News Briefs | April 24 edition

Soil testing, health fair and more.

April 24, 2025 1:30 pm
Washington State Ferries last week shared this photo of Sailor Evan Tarbell, who while picking up a pizza for his crew at Vashon’s north end ferry terminal, used the pizza box as a makeshift umbrella for a student boarding the ferry during a sudden downpour. “In that moment, he showed care, creativity and a clear sense of responsibility – not just to his team, but to the community we serve,” WSDOT Deputy Secretary for WSF Steve Nevey said in a statement. (WSF Captain Clinton Jones photo)
Washington State Ferries last week shared this photo of Sailor Evan Tarbell, who while picking up a pizza for his crew at Vashon’s north end ferry terminal, used the pizza box as a makeshift umbrella for a student boarding the ferry during a sudden downpour. “In that moment, he showed care, creativity and a clear sense of responsibility – not just to his team, but to the community we serve,” WSDOT Deputy Secretary for WSF Steve Nevey said in a statement. (WSF Captain Clinton Jones photo)

Soil testing

Two upcoming soil testing events hosted by the Washington Department of Ecology will allow islanders to check whether soils in their yards have traces of historic chemical contamination.

At the events, both happening off-island, Ecology staff will test soil for arsenic and lead left over by the Asarco Smelter. There is no cost for the testing. When collecting soil, bring in samples from high-traffic areas and make sure the samples are free from debris like rocks or wood chips.

The Asarco Smelter operated in Tacoma for almost 100 years and the arsenic and lead that came from its smokestack live on in contaminated soils across the Puget Sound region, especially Maury Island. Arsenic and lead are toxic metals that pose risks if ingested or inhaled. Children are especially at risk because their bodies are still developing and they often put dirty hands and toys in their mouths.

Simple steps can reduce the risks of this contamination – such as removing your shoes when you come into your home.

• 12-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Shark Garden/New Starts Community Garden, 614 SW 120th St, Seattle, WA 98146

• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at the Federal Way Farmers Market, 1701 S. 320th, Federal Way 98003 — located in the south parking lot along 324th and Pacific Highway.

Staff from Ecology’s Toxics Cleanup Program will attend both events, along with representatives from Public Health Seattle-King County and the Washington State Department of Health. Staff from Ecology’s Air Quality Program and the Washington Conservation Corps will also be there to talk about their work.

County launches rights commission

King County last week announced the launch of a community-led, independent Human and Civil Rights Commission that will advise county government on implementing policies that advance human and civil rights.

Applications to join the commission close on June 3. Commission members will be selected by the end of June and then confirmed by the County Council. For more information or to apply, visit tinyurl.com/KingCountyHCRcommission.

Health fair

The Vashon Health Care District’s 2025 Health Fair takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at the Methodist Church, 17928 Vashon Highway SW.

The health fair is a free event designed to provide outreach, basic preventive medicine and medical screenings, open to all islanders. It will feature free health screenings, blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, vaccinations and community resources, including mental health and reproductive health counseling, cancer screening information, and assistance with addiction prevention and treatment.

Resource navigators, fluent in both English and Spanish, will be available to help islanders sign up for medical insurance, renew Medicaid vouchers, complete DSHS applications (EBT/Basic Food), obtain Orca cards and secure assistance from state and local agencies.

The King County Dental Van will also be there to offer appointments for those who pre-register. To see if you qualify for free dental care, call Patricia Bañuelos, VYFS Resource Navigator, at 206-348-4252.

There will also be a kids’ corner with hands-on activities, free refreshments, and giveaways, according to the Health Care District.

Superintendent search

Following the announcement that Vashon Island School District Slade McSheehy has been offered a new role leading the Bremerton School District, the island school district is about to embark on its search for his replacement.

From 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at the District Office conference room at Chautauqua Elementary, the school board will virtually host three recruitment firms under consideration for the superintendent search. Each will have 20 minutes for a presentation followed by 10 minutes of questions from the board. The public is welcome to attend in-person or virtually via the district’s YouTube channel. The firms will not be taking questions from the public.

You can provide feedback by visiting tinyurl.com/VISDfeedback — the survey will open May 1 and should be completed in real time, as board members will review the survey feedbacks immediately after the presentations and will announce their selection at the end of the May 1 meeting. The firms under consideration are Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA); Human Capital Enterprises; and Tradition Search Partners.

Questions? Visit tinyurl.com/VISDsearch or email Board Chair Juniper Rogneby at jrogneby@vashonsd.org.

Public meetings

• Vashon Island School District’s next board meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Chautauqua Elementary School, Room 302, 9309 SW Cemetery Road. Visit vashonsd.org for more information.

• Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s next board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Visit vifr.org/events for more details.