District luncheon set for garden clubs

The Chinook District of Garden Clubs, an organization of 12 south King County-area garden clubs that includes one in Ravensdale, will meet for their district luncheon Aug. 27.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Ave. S. in Des Moines. Guest speakers’ programs will focus on dahlias and garden designs.

More about the clubs is available at (206) 242-9074. In addition to Ravensdale, clubs are also located in Auburn, Kent and Renton, among other areas.

Public’s help sought in solving wood fire

Authorities and Rainier Wood Recyclers Inc. are asking for the public’s help in the investigation of a fire in wood debris fire at Rainier in Covington on Aug 5.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that helps determine the cause of the fire, which is still under investigation, according to Kyle Ohashi, a spokesman for Fire District 37.

He said anyone with information can contact investigators confidentially and/or anonymously at (253) 856-4465.

The spectacular fire was reported at about 10:30 p.m. It was difficult to extinguish and smoldered for days. There were no injuries from it, but authorities issued a health advisory because of the heavy smoke.

Watermelon-eating winners announced

Three people from Covington and one from Auburn were the biggest watermelon consumers during the recent Covington Days festival.

City officials announced the watermelon-eating contest was won by Caitlin Habenicht of Covington in the girls’ 12-years-old-and-under category, Dan Habenicht of Covington (boys 12 and under), Laryce Farrell of Covington (females 13 and older) and Mark Holmen of Auburn (males 13 and older).

Dan Habenicht was crowned the grand champion after beating everyone in the final round.

All of the winners received city of Covington baseball caps.

The annual festival, held July 25- 27, included a community picnic that Mayor Margaret Harto called “a great day” for connecting “with friends and neighbors.”