Front Porch: Turn in your ticks

With tick season under way, the Department of Health is inviting people all over the state to send the pests to the agency for a project to learn more about what types of ticks live in Washington.

“Different types of ticks carry different diseases,” said Liz Dykstra, public health entomologist for the Department of Health, in a statement. “We’re asking people to help us learn more by sending us ticks for identification so we understand the risks for disease in different areas.”

Washington has relatively few cases of tick-borne disease, yet each year a few cases of relapsing fever, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are reported to state health officials.

Information about sending ticks to the Department of Health and on preventing tick bites is at http://tinyurl.com/tickwebpage or contact them by e-mail or phone, 1-877-485-7316.

New park: The city of Lynnwood plans to celebrate the opening and dedication of a new park Monday. The event is planned for noon at Stadler Ridge Park, 17428 33rd Place W.

A new sign also will be unveiled that honors the Stadler family, who homesteaded nearby in the 1920s. Some additional Arbor Day-themed tree plantings are planned as well.

The 2-acre park includes play equipment, a large grassy area and a walking trail.

Speech contest: Local high school students can win one of two $1,000 prizes in the “Four-Way Test Speech Contest” through Rotary District 5050.

Students in grades eight through 12, living in Arlington, Lakewood or Darrington can be apply under the Rotary Club of Arlington. Contestants choose from a list of topics to develop a 5- to 10-minute speech.

Applications and more information are available at bit.ly/16d8HZZ.

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