Glitch identified in billing system for 520 tolls

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 5:58pm

Glitch identified in billing system for 520 tolls

WSDOT is looking into a weather related glitch with the SR 520 pass reader. Turns out the glitch may have resulted in some incorrect charges on "Good To Go" pass accounts.

During last week's snowstorm, engineers came across the glitch when the equipment's internal clock was intermittently losing time and re-syncing to the correct time.

It's been fixed now but - "People with a "Good To Go" pass, their pass may not have been read and they may be getting a 25-cent pay by plate charge incorrectly," said Pete Briglia, 520 Operations manager.

Briglia says the glitch occurred between January 17th and January 25th. He says "Good To Go" accounts will either be credited back or not charged that 25-cent fee at all.

If you pay full price by mail, you're not affected.

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Tonight: Seattle Channel tackles the future of tolling

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 2:55pm

Tolling on the 520 Bridge started a month ago, so what's changed?

It's the question being asked during tonight's 'City Inside/Out with Brian Callanan.' on the Seattle Channel.

The focus of the show is to look at driver behavior, traffic pattern changes, lessons learned from 520, and discuss the future of tolling throughout the state.

Guests for the show include:

Craig Stone, Tolls Director for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

Mark Hallenbeck, Director of the Washington State Transportation Center

Richard Ford, Chairman of the Washington State Transportation Commission

Doug MacDonald, former State Transportation Secretary (2001-2007)

You can catch the show on Cable channel 21 at 7:00p.m.

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Bellevue couple earns bridge Grand Life Masters

Submitted by Leslee Jaquette, Community Journalist

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 11:33am

Bellevue couple earns bridge Grand Life Masters

Bellevue residents Polly and Pat Dunn were recently named Grand Life Masters by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). In addition, their individual accomplishments were made as a result of together winning the Senior Mixed Pairs event during the Seattle Nationals in December.

“The really important issue is it's the first time a couple have become Grand Life Masters together in their own home town,” observed Barbara Nist of SeaTac, who chaired the nationals (11,427 tables) at the Seattle Sheraton, teaches bridge and operates the Newcastle Bridge Club (NBC) at the Regency Newcastle. “The ACBL has been recording masterpoints (our yardstick) for 75 years. This is an accomplishment that the Dunn's have been working towards for the better part of their adult lives.”

Barbara Nist, Pat & Polly Dunn and Steve Kasner enjoy the Newcastle Bridge Club party.

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Mountain is home to more coal than cougars

Submitted by Leslee Jaquette, Community Journalist

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 9:15am

Mountain is home to more coal than cougars

Newcastle wasn’t the only place mined in these parts. Coal mining on Cougar Mountain was a major enterprise as well.

During an Eastside Heritage Center presentation, “Coal Mining on Cougar Mountain,” on Sunday at the Lewis Creek Visitors Center (2:00 – 4:00 p.m.), we will learn about the Eastside’s 100 year history of coal mining.

For example, in 1888 there were 20 mules and 200 men employed on Cougar Mountain. Exporting coal to San Francisco turned Seattle into a dominant seaport. Learn what is underneath a mountain that is older than Rainier.

Presented by Eastside Heritage Center and Bellevue Parks & Community Services.

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PSE promises $50 credit for dozens of customers

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter

Friday, January 27th, 2012, 9:06am

PSE promises $50 credit for dozens of customers

If you were one of the thousands without power for nearly a week, you could get a break on next month's bill.

Puget Sound Energy says it plans to give a $50 credit to customers who lost power for five or more days during last week's winter storm.

"The prolonged power outages from the storms created a real hardship for many of our customers," said Sue McLain, PSE senior vice president of Delivery Operations. "The bill credit won't take back the dark evenings and chill in the bones that many families experienced. Rather, it is a gesture of our appreciation for their understanding and patience."

According to PSE, this is the first time, since passing the 120-consecutive-hour power outage credit in 2008, the utility has had to activate it.

PSE says the credit will automatically be provided to all customers without power for five days or longer.

The credit should show up on your Feb. 15th bill.

If it doesn't - you should notify PSE at: 888-225-5773.

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Residents urged to report storm damage to county

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter

Thursday, January 26th, 2012, 10:52am

Residents urged to report storm damage to county

The winter storm is over, it's time to assess the damage and King County wants to help.

If you are a resident or business owner who suffered property damage you may be eligible to get it fixed courtesy the county.

Below is how the program works, who is eligible, and how to make a claim from emergency managers:

In order to compute the losses, individuals and businesses are encouraged to submit reports to the King County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

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Police and residents on alert following 'strange activity' in two neighborhoods

Submitted by Kiersten Throndsen, KOMO Communities Reporter

Thursday, January 26th, 2012, 10:18am

Police and residents on alert following 'strange activity' in two neighborhoods

The police department is asking residents to keep an eye out after several neighbors reported seeing suspicious activity near their homes earlier this week.

Police say a couple of homeowners saw two men in the backyards of houses along 127th Ave SE between SE 73rd St and SE 74th St (Newport Woods/East Donegal neighborhoods).

When the neighbors tried making contact with the men, police say they ran away through several other yards.

Officers did not find damage to any homes but they are urging residents to stay alert and if you see something to report it by calling: 206-296-3311.

You can also make a report online.

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