After 26 years, football returns to Tacoma middle schools | KPLU News for Seattle and the Northwest

After 26 years, football returns to Tacoma middle schools | KPLU News for Seattle and the Northwest: Middle school football teams hit the gridiron this week in Tacoma for the first time since the Reagan administration. It’s been 26 years since the school district transitioned from a junior high system, and canceled almost all middle school athletics.

Now some creative fundraising has allowed both boys and girls to don pads and helmets, and go knock the stuffing out of each other.

Seattle looking at possible 2024 Olympic bid - - MyNorthwest.com

Seattle looking at possible 2024 Olympic bid - - MyNorthwest.com: A lot of people believe Seattle had a good shot at getting the 2012 Olympic Games that ended up in London. But despite some deep-pocketed backing, the City Council killed the effort before it got off the ground. Now, there's talk the city could again be making a move to host the 2024 Summer games.

According to SportspressNW.com, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn's office has asked the Seattle Sports Commission to enter into "informal" talks with the United States Olympic Committee about a possible bid. The move follows a generic inquiry sent by USOC to 35 major cities that had either previously expressed an interest in bidding or were among the 25 biggest U.S. markets.

200 Longshore Jobs Open Up in Tacoma

There are more than 200 new jobs up for grabs in Tacoma this week and even without flashy advertising, interest in union longshore work is high in the South Puget Sound and hundreds have thrown their hats in the ring.

The 226 “unidentified causal” longshore jobs are offered by Tacoma’s Longshore Union, in conjunction with waterfront employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association.

Workers will be selected through a job lottery; the openings have only been advertised in The Tacoma News Tribune and careerbuilder.com.

Interested applicants must submit their basic information and signature on a postcard to Joint Port Labor Relations Committee; it must be postmarked no later than midnight on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

While these general labor positions are entry-level, regular longshore workers can make over $100,000 per year said the TNT; CareerBuilder estimates that the average salary for “longshore work” in Tacoma is $45,000 per year.

Our biggest sign of spring: Gray whales are back | Field Notes | Seattle Times

It's time to start visiting the State Parks on Whidbey & Camano Islands, the whales are back!

Our biggest sign of spring: Gray whales are back | Field Notes | Seattle Times: What’s bigger than a swallow — and brings just as good news? Gray whales, Washington’s biggest sign of spring.

The resident gray whales are back in� Whidbey and Camano Island waters once again.

The Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network received its first report of a North Puget Sound Gray Whale on Feb. 4, and in the past few weeks have received reports identifying several North Puget Sound grays returning to feed in Saratoga Passage, from Polnell Pt. to Port Susan and Possession Sound.

Anacortes Salmon Derby March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get on waiting list | Reel Time Fishing Northwest | Seattle Times

Anacortes Salmon Derby March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get on waiting list | Reel Time Fishing Northwest | Seattle Times: The Anacortes Salmon Derby on March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get a place on the waiting list.

The event is hosted by volunteer members of the Fidalgo-San Juan Islands Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers. The derby raises funds for scholarships that benefit students pursuing careers in fishery management and related science. More than $163,000 in scholarships and grants have been awarded to date.

For more information visit the Anacortes Salmon Derby website.

Celebrate State Parks' 100th birthday with free events | HeraldNet.com - Life

Celebrate State Parks' 100th birthday with free events | HeraldNet.com - Life: Washington State Parks will soon celebrate its 100th birthday. The state parks system is one of the oldest in the nation, established on March 19, 1913.

In honor of the birthday, all state parks will have free entry March 30.

You'll love one of Pierce County's largest cities, Tacoma!

Union Station Historic District/University of WashingtonLocated along Pacific Avenue, from 21st to 17th, this neighborhood contains some of the best examples of Tacoma’s historic architecture. It also offers great shopping, dining, and nightlife. Union Station displays a grand chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly, and a beautiful restoration of the building, which is now occupied by our federal court house.

Museum RowFrom the Museum of Glass on the waterfront, to the Washington History Museum next to historic Union Station, to the Tacoma Art Museum on Pacific Avenue, Tacoma offers some of the finest museum experiences in the nation. Walk across the Bridge of Glass and you will experience beautiful Chihuly glass along with spectacular views of Tacoma’s unique architecture. The Downtown area is also home to the Working Waterfront Museum, and the LeMay – America’s Car Museum.

Downtown’s Theater District has many unique Mini-Neighborhoods:
	Theater Square Long known for its contribution to the performing arts, this district spans Broadway, from 9th to 11th, and South 9th, from Market to Commerce. With theaters like the Pantages, and the Rialto, there is always a show to see. The neighborhood also boasts fine dining, fine jewelry and art, and is the seat of Downtown’s Christmas Tree and New Years Eve Celebration, First Night.
	Antique Row Historic Antique Row on Broadway and St. Helens, between 9th and 7th, is famous for its vast variety of vintage and antique goods.
	Opera Alley One of Downtown’s oldest and newest districts, this little slice of Tacoma is a collection of beautifully restored buildings. It is anchored by a café, a yarn shop and an interior décor shop, and offers many other retail shops. Stroll along St. Helen’s, north of 9th, and veer off to the right, just past the guitar shop. It’s a step back in time to a more genteel era.
	The Triangle District A business district in the Center of the Universe of Tacoma – covering the area from 6th & Tacoma Ave to 9th & Broadway – and parts in between.
	Historic Pacific Located on a dramatic bluff over-looking Commencement Bay, Tacoma’s Historic Pacific District reflects the city’s political, economic, and cultural past in significant architectural buildings and places such as Old City Hall, the Northern Pacific Building, and Fireman’s Park. The area bustles with activity from a wide variety of trendy restaurants, cozy pubs, eclectic gift shops, and restorative boutique salons and spas to infuse panache and vitality into your body and soul.