KENT, Wash., February 12, 2013 – In 2012, broker and real estate agent Marti Reeder was, once again, named a top producer and a member of the President’s Elite by John L. Scott. With 30 years of industry experience, Reeder has been a full-time agent working for John L. Scott for over eight years.

In 2012, Marti Reeder earned the following sales awards from her Kent-Covington Office: Top Sales Resale, first and second quarters; Top Producer for the second quarter; Top Lister Resale for the third and fourth quarters; and Top Producer for the fourth quarter. She also received John L. Scott’s highest honor, the President’s Elite Award, for the third year in a row.

J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott, offered his appreciation for Marti’s hard work and those of other top producers:  “I would like to congratulate you on your success as a Top Producer. Your hard work and professionalism are exemplified in this accomplishment.”                                                                             

As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder helps individuals and families buy and sell homes throughout the Seattle and South-Sound areas. She also focuses on educating consumers on home ownership and on the real estate and mortgage industries through her website, blog, newsletter and social media – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. She wants consumers to understand the ins and outs of the changing real estate market as well as the value of long-term home ownership.

“Home values are appreciating again and inventory is low, so this is a great time for prospective sellers to list their homes and get a good price, and buyers should jump in quick so they can still get a great buy,” Reeder says.

For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com or call 253-859-8500 (office) or 206-391-0388 (cell). You can also learn more about Reeder or view her latest listings at http://johnlscott.com/martireeder.

As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder is a full-time, full-service real estate broker, serving the Puget Sound region. She has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections, construction and real estate. In 2012, she helped more than 30 families sell or buy new homes. She is also a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), having successfully completed the rigorous coursework required to earn this designation in 2012.  Reeder specializes in staging & marketing her listings as well as helping buyers whether, first-time, downsizing or upsizing. Reeder has been named the “Best in Kent” real estate agent for four years, as well as having been awarded the “Five Star Real Best in Client Satisfaction” Award from Seattle Magazine.

Contributed by King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson

This Memorial Day weekend, as the nation honors the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country, King County is working to ensure there are services to help our veterans.

Since 2006, the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy invested approximately $40 million to support veteran services programs countywide. Serving King County’s more than 135,000 veterans, these tax dollars have funded housing, mental health services, and job training to help veterans and their families find their footing during these tough economic times.

Examples of how levy funds are being used to help include:

• A dedicated telephone resource for veterans to provide service information and referrals, including crisis and suicide counseling;
• Treatment services for veterans and families dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression;
  
• New veterans’ housing projects in places such as Bellevue, Renton, Kirkland, and Seattle, and a 45 percent increase in shelter beds for homeless veterans; and
• Job training and employment assistance for unemployed veterans.

In addition, this June, King County will begin a new Veterans Treatment Court that focuses on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration. Modeled after other therapeutic courts, such as the County’s nationally-recognized drug court and mental health court, the new Veterans Treatment Court will provide accountability for veterans involved in the criminal justice system who are suffering from war-related trauma while linking them to treatment and support services. The Veterans and Human Services Levy includes funding for Veterans Treatment Court and other emerging justice programs for veterans.

King County voters overwhelmingly supported renewal of the Veterans and Human Services Levy last August. Almost 70 percent of voters said ‘yes’ to continued funding for services for veterans and others in need. The six-year levy will generate approximately $17 million a year through 2017 with one half of the revenue dedicated exclusively to serve veterans, military personnel, and their families. Two citizen levy oversight boards provide accountability for how levy dollars are used.

Having come from a family of veterans, I know that veterans deserve our support. The best way to honor the sacrifice of our veterans is to make sure there are services and help available when they need it. I was proud to author the Veterans and Human Services Levy, but am most gratified that the levy is effectively serving our veterans, who selflessly serve our nation.

King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson chairs the King County Council’s Government Accountability, Oversight, and Financial Performance Committee. His father and grandfathers were veterans. He can be reached at (206) 296-1001 or bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov.

 Is your organization an arts, heritage and/or cultural King County-based non-profit?  4Culture is offering a funding opportunity for cultural facilities.  They are combining “big ticket” facilities requests of over $30,000 for both arts and heritage.

4Culture is a unique integration of the arts, heritage, preservation and public art, committed to advancing community through culture.  4Culture believes the arts are critical to a healthy community and that arts experiences should be accessible to all residents and visitors.  4Culture stimulates cultural activities and enhances the assets that distinguish a community as vibrant, unique and authentic.

The Heritage Cultural Facilities program funds projects providing strong heritage programming that focuses on the identification, collection, evaluation, preservation, restoration, exhibition, and/or interpretation of the County’s heritage resources.

The Arts Cultural Facilities program supports the purchase, development and renovation of arts and cultural facility projects.  A separate program provides funding for arts equipment.

4Culture Cultural Facilities Application deadline is September 14, 2011, 5 pm PST.   All applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop that will explain the step by step application process. To learn more about this funding opportunity for both Arts and Heritage Cultural Facilities, please email Deb Twersky at 4Culture.

DUI Patrols on statewide from March 11 – 20, 2011

Law enforcement throughout King County will be out on the roadways between March 11 and 20 to arrest drunk drivers who are out partying during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Participating in these St. Patrick’s Day patrols are the Algona, Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Clyde Hill, Covington, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Normandy Park, North Bend, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seatac, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Tukwila Police Departments, and the Washington State Patrol.

Last year, during this same time period, a total number of 281 DUI arrests were made in King County.

In Washington State, the most frequent factor contributing to traffic deaths is still driver impairment. In 2009, traffic crashes killed 491 people on Washington’s roadways.  Impaired drivers accounted for 53.8 percent of the total (264 deaths).

“Drunk or drugged driving remains the leading cause of death in traffic crashes. These preventable crashes can be eliminated if everyone works to become a part of the solution,” said Lowell Porter, Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Another factor is the time of day that traffic deaths involving impaired drivers occur. More than two-thirds of impaired-driver-involved fatal collisions occurred during nighttime hours (6 pm to 6 am) in Washington (67.4 percent from 2000-2009).

For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Contact: Kathy Lambert 206-296-1003

July 30, 2010

Be Responsible With Summer Fun on the Water

Summer is here, and many King County residents are celebrating by taking advantage of the many water recreation opportunities available here.

While cooling off in local lakes and rivers is a great way to beat the heat of a hot summer day, it also is important to be respectful of neighbors and of the environment, said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents northeast King County. She has heard from citizens complaining about garbage left on their property, and they would like recreational users to be neighborly by cleaning up after themselves.

“Summer vacation is a good time to remind everyone to dispose of your garbage properly, especially in a water environment,” said Councilmember Lambert. “In addition to polluting waterfront properties and contaminating salmon habitat, throwing garbage in a state waterway such as a lake or river is unlawful.”

RCW 9.66.010 specifies that befouling a lake, navigable river, bay, stream, canal or basin is a public nuisance, and state law bans disposal of trash in the state’s waterways. An offender can be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. The King County Sheriff’s Office will be watching for careless swimmers, rafters and boaters this summer.

“Summer is a time for everyone to have fun, including your neighbors, and to make sure to keep our waterways clean and beautiful for the next user,” said Councilmember Lambert.

This Friday the Greater Kent Historical Society will host an open house at the Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent) to celebrate Kent’s 120th birthday — Friday, May 28 from 4 to 7 p.m.

City of Kent:  120th Anniversary
1890-2010

Join us on the anniversary day of Kent becoming the 2nd city incorporated in  King County, May 28, 1890!

•    New Mayoral History Display
•    Heavy hors d’oeuvres & cake
•    Presentation program at 6pm

Questions? Call 253-854-4330.

The Kent Fire Department is asking for support on Proposition 1.  The proposition is coming to the public in hopes of creating the Kent Regional Fire Authority.

The Fire Authority will join the Kent Fire Department and King County Fire District 37.  By doing this, the Authority will be funded by a six-year fire benefit charge and a property tax which will decrease by $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.  The Authority will keep the Kent Fire Department name and will be governed by a 6-member board of 3 elected councilmembers from Kent and 3 elected commissioners from Fire District 37.

The Kent Fire Department claims the Kent Regional Fire Authority will ensure..

• Strong emergency services and fast response times for our growing community
• Long-term financial sustainability and accountability for emergency services
• A proven, diversified funding model less dependent on property taxes
• Lower costs and greater efficiency through consolidation of contracts and resources

The Kent Firefighters are looking for a “YES” vote on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.   Proposition 1 is endorsed by the Covington City Council, the Kent City Council, Fire District 37 and Kent Firefighters 1747.  For more information visit the City of Kent website.

Press Release issued by the City of Kent on November 27, 2009:

A King County Fire Investigator has just concluded that a residential fire in the 10900 block of SE 227 Pl., Kent was caused by an unattended candle in a bedroom.

The fire was reported at approximately 2:00 pm this afternoon by the residents, all four of whom were able to escape safe safely. Despite Kent firefighters arriving in less than six minutes, twenty-five percent of the manufactured home was already engulfed in flames by that time. Although the fire was contained to the area of origin, smoke and heat caused damage throughout the home. The house is considered a total loss by investigators.

Red Cross is currently on scene working with the one adult and three teenagers to find them shelter and necessities. There is no damage estimate available at this time.

*Also, another fire in Kent, which was reported just after midnight in the 12100 block of Kent Kangley Road, has been ruled accidental due to food left unattended on a stove. That fire resulted in over $88,000 in damage. None of the three occupants was injured.

Contact:
Captain Kyle Ohashi, City of Kent
253-856-4481 office
206-972-4082 cell
253-856-4488 media line

King County wants you to report illegal dumping. Call the King County Illegal Dumping Hotline at 206-296-SITE (7483) or report online.

This weekend a group of local residents gathered peacefully outside the AMC Theatres at Kent Station to ask for support in keeping King County Animal Care & Control (KCACC) open. According to the flyer, Kurt Triplett, the current King County Executive, recommends that KCACC be shut down. The goal is to phase out the county’s two shelters, one in Kent and the other in the Crossroads area of Bellevue, by June 2010.

Those who support stopping King County from closing the animal shelters are concerned about where the 12,000+ animals will go if not adopted before the closure. They are also concerned about all of the King County cities who will be without animal care and control services should this proposed action occur.

This is in addition to the proposed move of the Kent shelter by November 1, 2009 when flooding is anticipated in the Green River Valley where the Kent shelter is located.

To learn more about this group’s position, visit their blog or join their group on Facebook.

For an update about King County’s plans, visit the KCACC’s website and its “Message from the Manager.”

The City of Kent is sponsoring a Fall Recycling Event on Sat., October 17, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm at Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road, Kent, WA. No vehicles will be admitted after 3 pm.

Items that can be accepted include scrap metal, propane tanks, porcelain toilets and sinks, refrigerators, freezers, air conditions, TVs, computers, electronics, petroleum-based products, tires, reusable household goods, documents for shredding, concrete, asphalt, rock, brick, cardboard and batteries.

Some fees will apply for the recycling of certain items such as propane tanks, refrigerators and tires.

The program is only available for household materials from King County residents.

Questions? Call 253-856-5449 (Monday – Friday).

More info. on recycling:

Calendar of Recyling Events

Recycling Special Materials

Hazardous Waste

September 17, 2009

Contact:  Erika Nuerenberg 206-296-0318; Hilary Karasz 206-296-4767

Board of Health to King County residents: Prepare for swine flu now to stay healthy this fall

KING COUNTY, WA:    King County residents were urged today to follow recommendations to limit the spread of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) made by Public Health – Seattle & King County. In addition, the King County Board of Health passed a resolution calling for community participation in responding to influenza according to recommendations set forth by health officials.

The resolution today supported Public Health’s H1N1 plan. Key elements of the plan include:

• Developing a vaccine distribution system that ensures those at highest risk can receive vaccine first and others as soon as it becomes available. Vaccine will be available through normal distribution channels such as healthcare providers

• Communicating with the public on the appropriate use of healthcare resources and when to seek professional care

• Preparing and assisting the healthcare system to manage a surge in demand

• Working with schools to protect staff and students from infection and to follow Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines

“Our whole community has a role to play in minimizing the impact of this new virus,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, Board of Health Chair.  “Elected officials who assure our efforts are well coordinated, healthcare partners who get their clients vaccinated, a media that keeps the public well informed, and a public that acts on advice from Public Health are all necessary to reduce the spread of H1N1 and keep our community as healthy as possible.”

“A vaccine will become available next month, which is good news for the whole community,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “If you become ill before you get vaccinated, stay home to protect yourself and reduce transmission of influenza.”

Highest risk groups for complications from H1N1 influenza include:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children under 6 months
• Healthcare workers
• Emergency medical services personnel
• 6 months to 24 year olds
• People with chronic conditions

At today’s briefing, Public Health said that to date in King County, H1N1 influenza has been confirmed in 567 people, 73 people have been hospitalized, and three people have died. The first H1N1 influenza illnesses were last spring, and the number of illnesses declined during the summer months.

Public Health’s influenza surveillance system now shows an increase of influenza in the community, although the level of flu is relatively low. Public Health has not seen an increase in serious cases or deaths. Flu activity is expected to continue to increase over the coming weeks to potentially high levels. H1N1 is expected to be the predominant flu virus in the community this flu season.

For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/h1n1

Visit the King County Board of Health web pages at www.kingcounty.gov/health/boh.

*****

The King County Board of Health sets county-wide public health policy, enacts and enforces local public health regulations, and carries out other duties of local boards of health specified in state law. These duties include enforcing state public health statutes, preventing and controlling the spread of infectious disease, abating nuisances, and establishing fee schedules for licenses, permits and other services.

King County is advising residents of the Green River Valley area to prepare for possible flooding this fall. On their list of “to dos”:

1.  Make an emergency plan and an emergency kit.

2.  Buy flood insurance now. It takes 30 days to become active. Check with your local property & casualty insurance agent* for a quote.

3.  Purchase an AM or emergency radio that runs on batteries.

4.  Monitor news media for severe weather.

5.  Listen for evacuation alerts and be aware of evacuation routes near you.

6.  Monitor local road conditions and obey road closure signs.

7.  Take medications and medical supplies with you.

8.  Be prepared to relocate pets, livestock and other animals.

9.  Minimize flood damage.

For more information and tips on how to prepare for a flood, visit the King County website.

*Some local agents with knowledge about flood insurance include:    Patti Jenson, Allstate (Maple Valley); Rob Jones, Farmers Insurance; Doug Jones, State Farm; and Rod Saalfed, Bell-Anderson Insurance.

[Note:  There are other agents throughout the Green River Valley area who will also be able to provide a quote on flood insurance. This list is not all inclusive and not meant to endorse any of the listed agents.]

King County News Release

Date: Aug. 19, 2009
Contact: Doug Williams, 206-296-8304
Public meeting in Auburn: Learn about Howard Hanson Dam, Green River safety Sept. 9

Learn the latest details about flood safety and efforts to protect people, their property and businesses in the Green River Valley at a public meeting, Sept. 9 in Auburn.

Sponsored by King County and the King County Flood Control District in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the meeting will take place:

6-8:30 p.m.
Cascade Room – Lindbloom Student Center
Green River Community College main campus
12401 SE 320th St., Auburn (Map)

You are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more about:

*       Dam operations, interim repairs and potential impacts to you and your property;
*       King County’s efforts in response to possible impacts; and
*       Resources available to you, plus ways you can help protect yourself and your property against flood risks.

The meeting will include an open house from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:30-8 p.m., then close with a Q & A session from 8-8:30 p.m. Staff from the Corps, King County Emergency Coordination Center and King County Flood Warning Center will make presentations. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local emergency response agencies will also be on hand.

While the meeting is intended for residents of unincorporated King County, it is open to all.

Storage capacity at the Corps’ Howard Hanson Dam in the upper Green River watershed is temporarily restricted until repairs can be made to the right abutment of the dam following heavy rainfall in January, when the dam held back a record amount of water.

While the Corps points out there is no immediate danger to people and property below the dam, an increased risk of flooding to the Green River Valley is possible in the event of a major rainstorm or significant snowmelt because of the limited storage capacity, which could result in water releases from the dam that overtop levees along the Green River and cause flooding to surrounding homes and businesses.

The Corps is making safety repairs to the dam, including constructing an interim seepage barrier wall and improving the drainage tunnel to control seepage through a critical portion of the dam’s right abutment.

“It is critical that Green River Valley residents have up-to-date information about the increased flood risk and ways they can protect themselves and their families,” said King County Flood Control District Board Supervisor and Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, whose council district represents Auburn. “The Flood Control District, King County, local jurisdictions and the Corps are coordinating to protect people, property and our regional economy, but we also need our citizens to join us in our preparations,” he said.

“Flooding in the Green River Valley is not a question of ‘if.’ It is a question of ‘when,’” said King County Executive Kurt Triplett. “King County has already taken several proactive steps to help increase public safety in the event Green River Valley flooding, including an extensive public-information campaign to get the word out about this heightened risk of flooding, enhancing our Flood Warning Center operations and flood patrol crews in response to possible flooding, and stepping up coordination with the state and federal agencies, plus the cities that stand in harm’s way.”

More details and history about the Howard Hanson Dam issue, including aerial photos of the dam, can be found at http://www.nws.usace.army.mil. For more information about how King County and the King County Flood Control District are preparing for and responding to this heightened flood risk and for flood planning links to affected cities visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans, or http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.

More information is available by calling Katy Vanderpool, at 206-296-8362, or katy.vanderpool@kingcounty.gov. Directions to Green River Community College are available at http://www.greenriver.edu/about/campus/directions/

The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County.  The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Information is available at http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/

From the City of Kent’s website:

You’ve likely heard the news coverage about the Howard Hanson Dam. King County’s new site provides coordinated information from the County and cities in the Green River Valley. You can find maps, fact sheets, links to other resources, as well as details about upcoming meetings:  King County website

Also visit Kent Emergency Management Website for more information.

Map from King County website:

Fourth Annual Super Pet Adopt-A-Thon:  July 11 (10 am to 4 pm)

Hundreds of adoptable dogs and cats from across Washington State are available for adoption Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 am to 4 pm in Kent:

King County Animal Care & Control
21615 64th Ave. South
Kent, WA  98032

For more info., visit King County Animal Care & Control online.

I created iLoveKent.net to be a community-based site:  by Kent, for Kent. Many of you are already enjoying it and sending news tips, event listings and press releases my way. I hope you’ll continue and will also comment on posts you see here. For example, we just wrote about Mama Stortini’s. Have you been there yet? What was your experience? Tell us about it. Do you have a favorite store or business that Kent just can’t live without it? Share it with the community by posting a comment.

If you are a local business or organization, please add info AT ilovekent DOT net to your media list. We’d love to hear about new products and services, company and organization news, events and more.

As an added incentive, if you are 18 and live in King County, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $10 Kent Station gift cards every time you post a comment (up to 10 times per month, please). We just drew our first three lucky winners, and they are excited to visit Kent Station to spend their “free money.” Enter to win today by posting a comment at iLoveKent.net. Note:  Your first comment will be moderated. After you have become an approved “poster,” your posts will appear immediately on the site.

And if you really love iLoveKent.net, please tell your friends. The more people that know about the site, the better. Let this site be YOUR site.

Follow us on Twitter:  iLoveKentWA

According to King County Elections, the following candidates have been announced in Kent:

Thanks to everyone who made a comment in May on iLoveKent.net. The winners of the $10 Kent Station gift cards are:

- Pam Wilson
- Matthew Goslar
- Nicole Strome

These lucky winners will receive a Kent Station gift card just for taking the time to post a comment on this site. If you’d like to win a gift card too, post a comment during the month of June to win! To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and you must reside in King County, Washington!

Questions? Let us know.

Engaging residents in conversation about future transportation options and financing is the goal of a Town Hall Meeting hosted by Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke and King County Councilmember Julia Patterson.

The public is invited to share their thoughts on a long-range transportation plan and five alternatives which will be presented Thursday, June 4, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 East Smith Street.

“Our transportation system dramatically impacts our economy and quality of life, yet it is something we often take for granted,” said Councilmember Patterson. “This meeting is designed to help South King County residents understand the proposed transportation alternatives, and gives them the opportunity to help shape the future of transportation in our region.”

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is updating its regional transportation plan known as Transportation 2040.  The Plan aims to evaluate the best ways to get people where they need to go while making communities, the environment and the economy stronger as the region grows over the next 30 years.

“Engaging the public is critical as demand for transportation options grows while revenue sources decline,” said Mayor Cooke.  “Having a better understanding of the region’s needs and identifying sustainable funding sources to meet them is the challenge; the public should be involved before they’re asked to pay for new projects.”

Scheduled for adoption in 2010, Transportation 2040 will address climate change and sustainable financing for transportation while addressing the mobility needs of a growing region.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. Comprised of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies, it coordinates the distribution of approximately $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.