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VIDEO: A first and a last at West Seattle Elementary, as students start the school year with ‘Be There’ celebration
September 4, 2024 12:01 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

The first day of school began with a joyful tradition at West Seattle Elementary – the annual “Be There Rally,” with staff – that’s Akim Finch, above, who also DJ’d – and community members lining a red carpet to greet the students with high-fives, cheers, and applause.

Among the greeters was principal Pam McCowan-Conyers, for whom this “Be There” was bittersweet, as the hug from assistant principal Richie Garcia acknowledged:

She’s retiring after this year, so this was her final “Be There” – she spoke briefly, recalling what she has learned in 15 years at WSES, as well as sharing expectations and plans for the year ahead:

But meantime, there were many high-fives to be given – among those joining the principal and her staff this morning were West Seattle’s School Board Director Gina Topp (as mentioned in McCowan-Conyers’ remarks):

According to district documents, West Seattle Elementary had an enrollment of about 350 students last year and was forecast for about the same this year.

The addition/renovations completed last year gave it a capacity of 500, which will doubtlessly be a consideration when Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announces his consolidation proposals next month.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Juliana Kang Robinson’s ‘Pojagi Mounds’ at Walt Hundley Playfield
September 1, 2024 12:48 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

One of West Seattle’s newest murals is adorning the restroom building at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), installed earlier this summer. We hadn’t heard about it until a brief Seattle Parks online mention this week; we went over for a closer look, and also contacted artist Juliana Kang Robinson to find out more.

She tells us the installation, commissioned by the city, is called “Pojagi Mounds.”

Pojagi Mounds is a landscape of belonging and togetherness. The design is inspired by pojagi, the historic Korean patchwork artform using scrap fabric to create cloths that were integral to a person’s daily life. They were used as tablecloths, to deliver gifts, to carry possessions on a journey, and protect valuables. Wrapping a gift in a pojagi communicated respect for the object and good will toward the recipient. Each patch added by the maker was like a prayer of good will that would enfold and carry the gift. For me pojagi represents how diverse members of a community can come together to enfold and carry one another. Pojagi Mounds underscores how the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A mountain is more than simply soil, plants and rocks just as we people in a society are greater when unified. My goal for this public artwork is to create a visual representation of this concept that spur viewers to ponder the beautiful and complex way that different parts can come together to unify and elevate us beyond the self.

She continues:

I used a traditional Korean color scheme called Obangsaek. Obangsaek means “Five Orientations” in balance with the universe – East (blue), West (white), South (red), North (black) and Center (yellow) to promote harmony while warding off evil spirits. In my work I like to incorporate animals with strong family bonds both in reference to the various creation myths and for the conjuring of strength, courage and belonging. In this mural I also wanted to honor our local “ecosystem engineers,” the beavers known for changing and maintaining ecosystems which significantly boost local biodiversity. I also love both creatures as a symbols for familial strength and working hard for one’s family and community.

You can see more of her work on her website.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: High Point Library celebrates 20th anniversary
August 29, 2024 5:35 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCENE: High Point Library celebrates 20th anniversary
 |   High Point | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

As noted in today’s highlight list, the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library is having a party right now! This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the branch, which opened in June 2004, funded by the “Libraries for All” bond measure that built or remodeled more than two dozen branches citywide. Treats and book raffles are part of it:

Voters passed “Libraries for All” in 1998, and as explained in this HistoryLink.org essay, it was supplemented by other funding, from donors including the Seattle Public Library Foundation. That’s who’s sponsoring today’s party, which features other partners including DNDA (screening tote bags, below) and the West Seattle Food Bank.

Visit the branch before 7:30 pm tonight to join the celebration – also a good time to get reacquainted with the library, now that SPL’s recovery is almost complete from the tech attack that hit just before Memorial Day.

The branch is on the southeast corner of 35th/Raymond.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Can you spare a little time to help kids with homework at local libraries?
August 14, 2024 11:59 am
|    Comments Off on BACK TO SCHOOL: Can you spare a little time to help kids with homework at local libraries?
 |   High Point | How to help | South Park | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

For 30 years, the Seattle Public Library has welcomed volunteers to help local students with their homework during drop-in after-school hours. This year, they’re recruiting volunteers for free Homework Help tutoring at the High Point and South Park branches. Citywide, last school year, SPL says 1,100 students used Homework Help more than 4,400 times, aided by more than 180 volunteers. SPL says 60 percent of the students reported better grades as a result of the help they received. You can be part of kids’ success this year! Here’s what SPL wants prospective volunteers to know:

The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the school year, specifically from Sept. 16, 2024 through June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each shift is approximately two hours.

Volunteers must be 18 or older. Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful. The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.

Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.

During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets. Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High-school students can get help with not just academic subjects but with other priorities such as college essays.

Because Homework Help is a drop-in program, students can show up any day to receive help, and they do not need to have a Library card to attend. Snacks are provided at every Homework Help session, courtesy of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Hunger Intervention Program.

Can you help? Or, have a question? You can email SPL’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org (and find more info here). They’re hoping to hear from new volunteers ASAP as the new school year approaches, but they do also accept volunteer applications throughout the year.

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VIDEO: West Seattle Big Band captivates Concert in the Park crowd
July 16, 2024 11:29 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

It’s a 27-year tradition for the West Seattle Big Band – the midsummer Concert in the Park. Here are some of the people who showed up tonight to enjoy the free concert at High Point Commons Park:

They were treated to more than an hour and a half of music from the WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, with vocalists tonight including the band’s newest singer, Sam Henry:

Longtime vocalist Jenaige Lane, too:

And a guest return appearance by former vocalist Jeff Carter:

The concert was sponsored by the West Seattle Grand Parade (this Saturday!). During the school year, you can catch the WSBB performing at fundraisers for student musicians; you’ll often see them at other big West Seattle events too, like the Fauntleroy Fall Festival in October.

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT says it’s finished High Point Healthy Street construction
June 30, 2024 3:22 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 34th/Morgan)

Though most of the attention has gone to the Alki Point stretch, West Seattle has two other “Healthy Streets,” and SDOT sent an announcement this week that it’s done with work on what was the first one announced in 2020, officially the “High Point Healthy Street” though it stretches into Sunrise Heights. After a downsizing decision last year, SDOT retained the designation for 34th SW between Graham and Holden. Most of what the “construction” entailed was the placement of permanent concrete-base signage, including some with planters, as shown above, and pavement markings around the signs. SDOT says it will decide by year’s end whether the other West Seattle Healthy Street, Delridge/Highland Park, will become permanent; community advocates have long been requesting that if it does, the Trenton stretch is removed, as that’s a major neighborhood connection street.

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FYI: Film crew planning to work near 35th/Morgan tomorrow
June 16, 2024 8:05 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Chris for the tip about no-parking signs in the 34th/35th/36th/Morgan vicinity. A close-up look shows they’re attributed to a production company for “filming” tomorrow (Monday, June 17). Detailed information on some of the signage pointed us toward the production manager, who tells WSB they’ll be filming a “TV commercial” tomorrow; he isn’t allowed to say what the commercial’s for, but insists it’s nothing “exciting.” He says passersby will notice production trucks and a motor home, and that what they’re filming will include a delivery truck rigged with a camera, “driving around the neighborhoods,” with a police escort.

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CAN YOU HELP? Bloodworks Northwest looking for more donors in West Seattle
June 2, 2024 5:09 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | How to help | West Seattle news

If you can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest hopes to see you at one of its West Seattle donation locations in the next week and a half. They’re offering an extra incentive, too. Here’s the announcement:

Water adventures await you this summer! Donate blood in June and ENTER TO WIN a BOTE Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board & Life Vest. Sail The Sound, Deschutes, Willamette, and beyond!

The lucky winner will be contacted between July 3-15, 2024. They will have 24 hours to accept their prize.

Bloodworks Northwest will be at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor Ave SW) for blood drives on June 3, 4, 10, and 11, and at Peace Lutheran Church, West Seattle (8316 39th Ave SW) on June 5.

Please sign up to give blood! Appointments are required. If you need help booking an appointment, please contact Bloodworks DONOR CARE TEAM at 800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org

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VIDEO: ‘Let us be peacemakers,’ urges speaker @ Forest Lawn’s West Seattle Memorial Day remembrance
May 27, 2024 8:48 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Holidays | West Seattle news

That was the most touching moment of today’s Memorial Day remembrance at Forest Lawn in West Seattle – the presentation of a U.S. flag to Gregorio Garcia, one of a dozen Filipino American World War II veterans honored with Congressional Gold Medals in 2017. This afternoon’s event had a special spotlight on Filipino Americans, as it was held in partnership with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.

NaFFAA’s national president Mariela Fletcher spoke about being “united in remembrance and gratitude” for veterans, who “embody faith and resilience” as a “guiding light.” She also reflected on “these troubling times” and urged everyone present, “let us be peacemakers.” Also urging a peaceful resolution for current conflicts was Maricres Valdez Castro. who sang the national anthem and read a poem about her grandfather’s brothers, who died in WWII:

Other speakers included John Miller, with a brief tribute to those who gave their lives “knowing that our country is worth any risk.”

Here’s the event in its entirety, starting with the anthem:

The flag-handling was by members of the Seattle Police Honor Guard.

Flags in the cemetery were placed by volunteers Shawn Vogt and Vina Vogt:

This is the first year that Forest Lawn has held the previously annual ceremony since 2019.

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West Seattle’s traditional Memorial Day ceremony returning this year
May 20, 2024 12:17 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Holidays | West Seattle news

(File photo, Forest Lawn on Memorial Day)

For the first time since 2019, Forest Lawn Cemetery is bringing back the traditional West Seattle Memorial Day ceremony this year. (Here’s our coverage of the last event, pre-pandemic.) All are invited to the remembrance event next Monday (May 27) on the green in the cemetery (6701 30th SW), 2 pm, for speakers, music, and refreshments.

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PHOTOS: West Seattle Bee Festival draws swarms of visitors
May 18, 2024 10:58 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(Thanks to Lora for the photos)

10:58 AM: If ever you’ve wanted to find out more about the West Seattle Bee Garden, today is THE day. The West Seattle Bee Festival is under way all day in and around High Point Commons Park (Lanham/Graham). The morning is devoted to walking and running activities, with the help of Emerald City Wanderers:

Then from noon to 4 pm, booths will be set up along Lanham Place, with a variety of organizations and vendors to visit, and you can check out activities and demonstrations – to learn about the bees, be at the Bee Garden at 1 pm for a hive demonstration. The full schedule of events is in this preview.

12:26 PM: Thanks to Lora for more photos – you can meet beekeepers and buy honey, of course, at the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association booth:

The Seattle Public Library hopes you’ll be abuzz about reading:

Seattle Police sent four-legged ambassadors from the Mounted Patrol:

The festival is on until 4 pm!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
May 17, 2024 6:51 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

6:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting apparent gunfire near 30th SW and SW Morgan [map], police have arrived in the area and confirmed it. They have found at least three casings in an alley near that intersection. They also have found a vehicle with “two bullet holes in the windshield,” officers told dispatch. No report of any injuries so far; there are reports the gunfire may have involved multiple groups of people on foot and in vehicles.

6:54 PM: Now they’ve reported to dispatch that they’re up to 15 casings.

7:14 PM: Officers have also told dispatch about “possible gunfire damage” to the 2nd floor of a home in the area.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle Bee Festival tomorrow!
May 17, 2024 3:33 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

First big event of a lively West Seattle weekend starts at 9 am tomorrow – the West Seattle Bee Festival! Here’s how the day will unfold:

Commons Park runs north behind Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW; map) and the West Seattle Bee Garden is at its north end (corner of Lanham and Graham); Lanham is where you’ll find most of the booths during the community activities between noon and 4 pm (that street will be closed to traffic much of the day). It’s all free! The first Bee Festival was back in 2013, celebrating the launch of the Bee Garden itself.

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COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K
May 11, 2024 8:35 pm
|    Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle news

Spring/summer event season has begun! We’re now only four weeks away from the Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K and its companion events. Loop the ‘Lupe happens in the late morning and early afternoon of Saturday, June 8 – starting with the obstacle-course 5K’s Elite Wave at 11 am, continuing with the Family Wave, then the 5K Fun Run, the Senior Saunter, and concluding at 1 pm with the Youth Dash. (Get more info here about all the events.) Lots of fun on the sidelines too at Walt Hundley Playfield, with music, food, and a beer/cider garden. Loop the ‘Lupe raises money for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-outreach work. If you’re not registered yet, you can fix that by going here right now! (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation
May 10, 2024 12:23 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, EARLY FRIDAY: Police following up on multiple 911 calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it. Officers just told dispatch they’ve found “a bunch of casings” at 32nd SW and SW Raymond, plus “bullet damage” at a nearby residence. No word of any injuries, and no description of who was responsible, though the 911 callers were reported to have heard “a vehicle” in the area.

ADDED MONDAY MORNING: A few more details from the SPD incident summary:

At 0011 hours, officers responded to a shots fired call near 32 Ave SW/SW Raymond St. The suspect exited the vehicle and shot at least 29 rounds at a house. The house was struck multiple times, and it was occupied by five children and three adults. Officers arrived and checked on the welfare of the occupants of the house. Officers checked other houses nearby. The occupants didn’t report any injuries.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle Bee Festival!
May 4, 2024 8:32 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

One of the year’s first festivals is exactly two weeks away – the West Seattle Bee Festival in High Point. Here’s the overview of what’s planned for the festival 9 am-4 pm Saturday, May 18, at Commons Park (home to the West Seattle Bee Garden) and along Lanham Place:

During the noon-4 pm festival, two dozen nonprofits, schools, agencies, and city departments will have informational booths so you can connect with your community. That and the other Bee Festival activities and performances are all free!

SIDE NOTE: You can help get the Bee Garden ready for the festival by volunteering there Sunday morning!

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FOLLOWUP: SDOT says construction starts soon on permanent ‘High Point Healthy Street’
April 18, 2024 12:01 pm
|      45 COMMENTS
 |   High Point | Transportation | West Seattle news

When the city launched what were originally called “Stay Healthy Streets” four years ago, the first one announced in West Seattle was in High Point/Sunrise Heights. SDOT announced today that construction of its permanent features is about to begin:

First, SDOT’s reminder: “As announced earlier this year, 34th Ave SW will become a permanent Healthy Street and the other streets will return to neighborhood greenway (status).” So, for 34th (the stretch shown above in purple), the emailed update says:

We are excited to share an update for the High Point Healthy Street! We will start construction of the permanent installments for the High Point Healthy Street as soon as late April!

We will install permanent signage with a concrete block base and newly painted curb space around it at each intersection along the Healthy Street. At intersections where neighbors requested planters, we will install the permanent signage with a planter sign base.

SDOT crews will likely be on site soon to start preparing for work. You may see crews marking the pavement along the Healthy Street.

The project’s official page is here.

OTHER HEALTHY STREETS: SDOT says it’s still determining whether the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street will become permanent. And we’re checking on whether the construction schedule has been clarified for Alki Point since the reiteration four weeks ago that the design features announced last December will be built.

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CLOSURE ALERT: High Point Library closed today because of ‘insufficient staffing’
April 7, 2024 2:38 pm
|    Comments Off on CLOSURE ALERT: High Point Library closed today because of ‘insufficient staffing’
 |   High Point | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

Thanks for texting the tip and photo. The Seattle Public Library‘s High Point branch is normally open 10 am-6 pm on Sundays, but is closed today – its webpage blames “insufficient staffing.” Also noted online: “The book return will remain open and holds will be extended.” Checking around the SPL site, we see our area’s other branches all appear to be open, until 6 pm as usual.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: High Point Community Center hosts hundreds of egg hunters
March 30, 2024 6:11 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

You can’t have an egg hunt without the Easter Bunny’s helpers. At High Point Community Center this morning, the egg-hunt team included Debbie, Thomas, and Jeremy (above). Thanks to a lot of hard work, hundreds of kids had serious fun, from the littlest ones let loose in the gym …

… to the older ones, whose hunt was held outdoors:

High Point was one of two Seattle Parks community centers in West Seattle where egg hunts were held this morning, along with Delridge CC. All the egg hunts set for tomorrow are happening in conjunction with Easter services at local churches.

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You’re looped in with Loop the ‘Lupe early-signup pricing – but just for a few more days
March 19, 2024 9:00 am
|    Comments Off on You’re looped in with Loop the ‘Lupe early-signup pricing – but just for a few more days
 |   Fun stuff to do | High Point | How to help

Even with spring officially arriving tonight, June might seem far off. Think twice before you let that perception prevent you from registering early for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K (or one of its companion events) – you only have until this Friday to get the early discount. Loop the ‘Lupe is set to unfold over two-plus hours on Saturday, June 8 – starting with the obstacle-course 5K’s Elite Wave at 11 am, continuing with the Family Wave, then the 5K Fun Run, the Senior Saunter, and concluding at 1 pm with the Youth Dash. It’s all one big party on Walt Hundley Playfield, with music, food, and a beer/cider garden, too, Loop the ‘Lupe raises money for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-outreach work. You can register at the lowest prices by going here right now! (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor.)

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CAN YOU HELP? Volunteer youth track coaches needed, fast!
March 6, 2024 9:54 pm
|    Comments Off on CAN YOU HELP? Volunteer youth track coaches needed, fast!
 |   High Point | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(High Point Community Center, via seattle.gov)

Spring track-and-field season is less than two weeks away at High Point Community Center – which needs volunteer coaches to step up right now! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

High Point Community Center is currently looking for volunteer coaches for the High Point Track Program for the upcoming season. Track practices will start on Monday, March 18, 2024 . Monday practice will be 6:00 – 7:00 pm @ Hiawatha track and Wednesday practice will be 6:00 – 7:00 pm @ West Seattle Stadium. If you are interested in being a coach or know of anyone that is interested, contact Buck for more details at Buck.Buchanan@seattle.gov. We do not want to cancel practice until we find coaches … Thank you in advance for your help.

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BIZNOTE: High Point Walgreens’ temporary closure
February 8, 2024 1:24 pm
|    Comments Off on BIZNOTE: High Point Walgreens’ temporary closure
 |   High Point | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

1:24 PM: Thanks for the tips. Multiple readers have asked why the High Point Walgreens is closed right now. We went there to check on the situation; the entrance is closed, no signage. One reader says someone there earlier told them the door was inoperable because of a burglary attempt, and that the store had been waiting for a repair crew; we haven’t been able to verify that – the door did not show obvious damage, and there’s no police calls to that address listed for last night or this morning. We’ll go back to check again in a few hours; if you see the store open sooner, please let us know (text to 206-293-6302 is optimal) – thank you!

2:57 PM: A texter says the store has reopened. Also, the “temporarily closed” message is no longer on the store’s website.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigated in two locations
January 19, 2024 10:29 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

10:29 PM: Multiple 911 callers – and texters contacting us after calling 911 – reported suspected gunshots in High Point a short time ago, and police have confirmed it was gunfire: Officers have just told dispatch they found casings at 29th/Brandon. They’ve also heard from people near 29th/Findlay who say they were “shot at” – but no injuries are reported so far. The only description is a “black sedan with aftermarket headlights.”

10:47 PM: A texter says they’ve found casings by the 34th/Myrtle roundabout and have reported that to police.

10:56 PM: Officers have just told dispatch they’re at the aforementioned “second scene.”

11:11 PM: They’ve subsequently reported a “bullet in a house” near the second scene. Still no injuries reported in connection with either scene.

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