Seventy students in the Raymond School District are particpating in a new scholarship program offered by the State of Washington. The program, known as the College Bound Scholarship is available to all 7th- and 8th-graders in the state who meet the income eligibility requirements and promise to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in high school, be a good citizen, not commit a felony and go to a state school. The scholarship pays for tuition at state institutions for up to four years as well as a $500 per year book allowance.

OLYMPIA - Open government advocates have a new resource at the Attorney General's Office. The AGO has launched "Unredacted:  Uncovering the truth about Public Records and Open Public Meetings."

"Citizens contact us when, for example, they believe that a city or county council meeting has been held illegally behind closed doors," said Attorney General Rob McKenna. "Our new site provides a roadmap for pulling back the curtain to find out what elected officials are up to."

This new resource provides the public with a glimpse into the life of AGO Open Government Ombudsman Tim Ford as he answers questions about the state's public records and open meetings acts.

"Local officials want to ensure that they're taking the correct steps to provide transparency," Ford said. "This site will also be a great resource for them to read answers to the most common questions about opening up government processes to everyday people."

To many Americans, the Fourth of July is a special time to join friends and family in celebrating our nation's birthday.  Unfortunately, summer also represents the deadliest time of year on our highways. 

The Washington State Patrol is preparing for the upcoming holiday weekend by placing additional troopers along the Olympic Peninsula - to target those drivers who choose to speed and drive impaired.

Motorists should expect to see heavier traffic volumes along the peninsula, as we anticipate an increase in motorcycles over the holiday weekend.  The peninsula has always been popular with tourists and motorcyclists because of its spectacular views of the mountains and water. 

 "Choosing to drink and drive could easily turn a holiday that is meant to be enjoyed into a tragedy," said WSP Captain Steve Sutton.  "Have fun with family and friends, but please be responsible and make the right decisions."   

Aberdeen – Ralph Munro, the longest serving secretary of state in Washington State history and a key player in the effort to build the tall ship Lady Washington, will speak at the vessel’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on June 29th.  Munro held the secretary of state’s office from 1980 to 2001. In the late 1980s, he was among several state officials and lawmakers who pushed for funds to build Lady Washington as part of the state’s 1989 centennial observation. The funds were instrumental in completing the ship, which was launched on March 7, 1989. Over the past two decades, he has continued to support the ship’s living history educational programs.

In 2008 there were 785 fireworks-related incidents in Washington resulting in more than $200,000 in property loss.  Fire service officials urge residents to work together to reduce this loss by knowing the legal consequences and taking responsibility.

Fireworks sold on tribal lands are not subject to local and state laws and may not be legal in your community.  Examples of fireworks legal to purchase and use on tribal lands, but not legal in Washington State, are bottle rockets, firecrackers and missiles.  Remember-it's your responsibility to know the laws in your community.