Are Storms Getting More Intense Over the Pacific Northwest?

CLIFF MASS WEATHER BLOG
Sunday, december 15, 2013
It is rare to have a week go by without a local media outlet doing a story suggesting that storms are getting worse in our area, with global warming being the suggested cause.  For example, last month KING-5 ran a story saying exactly that (see image), quoting from a representative of  the National Conservancy.

And this is not the only example of claims that Northwest storms are strengthening.

The sad thing is that these claims of increased storms in our region are simply not true,contradicted by the both observations and the peer-reviewed literature.   The "experts" quoted are often representatives of well-meaning, but poorly informed, advocacy groups.

All too often, the media is failing to do their homework in checking out the veracity of these claims.    So let's do the homework for them!  Let's look at key observations to see if there are any trends in storminess in our region.
read more http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2013/12/are-storms-getting-more-intense-over.html

Santa Claus may be disguised as a police officer in city of Asotin

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 15, 2013

ASOTIN, WA - The Christmas spirit is alive and well in the city of Asotin, as one couple's quest to give underprivileged children a nice Christmas has spread.

Asotin Police Officer Josh Allen and his wife gave children at the Northwest Children's Home presents, and their spirit was contagious. Now the whole Asotin Police Department is sponsoring the group home's toy drive for Christmas...
read more:
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Act-of-Kindness-spreads-in-city-of-Asotin-235932131.html

IDAHO RANKS AMONG HEALTHIEST STATES

By Sophie Miraglio Published: Dec 13, 2013

LEWISTON, ID - Idaho ranks 12th among all U.S. states in overall health, that's according to a new national report that highlights the strengths and challenges that all 50 states face.

The Gem State significantly improved from last year when the state ranked 19th. However three challenges Idahoans have are low immunization coverage, limited availability of primary care physicians, and a high frequency of whooping cough. 

Doctor David Petersen of Valley Medical Center family physician, said the problems of low immunization and pertussis infections often go hand-in-hand.

http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Health-in-state-of-Idaho-235768341.html

Clarkston School Dist. leaders share their plans for a bond and levy

By Veronica Miracle Published: Dec 13, 2013
The high school lacks adequate lockdown security mechanisms and has multiple entryways.

Clarkston School District leaders are asking local voters to pass a levy and bond this coming February. The proposed levy would pay for operating costs for teachers and their materials. It'd be $3.96 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value which would collect nearly $5 million for the school district if passed by the voters
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Clarkston-School-Dist-Levy-235734281.html

Angie’s List: Tips to make your house more energy efficient

By Morgan Aguilar Published: Dec 13, 2013
"You can help save money by upgrading inefficient appliances and inefficient windows and doors," said Angie's List Owner, Angie Hicks. "But you need to make sure that your item is old enough that you are going to get a nice ROI on the investment. I replaced a furnace on a 20-year-old house not that long ago and we immediately saw savings in our heating and cooling bills. On top of that, the house was just more comfortable."
FULL ARTICLE  http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Angies-List-Tips-to-make-your-house-more-energy-efficient-235745541.html

An Energy auditor will take infrared and digital pictures and make suggestions on how to fix problems.