgmental,” you would probably suggest that this wasn’t a good idea. Today this is a topic for a movie, and I am sure that the negative consequences of this, single parenthood, will not be portrayed in a very negative light, too “Judgmental!”

Is there no longer “Good” and “Bad?” Would it be inappropriate for School Board members to chastise parents and children when they have exhibited repeated examples of behavior that is counter-productive to the child’s future? Evidently so! Have we reached a point where “We don’t care,” about the conduct of children and even adults? Sadly I think we have. Our juvenile court system, and to a great extent our court system seems to want to “Give everyone a second, third, fourth, ……. Chance!” This sends a very powerful positive message to those who believe, often correctly, that “Rules and laws are optional.” “Obligations are something that others have unto me, I have no obligations” seems to be the motto of a very significant portion of our youth.

George Will, featured columnist in Newsweek, this past week made some very relevant comments when he said, “The culture of the boy-men today is less a life stage than a lifestyle. Permissive parenting made children less submissive, and the decline of deference coincided with the rise of consumer and media cultures celebrating the indefinite retention of the tastes and habits of childhood.”

Educators, and many Legislators, have taken to this with great enthusiasm. There are “Second Chances, postponement of goals, and many other evasive actions to avoid any “Judgmental” decisions. These same people would be horrified if this same rationale were to be used in certification of pilots! Why? These same people believe, correctly, that their lives might be in danger. They insist that pilot examiners be “Judgmental!” “High stakes tests” are OK when they have an effect upon us, they are not OK if it is just a matter of inattention in school!

Why is this “Double standard acceptable?”

“Last November, when Tiger Woods's misadventures became public, his agent said: "Let's please give the kid a break." The kid was then 33. He is now 34 but, no doubt, still a kid,” according to George Will.

When do we leave the “Kid” era? When do we decide that kids, and their parents, have to be accountable for their actions? “Personal Responsibility” seems to be an option, and the lack of this should be considered by others in a “Judgmental way” if we are to have an organized society.

Gators hold off Pirates

sethb — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:28:02 -0800

For the Decatur boys basketball team, a return to state coincided with the fortunate return of a key player in a Gator 50-47 win against A.C. Davis of Yakima in the first round of the WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires Class 4A boys basketball tournament at the Tacoma Dome on Wednesday, March 3.

With Decatur barely holding on to a 48-47 lead after leading by as much as 16 points, it was the opportunity for Anthony Williams to announce his return to the Gator lineup in a big way.

Williams partially blocked a four-foot shot by Davis guard David Trimble. Terrell Williams pounced on the loose ball and was immediately fouled, but missed the front end of a one-and-one free throw chance. Anthony Williams crashed the boards for the rebound and calmly cashed in on the two free throws to seal the deal for the Gators.

"The coaches, especiall (assistant) Steve Richardson, always tell us to be ready to rebound. Then I just concentrated on making the free throws."

After missing the previous six games for academic issues, the 6-foot-3 inch senior was cleared to play with the Gators.

"He gives us energy and strength on the boards," said 10th-year Decatur head coach Kevin Olson. "We've been going with a six-man rotation. Now we've got seven and when you're playing back-to-back-to-back-back, you need that extra depth."

In the first quarter, the battle lines were drawn in a quickly-paced dog fight. Decatur had good looks at the basket, but outside shooting was erratic for the Gators as they carried a 12-11 edge into the second quarter. Pressure defense became an effective impediment in stifling the offenses.

Tied at 13-13, the Gators quickly carved out a 9-2 scoring run capped by a Terrell Williams standard three-point play that made the score 22-15 with 1:24 remaining in the first half that ended with Decatur on top 22-17. Decatur held a 20-17 first half total rebound edge, but the offensive rebounding went hugely in the Gators' column at 12-4, resulting in eight second chance points.

With junior Jerron Smith staying strong and aggressive an emphatic third quarter by Decatur created a scoring difference chasm that reached 40-26 after three quarters before a game high lead of 16 points at 42-26 on a Smith goal to open the final quarter.

Jordan McCloud's two free throw conversions midway through the fourth quarter produced a 46-31 margin that Davis' hot shooting nearly overcame. The Pirates pulled within 48-47 with one minute remaining in the torrid ending. Precious seconds drained away before Anthony Willams sealed the win.

"We had to keep our heads up when something went bad," noted McCloud. "The guys pulled together to get the defensive stops."

Smith scored sensationally with 31 points, downing 10-of-12 from the free throw line while McCloud earned 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Cooper Kubb paced the Pirates with 15 points and Marcus McClurkin added 10.

"We outplayed them on defense for 28 minutes," added Olson. "Give them credit for stepping up."

Decatur moved on to a Thursday encounter with No. 10 Jackson of Mill Creek in the quarterfinals.

Olympic View’s Kathryn Smith selected as Federal Way Teacher of The Year

sethb — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:59:55 -0800

Kathryn Smith has been named the third ever recipient of the Federal Way Teacher of the Year award from Communities In Schools of Federal Way.

Colleagues, administrators, parents and students concur that it’s an honor she well deserves, saying Smith is a gifted educator, and a whole lot more. The award was presented at the annual Federal Way Literacy Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010.

As a recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, Kathryn will receive a $500 for her classroom from Communities In Schools.

With 8 years of teaching experience in kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Olympic View, Smith is recognized as an exceptionally dedicated teacher, said Olympic View principal Cindy Dracobly in her nomination letter.

“She continually seeks ways to improve her skills as a teacher and to improve student performance,” Dracobly said. “She is dedicated not only to her own students, but to the school as a whole. She participates and offers her leadership on many building and district committees. She willingly gives of her time and energy far beyond the school day.”

Smith consistently holds her students to high standards for behavior and academic performance. She maintains a record of getting most, if not all, of her students to standard and beyond by the end of the school year. She incorporates technology into her curriculum and infuses social skills into her lessons. And her students adore her.

“She creates lessons, chants and activities that engage the students; so much so that her students think they are just having fun when meaningful learning is taking place,” said second-grade teacher Kellie Grav. “Ms. Smith also provides a warm, encouraging environment where students feel safe and encouraged to achieve to their greatest potential. She consistently differentiates for each student to meet their unique needs, whether that be re-teaching or extension beyond kindergarten curriculum.”

Smith has been known to attend to her students' needs even when they extend outside of the classroom. She makes extra efforts to help students who come from families that are economically challenged - ensuring that students have uniforms and supplies. During the holidays, she sends books home as gifts for her students. This past year, she pulled together the resources to provide gifts for one of the families in her class. And when students show up to school without clean clothes, Smith takes home their uniforms and washes them herself.

In addition to serving her students, Smith serves her fellow teachers as a respected mentor and a role model. “Kathryn is a valuable resource to the staff at Olympic View Elementary," said Amanda Myers, a special education teacher at Olympic View. "Kathryn is often seen talking with parents before and after school. As a colleague, Kathryn is a fabulous resource for curricular ideas, materials, support and encouragement. She has mentored and supported countless new kindergarten teachers."

City accepting applications for spring Tourism Enhancement Grants

sethb — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:11:55 -0800

Organizations that want to increase tourism and overnight stays in Federal Way can get a little financial help this spring from the City of Federal Way.

Applications for the City’s Tourism Enhancement Grant (TEG) program are due March 31.

Applicants will be invited to a committee review on April 16, and grants will be awarded by June.

TEG supports the promotion of cultural, arts, sports and community events that will occur in the Federal Way area. This is the first of two rounds of grants during 2010, with approximately $40,000 available for the entire year. There is no cap on individual grant requests. Funds will be awarded based on the following:

• Eligible organizations: Non-profit 501(c) organizations or municipal organizations of the State of Washington that plan, sponsor or host eligible events.

• Eligible events: Amateur sporting, arts/cultural events, membership meetings, trainings and conferences, or other events that will bring participants to Federal Way.

• Eligible costs: Grants can be used for securing, marketing, promoting and advertising eligible events. Grants cannot cover entry fees, travel, salaries, material items, facility upgrades, capital campaigns or operating expenses.

Organizations and events that were funded in 2009 include Federal Way Symphony concerts, Federal Way Chorale concerts, USSSA Men’s Softball championship tournament, the Federal Way Arts Commission’s sponsorship of a Writers Conference at Dumas Bay, Pacific Northwest Swimming’s sponsorship of the Junior National and U.S. Open Swimming Championship, and CenterStage Theatre’s productions of “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Contact.”

The TEG review committee will meet the morning of April 16 in City Hall’s Hylebos Conference Room. Confirmation letters will be sent assigning time slots for the committee’s review and discussion of applications, and the City recommends that each organization send a
representative to the meeting.

Download an application by visiting www.cityoffederalway.com

Eagles, Gators advance in State Tourney

sethb — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:17:25 -0800

Federal Way edged Stanwood 64-44, while Decatur survived Davis 50-47 in the opening round of the 4A State Tournament Wednesday.
Photographer Kurt Howard captured these images from the games. CLICK ON PHOTO TO PLAY SLIDESHOW.