“Gathering” is the theme of the Edmonds Arts Commission’s eighth annual youth writing contest.

Students in ninth through 12th grades in the Edmonds School District or students who have an Edmonds address are eligible.

Cash awards will be given for first, second and third places in poetry and fiction. Contest winners also will receive a ticket to the 2006 Write on the Sound writers’ conference keynote lecture in October and are invited to attend the conference reception.

The entry deadline is Friday. Forms and instructions are available at all district high schools’ English departments.

Help The Herald with health story

The recent death of a Kirkland man from complications of an infection of flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitits, is one example of the disease’s presence in Western Washington.

It is often caused by streptococcus bacteria that usually result in strep throat. But sometimes, it can cause uncommonly serious health problems, even death.

The Herald would like to hear from any local residents who may have previously battled the disease. If you know of someone or you were a victim yourself, please contact health reporter Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486.

Lottery ticket color will lose the pink

Washington’s Lottery tickets are taking on the color of money.

The change from pink to pale green tickets is part of a gradual, three-month conversion to new hardware for Lottery retailers. Draw game tickets, which include Mega Millions, Lotto, Quinto, the Daily Game and Daily Keno, are currently printed on pink paper stock. They will switch to light green paper and will feature a pinstripe and shamrock background, but the games won’t change.

Hearing planned on boating event

The Seattle Outboard Association has applied to hold this year’s boating regatta on Silver Lake in south Everett on June 10.

There will be a public hearing on the application at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Everett Parks and Recreation Department office at Lions Hall in Forest Park, 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.

Call us

If you have an item for FYI, call Kristi O’Harran at 425-339-3451. If you have a news tip or an idea for a local story, call the city desk at 425-339-3428, or e-mail newstips@ heraldnet.com.