The Locks were closed on Tuesday so a Port Gamble construction company could drive sheet piles adjacent to the wall of the small locks. Over the years water has caused erosion along part of the wall creating a scour. The hope is the sheet piles will prevent future erosion. They will also be used as forms so concrete can be pumped in to fill the void.

If you or your friends are pretty good (adult) spellers, like live music, and enjoy excellent company, then this fundraiser’s for you. We begin with a written, qualifying round, open to all paying contestants ($10 fee). After a break with live music by Alice Strassburger (alumni), the top spellers then participate in a traditional (live) spelling bee.

Cash donations will be accepted at the door, plus there will be a $10 buy-back for the live bee portion of the night. The top speller will walk away with a $50 cash prize. All proceeds benefit Salmon Bay School.

The Spelling Bee is this Saturday, February 11th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ballard Big House (2007 NW 61st St.)

(*Typos are intentional.)

From Metro:

With the current set of proposals, Metro wants to make transfers easier, improve bus connections in North Seattle, and avoid duplicating service on the RapidRide D Line when it begins in the fall. But, Metro is proposing to retain some trips on Route 15 Express to prevent bus overcrowding in this corridor during peak periods. Routes 17 Express and 18 Express will also retain their current routings to complement this change.

The latest changes now being considered for Ballard include:
• New Routes: RapidRide D Line* (Learn more about the RapidRide D Line)
• Routes proposed for routing or frequency changes: 15X*, 18*, 24, and 28*
• Routes proposed for replacement or elimination: 15, 17, 46, 75, and 81
• Routes with no change: 17X, 18X, 28X, 44, 48, and 48X
(* Route change proposal revised from November 2011)

The current proposals will launch the Rapid Ride D line on September 29th.

More than 5,000 people commented last fall, giving invaluable feedback to Metro, according to Victor Obeso, Metro’s manager of Service Development. “Now, we want the community’s help again to continue moving forward with our vision for a transit system that is efficient, cost-effective, and best serves the entire county,” Obeso says.

The public is encouraged to comment on the upcoming changes either online here or at an open house next Monday, February 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ballard High School.

The 95-year-old Locks are showing their age. Water has caused erosion along part of the small lock wall creating a scour. “There have been scour problems documented in a nearby area for 30 years. The first major repair was done in 1985 to the apron,” said Marian Valentine, a hydraulic engineer in charge of operations and maintenance of the facility. “Water is very destructive so we actively monitor the locks and make interim repairs where necessary.”

The Corps has contracted with a Port Gamble construction company to drive sheet piles adjacent to the wall to act as armor. The hope is this armor will prevent future erosion. The sheet piles will also be used as forms so concrete can be pumped in to fill the void.

AGENDA

Introductions & Short Announcements – please hold announcements to not more than one minute.

A Report on Current Demographics & Population Trends in the Ballard District, Diana Canzoneri, City Demographer – Seattle Planning Commission

Briefing – Revised recommendation for transit service changes affecting the Ballard District in September of this year when the Rapid Ride D Line begins service, Ashley Deforest, King County Transit

Seattle’s Climate Action Plan, Sara Wysocki, City of Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment

Community Power Works, Andrea Petzel, City OSE

Staff Report, Rob Mattson
-Leadership training opportunity
-2012 Safe Routes to School grant
-March 6-8 test of LED street lighting on 15 NW

Report – Executive Committee
-City Neighborhood Council, Jody Grage
-Appointment – Neighborhoods Projects Fund Review Committee, Catherine Weatbrook

Adjourn

Wynkoop tells us that service information has not been set yet, “but there is a good chance that we will host something here at school for community members.” (Thanks Melissa for the tip!)

The entire list of winners:
Large Market of the Year: Ballard
Medium Market of the Year: Port Angeles
Small Market of the Year: Chewelah
Manager of the Year: Jennifer Wiecking – Wenatchee Valley
Farmer of the Year: Jason Silvo & Siri Erickson-Brown
Advocate of the Year: Chris Curtis
Lifetime Achievement Award: Terry & Dick Carkner

This adorable older lab-mix with a black collar but no tags was found running down Shilshole Ave NW onto NW 46th about 3:00 PM, February 5th. He is a neutered male, with brindle coloring and a white chest has a super sweet disposition, is very freindly with people and a is great passenger in the car. This fella was taken to Emerald City Emergency Clinic in Wallingford where he will be transferred to the Seattle Animal Control Monday.

An East Ballard neighbor also spotted this dog around 2 p.m. on Sunday. “Female golden retriever spotted alone roaming on nw 14th and 64th. Has a greenish collar but no tags. Seems older.”

Wrestling
The Ballard High School team competed at Issaquah High School for the Kingco Championships Friday and Saturday. Senior Miles Smalls took the tournament by storm and won the 182 pound weight class. He will advance to the district tournament. Also advancing are Seniors Matt Kelly who took 3rd and Dylan Spence who took sixth and will be an alternate. Ballard ended up in 7th place in the tournament. Seniors Kayla Laferty who took 3rd and Maddie Young who took 6th the KingCo Girls Wrestling Tournament also held over the weekend! Kayla will advance to the Regional Tournament this weekend in Bellingham.

Swimming
Ballard competed in the combined 4A, 3A, and 2A Kingco championships at Husky Pool Friday and Saturday. Ballard finished 14th place out of 18 teams. Senior Caleb Jaeger of Ballard finished in 3rd place 0.03 seconds out of 2nd. He will advance to the district competition.

Gymnastics
The Ballard gymnastics team competed in the KingCo 4A championships Friday and Saturday at Roosevelt High School. Ballard finished in 5th place out of 11 teams competing. The top four teams advance to districts so the Ballard team did not advance. However, seven competitors advanced as individuals! Lauren Lee placed 9th in the all-around competition.

Cheer
The Ballard High School traveled to Comcast Arena in Everett Saturday to compete in the State Cheerleading competition. The Ballard Cheer squad did great finishing in second place in the 4A division. Congrats girls!

Girls Basketball (5-10 conference, 6-14 overall)
The Lady Beavers ended the season travelling to Bothell High School Saturday afternoon. The Beavers needed a win couple with a Garfield loss to send them to the playoffs for the first time in four years. Although Garfield won, thus eliminating the Beavers, the Beavers delivered on their end with a decisive 57 to 35 victory. The Beavers dominated the boards and had a season low 8 turnovers. The Beavers were led in scoring by sophomores Imani Bender with 15 points and 6 rebounds and Beverly Verduin who added 11 points and 3 assists. Junior Samantha Hall collected 10 rebounds. The Lady Beavers double their victories from last season and had the most victories in the last four seasons. The Beavers, who started a freshman and four sophomores towards the end of the season, will be back next year to continue building on the foundation they set this year. (Photo of Imani Bender courtesy Alan Russo and BHS Athletics.)

Boys Basketball (8-7 conference, 10-10 overall)
The boys finished the evening at Bothell as well. The game would determine who would be the third place seed from the Crown division of Kingco.

Ballard was never behind in the game jumping to as much as a 20 point led in the first half behind some hot shooting and good ball movement. Bothell got the score within 10 points early in the fourth quarter but Ballard pulled away for a 74 to 58 victory. Ballard was led by juniors Johnny Verduin with 21 points and 13 rebounds and Nate Rauda who had a career high 14 points and 5 rebounds. Senior Brad Baker added 11 points and 4 assists. Ballard opens Kingco tournament play against Redmond at Redmond on Tuesday night at 7:30. The Kingco tournament bracket can be found here. (Photo of Nate Rauda courtesy Ed Tanaka and BHS Athletics.)

GO BEAVERS!

Ima Norwegian is a life-time Ballard resident who lives in a modest home with her husband Lars. Both are Ballard High School graduates (Go Beavers) but you’ll have to really dig to figure out which year they graduated. Ima won’t willingly offer her age, but will admit that it rhymes with ‘nifty-something’. Ima said she would only appear in the cartoon if we featured her in her traditional Norwegian bunad. And remember, she only needs her glasses for reading. Her two kids are out on their own, in the area and close enough that they occasionally stop by. Ima believes it’s because they miss their mother and they just happened to also need to do their laundry.

A pod of Orcas was spotted from the beach. kcwebgirl Tweeted, “Just saw whales at golden gardens. Made my whole life!!!”

We’re guessing the boaters had a memorable view!

(Thank you Clamster for the video and Allison for the photos. More photos here.)

Girls (4-10 Conference 5-14 Overall)
The girls coming off a big win against Garfield ran into a train Thursday night at Issaquah. The Lady Eagles, 14-5 overall and in second place in the Crest Division, played a solid game from tip to finish. The Lady Beavers were held to their second lowest scoring output of the year by the tough Issaquah defense. The Beavers were lead in scoring by sophomores Beverly Verduin with 8 points, Nancy MacGeorge with 7 points and Cailey Beckett with 6 points. The Beavers are still alive to make the playoffs. They are ½ game behind Garfield with Garfield having a game tonight and tomorrow. The Beavers have their last game tomorrow. If Garfield wins both games the Beavers are eliminated. If Garfield loses both games and the Beavers win tomorrow the Beavers are in. If the teams finished tied there will be a one game playoff Monday night to determine who goes to the playoffs as the No. 4 seed.

Boys (7-7 Conference 9-10 Overall)
The boys faced a tough road game trying to get ready for the playoffs. Both teams came out strong shooting the ball very well. Ballard shot 59% in the first half holding to a 5 point lead at the half. Ballard lost leading scorer and rebounder junior Seth Berger to an injury early in the second quarter. Even with that key loss the Beavers kept up their intensity drawing even with Issaquah in the third to maintain a 5 point lead. The Eagles chipped away at the lead throughout the fourth quarter cutting the lead to two at times. Senior Luke Beutjer hit a clutch jump shot from the free throw line as the shot clock was expiring to give the Beavers a 5 point lead with 17 seconds to go. Issaquah came down to drain a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 2 points with 9 seconds to go. Ballard missed both free throws and Issaquah came down and shot a 3 to win the game, but the shot rattled in and out for a Beaver victory. Ballard was led by junior Johnny Verduin with 25 points, senior Luke Beutjer (starting in his first game since early in the season) with 12 points and 5 rebounds, and junior Seth Berger with 10 points. Ballard finishes their regular season tomorrow at Bothell. With a victory they will finish in 3rd place in the Crown division and play at Redmond on Tuesday night for the first game of the playoffs. A loss would make them 4th playing at Skyline also on Tuesday. (Photo of senior Luke Beutjer courtesy of BHS Athletics.)

Both teams conclude today at Bothell High School with the girls playing at 4:00 and the boys at 5:30.

The scene in 2009 at The Pit Stop gas station

Hall initially pleaded guilty to the crime, but later withdrew his plea only to later be convicted by a King County jury. King County Superior Court Judge Mariane Spearman split the difference between the prosecution’s request for a 30-year prison term and Hall’s attorney’s request for 25 years in jail, settling on 27 years for Hall.

The teen’s lawyers had argued Hall’s difficult upbringing left him unable to consider the consequences of his actions. However, prosecutors maintained that Hall’s disguise and the fact he was carrying a gun meant he knew he was doing wrong.

As Dave Boyd writes in comments, “Actually, the meeting was Jan. 11 and there they said that it will be going to Council later this spring, so there should be additional opportunities to comment.”

Earlier:The Seattle Department of Transportation is gathering feedback on a proposed street tree ordinance (.pdf). The current ordinance has been in place since February 1961. “The intent of the ordinance update is to provide greater protection to street trees, and to codify current policies and procedures,” the website states.

The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback regarding protecting and preserving street trees. The proposed ordinance will address protection and preservation; restrictions on tree removal; requirements for replacements; new requirements for private tree companies; and will strengthen penalties for violations.

From their website:

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 3:00-5:00 pm at the SHCA.

The Sunset Hill Community Association Board of Trustees is asking all of our members to help determine the future of SHCA.

Our revenue is decreasing, our expenses are increasing, and we don’t have enough actively involved members to accomplish all the tasks associated with running SHCA.

We need to hear your opinion whether the Association still has a role to play in the community. At this general meeting, we can openly address the state of the Association and what we can do to achieve sustainability.
Our questions to you: Can this organization survive as a viable business? Should we change our model of operation, make hard decisions regarding the future of the facility, and perhaps close or sell the clubhouse?

Ballard Little League is hosting an in-person registration night on Wednesday, February 8 from 6:30 pm until 9 pm at Sunset Hill Community Association, 3003 NW 66th St. You can sign up in person, meet coaches, submit volunteer and medical release forms, and find out more about the league. You can also exchange cleats and baseball mitts! Ballard Little League is now registering players between 5 and 16 for the 2012 season.

Click here for more information.

Not much will change in Ballard, Rayburn Lewis, M.D. tells us. He is still in charge of Swedish Ballard, but with a new title: Chief Executive. Jennifer Graves also continues on as Nurse Executive.

“I’m sure in the next six, 12, 18 months, as we get to know each other’s organizations, there will be some changes, but I don’t see any in the near future,” Lewis tells us. “We’re still Swedish Ballard. We still have the same access to care.”

From the release sent out by both organizations:

Through this affiliation both organizations will collaborate to better deliver health care to the region, while at the same time maintaining their individual identities and heritage. Providence will retain its Catholic identity and name, and Swedish will retain its name and will remain non-religious. While the organizations’ names and brands won’t be changing and patients won’t see any difference in how they access care, by working together, Providence and Swedish can reduce costs and increase quality and access for patients in Western Washington.

The usually-busy intersection will be closed completely from 6 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday and detours will be in place. Crews plan to work continuously, 24-hours a day, but will limit noisy work activities between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Metro routes #28 and #48 will be affected by this work. Sign up for Metro Rider alerts for the latest information on route changes.

This information is for both this weekend and next weekend. The closures are dependent on the weather, so these plans could change.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., the 911 call center received multiple reports of hearing six to eight gunshots in the 4300 block of 5th Ave NW. A witness gave police the description of the vehicle and driver, which he had also seen and taken note of in the area a few days earlier.

A vehicle parked in front of a witness’s house had multiple bullet holes and police recovered shell casings and slugs, police say. There were no injuries and no apparent damage to the home.

From the SPD Blotter:

Officers responded to the suspect vehicle’s registered address and observed the vehicle parked/unoccupied outside, with one shell casing visible on the rear seat floorboards. While watching the residence, another vehicle left the house. Officers stopped this vehicle and detained the male matching the suspect description. He was positively identified by the witness to the earlier shooting. The suspect was subsequently booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Drive-by shooting. The suspect’s vehicle was impounded to the processing room.

“I am available for personal safety trainings; workplace violence prevention, etc. I am happy to be a part of the Community Police Team, and look forward to continuing this meaningful work. Our Block Watch Captains are unsung heroes. We rely on your eyes and ears, and appreciate your sharing these e-lerts I send out with others,” Johnston writes in a message to neighbors.

Her note includes several items of interest:

Happy New Year! Thanks for supporting Crime Prevention. Contact me [Terrie Johnston] at 684-7711 for any questions or follow up services.

“The staff tried using a ‘pond leveler,’ basically a pipe under the dam, because the water was rising up to the level of the bridge between the ponds,” Potter says. “That didn’t work very well, so now our grounds crew is physically removing the sticks and accumulated sediment. They try to move the materials farther out each time to discourage expansion of the dam.”

Potter tells us that Parks employees will continue to monitor the dam.

Last night Ballard High School honored seniors from the girls and boys basketball teams, cheer and the pep band. Great night and packed house as the Beavers hosted Garfield.

Girls (4-9 conference 5-13 overall)
The Lady Beavers were fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive as they took on the Lady Bulldogs.

Seniors Keina Ishiyama and Emma Suchland courtesy of BHS Athletics.

Garfield is in 4th place in the Crown division just ahead of the Beavers (top four teams make the playoffs). The two teams played just a few weeks ago with Garfield pulling out a 3 point victory at home. Before the game Ballard honored seniors Keina Ishiyama and Emma Suchland, both first year varsity players who also sport 4.0 grade point averages. The game was back and forth with Garfield winning the first quarter by four and Beavers taking a three point lead at the half. Garfield won the third quarter by two to cut the Ballard lead to 36 35 after three quarters. And then the Lady Beavers exploded in the fourth quarter led by sophomore Beverly Verduin’s 12 fourth quarter points and some clutch free throw shooting by the team. Ballard goes on to a 59 49 victory over Garfield. Beverly Verduin ended up with a game and career high 27 points on 7 of 11 three point shooting. Sophomores Nancy MacGeorge added another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Tessa Sechler got her first start of the year at point and contributed 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 rebounds. The Lady Beavers need to keep winning to make the playoffs.

Boys (6-7 conference 8-10 overall)
In the last game of the quad event at Ballard, the boys faced off against Garfield. Before the event Ballard honored its five seniors: 4-year varsity player and captain Brad Baker, 2-year varsity players Jake Devine, Luke Beutjer, and Domisi Thrash, and first-year varsity player Hudson Stylte. The first half of the contest was back and forth with Garfield going up 3 in the first quarter but Ballard bouncing back to take a 34 to 30 halftime lead. Garfield came out strong in the second half with pressure defense and hot shooting and never looked back. They went on to win 75 57. Ballard remains in 4th place in the division 1.5 games behind Bothell and has locked up a playoff spot. Ballard has two games remaining and Bothell has three including the season ending game Saturday afternoon to determine who finishes 3rd or 4th in the division. Ballard was led in scoring by juniors Seth Berger with 18 points and Johnny Verduin with 13 points. Senior Brad Baker had a season high 8 assists.

Both teams travel to Issaquah Thursday night and Bothell on Saturday afternoon.

Here is the construction schedule:

“This is a rough schedule to give a understanding of work that will be occurring in your neighborhood,” writes Goold. “The schedule could change depending on weather conditions and unforeseen conditions.”

“Lewis’ experience in practice organization, team management and team building will greatly benefit our tennis program. I am excited to see Chandler build upon the foundation that former coach Gary Epstein started last year. Chandler has a ton of energy and eagerness to be a great coach.” says Ballard Athletic Director Carrie Burr.

More on Lewis can be found on the Ballard High School Athletic Booster Club website.

“These transit service reinvestments eliminate lesser-used transit routes in order to add service to highly used routes with unmet demand,” said Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “King County leaders are working to make Metro as cost-effective as possible in order to keep productive transit service on the street during these difficult financial times.”

Route 44 will get 1,300 more service hours annually starting in June of this year. Leah Zoppi in Councilmember Larry Phillips office tells us this change will probably mean an additional route during peak ridership times.

Confused by tax law changes? Can’t afford a professional preparer? AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors are eager to assist taxpayers in preparing and e-filing your tax return. Quality review insures accuracy. Don’t put off filing because you owe taxes and don’t have money. E-file now and pay by April 15. The program has no age limit, no income limit, and AARP membership is not necessary.

When you have received all your tax statements, visit us at Ballard Public Library, 5614 22nd Ave. NW. Walk-ins only. No appointments necessary this year.

Counselors will be available:
• Mondays, February 6th through April 16th, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM
• Thursdays, February 2st through April 12th, 10 AM to 4:00 PM

Metro bus routes 17, 18, 44, 46, 75, and 81 service the immediate area. There is free parking in the underground garage, pay parking on-street in the immediate neighborhood, and free on-street parking several blocks away.

Scope of service is limited to those filing 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ including basic Schedules A, B, C, D, EIC. Those with complex returns including rental property, partnerships, etc. are advised to seek paid preparers.

Click here for a complete listing of sites in Seattle.

This event generally draws large crowds and has filled the auditorium in the past. Instead of turning people away this year, the event will be a two-night affair – on Thursday, February 9th and Friday, February 10th., both at 7 p.m. in the Ballard High School auditorium. Tickets are $10, or $7 for students with an activity pass, and will be sold at the door. All proceeds benefit students in the Video Production Program.

“Salmon duty” takes just 30 minutes at least once a week. Schedules are flexible and fish feeders attend a one hour training. The training for spring fish feeders will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 11.

This is a joint project between Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project. Interested fish feeders should contact Nancy Malmgren at 206-363-4116.

SPS is asking the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for a waiver for the January 19th and January 20th snow days. During the storm Governor Gregoire declared a State of Emergency for those days. “This [the waiver] is contingent on a decision allowing the Emergency Proclamation to apply to schools in King County,” the release states. “OSPI officials said they will have more information next month on how to apply for waivers.”

One of the days was made up last Friday, leaving the other two. According to the district, they cannot make up the days during mid-winter break because families and staff have already arranged their schedules around the time off.

As a side note, next year’s mid-winter break is not a full week, but a four-day weekend with the Friday before President’s Day a day off and that Monday.