FYI

Published 11:12 pm Friday, February 15, 2008

Property tax bills are on the way

Tax bills are on the way to Snohomish County property owners and should be arriving in the mail.

The first-half bill is due April 30, and the second-half is due Oct. 31.

People with questions about their bills can call the Snohomish County treasurer’s office at 425-388-3366. But be warned that the phone lines are expected to be clogged for the first few days after bills arrive.

Leave a message and calls will be returned, but not the same day, deputy treasurer Debi Putnam said.

Help out at festival in Stanwood

Organizers of the 2008 Port Susan Goose and Birding Festival need volunteers to help at the event Feb. 23 and 24 in Stanwood and on Camano Island. For more information, call 360-629-3631 or stop by Snow Goose Bookstore, 8616 271st St. NW in Stanwood.

Is your Valentine’s Day gift insured?

In case of theft, insure your jewelry.

“Most homeowner’s policies have some jewelry coverage,” said Karl Newman, president of the Northwest Insurance Council. “However, if you’ve purchased jewelry or other items of special value such as furs, cameras, musical instruments, coins or fine art, the included coverage is limited and may not meet your needs.”

Typically, homeowners insurance policies protect jewelry against losses from causes such as fire, theft and windstorm up to a relatively small limit — such as $2,000 for all jewelry owned in the household.

Special coverage can be purchased to cover the full value of your jewelry for situations such as theft, loss of the item, losing a stone or for major catastrophes such as wildfire or earthquake.

Expect closures for the holiday

Presidents Day is Monday. Here are some scheduled closures:

Government: Federal, state and local offices will be closed.

Schools: Closed.

Post offices: Closed, although Express Mail service continues.

Commerce: Many businesses will be closed, Everett and Alderwood malls will be open, most banks will be closed.

Transportation: Community Transit will cancel some commuter trips. Everett Transit will be on a regular schedule. For ferry information, go to www. wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or call 888-808-7977.

The Herald: Classified advertising and the front lobby will be closed. Customer service for home delivery will be open from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.; call 425-339-3200.

Call in news tips to 425-339-3428.