snovalleystar010512

Page 1

Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington

January 5, 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 1

Valley split Congressional lines cut through the Valley. Page 2

Legos are for more than building Page 10

After more than 60 years, shooting spree memories linger

Mountain rescue Man saved from danger near North Bend. Page 3

Star sets goals for the Valley for 2012 Page 4

Police blotter Page 7 Photos by Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Above: George Fitzgerald tackled the gunman to the ground, ending the shooting spree. Far right: The usually quiet Walter Peden began shooting Dec. 12, 1949, wounding three and killing a police officer. Right: Washington State Patrol Trooper Paul Johnson died several hours after being shot by Peden.

BY DAN CATCHPOLE

Acting out Mount Si grad finds success on the stage. Page 8

Three amigos Local laxers play at national level. Page 12

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER

Dec. 12 came and passed quietly in the Snoqualmie Valley. The date’s seemingly unremarkable nature covers a dark episode in local history. Sixtytwo years ago, the day saw unparalleled violence in the upper Valley. It was Dec. 12, 1949, when a local man began a shooting spree that wounded three and killed one — Washington State Patrol Trooper Paul Johnson. Before that day, Walter Peden had lived quietly in the Valley for a few years. Little is known about his life before he came to the area. The 57-year-old man lived modestly in a former summer cottage in Ernie’s Grove north of North Bend.

He mostly kept to himself, according to people who knew him. “He had a sort of whining voice,” Harley Brumbaugh said. As a teenager, Brumbaugh and Peden both kept horses at a barn in Meadowbrook. Peden struck him “like someone who felt like he got the short end of the stick his whole life,” See SHOOTING, Page 6

Chamber names new CEO The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce has named a new CEO — Kevin Dwyer. Dwyer has served as the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce’s executive director for the past decade. Before that, he worked for the Economic Development Council of Kitsap County and as a journalist in the Midwest and on the West Coast. “I’m looking forward to working with the chamber board, the Snoqualmie business community and the community-at-large to lift the chamber to its next level of excellence in the areas of membership development, tourism and economic development,” Dwyer said in a news release from the chamber. The chamber board of directors unanimously approved hiring Dwyer in late December. He was expected to start Jan. 3. While heading the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Dwyer oversaw a growth in membership from 670 to more than 1,000 members. Membership finally settled at about 850 members, according to the release. During his time on Bainbridge, the island’s chamber revenue tripled. The Valley chamber’s incoming president, Rodger McCollum, praised Dwyer in See CHAMBER, Page 3

Schools, cities continue to disagree on impact fees By Sebastian Moraga They may not count as new year’s resolutions, but the two municipalities and the school district in the Snoqualmie Valley know exactly what it is they want for 2012. The Snoqualmie Valley School District wants to know if it can count on impact fee rev-

enue from the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie. The cities want to know if they can count on being free from the threat of lawsuits stemming from the fees. “We do not want to collect impact fees unless the cities are fully indemnified,” Snoqualmie City Attorney Pat Anderson said. “The cities are united on that.”

The indemnity would cover both cities from any claim or lawsuits based “on any basis that the impact fee were not legal,” he added. Anderson called the cities’ requests very reasonable and common. “It’s not a matter of how common it is, it’s whether it’s correct or not and both cities

believe it’s correct,” he said. Over at the school district’s offices, not everybody is so convinced. School board president Dan Popp called the cities’ suggestion that cities may not carry any impact fees whatsoever unless they receive indemnity a mistake. See IMPACT, Page 3


SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

JANUARY 5, 2012

Redistricting splits the Valley between two congressional districts By Dan Catchpole

parties to reach a mutually beneficial decision, said Sandeep Kaushik, a Seattle-based political consultant. The bipartisan redistricting commission includes voting members — Democrats Ceis, a former Seattle deputy mayor; and Dean Foster, a former chief clerk for the state House of Representatives; and Republicans Gorton, a former U.S. senator, and Tom Huff, a former state budget chairman — and a nonvoting chairwoman, Lura Powell, former director of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The Snoqualmie Valley is being split between two Congressional districts, based on a proposal from the commission tasked with redrawing Washington state’s political boundaries. The commission shifted boundaries to make room for a congressional district that has a majority of residents of minority ethnicities, and a new district centered in Olympia. The plan cuts off neighbors to the northeast of North Bend and Snoqualmie, and moves them Some question value into the 1st Congressional District. Most of the residents in of splitting the Valley the upper Snoqualmie Valley The plan has rankled some remain in a more conservative Valley residents, who are con8th cerned that Congressional being split District, WEB EXTRA between two which now districts will stretches See a map of the new districts lessen their at www.snovalleystar.com across the representaCascade tion, espeMountains. cially for issues such as flooding. Fall City and the rest of the lower Valley move into the 1st “I think it’s ridiculous to segDistrict, which remains the ment Snoqualmie Valley into state’s one swing district. two districts,” Snoqualmie resiThe plan unveiled Dec. 28 by dent Yvonne Seidl said. “The Washington State Redistricting upper Valley shares a lot of Commission members Tim Ceis common issues, and I think if and Slade Gorton is a political it’s split, the issues we face — compromise between flooding, rural boundary to Republicans and Democrats. wildlife, development issues — “It is an inherently partisan will not be dealt with in a process” that requires the two holistic manner, which will

make our How new congressional districts stack up: 2010 Senate race vote issues Proposed districts Current districts even DISTRICT Rossi (R) Murray (D) DISTRICT Rossi Murray worse.” 1 51 percent 49 percent 1 44 percent 56 percent While 2 45 percent 55 percent 2 49 percent 51 percent the cur3 55 percent 45 percent 3 53 percent 47 percent rent 8th 4 65 percent 35 percent 4 64 percent 36 percent District is 5 58 percent 42 percent 5 59 percent 41 percent confined 6 47 percent 53 percent 6 47 percent 53 percent to King 7 23 percent 77 percent 7 19 percent 81 percent and 8 55 percent 45 percent 8 51 percent 49 percent Pierce 9 37 percent 63 percent 9 47 percent 53 percent counties, 10 47 percent 53 percent 10 —— —— the Source: The Seattle Times redrawn one will stretch from South King County to Wenatchee in Chelan County. A divided Valley Issaquah and Sammamish will Snoqualmie Valley will remain in the district. Pierce, straddle two Congressional Chelan and Kittitas counties will districts under the redistrictbe added. ing plan adopted Jan. 1. There could be some value to having two representatives, North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing said. It could give the Valley a stronger voice, he said. This is not the first time communities have wondered about 1st District 8th District being split across Congressional districts. “No matter where you draw the lines, you’re going to run into these issues,” Kaushik said. The commission looks at the N issue from 30,000 feet, not on the ground. Map by Dan Catchpole Like Hearing, he said he thinks it could help the Valley. “They’ll have two members of Congress visiting, because they’ll map protects incumbents. be seeking votes there,” Kaushik It creates five Democraticsaid. leaning districts and four Republican-leaning districts, Job protection First and foremost, the new See SPLIT, Page 7

Every child should be treated the way we’d like our own children treated.

It’s our goal to implement the highest standard of care at every patient encounter whether it’s a child’s first visit, a teenager who’s headed off to college, or a special-needs adult we’ve been treating for decades.

We have moved! 2 FREE Trial Classes New or returning customers only 1-18 • Boys & Girls • Gymnastics & Fitness Dance & Theatre 8174 304th SE Suite B Preston, WA 98050 • 425.222.0551 mailto:amypsgd@hotmail.com • www.psgdnorthbend.com

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

425.396.1410 SnoValley Star Storage Special

5’x5’ unit

for $39!

Refer to this ad when you call for details.

35501 SE Douglas Street Daily 9am - 6pm www.snoqualmieridgestorage.com


SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012

Troopers arrest 161 for DUI during Christmas weekend State troopers arrested 161 motorists suspecting of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during Christmas weekend. The figure is down from the 194 arrests troopers made during the period last year. The tally does not include arrested made by local law enforcement agencies, although the Issaquah Police Department is participating in holiday season drunken driving patrols. “We’re going in the right direction, but these numbers are still too high,” Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste said in a statement. “There’s just no excuse for putting yourself and others at risk by driving while impaired.” The state patrol noted three fatal collisions during the holiday weekend. Troopers believe alcohol or drugs contributed to the death of a 47-year old Chehalis man on State Highway 2 in Snohomish County. Investigators said the driver went around barricades and drove onto a pedestrian walkway, killing a man and injuring another. No fatal collisions occurred during the same period in 2010. Through Nov. 30, state troopers had arrested

Impact From Page 1 “They argue those are separate concerns,” Popp said. “To them, having a potential lawsuit is one thing and approving the dollar amount of the impact fees we indicate through the capital facilities plan is another.” Though Popp said the discussions were amiable and that the two sides are not at an impasse, not everybody agrees. Anderson declined to describe the tenor of the discussions. District board member Scott Hodgins said he walked away from the meeting feeling that “we are going to have this problem every year.” “They want to review the plan to see if it’s just or unjust regardless of whether we collect impact fees,” Hodgins said. “That’s the city saying they do not trust our educational plan.” Popp offered a less passionate assessment, saying city leaders

Back issues of your hometown newspaper – now online!

PAGE 3

20,130 motorists for DUI for the year — or up about 1 percent from the same period in 2010.

nastic, dance and Irish Dance competitive teams,” the owners said in the release.

Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance moves to Preston, draws new students

North Bend man rescued near Mount Tenerife

After 10 years in North Bend, Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance has moved to Preston. The new location offers a more open floor plan, higher ceilings and better lighting, according to a news release from the store’s owners, Amy Murphy and Penny Loan. It also features an upstairs viewing area for parents and other spectators. The gym’s new location is 8174 304th Ave. S.E., next door to Kidz Bounce in the Preston Industrial Park at Interstate 90’s exit 22. The gym currently serves about 350 families in Snoqualmie Valley, according to the owners. The new location has already attracted new customers from Issaquah and Bellevue. “Although there are some changes at PSGD, the organization’s dedication to families and the community will continue to remain a central focus for the business as will its commitment to its award-winning gym-

told him they just don’t want anyone forcing their hand. Nevertheless, Popp said, the district hesitates to provide indemnity to cities. If the cities are immune to lawsuits, contractors may aim their litigation at the schools. “The challenging position for the district,” Popp said, “is that we would take on all the liability, without any assurance that they may approve the impact

A 20-year-old man from North Bend had to be rescued Dec. 26 after falling from a ledge and breaking his leg. The man suffered a compound fracture at an elevation of 2,700 feet near Mount Tenerife east of North Bend, according to Seattle Mountain Rescue. The man and a hiking partner had gone to Kamikaze Falls and took a shortcut on their way back when at about 3 p.m. a rock gave way beneath him, causing him to fall and break his leg. A nearby group of hikers called for help on a cellphone. A member of Seattle Mountain Rescue reached the injured man, and found him cold and in pain. Firefighters from Eastside Fire & Rescue reached the scene. A member of Seattle Mountain Rescue led the effort to get the injured man out of the woods. People from the King County Sheriff’s Office, and Explorer Search and Rescue also assisted in the effort. Once at the road, the man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

fees we say we need.” On the other hand, Anderson said, the school district is the sole beneficiary of the impact fees collected. The next step of the negotiations, Popp said, will occur this month. Snoqualmie officials will talk it over at their Jan. 9 City Council meeting, Anderson said. Popp defended the district’s position, saying school districts

Another beautiful smile

Chamber From Page 1 the release. “Kevin is perfectly suited to step into the role as the champion for our chamber, especially at a time when experience in economic development, tourism and job creation will be required for the chamber to meet its strategic goals, which include increasing the number of chamber members,” said McCollum, CEO of Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. He helped lead the search for the new chamber CEO with the current president Gregory Malcolm. Dwyer succeeds Snoqualmie resident Susan Livingston, who filled in on a contract basis as management consultant for the chamber since last summer. During the search, the chamber board of directors decided to elevate the group’s lead position to CEO. The city of Snoqualmie will pay part of Dwyer’s salary and use him as an economic development consultant. The city’s current consultant, Bob Cole, is retiring at the end of the year. The Valley has great potential for economic development, Dwyer said in the release. “Growth is coming to the Valley from the Eastside, and the challenge is, how do we capture some of that?” he said. “How do we attract technology companies and other kinds of businesses that will see the Valley as a great place to live, work and play?”

do not generate growth. Developers and cities do. “We don’t ask people to bring their children into our schools, but we have to be prepared and have appropriate facilities for them,” he said. Popp added that the money gathered through impact fees falls far short of being enough to run the facilities in the district. “Not even close,” Popp said. “But that doesn’t mean the

schools could not use the funds. Short of passing bonds, it’s one of the few ways we get money.” Either way, a tough call looms for the district. “What it amounts to,” Hodgins said, “is do we call their bluff?” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

Sign up by Jan 31st and get an Upcoming Class • Learn to Quilt Weekend • Free Motion Quilting • Machine Applique and Thread Painting • Hand Embroidery

• Convergence Quilts • Jazzy table runner • EZ Stacked Block Quilt • Binding Basics

408 Main Avenue S. North Bend 425.292.9019 • www.mtsiquilts.com

It was all worth it!

Off Interstate 90, Exit 31 in Mt. Si Village Shopping Center with Ace Hardware.

-Peyton McCulley

Instant Rebate Up $ to

500

Peyton McCulley

Courtesy of

Limited time offer

Call for details

High Efficiency Furnace Filtration • Heat Pump System

Call to find your perfect smile... Your dentist’s choice for their family www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com North Bend Office 425-888-1896

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

Heating • A/C • Air Quality

Call your trusted experts

425.881.7920

www.mmcomfortsystems.com


Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Our 2012 goals for the Valley

Fund for the Valley

There were many changes in the Snoqualmie Valley in 2011, most for the better. Our goals for the Valley this year will continue to build stronger communities. Snoqualmie Hospital District. Too many decisions are being made in the dark with only rubber stamping from commissioners. The district must make its policy-making process open to the public by posting public documents online, giving ample notice of meetings, and posting meeting agendas and minutes in a timely fashion. Tourism, community events. North Bend has led the charge by adding several events to the Valley, including the Warrior Dash and the cinema festival. Snoqualmie has supported the Cinco de Mayo Half-Marathon. Both cities continue to improve on their marquee events — Railroad Days and the Festival at Mount Si. Both cities should continue these efforts wholeheartedly, and put a worthwhile amount of money into marketing them both in and out of the Valley. These days, tourism is the best bet for muchneeded economic development. Transportation. There is often a clash between residents and tractor-trailers around the former Truck Town area in east North Bend. The City Council must consider planning changes. We know just the person to lead the effort — newly elected Councilman Ryan Kolodejchuk, who made the issue a key part of his campaign. County infrastructure. King County doesn’t have enough money to repair its roads and has to all but abandon some. The county should put projects out to bid and temporarily ease some of its own regulations that add to the cost of road work. Snoqualmie Ridge retail. Right now, motorists on Snoqualmie Parkway see nothing distinguishing the core of the Ridge’s retail sector. The proposed art sculpture at the entrance is a good start, but Ridge businesses need more support if they are to survive. The city might offer incenSee GOALS, Page 7

WEEKLY POLL Have you set a New Year’s resolution? A. B. C. D.

Yes, and I plan to stick with it. Yes, but I’m already off track. No, I don’t believe in resolutions. Yes, I resolved not to set a resolution.

Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto Kathleen R. Merrill Jill Green

Publisher Managing editor Advertising manager

Dan Catchpole

Editor

Sebastian Moraga

Published by

Ari Cetron

Page designer

Michelle Comeau

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC. P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 Fax: 391-1541

Reporter

In an effort to encourage local support for local charities, the SnoValley Star created Fund for the Valley, which began last month. The annual drive strives to address hunger and emergency financial aid for Snoqualmie Valley families doing their best to get ahead. This year’s recipient is the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. “The mission of the SnoValley Star is to make a difference in the lives of its readers,” Publisher Debbie Berto said. “Fund for the Valley will make it easy for those who want to join us in making a difference. “Only 501(c)(3) charities will receive the money, making contributions taxdeductible.” Many Valley residents contributed to the fund, and we

$30 per year Call 392-6434

thank you for your support. The fund collected $3,695. It is indicative of the generosity of the Valley. Thank you to the fund’s contributors: Deborah Gardner Marie Williams C.J. Kusiak Rebecca Inzerella and Michael Heidy Anonymous Ron Shoff Hansen Therapeutic Services Inc. Jane and Edwin Benson Anonymous Marc and Rosalie Aikin Wendy and Keith Hennig Elsie Graves Mary and John Knepper Michelle and Jerome La Rocca Willie, Peggy and Austin Wiseman Paula and Dave Wright There is still time to contribute to Fund for the Valley. Donate by mailing checks to Fund for the Valley, c/o

SnoValley Star, P.O. Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045.

Web comments Re: Redistricting splits Snoqualmie Valley between two congressional districts Splitting the Snoqualmie Valley into two legislative districts makes no sense to me either, and neither does including Chelan County in a King/Pierce county district. We in the Wenatchee area do not share the same landscape, climate or economy as the Snoqualmie Valley, and we sure as hell don’t want to be represented by a Republican from Auburn, either. The Cascade Curtain exists. Respect it. Alan Moen

Home Country

New relationship can be a fertile place By Slim Randles The phone rang just before Dewey pulled off his clothes for his end-of-workday shower. “Hi, Dewey.” He smiled. “Hi, Emily.” “Hope I’m not interfering with anything by calling you.” “Just got home from work and about to dive into a shower, so you called at a good time. How are you?” He thought that would be a good way to start a conversation with this paragon of single bureaucratic woman. “I’m fine. Thanks, Dewey. May I ask you some more questions? Got them right here. Tell me first, though, do you always shower after work?” “Every day.” “Any special reason? I mean, is it related to the cow manure thing?” “Directly, actually. Cow manure … well, it permeates my very existence. It fills my waking hours. It … oh, it’s hard to explain.” The king of fertilizer grinned as Emily Stickles wrote notes on the other end of the phone. If she wanted to think of him as

Advertising rep.

MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

JANUARY 5, 2012

Follow us on Twitter @snovalleystar

having a fertilizer fetish, he didn’t mind. As long as she called. “I’ve been reading up, Dewey. I think that … Slim Randles together … Columnist we can break this hold cow manure has on your life.” “Oh, Emily, you really think so? What should I do about it, you think?” “To get started, you should picture yourself free of cow manure. Just tell your mind that cow manure has no place in your thoughts and your life. Let’s see if that will cancel out some of the … unpleasantness.” “You think cow manure is

unpleasant, Emily?” “You like it?” “Let’s say I like what it can do for others. It’s a little like a smile or sunshine,” said our fertilizer king, “it works wonders when you spread it around a little.” Emily Stickles, the county employee in charge of fixing things for people who don’t realize they need fixing, was silent. “Dewey, we really need to talk.” “Dinner at the Chinese place tomorrow, maybe?” Then he just sat there, glowing in fertile, pre-shower radiance, and grinned. Brought to you by Slim’s award-winning book “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right.” Learn more at www.nmsantos.com/Slim/Slim.html.

Write to us Snovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:

snovalley star P.O. Box 1328 ❑ Issaquah, WA 98027 Fax: 391-1541 ❑ Email: editor@snovalleystar.com


JANUARY 5, 2012

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5


SnoValley Star

PAGE 6

Shooting

JANUARY 5, 2012

Fitzgeralds’ home Walter Peden’s home

From Page 1 Cut through that no longer exists. S.E .7 0t hS t.

Brumbaugh said. But Peden’s former neighbor recalls a polite man. “He was a real nice, old man,” Leah Fitzgerald said in a recent interview with the Star. She and her husband, George, lived next door to Peden. After he had fatally shot Johnson, it was the Fitzgeralds who put an end to his shooting spree.

Trooper Johnson shot t. tS 1s 7 . S.E

rth No

ie alm u q no kS r Fo

r ve Ri

N A day like any other The day began like any other day in bucolic Ernie’s Grove. Nestled at the foot of Mount Si, the area had been a popular vacation spot for Seattleites in the interwar period, but after World War II, the summer traffic dried up. “It was the wrong side of the tracks” by 1949, said Anna Stokosa, Fitzgerald’s niece. Dec. 12 was an overcast, chilly Monday, she said. But something about that day was very different for Walter Peden. Around mid-morning, he began shooting many of the 30 or so chickens he kept. He turned his .22 rifle on his dog and cat next, according to several newspaper accounts. Standing outside his small cabin, he took aim and shot his neighbor C.F. Johnstone in the face. Seeing that Johnstone had been shot, George Fitzgerald headed for his car to take him to a hospital when Peden shot Fitzgerald in the left arm. Fitzgerald managed to get Johnstone in the car, and they sped off to Nelems Memorial Hospital in Snoqualmie. Peden then walked into the Fitzgeralds’ house, where Leah was alone, according to several newspaper accounts. “He just walked in the door with his rifle in his hands,” she told a reporter from The Seattle Times after the incident. “I wasn’t scared especially. He told me no one was going to hurt me.” Peden took some rifle rounds from Fitzgerald, who didn’t risk stopping him since he was armed. It wasn’t the first time he’d been in her home. He stopped in occasionally. She and her husband had him over for dinner the evening before. Peden had acted perfectly normal during dinner, Fitzgerald told the Star. But nonetheless, his behavior had worried some neighbors, who brought their concerns to the attention of police. The day before the shooting, two King County detectives had gone to his place, and left without incident. Johnson is shot Peden left when Leah told him the lights were on in his home. Walking to his place, Peden stopped and shot a third neigh-

Area of detail bor, Gordon Peters, in the chest. Shortly after he went inside, a Washington State Patrol car pulled up the dirt road that ran through the neighborhood. Peden fired twice at the car, out of which scrambled troopers Paul Johnson and Clair Powers. Johnson took cover behind the car, while Powers crouched behind a large stump that no longer remains. Peden’s cabin sat on top of a small rise, allowing him to fire Maps by Dan Catchpole down on the men. “I hollered several times for Peden to come out, that we were WEB EXTRA police officers,” Powers said in an internal WSP account of the See more photos and docushooting. “He came out and ments online at went back to the house. I heard www.snovalleystar.com a window go up and the firing of a gun. I looked and saw Officer Johnson on the ground. I decided to capture Peden. fired and emptied my 30-30 and Leah Fitzgerald waved to their my shotgun in the direction of neighbor from her house, while the window from which Peden George hid behind a door. had fired.” Peden left his rifle in his house Peden had shot Johnson and walked over. between the eyes. The 32-yearWhen he stepped inside, old officer was rushed to Nelems George knocked him down. The Fitzgeralds kept him Memorial Hospital, where a doctor sent him to down until police arrived Providence “The minute you saw him, and took him Hospital in into custody. Seattle for emer- you saw it wasn’t him... He walked like he was lost.” gency surgery. Emergency — Leah Fitzgerald surgery Fitzgeralds jump Witness A few hours Peden later, Johnson As police ralcame out of lied reinforceemergency ments to subdue Peden, George surgery at Providence Hospital. Fitzgerald returned to his home State troopers brought his parin Ernie’s Grove, where he ents to the hospital. found his wife with her sister Johnson had grown up in Myrtle Drake and niece Joan. Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Drake and her daughter had He served in the U.S. Army’s walked the half-mile from her military police during World home to visit Leah, and had run War II, before joining the state into Peden along the way. patrol in 1946. Peden, who didn’t have his “He was a very fine trumpet rifle on him, had asked Joan player at his church in Seattle,” said Brumbaugh, whose aunt what she thought of the snow, according to a newspaper report. attended the same church. George Fitzgerald loaded his Late that night, Johnson’s shotgun and waited for a chance condition worsened. to get Peden. State troopers waited with his “I told him, ‘If I was half as parents at the hospital, while big as you, I’d just jump him,’” doctors tried to keep the young Leah Fitzgerald said. man alive, according to a WSP At more than 6 feet tall and report. strong, George Fitzgerald cut an Doctors revived Johnson at imposing figure. least twice, but he died shortly So, she and her husband before midnight.

By Dan Catchpole

Leah Fitzgerald, who still lives in North Bend, doesn’t see herself as a hero, despite putting herself at risk to capture Walter Peden.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Leah Fitzgerald tells a police officer how she and her husband, George, captured the gunman, Walter Peden, after he fatally shot a police officer. ‘He walked like he was lost’ Peden told police he didn’t remember much of the shooting. He hadn’t looked like himself during the incident, Leah Fitzgerald said. “The minute you saw him, you saw it wasn’t him,” she said. “He walked like he was lost.” The responses he gave to police during an interrogation provided few answers but offered some insight into his mental state. “I shot my dog to get the nervousness out of her,” he told police, according to a report in The Seattle Times. “I shot the cat so people would think someone was killed. Only reason I would shoot anyone would be because I wanted to waken them and make them good neighbors.” While in the King County Jail, Peden’s behavior became even more odd. For hours at a time, he would fill the sink in his cell with water, pat it, take a few steps back, give “the Fascist salute,” snap his fingers and repeat the process, a sheriff’s deputy told the court, according to newspaper reports. (It is not

clear exactly what was meant by “the Fascist salute,” but both Italy’s Fascist Party and Germany’s Nazi Party used similar salutes with the right arm extended, palm down.) King County Judge Malcolm Douglas declared Peden insane and ordered him sent to Western State Hospital in Steilacoom until he was able to stand trial. What became of Peden is not clear. “I think he died a couple years later,” Fitzgerald said. However, due to privacy laws, Western State Hospital cannot say for how long Peden remained or even if he died there, said Thomas Shapely, spokesman for the state Department of Social and Heath Services. The shooting spree shocked the peaceful Snoqualmie Valley. The date is little remembered today, but it is still etched in the memory of those who lived through it. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.


SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012

Police Blotter Snoqualmie Police

playing a joke on a friend with an nonlethal airsoft gun. Police confiscated the gun until a parent picked it up.

No vehicle for you

Identity theft

At 10:28 a.m. Dec. 28, police arrested a man who arrived at the intersection of Meadowbrook Way and Railroad Avenue southeast to retrieve a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle had been arrested for driving with a suspended license. As it turns out, the man also had a warrant for his arrest, out of Lynnwood. He was taken to Lynnwood and turned over to a Lynnwood police officer.

At 4:36 p.m. Dec. 29, police arrived at a residence in the 36300 block of Southeast Forest Street. The homeowner told police that while trying to refinance their house, she and her husband noticed items on their credit card statements that did not belong to them. One was an account from AT&T and another was a Chase account, both of which she had never opened. Later, the woman discovered that both accounts came from addresses in Florida. Police gave her an identity theft packet and the contact information for a local agency in West Park, Fla. that could investigate the addresses.

Gun is not a joke, police said At 9:06 p.m. Dec. 28, police responded to a report of three teenagers carrying what looked like a rifle with a scope or possibly a pellet gun. Police contacted six teenagers in the 7100 block of Laurel Avenue Southeast. They told police they were

Goals From Page 4

tives to attract a bigger destination retailer. State budget. State employees should share a greater amount of the cost for their health benefits. The divide between salaries for private sector and public sector employees has been greatly reduced, but public employees still enjoy overly generous health insurance plans. The state and our local school district should also embrace the idea of reducing the school year by four days, provided there is no change in the number of education hours. Marijuana. Put this debate to rest. There are no good arguments for keeping it ille-

Split From Page 2 based on voting results in the 2010 U.S. Senate race. At least two of the current districts were considered swing districts in that election. Now, only the 1st District appears to not favor either party. With its move across the mountains, the 8th District becomes more conservative. That should help the incum-

The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.

gal. Legalization will bring better control and will help the economy. Meanwhile, North Bend should lift its ban on medical marijuana gardens. School leadership. The Snoqualmie Valley School District must listen to more community voices without fear of presenting a disjointed front. With school cuts looming statewide it is important that new ideas be welcomed. Inventiveness can save not just a few dollars and cents, but jobs and resources. Get acquainted. One of the great things about the Snoqualmie Valley is its sense of community. Many people already know their neighbors, but there are many newcomers who have not yet gotten involved. Everyone benefits from a friendlier, safer, well cared-for community. bent, Rep. Dave Reichert, an Auburn Republican and former King County sheriff. Since being created in 1980, Republicans have represented the district in Congress, but they have never won by strong margins. Reichert, a moderate, has held the seat since being first elected in 2004. “Dave Reichert is now essentially Congressman for life,” Kaushik said. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

PAGE 7

OPEN 7AM-10PM 7 DAYS A WEEK Drive Thru Convenience With Reservation Pricing

Come Visit Us Next To The Snoqualmie Casino

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Visit us on Facebook find out how to

WIN 2 TICKETS to the Snoqualmie Casino Buffet or

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO WARNING: This product is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.

Copenhagen Wintergreen Copenhagen Straight LC Copenhagen Natural Extra LC Skoal Xtra Grizzly Kodiak Husky

Log $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $9.99 $14.69 $23.99 $15.29

Can $1.99 $1.99 $1.99 $1.99 $3.29 $5.29 $3.45

MAJOR BRANDS Marlboro Camel Winston Newport Vir. Slim Marlboro 72’s Pall Mall Box American Spirit Kool Parliament

CARTON $59.54 $58.05 $57.05 $59.58 $63.15 $49.54 $54.64 $66.40 $61.55 $64.35

PACK $6.35 $6.21 $6.11 $6.36 $6.72 $5.35 $5.86 $7.04 $6.56 $6.84

NOW FEATURING FINE HUMIDOR CIGARS

New Year’s Special Receive a FREE cup of Native Koffee with any purchase of $10 or more

Offer Valid 1/4/12 - 1/31/12

Stop in and check out our Made in Washington Craft Distillerly Selection

Skookum Creek

Featuring – Soft Tail Vodka, Peabody Jones Vodka, Skip Rock Vodka, Dry Fly Gin and many more…

the purchase of any carton 1/4/12 - 1/31/12

$5 off

SHOP LOCALLY – ALWAYS FRESH! Skookum Creek – A Locally Crafted Tribal Brand COMPLETE Carton $39.75 Pack $4.45

PREMIS Carton $38.75 Pack $4.35

TRADITIONS Carton $47.49 Pack $4.99

ISLAND BLENDZ Carton $16.49 Pack $1.89

* All prices do not include sales tax. * All prices subject to change

DIRECTIONS:

I-90 West bound take exit 31 (North Bend and follow the signs to the reservation. I-90 East bound take exit 27 turn left (North). Follow North Bend Way around curve.

Store Hours: Open 7 Days a week 7am - 10pm Daily SUNDAYS TOO! 37500 SE North Bend Way • Snoqualmie, WA 98065 • (425) 888-3071

www.snotobaccoandliquor.com *Tobacco & Liquor company promotes the responsible use of Tobacco products. If you are interested in quitting smoking please visit http://www.smokefree.gov/ or call 1-800-QUIT NOW to learn more about the resources available to you.


PAGE 8

community

JANUARY 5, 2012

Makeover is a Christmas lift for Valley woman By Sebastian Moraga Sometimes a cookie is just a cookie. Sometimes it’s a great, big thank you. Barbie Collins Young received a plate of homemade cookies this year for Christmas from her friend Beverly Jorgensen. The way Jorgensen saw it, it was the least she could do. Young, who works with Jorgensen, saw her friend of 11 years needed a pick-me-up this holiday season. So she started asking around. By the time she was done asking, she had scored three outfits, a pair of shoes, a new hairdo and free eyeglasses for Jorgensen. “She gives and gives and gives,” Young said of her buddy Jorgensen, a fellow sales consultant at PartyLite. “And she kind of loses herself in that. She needed a lift of her spirits.” Jorgensen is a very humble woman who otherwise would not have let her do the makeover, Young said. “But she knew that she need-

ed it,” Young said. “So she let me do it.” Jorgensen said she was struggling a little bit when Young came around with her idea. “It wasn’t a rough, rough time,” she said, “but there were things I could not afford to do for myself.” One such thing was the glasses. Jorgensen has no vision insurance and Young said she had not been to an eye doctor in about 10 years. Snoqualmie Valley Eyecare gave Young a really good deal for Jorgensen to have a doctor’s visit, an eye exam and glasses. Young paid $100 for that. “They were amazing,” Young said of the eye clinic. “The glasses were a really big deal.” The rest of the makeover was a pretty big deal, too. Jorgensen already has a favorite outfit out of the three she received. “I feel pretty grateful, pretty humbled and very appreciative,” she said. It’s not the first time the By Sebastian Moraga

See MAKEOVER, Page 9

Beverly Jorgensen sports her new specs. A friend built a makeover for Jorgensen, including new shoes, new outfits and the glasses.

Mount Si grad learns the first lessons of the theater By Sebastian Moraga

Contributed

Natalie Copeland in her natural habitat. An actress since age 6, the Mount Si High School graduate follows her dream studying theater at Central Washington University.

Busy, humbled and struggling, Natalie Copeland lives the dream. In love with the theater since age 2, the Mount Si High School graduate entered the Central Washington University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program less than three years ago. This fall, her career as a thespian hit a high mark as she was cast in “A Christmas Carol.” All the while pulling 18 credits, and rehearsing until 10 p.m. “Looking back, though,” she wrote in an email, “I wouldn’t have had it any other way because of the progress that I have made.” It has been anything but easy, she wrote. “Really acting is hard,” she wrote. “Unbelievably hard. I realized that I had been onstage my entire life that I’d almost never actually been acting.” She started pleasing crowds at age 2, when she would jump atop the boat in Bellevue Square to sing “Surfin’ U.S.A.” for

onlookers. In Ellensburg, Copeland wrote, she learned something every high school actor with dreams of college theater has to learn. There’s no room for egos. “A high schooler going into college theater has to be ready first and foremost to be humbled,” she said. Gaining access to a program like the CWU bachelor of fine arts makes it easy for egos to inflate, but that lasts about 15 minutes, she said. “No matter what, you will always be better at something than somebody, but somebody else will always be better than you, and that’s OK,” she wrote. “You have to forget about your ego and surrender yourself to the work.” The university is the only state institution offering a bachelor of fine arts degree with programs in design and production, performance and musical theater, according to Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, with See THEATER, Page 9


SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012

Obituary Richard M. Kirby Richard M. Kirby, of Carnation, passed away Dec. 22, 2011, at the age of 88 years. Richard was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Gandy, Neb. He later moved to Washington, where he worked for more than 30 years at the Carnation Farms. He was a Master Mason. He enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, camping and hunting. He served his country through his time enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a mild-mannered man, beloved by all who knew him. Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lois Kirby. He is survived by his son

PAGE 9

Richard L. Kirby, of Snoqualmie, and daughter Sherry Riechman, of Toledo, Wash.; six grandchilRichard M. dren; nine Kirby great-grandchildren; and his extended family. A graveside service in his honor was Jan. 4 at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park, Redmond. Remembrances may be directed to the Sno-Valley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Ave., Carnation, WA 98014. Services are entrusted to Snoqualmie Valley Funeral Chapel — www.snoqualmievalleychapel.com.

Face time for Santa By Amy Hansen

Maverick Navin, 3, of Snoqualmie, and the Santa at Gilman Village in Issaquah have some fun with their Christmas photo.

By Sebastian Moraga

Allison Smith, with Snoqualmie Valley Eyecare, helps Beverly Jorgensen (right) give her new glasses a try. Her friend Barbie Young said Jorgensen always does things for other people and deserved some pampering.

Makeover From Page 8 friends have done something for

Theater From Page 8 CWU’s public affairs office. Copeland is typical of the outstanding students in the program, said Scott Robinson, chair of the university’s Department of Theatre Arts. The product of what she called “a brainy family,” Copeland said her clan has supported her from the start. Her mother is a former finance professor and her father is a computer engineer. One of her three siblings is a National Merit Scholar semifinalist. “She considers herself the dumb one because she was a commended scholar,” Lisa

Copeland said of her daughter. A commended scholar is the level right below semifinalist. Copeland said Natalie was always smart, always good in math and science, but always headed in the direction of the stage. “We knew from a very young age she was going to do this,” she said. The Copelands have been to all of Natalie’s shows but one, a one-night performance in December. “Of course we have had the infamous ‘Nobody makes money in the arts’ talk that you see on ‘Glee’ once per season,” Natalie wrote. “But all arguments disappeared completely after I got into the BFA program.” According to the Bureau of

Labor Statistics, in 2008, the median hourly wage for an actor in the performing arts was just under $15. Copeland refuses to fret. “From what I’ve seen with the graduates at CWU, almost all of them are fully employed doing what they love,” she wrote. “I’m not going to worry about money until it’s an issue.” Lisa said Natalie got her first acting paycheck at age 8. If a break comes along, Natalie wrote, she will welcome it. “I would love to be extremely prepared at a lucky audition,” she said. “and be exactly what somebody from the big white way is looking for.” Whether that happens or not

each other. In 2007, Young nominated Jorgensen for PartyLite’s Alumna Honors award, a nationwide prize. When Jorgensen won, she received a new deck for her

along the way, she will enjoy the view. “Life is too short to cheat yourself out of an experience that could change everything you know,” she said. Besides, she wrote, she does not mind nontheater jobs if they keep the dream alive. Her biggest fear is not unemployment. Jobs come and go. Loved ones don’t. “I’m a very social person and I tend to make strong connections with others,” she wrote, later adding, “I’m afraid of moving around so much that I will lose the opportunity of keeping people very close.”

Can’t get enough Eastside news?

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

Happy New Year

Follow us on

from Another Hair Place “Thanks for another great year!”

www.twitter.com/snovalleystar

home. Now her deck is four years old, but her look is brand new. “I have been very blessed,” Jorgensen said, “to have Barbie as my friend, in more ways than one.

Candy Pike & Beth Anderson

113 Suite #B Bendigo Blvd. North Bend 425-888-0616

Updated daily! Follow on Twitter Print subscriptions available- 425-392-6434


Schools

PAGE 10

JANUARY 5, 2012 By Sebastian Moraga

Mount Si band hits

HIGH

E S T O N

It’s a great time to be a musician at Mount Si High School. Students flock to the younger ensembles and bands. More experienced groups have hit the big time. Bands work as a group and individuals have added extra luster. It translates to a busy second semester for band director Adam Rupert. “We are busy and that’s good,” Rupert said before winter break. Jamming with the stars The elite ensemble of the program is making the most noise. Next semester will bring big names and bigger venues to the band known as Jazz 1. Jazz 1 will first travel to a festival at Central Washington University Jan. 20. The Ellensburg-based university is Rupert’s alma mater. On Jan. 20, Jazz 1 will audition for New York’s Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Competition. The ensemble will record three pieces for it. In February, the band will travel to a jazz festival in Poulsbo. Last year, the band won it. From March 27-30, the band will travel to the Swing Central Jazz Festival in Savannah, Ga. “That’s the biggest one,” said trombonist Matt Bumgardner, a member of Jazz 1 and the wind ensemble. Aaron Tevis, trumpet player See BAND, Page 11 By Sebastian Moraga

At left, Mount Si High School junior Aaron Tevis during the winter concert last month.

Valley children head to robotics state competition By Sebastian Moraga One’s the troubleshooter. Another is the all-around guy. Another has all the ideas. A fourth one has all the answers. And the fifth one is the builder. Not the A-Team. More like the A-plus team. After all the ATeam only had four members; this one has five. The quintet of children grades four through eight will represent the Snoqualmie Valley students in the state Lego robotics competition organized by the First Lego League this month. If the Valley team wins state, it enters a pool to qualify for the world championships. “The judges will pick from

the pool the teams that best showcase what the competition is all about,” said Ram Rathnam, one of the team’s three coaches. What the contest is about can be summed up in a word that is succinct, concise and totally made-up: Coopertition. Cooperation within competition. In other words, play hard but play nice. This team knows about playing hard. They have worked since September on a robot that can help guard food against gluten contamination, said Rahul Chaliparambil, the builder. They starred at regionals with it and will take the robot to state. See ROBOT, Page 11

By Sebastian Moraga

From left, Hari Rathnam, Peter Bastedo, Rahul Chaliparambil and Vishnu Rathnam, four of the five members of the BrickBusters team. The team will compete in the state tournament of Lego robotics. Not pictured is Grant Baker.


SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012

Robot From Page 10 “It takes a video of what happens with the food” while they make it and transport it, said Peter Bastedo, the troubleshooter. Gluten is a protein found in things like rye, wheat and barley that can cause serious trouble

Band From Page 10 for the band, said more than 100 bands auditioned and only 12 made it, including Mount Si. Essentially, Ellington and Swing Central are the nation’s top jazz festivals for high school bands, he added. In return, Swing Central clinician and renowned trombonist Wycliffe Gordon will teach at the high school for free. Students will love the experience, Rupert said, but that should not be all. “There’s still a competition at hand,” he said. “You want to make memories, but we also want to improve as musicians.” The gem of the trip, Rupert said, will be listening to the other bands play live. Listening is a huge part of jazz, he said, and Swing Central will gather the best in the nation. “Music is, of

with some people’s digestive systems. Gluten intolerance , also known as celiac disease, affects about 3 million people in the U.S, including Grant Baker, the answer guy, and co-coach Nancy Baker, Grant’s mother. The team and future teams like it want to play a role in the districtwide push for science, technology, engineering and math classes, known as STEM,

cessful program without a substantial investment from you and your family,” said Rupert, whose wife is a music teacher in the Tahoma School District. “Being a music teacher,” Rupert said, “you never leave music at work. Music goes home with you.” Rupert said he wants to create appreciators of music, not professional musicians. Playing opportunities abound, he said, for players not seeking a major or a minor in music.

Reaching for the stars Jazz 2 gathers the students still learning “the language of jazz.” “Music is, of course, a language,” Rupert said. “But even within that, jazz is so specific. We focus on music not written on the page.” A jazz band solo, Rupert said, is more of a road map than a note-by-note guidebook. Performers get a symbol and a letter and that tells them course, a which way to language.” All in symphony go, he added. Rupert Students in — Adam Rupert knows about Jazz 2 still are Band director feeling their gems. The symphonic band, way around for incoming freshmen and the idioms, he added. other beginners, carries many Bumgardner, a senior, sees plenfuture virtuosos. ty of potential in the younger The band has its largest fresh- band. man class ever. Fifty-three “They took second in their ninth-graders joined. division at the Bellevue festival “It’s the result of hard work last year,” he said. “There’s a lot that stems back from fifth-grade of really good promising young band,” Rupert said. “and getting players.” a good, solid foundation at the Bumgardner never played for middle-school level.” Jazz 2. Tevis did. The band has 70-plus mem“It was really good for me,” bers. A room with six dozen he said. “It increased my motininth-graders may qualify as tor- vation to go up higher and it ture in some circles, but to made me a better player.” Rupert it’s great. The children Like Rupert, Bumgardner said want to be there. he believes that promise extends “Classroom management is to the middle school performers less of an issue when the kids who will join once in high have bought in to what they are school. Rupert predicted the jazz doing and are invested in what ensembles at Mount Si High they are doing,” he said. School will grow so much in a couple of years that the school Feeling the rush will have a Jazz 3. The wind ensemble carries The third jazz band will add more experienced players — 52 to Rupert’s workload, but he in total, no freshmen, mostly said he loves what he does. juniors and seniors. “The long hours aren’t as Like all the other groups, the long when you work with great ensemble requires long hours, a kids,” he said. deep commitment from both the students and the teacher, he Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at said. www.snovalleystar.com. “It’s difficult to build a suc-

Nancy Baker said. “What’s happening here are the building blocks of what will be happening in our school district,” she said. Coaches don’t have to be experts at robotics to help, Rathnam said. “The coaches don’t have to know about programming, don’t have to know about robotics,” he added. “They are there mostly for adult supervision.”

PAGE 11 The children do the bulk of the work. Then, the robot keeps an eye on how products, in this case cheese balls and pizza, are produced. “Maybe a product with gluten was spilled on something, or leaked on something,” said Hari Rathnam the all-around guy and Ram’s son. “Maybe a nonglutenfree product was placed on the same plate as a gluten-free product.”

Or maybe, said Vishnu Rathnam, Hari’s sibling and the idea guy, a rat ate from both. “Of course, if you got a rat in your restaurant, you’ve got bigger problems than gluten,” Ram said. The team has had a ball building the robot. Literally. “The most fun about this has been being a team,” Hari Rathnam said. “And eating cheese balls.”


Sports

PAGE 12

JANUARY 5, 2012

Josh Mitchell climbed a mountain to reach the top of high school wrestling By Sandy Ringer Seattle Times staff reporter Josh Mitchell is the perfect poster boy for the Mount Si High School wrestling program. Coaches like detailing his ragsto-riches story, how one of the top state’s wrestlers started his high school career near the bottom. Mitchell won only a handful of matches his freshman year, when senior standout Ryan Ransavage convinced him to give the sport a try. “I kind of got beat up on a little bit,” Mitchell recalled. “I didn’t really know what I was doing.” Football is his main sport and his ticket to college. The 6-foot4, 285-pound all-state defensive lineman has a scholarship to Oregon State University. But after his slow start on the mat, he quickly showed he was willing to do whatever it took to get better in wrestling. As a sophomore, he was a state alternate at 285 pounds — and might have qualified if he hadn’t gotten sick and dropped 12 pounds before the regional tournament. The disappointment helped fuel a fantastic junior campaign that culminated in a state title. After a 6-3 start, Mitchell won 21 matches in a row to become Mount Si’s

first wrestling state champion in 20 years. “I was honored by that,” he said. Yes, Mitchell is humble and polite, too — a “yes, sir” and “yes, ma’am” kind of guy. “We love having him in our system,” coach Tony Schlotfeldt said. “He’s everything you want in a kid. He’s stepped up his role as a leader. He’s an encourager ... He’s pretty coordinated for such a big guy, but his work ethic is what’s gotten him to where he is at today. We’ve used his story more times than once.” Jeff Mitchell, Josh’s father, admits he wasn’t sure how long Josh would last when he announced he was going to turn out for wrestling. “It’s such a brutal sport, I remember thinking, ‘We’ll give him two weeks,’ “ Jeff said. “The first week, he came home from practice and said, ‘Dad, that was the most difficult workout I’ve ever done in my life.’ Then the next day he said, ‘Dad, I was wrong, today’s workout was the most difficult workout I’ve ever done.’ “ Jeff and Rhonda, Josh’s mother, were proud to see him stick with it. “He got better and developed a real love for the sport,” Jeff

said. “He’s a very competitive person.” Having Ransavage as a role model helped. “He was so dominant and so many guys just looked up to him,” Josh said. “He took second in state (as a senior) and that just made me want to be like him more and just keep working, so one day I would be there.” Now younger wrestlers look up to Mitchell, and he doesn’t take the role lightly. “I’m hoping this year I can set a good example for the guys and they have something to work for,” he said. His goals are to win another state title and go undefeated. Yet Mitchell admitted he considered skipping wrestling to spend the winter in the weight room preparing for college football. His teammates and older brother, Taylor, helped change his mind. “They talked me back into it, and said I needed to, and I’m glad I did because it just really, really helps my athleticism,” he said. And having Josh Mitchell back in the wrestling room only adds to his lore at Mount Si. Sandy Ringer: 206-718-1512 or sringer@seattletimes.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

By Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times

Mount Si High School's 6-foot-4, 285-pound Josh Mitchell, top center, wants to repeat as state champion and go undefeated in his final highschool wrestling season before beginning his college football career at Oregon State University.

Local lacrosse players take to the field on national stage

Contributed

Snoqualmie Valley Lacrosse players Casey Krueger (left), Stephan Mahler and Eric Virta played in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions in Tampa, Fla., New Year’s Day weekend.

Lacrosse is quickly growing in the Snoqualmie Valley and on the West Coast. Three local athletes played in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions in Tampa, Fla., over New Year’s Day weekend. The three boys — Casey Krueger, Stephan Mahler and Eric Virta — were playing for the Seattle Starz, a regional lacrosse team. They also play for Mount Si Lacrosse. The Seattle Starz advanced to the tournament after winning a regional qualifying tournament last summer. Krueger attends St. Joseph’s School. Mahler is at Twin Falls Middle School. Virta goes to Snoqualmie Middle School. The three boys began playing lacrosse two years ago. Learn more about the local lacrosse club at www.mountsilacrosse.org.

Scoreboard Prep girls basketball KingCo Conference 3A Standings: Liberty 4-0 (L), 8-2 (S); Juanita 3-1, 8-2; Lake Washington 3-1, 6-4; Mount Si 2-2, 5-5; Bellevue 2-2, 4-5; Interlake 1-3, 5-5; Mercer Island 1-3, 1-8; Sammamish 0-4, 3-7. KingCo/WesCo Challenge At Juanita High School Dec. 30 Game REDMOND 53, MOUNT SI 42 Mount Si 7 11 13 11 – 42 Redmond 14 15 17 7 – 53 Mount Si – Shelby Peerboom 7, Jordan Riley 11, Alex Welsh 6, Elizabeth Prewitt 4, Katie Swain 4, Grace Currie 3, Ally Pusich 3, Katy Lindor 0, Sally Nelson 0, Molly Sellers 0. Redmond – Ali Jorgensen 19, Lauren Bogard 8, Kelsey Dunn 6, Maddie Erlandson 5, Makaela Hayward 4, Jessica Kinssies 4, Madison Ohrt 3, Kelly Koppen 2, Claire Monsaas 2, Lauren May 0. Dec. 29 Game GLACIER PEAK 60, MOUNT SI 52 See SCOREBOARD, Page 14


SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012

State minimum wage rises to highest in nation

Group raises funds for animals

Washington’s minimum wage increased Jan. 1 to $9.04 per hour — the highest state minimum wage in the nation. The state Department of Labor & Industries calculates the state minimum wage each year. The recalculation is required under Initiative 688, a measure passed by Washington voters 13 years ago. The increase reflects a 4.258 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers since August 2010. The calculation is a measure of the average change in prices over time of goods and services — such as food, clothing and fuel, and services, such as doctor visits — purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers. The minimum wage applies to workers in agricultural and nonagricultural jobs, although 14- and 15-year-old workers may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $7.68 per hour, starting next year.

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY

Photo by Kelly Swedick

Volunteers Joe Logan (left), Rita Reed, Steve Skylstad and Cathi Linden serve up chili at the second annual Chili Cook-off & Dessert Auction for the nonprofit group Valley Animal Partners. The Oct. 15 fundraiser raised about $4,000 for the organization, which provides spay and neuter operations for pet owners with little income. To date, Valley Animal Partners has provided about 120 low-cost or no-cost surgeries for companion animals belonging to low-income residents in the Valley. The group serves residents in Snoqualmie, North Bend, Fall City and Preston. Learn more about the group, including how to donate or volunteer, by going to its website, www.valleyanimalpartners.com.

Snoqualmie man graduates from Marine Corps boot camp Steven Johnson, of Snoqualmie, graduated from boot camp at United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on Nov. 18. Private First Class Johnson successfully completed 13 weeks

PAGE 13

of intensive basic training as one of 78 recruits in Training Platoon 2149. While in basic training, the 25-year-old Johnson earned a sharpshooter marksman award

and served as his platoon’s scribe. After 10 days home on leave, he reported to Camp Pendleton for one month of Military Combat Training. His next assignment will be Avionics

Specialty Training in Pensacola, Fla. Johnson is a 2004 graduate of Mount Si High School and a 2008 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University.

Amateur Photo Contest

GO WILD at Bounce for Hope

BOUNCE FESTIVAL!

to be awarded in each category: • Life in the Valley (people) • Animals/pets • NW nature (scenics)

Bouncing fun! Live entertainment! CHERRY VALLEY IN DUVALL

Spectacular hilltop setting w/valley views. Pvt retreat on 4.57ac., 4384sf. Luxurious master , steam shower, htd flrs. Chef’s kit w/SS appl, Alder cab & gran cntrs/island, rec, fam & bonus rms, Cat5, 900sf shop/det gar. Easy MS shuttle. #301841

Bob Perrell 425-922-4129

$599,950

NORTHWEST LIFESTYLE 4U

Stunning floor to ceiling rock fireplace,vaulted ceilings & wall of windows accents this superb home. Granite counters & Hickory cabinets in Kitchen.Bonus room above 3 car garage-1 extra height! Hot tub-year round access-a must see! #210154

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

$379,000

Caspar Babypants Eric Ode Reptile Man Zero & Somebuddy Author Bonny Becker

WINNERS!

Face painting! Balloon artists! Cupcake Walk! Refreshments!

January 16th at KidzBounce - Issaquah

GREAT HOME ON 1+ ACRES

Open floor plan has huge living room w/Lopi wood stove. Wide plank laminate flooring in the Kitchen. 2 car garage w/high doors, 3 car carport + a large shed-room for all of your toys! Ready to snowmobile? Half an hour from pass! #161752

Lois Schneider 425-985-4757

$333,000

Coldwell Banker Bain Issaquah Office

90 minute sessions 9 am- 6:30 pm Limited tickets available • $15 each session Adults & kids under age 2 are free with paying guest

BRING YOUR PLANS!

Great opportunity for builder or owner! 1/2A sunny, level lot. Water & util in st. Ex. septic design for 4 bdrm home. With sewer at property, could be multilot. Recently appraised for $160K!! tourfactory.com/ 739314 #221446

Bob Perrell 425-922-4129

425.391.5600

Issaquah@CBBain.com

All proceeds benefit

Hosted by

$99,000

Send your best high-resolution digital photo to PhotoContest@SnoValleyStar.com. Include name, address and phone number of the photographer, plus the story behind the photo. Limit three entries per person.

Photos may not be dramatically altered from the original. All entries become the property of SnoValley Star and its parent company for use in any of its publications.

Deadline: February 5, 2012 Purchase tickets: www.hopeonthehillguild.org

Winners will be announced in the SnoValley Star on Feb. 16


SnoValley Star

PAGE 14

County eases policies for farm vehicles making roadside stops Farmers in King County should have an easier time receiving and making deliveries of materials, supplies and equipment within the county’s Agricultural Production Districts, which cover much of the lower Snoqualmie Valley. To ease delivery issues, the County Council approved legislation in November allowing farm vehicles such as hay trucks to stop along the side of a road. The new policy will allow commercial farm vehicles to stop on roadways as long as they stop in a safe location, for a period of less than an hour and park as far off the road surface as possible. At all times, drivers of the commercial vehicles are required to leave room for emergency vehicles and at least 20 feet of roadway for two-way traffic.

Rob McKenna calls out robocalling legislation State Attorney General McKenna joined other attorneys general Dec. 7 to ask Congress to oppose legislation affecting cellphone privacy. The legislation, the Mobile Informational Call Act of 2011, aims to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to allow for robocalling to cellphones for commercial purposes. “This legislation will make it tougher for state attorneys general to enforce stricter state laws against robocalls to mobile

Scoreboard From Page 12 Mount Si 15 16 11 10 – 52 Glacier Peak 16 16 16 12 – 60 Mount Si – Shelby Peerboom 21, Molly Sellers 9, Katy Lindor 7, Jordan Riley 7, Elizabeth Prewitt 3, Alex Welsh 3, Katie Swain 2, Grace Currie 0, Kelsey Lindor 0. Glacier Peak – Katie Hawkins 15, Julianne Gere 10, Taylor Rasmussen 9, Taylor Baird 8, Torrey Hill 7, Allie Weathersby 5, Sophia Gaffney 2, India Smith 2, Sarah Smith 2, Sawyer Manning 0, Sadie Mensing 0. Dec. 28 Game MOUNT SI 49, CASCADE 19 Mount Si 18 9 11 11 – 49 Cascade 3 6 8 2 – 19 Mount Si – Molly Sellers 22, Shelby Peerboom 9, Katie Swain 3, Darian Michaud 6, Katy Lindor 4, Kelsey Lindor 3, Jordan Riley 2, Grace Currie 0, Elizabeth Prewitt 0, Ally Pusich 0, Alex Welsh 0. Cascade – Haley Goff 5, Kianne Hood 5, Sarah Joyce 4, Renee VanPressentin 3, Emily Mallos 2, Emily DePietro 0, Taryn Salter 0, Sammie Stewart 0, Aly Weir 0.

phones,” McKenna said in a statement. “A majority of consumers do not have pricier plans with unlimited minutes and may not wish to spend their minutes on unwanted, autodialed calls.”

Washington state law prohibits robocalls for commercial purposes. Under federal law, a robocalls can be placed to people who give explicit consent to receive them or in case of emergency.

home services

JANUARY 5, 2012

FREE ADS FOR personal items under $250

Classifieds

To place your ad call 425-392-6434, ext 222 Deadline: Monday 5pm

13-Apartments for Rent

117-Classes/Seminars

141-Childcare

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, North Bend. Quiet, convenient. Edelweiss Apartments, 1BD $700/month. 425-392-5012

EARN COLLEGE DEGREE online. *Medical Business *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 866-483-4429. www.CenturaOnline.com <w>

BOUNCIN’ BUCKAROOS DAYCARE Great, small, licensed, inhome daycare offering parttime care for your little ones, ages 1-5. A nurturing, fun, safe place to play, learn & grow in Klahanie on the Issaquah-Sammamish Plateau. You’ll be glad you found Miss Julie at Bouncin’ Buckaroos. 425-894-3718 supermomjulie@comcast.net

41-Money & Finance

Washington State Construction Contractor law requires that all advertisers for construction related services include the contractor registration number.

500$ LOAN SERVICE. No credit refused. Fast and secure. Easy on the budget. Payments spread out over three months. toll free: 1-855626-4373. LoanHere.com <w> LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at (800) 563-3005. www.fossmortgage.com <w>

44-Business Opportunity SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY START UP LESS THAN $325.00 www.kgincomeforlife.com ISSAQUAH BUSINESS COACH

117-Classes/Seminars ALLIED HEALTH CAREER Training -- Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer Available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800481-9409, www.CenturaOnline.com <w>

134-Help Wanted ADMIN/PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED. Must be dependable, hard-working, selfmotivating and punctual in general duties related to administration. Reply to flopez971@aol.com DRIVERS -- COMPANY Lease - Work for us to let us work for you! Unbeatable career opportunities. Trainee, Company driver. Lease Operators earn up to $51K. Lease Trainers earn up to $80K (877) 369-7105 www.centraldrivingjobs.net <w> UP TO 30K. Breeding program. We buy everything you raise. 4’ space 2 hours week. FREE animal with appointment. Trades as good as cash. (509) 720-4389 <w>

142-Services DIVORCE $135. $165 with children. No court appearances. Complete preparation. Includes, custody, support, property division and bills. BBB member. (503) 772-5295, www.paralegalalternatives. com?divorce@usa.com <w>

146-Health & Fitness

LOSE WEIGHT LIKE CRAZY!! ISSAQUAH CLASSES 8AM SATURDAY & 2PM SUNDAY

888-230-54389

ADVERTISING? $16.00 for 10 words, 35¢ for each extra word in one insertion in one publication.

Call 392-6434 Ext. 222

204-Lost & Found FOUND-BLACK DOG, MALE. Snoqualmie, Thursday, 12/22, behind bowling alley. Looks like chow or collie mix, 701368-2918

Yo u r f a m i l y newspaper online too!

s u t Visi e n i l n o y a d to www.snovalleystar.com


Calendar

JANUARY 5, 2012

PAGE 15

Public meetings ❑ Snoqualmie Arts Commission, 10 a.m. Jan. 9, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Snoqualmie City Council, 7 p.m. Jan. 9, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Snoqualmie Community and Economic Affairs Committee, 5 p.m. Jan. 10, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Public Health and Safety Committee, 4 p.m. Jan. 10, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ Snoqualmie Shoreline Hearings Board, 5 p.m. Jan. 11, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Jan. 12, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee, 5 p.m. Jan. 12, 37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway

Type on, brothers and sisters!!!

1 8 15 22 29

Events ❑ SVHD Lunch & Learn: Get to know your senior center, 11:30 a.m. Jan. 5, Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 Snoqualmie Parkway, Snoqualmie. Register at www.svhdlunchandlearn.eventbrite.com. ❑ Poetry open mic night, 6 p.m. Jan. 5, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. ❑ Purl One, Listen Too, 1 p.m. Jan. 5, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Learn new stitches, meet new friends, listen to new books and talk about knitting. ❑ Chuck Kistler Duo, 7 p.m. Jan. 5, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Game On!, 3 p.m. Jan. 6, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Free. For teenagers. Come by and play video games. ❑ Dan O’Brien Trio, 7 p.m. Jan. 6, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Dan Bryant and Doug Kearney, 8 p.m. Jan. 7, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie ❑ Spanish/English Story Time, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 7, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. All young children welcome with adult. ❑ North Bend First Tuesday Book Club: ‘Still Alice,’ by Lisa Genova, 7 p.m. Jan. 7, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. ❑ Moon Valley Trio, 7 p.m. Jan. 7, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. ❑ Aria Prame Quartet, 7 p.m. Jan. 7, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Danny Kolke Trio, 6 p.m. Jan. 8, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ SnoValley Writers Work Group, 3 p.m. Jan. 8, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Join other local writers for writing exercises, critique and lessons on voice, plot and point of view. Contact snovalleywrites@gmail.com for assignment prior to coming to class. Adults only please.

January

Contributed

SnoValley Writers Work Group, 3 p.m. Jan. 8, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Join other local writers for writing exercises, critiques and lessons about voice, plot and point of view. Email snovalleywrites@gmail.com for assignment prior to coming to class. Adults only please. ❑ Friends of the North Bend Library Monthly Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 9, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. ❑ Merry Monday Story Times, 11 a.m. Jan. 9, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Free for newborns to 3-year-olds with an adult. ❑ Afternoon Preschool Story Times, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 3-6 with adult. ❑ Carolyn Graye’s Singer Soiree, 7 p.m. Jan. 9, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 10, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Free. For ages 2-3 with an adult. ❑ Future Jazz Heads, 7 p.m. Jan. 10, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Young Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 11, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 6 to 24 months with adult. ❑ Preschool Story Times, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 11, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 3-6 with adult. ❑ Teen Closet Night, 5-7 p.m. Jan. 11, Mount Si Lutheran Church, 411 N.E. Eighth St., North Bend ❑ Tim Kennedy Trio, 7 p.m. Jan. 11, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Dave Peterson Duo, 7 p.m. Jan. 12, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way ❑ Pajama Story Times, 7 p.m. Jan. 12, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. All young children welcome with adult.

❑ Continuing the Conversation: Getting to Know Your Senior Center, noon, Jan. 12, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Bring a brownbag lunch and come to Snoqualmie Library to learn how local senior centers are evolving and changing continually. ❑ Town of Snoqualmie Falls video and discussion, 10 a.m. Jan. 14, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Free. ❑ Art Lecture: ‘Paul Gauguin and the Search for Paradise,’ 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Presented by Susan Olds. ❑ No School Day Camp, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Cost: $55. For children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Register online at www.siviewpark.org or call 831-1900. ❑ Snoqualmie Book Group/Virtually There Online Book Club, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Come for an afternoon of book talks and choose the titles we’ll be reading and discussing, both virtually and in person, during the year. ❑ Friends of the Snoqualmie Library Meeting, 6 p.m. Jan. 18, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. ❑ Seals, Whales and Otters, 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 20, Encompass Main Campus, 1407 Boalch Ave. N.W., North Bend. For ages 4-5. Call Stacey Cepeda at 888-2777. Cost: $25. ❑ Kids Night Out, 6-10 p.m. Jan. 20, Si View Community

2 9 16 23 30

2012

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31

Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Must register by Jan. 18. Cost: 20. Call 831-1900. ❑ Family Fun Night, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Check out Magic with Joe Black. Dinner included. Suggested donation: $10 per family. ❑ Read the Movie, Watch the Book, 3:30-6 p.m. Jan. 23, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Read ‘The Iron Giant: a Story in Five Nights,’ by Ted Hughes, and then watch the movie. Popcorn will be provided. Free. For grades five through eight with an adult. ❑ Meet a Forest Service ranger, 7 p.m. various dates and locations. Learn about the outdoors and discover recreation opportunities from Forest Service rangers at local libraries. North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St.: Jan 24 and Feb. 16; Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E.: Jan 25 and Feb. 15; Fall City Library, 33415 S.E. 42nd Place: Jan 26 and Feb. 28.

Classes ❑ S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) exercise class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Call 8883434. ❑ English as a second language, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversational skills. ❑ One-on-One Computer Assistance, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A KCLS volunteer can give you one-on-one assistance with computer questions.

Volunteer opportunities ❑ Encompass is currently seeking volunteers to help with our landscape and maintenance at both the downtown North Bend and Boalch Avenue locations along with office help. This can be a weekly or monthly commitment. Email michelle.mccormick@encompassnw.org or call 8882777. ❑ Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association invites community members to join a newly formed group to support Snoqualmie’s new sister city, Chaclacayo, Peru. The association already has developed a close relationship

with sister city Gangjin, South Korea, which more than 30 residents have visited in the past four years. Email maryrcorcoran@gmail.com or call 503-1813. ❑ The Mount Si Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help unload food at noon Mondays, sort food at 9 a.m. Tuesdays or pass out food on Wednesdays. Call the food bank at 888-0096. ❑ The Elk Management Group invites the community to participate in elk collaring, telemetry and habitat improvement projects in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Project orientation meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the North Bend City Hall, 211 Main Ave. N. Email research@snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting applications for ages 16 or older to volunteer in various departments of the hospital. Email carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org to arrange an interview. ❑ Senior Services Transportation Program needs volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Choose the times and areas in which you’d like to drive. Car required. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered. Call 206-7487588 or 800-282-5815 toll free, or email melissat@seniorservices.org. Apply online at www.seniorservices.org. Click on “Giving Back” and then on “Volunteer Opportunities.” ❑ Mount Si Senior Center needs volunteers for sorting and sales in the thrift store, reception and class instruction. The center is at 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Call 888-3434. ❑ Hopelink in Snoqualmie Valley seeks volunteers for a variety of tasks. Volunteers must be at least 16. Go to www.hopelink.org/takeaction/volunteer.com or call 869-6000. ❑ AdoptAPark is a program for Snoqualmie residents to improve public parks and trails. An application and one-year commitment are required. Call 831-5784. ❑ Study Zone tutors are needed for all grade levels to give students the homework help they need. Two-hour weekly commitment or substitutes wanted. Study Zone is a free service of the King County Library System. Call 369-3312.

Clubs ❑ Mount Si Fish and Game Club, 7:30 p.m. first Thursday (October through May), Snoqualmie Police Department, 34825 S.E. Douglas St. Submit an item for the community calendar by emailing editor@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.


PAGE 16

SnoValley Star

JANUARY 5, 2012


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.