Community thanks go to Washington State Patrol troopers and DES staff who gave the campers notice of the eviction, then carried it out with measured compassion and calm. The Occupy Olympia movement at the park ended humanely and without the slightest hint of violence – so unlike the scenes we’ve all seen play out in other cities across the United States.
The peaceful ending of the two-month encampment on the shores of Capitol Lake is a testament to law enforcement, the Occupy Olympia protesters themselves and state officials, all of whom who showed a great deal of mutual respect.
It was a remarkable contrast to what played out in other cities were Occupy protesters were pepper sprayed, manhandled and arrested. The Occupy Olympia Movement continues with weekly meetings at 1 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
Thumbs down: Colton Harris-Moore, the “Barefoot Bandit,” didn’t look quite so smug recently when he was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to dozens of state charges.
The 20-year-old man gained international notoriety while evading police across the country in stolen planes, boats and cars during a two-year crime spree that included multiple burglaries. We never understood the “hero” status he seemed to have earned in some circles.
Harris-Moore is no hero; he’s a common thug. In his sentencing before Superior Court Judge Vickie Churchill, Harris-Moore looked down and showed no reaction as the sentence was delivered.
He has already pleaded guilty to federal charges in Seattle and will be sentenced for those crimes early next year. He will serve his state and federal sentences at the same time.
Wearing handcuffs and an orange jail uniform, Harris-Moore spoke softly in Superior Court while entering his pleas.
In a statement provided to the judge, he said his childhood was one he wouldn’t wish on his “darkest enemies.” Still, he said he takes responsibility for the crime spree. He now stands convicted of 33 state felonies in addition to the federal charges.
Thumbs up: The totals are in and they are pretty darn impressive. The Kiwanis Club of Olympia has completed its 22nd season of raising fresh vegetables for the Thurston County Food Bank, and this year exceeded previous harvest records.
Four gardens produced more than 36,220 pounds of organic vegetables during the season that extended from May to this month.
The gardens provided a great variety of vegetables that supplemented distributed food to an increasing number of Food Bank clients who were overjoyed with the fresh potatoes, carrots, beans, lettuce and other vegetables.
More than 160 harvest days were logged by volunteers. The final cost of raising and delivering the vegetables was 30 cents per pound.
Co-chairs Derek Valley and Don Leaf said they made a conscious effort to increase the volume and variety of vegetables and involve many more volunteers to help plant, weed and harvest the crops this year in order to meet the needs of the low-income people who rely on the Food Bank for fresh vegetables and other staples. “Our clients look forward to having a choice of fresh vegetables when they visit the Food Bank,” said Sarah Swanson, produce manager.
Already, Kiwanis Club members are at work planning for the 2012 growing season. What a generous contribution to this community.
Thumbs up: At a time of economic uncertainty, high unemployment and budget reductions in the public and private sector, we definitely needed the miracle story of Scamp, that 7-month-old pup who was struck by a car and killed on Bald Hill Road.
The miracle for Reta McKinlay and her grandchildren came when it was discovered that Scamp wasn’t really dead after all. It was Dec. 3 when Scamp escaped his fenced enclosure and was struck by a passing vehicle. “Scamp was bleeding; his eyes were fixed,” said McKinlay, 49, of Yelm. “We didn’t feel breath on his chest or on his nose.”
Since it was late, her husband carefully wrapped the 81/2-pound Yorkshire terrier-Shih Tzu puppy in a blanket. He set the dog under an overturned wheelbarrow to keep animals away from the body with plans to bury Scamp the following morning.
They told their 6-year-old twin grandchildren, Kaiden and Chevelle Woods, that the puppy had gone to heaven.
But it turns out the below-freezing weather might have saved the pup’s life. “My husband went out the next morning to bury him, before the kids could see, and he was sitting up underneath the wheelbarrow,” McKinlay said.
After emergency treatment, the pup is recovering. McKinlay said Scamp’s return is a Christmas present for the entire family. It also is a lesson in faith, she said. It also turns out to be a message of hope for the entire nation as The Olympian’s story has drawn coverage by the national media and network television. What an uplifting story – one we can all rejoice in.
