In the Media

In March this year, five potential presidential candidates kicked off the Iowa caucus season, putting the Hawkeye state once again in the political spotlight.
The Iowa caucus is a magnet for candidates because it is the first caucus in the nation.
New Hampshire is second and South Carolina is third.
Now Nevada, never a major caucus player, wants to get in on the early action.
Iowa got its primary caucus state distinction by a fluke.

Two Ferndale School District teachers are being promoted to interim elementary school principals for the 2011-12 school year to fill vacancies recently announced.
Kimberly Hawes and Mark Hall will be the principals of Eagleridge and Cascadia elementary schools, respectively. The school board approved the hirings 4-0, with member Troy Clark absent, at a meeting Thursday night, June 30.

If homefield advantage plays a part in cycling, both 25-year-old David Fleischhauer and 33-year-old Jennifer Triplett are the face of the argument.
For Fleischhauer and Triplett, it wasn't their first time navigating the streets of Bellingham. Both Western Washington University graduates, Fleischhauer in 2008 and Triplett in 2000, the pair made a return trip to the town of their alma mater to claim first place in their respective men's and women's category 1 and 2 divisions of the 2011 Bellingham Criterium, part of the Washington State Masters & Senior Criterium Championships.
"It was sweet euphoria," said Triplett after winning the 45-minut- long women's race. "I got goose bumps when I finished. It's nice to come back here and win."

For the federal government, next October could be its "fall from gracelessness."
That's when a new law, the Plain Writing Act, takes full effect. Signed by President Obama last autumn, the law requires federal agencies to use clear writing in materials aimed at the public.

There was a time not too long ago when former Western Washington University basketball standout Tyler Amaya was as concerned about his statistics as he was with winning.

At that time Amaya was trying to claw out a professional basketball career overseas while facing the uncertainty of season-to-season contracts. He reasoned that his scoring and rebounding numbers would speak loudest to the next potential employer.

Janet Marino is enthusiastic about her new job, but says, "I would love to put myself out of business."
She's the new executive director of Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. A 35-year-old Western Washington University graduate with a degree in political science, Marino took the position after serving four years as operations manager at the Bellingham YWCA.
She replaces Marie Marchand, who left in December to become executive director of Friendship House, a shelter in Mount Vernon.

Western Washington University officially signed dining provider Aramark to a 10-year contract Wednesday, June 29, a move that could mean some changes in campus dining options at Western.
"As for specific changes, it's too soon to tell," Western spokesman Paul Cocke said.
By the end of the summer, a committee made up of Western staff will reveal whether the contract will have any effect on local suppliers such as The Bagelry and Tony's Coffee, Cocke said.

The University of Washington raised tuition and fees by the largest dollar amount in the school's history Thursday, hiking tuition for in-state undergraduates by nearly $2,000.

At the same time, the school announced it will be doing "significant layoffs" to try to blunt the impact of a $106 million cut in state funding this year.

"Some folks are getting pink slips as soon as tomorrow," said Margaret Shepherd, director of state relations for the UW.

The Oak Harbor High School grant recipient was Adrienne Beebe. She has been accepted at several colleges, including Willamette University, Western Washington University and the University of Puget Sound.

Beebe plans to study math and is interested in accounting, engineering, actuary and statistician roles.

The Rotary Club of Renton selected Josh Viles as one of its Teachers of the Month for May.

Viles is the choral music teacher at Hazen High School.

Viles attended Western Washington University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and choral conducting. In addition to teaching, he has been involved in the Soundview Region Music Educators Association and has served as president.