On any given Saturday morning in New Columbia, Vernetta Ollison is doing what she does best – helping people.
"We give out food to the community, any one, any where, any race, doesn't matter," Ollison told The Skanner.
Last year, Ollison and her family gave away food to 1,444 families. She says it all started with a call from God.
"I had such a passion to feed the hungry anyway," she said. "He was telling me I could do more. … I was already supplying food boxes here at Providence to our cancer center."
So nearly two years ago, with the help of a $1,000 grant from Full Gospel Pentecostal, the 60-year-old minister bought a $600 van, loaded it up with food and began handing it out on Fridays at Trenton Terrace in New Columbia. . . .

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips recently joined representatives of Climate Communities in pressing the case to President Obama and Congress for local climate funds to be included in the federal stimulus package.
The result of that effort is $3.2 billion in energy grants nationwide that will make it possible for King County and other cities and counties to invest in local actions that create immediate jobs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas . . .

Kontagious Movement, composed of Greg Baja, Angelo Buelva, Eric Dy, Andrew Faulkner, VJ Frijas, Brad Jackson, John Roque, Will Tieu, Yoshi Wright and Megan Xaybhana, won the first place title and a $1,000 prize in "Seattle Show Stoppers 2009" dance competition. . . .

As part of America Saves Week efforts, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (CTED) and Washington Asset Building Coalitions (WABC) are working together to promote Washington Saves Week Feb. 22-March 1.
During these tough economic times — resulting in thousands of layoffs in Washington alone — it is more important than ever for residents to have a personal emergency fund. . . .

The annual Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day on Feb. 13 saw over 150 area high school students learning firsthand the benefits of pursuing an education in technology and the impact it could have on their futures.   
In the United States there has been a steady decline in the number of students pursuing engineering and related computer science degrees, especially among minority populations. . . .

The Seattle Public Library will present, "Facing the Future: Families Explore Slavery's Legacy," a three-part film and discussion series exploring the efforts of three families to reach an understanding of slavery's legacy. The series will take place this spring at the Central Library . . . Each program will feature a documentary and panel discussion with experts, activists and modern-day abolitionists dealing with the enduring effects of slavery. Each film explores efforts to reach an understanding . . .

ATHENS, Ala. (AP) _ There are six acres in Athens waiting for cultivation, not for a crop of cotton or soybeans, but for memories.
In this soil drained the blood of slaves fighting for their freedom. A group of citizens is trying to preserve the area as a historic site.
Judge Daniel Coleman built his home here in 1826 and operated a cotton plantation. During the Civil War, Union troops occupied the site. Troops piled dirt 16 feet high in a star shape and turned the site into Fort Henderson and protected Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman's supply line. ...

The economic slowdown may be pinching pocketbooks, but that hasn't stopped fly-by-night businesses from continuing to gouge unsuspecting customers while undercutting legitimate businesses. In an effort to counter consumer fraud, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has proclaimed March 1-7 Washington State Consumer Protection Week, and has asked state agencies to help consumers avoid the pitfalls of dealing with an underground economy by setting up www.suspectfraud.com ...

Two different shows in March showcase different kinds of talent in the Rose City, hip hop and jazz artists ...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama proposed war spending Thursday that nears $11 billion a month for the next year and a half despite the planned withdrawal of U.S. forces in Iraq. The Obama administration wants to spend about $75 billion on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through next fall, costs that were largely set by the previous Bush administration, although were never disclosed in the regular budget. On top of that the budget proposal released Thursday asks Congress for $130 billion for next year. . . .