FYI: More inspections for all state ferries
Published 11:38 pm Friday, November 30, 2007
Washington State Ferries announced late Friday it has decided to step up hull inspections on all of its fleet after concerns over cracks and corrosion sidelined its oldest boats.
The ferry system has decided to keep the 40-year-old Hyak out of service for an extra three weeks to allow additional time for hull inspection and repairs. The 144-car Super-class ferry already is in dry-dock in Anacortes.
State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond on Nov. 20 ordered all four of the state’s Steel Electric-class ferries pulled from service for inspection and repairs. The move has shut down until at least February car-ferry service between Keystone on Whidbey Island and Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.
“Our engineering staff and vessel crews work day and night to keep vessels in operation,” said Paul Brodeur, director of vessel maintenance and preservation. “Now more than ever, it is important that we work hard to inspect all vessels in the fleet and rededicate ourselves to our regular maintenance program.”
There are 28 ferries in the state’s fleet.
Everett Elks offer memorial Sunday
Everett Elks No. 479 offers its annual memorial program at 11 a.m. Sunday at Normanna Hall, 2725 Oakes Ave., Everett.
The event is open to the public and honors the memory of departed members. Before the start of the busy holiday season, every Elks Lodge in the nation holds a special service of remembrance on the first Sunday in December.
Goofy teen Baldo joins comic pages
Those who love Sunday’s color comics will notice an addition to our lineup this week.
The newcomer is Baldo, a creation of Hector Cantu, a Texas journalist, and Carlos Castellanos, a Florida illustrator. Their strip features a teenager with a penchant for daydreaming, and the family members he must endure — and who must endure him.
Baldo replaces Condorito, a comic that is no longer available in its English-language format.
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