Reporter ISSAQUAH | SAMMAMISH
Friday, December 13, 2013
www.issaquahreporter.com
Klahanie annexation vote a go Election set for Feb. 11
A family cuts down their Christmas tree and carries it to their car at Trinity Tree Farm.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRINITY TREE FARM.
OH CHRISTMAS TREE The beginning of an annual holiday tradition
BY KELLY MONTGOMERY KMONTGOMERY@ISSAQUAHREPORTER.COM
From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas day, it’s very common to see people driving with a tree strapped down on top of their car. For many, it’s an annual tradition. You get the tree, set it up in the corner of your living room, and take in the holiday aroma as you listen to Christmas music, drink hot cocoa and decorate your tree. But wouldn’t it be more satisfying knowing that tree was sawed down with your very own hands? Lucky for you, there are numerous tree farms in the area that can provide you with an annual holiday tradition of cutting down your own Christmas tree. And if you’re just not in the mood, there are also pre-cut tree options. Trinity Tree Farm in Issaquah has been selling trees since the 1980s, but the Dutro family has owned it since 1996. “We have really focused on growing beautiful Christmas trees and providing our customers with an annual holiday tradition to visit our farm,” said
Serres Farm on the Redmond-Sammamish border. KELLY MONTGOMERY, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter
Glenn Dutro, owner of Trinity Tree Farm. Dutro said that Trinity Tree Farm is a festive family-oriented place to select and cut your own Christmas tree, but they also have a healthy selection of precut trees to choose from. They offer assistance loading the tree onto your vehicle, a complimentary tree tie down, complimentary hot beverages, train rides for children at an additional charge, two fire pits where people can relax and warm up, an antique fire engine for a photo opportunity and food stands that serve hot dogs, kettle corn, nachos,
pretzels, snacks and refreshments. “Our farm offers a close in but natural woods-like setting,” Dutro said. “The farm is on top of a hill and offers beautiful views of Squak, Tiger Mountain and Mount Rainier. We pride ourselves on offering the best customer service possible. We will help out in any way to make your tree hunting experience a great time.” Serres Farm in Redmond planted their first Christmas tree in 1987. Bill Serres said the trees grow about a foot a year, so they didn’t start harvesting their trees
“We provide you the saw, and you cut down your perfect tree.” – Bill Serres until 1992. Serres, owner and operator of the family owned 24-acre Serres Farm, said they offer u-cut trees of all sizes, from 4 to 24-feet. “We provide you a saw, and you cut down your perfect tree,” he said. After finding and cutting the perfect tree, Serres said people can help themselves to hot coffee or homemade cookies made by SEE TREES, 13
In a special meeting held Nov. 9, the Issaquah City Council voted 5-1 with council member Josh Schaer voting no, and Tola Marts absent, to hold the Klahanie annexation special election Feb. 11, 2014. The King County council has yet to weigh in on the issue, but will discuss it at its Dec. 16 meeting. If annexed, the Klahanie annexation area would be subject to Issaquah’s zoning regulation, assume a proportionate share of the city’s then outstanding indebtedness and be assessed and taxed at the same rate and upon the same basis as property within the city.
City seeking pro-con views To prepare for the election and educate voters about the issue, the city is seeking community members to serve on pro and con committees. The pro and con committees will consist of members of the public who agree to write a statement in favor of or in opposition to annexation. That information will then be included in the King County Local Voters’ Pamphlet that is mailed to voters before the election. Three people will be needed for each committee. Please submit your name and information by 5 p.m. today, Dec 13.