Mount Si athletes commit to play at the next level Page 16
Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington
Bellevue developer files application for hotel project in North Bend
February 10, 2011 VOL. 3, NO. 6
Statistics are in Report: County murders are down, suicides are up. Page 2
Crystal ball says ...
By Dan Catchpole
North Bend, fire district look at future without EFR. Page 3
A Bellevue-based developer has filed permit applications with North Bend to build a hotel near the city’s outlet mall. The developer, New Sky, filed an application in January to build two hotel buildings and a free-standing restaurant on a wooded area at the northeast corner of South Fork Avenue and Bendigo Boulevard. According to plans filed with the city, the proposed hotel buildings would be 55 feet tall and
Police & Fire Page 7
By Dan Catchpole By Mary Miller
Farewell to a master Acclaimed painter and violist Emanuel Vardi plays an imaginary viola while painting at his studio in North Bend. The worldrenowned musician turned his full artistic energy to painting after injuries left him unable to play. Local photographer Mary Miller captured Vardi working on one of his final pieces before he died Jan. 29 at home. See more photos of Emanuel Vardi at www.snovalleystar.com.
Members of dancing studio have big night. Page 10
Listening tour Mom, son may travel to Middle East to mediate. Page 14
Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER
See HOTEL, Page 6
Veterans memorial foundation is ready to start construction
Elephant’s legacy North Bend restaurant sign has proud lineage. Page 10
Dancing queens
each have about 85 rooms. New Sky is owned by Paul Pong, whose family has developed several hotels in the Seattle area, including the Courtyard Inn by Marriott in downtown Bellevue. The nine-acre site, next to the Shamrock Park neighborhood, is owned by the Pioneer Development Corp., which is also owned by Pong, according to county records. Pong could not be reached for
After stepping up its fundraising efforts, the Snoqualmie Valley Veterans Memorial Foundation has enough money to begin work on a monument proposed for downtown Snoqualmie. The group, supported by the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum, had about $8,000 in July after 18 months of fundraising. Today, the group has about
$34,000. The early slow progress wasn’t for lack of trying. “We were focused on fundraising, but we had to be focused on design issues as well,” said Chris Chartier, a member of the foundation’s board of directors. The group is still short of the minimum $40,000 it needs to raise. But it has enough to begin See MEMORIAL, Page 6
Meadowbrook Mobile Home Park torn down By Dan Catchpole Snoqualmie’s Riverside Mobile Home Park is no more. Backhoes tore down the remaining trailers in the flood-prone park perched along the Snoqualmie River in the Meadowbrook neighborhood. King County used county, state and federal money to buy the 20 mobile homes and other structures in the park. It was one of the largest home acquisition projects in the
Pacific Northwest to date, according to Dennis Hunsinger, the regional administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The project cost more than $1.4 million. Seventy-five percent of the money came from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, while the state and county contributed the difference. The trailer park sat in the See REMOVED Page 6
By Dan Catchpole
Snoqualmie’s Riverside Mobile Home Park is a vacant lot after 20 trailers and other structures were removed from the flood-prone site along the Snoqualmie River in the Meadowbrook neighborhood.
SnoValley Star
PAGE 2
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
King County homicides drop, Issaquah legislator suicides climb in last decade introduces measure to By Dan Catchpole In 2009, King County saw the lowest number of deaths due to homicide and traffic accidents in the past 10 years. By contrast, the number of suicides increased to the highest number since 2000, according to a report released by the King County Medical Examiner. Natural causes were the leading cause of death, according to the report, which covers deaths investigated by the medical examiner for the last complete and analyzed year. In 2009, 2,190 deaths were reviewed by the medical examiner’s office. That year, there were an estimated 12,967 deaths in King County, according to the report. In 2009, the medical examiner investigated 10 deaths from non-natural causes in or near North Bend. Of these, five were the results of nontraffic accidents, two were caused by traffic accidents, two were suicides and one was from an undetermined cause. Snoqualmie had only five deaths investigated that year. Of those, two were due to nontraffic accidents, one was the
result of a traffic accident and two were suicides. The most recent death ruled as a homicide by the medical examiner in North Bend was in 2004, when 41year-old Kwang Chung died of multiple stab wounds. Chung appeared to have been murdered by her husband, Man Hang Chung, who then killed himself. The couple had owned a restaurant in the city. In Snoqualmie, the most recent death ruled as a homicide was in 2003, when police recovered the remains of 17year-old April Buttram, who had last been seen in Seattle in late August 1983. Buttram was a victim of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer. In 2009, there were 0.33 homicides per 10,000 residents in King County, down from 0.42 homicides per 10,000 in 2000. The rate of suicides is higher, with 1.3 for every 10,000 county residents in 2009 and 1.0 per 10,000 in 2000. The leading non-natural cause of death is accidents, with 4.0 deaths per 10,000 residents in 2009 and 3.71 per 10,000 in 2000.
Firearms were the most frequent instrument of death in homicides and suicides, according to the report. Of the 146 firearm deaths in 2009, 41 were homicides and 100 were suicides. One firearm death was classified as an accident in 2009. “Because we know the circumstances, risk factors and trends of death in King County, we can target efforts and work to prevent early deaths. Traffic fatalities are a clear example of this,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County, in a public statement. “Every death we review receives our fullest respect and attention. We work to investigate and resolve the manner and cause of death as quickly as possible, and in the most scientific and professional manner, so grieving loved ones can find some solace,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Harruff in the statement said. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Why Do Smart Kids Struggle?
Celebrating
34 Years of Excellence in Education
By Warren Kagarise Under a proposal offered by state Rep. Glenn Anderson, state leaders could dissolve some Washington counties for taking in more in state dollars than they contribute through state tax revenue. The measure is unlikely to emerge from the House of Representatives, or even a committee. But the proposal has started a discussion about the harsh budget reality legislators face. Democrats from populous Western Washington counties — Seattle Rep. Reuven Carlyle and Snohomish Rep. Hans Dunshee — joined Anderson to introduce the proposed constitutional amendment. “Washington is facing an extraordinary budget crisis, just like California,” Anderson said in a statement. “We must take direct action to restore fiscal sanity.” The six-term Fall City Republican has represented Issaquah and other 5th Legislative District communities in East King County since 2001. The state faces a $4.6 billion hole in the budget for 2011-13. Evergreen State residents could face increased fees and reduced services from state agencies, and larger class sizes as a result of widespread cuts. “Of the 39 counties, six contribute 75 percent of the state’s
total tax revenues,” Anderson said. “King County alone contributes 40 percent to the state’s total tax revenues, but receives only 25 percent in state program expenditures. That means King County residents, Republicans and Democrats alike, are paying double for state programs, subsidizing much of the rest of the state. This must change.” The figures Anderson cite come from state Office of Financial Management data prepared for Carlyle. The measure Anderson introduced aims to enable the Legislature to dissolve and reorganize counties if they receive at least twice as much in state funds as they generate through tax revenue. The counties in line for the axe under the proposal include Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Stevens, Lincoln, Garfield, Yakima and Wahkiakum. In Olympia, Republicans represent all but Wahkiakum County. “Republicans need to be seen as getting the state ahead of our problems, not just getting back to zero,” Anderson said. State constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the Legislature, plus statewide approval from voters. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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PAGE 3
North Bend, Fire District 38 consider life after EFR By Caleb Heeringa and Dan Catchpole With Eastside Fire & Rescue’s expiration date of 2014 looming, representatives from the area are meeting monthly to discuss the possibility of a new taxing authority to fund fire service. If such an entity is created, homeowners could see their tax bills go up. North Bend and Fire District 38 have indicated they are interested in a regional fire authority. Only one member of EFR, Sammamish, has said it is out. What North Bend opts to do will depend in large part on District 38, according to Duncan Wilson, North Bend’s city administrator. “Breaking our relationship would cause problems and inefficiencies.” Given the area’s rural character, it is cheaper for the two entities to share the cost of fire services, he said. District 38’s representatives have supported a regional fire authority, or RFA, at meetings with Issaquah, North Bend, Fall City, Duvall, Snoqualmie Pass and Fire Districts 10 and 38. Sammamish has sent only an observer to the meetings. In
Democrats elect 5th Legislative District officers Democrats in the 5th Legislative District elected Maple Valley resident Jim Baum as chairman Jan. 19. The district stretches from Issaquah to Snoqualmie Pass, and from Sammamish to Maple Valley. The organization represents the Democratic Party in the 5th District. “I think we have turned an important corner in politics,” Baum said in a statement. “Conservative right-wing candidates like Sarah Palin have crested. It’s all downhill from here for Republicans.”
fire authority, they have several options for fire service: ❑ They could create their own fire service agreement with Snoqualmie. ❑ They could contract with the agency formed by the new regional fire authority. This option may allow them to lock in the price of service for several years, though they might have to give up representation on the agency’s board of directors. ❑ They could form their own fire department. They technically own the fire stations and most of the trucks and equipment inside, though setting up a new agency would likely mean additional money for administers to run the agency.
By the numbers Estimated cost of fire service per $1,000 of assessed value for Eastside Fire & Rescue partners: ❑ Sammamish: 68 cents ❑ North Bend: $1.04 ❑ Issaquah: 83 cents ❑ Fire District 10: $1, plus a fire benefit charge depending on the building ❑ Fire District 38: $1.23
Other irons in the fire If North Bend and Fire District 38 do not join the proposed regional
2009, its City Council passed a resolution opposing an independent taxing district. Ron Pedee, chairman of the EFR board and representative of District 38, said fire services would be easier to manage under an RFA than the current model. As an independent taxing authority, an RFA could go
directly to voters for money for new stations and other capital expenses. To get that money now, EFR has to go through multiple city councils and fire district boards. An RFA “would be able to act more quickly in terms of issues that arise that need government decisions,” Pedee said. “As it’s own legal entity, it can go to the
The biennial reorganization also shuffled other leadership positions. The leadership team includes Sammamish resident Robyn Scola as first vice chairwoman; Sammamish resident Dorothy Willard as second vice chairwoman; Issaquah resident Jennifer Sutton as state committeewoman; and Maple Valley resident Mike Barer as state committeeman. Sutton just completed a twoyear term as chairwoman. Members also elected Di Irons as secretary; Gloria HatcherMays as treasurer; August Luniuck Rakita and David Spring as delegates to King County
Democratic Central Committee; and Sadie Maloney and Konrad Roeder as alternate delegates. The group also elected Snoqualmie resident Scott Williams to the new role of communications director.
King County permitting agency changes hours The agency responsible for permitting in rural and unincorporated King County has returned to a five-day-per-week schedule. Customers can expect the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services permit
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voters and say, ‘We’re strapped.’” Pedee pointed to the bond measure in North Bend and District 38 for a new fire station. While the agency has known since 2001 that the building was in dire need of repair, it has taken nearly a decade for representatives from the two partners to agree on the bond’s specifics.
The charge would vary depending on the type of property. Pedee said that generally single-family homes are charged much less than larger buildings, like multistory commercial developments or retirement facilities. Forming a fire authority The formation of a fire authority would require approval from a majority of voters, while a separate fire benefit charge would require approval of 60 percent of voters. Pedee acknowledged the challenges of creating a single taxing district for rural areas and posh suburbs, but said the benefit charge could be used to keep the base property tax low. Voters could be asked to decide on the matter as soon as 2012, according to Joe Forkner, a representative to the meetings. EFR’s interlocal agreement allows it to continue past 2014 if none of the partners makes a formal move to break away.
Uncertain costs North Bend expects an RFA will be more expensive than EFR, but exactly how much more is uncertain. Under an RFA, money would be collected directly from property owners. Currently, EFR’s partners pay a lump sum from their general funds. Currently, North Bend residents pay $1.04 per $1,000 of assessed property value. District 38 residents pay $1.23 per $1,000. By law, the RFA would have to charge the same amount of property taxes across its boundaries. An additional fee could be charged under a funding model being discussed by representatives. Under the model, a “fire benefit charge” would be charged on top of a flat property tax.
Caleb Heeringa: 392-6434, ext. 247, or cheeringa@isspress.com. Dan Catchpole: 3926434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
center to be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The agency tried a four-day workweek last year, but switched to the five-day workweek at the beginning of the year. The agency started to provide same-day or “over-the-counter” reviews for many permit types
last year. The “over-the-counter” permits include small residential remodels, tenant improvements to commercial spaces, building additions, decks, seismic retrofits and others. Complex development proposals still require appointments. Customers can still make appointments.
Opinion
PAGE 4
Editorial
Letters
Legislature should focus on priorities
Encourage Legislature to pass abduction prevention
Foolishness seems as prevalent as ever in the state Legislature, in spite of the urgency of dealing with a $5 billion shortfall — or whatever the newest high mark of the hour is. We could start with our own 5th District Rep. Glenn Anderson, who filed a bill giving the Legislature the right to dissolve up to eight counties across the state, if they are deemed to be overly dependent on state funds. The bill is expected to go nowhere, yet Anderson is getting his day of fame for having put forth the idea. But the bill is at least an educational opportunity about the state budget and is worthy of thought. Many other bills being filed this year are less than that. Remember, each bill costs time and money as it makes the rounds on committee agendas, is reviewed by attorneys for correct and legal language, co-sponsors are solicited, etc. It’s the business-as-usual attitude we object to, when it feels like a crisis that is going to impact us all. Some of those bills that could easily be skipped include establishing coffee as the state beverage; renaming Interstate 5 as The Purple Heart Trail; designating sandstone from the Tenino quarry as the official state rock; designating the great blue heron as the state bird — replacing the current state bird, the willow goldfinch; and designating a state Christmas tree. Resolutions don’t cost much, but they are a distraction. There seems to be plenty of room for resolutions this year, too, including recognizing the contributions of people who brings the arts to schools; the many resolutions “Honoring John or Jane Doe” — in many cases former legislators; and even resolutions honoring Martin Luther King, who already has a national holiday in his honor. The only appropriate resolution this year would be to resolve to pass on all other resolutions — or would that become a bill? We don’t mean to imply that our state representatives aren’t hard at work, but we do believe there is room for improvement. Focusing on budget cuts, changes to layoff criteria for teachers, merging state departments and other urgent business should leave little room for little else.
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All of our children deserve to have a fighting chance when confronted by sexual predators. We can implement a safety training program that can give our kids the skills to fight back without costing us taxpayers a single dime more than we’re already paying for public education. So, to all those Snoqualmie Valley residents who are concerned about the safety of our kids, I encourage you to contact your state senator or representative this week and demand that during this current legislative session he or she helps sponsor a bill that will require mandatory abduction prevention training
From the Web Re: Emanuel Vardi dies at home in North Bend I was fortunate to have had the amazing opportunity to get to know Emanuel Vardi for over one year. As he worked on what would be his last large piece of incredible art up in his studio, I
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
I’m going to Mount Si High School next year and I read in the SnoValley Star about the bullying incident in 2008 and how poorly it seemed to be handled by Mount Si staff. I am wondering how safe the school is and how the safety level can ascend by the students’ intervention. I read in the newspaper that after it happened, the parents were not called until later in the afternoon. Why were the parents not called right away? The
school was also not sensitive at all in this situation toward the victim, because they made him go find his own tooth! They did not do a good job of protecting him either, because the bully was still in his class. I think the bully should have been expelled. Instead the victim stayed home because he was afraid to go to school. Isn’t it the school’s responsibility to keep us safe? Mount Si has been allowing bullying and I think it needs to stop, but what have they done to make Mount Si a safe place to learn? So, I encourage everyone to report bullying if seen right away. If the students can become part of the solution, maybe we can make some headway ourselves. Riley Snoqualmie Middle School student
collected photographic images. For days, weeks, months… I would come over to the Vardis’ home, share a “green smoothie” with Manny, at times help put on his blue paint smock, and head up the stairs to his beautifully-lit art space. This special quality time showed me how wonderful a person he certainly was. Humble, gracious, funny, curious and absolutely delightful. I was happy to introduce
friends, children and other artists to Manny. He always accepted happily, for he loved meeting people. I never had the opportunity to hear him play his viola in person, but I did see how he worked his magic with his artist’s brush. And his heart. A beautiful legend of our Valley, which he loved so much. I have been truly blessed. Mary Miller North Bend
in all of our state’s public school physical education classes. And please remember that the kid or grandkid that you save may be your own! Jim Curtis North Bend
Help make school safer: report bullying
Home Country
Men, women speak different languages The two horses walked slowly past the Mule Barn truck stop the other day. In the months since their owners, Randy Jones and Katie Burchell, have been in love, the horses have learned how to walk, slowly, side-by-side, with just enough room between them for two knees. Their owners hold hands and look at each other, still enthralled with the moonlit bliss of romance. Those of us inside, holding down the chairs around the Round Table, watched the two lovers and were quiet with our own thoughts. We remembered. Oh, yes. Outside, the two sweethearts were alone with their own thoughts, too. Katie: It’s almost Valentine’s Day and Randy hasn’t asked me out or said a thing about it. Maybe he forgot? Couldn’t be that. So, maybe it’s a surprise? That’s possible. I mean, he’s thoughtful and kind and that’s why I’m crazy about him. Randy: If I changed from a curb bit to a mechanical hackamore, I wonder if that would put a sliding stop on this horse. They smiled at each other.
Katie: Maybe I should say something to him. After all, if I hadn’t told him he needed me as a girlfriend, where Slim Randles would we be Columnist today? Randy: Katie sure is pretty. I wonder if she has a mechanical hackamore I can borrow. “Randy? … Valentine’s Day is coming up.” “Yeah. I guess it is.” “What should we do to celebrate being a couple?” “We could go riding.”
“We are riding.” Katie sighed. “I have an idea. You’ll buy me a corsage and we can go to Del Chin’s Chinese restaurant for dinner, and when you go get the flowers, tell Susan down there I’ll be wearing blue. Then we can go to The Strand. They’re showing ‘An Affair to Remember.’” “That’s all?” “And ‘The Westerner.’” Randy: Randy Jones, you are one romantic son of a gun. Good planning. “What time should I pick you up?” Sponsored by www.pearsonranch.com. Farm direct, delicious, California navel & Valencia oranges.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
SnoValley Star
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SnoValley Star
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
State’s budget decisions leave school district leaders in a bind By Sebastian Moraga The superintendent of Snoqualmie Valley schools knows his cetaceans. “There’s a whale of a disconnect there, isn’t it?” Joel Aune asked over the phone from his office, miles from where the whale supposedly lives. To Aune, it lives in Olympia, where the state’s constitution supports education and where politicians do the opposite. The Legislature told the district in mid-December it would keep about $325,000 it had promised earlier that year. This includes $50,000 dating back to last September. Before the December notice, the beginning balance for 201011 was $300,000 higher than expected and fall enrollment also rose above expectations. “Things were looking pretty good,” the district’s finance director Ryan Stokes said. Not anymore. Having the state draw back funds mid-year hurts the district, Stokes said. If the Legislature OKs expand-
Hotel From Page 1 comment. The project is just a few blocks north of another hotel project by local business owner George Wyrsch. However, he has had trouble finding financing for his development south of Interstate 90. The New Sky project still has to clear many hurdles before ground is broken, according to Gina Estep, the city’s senior planner. The steps include ensuring the plan’s compliance with North Bend code and state law, such as passing environmental review and design review. Once the developer’s application is in order, the city will
Memorial From Page 1 work on the first phase of construction. The memorial will be built in five phases, according to the organization’s plan. The first two phases will prepare the land for the memorial. The foundation has already contracted out the first phase. During the third phase, the memorial’s focal point — a stone monument — will be
ing the cuts, the state would give the district even less money in the next five months. In total, between $700,000 and $800,000 for the current year, Stokes said. However, Stokes said he expected the Legislature would not just to rubber-stamp the governor’s proposal. Aune said district administrators would seek opportunities to curtail spending, though those are growing scarce. This is the third consecutive year of cuts. “If we had had a middle-ofyear surprise adjustment three years ago, we would have handled it much better,” he said. Aune said nothing is for certain yet, except for the $325,000, which kicks in next month. Nevertheless, Aune called the state’s attitude “bewildering.” Aune said he understood the state’s challenges, but a deal was a deal. “I’m not saying it’s easy,” he said, “But the state constitution makes it easy. It makes it extremely clear. It’s about the student. These kids get one shot and we are morally obligated to
schedule public hearings before permits are approved. The city has not made any decisions yet on the application, Estep said. The hotel would not significantly affect traffic on Bendigo Boulevard, according to a traffic study commissioned by the developer. The plans call for more than 200 parking spaces. The study, conducted by Heath and Associates Inc. in December, projected that most trips — about 75 percent — to the site would come from I-90. The site would generate an additional 144 trips during the evening peak traffic hour’s nearly 1,700 trips through the intersection of South Fork Avenue and Bendigo Boulevard, according to the study. The permitting process is expected to take five to six months, according to Estep.
placed. The stone will have an engraving of Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Si and an American Indian symbol. It will also have a bronze plaque with the names of Valley residents who died during service. The list is not a short one. The upper Snoqualmie Valley has given many of its sons and daughters in service of the U.S. Twelve residents died during World War I; 40 — including two women — in World War II; six in the Korean War; and eight in the Vietnam conflict. The newest name on the plaque will be that of Marine Lance Cpl.
take care of them.” As the cuts continue, the impact on the classroom grows, he said. Teachers are under contract for the year, but the district has some tough calls for the 20112013 biennium, including some new cuts Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed. The cuts would include a salary freeze, and a reduction of cost-of-living adjustments on existing pensions. “That’s actually a positive,” Aune said. “Although some retirees might disagree.” In addition, federal stimulus money used to make up for lost federal Title 1 money in 201011 goes away after this year. Aune later said he did not know whether layoffs or nonrenewals would happen, but the district has to plan. The district, Aune said, is hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. “The legislative session might drag on,” he said. “We might be in June and not know the impact.” School board member Scott
Hodgins said the district needed to start working on the issue as soon as possible “I don’t see things getting better for several years,” he said. At a Jan. 20 school board work session, the board’s first public meeting with Dan Popp as its president, the cuts were the only topic. “We don’t have a lot of flexibility,” Stokes said, adding that he did not know whether they would come to fruition. “The Legislature might not do anything until March,” he said. An idle legislature works against the district, board member Marci Busby noted, as layoff notices, if any, have to be sent in late spring, leaving little time. Aune said the district will have its hands full. “But we’ve been there before, or at least in that neighborhood,” he said. It was easier before, though, Aune noted, when the district had more options. School board members agreed. “We’ve trimmed all the fat,” Hodgins said. “We’re now into the meat.”
Removed
county’s supervising engineer for the Snoqualmie River. Two major elements of this approach are buying out or elevating homes at risk of flooding. Snoqualmie is currently waiting on federal approval for three grants submitted to FEMA to pay for 41 house elevations, according to Lauren Hollenbeck, a senior planner for the city. After the January 2009 flood, the city submitted an application for a $2.75 million disaster assistance grant to help raise 25 houses. Hollenbeck said she expects to hear more about that grant by next month. In October, the city also applied for two grants worth a combined $1.7 million from FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program to help raise 16 houses. “I don’t expect an answer on that for some time,” Hollenbeck said.
From Page 1 FEMA-mapped floodway and was regularly inundated with water when the nearby river overflowed its banks. Following the January 2009 flood, King County submitted the site for acquisition under the FEMA program. Buying out properties that are routinely flooded is part of the county’s strategy for flood mitigation for Snoqualmie Valley. Unlike most major rivers in Western Washington, the Snoqualmie River has no headwater dam to help control flow. As a result, the Valley regularly floods. Rather than fight flooding, the county tries to minimize its effects, said Clint Loper, the
Eric Ward, who died during combat in southern Afghanistan in 2010. The American Indian symbol is to honor of members of the Snoqualmie Tribe, which fought alongside white settlers during fighting in the 1850s. Around the stone will be eight flags — the U.S., POWMIA, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines and Merchant Marines flags. The flags will be added in the final two phases of construction, which will also add benches and picnic tables. Raising money has been a
slow process. “It’s tough to get people to donate money in this economy,” Chartier said. But with many small contributions, the sale of commemorative bricks and a handful of large donations, the foundation has made progress. It raised more than $10,000 at a Veterans Day event. The foundation has also received money from some corporations, including QFC. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Councilman Reagan Dunn urges protections for crime victims King County Councilman Reagan Dunn has introduced a measure to urge state legislators to shield the victims of sex crimes in the courtroom. The measure Dunn introduced aims to generate King County Council support for a bill in the Legislature. The bill is meant to protect sex crime victims from defendants representing themselves in court, or pro se defendants. “It is an extremely scary prospect for victims to tell their story in court,” Dunn said in a statement released Jan. 27. “Imagine how much more difficult it is to be questioned by an attacker directly. To get victims to come forward, the criminal justice system must offer them some protection, while balancing the rights of the accused.” Dunn represents the rural area near Issaquah, plus Newcastle, Maple Valley and areas inside Bellevue and Renton. House Bill 1001 declares the state has a compelling interest in the physical and psychological well-being of sex-offense victims, especially related to questioning from pro se defendants. The legislation calls on the state Supreme Court to adopt rules by July 31 to reduce the risk of trauma to victim-witnesses. The rules aim to place restrictions on pro se defendants questioning victims. The arrangement could allow the court to ask questions prepared by the defendant or to allow questioning via videoconference. In November, a 21-year-old woman threatened to jump off of the King County Courthouse rather than face a man accused of raping her as a child. The man had been acting as his own attorney in the trial. Prosecutors later dropped charges related to the sexual assault, so the woman would not be called to testify. “This young woman’s trauma is a great example of why we must become more sensitive to the victims of sexual crimes,” Dunn said.
How to help ❑ Write a check payable to Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum, 320 Bendigo Blvd. S., North Bend, WA 98045. On the check, note that the money is for the memorial. ❑ Purchase an engraved brick at the memorial for $100, paid to the museum. Note on the check that it is for a brick. The bricks can be engraved with anyone’s name, regardless of branch of service.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Police & Fire North Bend police Need wireless communication At 3:09 p.m. Jan. 24, police received a report that two vehicles, a Ford Explorer and a Ford Focus, had been broken into. Both vehicles had unlocked doors, which facilitated the thief’s entrance. A Bluetooth headset and registration paperwork disappeared from the Explorer and a Bluetooth headset disappeared from the Focus. Both vehicles were parked on a driveway in the 800 block of Mills Place Northeast.
Stranger at school At 9 a.m. Jan. 25, the principal of North Bend Elementary School reported to police that a man was in a van in the school parking lot while students arrived for the day, and no one recognized the van as belonging to a parent or a staffer. When police contacted the man, he was sitting in the back of the van and appeared to have been living in it. The van had a rice cooker, juice bottles and food packaging on the floor and bedding on the folded-out rear seats. The man became defensive immediately and would not answer whether he had children in the school. He only answered after police asked him five times. The man told police he was from Silver Lake, and that he was traveling to get away from family troubles. He could not explain why he was in North Bend. A status check showed the man’s license had been suspended. The man was ejected from school grounds, told not to return and his van was impounded.
No longer armed At 2 p.m. Jan. 25, a man brought eight boxes of old 12gauge ammunition to the North
Bend Substation of King County Sheriff’s Office. He said he no longer needed it and that it may be dangerous to use due to its age. Police placed the ammunition in a storage room and marked it for disposal.
Snoqualmie police Band practice is over At 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28, a caller reported that the door to St. Joseph’s School was open. Police found a stuck latch on the door to the school’s band room. The building was secured.
You gotta fight for your right … At 10:12 p.m. Jan. 29, someone called police to report yelling between two men and a woman in a house in the 34600 block of Southeast Leitz Street. When police arrived, they found that the domestic dispute was actually a party.
Vehicle break-in At 7:39 p.m. Jan. 30, two siblings reported to police that while at a dog park in the 39000 block of Southeast Park Street, someone stole a wallet, a set of keys, a phone charger and prescription medication including Oxycontin and morphine pills from their vehicle. The male sibling later located his keys and charger inside his camera bag near the water’s edge. Police found no signs of forced entry to the vehicle, but the female sibling said the driver’s side window is stuck open about four inches.
Drive slower next time At 6:45 a.m. Jan. 31, police saw a vehicle speeding in the northbound lanes of Snoqualmie Parkway, near the intersection with Southeast 99th Street. The speeding vehicle stopped near the intersection of Hancock Avenue and Jacobia Street, in a posted “No Parking”
area. The driver told the police he did not have a driver’s license or insurance, and handed the police a Mexican I.D. card. The card had uneven corners and the driver could not say where it had come from or whether it had been purchased somewhere. He was arrested and once at the police station, police questioned the man about his immigration status. He said he was in America illegally. He was transported to the Issaquah Jail. The office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of the man and began deportation procedures.
Vehicle break-in At 4:11 a.m. Feb. 2, police responded to a call from the 33800 block of Southeast Odell Street. A man told police he had parked and locked his car behind his house and he had awakened to the sound of his car horn. When he looked out the window, he saw his console light on. He went to his car and realized his laptop computer, a gray Samsung with a dinged left corner, was missing. There were no signs of forced entry and no prints at the scene.
Snoqualmie fire ❑ At 12:32 p.m. Jan. 28, Snoqualmie EMTs and Bellevue paramedics responded to a medical call in the Snoqualmie Ridge area. A patient was evaluated and then transported to a hospital by private ambulance. ❑ At 9:37 p.m. Jan. 28, EMTs were dispatched to the Snoqualmie downtown area for a medical call. A patient was evaluated and then transported to a hospital by Snoqualmie EMTs. ❑ At 1:44 a.m. Jan. 29, EMTs responded to the Snoqualmie Casino for a medical call. A patient was evaluated and then
PAGE 7 released to casino security. ❑ At 2:47 a.m. Jan. 29, EMTs were dispatched to the Snoqualmie Casino for a medical call. A patient was treated and then transported to a hospital by EMTs. ❑ At 7:21 a.m. Jan. 29, firefighters responded to the Salish Lodge for an automatic fire alarm. After investigation, it was determined it was a false alarm and the system was reset. ❑ At 1:06 p.m. Jan. 29, firefighters were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm on Hebner Avenue Southeast. En route, the homeowner told them that the alarm was caused by food on the stove. The alarm was reset and a request was made to cancel. ❑ At 2:52 p.m. Jan. 29, Snoqualmie EMTs responded with Bellevue paramedics to Pickering Court for a medical problem. A patient was transported to a hospital by the medics. ❑ At 7:37 p.m. Jan. 29, EMTs responded to Snoqualmie Casino for a 90-year-old woman who had fallen. She was uninjured and left the scene with her daughter. ❑ At 7:34 a.m. Jan. 30, EMTs responded to the Snoqualmie Casino for a 53-year-old female who fell and injured her knee. She was transported to a hospital by Snoqualmie’s aid car. ❑ At 12:51 p.m. Jan. 30, EMTs were dispatched to the Snoqualmie Ridge area for a medical call. A patient was treated and transported to a hospital by Snoqualmie EMTs. ❑ At 5:25 p.m. Jan. 30, EMTs responded to the Snoqualmie Police Department for a medical call. A patient was evaluated and then released to a Washington State Patrol officer on scene. ❑ At 10:07 a.m. Feb. 1, EMTs were dispatched to Cascade
Lee Soptich re-elected as head of county fire chiefs Eastside Fire & Rescue Chief Lee Soptich was re-elected to a second term as head of the King County Fire Chiefs Association, according to a press release from EFR. The association promotes and supports safety legislation, education and initiatives as well as emergency management and preparedness, the release stated. “It’s been a real honor to be a part of the team that is leading the industry in serving the community and influencing where we can for safer conditions internally for our employees and externally with our customers,” Soptich said in the release. The second term expires at the end of 2011.
View Elementary School for a medical call. A patient was evaluated and then transported to a hospital by EMTs. ❑ At 11:12 a.m. Feb. 1, EMTs were dispatched to Mount Si High School for a medical call. A patient was evaluated and then left in care of the school nurse. ❑ At 4:07 p.m. Feb. 1, EMTs responded to the Snoqualmie downtown area for a medical call. A patient was treated and then transported to a hospital by EMTs. ❑ At 10:05 p.m. Feb. 1, EMTs were dispatched to the Snoqualmie Ridge area for a medical call. A patient was treated and then transported to a hospital by a private ambulance. The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports. Information regarding North Bend fire calls was unavailable.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Encompass programs are on the state’s chopping block By Laura Geggel Royce Femling was a shy 3year-old boy with separation anxiety. With the high price of preschool, his mother, Raechel Femling, said she was grateful when she learned Encompass, the children and family services organization serving the Snoqualmie Valley and the greater Eastside, offered services to low-income families through the state’s free Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. “When he went to Encompass, the separation anxiety got better,” Raechel said. “He calmed down. He will stay with more people now. Before, he could only be with me or my parents.” Royce’s attitude improved as he learned how to share with his classmates. While he was at preschool, his mother used the time to work toward her online degree in medical billing and coding. Tiffany Thomas, another North Bend mother, also has with a son who will be 3 when preschool starts this fall. Unlike the Femling family, her son Chad Thomas might not get the benefit of the program, also known as ECEAP (pronounced E-Cap). With a $4.6 billion deficit, the state Legislature is looking at cutting part of its funding for its 2011-13 budget. “It’s a frightening thing,”
Encompass Family Support Specialist Paula Nelson said. “They’re talking about cutting out any 3-year-old slots, which would hurt our program because we have three 3-year-olds. We have 30 kids on our waiting list right now.” ECEAP helps low-income families who face a litany of challenges, such as divorce or health problems. The pre-kindergarten program is aimed at 4-year-olds, but it will accept 3-year-olds if there is space. In Encompass’ case, the center has 36 slots. This year, three of the slots went to 3-year-olds. Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed cutting 460 ECEAP slots across the state and ending the program for 3-year-olds. Encompass staff are unsure how many slots, if any, it would lose if the state Legislature approves the cuts. ECEAP funding has remained flat in recent years, but as Nelson said, “flat is the new up. If we kept it the same, I’d be happy.” Studies have shown two years of preschool benefit children. In 2009-10, Washington ECEAP students showed a 44 percent increase in literary skills, including writing letters. A 12-year study showed ECEAP students had more positive attitudes toward school, fewer health problems and increased academic gains, according to the Washington State Department
of Early Learning. Children who do not attend preschool are 70 percent more likely to commit violent crimes and have higher drug use rates. “Not every child needs two years of preschool, but a lot of people who are struggling to make ends meet, their children don’t get a lot of special things,” Nelson said. “Their child may not get swimming lessons, they may not be in ballet, but they can get two years of preschool.” Tiffany said her son Chad needs preschool. She, too, is working for an online degree. Chad plays with his 9-monthold brother, but Tiffany wants him to be around children his own age. She let out an uneasy sigh when asked if she had a backup plan in case ECEAP for 3-year-olds is cut. “Our children need this,” she said. “I believe it’s really good that our children have interaction with kids their age and are in another learning environment besides their parents’ learning environments.” Encompass goes to Olympia ECEAP is not the only program on the state budget’s chopping block. The state Legislature is cutting a large portion of funding to the Department of Social and Health Services, which, in turn, has to cut its own programs, including Working Connections Child
Care and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Determined to share the importance of these programs with the government, Encompass staff members drove to Olympia Jan. 18 for their third annual Encompass Day, meeting with 14 legislators and six legislative aides. State Rep. Jay Rodne, a North Bend Republican who serves on Encompass’ board of directors, suggested that Encompass start a lobbying day. Instead of rallying with larger groups on the capitol steps, staff members meet individually with state representatives and senators, emphasizing the importance of their programs. “I’ve gone to Olympia several times, but never when we’ve faced such deep cuts,” Encompass Family Support Manager Kerry Beymer said. Both Beymer and Nelson said legislators appeared compassionate about these programs, but the budget is so dire they were unsure what would happen. “I think they’re very frustrated, too,” Beymer said. “They see the need for these programs.” Working Connections Child Care helps low-income families pay for child care. Based on their income and family size, parents pay on a sliding fee scale. The state Legislature may decrease how many families are eligible for the program. If the cuts pass, only people making
less than 175 percent to 200 percent of the poverty rate would qualify. For example, a family of four making more than $38,604 would no longer qualify for aid. Kinship Caregivers helps relatives taking care of their relations’ children, such as a grandparent caring for a grandchild. The state gives these caregivers $330 a month to care for the children, regardless of the family’s income. Under the proposed cuts, only families making less than 200 percent of the poverty level would qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments. Many caregivers live on fixed incomes or depend on Social Security, Beymer said. Compared to the money the state spends on foster care, the Kinship Caregivers program is less expensive, she added. Children who receive the payments are also eligible for the state’s College Bound Scholarships. “If you’re a child and your biological parents are no longer taking care of you, you need support, you need preschool, you need to go to college,” Beymer said. “You haven’t started on the greatest foot, so I really believe those families need to get all of the resources they get.” Laura Geggel: 392-6434, ext. 241, or lgeggel@isspress.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
PAGE 9
County could ask voters to renew fund for veterans’ services By Warren Kagarise King County voters could be asked in November to fund programs to help local veterans and military personnel. Councilmen Reagan Dunn, Bob Ferguson and Pete Von Reichbauer last week proposed a renewal of the county veterans and human services levy. The legislation is the initial step to maintain funding for veterans’ services after the current levy expires at the end of the year. Ferguson is the prime sponsor
of the renewal and the initial measure. The electorate adopted the veterans and human services levy by a decisive margin in 2005. “The veterans and human services levy honors our veterans and helps thousands of King County residents,” he said in a statement. “During this recession, the critical services provided by the levy are needed more than ever.” The legislation proposed Jan. 3 calls for the levy to be renewed for another six years at the existing rate of 5 cents per
$1,000 of assessed value. The cost amounts to about $20 on a $400,000 home. Republicans Dunn and Von Reichbauer joined Democrat Ferguson to back — and lend bipartisan support to — the measure. (Though voters made the council nonpartisan in 2008, members continue to caucus along partisan lines on many issues.) “The veterans and human services levy has helped many people, including many veterans, over the last five years,” Dunn
said in the statement. “While the county is being forced to eliminate human services from its general fund budget, we must maintain this modest funding source. It is the least we can do to honor the sacrifice of our returning heroes.” The councilman represents rural King County near Issaquah, plus Newcastle and parts of Bellevue and Renton. The initial levy attracted percent from 58 percent of voters. In order for the levy to continue, the council must agree to place the measure on the
November ballot in 2011 and a majority of the electorate must support the proposal. The measure generates about $13 million per year — half of the money is dedicated for veterans’ programs and the other half is used for general human services programs. The legislation to renew the levy calls for the same formula. The levy has been used to add shelter beds available for homeless veterans, to increase treatment services for post-traumatic stress disorder and to support other programs.
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Young artists make a mark at the library
Restaurant sign has proud lineage
By Sebastian Moraga So much for teen angst. Middle- and high-schoolers have delivered plenty of color and pizzazz to the walls of the North Bend Library. Charcoal, pencil, ink and photography were but a few media the youths used to let their talents shine. One aspect that was absent was the woe-is-me attitude that sometimes permeates teen art exhibits. These pieces dripped optimism and color, from fancy horses to proud American flags, and included American icons like Mickey Mouse. Brooke Bonner, a Mount Si High student who presented two pieces to the contest, said her art was meant to be cheerful. She presented a multihued work of ink on poster board with a piano-key pattern, and a pencil drawing of herself with her cat. “It’s all supposed to be happy and make you smile when you see it,” she said. “I love my cat.” Bonner earned third place in the high-school category. Bonner’s art is how she relaxes, but it’s also a little business venture, thanks to her Web site www.brookebonner.weebly.com. Krista Cassidy, another Mount Si student, presented two pieces, both tribute to the Japanese art forms of Manga and Anime. “Everything is more cartoony, more expressive,” she said of the styles. “It’s a lot more interesting than realistic proportions.” One of her pieces featured Mickey Mouse with the big eyes proper of a Manga charac-
If you go Teenage Art Exhibit ❑ North Bend Library ❑ 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend ❑ Until Feb. 28 — free
ter. The second piece featured Kairi, a character from a Japanese video game called “Kingdom Hearts.” Cassidy said she hoped to dispel myths through her art. “People think only nerds like this type of art or that people who do like it are not terribly healthy,” she said. Angelique Koopman, an eighth-grader, finished second in the middle-school category, thanks to three pencil drawings: two of magazine models’ faces and a third one of a show horse. Although in black and white, the faces smiled and the horse looked almost placid. Not surprisingly, equine drawings are among her favorites. “I draw lots of horses,” she said. Nari Emerson took first place and Becca Crowley took third. At the high school level, Kayla Morrill took first and Natalie Barnard took second. Sarah Lynch, with the North Bend Library that organized the contest, said 42 pieces of art participated. “We have a lot of talent in this Valley,” she said of the contest, sponsored by Friends of the North Bend Library. The pieces will remain in exhibit until Feb. 28.
By Sebastian Moraga
Brooke Bonner, Mount Si High School student, stands by some of her artwork.
By Sebastian Moraga
By Sebastian Moraga
The sign at Chang Thai restaurant in North Bend. The company that built it has built such well-known signs as the Hit It Here Café sign at Safeco Field and Issaquah’s Village Theatre sign.
The actual animals may not say much, but the elephants atop the neon sign at Chang Thai restaurant at 228 W. North Bend Way have a lineage that speaks for itself. The Sign Factory, the same company that created the sign, has built signs for Seattle’s Safeco Field and Paramount Theatre. The sign, the words ‘Thai Cuisine’ arranged vertically and crowned by a pair of pink elephants, first went up Dec. 25, at the request of Chang Thai manager Luna Laoharoj. “People coming off the highway and from Bendigo Boulevard would turn left and See SIGN, Page 11
Dance studio hauls in the hardware By Sebastian Moraga Jan. 22 was Ignite’s big night. That’s when performers from North Bend’s dance and yoga studio returned home from the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien, carrying more than 10 trophies from their first competition. Dancers from the studio finished in the top four eight times, including four first places. The studio is less than a year old and dancers’ ages range from 4 to 17 years old. About 20 dance studios from across the Northwest competed. “Being there was great,” said North Bend’s Nina Horn, 8. “I was glad that I could go dance.” Katie Black, one of the studio’s instructors said Ignite received kudos the entire day. Three dancers, the oldest of whom is 8, have been invited to Wisconsin for the national tournament. The winner will travel to Australia, Black said. Besides the trophies, dancers earned a little cash with their success. Fall City’s Nikki Thompson, 7, finished first in her age division’s Overall Solo competition and won $75. She said she will spend that money See DANCERS, Page 11
Photos by By Sebastian Moraga
Above, Logan Nap, Nina Horn, Nikki Thompson and Celeste Jerome (from left), and below Kira Jerome, Savannah Morrison, Emery Swaim and Sammi Wargi (from left), all members of Ignite Dance and Yoga Studio, display the trophies they won at a dance tournament in Burien.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Sign From Page 10 not see us,” she said of her restaurant. “Or they would just keep going straight.” Now, the pachyderms catch the eye and business is growing, if only from one side. “Not a lot of people come on North Bend Way from Snoqualmie,” she said. Most customers arrive from the east side of North Bend Way or from Bendigo, especially on weekends, she added. The sign is 12 feet long by three feet wide and it cost $13,500 just to install. Permits added an additional $1,500. Laoharoj said she strained her finances to pay for the sign. “I used all my credit cards,” she said. Erik Stephanides, sales agent for The Sign Factory who worked with Laoharoj, said the elephants were Laoharoj’s idea but the pink was the company’s idea. “We wanted to give it some contrast, some color,” he said. “Something
that would make it stand out.” The process, after city permits, took five weeks, Stephanides said. The installation of the elephants happened sooner than expected, Laoharoj said. The building owners had plans to repaint it, but she just could not wait that long. Once the building gets repainted, the sign will be even more visible. Although she likes the sign, one aspect of it concerns her. Sometimes, only the elephants light up, and some other times only the wording does. Nevertheless, the elephant sign is getting some fine reviews. A press release from Thomas Center, a public relations firm that represents The Sign Factory, states that Laoharoj would recommend the sign-makers to other business owners. Laoharoj said picking elephants was almost a no-brainer: The restaurant is named after them. “The word ‘Chang’ means ‘elephant’ in Thai,” said Laoharoj, a native of Thailand. “It also means all things that are big and strong.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Dancers From Page 10 adopting an elephant in Africa. Dancing is more than a hobby to these girls. It requires long hours of practice and a commitment from themselves and their parents. It’s still worth it, parent Sarah Nap said. “I have one who’s pretty shy, but dancing is her outlet,” she said, while her daughter hid her face under Mom’s chin. With practices every day and long trips in between, the girls have grown close, sometimes sitting three to a chair, hugging. “They really hate each other, don’t they?” Black remarked. The mention of hobbies other than dancing elicits heckler-worthy responses. “Boring!” Thompson said. The little ones aren’t the only ones committed. The teenagers at the studio also succeeded in Burien, and they also love dancing. Some admitted to dancing in the car or in the shower.
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PAGE 11 Perhaps the one difference is how they felt being in Burien. “It was pretty nerve-wracking,” said Savannah Morrison, 15. “We were in a small dressing room with about 5 million adults and with nothing else to occupy your attention.” Watching other routines on the stage and rocking the crowd worsened nerves, said Emery Swaim, 17. “We were thinking, ‘How are we going to be better than they are?’” she said. Once onstage, it got easier, but only a little bit. “You had to project your emotions,” said 15-year-old Sammi Wargi. “And it’s hard to project with everybody watching.” Next March, the teenagers will have another chance to prove that they are better. A good showing in Tukwila may earn them tickets to their age brackets’ national tournament in Seaside, Ore. They may make it. They may not. But they will always have Burien. “Everybody was happy the whole day,” Black said. “The studio got recognized the whole day.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.
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Obituaries Donald Fay Brown Donald Fay Brown, of Snoqualmie, died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. He was 82. A memori- Donald Brown al service was held at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church on Feb. 5. Internment services followed at Tahoma National Cemetery on Feb. 8. Don was born in Viola, Kan., on May 30, 1928. He grew up working a family farm and attended college at Kansas State and Wichita State universities, receiving his engineering degree in 1955. Don spent time in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1951. Don and his wife Neva moved around the country on assignment for The Boeing Co. until 1961. The family moved to Washington state in 1962 and Don worked as an engineer for the company for 32 years, retiring in 1986. The family moved to Snoqualmie that year. Don enjoyed and loved, first and foremost, family. In his spare time, he loved cooking, fishing, camping, woodworking projects and just general tinkering in his garage. He loved to watch football, baseball and soccer, especially watching his kids and grandkids play. Don’s garage was where his family and friends would come so he could help, offer advice with projects and loan the tools needed to complete these projects. Grandpa’s garage was open to all, with numerous cars having been rebuilt there. Survivors include his loving
wife Neva; two daughters, Karen (Scott) Hoel and Kathy Peery; son David (Cheryl) Brown; and several grandchildren. Remembrances can be made to Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church and the Northwest Kidney Center. Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Funeral Home & Crematory. Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Kathleen Claire (Mama) Miller Kathleen Claire (Mama) Miller, of Bothell, died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, in Renton. She was 68. A vigil service was Feb. 3 at Flintoft’s Funeral Home, Kathleen Miller Issaquah. A funeral Mass was Feb. 4 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Snoqualmie. Burial followed at Mount Si Memorial Cemetery in North Bend. Kathleen was born April 25, 1942, in Fall City, to Arthur and Margaret Thompson. She was raised in Fall City and graduated from Mount Si High School in 1960. Full of spirit, Kathleen was a member of the Mount Si High School Cheer Squad. She also played basketball and softball. In 1961, she married Fred Miller, her high school sweetheart. In 1967, they settled in Bothell, where they raised three children. Kathleen was well-known for her love of her children and grandchildren. She was also well-known for “spoiling” them with time, patience and love. She was very involved with her
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children’s sports as she coached them all for many years. Kathleen rarely missed any of her grandchildren’s sporting events. Kathleen’s love of her family and friends was infectious. She loved dancing, bowling and just talking with people. Her laugh, or cackle, would bring a whole room to laughter. After raising her children, Kathleen went back to college and got a bachelor’s degree from North Seattle Community College; she graduated with honors. She used that degree to develop a successful career managing apartment complexes. Survivors include her children, Chris Miller and Fred Miller, of Snohomish, and Kelly Miller Hubbard, of Newcastle; mother Margaret Thompson, of Bellevue; siblings Judy Davis, of Tacoma, and Mary Gail Crispin, of Bellevue; six grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends. Arrangements are entrusted to the Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Ricky Norman (Reynolds) Still Ricky Norman (Reynolds) Still died Jan. 20, 2011, after a courageous, threeyear battle with thyroid cancer, in North Bend. He was 51. A celebration of life and memorial Ricky Still service will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, 36017 S.E. Fish Hatchery Road, Fall City. Rick was born Sept. 15, 1959, in Snoqualmie, to Duane and
FEBRUARY 10, 2011 Mardell Still. He was raised in the Valley, and graduated from Mount Si High School in 1978. Rick worked for Weyerhauser for many years before turning to a career in masonry. He married his sweetheart Becky Walker in 1984. They settled in North Bend to raise a family. He followed work wherever that would lead him, living at times in Shelton, Maple Valley and other areas before returning to the Valley. Eventually, the desire to run his own business led Rick to start his own company. This fit his happy, gregarious personality — he loved the outdoors and embraced opportunities to make new friends. He was positive and optimistic and could always find the good in others. His family remembers him as an affectionate goofball who always tried to make others laugh and enjoy life like he did. Rick enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors: camping, being by water, working in his yard. He loved working on his beloved Pontiac LeMans GTO, a muscle car he had since high school. He also built and collected model airplanes and cars. Rick is survived by his mother Mardell Reynolds, of Snoqualmie; and son Coby J. Still, daughter Shanna M. Still, stepdaughter BreAnne N. Smith and their mother Becky Dahl, with whom he has remained lifelong friends; his son Joshua Still and Joshua’s mother Shelly Chamberlaine, Rick’s long-time companion who opened her home to help with Rick’s health care in his final months. He will be missed by his brothers Danny Still, Roger Still, Toby Thomas, Randy Reynolds; stepbrothers Dale and Jim Reynolds; and stepsister Shellie Rae Reynolds. Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory, 392-6444. Friends are invited to view photos, share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Department of Health aims to create flu-free ‘WashYourHandsingTon’ The state Department of Health urges residents to journey to “WashYourHandsingTon” as the traditional flu season settles in. In “WashYourHandsingTon,” everyone remembers to cover coughs, wash hands and receive a flu vaccine. The campaign is part of a statewide effort to remind residents to prevent the spread of flu. “We use a fun approach to get people’s attention, and then remind them that flu is serious and getting vaccinated will keep you well,” state Secretary of Health Mary Selecky said in a statement. “We want Washington to be the state where people ‘give high-fivers, not high fevers!’” The campaign includes a YouTube video, radio ads, bus cards and billboards. Learn more at the campaign website, www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/hand sington.htm. The current flu vaccine protects against three strains of influenza: H3N2, influenza B and H1N1, or swine flu. The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The vaccine arrived in the Evergreen State in October — the earliest arrival ever. In addition, more vaccine is expected to be available for the current season than in the past. Influenza — a respiratory illness — causes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting. Most people recover within several days, but sometimes the disease leads to pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.
Get produce scraps for livestock, composting The Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank has leftover produce scraps available for livestock or composting, Director Heidi Dukich wrote in an e-mail. Farmers interested may pick up the scraps on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the bank, 122 E. Third St., North Bend. Call 888-0096.
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
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Schools
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Seventh-grader brings the ForCE By Sebastian Moraga Challenge Rachel Donka to an arm-wrestling match and you might win. Challenge her to champion a cause and it’s a different story. The pint-sized seventh-grader with the red hair and the determined smile wants to teach everyone about cancer. And she has the force to do it. Or rather, the ForCE. Donka and three friends created G-ForCE, which stands for Girls For Cancer Education. Under the umbrella of GForCE, Donka has made teaching people about cancer, regardless of age, one of the causes of her life. “My grandma died of cancer,” she said. “We want everybody to know this is something to be aware of.” Grandma’s death was hard on many people, she said, including Donka herself. “Cancer kept weakening her,” she said. “It showed me how close cancer is to all of us.” Donka has recruited three
“My grandma died of cancer. We want everybody to know this is something to be aware of.” — Rachel Donka Co-founder of ForCE
friends: Hannah Terrett, Leslie Kolke and Emilie Reitz. Donka spoke at a Seattle Rotary meeting and the next day the foursome had a booth during a Girl Scouts event in Fall City’s Chief Kanim Middle School. They passed out questionnaires about what cancer is, what it can do and how it can be treated. Those who completed the questionnaire got to make a bracelet the color of their choice. Each color available represented a different type of cancer awareness campaign. The girls also taught people how to care for those afflicted by the disease, from book drives and care packages to ponytail
Contributed
Rachel Donka, a seventh-grader from the Valley, addresses the Seattle Rotary about G-ForCE, a cancerawareness project she leads. drives for Locks Of Love and Wigs For Kids. The latter two, Donka said, help cancer victims feel less like outcasts. The organiza-
tions ask people to donate their hair, which later goes toward making hairpieces and wigs for chemotherapy patients.
Donka donated her hair last year. When talking to people her See DONKA, Page 15
North Bend mother, son hope to help heal the Middle East By Sebastian Moraga Karrie and Addison Brothers want to bring peace to the Middle East. And they want to bring a piece of that peace back home. Karrie is Addison’s mom and they want to travel to the Middle East as part of a mediating delegation. “The goal is not to decide who gets which half of the fence,” Karrie said. “But actually bring healing through listening to them.” Once in Israel, Karrie and Addison said they hope to talk to both Israelis and Palestinians. Once they return, they want to apply what they learned toward conflict resolution in the Valley. The trip has been scheduled for March 23 - April 3, with the Brotherses joining a delegation of up to 25 people. Whether the trip will happen is unknown. “It’s very expensive,” Addison said, adding that the trip will cost about $3,000 plus airfare. So far, they are about $5,000
Karrie Brothers short. The money isn’t quite there yet, so fundraisers loom ahead for the Brotherses and for the organization taking them there, the Bainbridge Islandbased Compassionate Listening Project, which has taken 28 mediation trips since 1990. If three-fifths of the money is not there soon, the trip is off. The Brotherses feel obligated toward making the trip a reality: It may be the last. With finances ailing, the Compassionate Listening Project
might stop traveling to the Middle East after this spring. For now, the Brotherses are focused on making the trip not just a reality but a success. One way to do this is seeking core values treasured by each side. Sometimes, core values are similar and that is when discord becomes peace, Karrie said. It’s an uphill battle, as the two neighbors aren’t enmeshed in a simple who-took-my-parking-spot disagreement, Addison said. “They talk about bombs, and shooting other people,” he said. On the other hand, previous trips have shown that perception differs from reality, particularly in how Arabs relate to Americans. “Palestinians really want Americans to come and hear their story,” Karrie said. “Palestinians embrace the Americans. They beg the Americans not to leave, because as long as the Americans are there, the Palestinians are safe.” The anger, nevertheless, runs deep, so if a dialogue happens, Addison and Karrie want to
How to help Addison and Karrie Brothers need funds for their trip to Israel. ❑ Call the Brothers family at 466-5128. Or attend a presentation: ❑ 1 p.m., Feb. 23 at the North Bend Theater, 125 N. Bendigo Blvd., North Bend. Donations are welcome. Portions of money from smoothies sold at Emerald City Smoothie from 1-5 p.m. that day goes toward trip. ❑ 7 p.m., March 1 at the North Bend Theater. Presentation before the movie; a portion of ticket money goes toward the trip.
import it. Addison has crusaded against bullying at Mount Si High School and wants the example of Palestinians and Israelis talking to help heal his school. “If they can do it there, we
should be able to do it here,” he said. Addison’s friends have opposed the trip. “They are horrified we’re going,” he added. Karrie said most people support the idea of such a trip, but oppose her traveling with her child. Karrie said she is a bit scared, not of the violence but of witnessing what the violence created. Listening to stories of unbridled hatred will affect her, she added. “I will have a lot less patience for conflict” once back home, she said. “My expectation is that after watching people under such severe conditions, I’m going to watch people argue over the things we argue at school board meetings. “Being where things are lifeor-death, my patience for these smaller things will decrease significantly, at least for a while.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
Walkathon needs helpers at Cascade View A string of e-mails have made painfully obvious what the folks at Cascade View Elementary School already know: Help is most definitely wanted for this spring’s Walkathon. The event needs volunteers in order to happen, not just a few good men and women but a dozen of them. Layla Anson and Kerry Anderson have volunteered to chair the event this spring. The Walkathon has been scheduled for April 28. However, if volunteers don’t turn up, the event might have to be scrapped. “At this point, we do not have enough volunteers for our spring Walkathon,” an e-mail from the school PTSA stated. The e-mail was dated Feb. 1. Walkathon fundraisers aren’t a novelty in the Valley, but they are effective. Every PTSA in the Valley has a walkathon. The walkathon at Snoqualmie Elementary, for example, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for its PTSA, with almost $100,000 raised during the 2008-09 biennium. In 2008, Opstad Elementary raised about $50,000 and Fall City Elementary raised about $67,000. That same year, North Bend Elementary raised $35,000. The district’s newest elementary school, Cascade View, has held
Homeowners turn backyards into wildlife sanctuaries The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has reached a milestone in the effort to turn backyards into urban wildlife sanctuaries. The agency’s Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program has celebrated 25 years — and exceeded a goal to turn 10,000 properties into sanctuaries in the year leading to 2010. The program had enrolled 11,454 properties across the state in time for the Dec. 31, 2010, deadline. Residents can learn more about the program at the agency website, www.wdfw.wa.gov/living/backyard. The program emphasizes urban and suburban properties — areas in need of habitat development and restoration. The largest chunk of properties — 89 percent, or 10,238 — is in Western Washington, from Bellingham to Vancouver. The agency launched the 10,000 by 2010 campaign in summer 2009 and enrolled the 10,000th property in April 2010. The backyard sanctuary program started in 1985 in the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Mill Creek office and then caught on elsewhere. The basic idea of the program is simple: wildlife stewardship starts at home, even in urban settings. The program is designed to help offset the loss of wildlife
walkathons only since 2008. Collaborate or volunteer by e-mailing Kerry Anderson at anderkd@centurytel.net.
Valley students earn academic honors at Idaho, Western A North Bend student was named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at the University of Idaho. To earn the distinction an undergraduate student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better while taking at least 12 credits. The student, Kelsie Joy Evans, is in the school’s College of Science. Ethan Fetz, of North Bend; Marissa Federspiel, of Duvall; and Amy Hill, of Fall City earned a spot on the Western Washington University Honor Roll for fall quarter. To qualify, they had to complete at least 14 graded credit hours during a quarter and be in the top 10 percent of their class.
Twin Falls unveils names of perfect-GPA students The following are the students who earned a 4.0 grade-point average at Twin Falls Middle School during the year’s first trimester: Alexander Adams, Megan Ayers, James Bent, Abigail Blair, Zachary
habitat to growth by encouraging backyard landscaping to provide food and cover for wildlife.
County seeks trash masters for recycling course King County encourages residents to engage in some trash talking and enroll in the Master Recycler Composter training program soon. The training is open to all King County residents in communities outside of Seattle. The program offers training for home composting, recycling and waste prevention, plus information about alternatives to household hazardous waste disposal and solid waste impacts on climate change. The county Solid Waste Division sponsors the program to reduce the amount of material dumped at Cedar Hills Regional Landfill near Issaquah. Officials estimate more than half of the material considered to be “garbage” at the landfill is actually recyclable material. The application deadline is Feb. 3. The course runs from Feb. 10 to March 24 at the Kent Centennial Center. The course is scheduled for Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. and some Saturday sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The training includes field trips Feb. 12 and March 5. Download the application for the program at the Solid Waste Division website, http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/mrc.
PAGE 15
Blessard, Baly Botten, Camryn Buck, Sam Burrows, Elizabeth Carroll, Gretchen Chase, Sinclair Combs, Becca Crowley, Amanda Csendes, Emma Currie, Michael Derosia, Mitchell Dover, Elizabeth Dowling, Ana Duarte, Joshua Ebert, Teresa Eichler, Jacob Engdahl, Kelsey Frederick, James Grice, Benjamin Gutenberg, Casey Harris, Wendy Hills, Heather Hinton, Aoife Hough, J. Reid Howland, Karlie Hurley, William Jacobson, Caelan Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Hailey Johnson, Alexander Kilian, Dana Korssjoen, Jacob Kraml, Annika Laufer, Naomi LitwackLang, Stefan Mahler, Jacob Massey, Rachel Massey, Shawn Masters, Kailey Mazurkiewicz, Anna McCreadie, Katie McCreadie, Madisyn Miller, Andrea Mills, Caleb Mitchell, Emily Montgomery, Phoenix Moomaw, Megan Morrell, Mary Nelson, Kylie Newcomer, Alexander Oakley, Sarah Panciroli, Nina Pinkley, Jordan Pulsipher, Brenna Quinton, Cassidy Rudd, Tannim Salisbury, Emily Schwabe, Linsay Showalter, Alexandria Sjoboen, Jackson Slotemaker, Peyton Smothers, Renee Spear, Anne Spellman, Eleanor Stedman, Paul Stedman, Madelynn Trout, Jake Turpin, Stefan Van Handel, Dominik Vlaha, Madison Walsh, Natalie Weidenbach, Gunnar Wells, Zachary Williams and Vivien Zoller.
In exchange for free training, program graduates offer 40 hours of volunteer outreach in communities. The focus is on recycling and waste reduction topics.
Residents dump old electronics for E-Cycle Washington Evergreen State residents recycled 39.5 million pounds of outdated TVs, computers and monitors last year through the ECycle Washington program. The total recycled material beat the amount recycled in 2009 — 38.5 million pounds. Discarded televisions comprised 61 percent of the total. The state passed legislation in 2006 to require manufacturers and the Department of Ecology to establish and run a statewide system to collect and recycle electronics. Manufacturers fund the program. Before the program launched, many old electronics ended up in landfills. The result is a potential mountain of wasted resources — and toxic runoff. “Electronics manufacturers have done a great job of providing Washington’s citizens with a no-charge recycling option for electronics,” Department of Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant said. “And the public has responded, proving once again that our state’s recycling ethic is one of the best in the country.” Issaquah and Sammamish ecyclers can drop off electronics at the Goodwill Sammamish
Donka From Page 14 own age, Donka said, she encounters the belief that cancer can only happen to an adult. Kolke, whose grandpa is a cancer survivor, said many young people’s knowledge of cancer begins and ends with “It’s bad.” Conversely, adults like having someone informing others. A friend of Terrett’s family died of cancer a few weeks ago and the family applauded Terrett’s efforts in G-ForCE. “They said, ‘Young people should know about it,’” Terrett said. When it comes to donating hair, the reactions are mixed, she added. “Sometimes, you get a reaction like, ‘I’d love to do that’ or ‘Uh, I’ll get back to you,’” she said. Donka said she understands the hesitation. After all, she used to have long hair. “Lots of girls like their hair long, and it takes a long time to grow,” she said. When faced with hesitation, it’s best to not push too much, she said. “We don’t want to convince them,” she said. “We want them to be willing to do it.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Donation Center, 630 228th Ave. N.E.; AtWork!, 970 Seventh Ave. N.W.; and 1 Green Planet, 1780 N.W. Maple St. Locations throughout the region offer drop-off sites for e-cycling.
Public health agency grapples with cuts in funding The state budget crisis and cuts to Medicaid-funded services are being felt by Public Health – Seattle & King County and its patients. The agency sent layoff notices to 123 staff in midJanuary. The cuts are part of efforts by the state Legislature to close a $600 million gap in Washington’s current budget and a $5 billion gap in the 20112013 budget. Most of the cuts are the result of a 50 percent funding reduction to services for low-income pregnant women and their infants. In 2009, those services provided care for more than 30,000 women and their babies. A proposed one-third reduction in reimbursement rates for Medicaid services could require Public Health to make further layoffs. The rates are set by the state Legislature. “These cuts, as proposed, are devastating,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release. “We recognize the challenge that state leaders face in closing the budget gap, but these cuts will have enormous implications for our community, and may lead to the
additional loss of federal funds.” The budget reductions could cost Public Health $23 million in 2011. During the previous two years, the agency had its budget be reduced by nearly $33 million and cut 344 staff positions. The cuts go into effect Feb. 28. Of the 123 positions being eliminated, 87 are direct service providers, including nurses, social workers, dentists, dental assistants, interpreters and education specialists. Another 24 are clinic support staff, and 12 administrative positions will also be cut. The potential Medicaid reimbursement rate reductions would require Public Health to close some medical clinics. Other state cuts to public health services include the elimination of state tobacco prevention funds, reduction in core state support for public health, and reductions in other Medicaid programs, including adult dental and family planning. “Even in this budget crisis, cutting proven life-saving and cost-saving programs for our most vulnerable residents makes no sense,” said Dr. David Fleming, director for Public Health – Seattle & King County. As part of their efforts to close the budget gap, legislators have also eliminated Washington’s Basic Health insurance plan, which covers about 56,000 lowincome state residents. The state-subsidized program is slated to end March 1, but legislators are trying to come up with money to save it.
Sports
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FEBRUARY 10, 2011
10 Mount Si athletes commit to play at the college level By Dan Catchpole Ten Mount Si High School athletes have committed to playing at the next level. The students signed letters of intent with eight universities last week. The group includes three football players, two volleyball players, two boys soccer players, one girls soccer player, a rower and a gymnast. Darren Brown, who teaches sports marketing and coaches soccer at Mount Si, said it was a very exciting day for the school as the athletes signed their letters in the school’s commons before the school day began. He praised Lexi Pearlstein, who signed to play soccer for Ball State University. “Ball State is getting an athlete who is all in,” he said. Hard work Getting recruited to play in college was not an easy road for the athletes. “All through high school, I dedicated pretty much all my free time to rowing,” Austin Bolves said. “I haven’t had a summer free since freshman year.” Instead, Bolves has spent the summer months rowing with the Junior National Team.
By Dan Catchpole
Zoe Gogan’s ability in volleyball grabbed the attention of Washington State University’s coach Andrew Palileo. Gogan said she was impressed by the success he has had in making WSU’s program more competitive. During the rest of the year, he rows for the Sammamish Rowing Association. But his hard work has paid
By Dan Catchpole
Mount Si’s Joe Farmer (left) makes sure to dot his I’s and cross his T’s while signing his letter of intent to play football for Illinois State University. His teammate, Taylor Mitchell (right), committed to play for Humboldt State University. off. Next year, Bolves will row for the University of Washington,
one of the nation’s top rowing programs. In 1936, the men’s varsity eight boat not only won
the national championship, but See SIGN, Page 17
Basketball teams secure spots in SeaKing District tournaments By Sebastian Moraga and Dan Catchpole
By Calder Productions
Mount Si’s Hailey Eddings throws off two Lake Washington defenders while driving on the basket. Eddings, a senior, is the team’s top offensive weapon, and helped lead the Wildcats into the playoffs.
One thing is true in the KingCo Conference: Save your energy at your own peril. “Our league is one where you cannot take a game off,” Mount Si High School girls basketball coach Megan Botulinski wrote in an e-mail. “We almost lost a game to Interlake because we were looking past them.” Now in the conference playoffs, the Wildcat teams — boys and girls — can’t afford to get caught counting floorboards. Need an example? Look at the boys’ first round in the playoffs. The Wildcats faced off against Liberty. Mount Si had twice rolled over the Patriots, beating them by wide margins — 72-50 and 74-55. The last win came only days before the two teams took to the court at Mount Si on Feb. 5. Everything you know about a team can change in the playoffs.
Teams can do funny things when they’re playing to stay alive. Liberty wasn’t a pushover this time around. Mount Si came out on top 53-47, but only after four tough quarters of basketball. “I love where our team is right now,” boys coach Steve Helm said at the end of the regular season. Only senior Dallas Smith had real varsity experience before the season. The rest of the Wildcats started out as cubs. Nevertheless, the boys have competed all season long. In the second round of the KingCo Conference, Mount Si played Mercer Island on Feb. 8, after the Star went to press. The winner of that game was set to play for the KingCo Conference championship at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10. The team’s win over Liberty secured it a trip to the SeaKing District tournament. The female Wildcats finished
the season in second place in the KingCo Conference, which earned them a bye through the first round of playoffs. They played Mercer Island on Feb. 8. The winner of that game was set to play for the KingCo Conference championship at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 10. Leading the charge in the postseason will be Hailey Eddings. The 5-foot-9 senior has averaged 16.4 points per game this season. Behind Eddings are Jori Braun and Kassidy Maddux. The two seniors have each averaged 8.3 points per game this season. Mount Si will have to have all cylinders firing in the SeaKing tournament. “Some people look at the seeds for district and would think that a KingCo No. 2 versus a Metro League No. 8 would be an easy game,” Botulinski wrote. “That isn’t the case. Metro is just as tough as KingCo.”
SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
PAGE 17
Kennedy Richmond wins KingCo all-around
By Greg Farrar
John Farmer, of Mount Si High School (top), puts Brian Rauzi, of Mercer Island, down to the mat during the second period of their 189-pound bout shortly before winning with a pin for third place, during the KingCo 3A wrestling tournament.
Wrestlers shine at championships By Sebastian Moraga By Christy Trotto
Mount Si gymnast Kennedy Richmond competes on the uneven bars on her way to claiming the all-around title at the 2A/3A KingCo Conference championship. Mount Si won the championship, finishing with 155.025. Mercer Island finished second with 149.375. Richmond, a senior, finished first in vault, bars and floor routine. She finished second on the beam. Mount Si next competes in the district championship.
Sign From Page 16 the rowers also took gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, beating the team from Nazi Germany. The UW men’s team has claimed 13 national championships, including in 2007 and 2009. Picking a program With sometimes dozens of schools to choose from, picking one isn’t always easy. What is most important is the coaching staff, said Charlie Kinnune, head coach of Mount Si’s football program. For his players, he recommended they consider whom
they would be working with during their college athletic career. “They looked past the bling and looked at the people, the coaches, the personalities,” he said. Joe Farmer used his coach’s advice in making his decision to sign with Illinois State University. He was named to the 2A/3A KingCo Conference’s AllLeague First Team Offense as tight end. Farmer had also been considering the U.S. Air Force Academy, but he said he felt more at home with Illinois State’s coaching staff. While he is glad to be finished with the process, he said he had fun nonetheless and wishes every high school athlete could go through it.
2011 athletic recruits from Mount Si High School Name Joe Farmer Taylor Mitchell Jarret Adams Ryan Herman Eric Bumgardner Lexi Pearlstein Zoe Gogan Catie Fry Cami Guyer Austin Bolves
Sport Football Football Football Soccer (boys) Soccer (boys) Soccer (girls) Volleyball Volleyball Gymnastics Rowing
School Illinois State University Humboldt State University Humboldt State University Santa Clara University Humboldt State University Ball State University Washington State University Central Washington University San Jose State University University of Washington
The Mount Si Wildcats finished second overall in the KingCo Conference wrestling championships Feb. 5, with two grapplers taking top spots. Ryley Absher at 103 pounds and Josh Mitchell at 285 pounds won conference titles, coincidentally in the lightest and heaviest categories. While Absher overcame two first-round deficits to pin Mercer Island’s Jacob Pruchno with a minute left in the third round, Mitchell won by injury default against Juanita’s Jeremiah Laufasa. The first three wrestlers in each weight class qualified outright to regionals Feb. 12 at Glacier Peak. Absher said he just wanted to place and instead ended up with the top spot. “I didn’t expect to do horrible,” he said. “I thought I would do pretty good.” At 130 pounds, Tye Rodne qualified for regionals with an upset pin of Lake Washington’s Mason Gray in the third-place match. “I don’t know what to say. I’m happy.” Rodne said. “I look at myself as the freshman who’s always trying, not having any chance. I’m really surprised.” Aaron Peterson qualified at 135 pounds with a secondplace finish, after losing to Mercer Island’s Kyle Shanafelt, 9-0 in the finals. A.J. Brevick defeated Derek Reubish 5-3 to finish third at 160 pounds.
Brian Copeland finished third at 285 pounds. Shane Dixon finished fourth at 171 pounds. Mount Si’s wrestlers had high expectations of themselves despite enduring a rash of injuries that had decimated the team. Many wrestlers credited the strict conditioning program by head coach and KingCo Coach of the Year Tony Schlotfeldt for their ability to outwork opponents. “Conditioning is key,” 189pounder John Farmer said. Farmer finished third and sounded disappointed he did not finish second, despite being sidelined with ringworm the week of the tournament. A day before the tournament, Wilkins Melgaard had his first wrestling in weeks after a concussion earlier this season. The same week Melgaard returned, Billy Beach suffered a concussion. Rusty as he was, Melgaard still said he hoped to make it further into the tournament than his fourth place at 119 pounds. “I have had headaches and sore throats,” he said. “My cardio is not up at all, which makes me tired faster.” Bruce Stuart wrestled with a broken toe, a bum ankle and a heavily taped wrist, and finished fourth, barely missing the cut. Melgaard, ever the good soldier, praised his resilient team. “I’m glad to see my team make it this far,” he said.
Tony Schlotfeldt
Tony Schlotfeldt is Coach of the Year The KingCo Athletic Conference chose Mount Si’s Tony Schlotfeldt as its 2011 Wrestling Coach of the Year. The announcement was made at Liberty High School on Feb. 5, during the conference championships. Schlotfeldt guided an injury-decimated squad to a second-place finish at the conference championships, with three wrestlers reaching the finals and two winning league championships.
Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Page 18
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Washington State Construction Contractor law requires that all advertisers for construction related services include the contractor registration number.
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FIRE DISTRICT 38 PUBLIC NOTICE FIRE COMMISSIONER VACANCY Due to the recent resignation of Commissioner Steve Parsons, the Board of Commissioners of Fire District 38 will be accepting applications to fill Position #2 on the Board. The term of Positions #2 will expire in November 2011 following the General Election. To qualify for the position, applicants must be a Fire District 38 registered voter residing within the boundaries of Fire District 38. Applicants should submit a letter of interest stating their qualifications, name, address, phone number and email if available. Applications should be received by 5:00 p.m. on February 16, either by email at kcfiredistrict38@comcast. net or by mail at Fire District 38, PO Box 44, North Bend, WA 98045. Published in SnoValley Star on 2/10/11
Calendar
FEBRUARY 10, 2011
PAGE 19
Public meetings ❑ North Bend Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Feb. 10, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ Snoqualmie City Council, 7 p.m. Feb. 14, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Community and Economic Development Committee, 1:15 p.m. Feb. 15, 126 E. Fourth St. ❑ Snoqualmie Community and Economic Affairs Committee, 5 p.m. Feb. 15, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend City Council, 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 411 Main Ave. S. ❑ Snoqualmie Arts Commission, 10 a.m. Feb. 16, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Transportation and Public Works Committee, 4 p.m. Feb. 16, 1155 E. North Bend Way ❑ North Bend Economic Development Commission, 8 a.m. Feb. 17, 126 E. Fourth St. ❑ Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee, 5 p.m. Feb. 17, 37600 S.E. Snoqualmie Parkway ❑ Snoqualmie Valley School Board, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 8001 Silva Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie
Events ❑ Jay Thomas Trio, 7 p.m. Feb. 11, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Seventh annual SnoValley Idol Junior Auditions, noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 12, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Singers must be 14 or younger as of April 1. Pre-register for $5 by calling 831-1900 or going to www.siviewpark.org. ❑ Todd Hymas with Reuel Lubag Trio, 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Danny Kolke Trio, 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 20 and 27, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend — blues, gospel and straight-ahead jazz ❑ Belly dance workshops, 6 p.m. Feb. 14 and 28, and March 7, 14 and 21, Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 S.E. Redmond-Fall City Road, Fall City. Register by filling out the form available at www.fallcityarts.org. Cost is $75. Call 222-0070. ❑ Future Jazz Heads, 7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 22, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend ❑ Cascade Republican Women meeting, Feb. 16, The Plateau Club, 25625 E. Plateau Drive, Sammamish. Guest speaker this month: King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert. Call 861-7910 for reservations. ❑ Snoqualmie firefighters stair climb training, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Feb. 19, outside Snoqualmie Ridge IGA, 7730 Center Boulevard S.E., Snoqualmie. Stop by to check out Snoqualmie fire-
February
Imperial outfitters
2011
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Clubs
By Dan Catchpole
The Emperor’s New Clothes, 7 p.m. Feb. 11 and 18, 2 p.m. Feb. 12 and 19, Valley Center Stage, 119 North Bend Way, North Bend. Join the Ivanova family as it presents their version of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic. This interactive telling of the tale involves the audience becoming part of the production. Tickets are available for $7.50 at the door or online at www.valleycenterstage.org. fighters training for the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at Columbia Center in Seattle. All donations benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. ❑ Meadowbrook 101, from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 19, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. This presentation covers the colorful history, boundaries and possible future options for this unique 460 acres of open space of the Snoqualmie Valley floor between North Bend and Snoqualmie. Historical photos are provided by the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society. ❑ Reilly and Maloney, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Valley Center Stage, 119 North Bend Way, North Bend. After a 10-year hiatus, one of the best duos of the West Coast folk scene is back together. Tickets are $15 ($12.50 for seniors and students), and are available at the door or online at www.valleycenterstage.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Elk: Research update, 7 p.m. March 4, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Find out about the Snoqualmie valley’s own elk herd and the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group. Biologist and research study leader Harold Erland will give a update on the herd. ❑ SnoValley Idol Junior Finals are from 6-8 p.m. April 1. The winner of the contest receives a $50 gift card donated by North Bend Premium Outlets and invitations to perform at the North Bend Block Party and Si View Holiday Bazaar.
Volunteer opportunities ❑ Mount Si Senior Center’s Elder and Adult Day Services needs volunteers for its new program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 206-859-5705 for position description and application forms. ❑ 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 St. E-mail research@snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting applications for ages 16 or older to volunteer in various departments of the hospital. E-mail volunteer coordinator Carol Waters at carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org to arrange an interview. ❑ Spanish Academy invites volunteers fluent in Spanish to participate in summer camps on its three-acre farm-style school. Must love children and nature. Call 888-4999. ❑ 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 206-748-7588 or 800-2825815 toll free, or e-mail 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 St., 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. ❑ Adopt-A-Park 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.
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. Led by certified exercise instructor Carla Orellana. Call 888-3434.
❑ Mount Si Artist Guild meeting, 9:15-11 a.m. third Saturday of each month, Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, www.mtsiartistguild.org ❑ Sno-Valley Beekeepers meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Meadowbrook ❑ Interpretive Center, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Go to www.snoqualmievalleybeekeepers.org. ❑ Trellis gardening club meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of each month, at Valley Christian Assembly, 32725 S.E. 42nd St., Fall City. Trellis is an informal support group for the Snoqualmie Valley’s vegetable gardeners, who have special climactic challenges and rewards. New and experienced gardeners are welcome. ❑ Elk Management Group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at the U.S. Forest Service conference room at 130 Thrasher Ave., behind the visitors’ center on North Bend Way. Interagency committee meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the North Bend City Hall annex, 126 Fourth St. Both meetings are open to the public. Go to www.snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Mount Si Fish and Game Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month, October through May, at the Snoqualmie Police Department. ❑ Sallal Grange, 12912 432nd Ave. S.E., North Bend, meets the first Friday of each month for a potluck and open mic with local musicians. Potluck starts at 6 p.m.; music from 7 p.m. to midnight. Open to all people/ages. Go to www.sallalgrange.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Chess Club, 7 p.m. Thursdays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Learn to play chess or get a game going. All ages and skill levels are welcome. ❑ The North Bend Chess Club meets Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. All ages, skill levels are invited. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays at the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club Restaurant. All are welcome. Go to www.snoqualmievalleyrotary.org. Submit an item for the community calendar by e-mailing editor@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.
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SnoValley Star
FEBRUARY 10, 2011