Northwest Breifly: Federal Way may eliminate 46 city jobs

Federal Way may eliminate 46 city jobs

FEDERAL WAY — Federal Way City Manger Brian J. Wilson is proposing a budget that would cut 46 city jobs, including eliminating 18 police officer positions in the next two years.

The major cuts are being proposed to make up a $9 million budget shortfall.

The budget proposal for Washington’s sixth largest city would cut jobs in planning, information technology, finance, parks maintenance and the mayor’s office. Six of the positions are already vacant.

The police department would lose the most jobs of any department. It makes up 58 percent of the city’s current annual budget.

Vancouver, Wash.: Whooping cough cases increase

Clark County’s public health officer said the health department has been investigating a growing number of pertussis cases.

Since July, the health department has investigated 38 cases of the illness also known as whooping cough. Of those, 25 are confirmed, five are probable cases and eight are suspect cases.

Dr. Alan Melnick told The Columbian newspaper three of the cases have been in infants, who are at high risk for serious complications, including pneumonia.

Last year, between July 1 and Sept. 30, the Clark County had 12 total cases. In 2008, during the same time period, there were nine cases.

Pertussis vaccines are available for infants and a booster is recommended for people ages 11 and older.

Bellingham: Woman sues Mt. Baker Ski Area

A Ferndale woman who was paralyzed in 2008 at White Salmon Lodge is seeking millions of dollars in damages from the Mt. Baker Ski Area.

The Bellingham Herald reported that after a three-week trial, Patricia Miller’s case went to the jury Friday afternoon. They will continue deliberations on Tuesday.

The retired nurse was injured on Jan. 22, 2008 while sitting in a chair reading a book in an area outside the lodge. An accumulation of ice and snow on the lodge roof broke loose and collapsed on her. Her spinal cord was damaged and she suffered other injuries.

Miller’s attorney said the ski area was aware of the danger but didn’t do enough to prevent the incident that left her a paraplegic.

Ore.: Man dies at Butte Creek Falls

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies said a Salem man fell to his death at Butte Creek Falls on Saturday.

Found floating at the base of the falls was 42-year-old Frank Alarid.

The Oregonian reported Alarid was found by hikers on Saturday morning. A preliminary investigation found he had fallen to his death from the top of the falls, a 78-foot drop.

Deputies were able to identity him after finding a Jeep parked near the trailhead belonging to Alarid’s wife.

Associated Press