Briefly

It’s spring, but ice still shuts down highway

In a reminder that winter-type weather hasn’t gone away despite the start of spring, a portion of State Route 18 was closed temporarily Wednesday morning because of black ice on the roadway.

The closure of the eastbound lanes in the area of milepost 18 began at about 5:30 a.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.

DOT officials noted that weather and road conditions can change rapidly and that motorists should plan accordingly. Traveler information is available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic and by calling 5-1-1.

Ex-local student finishes AF training

Kristina Russell, a former Kentlake High School student, has completed basic training with the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Russell, who graduated from Kentlake last year, is the daughter of Rebecca Russell and David Russell.

State business taxes topic of workshop

The south King County office of the state Department of Revenue has scheduled a free workshop on taxes for new and small-business owners April 16 at 1 p.m. at Fairwood Library.

The library is at 17009 140th SE.

The workshop will focus on state excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection, and record-keeping requirements.

The number of participants will be limited. Registration can done at www.dor.wa.gov or (253) 437-3440.

Bluegrass music live and free at library

Bluegrass music will be performed at 1 p.m. today at Covington Library.

Admission is free. The library is at 27100 164th Ave. SE.