One of the longstanding keepers of the gatehouse at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla is Officer John McDonald, a.k.a. Big Mac.

Todd started writing fiction years ago; all aspects of his life are infused in his work.

In May, I accompanied a member from the Steilacoom Police Department to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. for the National Police Week ceremonies. I’ve made this trip several times to pay respect to those who have died in the line of duty.

Teamsters Local 117 has achieved a fully-recommended tentative agreement with Darigold over a contract involving 220 dairy workers and lab technicians employed at the company’s processing plants in Seattle and Issaquah.

With DOC negotiations now shifting to economics, the State needs to recognize the incredible service that correctional employees provide to protect the public. Right now, that isn’t happening.

Darigold production workers and lab technicians at the company’s Seattle and Issaquah milk processing plants voted overwhelmingly to strike on Saturday. Voting took place at three meetings throughout the day at the Teamsters Union Hall in Tukwila.

Teamster dairy workers and lab technicians who work at the Darigold processing plants in Seattle and Issaquah and at the Darigold lab in Tukwila will take a final strike vote at meetings throughout the day on Saturday, July 9.

I want to share some good news. Effective today, July 1, 2016 all Teamsters who work at the DOC will receive a 4.3% increase.

Darigold production workers and lab technicians at the company’s Seattle and Issaquah milk processing plants left federal mediation today on the brink of a labor dispute.