Police say that Sarah Yarborough was last seen alive on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 14, 1991, leaving her residence on her way to Federal Way High School to participate in a Dance Team competition

Yarborough was found dead on the school campus later that morning.

Witnesses saw a suspect and two versions of a suspect composite sketch have been distributed over the years:

Click image to see larger version.

DNA evidence was recovered from the scene.

Recently the suspect DNA profile was sent to Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD, president of Identifinders International, for examination. Indentifinders International specializes in Forensic Genealogy in which an unidentified suspect DNA profile can be examined with the use of genealogy databases in an effort to identify the family name of the suspect.

Based on the analysis done on the suspect DNA profile in this case it has been learned that the suspect is a member of the extended family of Robert Fuller, who arrived in Salem Massachusetts in the 1630s. Robert Fuller is related to two Fullers who arrived in America on the Mayflower. The suspect may have the last name of Fuller.

At the time of the crime the suspect was described as:

• White male
• 20’s
• 5’10”- 6’00” tall
• Shoulder length dirty blonde/light brown hair
• Medium build
• Wearing a trench coat and dark pants.

If you have any information related to this cold case please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311.

by Ralph Nichols

A few days before the official grand opening of SCORE – South Correctional Entity Multijurisdictional Misdemeanant Jail – I was ushered into this $52 million facility.

I wasn’t there as an inmate, nothing that eye raising, but as a reporter for a look around the inside before it started receiving those on the wrong side of the law.

SCORE is the result of King County’s notice to suburban cities a few years ago that, by 2012, they would need their own jail facilities because county jails could then no longer accept their inmates accused or convicted of misdemeanor crimes.

Reacting to that announcement, Burien, Des Moines, Tukwila, SeaTac, Renton, Auburn and Federal Way joined together to build a new jail. Six of the cities forged a financing package. Des Moines is the host city.

The 16 acres on which SCORE is built is land donated by the Port of Seattle just south of Sea-Tac International Airport.

“We made it happen!” Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler, vice chairman of the SCORE Board of Directors, declared at the outset of this tour.

The 164,000 square foot facility has a capacity for housing 813 inmates, which will allow for increased demand for jail space in the future. Currently SCORE’s member cities have about 400 misdemeanor inmates scattered in jails around the state.

Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler at the opening dedication of SCORE. In the background is Jail Director Penny Bartley.

There are 29 inmate beds dedicated for medical housing. Most inmate health problems are related to drugs and alcohol, SCORE Director Penny Bartley noted.

SCORE has almost 150 full-time-equivalent staff positions, including correctional officers and food and medical services – which include 24-hour care.

Member cities will fund SCORE operations with payments totaling approximately $11million annually, which is “cheaper, a considerable savings,” than what the cities collectively were paying contract cities for jail services, Sheckler said.

SCORE, added Sheckler, “is really high tech … it is state of the art” with steel cells and unique construction and building materials. Although under an airport flight path, the facility is soundproofed so on the inside planes can’t be heard flying overhead.

Bartley said about 60 percent of SCORE inmates will be there as pre-trial holds. About 72 percent will be there for two weeks, which is the average stay. Most will be charged with driving under the influence, fourth-degree assault, and driving without a license.

A unique efficiency in this jail is video arraignment capabilities to reduce the number of inmates transported to municipal and district courts. Judges will be in their courtrooms, while defendants, their attorneys, and translators if required will appear before them on SCORE’s video facilities.

Visitors except attorneys will talk with inmates on a separate video hookup outside the cellblocks.

SCORE is divided into two large housing units that hold 400 inmates each. Those units, in turn, are divided into eight sections each with single, double and some four-bunk cells. The capacity of these pods varies from 22-70 inmates.

Female inmates are housed separately. Even if just one woman is in custody at SCORE, she will be segregated from the male population in a separate cell pod.

Inmate security classification on intake at the jail is based on their criminal history, the charge(s) against them, and their behavior,” Bartley continued.

“If you can’t play nice with others, you’ll be kept in a single cell 23 hours a day,” with dietary balanced “blended” meals brought to the cell.

“It’s like pre-school,” she said. “We go back to teach people who never learned the things other people did. For example, if you don’t make your bed, you don’t get breakfast. And it’s a privilege to get a sheet,” which is a suicide hazard for some inmates.

Inmates are allowed outdoor recreation three hours a week, and have access to some television, some magazines, and board games, but checkers is played only with clear pieces for security.

Phone privileges, except those from inmates’ attorneys, are based on an inmate’s security status. Only collect calls are allowed for outgoing calls.

The new jail also has space for programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society and plan for community transition.

Sheckler said inmates will not be released in Des Moines except for those sentenced there. The others will be returned to the member cities where they were sentenced for release.

The beam will be on display on Saturday. Sept. 3rd at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market at the South Marina Park from 10 a.m. till Noon and then travel back to Federal Way, its permanent home.

See a video and read the full story on our sister site The Waterland Blog here.

The Port of Seattle will be presenting “recommended options” to its ‘Part 150′ Noise Study at two public events in late June – in Federal Way on Tuesday, June 28th and at Sea-Tac Airport on Wednesday, June 29th.

Port staff and their consultant team will “present the draft recommended options for reducing aircraft noise in the newly proposed noise remedy area around the airport.” This work is being done as part of Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study. Presentations will take place at the following two upcoming public events in late June.

• June 28 -Port of Seattle Commission Presentation at 1 p.m. -  City of Federal Way Council Chambers.  This is a regular Port Commission meeting.
• June 29 – Highline Forum Presentation at 2:30 p.m. -  Sea-Tac Airport Conference Center’s Beijing Conference Room.

Here’s more from the Port’s press release:

Preliminary recommended options that will be discussed at the two events include, but are not limited to, residential sound insulation programs, an aircraft engine testing facility designed to suppress noise and an updated noise monitoring system.

Later in the summer, the public will be able to provide input on the proposed recommendations at a public hearing and during a 45 day public comment period. Feedback gathered at the public events and during the public comment period will be taken into consideration before a final set of recommendations is sent to the Port of Seattle Commission for approval.

Please visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website for all documentation and reports connected to the study including the comprehensive summary from the April 9th public open house.

Metro Transit’s new RapidRide “A” Line will debut this Saturday, Oct. 2, and when it does, according to a breathlessly-worded press release:

“…thousands of passengers in South King County will be riding on smart new buses that will come so often there will be no need for a schedule.”

On Friday (Oct. 1st), King County Executive Dow Constantine, along with local leaders and transportation officials, got a preview of the new “A” Line that will run along Pacific Highway South/International Boulevard. The line, which will operate between the Tukwila Link station and Federal Way Transit Center, will be the first of six RapidRide lines scheduled for introduction in the coming years offering frequent and more convenient service for thousands of Metro customers.

“Metro’s first RapidRide line will combine the best features Metro has to offer customers,” Constantine said. “In addition to shorter travel times and 10- to 15-minute service much of the day, the ride will be better, too. RapidRide will be operated with a new fleet of environmentally-friendly hybrid buses, offer new technology features and free Wi-Fi service during the trip. It will mark a new generation of Metro bus service we can all look forward to.”

These improvements are expected to cut travel times by one-third along the busy 11-mile line serving the cities of Federal Way, Des Moines, Kent, SeaTac, and Tukwila. The “A” Line will offer twice as much service as the current Route 174 and will conveniently connect with Link light rail stations to offer passengers even more travel options to downtown Seattle.

Additional amenities will include:

• Larger well-lit shelters offering more protection from the wind and rain.
• Stop-request signals at stations so riders can alert bus drivers when they are waiting for a bus at night.
• More benches and bike racks at stations.
• More green lights and other improvements to keep buses moving.
• Free Wi-Fi service on all RapidRide coaches allowing passengers to go online during their trip.
• New automated stop announcements and electronic signage on RapidRide buses that will display upcoming stops, landmarks, transfer opportunities and other customer service messages.

These improved features will allow Metro to deliver on the promise of offering more frequent, all-day bus rapid transit service as part of Metro’s “Transit Now” program. The line is expected to draw more than 2.5 million riders annually within the next five years, a 50-percent increase over current ridership.

The RapidRide “A” Line also promises to be a good investment. Despite a steep decline in Metro’s operating revenues, the service has already attracted millions of dollars in federal grants due to its potential to efficiently serve thousands of riders in some of the county’s most densely populated areas.

The system has so far received $61.6 million in federal and state grants, with an additional $20 million included in President Obama’s 2010 budget. Combined, these grants are expected to cover nearly 40 percent of the capital cost of putting RapidRide on the road.

While the “A” Line officially debuts Saturday, additional amenities will be coming later this fall. That’s when riders will begin seeing real-time bus information signs phased in at 24 RapidRide stations. The service will begin shortly after the start of regular RapidRide service once Metro has calibrated data that allows the system to function.

And later this year riders all across the county will benefit from new on-board technology introduced on regular Metro buses. Automated stop announcements and electronic signage should be standard on all 1,400 Metro buses within about 18 months.

Customers interested in learning more about RapidRide can explore the “A” Line for free on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3. Metro street teams will also be on hand at selected locations along the line to talk with riders and answer questions.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Brunk

On Wednesday night (June 9th), two young local men, Derek King, 18, and Nicholas Hodgins, 18, were preparing to graduate from Decatur High School in Federal Way. As they were returning from a gathering with other seniors in Bellevue, their Honda Civic broke down and was stopped in the center southbound lane of I-5.

Tragically, a drunk driver rammed his SUV into their car, killing them both. King would’ve celebrated his 19th birthday on Thursday, June 10th. Another classmate, Anthony Beaver, survived the crash.

Derek and Nick were both students at Highline’s Puget Sound Skills Center, and were studying to become chefs. They attended half their school day in Federal Way and half at the skills center in the culinary arts program.

The B-Town Blog extends its deepest sympathies for the families and friends of these young men, and reminds others to just stop drinking and driving.

An online tribute to the men has been posted here; here are some excerpts from it:

DEREK KING:
D-Rock, as he was known to all of us, was an amazing young man. He had recently completed his second year in the program and was recognized with the Golden Toque Award for his outstanding contribution. His team had just won a culinary competition at Renton Technical College, had earned 51 college credits for furthering his education, and was heading to Chicago this summer to design and implement a breakfast menu for a restaurant needing a fresh start.

He had boundless energy, a dopey grin and a sense of humor that kept you laughing. He was a tireless worker and excelled in the kitchen and serving customers. There were many days when he almost missed his bus home because he was still working and had lost track of time. In a letter of recommendation written for him we stated that we looked forward to hearing of all his future successes. Thank you Derek for all you accomplished and we will always remember you.

NICHOLAS HODGINS:
Nick started in the culinary program last summer and loved it so much he came back for the full school year. He was quick to master technical skills and excelled in the academic components of the course as well. He had the kindest heart and the most welcoming smile that came from the depths of a genuinely wonderful human being.

While he had not yet finally decided on pursuing a culinary career he said that he had now narrowed down his choices on which passion to pursue and was grateful for the opportunity to develop so many skills that he could use throughout his life.

The old standby report card comment “Was a pleasure to have in class” cannot express deeply enough how true that was for all of us.

The May 26th meeting begins at 2:30pm at Burien City Hall’s Council Chambers (400 SW 152nd Street), and the public is invited to observe. The Highline Forum includes the communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Port of Seattle Commission Part 150 discussion at Highline Forum, as well as a second Workshop Meeting.

WHEN: Highline Forum: Wednesday, May 26th at 2:30pm; Workshop: Wednesday, June 9th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

WHERE: Highline Forum: Burien City Hall Council Chambers; Workshop: Cedarhurst Elementary, located at 611 S. 132nd Street in Burien.

INFO: From a press release:

June 9th Part 150 Noise Study Public Workshop at Cedarhurst Elementary in Burien

The second in a series of public workshops for Sea-Tac Airport’s Part 150 Noise Study is scheduled for June 9th at Cedarhurst Elementary (611 S. 132nd Street) in Burien. The workshop will run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The Part 150 Study looks at ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on communities. Through active engagement with the public, facilitators will lead three group sessions at the workshop: the first addressing what was heard at the first workshop, the second involving a detailed discussion on a few of the proposed ways to reduce noise and the third on the study’s noise modeling and the noise data collected to date. Participants will take part in all three sessions and a general Q&A will occur at the conclusion.

On May 26, the members of the Highline Forum will also discuss the Part 150 Noise Study at Burien City Hall’s Council Chambers – 400 SW 152nd Street. The meeting begins at 2:30 and the public is invited to observe. The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District and Port of Seattle.

Please visit the dedicated Part 150 Study website for more information about the June 9th Public Workshop and for all documentation connected to the study.

The Kent Police Department has created a website showcasing photos of 160 recovered stolen items including electronics, wallets, purses, backpacks, stereos, baby clothes and even a wedding dress; some of which may have been originally swiped in the Burien/South King County area.

According to police, a man and woman who are suspected of breaking into more than 100 cars have been busted. Now, they want to return the stolen items to their rightful owners.

The suspects were apparently caught when they used stolen credit cards at local businesses. Police then followed their trail and recovered the stolen stuff in a storage locker as well as at local pawn shops.

According to the website:

Suspects Mode of Operation:

Type of crime: Vehicle prowls (car break ins)

Method of entry: Break window or force door lock

Types of vehicles: Different types and styles but they favored FORD F-series trucks

Property targeted: luggage, purses, laptop computers, GPS units, assorted tools, backpacks, cameras, MP3 players, I-Pods, cell phones, CD players, car stereos, jewelry, anything of value.

Estimated time range of criminal activity: Past 3-4 months

Focus area of vehicle prowl activity: Kent, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, South Seattle, Unincorporated areas of South King County. Collateral areas that may have been impacted as well are: Des Moines, Federal Way, Auburn, Bellevue.

If you were the victim of a car break-in between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010, your stolen items may be in police custody – check this website now and see if you recognize anything; if you do, contact Officer Bateman at (253) 856-5894 or via email: kbateman@ci.kent.wa.us.

The recovered stolen property includes (click on links below to see individual pics):

Is this your Pirate Stuff? The Kent PD might have it...

• Laptops
• Cell phones
• MP3 players
• Car Stereos
• Unusual, miscellaneous stuff like:
  • Baby clothes
  • Wedding dress
  • Ford Truck Manuals
    
  • “Pirate Stuff“
  • Swords
  • “Aiming for Barcelona” Belt Buckle

Some items have been claimed and returned, but most are still in evidence and awaiting rightful return to their owners – so check out the website here.

King County Public Health announced Monday (Nov. 30th) that it is opening up four free H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning this Saturday, Dec. 5th, then again on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay.

The nearest clinics will be in Renton or Federal Way, with 4,000 doses total (distributed to all 4 sites) available on Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 5pm and 1,000 doses total on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, from Noon to 7pm; here’s the list:

• Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St., Renton)
• Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)
• Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S., Seattle)
• North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N., Seattle)

Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

According to a press release:

More H1N1 influenza vaccine continues to arrive every week, and most vaccine is still going to local health care providers for at risk patients. Local pharmacies are also receiving limited ongoing allocations.

“As more vaccine comes into the community, we’re continuing to allocate limited amounts to people without insurance or who can’t afford to pay,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We encourage people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if insurance covers it.”

An estimated 280,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have already been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza and an additional 90,000 doses of vaccine is on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive.

The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

Most of the vaccine arriving to King County continues to be allocated to health care providers so that they can vaccinate patients who are most at risk, including:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
• Healthcare and emergency workers

People who are recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine should continue to seek it. Vaccine supply is gradually improving each week, and it is expected that eventually there will be enough vaccine in King County for anyone who wants it.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

Veteran’s Day is this coming Wednesday, Nov. 11th, and Brown Bear Car Wash will be honoring vets and current service military (as well as spouses) with free car washes all day.

The nearest location is the one in Des Moines, located at 22706 Marine View Drive; others are in Federal Way, Kent, Auburn and Renton (see list below).

As a way of saying “thanks” to our military, Brown Bear will be offering free “Bear Essential” car washes to all current or former members of the military, including spouses.

“Our organization is proud to honor veterans and service personnel,” said Brown Bear President and founder Vic Odermat, himself a Marine Corps veteran. “While the washes are free, we know that freedom is not. This is a way for us to show our support and gives us a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to people who sacrifice so incredibly for our freedom.”

Odermat said the offer will operate on an honor system and no verification or documentation is required. Drivers should identify themselves as a current or former member of the military to the wash attendant.

Odermat started Brown Bear in Seattle in 1957 with one location. They now own and operates car washes throughout the Puget Sound area and Spokane.

Here’s a list of participating locations nearby:

• 22706 Marine View Dr., Des Moines
• 34017 Hoyt Rd. SW, Federal Way
• 814 Auburn Way S, Auburn
• 1202 W Meeker St., Kent
• 800 S Grady Way, Renton
• 621 Rainier Ave. S, Renton
• 77 Rainier Ave. S, Renton