KIRO reports that statewide unemployment is at 5.8%.

The state's jobless rate is now nearly a full percentage point higher than the national rate, but that matches the average gap between the two figures in the past 10 years, state labor economist Roberta Pauer said.

A news release from Our Sports Central concerns the construction of a sports center in Olympia. Here's the whole thing:

The Port Commission of Olympia, WA voted 3-0 Monday night to approve an exclusive option agreement with Puget Sound Sports and Entertainment, LLC that would give the firm up to seven (7) months to present a plan for a privately-financed sports and events center to be located on a 3.75 acre site which is part of a 17.5 acre port parcel at State Avenue and Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Michael Tuckman, Puget Sound Sports CEO said, "This is a major step forward for economic development in the state capital. The people of Olympia are going to be thrilled to see the fast-paced, family-affordable brand of pro sports entertainment that will come to town. Basketball fans are going to go nuts for the American Basketball Association."

Tuckman, who is President and General Manager of Puget Sound Sports' two current ABA teams, the defending Western Conference Champion Bellevue Blackhawks and the expansion Tacoma Navigators was recently named "2004-2005 ABA Executive of the Year" for guiding his #13 ranked team to the ABA Championship Game last March. Tuckman is Founder and Chairman of the Puget Sound Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Foundation, and former President and General Manager of KONG-TV 6/16 in Seattle.

Bellevue opens defense of its title on the road on November 22nd against the Bellingham Slam. Great seats are still available. Please contact the Slam office at their website, www.bellinghamslam.com or contact www.blackhawkshoops.com or email michaeltuckman@msn.com or visit www.abalive.com.

Bread & Roses Benefit Pizza Party
Hosted by Fertile Ground

Friday, September 16th 6-10pm

Fresh Pizza Baked in a Cob Oven
Salads and Desserts
Veggies donated by the Gleaners Coalition

Live music

Silent Auction and Loud Raffle

Fertile Ground is located at 311 9th Ave. near the downtown library.

Bread and Roses' mission is to serve, in love, the low income, marginalized and homeless of Thurston County. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this summer with many community events.

I've got a couple of very nice cats that have recently moved in. Unfortunately, but don't have room for these guys. Both are very people-friendly and mellow. We would love to see them go to a loving home where they will get the amount of attention they deserve. "Zip" is on the left, and "Johnny" is on the right.

If you're interested, email me here.

As in years past, there will be a wonderful diversity bulbs, including choice selections of daffodils, narcissi, tulips, crocus, iris, and hyacinth. Satsop Bulb Farm in Elma consistently provides guaranteed quality bulbs selected for success in northwest gardens.

Local perennial farms, Perennial Gardener and Secret Garden Perennials, provide vibrant botanical treasures. Knowledgeable and friendly vendors can help you find the perfect something for every yard. Additionally, informational booths aid gardeners with sensible gardening solutions.

Arts and crafts abound at the garden-themed event. Etched message stones, birdhouses, handcrafted flower candles and plants, garden themed art, vintage jewelry and linens, and custom fences, gates, arbors, and furniture are just a sampling of the tremendous variety found this year.

A vintage tag sale compliments the garden. Here visitors will find an exciting selection of antiques, collectibles, furniture and assorted treasures. It will be one of the last, and definitely best, “garage

From the Olympian:

A semi-truck driver struck a power pole at the city’s busiest intersection Monday, knocking out traffic signals and causing backups that officials said late Monday could continue Tuesday.

Jacqui Brown Miller, president of Reclaim Democracy, has an editorial in the Olympian that addresses that paper's position on the Community Values Ordinance (previously blogged about here). A snip:

Recently, The Olympian’s editorial board published an editorial "Jettison proposed ordinance," opposing the community values ordinance proposed by ReclaimDemocracy.org's Olympia chapter. The editorial is inaccurate and one sided; not surprising given it was written without input from Reclaim Democracy, yet repeatedly quotes local Chamber of Commerce representatives that oppose the ordinance.

The editorial asserts the community values ordinance is supported only by 15 super-vocal people. Not true. Had the board inquired, it would know the ordinance concept is supported by the Green Party of South Puget Sound, the Thurston County chapter of Amnesty International and 200 local citizens.