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FIRES | Two Bothell fires within six days cause $200,000 in damage to two homes [6] Historic seasons | Inglemoor girls, Bothell boys and Cedar Park boys teams all headed for league titles, among best in state [Page 10]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013
Sediment tests in Kenmore show no contamination at most sites BY MATT PHELPS mphelps@bothell-reporter.com
T
est results from sediment samples taken from the shores of north Lake Washington last summer were released Thursday.
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s (DOE) initial view is that the majority of the 30 test sites were within an acceptable range. “The results look encouraging,” said DOE spokesman Larry Altose. “The
City of Bothell to pay $40,000 to marijuana grower BY MATT PHELPS mphelps@bothell-reporter.com
A Bothell man will receive nearly $40,000 from the City of Bothell in connection with an illegal search of the man’s home and seizure of property in 2008 during a raid on an illegal marijuana growing operation. The city will pay Eric Scott Levine $25,000 for the illegal search and seizure of property from his home and an additional $14,700 to be paid to his attorney for fees accrued during the past five years. U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman ordered the judgement on Wednesday as a result of a civil lawsuit filed against the Snohomish Coun-
ty and the City of Bothell. The warrant used to search the home in 2008 was deemed invalid because Bothell Police Det. A. Sean Ungvarsky submitted an unsworn affidavit to the Cascade District Court Commissioner Paul Moon, according to court documents. The Commissioner struck out the words “subscribed and sworn to before” on the affidavit. The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s office then approved the warrant to search Levine’s residence. Bothell police also used an unsworn warrant to obtain electricity records from the Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1, accord[ more GROWER page 3 ]
samples taken at Harbor Village and the North Lake Marina had elevated levels, but all the other levels were below the threshold.” The news was met with a positive reaction from Kenmore officials. “We’re encouraged by
these findings,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker in a release. “The city made a worthwhile investment that succeeded in giving our community information and reassurance about the lake bottom, while clarifying where to direct further
environmental efforts.” Altose said that there is no state standard for sediment contaminants, so the DOE uses the cleanup standard for dry soil as a comparison, which is 11 parts per trillion. “That is getting down be-
low the levels of detection,” said Altose. “We think it is a fair and formal benchmark. The concentration of sediment (in the majority of testing areas) we consider clean.” Altose said the DOE will [ more TESTS page 5 ]
New Chief has climbed department’s ladder
Jim Torpin has been named the new Northshore Fire Chief. Torpin has served his entire career with the department and formerly received his new badge during a pinning ceremony on Jan. 29. See page 5 for the full story. MATT PHELPS, Bothell Reporter
Comfy Concert, Jazz for Babies benefit in Bothell aim to help kids mphelps@bothell-reporter.com
It can be difficult as a parent to get out and attend a fun event with the family. Being the parent of a special needs child can make it nearly impossible.
Parents in the Bothell High School community, along with choral director Sheri Erickson and senior Thea Snow, are organizing two separate events for families to enjoy and support two good causes. The Comfy Concert and
Jazz for Babies will take place within six days of each other, but both will fill a special niche in the community.
Comfy Concert Marie Juchau’s daughter
Grace, who has autism, loves music. But like many special needs children, Grace has a tough time singing along or being disruptive during live performances. She can’t even go see her older siblings perform.
“We could tell that she was frustrated and sad that she could not stay for the concerts,” said Juchau. “Because of her love of music I wanted her to have the opportunity to be able to attend musical performances and not have to leave. I also
knew of other families who were in the same situation.” Juchau talked with Erickson, who had the idea for the Comfy Concert. The performance, by Bothell High School choral and band students, is for special [ more CONCERTS page 3 ]
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BY MATT PHELPS