SEE INSIDE: New Beautify Bonney Lake project | Page 2 . . . . Rich Elfers | Page 4 . . . . More fall sports previews | Page 7
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 | 75 cents
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Downtown set for three developments
What’s Inside
Views...................................Page 4 Seniors...............................Page 13 Sports.................................Page 16 Classified...........................Page 18
By Kevin Hanson
This Week...
Senior Writer
A four-block stretch of downtown Enumclaw is proving to be plenty interesting these days with tenants coming to one empty building, plans cemented for construction on another and, eventually, a decision needed regarding a crumbling structure deemed unsafe. All three developments are either finalized, in the process of reaching a conclusion or staggering toward a final verdict. At the center of attention are the two-story, fairly new structure at 1335 Cole St. that once housed a clothing store and is now destined for social services; a long-vacant, highly-visible parcel of bare land at corner of Cole and Myrtle Avenue; and the deteriorating shell of a building at 1414 Cole St. that has steel poles propping up exterior walls.
• Don’t let National Grandparent Day pass
you by this weekend. Visit with your grandpa or grandma Sunday, Sept. 13.
• Bonney Lake Senior Center Anniversary
All are invited to the 25th anniversary of the Bonney Lake Senior Center. A very special evening has been planned featuring the US Army Jazz Ensemble. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 19304 Bonney Lake Blvd.
Weather The forecast for Wednesday calls for sunny skies and temperatures reaching 76 degrees with an overnight low of 53. Thursday looks much the same with a high daytime temperatures again into the mid to high 70s. Friday will be sunny with highs reaching 85 and lows to 57. Saturday is expected to be in the mid-80s with Sunday cooling to 73.
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Valley Cities getting its own quarters
Leading up to the “Battle of the Bridge” – the annual football contest between Enumclaw and White River high schools – cheerleaders from each side of the river came together last week to re-create a photograph originally taken in 1969. Struggling for control of the 5-foot trophy back in ‘69 were Enumclaw’s Jill Jensen, left, and White River’s Gail Emry. In the current photo, taken the afternoon of Aug. 31, are Riley Malek from EHS and Marina Bartels from White River. Both photos were taken on the steps in front of the White River administration building in Buckley. Photo courtesy White River High School
Built in 2008 and boasting a unique interior, as well as a handsome brick exterior, the building at 1335 Cole originally housed Suburban Soul, a retailer of fashionable women’s clothes. After the retailer closed its doors, the building was used for a short time as an art gallery. Sitting on a quarter-acre of land that has changed hands six times since 1997 – according to the King County Assessor’s Office – the building was purchased in September 2014 by
SEE BUILDINGS, PAGE 5
Bonney Lake fireworks ban debate | Week 1 Editor’s note Each year since the early 2000s, the issue of banning fireworks inside the Bonney Lake city limits has come before the City Council. This year the unusually dry weather and increased danger of brush and wildfires has raised the discussion to more than just a spark and fizzle. A town hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Justice and Municipal Building, where residents will have the opportunity to discuss whether or not the city should enact a fireworks ban. Courier-Herald staff reporter Ray Still has organized an in-paper debate on the question of whether Bonney Lake should or should not ban fireworks. The three debate
participants are Justin Evans and I believe that the city along with surroundDavid Baus, Bonney Lake residents ing cities should enact a total personal use Justin Evans running for Council Position No. fireworks ban. It is an issue of not only comBonney Lake resident munity safety within dryer seasons, but also 2, and Karen Gower, public relations district director with TNT personal safety. The Consumer Product Safety Fireworks. Commission states: “CPSC estimates that in 2014, about 10,500 people For this issue, Evans, Baus and Gower will start with their openWhat is best for the people of Bonney ing statements and answer why Bonney Lake should or should not Karen Gower Lake? There is a way to increase community safety and preserve personal freedom and enact a firework ban. TNT public relations it happens without banning legal fireworks. Each participant will rebut stateAs long as there are reservations nearby and ments in the Sept. 16 issue. The final debate will be pub- bootleg fireworks, there will be illegal fireworks readily available – lished in the Sept. 23 issue. The Courier-Herald encourBonney Lake should not enact a ban. ages our readers to participate in The Fourth of July is a national holiday to this debate by sending questions David Baus celebrate our hard fought freedom and fireand comments to Ray Still, rstill@ Bonney Lake resident works are an integral part of the celebration. courierherald.com. Questions and Patriotism is a major part of our lives and comments may also be posted to should remain. Fireworks are not inherently dangerous if proper the debates online.
Pro-ban
SEE EVANS, PAGE 3
Anti-ban
SEE GOWER, PAGE 3
Anti-ban
Enjoy the TIME OF YOUR LIFE SENIOR GUIDE 2015
Pages 13-15 inside!
SEE BAUS, PAGE 11