SEE INSIDE: Local department shines in firefighter stairclimb, page 3 . . . . Local man dies in early-Sunday crash, page 5 . . . Legislator summarizes first term in Olympia, page 6 . . . . Change in philosophy at local hotel, page 8 . . . Change in philosophy at local hotel, page 8 . . . Enumclaw, WRHS tracksters shine at invitational, page 14
Your hometown newspaper for more than 100 years!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
What’s Inside Views..................................Page 6 Binetti.............................. Page 10 Sports ............................ Page 14 Church . ......................... Page 16 Obituaries .................... Page 17
Healthy pets: spaying or neutering might be the key.
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City library annexation proposition passing By Dennis Box Editor
The pro-library annexation proposition on the special election ballot increased its lead to 31 votes Friday after bouncing between a 22 vote lead to as low as 14. On election night, April 17, Proposition No. 1 – asking if the King County Library System should annex the Enumclaw library – was leading by a slim 22 votes. The margin dropped to 14 the following day, then moved to 25 in support of annexation by Thursday. The final posting of numbers by King
County Elections Friday showed the lead for annexation increasing to 31. There were 1,194 yes votes, or 50.66 percent, and 1,163 no votes, 49.34 percent. The final results will be posted Friday, April 27, when the canvassing board certifies the election. According to Resolution 1445, the King County Library System will take over operation of the Enumclaw Library June 1 if the measure passes. Current Enumclaw Library card holders
The Enumclaw Library was founded in 1922. Proposition No. 1 asked if the King County Library System should annex the library. File photo
See LIBRARY, Page 4
Legislators reflect on Olympia session
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By Dennis Box
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“I am not one who hates government, but it has to be efficient as it can be.” The 2012 legislative sesHurst pointed to the sion came to a close April pension reform for state 11 after a regular session, employees this year and a couple of special sessions unemployment compensaand plenty of arm twisting. tion and workers compenAs the effects of the sation reforms last session recession continue, state as some of the changes he lawmakers have and the moderates been forced into moved to the front some dark budget of the line. corners. The good news Despite the difwe did major ficulties, the 31st reform without District legislators cuts to education,” each said they came Hurst said. “For Chris Hurst out with some positoo many years we tive results from have been living on their positions. borrowed money. It had to come to an end.” • Rep. Chris Hurst Hurst said he knew some Rep. Chris Hurst, were upset with the pension D-Greenwater, said the system reform affecting moderate wing of the early retirement payments, Democratic Party in the “but we could not afford House that he is part of the cost.” pushed through essential He said one of the top budget reforms. reforms which will go to “I have been a fiscal con- voters is a requirement for servative all the years I See SESSION, Page 4 have been here,” Hurst said. Editor
Weather Rain is likely again today, Wednesday, with a 70 percent chance of the wet stuff and high temperatures in the mid-60s. Rain will continue overnight with lows in the mid-40s. Showers are likely through the weekend with daytime highs staying around 60 and overnight lows reaching into the 40s.
75 cents
Dancing All Prom Night
Patricia Turner, left, a senior at White River High, has her corsage adjusted by Iona Catonia with the Lions4Kids prom project Saturday at Backstage Salon. Dennis Box, Courier-Herald
Finding a home for the local arts By Kevin Hanson Senior Writer
simply as CAST, traces its roots to former city mayor John Wise. Last year, he approached a handful of individuals, wondering if they would be interested in exploring the possibility of purchasing the 85-year-old Chalet Theater, 1721 Wells St. It was learned that Chalet owner Ken Kerr might be interested in Chalet selling. Encouraged by that news, CAST members are now in the process of lining up sponsors and entertainment to jumpstart the fund-
showcase
With an eye toward increasing Enumclaw’s reputation as a welcoming home for the arts, a local group has banded together to form Chalet Arts Showcase Theater. The nonprofit organization, known
See ARTS, Page 3
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