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Prep wrestling | Kentwood’s Meyers family targets Mat Classic podium [13]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2012
LEAVING BEHIND HER MARK WITH CITY BY STEVE HUNTER
Clerk to retire after 37 years; Jacober’s office ‘never missed a beat’
shunter@kentreporter.com
Brenda Jacober has done so much in her 37 years as a city employee – including the last 21 as city clerk – that the Kent City Council gave her a standing ovation at her final council meeting.
After all these years, Jacober, 65, has decided to retire. Her final day is Dec. 31, which Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke has proclaimed as Brenda Jacober Day. “We just want you to know how much we appreciate you and that we love your smile,” Councilman Les Thomas said to Jacober
Brenda Jacober says it’s time to do other things after serving the city of Kent since 1975, the last 21 as city clerk.
[ more JACOBER page 4 ]
CHARLES CORTES, Kent Reporter
Vargas: ‘Child’s safety is our No. 1 priority’ FOR THE REPORTER
Reacting to the Connecticut tragedy, Kent School District Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas says the district is doing all it can to protect its students. “I want to personally reassure you that the safety and well-being of your child is of the utmost importance to us at KSD,” Vargas posted this week on the district’s website, www.kent. k12.wa.us, “and that we have done and will continue to do all we can to insulate our students from danger. “Please know that your child’s safety is, has been and always will
be our number one priority.” The school district posted safety procedures and tips for parents on how to help children cope with emotions after Vargas tragic events. The school district also provided information about its safety and security procedures. “As a community and as a school district, we all share the responsibilities and concerns about keeping our [ more SCHOOLS page 7 ]
Parents raise program issues at school BY TRACEY COMPTON
Drive time
more photos online… kentreporter.com
Quarterback Laurel Creel delivers a pass downfield during the Seattle Mist’s 38-18 exhibition win against the B.C. Angels last Saturday at the ShoWare Center. The Mist, of the Lingerie Football League, took the inaugural Pacific Cup against the Angels, the recently crowned champions of the maiden season of lingerie football north of the border. CHARLES CORTES, Kent Reporter
tcompton@soundpublishing.com
In a collaborative effort, the Kent School District, Springbrook Elementary School staff and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association will examine issues raised by parents concerning a program for kids with special needs at the school.
Goodwill plans to open outlet store in January BY STEVE HUNTER shunter@kentreporter.com
Goodwill plans to open a new outlet store in Kent in January at the site of the old H.D. Hotspurs restaurant next to Kmart. “We’re getting closer to opening
the outlet store,” according to an email from Amanda Bedell, spokeswoman for Tacoma Goodwill Industries, which oversees the Kent stores. “We have a tentative date of Jan. 17 for the opening.” Signs are posted for the store,
which will open at 315 Washington Ave. S. A grand opening is tentatively scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Jan. 17 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and opening weekend specials. [ more OUTLET page 2 ]
Parents recently have expressed concerns about children in the School Adjustment (SA) Program at Springbrook disrupting other classrooms and assaulting staff at the school. The SA Program supports students with disabilities that fall under categories around behavior. It provides [ more CONCERNS page 7 ]
The new Goodwill Outlet store will occupy the former H.D. Hotspurs restaurant spot next to Kmart. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter