New 3-year contract gives Kent Police officers pay boost
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
A new three-year contract between the city of Kent and its police officers boosted beginning pay by 17.8% per year and veteran pay (at least five years with the force) by 16% compared to the previous contract.
An officer hired by Kent but still in the police academy will
receive $96,306 per year or $45.54 per hour, according to copy of the agreement between the city and Teamsters Local Union 117 obtained by the Kent Reporter through a public records request.
The starting annual pay was $81,660 in 2022 under the previous three-year contract.
An officer will receive pay increases each year until reaching the top pay level in the fifth year
with an annual salary of $123,300 or$59.27perhour,a16%hikefrom the top salary of $106,308 in 2022.
A sergeant will receive $148,056 or $71.18perhour,anincreaseof16% from a salary of $127,656 in 2022.
The new contract goes from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2027.
“After many months of negotiations we have arrived at an agreement that ensures our officers remain competitive in the labor
market in terms of compensation, benefits and overall working conditions,”saidKariEndicott,city Human Resources director, in her presentation to the City Council, which unanimously approved the contract March 18 after an executive session.
“These adjustments are critical to retaining our skilled law enforcement professionals and ensuring public safety,” Endicott said. “We value the partnership with the city of Kent and Teamsters Local 117 and we believe this agreement reflects our shared commitment to serve the community.”
Teamsters Local 117, which has a Tukwila office, took over negotiations for this contract from the Kent Police Officers
Kent-based Blue Origin’s space flight draws praise, criticism
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
There was plenty of celebration and bit of criticism following Kent-based Blue Origin’s New Shepard-31 flight into space with an all-female crew, including singer Katy Perry.
Blue Origin successfully completed its 11th human spaceflight for tourists for the New Shepard program on Monday, April 14 in West Texas. The flight 62 miles into space lasted 10 minutes, 21 seconds. It marked the 31st flight for the New Shepard program.
The astronaut crew included Perry, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Kerianne Flynn and Lauren Sánchez, who brought the mission together, according to Blue Origin. Sanchez is the fiancee of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, the aerospace company he started in 2000 in Kent. Bezos was on the ground in Texas to greet Sanchez and the rest of the crew when they exited the capsule.
New Shepard has flown 58 people to space, including four people who have flown twice.
“What a privilege to witness this crew of trailblazers depart the capsule today (April 14),” said Phil Joyce, New Shepard senior vice president. “Each of these women is a storyteller who will use their voices—individually and together—to channel their lifechanging experience today into creating lasting impact that will inspire people across our planet for generations. Thank you to this remarkable crew for uplifting so many on their historic journey toward the stars and back.”
It was the first all-female flight crew since Russian Valentina
The all-female crew of Kent-based Blue Origin’s New Shepard-31 flight on
Tereshkova’s solo spaceflight in 1963.
Blue Origin held a press conference at its Texas facility after the flight. Charissa Thompson who hosted the broadcast of the launch, also hosted the press conference and described Blue Origin has having more than
10,000 employees. Thompson, who grew up in Seattle, is a Fox NFL reporter and Amazon Prime NFL sideline reporter.
“Profound, is the one word I would use,” Sanchez said when asked by Thompson about the flight experience. “You look back at Earth and it’s this beautiful
jewel. It was quiet. It felt like it was breathing. It was so alive.”
Perry sang a portion of “What a Wonderful World” during the short flight.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to sing or wasn’t,” Perry said. “It’s not about me; it’s not about singing my songs. It’s about a collective
energy in there. It’s about us. It’s about making space for future women and taking up space and belonging. And it’s about this wonderful world that we see right out there and appreciating it. This is all for the benefit of Earth.”
Her crew appreciated it.
“It was the perfect song,” said King, an award-winning journalist. “It was beautiful as we were coming back down.”
Blue Origin charges people to be part of the crew and does not reveal its prices. Some crew members are sponsored by others. The company didn’t disclose who paid for the latest flight. Bezos flew on Blue Origin’s first human flight in 2021. Celebrities who have flown on Blue Origin include Michael Strahan, morning TV host and NFL Hall of Famer; and William Shatner, Star Trek actor.
The fact that only people with a lot of money can afford to take a flight into space drew critical questions from a couple of reporters at the press conference about the exclusivity of the flights.
“During the barnstorming era, the Wright brothers started flight and never envisioned 747s taking hundreds of people across the country,” Sanchez said in response to a question. “Team Blue expects that to happen. It may seem fantastical now, but I know Jeff and I know Blue Origin. We might not see it in this generation, but their kids and their kids will have that. We are building a road to space.”
Blue Origin’s ultimate goal is to have people living and working in space with the purpose to restore and sustain Earth.
The crew said messages they’ve
See FLIGHT, Page 5
Judge dismisses petitions to recall 2 school board members
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
A King County Superior Court judge dismissed petitions by three residents to recall Kent School Board members Meghin Margel and Tim Clark.
Judge Michael Scott issued his decision after about a 45-minute hearing April 11 at the King County Courthouse in Seattle.
“The court is compelled to dismiss the two petitions for recall for lack of factual and legal sufficiency,” Scott said after going through each of the alleged seven charges.
A sufficiency hearing was held to decide whether Margel and Clark committed acts of malfeasance or misfeasance under the law as claimed in the recall petition filed with King County Elections by Kent School District residents Greta Nelson, Lori
Waight and Michele Bettinger.
“Tough day for Kent families,” according to a KSD Board Recall April 11 post on Facebook.
“Judge Michael Scott dismissed the recall petitions. …ruling our evidence insufficient.”
If the judge had approved the petitions, the recall group would have started to collect signatures from voters to get a recall measure on a ballot to voters.
The recall petition claimed Margel, currently the board president, and Clark should be recalled based on the following allegations:
■ Abused authority in voting, along with the board majority, to create a committee that violated board policy.
■ Violated the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and Constitutional rights, denied due process and abused executive session powers by holding closed
committee meetings along with a majority of the board.
■ Violated board policy and RCW 28A.320.015 by voting together with a board majority to adopt a resolution.
■ In acting to suspend a board policy, violated First Amendment rights and failed to comply with board, OPMA and notice requirements.
■ Violated board policy, RCW 39.26.140, and RCW 28A.400.315, and failed in her/his fiduciary duty to act in voting to hire consultant services, along with a board majority.
■ Breached her/his fiduciary duty in voting, with a board majority, to approve a contract that posed a conflict of interest for the board.
The petition added one more item to Margel’s recall that alleges as board president she violated RCW 42.17A.555 for
failing to stop public comments in support of a ballot measure at a board meeting. Scott read the documents filed by the petitioners and responses from the school district attorneys. He listened to presentations from each side at the hearing.
After the presentations, Scott went through each charge and concluded he didn’t see any violations of laws or policies by Margel or Clark.
Despite the setback, the recall group plans to fight on.
“We know Margel’s and Clark’s individual actions have hurt our district (and Director Donald Cook),” according to the group’s April 11 Facebook post. “Petitioners are fine-tuning the arguments — we’ll either appeal the order to the (state) Supreme Court, or refile a new petition against
See RECALL, Page 5
COURTESY PHOTO, BLUE ORIGIN
Monday, April 14, in West Texas.
COURTESY PHOTO, KENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Kent School Board members Tim Clark and Meghin Margel.
A sampling of Kent Police incidents
March 25 to April 6:
March 25
• Stolen property: Officers investigated a stolen property case linked to an earlier residential burglary. The victim reported finding his stolen items for sale on an online marketplace and arranged to meet the seller. Officers arrived as the suspect was assisting in loading the stolen items into the victim’s vehicle. The suspect was detained and found to have multiple warrants and a history of similar offenses. The suspect consented to officers to retrieve the remaining stolen property from his residence. All recovered items were returned to the owner, and the suspect’s information was added to the burglary case.
March 27
• Stolen vehicle: A K-9 officer located a stolen Hyundai occupied by juveniles traveling up Canyon Drive from Kennebeck Avenue. The vehicle had been involved in an earlier incident with another agency. Officers successfully deployed spike strips, which brought the car to a stop. One passenger attempted to flee but was taken into custody. The driver and passenger were charged accordingly.
• Attempted bank robbery: A patrol unit responded to a report of a bank
robbery at US Bank, 10200 SE 240th St. The suspect entered the bank and presented a note demanding money. The first teller did not have access to the cash drawer, and the suspect approached another teller with the same demand. When the second teller could not provide cash, the suspect became agitated and left the scene without obtaining any money.
• Reckless driver: An officer observed a Ram 1500 driving recklessly near South 212th Street and northbound Highway 167. A brief pursuit was initiated and later turned over to Guardian 1, the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. The vehicle was later found abandoned in Renton. A short time later, the driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident with assistance from multiple agencies.
March 29
• Mall theft: Patrol responded to a theft at the Great Wall Mall, 18200 East Valley Highway. The victim reported being approached by a couple in the parking lot, who engaged them in conversation and requested a prayer. During the interaction, an item was removed from the victim without their knowledge.
March 31
• Cable wire theft: Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person carrying a large bundle of wires near 92nd Avenue
South and South 202nd Street. The suspect was located and found to have cut multiple phone cables. The individual was taken into custody.
• Flare thrown: An officer responded to a report of a lit flare being thrown into a trimmed garage bay at the intersection of South 188th Street and East Valley Highway. A male reportedly threw the flare inside, made a verbal statement, and left the area on foot.
April 3
• DUI arrest: An officer observed a vehicle stopped in the Fifth Avenue and Willis Street roadway while en route to work. All four occupants were unconscious. Responding officers observed a firearm on one of the rear passengers. A highrisk stop was conducted, and all occupants were safely detained. The driver was arrested for DUI, a passenger was taken into custody for possession of a firearm, and the vehicle was impounded. A search warrant was executed, and two firearms were recovered, one of which had been reported stolen.
• Protection order violation: Officers were dispatched to Valley Mobile Manor, 856 Central Ave. S., following multiple 911 hang-ups. The location was recognized due to a history of protection order violations. It was determined that the female respondent and several children were inside the location. After several hours of
announcements and the deployment of a non-lethal distraction device, on-duty members of the tactical unit authored and served a search warrant. One individual was taken into custody.
• Forced entry into residence: A male suspect forced entry into a residence and then fled in a vehicle. An officer located the suspect vehicle, which stalled while ascending South 212th Street. The suspect fled on foot into a wooded area and was later located and taken into custody without further incident. The individual was booked into King County jail.
• Firearm threat: Officers were dispatched to Meridian Green Apartments, 11305 SE Kent-Kangley Road, for a report of threats involving a firearm. A male was reportedly preventing a female from leaving the residence. Officers were flagged down on arrival. The male attempted to flee on a scooter but was quickly detained without incident. No firearm was recovered. Officers remained on the scene to ensure the situation was safely resolved.
April 6
• Parking lot robbery: 8:21 p.m., officers responded to a robbery report at Safeway, 20800 108th Ave. SE. A victim reported being seated in a vehicle when an unknown individual approached. The individual engaged in a physical confrontation took the victim’s belongings and fled the area.
Kent Police arrest man in stolen vehicle after short pursuit
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
Kent Police arrested a 36-yearold Seattle man for investigation of felony eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm after a short pursuit.
An officer on routine patrol at about 2:33 p.m. April 14 in an apartment complex near the 25600 block of 98th Avenue
SE saw a stolen maroon 2014 Kia Sorrento driving past him, according to an April 15 Kent Police social media post. The officer followed the vehicle into a parking lot. The apartment complex is near Kent-Meridian High School. As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver reportedly pulled an abrupt U-turn and drove towards the exit, striking the front of a patrol vehicle, according to police. The officer saw the driver as the Kia exited. The officer was not injured.
a 44-year-old Kent woman, ran from the Kia, according to police.
Many officers flooded into the area to assist. The Kia was spotted re-entering the parking lot of the original complex. The driver lost control on a turn and ended up high-centered in the landscaping. The driver and his passenger,
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An officer quickly found the woman. She was on state Department of Corrections (DOC) supervision for previous crimes. State DOC officers responded and arrested the woman for violating the conditions of her earlier crimes.
The Seattle man reportedly tried to blend in with the crowd that had gathered to see what was going on. But the officer, who first pursued him and had his vehicle struck, recognized him and officers took the man into custody. An illegal gun with the serial number obscured was later located stuffed in the driver’s seat. That led to an additional charge of alteration of identifying marks, (for alteration of the firearm’s serial number) against the man.
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WSP plane, Kent K-9 unit locate man who fired shots at teen
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
Kent
man, according to an April 14 Kent Police Facebook post.
Several officers responded at about 11:28 p.m. Saturday, April 12 to the 25600 block of 34th Avenue South, just east of Interstate 5, in response to a drive-by shooting.
A 16-year-old Kent boy told officers that he was driving home from an event when he noticed a motorcycle pass him going the opposite direction. The boy watchedthemotorcyclepull
a U-turn and follow him as he parked near his house. The motorcyclist reportedly
stopped near him and pointed a handgun with a laser on it at the boy’s car.
Reportedly fearing for his life, the boy quickly backed out of his parking spot and
went north on Military Road, according to police.
The motorcyclist followed, fired three to five shots at him striking his vehicle, and then fled on Military Road. The boy was not injured. It was later determined that bullets also struck a neighbor’s home, and a different neighbor’s vehicle.
Multiple officers responded to the area to search for the suspect. A Washington State Patrol air support plane “Smokey” was nearby, heard the call, and joined police from the air to help. Smokey quickly spotted the motorcycle headedeastboundonSouth 272nd Street and stayed with him, guiding officers to 116th Avenue SE where the man dropped the motorcycle and tried to run.
State Patrol watched from the air and provided updates as the man ran down a trail and then tried
to lay down and hide in a wooded area.
Kent officers arrived and set a protective perimeter around the area to prevent the man from running further into nearby neighborhoods, according to police. A K-9 officer and his dog began a track to locate the man in the dark and dense vegetation. As the man was believed to be armed, three officers provided cover for the K-9 team while they tracked, according to police. They located the man and arrestedhimwithoutfurther incident. A short time later, officers reportedly found the man’s distinct helmet and a handgun near the arrest site. The gun was a semi-automatic 45. The report by police didn’t indicate any motive for the shooting or connection between the teen and the motorcyclist.
Jury indicts man for stealing nearly $1M from Kent company
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
A Seattle grand jury indicted a California man on six counts of wire fraud for his alleged scheme to steal nearly $1 million from his Kent employer.
Paul Joseph Welch, of Laguna Niquel, California, was the information technology (IT) manager of Algas-SDI, an energy manufacturing company, when he allegedly used various schemes to steal more than $950,000 from the company, according to an April 11 U.S. Department of Justice press release. Welch is scheduled to be arraigned April 17. According to the indictment, Welch worked for the company from 2011 to 2024. He was promoted to information technology manager in 2018. The indictment alleges that as early as 2017, Welch used the company’s Amazonbusinessaccounttomake unauthorized personal purchases
from Amazon.com. Between 2017 and 2023, those purchases totaled at least $43,000. Welch reportedly primarily purchased electronics such at televisions, laptops and more—all for personal use. In 2019, Welch reportedly began using his company credit card for personal purchases through other online retailers such as Apple, Alaska Airlines, Instacart and Best Buy. Between 2019 and 2024,thoseunauthorizedpersonal purchases totaled at least an additional $60,000.
Theschemereallyacceleratedin January 2021 when Welch reportedly began making payments to himself disguised as payments to a computer services company. Welch allegedly created a series of email addresses and payment processor accounts using a business name that was very similar to a legitimate computer services company based in Washington state.
Welch then used Algas-SDI
company credit cards to pay the computer services company under the guise that the company was providing IT equipment and services to Algas-SDI. However, the legitimate computer services companyhadnorelationshipwith Welch and never provided any services or equipment to AlgasSDI. The credit card payments Welch made from Algas-SDI’s credit cards went directly to the payment processor accounts that Welch controlled. Between 2021 and2024Welchallegedlyusedthis scheme to transfer approximately $879,175 from company accounts to his own accounts.
Algas-SDI tried to verify the legitimacy of Welch’s activity on multiple occasions, but each time, Welch allegedly provided false or misleading information to cover up his scheme. AlgasSDI employees asked Welch to submit invoices to substantiate his charges, but Welch allegedly emailed phony documents
designedtolooklikeinvoicesfrom the legitimate computer services company, according to the press release.
At one point in 2023, an AlgasSDI accounting employee identified personal purchases on Welch’s company credit card. Welch claimed the charges were inadvertent and said he would repay the company. Welch never repaid the charges and reportedly continuedtodefraudthecompany through unauthorized personal purchases and more fake vendor charges. In January 2024, alone, Welch allegedly submitted phony invoicestoAlgas-SDIshowingthat the computer services company had purportedly invoiced AlgasSDI more than $55,000 for equipment and services in that timeframe.
On Jan. 19, 2024, Algas-SDI employees confronted Welch about the charges from the computer services company accounts that Welch controlled.
After Welch again told Algas-SDI that the vendor was a real vendor for the company, the company fired him.
The wire fraud charges representsixofthetimesWelchemailed the company false statements or invoices purported to be from a legitimate computer services company.
In all, between 2017 and January 2024 Walch reportedly secretly made at least 250 fraudulent charges for the third party vendor he controlled. He made at least 140 unauthorized purchases with retailers using the company creditcardandatleast100fraudulent purchases on the company’s Amazon account. While Welch profited some $950,000 from his theft, the loss to ALGAS-SDI was approximately $982,520 due to various fees on the transactions. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000fine,accordingtotheU.S. Department of Justice.
COURTESY PHOTO, KENT POLICE
Atena, part of a Kent Police K-9 unit, helped locate a man who reportedly fired three to five shots from his motorcycle at another vehicle April 12 in Kent.
FEMA denies funds to WA for damage
caused by 2024 ‘bomb cyclone’
Gov. Bob Ferguson says federal funds are needed to address $34 million in damage caused by the storm, and that the state will appeal.
Bailey Jo Josie bailey.jo.josie@soundpublishing.com
Gov. Bob Ferguson says the state will appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of Washington’s application for disaster relief for the November 2024 “bomb cyclone” windstorms, which caused an estimated $34 million in damage across the state.
“There are very clear criteria to qualify for these emergency relief funds. Washington’s application met all of them. This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding. Washington communities have been waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from last winter’s devastating storms, and this decision will cause further delay. We will appeal,” said Ferguson on April 14. The November windstorms were “comparable to a hurricane”
and led to former Gov. Jay Inslee declaring disasters in Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Island, King, Pacific, Snohomish, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla and Whatcom counties.
Puget Sound Energy reported that at least 650,000 customers were without power for
multiple days and, along with causing millions of dollars worth of damage, the high winds led to two deaths: One in Lynnwood when a large tree struck a homeless encampment and killed a woman, and one in Bellevue when a tree fell into a home, killing a woman while she was in the shower.
According to Ferguson’s statement, FEMA funds would pay to repair damage to public highways, public utilities and electrical power systems.
“FEMA’s public assistance programs reimburse at least 75% of eligible costs related to a
declared disaster. Washington’s preliminary damage estimate is $34 million. This number will likely increase as the state works with counties to update their information for an appeal,” said the statement. FEMA rejected the state’s application on April 11, saying that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is “not warranted” for the state’s requested declaration for public assistance for six counties and hazard mitigation for the state.
“FEMA’s Region X Regional Administrator will communicate any additional resources that may be available through other Federal Agencies and/ or volunteer organizations to address unmet needs for survivor assistance. In addition, FEMA will coordinate with the State of Washington to identify additional damage information to support an appeal if necessary,” said the letter.
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn of Disrict 9 also released a statement following the April 11 letter from FEMA.
“Helping citizens recover from a natural disaster like last fall’s bomb cyclone is the reason FEMA exists as an agency. Given the overwhelming bipartisan support for this necessary disaster relief — support that we all worked hard to secure — it is extremely disappointing to see this application denied. I am confident that the criteria to qualify for federal funds were met, and I support the decision to appeal,” said Dunn.
The state is able to appeal the letter by Monday, May 11.
Kent church reaches $1 million milestone for assistance program
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
Kent United Methodist Church will soon celebrate a milestone of reaching $1 million in donations over 25 years to its emergency assistance program to help people pay rent and utilities.
Known as the Shared Bread Program, the church, 11010 SE 248th St., will celebrate the milestone after its 10 a.m. Sunday, May 4 service.
“We are overjoyed that this program has touched the hearts of our congregation and has reached so many in the greater Kent community,” according to a church press release.
The church began to give away money to local residents about 40 years ago.
“The office administrator at that time, Linda Golden, was using money out of petty cash to help desperate people who came to thechurch’sdoorlookingforhelp,” according to the press release. “As more and more people came, Linda and Pastor Dick Boyd set up a program where all the congregationcoulddonatetohelpcommunity members experiencing a financial crisis.”
Modestamountsweregivenout by the church in the early years, starting at about $6,000 per year.
But over the years donations from thecongregationandthecommunity grew to a yearly giveaway of $80,000to$100,000.Inthe25years of recordkeeping by the church, the donations have amounted to
over $1 million. Shared Bread has received grants from the Renton Community Foundation, the Kent Community Foundation and the United Methodist Committee on
Relief. Shared Bread was awarded the South King County Award for work in Poverty and Social Justice.
Shared Bread helps residents who reside in the Kent School District, which includes all of Kent
and Covington and also parts of Auburn,SeaTacandRenton.Assistance is given for rent and utilities. Recipients include immigrants and refugees, women escaping domestic violence, single-parent households, individuals with serious health conditions, the unemployed, seniors on fixed incomes, and those facing disabilities, among many others.
According to the church website, residents can be helped once within a 12-month period and the amount owed cannot be over $4,000. Residents can call the church to make appointments for receiving money. The church helps about eight residents per week, with three of those for rent payments. The appointments fill up quickly.
In addition to helping with funds, the Shared Bread program has distributed many warm weather clothing items to schools and other organizations in Kent over the past several years. The clothing was a donation from the Seattle-based Campion Foundation.
Shared Bread has coordinated with other emergency assistance programs in Kent and is part of the Emergency Assistance Network headed by the city of Kent’s Human Services Director Lori Guilfoyle.
Farmers Market to keep going despite Kent Lions Club bowing out
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
The Kent Farmers Market will go on this summer despite the Kent Lions Club decision to no longer run it.
“While we’re in a transition period, rest assured — the market isn’t going away,” according to an April 11 email from a city of Kent spokesperson. “Living Well Kent will continue operations and looks forward to another great season this summer.”
The Kent Lions Club bowed out earlier this year.
“All the Kent Lions Club members voted to not work the market anymore and hand it back to the city of Kent,” said Susie Kiminki, of the Lions Club, in an April 13 email. “It was a difficult decision but we ran out of choices.”
Kiminki said the group couldn’t find enough volunteers to keep
operating the market, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September downtown along Second Avenue North between West Smith Street and West Gowe Street. It features food, produce and arts and crafts.
Kiminki said herself and Mary Petersen and many volunteers from the Lions Club produced the market in 2023 and 2024. Sue Madsen and Judy Brenden from the club ran the market for about 18 years prior.
“Mary and I ran out of volunteers, we ran out of Lions Club members that wanted to take on the long hours all spring and summer,” Kiminki said. “It was a lot of work. Our health deteriorated and we ran out of agreeable volunteers altogether.”
Last summer was the 50th year of the market. Kiminki said Kent Downtown Partnership and the city of Kent each ran it for a while.
“We appreciate and thank all
of our vendors, shoppers, volunteers and supporters over the years,” the Lions Club posted on its website.
“The city would like to give a huge thank you to the Kent Lions for 50 incredible years of dedication to our community by hosting the Kent Farmers Market,” according to a city spokesperson. “Their hard work has helped bring fresh, local food and a vibrant gathering place to downtown Kent for decades.”
The Kent Reporter has reached out to Living Well Kent for comment but has not received a response. Living Well Kent will post updates about the Farmers Market on its website at livingwellkent.org, according to a city spokesperson. As of April 15, there is no update on the website. The group has run a farmers market on the East Hill and recently helped the Kent Lions Club run the main Farmers Market.
COURTESY OF KING COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER SARAH PERRY’S OFFICE
house in Issaquah was damaged by fallen trees during November’s bomb cyclone.
COURTESY FILE PHOTO, KENT FARMERS MARKET Living Well Kent is taking over the Kent Farmers Market from the Kent Lions Club.
COURTESY PHOTO, KENT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Leslie Hamada, center, Shared Bread director, and other members of Kent United Methodist Church accept a donation check from the Kent Community Foundation.
Person who made Kentwood High social media threat tracked down
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
Classes started as normal Monday, April 14, at Kentwood High School in Covington after the King County Sheriff’s Office tracked down a person reportedly responsible for posting social media threats about the school over the weekend.
“KCSO(KingCountySheriff’sOffice) acted on information provided by the FBI, contacted the person believed responsibleforpostingthethreats,and determined the person had no means to carry out the threat,” said Sgt. Val Kelly, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, in a Monday, April 14 email to the Kent Reporter. “KCSO worked collaboratively with the school to share information, to include a strong police/ security presence at the school today (Monday).”
Kelly declined to answer specific questions about the threat or the person contacted by the Sheriff’s Office.
“This is an open active investigation, which means there is limited information we can share,” Kelly said.
Kentwood is at 25800 164th Ave. SE, in Covington, but part of the Kent School District. Many of its students live on the East Hill in Kent. The city of Covington contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for police services.
Kentwood Principal Samantha Ketover sent an email Sunday, April
13, to school parents and guardians.
“Recently, schools in our area have been the targets of threats on social media,” Ketover said in an email provided by a district resident to the Kent Reporter. “This weekend, Kentwood and Kent School District were contacted by law enforcement regardingathreatmadeagainstKentwoodon social media.
“Our law enforcement partners workeddiligentlytoidentifythesource of the threat. I do not have specific detailstoshareasIdonotwanttojeopardize the investigation and follow-up to the investigation.” Ketover continued.
“Next steps in partnership with local law enforcement will continue and we will hold all students accountable for their actions in accordance with district disciplinary policy and Washington state law,” Ketover said. “Violence, threats of violence, and the presence of weapons in and around our schools are not in any way acceptable.”
Ketover said the community “may observe an increased school safety or law enforcement presence as we continue to work together to address this situation.”
Ketoveraddeditsabiggerissuethan this most recent incident.
“Not only will we continue to address this individual situation, but we will also continue as a community to address the larger issue of school
on the line to protect the public.Theydeservestrong, professional representation andthat’swhatweintendto deliver.”
TheKentPoliceDepartment has 170 officers.
“Members of the guild reachedouttousrequesting our support,” Paul Dascher, secretary-treasurerofTeamsters 117, said in an email. “They sought Teamsters representationbecausethey wanted a powerful, wellresourced union with vast experiencerepresentinglaw enforcement groups across our region.”
Teamsters 117 represents 17,000 men and women at 200 public and private employers across Washington state, according to its website. The union represents nine law enforcement agenciesinthestate,including city of Gig Harbor police officers, Port of Seattle policeofficersandsergeants and city of Redmond police officers, lieutenants and support.
“We are excited to see that officers and sergeants at the city of Kent have voted overwhelmingly to approve their first Teamsters contract,” Dascher said. “Our members in law enforcement put their lives
Teamsters 117 also represents city of Kent Public Works Department employees.
In addition to the annual salary increases for officers, the contract includes pay increases each year, including 4.2% retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. Increases on Jan. 1, 2026 and Jan. 1, 2027 will be at least 1% and as high as 6%, based on the SeattleBellevue-Everett consumer price index.
Officers can receive extra pay,uptoamaximumof8% per year, for assignments to SWAT, K9, Traffic, Special Operations, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Crime Reduction Unit, Neighborhood Response Team and other units.
Officers receive extra pay each year for number of years on the job, starting at 2% for five years, 4% for 10 years, 4.5% for 12 years, 6% for 15 years, 9% for 20 years, 11% for 25 years and 11.5% for 30 years.
Officers receive another 4% for an associate arts degree and 6% for a
Bowe then explained how she advanced in her career.
received from girls shows it could be an inspirational flight.
“I wish those who are criticizing the mission could read the messages in my inbox,” said Bowe, a former NASA engineer.
“When I decided that I was going to pursue aerospace engineering, it was after my high school guidance counselor told me that I should pursue cosmetology because she did not think that I would be suited for this field,” Bowe said. “I went from pre-algebra and
safety and security. …Only together will we continue to make our school community as safe as possible,” Ketover said.
Multiple incidents
Priortothissocialmediathreat,Kentwood has had at least four incidents since January 2024 of police response and lockdowns to a gun incident. Nobodywashurtinanyoftheincidents. EarlierincidentsreportedintheKent Reporter include:
■ Feb. 28, 2025:Schoolwentintolockdown and student taken into custody for reportedlyhaving a gun on campus. A juvenile was booked for unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
■ Dec. 6, 2024: School went into a lockdown after a call about someone making threats with a gun. No gun was found, but deputies detained a subject, according to the Sheriff’s Office. It was notconfirmedwhetherastudentmade the threat.
■ Sept. 25, 2024: School went into a lockdown and a female student was detained for reportedly having a gun on campus, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
■ Jan. 11, 2024: School went into a brief lockdown after a student reportedly had a pellet gun on campus. Covington Police arrested the student forinvestigationofpossessingadangerous weapon on school facilities.
bachelor of arts or science degree.
Therefore, an officer with at least five years of experiencewouldmakeanannual base salary of $123,300. Special unit assignments could boost that by 8% or $9,864peryear;a4%startof year hike would add $4,932; being with the force for 10 yearswouldaddanother4% or $4,932; an associate arts degree would add another 4% or $4,932.
All of the extra pay combined would raise the annualpayto$147,960from a base salary of $123,300.
Kent also has continued its recruitment program of paying a $10,000 hiring incentive to an officer from another agency that joins Kent.
Kent vs. Redmond
Redmond Police officers are paid slightly higher than KentPoliceofficers,according to Redmond’s 20252027 contract posted on the Teamsters 117 website, the union that represents both departments.
A starting officer in Redmond makes $107,952 per year compared to $96,306 in Kent. By the fifth year, that officer will
community college to do two degrees in aerospace engineering, to working for NASA, to being able to sit on the stage and say: ‘It is bigger than the criticism.’”
make $125,016 annually compared to $123,300 in Kent.
A first-year sergeant in Redmond makes $153,048 annually with a boost to $157,632 in the second year. Kent pays a sergeant $148,056 per year.
Kent has a population of 140,400, according to city officials. Redmond’s population is 80,280, according to 2023 U.S. Census Bureau numbers.
Recall
From Page 1
Margel that includes the new facts. Since it is an election year for Tim Clark, a recall petition would not be allowed to move forward against him if refiled given the timing before the next general election for his board position.”
The petitioners wanted to add another charge against Margel for reportedly committing an unfair labor practice by pressuring Cook to have his wife resign from her teachers union role, according to court documents. The judge denied to include that charge because it was not in the initial petition but filed as a supplemental briefing on April 7.
“I will not consider any new facts or new charges in the petitioners brief,” Scott said.
The Kent Reporter reached out April 11 by email for comment from Margel and Clark about the judge’s ruling but did not receive a response from either board member.
In a March article in
the Kent Reporter about the upcoming hearing before Judge Scott, Clark said, “I believe this will put an end to the matter. Meghin and I have always done due diligence on all contentious issues. It is time to put this to rest.”
Attorney Karen Griffith, of Patterson, Buchanan, Fobes & Leitch, a firm with offices in Seattle and Portland, represented Margel and Clark at the court hearing. The board voted 3-2 March 12 for the district to pay for a law firm to represent the two board members. The firm specializes in representing elected officials subject to recalls, according to its website, led by attorney Duncan Fobes.
The website mentions how the firm secured dismissal of petitions to recall five members of the Northshore School Board in 2021 during a sufficiency hearing and successfully obtained an unconditional surrender in 2021 by a Kent School District petitioner, who had filed petitions to recall two district school board directors in advance of the scheduled sufficiency hearing.
RichardDonaldBylin
January29,1949-February8,2025
RichardDonaldBylin,belovedbrother anduncle,passedawayonFebruary 8,2025fromheartcomplications.Rick wasthesonofBettyandArnoldBylin. RickwasaresidentofKent,Washingtonfor mostofhislife.HeworkedforPozziBrothers Truckingasadriverfor50yearsbeforeretiring andmovingtoSkagitValleytobeclosertofamily. HehasmanyfriendsintheKentValley andenjoyedplayingsoftball,golfingand snowmobiling.Inhisretirementyearsheenjoyed goingtothelocalcasinos,connectingwithfamily andgettinghismorningcoffeeandpaperatthe localcoffeeshop.
Wewillmisshimdearly.HewasourRock, alwaysthereforwhoeverneededhim.Hewas precededindeathbyhisbrother,KevinBylin. Heissurvivedbyhissister,LindaLohman, brothersBertandGordy(Ann)Bylinand numerousnephewsandnieces.Agraveside serviceforRickwill beannouncedatalaterdate.
LeRoyHabryle
September29,1936–March23,2025
OnMarch23rdourbelovedDad,Grandpa,GreatGrandpa,Husband,Uncleandfriend, LeRoy(Le)JosephHabrylepassedpeacefully,surroundedbylovedones.Hewasbornon September29,1936,toHenryandFrancesHabryleinChicago,IL.Theymovedthrough WisconsinandFlorida,beforearrivinginRenton,WAin1945.Therewithoutelectricity,Le helpedhisdaddigtheirwellbyhandandbuildtheirhouseusingstonesfromtheGreen River.HegraduatedfromKentMeridianHSwherehebuiltlifelongfriendshipsandputhis penchantforrunningtogooduseonthetrackteam.ItwastherehemetHelenNashand shortlyafterhergraduation,theyweremarried.HeenlistedintheWashingtonNational Guard,whereherosetotherankofCommandSergeantMajorduringhis43yearsofservice. HeproudlyservedasanofficeranddetectivewiththeSeattlePolicedepartmentfor34years.Togetherthey enjoyedabeautifullifewiththeirchildrenLisa(Craig)andMike(Kayla)andgrandchildren,Kelli(Ryan),Jeff(Hillary), MitchellandKatie.Theyweremarriedalmost42years,untilHelen’ssuddenpassing. ItwasthroughhisinvolvementwithWICS(WidowedInformation&ConsultationServices)thathelatermetand fellinlovewithSaraAcree.Theymarriedin2005creatingandsharingwonderfulexperiencesandadventures together,includingwelcomingLe’sfourgreat-grandchildrenCraig,Lucy,BodieandLila.Helivedatremendouslife fullofadventure,serviceandlove.Thiswasevidentintheaffiliationsandcommunityservicehewasinvolvedin; someoftheseincludeTheKnightsofColumbus,WICS,CovingtonFoodStorehouse,StJohntheBaptist,coaching highschoolboysandgirlssoccer,andtheRainyRoseSociety. Leenjoyedboating,campingandgardening.Hereallylovedhisdahlias,whichhespenthourscultivatingtoenjoy andshare.HewasaveryproudWSUMasterGardnerandlovedsharinghisgardeningadvice.Hewasfirmbut playful,withavoicethatgotyourattention.Helovedhisfamilyandfriendsdeeply.Hewassomanythingstoso manypeopleandloyalbeyondmeasure.Hewillbedeeplymissed,buthisspiritwillcontinuetoinspireandhis memorieswillliveonintheheartsofhisfamily,friendsandallwhoknewhim. AllarewelcometojoinLe’smemorialserviceFridayApril25th,2025,1:30pmatStJohntheBaptist,inCovington, WA.Areceptionwill followatthechurchMcMullenCenter.Inlieuofflowers,thefamilysuggestsdonationstothe NationalMultipleSclerosisSociety.
Royals boys soccer wins seventh straight after slow start
By Ben Ray benjamin.ray@soundpublishing.com
One would describe the KentMeridian boys soccer team’s start totheseasonasshaky.TheRoyals went winless in their first five games of the season, but after a 2-1winoverDecaturHighSchool on April 14, the Royals have now won seven games in a row.
Manager Brian Gabert knew he had a tall task against him as Decatur had won three in a row and hadn’t given up more than a single goal in all three of those games.
“They are good defensively and they will make your lives miserable,” Gabert told his side pregame.
Over the last seven games, the Royals are looking like the team that won the NPSL last season and made it to state the year before.
“I think the first few games we played it was a matter of gelling. I think they are starting to click communication-wise,” Gabert said.
A big part of that is Irving Baca Silva getting involved back on the pitch. The senior is talented with the ball at his feet, but has been battling a sports hernia so far this season. Baca Silva is one of two Seattle Sounders Academy players on the Royals’ roster this year.
“Irving is just a special player. He can do things that nobody else can, stuff that I have never seen,” Gabert said.
Baca Silva sent a diagonal ball past the Decatur defense for Johnny Chino Lopez, which Chino Lopez took on goal and beat the Decatur keeper for the opening goal in the 17th minute.
It’s hard for Gabert to control his excitement when talking about Baca Silva: “He never
could play those through balls. Like how? Then it is like BAM and ‘OH,’ oh my god those are
amazing,” Gabert said with a lot of animation and energy.
The next best look the Royals
had in the first half was from the formerSoundersAcademyplayer in Keilor Garcia.
GarciaandBaca-Silvaarearguably the most talented midfield pairing in the entire NPSL in 3A and 4A combined. The two of them can carry Kent-Meridian to new heights.
“They both have a very secure understanding of the game. Irving was just born with a gift,” Gabert said.
Garcia took a shot from just inside the 18-yard box that left Andrew Lang in a stand-still as all the goalkeeper could do was watch the ball kiss the post. KentMeridian went into the locker rooms up 1-0, but Gabert wanted more.
“God I wish we would have scored more in the first half. We had so many good through balls,” Gabert said.
Histeamrespondedtothatcall in the fifth minute of the second
half. On just their second shot of the half, Garcia smashed a shot into the top left corner to give Kent-Meridian a two-goal cushion.
Any spectator can see KentMeridian constantly subbing in players throughout the game. It’s a new aspect of the game for Gabert as now he can really create tactical advantages for his side. Depth has always been hard for Gabert and the Royals, but now there are aspects of the game Kent-Meridian can tap into that haven’t been available before.
“It’s crazy. I had guys on the bench tonight that have been playing all season. It’s a huge tactical advantage. I am super blessed, but it makes it really hard to sit guys that play at the highest-levelclubs.Theyallbring something special. It’s fun to watch,” Gabert said.
Kent-Meridian also had a solid turnout of fans watching the game against Decatur. Spring sports are difficult to get fans to attend in general. Baseball, fastpitch and soccer don’t have the allure of a basketball or football game. But fans are starting to show up and support the Royals this season as they are building a culture on the field.
“Parents are very supportive of their kids, some of the JV kids hang out. There are a lot of Keilor followers, they are in the hallways all day long and come watch. That’s fun, that is what it’s all about, having a community and having a place where you can cheer for your teammates and classmates,” Gabert said.
On April 18, the Royals take on Auburn Mountainview, who lead the NPSL in the standings. Coming off a final four last year anda2-0winoverKent-Meridian earlier in the season, the Royals are ready to compete at the highest level.
“This is what soccer is all about,” Gabert said. “This will be the cracker.”
Familyownedandoperatedsince1924. Facilitiesandprofessionalservicetosuitanyneed. OnsiteChapel,ReceptionRoomandCrematory.
Rob&JanePerry 253-833-8877 55WestValleyHighwayS,AuburnWA98001 www.yahnandson.com
Rescuedfromahoardingsituation,wesuspecthe hadneverbeenoutdoorsbefore.Nowhe’sblossomedandprovestobesmart,curious,friendly, andloving.Helovesbeingwithhispeopleand enjoyslearningbasicmannersandevenafew tricks.Hewoulddowellinanactivehomewith childrenovertheageof5,andperhapsanother dogthatcouldactasagoodrolemodelforhim.
School: Kent-Meridian
Athlete: KeiraWu
Grade: Junior
Sport: GirlsTennis
Whatdoyouvalueinyoursportor aboutyourteam? Ivaluetheamazing communitythatmyteamgivesme.I dolovetennisbutevenmore,Ilovethe joyandencouragementallmyteam membersgiveme.
Whathaveyoulearnedfromyoursport thatyoucantakewithyouthroughout yourlife/future? Ilearnedthatgood sportsmanshipisdefinitelyreally important.Itbringspeopleupandlets everyonehaveabettertime,whichI thinkisthemostimportantthing.. Whatdoyoudowhenyouaren’t motivatedandwhathelpsyoustay
motivated? Iliketothinkaboutmyteam tomotivatemyself.Iwanttowinthe teammatchtoboostteammoraleand teamspirit. Doyouhaveafavoritepre-gamemeal? I don’ttrytoeattoheavyandIdon’thave afavorite,butIdousuallyeatlikealight snackbarorsomething. Whatadvicewouldyougivetoa teammatethatisstruggling? Tonot worryaboutpoints.Themainthingisto havefunandenjoythemoment.Plus, youtendtoperformbetterwhenyouare inabettermood.
Fromthesidelines: Keiraisagreattennis playerbutanevenbetterperson.Sheisa leaderontheteambybeingpositiveand encouragingherteammatestodotheir best.Itisapleasurehavingheronour teamandbeingoneofourcaptains.
School: Kent-Meridian
Athlete: KadeCagampang
Grade: Freshman
Sport: Baseball
Whatdoyouvalueinyoursportor aboutyourteam? Beingaleaderand havingtheabilitytopickupmyteam eitherwinningorlosing.
Whathaveyoulearnedfromyour sportthatyoucantakewithyou throughoutyourlife/future? Learning toplaythemomentandnotworry aboutmistakesandchillafter thegame.
Whatdoyoudowhenyouaren’t motivatedandwhathelpsyoustay motivated? RemindmyselfwhatIam
tryingtoachieveorreach. Doyouhaveafavoritepre-game meal? NoIdonot. Whatadvicewouldyougivetoa teammatethatisstruggling? Iwouldtellthemtofocusonwhat theycancontrolandlearntohavea short-termmemory,especially inbaseball.
Fromthesidelines: Kadehelpedlead ustotwowinsoverToddBeamer, pitching,hittingandcatching.Heisa teamleaderthisseasonandhasdone agreatjob.
PHOTOS BY BEN RAY / THE REPORTER
Kent-Meridian player fights for the ball against Decatur.
Keilor Garcia puts Decatur to bed after scoring the second Royals goal of the night.
TIMMY:
Grand reopening of Kent Commons Community Center on May 4
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
The city plans a grand reopening of its Kent Commons Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 at 525 Fourth Ave. N. Crews are finishing up an $1.5 million remodel and the facility is expected to return to normal operations later this month.
The monies for the project came from the city’s capital budget.
Kent Commons will have a new entrance and frontcounter,anexpanded weight room and locker rooms, a new family restroom and two refreshment areas with vending machines containing snacks and beverages.
Attendees at the reopening will enjoy activities throughout the building, free ice cream and
popcorn, Kent Parks swag, and a special giveaway that’s exclusive to this event. The event is free and open to all.
Work began in March 2024 on the renovation at the 50,000-square-foot facility. The center sits downtown just south of West James Street and accesso ShoWare Center and west of the Kent Station shopping center.
The work is needed because the facility was built in 1979 and is 45 years old, said Will Moore, city facilities superintendent, in his report last year about the project to the council.
The facility offers programs and classes for youth and adults, a fullyequipped gym and fitness center, and numerous rooms and spaces to reserve for events of all sizes.
Kent man wanted in reported
case presumed to be on the run
By Steve Hunter shunter@soundpublishing.com
Kent Police are asking for the public’s help to find a 51-year-old Kent man and domestic violence suspect who is presumed to have escaped a fire at an Auburn commercial building.
Kent Police initially believed Avon A. Cobb died in the fire Tuesday, April 8, after he fled to that building when officers responded to a reported domestic violence incident earlier in the day at a Kent apartment.
“Cobb is now presumed to be on the run,” according to an April 10 Kent Police news release.
As of April 15, police had no new updates about the incident.
Police have probable cause to arrest Cobb for investigation of domestic
violence assault involving a firearm and eluding for his actions against a family member, according to police.
Cobb left the apartment in the in the 5500 block of South 237th St., in his vehicle and eluded police.
He fled to a building in Auburn, 1520 W. Pike St., which Valley SWAT
eventually surrounded and attempted to get him to come out.
“It was believed he was still armed with a gun,” according to the news release. “Multiple attempts were made to negotiate Cobb out of the building, but he did not exit. During the standoff, the building caught fire. Once the fire was extinguished hours later, an extensive search was made of the grounds, but Cobb was not located.”
Earlier in the day, SWAT officers began clearing the inside of the building, attempting to locate the suspect, when a fire broke out inside the building, according to police. The fire developed quickly, forcing SWAT officers to retreat from the building.
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Legal Notices MainVue WA, LLC, 121 3rd Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033-6160 is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The project, Alder Grove, is located at 25403 & 25405 124th Ave SE Kent, King County, WA
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“At the time of the incident, it was believed that he was inside the establishment,” according to an April 10 email from Kent Police Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner. “However, upon entry, he was not found, and it remains unclear how he was able to exit.”
Cobb is an owner of the business at 1520 W. Pike St., Kasner said. Kasner described it as “an entertainment establishment.”
Google maps lists the business as Zanadu Studios, which its Facebook page describes as a live music venue.
Anyone with information about Cobb’s whereabouts, can call the Kent Police tip line at 253-8565808, or email a tip to KPDTipLine@kentwa. gov. If a tip is time sensitive, please call 911.
At some point, Cobb left the building without police noticing. Detectives are actively working to locate and arrest him on his charges.
D.O.B. 10/28/2013 No. 25-7-00042-39 Notice and Summons by Publication (Termination)(SMPB) To: Charles Wendle WilliamsIII,Parent2 A Petition to Terminate Parental Rights was filed on February 04, 2025; A Fact Finding hearing will be held on this matter on: May 23, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Yakima County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, 1728 Jerome Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902. You should be present at this hearing. To participate in this hearing via Zoom video: https://zoom.us/j/942696 38517?pwd=VTB2M2pG UmthclI2MlU1K29Cdm1 sQT09 Meeting ID: 942 6963 8517 Passcode:271386 To participate in this hearing via telephone: Dialbyyourlocation +1 206 337 9723 US(Seattle) +1 213 338 8477 US(LosAngeles) Meeting ID: 942 6963 8517 Passcode:271386 NOTICE: You must appear for your hearing by Zoom. A passcode is required and the current passcode is listed above. Passcodes are subject to change. To ensure you have the current passcode call Court Administration at (509) 574-2703, 5742707, or 574-1794 to
COURTESY PHOTO, KENT POLICE
Avon Cobb.
