Local student wins character contest
SNOHOMISH — After a national search for its next animated character, educational software company Wonder Media has announced local sixth grader Braden Kallstrom as the winner.
The 12-year-old Riverview Elementary student invented his cartoon counterpart, Michael Jankfist, for a school assignment and entered the contest with the encouragement of his teacher.
“He was very excited and honored to win. I don’t think he expected it, so it was a happy surprise. He is very proud of the character he created,” said mom Alison Kallstrom.
It was Jankfist’s positive personality that gave him the edge, said Wonder Media owner Terry Thoren.
“Braden describes (Michael Jankfist) in such a positive way. The character has ‘an ever present smile, a mind open to endless possibility and he keeps a modest posture,’” Thoren pointed out.
Jankfist will make his debut in the company’s Story Maker software when students return to school in September.
Casino Road hub still being developed
EVERETT — Winter has been fruitful for the Casino Road Initiative: the agency has a new name and new partner for 2019. Permitting has just begun on its community hub called The Village on Casino Road, a “one stop shopping” resource and event center for families contending with poverty and crime in the neighborhood.
The group has rebranded as Connect Casino Road, but its purpose remains the same: to improve residents’ lives through comprehensive programs, economic development and a new community center.
The new identity follows a merger with the Casino Road Opportunity for All Collaborative, which is sponsored by the United Way. The agency also scored a $200,000 grant from Premera Blue Cross earlier this month.
Connect director Sara Boyle shared the news with an enthusiastic crowd during an Engage Everett networking event March 13.
Monroe plans to add another sculpture downtown
MONROE — The city is looking for artist submissions for an outdoor sculpture, which may be interactive, to be installed on the public sidewalk along Main Street between Blakely Street and Ferry Avenue. The city says the artist proposal should express a connection to the city of Monroe, the character of the specific display location, and reflect the city’s diversity. The deadline for entries is April 5 by 4 p.m.
For information regarding eligibility, specifications, selection process, submittal of materials and selection criteria, contact city parks director Mike Farrell at 360-863-4557 or mfarrell@monroewa.gov
A sculpture of Vaux’s swifts at the corner of Main and Lewis streets by Kevin Edwin Pettelle was unveiled in January 2017.
Liquid latex paint recycling available
EVERETT — People can now recycle wet latex paint at Snohomish County’s Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Station located at 3434 McDougall Ave. in Everett.
The recycling fees are: For one-gallon cans and smaller, the recycling fee is $10 for up to five containers. For 5-gallon and larger containers, the recycling fee is $10 for one container, $20 for two containers or $30 for three containers.
Mukilteo Sounder permit parking
MUKILTEO — Starting April 1, riders using the parking lots at the Edmonds and Mukilteo Stations will be able to reserve a spot up to 8 a.m. by purchasing a Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV) permit or signing up for a free carpool permit. The permits went on sale March 1 and cost $90 monthly. There is a $30 discount if you qualify for ORCA Lift reduced transit fares.
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