Strawberry Festival Talent Show June 18, auditions May 7-8

MARYSVILLE — The 2009 Marysville Strawberry Festival Talent Show will take place June 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Auditorium, but the show can’t go on without performers.

To that end, Maryfest Inc. is looking for talented locals to compete in fields ranging from vocal, dance and instrumental music to drama and comedy. Auditions will be held in the M-PHS Auditorium, located at 5611 108th St. NE, May 7-8 from 5:30- 7:45 p.m. on both nights.

Contestants of all ages are welcome to try out, both on their own and as part of groups. You can contact Talent Show Director Marcy Giesler at 360-653-6584 for applications, or download applications at www.maryfest.com, and then send your completed applications to Giesler at max761@verizon.net. The deadline to return applications is May 1.

City seeks applicants for

hotel-motel tax tourism grants

MARYSVILLE — The city of Marysville is now accepting applications for its Hotel-Motel Tax Grant Program.

The grants help fund projects that stimulate tourism in Marysville and are paid for by a portion of the 1 percent sales tax on hotel and motel rooms located in Marysville. Grant applicants are strongly encouraged to supply at least 25 percent of the total project cost.

The program is open to applicants from any qualified nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated an ability to accomplish the proposed projects. Agencies such as historical societies, art groups, chambers of commerce, youth activity organizations and service clubs are general examples of eligible groups, a number of which have received grant funding for their tourism-related projects, promotion and marketing. Pursuant to chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington, projects must comply with state statutes governing use of the tax funds.

To obtain a copy of the Marysville Hotel-Motel Tax Policy packet, which includes information about project availability, procedures and application forms, please visit the City Information and Records tab on the city of Marysville Web site, at http://marysvillewa.gov, or contact the City Clerk’s Office, either in person or by mail at the Marysville City Hall on 1049 State Ave., or by phone at 360-363-8000.

Applications are reviewed by the Hotel-Motel Tax Fund Committee. The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. on May 1. Applications received after this time may not be eligible for funding.

Man steals Marysville Kmart jewelry display

MARYSVILLE — Police are searching for a male suspect in the theft of a case full of jewelry from a Marysville Kmart on April 14.

According to Marysville Police Cmdr. Ralph Krusey, the suspect stole a rotating display case containing an estimated worth of approximately $6,000 in jewelry from the Kmart, located on the 9600 block of State Avenue, at some time between 3-8 p.m. on April 14.

Although a similar theft was reported at a Seattle Kmart, it’s not clear yet whether or not the two cases are connected.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to call Marysville Police at 360-363-8300.

Snohomish County Career

Summit in Smokey Point May 13

SMOKEY POINT — All area middle and high school students, as well as their parents, are invited to attend the free Snohomish County Career Summit at the Medallion Hotel, located at 16710 Smokey Point Blvd., May 13 from 5-8 p.m.

Food will also be provided for free, and students will be able to meet with leaders in the apprenticeship trades, and learn more about non-traditional employment opportunities.

The event is being sponsored by the Marysville School District, and for more information, you can call David Carpenter at 360-657-0965.

Lakewood schools hold public hearing on I-728 funds April 29

LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood School District will be holding its public hearing on the proposed use of its 2009-2010 I-728 funds prior to the start of their April 29 Board study session.

The report will begin at 6 p.m. in the Technology Training Lab at English Crossing Elementary School, located at 16728 16th Dr. NE, and the Board study session will follow at 6:30 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend and, if desired, shall be given the opportunity to comment on the proposed plan for the use of these funds.