SEE INSIDE: Late June is a busy time in the garden. Read Marianne Binetti’s column on page 4 . . . Baby Boom generation must lead by example, page 6 . . . Become part of the local arts discussion, see Arts Alive! column on page 14 LOOK ONLINE: Buckley Log Show winners, parade photographs at www.courierherald.com
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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Fireworks fun still on at different spot Nesting eagles force fireworks to move; display will now be on school property
Fourth of July is just the start of a busy festival season
Dennis Box
By Kevin Hanson
The Fourth of July fireworks celebration planned for the Expo Center has taken a quick right turn and shifted locations because of the proximity of bald eagle nest. Mayor Liz Reynolds reported the display has been relocated to Enumclaw School District property between Southwood Elementary and the Boise Creek Sixplex. Viewing of the fireworks will be from the soccer fields. “Thank you Enumclaw School District and Superintendent
The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, providing a mid-week break and a full day of entertainment. The local Stars and Stripes Committee has been busy organizing the annual parade and fireworks display that provide a bookend for the holiday. The parade begins at noon this year and will follow the traditional course, rolling south over Cole Street.
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See EAGLES, Page 3
It may not be fleas that has your pet scratching. Like humans, pets can also have an allergic reaction to a number of different things. | Page 10
Organizers expect a healthy turnout of entries, featuring the usual assortment of civic groups and businesses. As usual, the parade will begin with children on bicycles, tricycles and scooters. There’s a change this year, as the organizing committee will no longer provide kids with brightly-colored decorations; those wishing to head up the parade will have to arrive downtown with their rides already decked out. That night, at about dusk, a professional fireworks show will light up the sky. There’s a change in venue this year, as the pyrotechnic display will take place on school district property near Southwood Elementary School (see
See SEASON, Page 3
Sparks fly during hearing for terminated lieutenant
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By Dennis Box
The case revolved around several incidents that were presented in detail to the commission through The Enumclaw Municipal Court testimony and documents. was the stage for dramatic and The commission heard conoften tense exchanges during the tradictory testimony concerning appeal hearing concerning the some of the most incendiary alletermination of Eric Sortland, a gations involving insubordination, lieutenant with the city’s police misrepresentation and discriminadepartment. tion against female police officers. Sortland was terminated Oct. At the end of the two days, near31, 2011, for insubordination ly 13 hours of testimony and more toward Police Chief Jim Zoll. He than 10 witnesses, Kugler said in his appealed the decision to the city’s closing arguments, “Somebody is Civil Service Commission in not telling the truth here. November. Lt. Sortland would have Sortland had been with you believe he’s telling the police the Enumclaw Police department truth and everyone else in Department since 1985 the department is a liar. and had served as a lieutenThat decision is up to you.” ant since 1997. Purtzer said in his opening The three-member commission remarks the issues centered on disheard testimony and was presented putes between Zoll and Sortland. two notebook binders full of docu“What you will hear is that the ments during Friday and Saturday department was basically dysfuncsessions in a quasi-judicial setting. tional regarding chain of comThe members of the commis- mand. Reporting things other offision are chairman Michael Stensen cers thought was misconduct. It and commissioners Jerry Metcalf just didn’t happen…. It all stems and Jan Molinaro. Advising the from Chief Zoll, not from Lt. commission was P. Stephen DiJuli, Sortland.” an attorney with the Seattle law Later in his argument, Purtzer firm Foster Pepper. stated, “This is not a situation of Representing the city was attor- insubordination. It is indeed an ney Tom J. Kugler. Representing argument between senior comSortland was Brett Purtzer from Tacoma’s Hester Law Group. See SORTLAND, Page 3 Editor
Weather
Today, Wednesday, should bring sunny skies with highs near 72, changing to partly cloudy overnight with lows near 50. A 30 percent chance of rain creeps back in Thursday with highs near 70. The weekend brings a chance of showers every day with highs in the mid-60s.
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Gettin’ it done
Rod Boustead and Darrell Durbin compete in the Buckley Log Show Saturday with the Insanesaw. Dennis Box, Courier-Herald. Check the website, www.courierherald.com for results and a slideshow.