Queen Anne News 09172025

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Op-Ed: Vote-at-Home Is the Law—And It Works

As county auditors in Washington State, we serve in the executive branch of local government and are responsible for administering elections in accordance with state and federal

law. That includes elections for local, state, and federal offices.

The U.S. Constitution grants states the authority to conduct federal elections, and Congress sets certain minimum standards. Here

in Washington, our Legislature has determined that vote-at-home is the official method of conducting elections—and that’s not just the law, it’s a system that works.

Vote-at-home in Washington didn’t happen overnight. It evolved in direct response to growing voter demand. Years ago, when absentee voting required a specific reason, voters steadily requested more flexibility. Our Legislature responded—first by expanding absentee access, then by allowing counties to convert to vote-at-home elections where it made sense in the early 2000s. In 2011, Washington became one of the first states in the nation to adopt vote-at-home as the statewide standard—a move built on decades of experience, careful planning, and voter trust.

Washington’s early and thought-

Sasquatch Sighting in Seattle

ful implementation of vote-at-home helped pave the way for other states. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states began using widespread mailed ballots for the first time. While some of those states are still refining their procedures, Washington’s policies, infrastructure, and checks and balances have been in place for years—offering a tested model for secure, accurate, and efficient election administration.

Vote-at-home works because it reflects the way people live. Voters can take their time, read through ballot measures and voter pamphlets, and return their ballots from home—or in person—when it’s convenient for them.

Ballots can be returned in person and into secure storage at the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, via 51 offi-

cial drop boxes located throughout the county, or through the United States Postal Service. In addition, voters can sign up at VoteWA.gov to receive text notifications tracking their ballot’s journey—from issuance to acceptance. It is well-documented that voter turnout is higher in vote-at-home states. Participation is easier and more deliberate, especially for those with demanding jobs, caregiving duties, limited mobility, or long travel distances to the nearest polling place. If Washington were to return to in-person-only voting, the very people who most benefit from expanded access would be the first to lose it.

We often hear from voters who wish results could be finalized on

Ryan Henry Ward and his beloved sasquatch are bringing smiles wherever they go

Queen Anne residents have reported more than a dozen sasquatch sightings in the past week—but these larger-than-life characters aren’t the stuff of legend. They’re the work of Ryan “Henry” Ward, Seattle’s most prolific muralist and the creative force behind one of the Pacific Northwest’s most ambitious public art projects: One Thousand Sasquatch Heads. With over 850 murals already complete, Henry’s work is transforming neighborhoods one garage door at a time, sparking joy and community connection through this expansive community-driven art movement. The idea sparked when Henry looked at a garage door and saw not a utility, but a blank canvas. “I feel like the garage door is already framed in and is a perfect surface for presentation for an art piece,” he said. “They sit like blank voids in front of everyone’s house, ready for color. My hope is that homeowners will continue to open their doors to artists—imagine if every garage in the city was painted by a local artist. We’d be creating jobs for thousands of artists and turning neighborhoods into open-air galleries.” What started as a goal to paint 1,000 sasquatch quickly surpassed that in response

to overwhelming demand. Along the way, the project has sparked joy, community connection, and plenty of stories—including a memorable mix-up that left one homeowner

unexpectedly greeted by a giant cartoon mural. Luckily, they were fans of Henry’s work, turning a near mishap into a happy accident. “I try my best to not get the wrong house, but sometimes the muse of the sasquatch is a little wilder. I think I’m a vessel for that, for Sassy,” the universal name for his popular sasquatch characters.

Henry’s art has become a cultural staple in Seattle, seen everywhere from Bloodworks Northwest to Pike Place Market, and from breweries to community centers. And his reach extends well beyond the region, with murals brightening ski resorts, National Parks, REI merchandise, Eddie Bauer

collaborations, live painting performances with Cirque du Soleil, and even being featured in a Super Bowl promotion. Some fans are already saying his sasquatch characters could reach the iconic status of Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse here in Washington.

The project is rolling out zip code by zip code across Seattle, and throughout the state. After last week’s murals in Queen Anne, Capitol Hill is next on the list. Henry’s plan is to stay focused until he hits the 1,000 mural milestone, with hopes of finding the perfect permanent home for the 1,000th sasquatch mural—ideally at a local school or nonprofit serving kids. To celebrate, he’s planning a community party at the Seattle Waterfront Marketplace (1400 Alaskan Way). Everyone is invited.

Fans can follow the countdown on Instagram at @henry_beyond_museums, where Henry shares progress updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and sneak peeks of what’s next. “I have a lot of work ahead of me,” he said. “When that is done, I could imagine opening it up, going bigger and better.” For now, one thing is certain: the sasquatch sightings in Seattle aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Additional information at https://www.henry.art/

Ward enjoys meeting neighbors and talking with the kids while he paints, often giving out stickers or merchandise for the enthusiastic fans of his work.

Henry began painting his iconic sasquatch murals almost a decade ago. He has painted them in a wide variety of places and scenarios, and is nearing completion of his 1,000 Sasquatch Heads project.

Laura Marie Rivera

Twelfth Church of Christ, Scientist

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Organized Retail Theft Rings Now “Poisoning” Gift Cards to Steal Money

Adam Worcester

Contributing Writer, Snohomish Tribune

Have you bought a gift card recently from a bigbox retailer?

You could have inadvertently funded the sex trafficking of a child or the war in the Ukraine.

Gift-card fraud is the latest trend in organized retail crime.

Thieves steal the gift cards, then replace the bar codes on the back and return the cards to the racks. When the tampered cards are loaded up with money, that money diverts to a sophisticated, international crime ring which uses it to fund a variety of illegal activities.

It’s not the only method crooks use to pilfer retail establishments.

One ring swipes cars, then plows them into stores at night and begins looting. Another employs women, often posing as mothers, who shoplift expensive dog collars.

“It’s easier to steal from a retail establishment (to fund their cause) than to steal from a bank,” said Mark Johnson, retired senior vice president of government affairs for Washington Retail Association.

He estimated organized retail crime costs cities the size of Snohomish hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in tax revenue, as well as untold damage to the mental and emotional health of employees and customers. It’s cost the state billions of dollars each year in lost tax revenue.

“This isn’t just a nameless, faceless, crime,” said Crystal Leatherman, Johnson’s successor at the Washington Retail Association. “Organized crime rings cause harm to the community both directly and indirectly.”

Retail theft has soared 93% between 2019 and 2023, according to the National Retail Federation, and Washington ranks first in the rate of reported retail theft incidents.

In Snohomish retail thefts are up just slightly this year, but the numbers can be deceptive, said Police Chief Nathan Alanis.

“It’s a little bit hard to gauge, because a lot of it goes unreported,” Alanis said. “If they’re not calling 911, we don’t see it, unfortunately.”

There is no single step that will solve the problem, Johnson told the Snohomish City Council at a May presentation. But a series of measures provides ammunition to fight back.

Foremost is House Bill 2015, which Johnson called “a real game changer in the public safety realm.”

Just approved by the state legislature, HB2015 empowers cities to charge a small sales tax (0.1%) to fund programs and services that address issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, behavioral and mental health, and community placements for juvenile offenders.

It also creates a $100 million grant fund, available in the fall, from which law-enforcement agencies can get money to recruit new officers, support intervention and de-escalation training, and expand co-response programs and other public safety services. Washington has the country’s lowest ratio of police officers to

citizens, with 1.1 officers per 1,000 residents. The national average is 2.3.

Another significant step was creation of an online resource hub (www.orcresourcehub.org) that serves as a “one-stop source” for information about organized retail crime.

It includes organized retail crime laws and regulations, resources, news articles, and a list of best practices for store owners to deter retail theft.

In 2023, the state Attorney General’s office formed an organized retail crime unit which aggregates retail theft reports and identifies repeat offenders.

That’s important because 80 percent of retail theft is committed by 20 percent of professional thieves, Johnson said.

“We need to make it harder to monetize those stolen products that these criminal rings are using,” Johnson said. “A person can steal a power saw out of Home Depot and have it online in an hour.”

Nine of every 10 stolen items are sold on the Internet. Organized retail crime rings will sometimes ship goods stolen in Washington to list in another state; other times they will sell them overseas.

Though organized retail crime rings target mostly big-box retailers, they will take the path of least resistance and highest returns, whether Home Depot or ‘Mom and Pop Hardware’.

“They’re very indiscriminate,” Johnson said.

The rings often tap homeless, drug addicts, and mentally ill persons to do the actual shoplifting, Johnson said, which can put store employees, customers and law officers in difficult spots.

In a 2024 case, for instance, Shellonda K. Daniel was convicted for thefts from 28 Ulta stores in King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties totaling more than $200,000.

Daniel made physical and verbal threats to employees and managers. In some cases, she would threaten anyone who got close to her or her accomplices with bear spray.

Sales-tax revenues from HB2015 will go toward services to help such people, said Johnson, making it more difficult for organized retail crime rings to find shoplifting recruits.

“It’s the fences and the higher levels we’re after,” Johnson said.

Organized Retail Theft is a felony in Washington state, which also punishes thieves who steal with intent to resell.

National legislation being considered in Congress will help U.S., tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies to synchronize together to fight organized retail crime utilizing the technology tools of the Department of Homeland Security’s investigations branch and the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We can’t take our foot off the brake on this,” Leatherman said.

“(Organized retail crime) advances and evolves, just like technology. We’re going to have to make sure we have sustainable longterm solutions.”

Savvy Senior: How to Get Help with Your Medicare Costs

by Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for struggling seniors? My mom lives primarily on her Social Security survivor benefit and is having a hard time paying her Medicare costs.

-Need Assistance

Dear Need,

There are actually several different financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs. Here’s what’s available, along with the eligibility requirements and how to apply.

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS

Let’s start with a program that helps pay premiums and out-ofpocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It’s called the “Medicare Savings Program,” and it has several different benefit levels for people based on their income and asset level. At its most generous the program will pay your Part A and B premiums and pretty much all your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. At its least generous the program will pay just your Part B premium.

To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, the minimum standard set by Medicare is an income under 135 percent of the federal poverty level, which at the moment works out to around $1,715 a month for individuals (or $2,320 for married couples). Everything counts towards income, including payouts from 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Security, and help from family members.

Medicare also allows states to

VOTE AT HOME

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impose an asset test, which can be as little as $9,430 per individual ($14,130 for married couples), not counting your house, car or personal belongs, but counting retirement savings and bank accounts.

But some states have made their Medicare Savings Programs a lot more generous, with much higher income limits and in some cases no asset tests at all. And the program may be called something else in your state. To find out if you qualify or to apply, contact your state Medicaid program. Visit Medicaid.gov or call all 800-633-4227 for contact information.

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE

For help with Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan costs, there is another completely separate lowincome subsidy program she may be eligible for called “Extra Help.” To get it, your mom will need to apply through her Social Security office.

Depending on your mother’s income level, this program will pay part or all of her Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2025, individuals with a yearly income below $23,475 ($31,725 for a married couple), and assets under $17,600 ($35,130 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help. If she’s eligible to be in a Medicare Savings Program, she will automatically qualify for Extra Help. But because the requirements are slightly different, even if she doesn’t qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, she might be able to get Extra Help for Part D. For more information or to apply, visit SSA.gov/medicare/part-d-extrahelp or call Social Security at 800772-1213.

election night. We understand that desire—but elections are large, complex operations. In our field, there’s a well-known principle: you can have two of the following—fast, accurate, or affordable—but not all three at once.

If speed were the top priority, we would need to dramatically expand staffing, technology, and overnight operations. Returning to polling-place voting would multiply costs even further. Staffing dozens of polling sites (or hundreds in larger counties), renting or preparing facilities, purchasing equipment, training workers, and especially providing oversight to ensure those duties are performed without error or fraud— all of it would be enormously expensive. And for what gain? Not greater accuracy. Not better security. Just more cost, more complexity, and less access.

Washington has made a different choice—we prioritize accuracy and fiscal responsibility. Vote-at-home allows us to serve all voters while using public funds efficiently and transparently. We believe that the taxpayers in our counties expect their dollars to be spent wisely—not on duplicating systems or reversing a model that already works.

Vote-at-home is also a system that is secure. Every ballot is tracked. Every envelope requires a voter signature, which is verified against the voter registration file before the ballot is processed. And every election— without exception—is reconciled to account for every single envelope and ballot. Counties must report how many ballots were issued, how many were returned, how many were accepted or rejected, and why. This reconciliation process is fundamental to trust, and it is performed in every election in every jurisdiction.

We are proud of the work our offices do—and proud of our dedicated elections staff, whose professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to transparency are at the heart of every successful election. The accuracy, integrity, and reliability of our vote-at-home system would not be possible without their expertise and care.

OTHER PROGRAMS Depending on your mom’s income level, needs and location there are many other financial assistance programs that can help like Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), (LIHEAP) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and many others. To help you find out what types of assistance programs she may be

eligible for, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp. org. This is a free, confidential website designed for people age 55 and older that contains more than 2,500 programs. It’s also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers scattered across 38 states. Visit NCOA.org/article/ meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers locate a center in your area. Or call their helpline at 800-794-6559.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

As election administrators, we are committed to upholding the law—no matter how it changes. That’s our duty, and we take it seriously. But we also believe that changing or eliminating Washington’s vote-at-home model is not necessary, not efficient, and not more secure. It would impose significant cost, reduce accessibility, and dismantle a system that has earned the trust of millions of Washington voters.

Vote-at-home is not just the law in Washington—it’s well-established and secure practice. It reflects the lessons we’ve learned over decades of service. And it reflects the will of the voters we serve.

If you ever have questions about your ballot or your registration, please contact your Pierce County Auditor’s Office. We’re here to help.

Authors:

Lori Larsen, Stevens County Auditor

Marianne Nichols, Pend Oreille County Auditor

Cosigners:

Heidi Hunt, Adams County Auditor

Darla McKay, Asotin County Auditor

Skip Moore, Chelan County Auditor

Shoona Riggs, Clallam County Auditor

Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor

Will Hutchens, Columbia County Auditor

Thad Duvall, Douglas County Auditor

Michele Jaderlund, Grant County Auditor

Sheilah Crider, Island County Auditor

Brenda Huntingford, Jefferson Auditor

Julie Wise, King County Elections Director

Paul Andrews, Kitsap County Auditor

Heather Jobe, Klickitat County Auditor

Chandra Schumacher, Lincoln County Auditor

Linda Farmer, Pierce County Auditor

Natasha Warmenhoven, San Juan County Auditor

Sandy Perkins, Skagit County Auditor

Garth Fell, Snohomish County Auditor

Vicky Dalton, Spokane County Auditor

Mary Hall, Thurston County Auditor

Karen Martin, Walla Walla County Auditor

Stacy Henthorn, Whatcom County Auditor

Sandy Jamison, Whitman County Auditor

Queen Anne Stands With US: A Local Effort to Fight Usher Syndrome

By Michael Conn

hen we go out to dinner my wife takes my hand to guide me through the dark. An innocent act of love to the casual observer, but it is also a reminder of how quickly my vision has changed. At 41, my eyesight has narrowed into the size of a paper towel tube. I used to scan a room in a single glance but now I rely on her hand to steer me safely between chairs, tables, and the hustling wait staff.

I have Usher syndrome. It is a rare genetic condition that causes hearing loss from birth and a gradual loss of vision over time. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of combined deafness and blindness. More than 30,000 people in the US live with it, and the vast majority have never heard the name until a diagnosis arrives.

My journey has been gradual. I grew up hard of hearing and have worn hearing aids my whole life. In my teens, nights began to feel dimmer and in my twenties I received my genetic diagnosis. But there was no treatment and didn’t do much about it as I felt like an invincible young man! So I left Australia to do my MBA in London, met a girl whilst on exchange to NY who become my wife with twin boys, continued my career in tech & AI and moved to Queen Anne in 2020.

As time grew on, the edges of my vision started to close in until recently I discovered my peripheral vision had dropped to 30%. What was once a wide tunnel was becoming a tube and it was getting harder to see, especially at night. Ultimately it could get as thin as a straw.

Now as a mature father, I decided to learn more to better understand my condition for the first time. This call to action lead me to volunteer with the Usher Syndrome Society in recent years and ultimately shift my career to have more impact on causes that I care about.

Around the world, scientists are working on approaches that could improve hearing and preserve vision. Accelerating research is critical because children are often born with normal vision that can quickly deteriorate. Early intervention is key to preventing loss. Research progress depends on awareness and on the steady support that moves early discoveries toward real treatments. That is why I joined the Usher Syndrome Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises public awareness and funds research, which has gained strong momentum in recent years.

My goal is simple. To ensure my generation is the last generation that must accept progressive loss as an inevitable disability.

This month our neighborhood is joining the effort. To mark Usher Syndrome Awareness Day on Saturday, September 20, we have launched “Queen Anne Stands With US”. Local businesses are helping us shine a light on this overlooked disease and rally support for research. Betty, Big Max Burger Co, Cornelly, F45, La Pasta, Queen Càphê, Trader Joe’s, Stuhlbergs, and Zeeks have already contributed with more than $700 in

raffle prizes! Everyone in the community is invited to take part.

Every $10 donation equals one raffle ticket. Multiple entries are welcome. You can donate and enter online in a few minutes via the QR code or website below. If you have any questions or are a local merchant who would like to be involved this year or next, I would love to hear from you at michael@ ushersyndromesociety.org

It is more than a raffle. It is a way for our neighborhood to push research forward and to stand with families, like mine, who live with this invisible disability. There is real hope. With support, the science can move faster, and the next story we tell can be one of progress.

As my night blindness grows and vision narrows, I’m fortunate to have not just my wife but also two boys to also hold my hand and guide me in the dark. And I’ve discovered the more open I am with friends, they too will help guide me through

crowded stadiums, late night shows, or go a little slower with me when crossing the road. Now I am open to my community so we can all learn and be there to help.

Thank you for standing with us.

To learn more, donate, or to enter the raffle, visit ushersyndromesociety.org/ QueenAnne

Michael Conn is a Queen Anne resident and Director of Philanthropy, Usher Syndrome Society

Michael's family in front of Queen Anne on the Space Needle

Michael's first use of a cane debuting at SEATAC airport

Five Ways to Move Toward a Zero-Waste Garden

By Kayah Swanson

Forget about pristine landscapes and perfect lawns. I'm here to make the case for a messy garden.

Before you panic, I’m not advocating that you let noxious weeds run amok, leave plants to wither, or keep a yard that makes all your neighbors grumble under their breath.

But I am advocating for using what you already have to work toward a zero-waste garden. It may well result in a mismatched or slightly unpolished look, but I think you should embrace the imperfections.

It doesn’t take an expert to know that the gardening and landscaping industries are overflowing with plastic. Soil comes in plastic bags. Plant starts come in plastic pots. Seed starting trays are almost always plastic. The little plant tags you stick in the ground next to your burgeoning seedlings: plastic.

And that, my friends, is a big problem.

The United Nations’ Plastic Programme goes as far as to say that ur planet is choking on plastic while estimating that between 75 and 199 million tons of plastic are floating around our oceans. You're eating a credit card's worth of plastic every wee Even new part-plastic sedimentary rocks, dubbed ‘plastistones,’ are forming and have been found all over the world.

As people who love to see the beauty of our natural world unfold in our own yards, we should care enough about this problem to actively find ways to eliminate plastic from our garden, even if it's an inconvenience. We should celebrate a whimsical patchwork of growing things rather than a pristine collection of symmetrical pots and plants if the latter necessitates more plastic.

This approach means storing old things and foraging for new ones in a slower fashion, rather than writing up a big shopping list and getting it all done in a single trip. It entails getting to know your neighbors and occasionally MacGyvering a situation.

You can’t accomplish it all in one day, but the payoff is helping the wildlife in your yard, growing edibles that are less plasticky, and not adding to our gargantuan plastic problem.

Before I get to my list, I'll leave you with a quote I saw on a teabag recently (I’m working through all my tea bags before switching to

loose leaf, since tea bags release microplastics into your brew): nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Take a page out of Earth's book; she’s been doing this for billions of years.

1. SHARE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS

We’re talking systemic change here, and you can't buck the system without a good community around you. You need to know the people in your neighborhood to make this work. Talk to each other in real life (I know, but you can do it, I believe in you!) or check your local BuyNothing group, NextDoor, Craigslist, and/or Facebook Marketplace forums to see who got a too-big chip drop and is offloading mulch, who’s giving away plant starts and containers, and where you might be able to donate something, too.

You can also use your neighborhood’s tool library. Then you don’t have to carve out storage space for a tool you use once a year (or even worse, just once). Find your local tool library-or learn about creating

your own-at the Washington State Recycling Association website.

2. CHANGE HOW YOU’RE GETTING YOUR GARDEN SOIL

Did you know that soil can come in bulk instead of a plastic bag? Soil is often cheaper by volume when purchased in bulk, and it doesn't come in a plastic bag that bakes all day in the sun, which is definitely a bonus because we know heated plastic releases harmful chemicals. You can usually have it delivered or pick some up yourself. Check with your local landscaping materials supplier to see what your options are. And please go peat-free, as peat harvesting is very bad for the environment.

You can also create compost right at home, which benefits your garden and the planet. For tips on how to get started, turn to the excellent folks at Tilth Alliance.

3. START YOUR PLANTS FROM SEED

Do not be afraid of growing plants from seed-it's fun! I often like

to say that a true gardener is someone who has accidentally killed one of everything, so please don't be afraid to fail. Use soil blocks (learn how to make them in old casserole dishes with a wire cooling rack inside, or some other configuration that allows you to slightly elevate the blocks so they don't get too soggy. Or you can use cans, toilet paper tubes, newspaper or egg cartons filled with potting soil. The Washington State University Extension has a helpful publication on starting seeds.

You can buy seeds, of course, but you can also use a seed library near you for free. You'd be surprised how many seed libraries there are! You can also harvest seeds from existing plants or grow food from your kitchen scraps.

4. USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WHEN YOU NEED SOMETHING YOU DON'T HAVE, GET CREATIVE

This is where storage space helps. Instead of recycling old salsa and jam jars, save them to use for plant cloches on cold days. Grow plants in burlap bags from your local coffee roaster. Forage for containers at garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores. Save your cans, toilet paper tubes, and egg cartons. Think about what you're discarding and whether it could play a role in your garden before you toss it to the landfill.

5. GROW THE RIGHT EDIBLE PLANTS IN THE RIGHT QUANTITIES

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the annual

greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. food loss and waste are equal to the emissions from 42 coal-fired power plants. Let’s not pile on by growing edible things that won't be consumed. Choose vegetables and fruits for your garden that you know you love to eat, rather than growing an exotic plant that you’ll use for a single recipe and will otherwise go to waste. Also think about the quantity of food you're growing-will you have too much for your family to go through? How much can you reasonably give away? Different plants produce in different quantities, so incorporate that consideration into your garden plans.

What did I miss? Do you have zero-waste gardening tips? I'd love for you to share them with me so I can keep improving my own practices. By creating a knowledge- and resource-sharing community around us, we can keep our plastic problem from becoming even more severe while embracing the wild beauty of a foraged garden.

Kayah Swanson is a certified King County Extension Master Gardener, a communications director, and a staunch advocate for growing groceries in a landlord's yard. When she's not rooting around in the dirt, you'll find her behind the pages of a good book or gallivanting around the wilderness with her husband, Conrad and trusty pup, Frida Pawlo.

PHOTOS BY RAPHAEL HADOC

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of CINDY RAE BEAVER, Deceased. NO. 25-4-05463-0

SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 10, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Kristi Lynn Beaver ATTORNEY FOR PR: Ashley McAlhaney CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Ave Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 Telephone: 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 25-405463-0 SEA SIGNED: /s/ Ashley McAlhaney Ashley McAlhaney, #50095 Attorney for PR Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of HENRY JAMES TURNER, Deceased. NO. 25-4-057515 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 3, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR: Cassandra Helene Turner ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR: Elizabeth Hebel CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Avenue, Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CASE NUMBER: 25-4-05751-5 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, 10 & 17, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of JEAN L. HEGELE aka JEAN LAVENSON HEGELE, Deceased. NO. 25-4-02197-9 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 17, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Elizabeth Lavenson Myers ATTORNEY FOR PR: Mitchell Aoki CMS

Legal Notices

Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Ave Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 Telephone: 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 25-4-02197-9

SEA SIGNED: /s/Mitchell Aoki Mitchell Aoki, #61894 Attorney for PR Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of JENNIFER ANN ESTELLE, Deceased. NO. 25-4-060346 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 10, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR: Janese Spencer ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR: Elizabeth Hebel CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Avenue, Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CASE NUMBER: 25-406034-6 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of JOHN IAN MAGILL, Deceased. NO. 25-4-05895-3 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 10, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR: Amanda Low ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR: Mitchell Aoki CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Avenue, Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CASE NUMBER: 25-405895-3 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of Teresa M. Hartman, Deceased. NO. 24-4-04473-3 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 3,

2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Nicholas S. Hartman 4523 161st Ave Ct SW Longbranch, WA 98351 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 244-04473-3 SEA SIGNED: /s/Nicholas S. Hartman Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, September 10, and September 17, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR THE COUNTY OF KING LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. FAITH WALKER; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE ON UNION HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, Defendants. Case No.: 252-20566-5 KNT SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION To: FAITH WALKER; OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO THE SAID DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 20th day of August, 2025, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the Plaintiff, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for Plaintiff, McCarthy & Holthus, LLP at the office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The basis for the complaint is a foreclosure of the property commonly known as 3921 NE 5TH PL, RENTON, WA 98056, King County, Washington as a result of a default under the terms of the note and deed of trust. DATED: August 12, 2025 McCarthy & Holthus, LLP s/Grace Chu Grace Chu WSBA No. 51256 David Swartley WSBA No. 51732 108 1st Avenue South, Ste. 400 Seattle, WA 98104

Attorneys for Plaintiff Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News August 20, 27, September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025

In the Superior Court of the State of Washington for the County of King, BMO Bank N.A., Plaintiff, vs. Ranjodhdeep Singh Virk, Defendant. No. 25-2-12562 SEA Summons by Publication (60 days) The State of Washington to Ranjodhdeep Singh Virk, Defendant to be served by publication: You are hereby summoned to appear within 60 days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the Verified Complaint of the Plaintiff, BMO Bank N.A., and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for Plaintiff, Kutak Rock LLP, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the Verified Complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. This action seeks an order of replevin for immediate possession of equipment and damages for breach of contract under a loan agreement entered on or about January 20, 2023. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Kutak Rock LLP Geana M. Van Dessel, WSBA No. 35969 Jennifer M. Scanlon, WSBA No. 62992 510 W. Riverside Ave. Ste. 800, Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 747-4040

Attorneys for Plaintiff BMO Bank, N.A. Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 & 15, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING In Re the Estate of: MARY LOUISE KNISLEY, Deceased. No. 25-4-05936-4 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: James T Knisley At-

torney for the Personal Representative: Christian C. Pearson Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-059364 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING In Re the Estate of: PATRICIA ANNE MALONE, Deceased. No. 25-4-06420-1 KNT NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

RCW 11.42.030 The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the above-named decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as Notice Agent or of the appointment of a Personal Representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other Notice Agent and a Personal Representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the Notice Agent or the Notice Agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the Notice Agent’s Declaration and Oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Notice Agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 17, 2025 The Notice Agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on September 10, 2025, at Kent, Washington the foregoing is true and correct. Signed: s/ Ileana Nichitovici Notice Agent: Ileana Nichitovici Attorney for the Notice Agent: Robert C. Iddins Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of Notice Agent’s Oath and Declaration cause number: 254-06420-1 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH In the Matter of the Estate of Gregory E. Parr, Deceased CAUSE NO. 25-4-0181731 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.020) The person named below has been appointed Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 10, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR Brian Parr 13811 Bear Creek Rd NE Woodinville, WA 98072 ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR Amber L. Hunt Woodinville Law 13901 NE 175th St, Ste G Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 485-6600 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In Re: CARMEN LOUISE VOTAW NO. 25-400884-37 NON-PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.42.030 JUDGE: EVAN P. JONES The Notice Agents named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the above-named decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representa-

tive of the decedent’s estate in the State of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.

Any persons having a claim against the decedent must, before the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the late of: (1) 30 days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate assets and nonprobate assets.

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION 9/17/25

NOTICE AGENTS Ross Jorgensen c/o Chuckanut Law Group, PLLC 300 N. Commercial St., Ste. 2 Bellingham, WA 98225 Attorney for Notice Agents: Erin Mae Glass, WSBA #39746 Chuckanut Law Group, PLLC 300 N. Commercial Street, Suite 2 Bellingham, WA 98225

Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: CHERYL ANN GRAHAM, Deceased. No. 25-4-05882-1 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.60. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Personal Representative: Daniel Graham DATED this 26th day of August, 2025. /s/ Peter Klipstein Peter Klipstein, WSBA #26507 CURRAN LAW FIRM, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Telephone: 253-852-2345 Facsimile: 253-852-2030 Email: pklipstein@curranfirm.com Counsel for Personal Representative Address for Mailing or Service: Curran Law Firm, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, 10 & 17, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: MANG KIEN CHU aka KIEN AU Deceased. No. 25-4-06031-1 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Administrator of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 3rd, 2025. /s/ Emily Au Administrator Print Name:

EMILY AU /s/ Ty Ho Attorneys for Administrator Print Name and Bar #:35808 Address for Mailing or Service: TY HO 502 RAINIER AVE S. SUITE 202 SEATTLE, WA 98144 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court CASE NUMBER: 25-4-060311 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, 10 & 17, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: THOMAS LUKE ZECH, Deceased. No. 25-4-05643-8 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.60. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Personal Representative: Jean Zech-Manhart DATED this 25th day of August, 2025. /s/ Peter Klipstein Peter Klipstein, WSBA #26507 CURRAN LAW FIRM, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Telephone: 253-852-2345 Facsimile: 253-852-2030 Email: pklipstein@ curranfirm.com Counsel for Personal Representative Address for Mailing or Service: Curran Law Firm, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, 10 & 17, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: [Monika G. Morawek], Deceased. No. 24-5-04404-9 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: 9/3/25. Personal Representative Print Name: Caryn D. Morawek Attorneys for Personal Representative Print Name and Bar #: Kurt Preuss #58632 Address for Mailing or Service: [Kurt Preuss][8248 17th Ave NE, Seattle WA, 98115] [206 602 5400] Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court [254-04404-9 SEA] Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 3, 10 & 17, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASH-

INGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY

In Re the Estate of Bertina Melody Love, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-05826-1 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The administrator named below has been appointed as administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the administrator or the administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim

is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Chenelle Alexandria Love Attorney for the Personal Representative: Christian C. Pearson Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-05826-1 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY

In Re the Estate of Edmund Francis Schramko, Deceased Probate No. 254-05721-3 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Elise Sbarbori Attorney for the Personal Representative: Brittany S. Stockton Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-05721-3 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY In Re the Estate of Ronald Keith Fox, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-05657-8 KNT

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Holly Keith Fox Attorney for the Personal Representative: Brittany S. Stockton Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 254-05657-8 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON KING COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of DINA LYNN GUEST, Deceased. No. 25-4-061083 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim

is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 10, 2025 Administrator: Alisyn Guest Attorney for Administrator: Natasha Black Address for Mailing or Service: c/o Natasha Black Law 500 108th Avenue NE Suite 1100 Bellevue, Washington 98004 Court of Probate Proceedings: King County Superior Court 516 Third Avenue, Seattle WA 98104 Cause Number: 25-4-06108-

3 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON KING COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of THEODORE ALTON SKJEI, Deceased. No. 25-4-031532 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 10, 2025 Administrator: Theodore Alton Skjei Attorney for Administrator: Natasha Black Address for Mailing or Service: c/o Natasha Black Law 500 108th Avenue NE Suite 1100 Bellevue, Washington 98004 Court of Probate Proceedings: King County Superior Court 516 Third Avenue, Seattle WA 98104 Cause Number: 25-4-03153-2 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF KING In re the Estate of: MERLE LOUISE NORMAN Deceased IN PROBATE NO. 25-4-05959-3 SEA PRO-

BATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non probate assets. Date of First Publication: September 17th, 2025 Personal Representative: Anna Marie Norman Attorney for Personal Representative Anneli Cers WSBA #63009 Address for Mailing or Service: Olson Legacy Law 1734 NW Market St Seattle, WA 98107 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court #25-405959-3 SEA Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of JEFFREY LEE O’DAY, Deceased. NO. 25-4-059437 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any other-wise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice.

If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: September 12, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 17, 2025 /s/ COLBY O’DAY, Personal Representative/Administrator MCCUNE GODFREY EMERICK & BROGGEL, INC. PS /s/ MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206632-0575 Fax 866-913-1905 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of RALPH M. NORBOM, Deceased. NO. 25-405779-5 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent.

DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: September 12, 2025 DATE OF FIRST

PUBLICATION: September 17, 2025 /s/ BARTOLOME A. SANCHEZ, Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel, Inc. PS /s/ MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697Tel: 206-632-0575 Fax 206-238-9487 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of: FREDDIE A. TAPURO, Deceased. NO. 25-404632-7 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any other-wise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: September 4, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 10, 2025 /s/ ANDREW R. COHEN, Personal Representative MCCUNE GODFREY EMERICK & BROGGEL, INC. PS /s/ MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206632-0575 Fax 206-238-9487 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY IN PROBATE Estate of EDMUND STOINSKI, Deceased. No. 25-4-05892-9SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

NAMED BELOW has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s

attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in section 11 of this act and RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 10, 2025 ANNELIESE STOINSKI, Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative: Cory A. McBride WSBA# 49714 Address for Mailing or Service: 4218 S.W. Andover Street P.O. Box 16354 Seattle, WA 98116 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17 & 24, 2025 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In the matter of the estate of DAWN’A L. BRUKSOS, Deceased. NO. 25-4-06104-1 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the personal representative serves or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: February 17, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Jon Matthew Bruksos ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Jeffrey C. McNamara/Tracie L. Wall ADDRESS FOR MAILING OF SERVICE: Jeffrey C. McNamara Inc., PS 51 W Dayton St., Ste 306 Edmonds, WA 98020 Date of first publication: February 17, 2025 Date September 10, 2025 JON M. BRUKSOS, Personal Representative Presented by: JEFFREY C. MCNAMARA, INC., PS: By: Jeffrey C. McNamara, WSBA #18995 Tracie L. Wall, WSBA #28705 Attorney for Personal Representative Address for Mailing or Service: Estate of DAWN’A L. BRUKSOS c/o Tracie L. Wall/Jeffrey C. McNamara Jeffrey C. McNamara, Inc., PS 51 West Dayton Street, Suite 306 Edmonds, WA 98020. Tel. 206-442-8800 Court of probate proceedings and Cause No.: 25-4-06104-1 SEA King County Superior Court Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 17, 24 & October 1, 2025 THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING VITAL ENERGY MOTORSPORT LLC, a Washington state limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. SHUJIE YOU, an individual; Defendant. CAUSE NO. 25-2-15097-6 SEA SUMMONS TO: THE DEFENDANT, SHUJIE YOU A lawsuit has been started against you in the above-entitled court by VITAL ENERGY MOTORSPORT LLC (“Plaintiff”). Plaintiff’s claim is stated in the Complaint, a copy of which is served upon you with this Summons. In order to defend against this lawsuit, you must respond to the Complaint by stating your defense in writing, and by serving a copy upon the person signing this summons within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, excluding the day of service, or a default judgment may be entered against you without notice. A default judgment is one where Plaintiff is entitled to what he asks for because you have not responded. If you serve a notice of appearance on the undersigned person, you are entitled to notice before a default judgment may be entered. If you wish to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your written response, if any, may be served on time. This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the State of Washington. DATED this September 8, 2025. Halverson Law, PLLC [ ] Erik L. Halverson, WSBA #48511 [X] Andrew Ried-Munro, WSBA #63662 Attorneys for Plaintiff 19655 First Avenue South, Suite 106 Normandy Park, Washington 98148 Phone: 206.489.2712 Fax: 206.826.1788 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 & 15, 2025

How to Get Students Excited About a New School Year

Anew school year presents a wealth of opportunities for students. At the dawn of a new school year, students have a chance to further their academic careers, student-athletes may be given a shot at making a team or moving up to varsity, and extracurriculars provide a chance for personal growth outside the classroom.

Despite all that a new school year represents, students may need a little extra motivation to get excited about going back to campus once summer winds down. A relaxing and largely obligation-free summer vacation can be tough to give up, as can mornings without alarm clocks. Parents recognize that kids might not be enthusiastic about the return of early mornings and sessions in the classroom. In such instances, parents can try the following strategies to get kids excited about a new school year.

lunchbox. A little something special on the first day can go a long way toward getting kids excited about going back to school.

EMPHASIZE NEW SUBJECTS

MAKE THE FIRST DAY SPECIAl

First days can be challenging regardless of a person’s age. Professionals with years of experience in their field still feel first-day jitters when they begin a new job, so youngsters can be excused if what seems like a lack of excitement is really just nervousness about a new school year. Parents can calm those nerves by doing something to make the first day special. Skip the standard cereal and prepare a homecooked breakfast or let kids buy lunch at the school cafeteria instead of packing a PB&J in their

As children advance through school, they’re typically exposed to more engaging subjects or challenged in ways that helps them build on previous years work. Emphasizing new subjects or opportunities can increase kids excitement to get back in the school year swing of things. If a youngster likes playing an instrument, emphasize how the new school year is an opportunity to get better, play alongside other students and take a talent to new heights. If students are old enough to take subjects they’ve long been interested in, such as a foreign language, make a point to emphasize how that opportunity has finally arrived.

CREATE A SCHOOL CALENDAR

Schools typically make their yearly schedules available prior to

the first day of school. Parents can peruse those schedules alongside their children and make a calendar noting special days. Mark down field trips, special events involving parents and students, school performances where kids get to act or sing on stage, and other notable moments during the school year. Kids are bound to grow more excited about a new year when they see a year’s worth of fun events marked down on a calendar.

HOST A LATE SUMMER GET-TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS

A late-summer pool party or play date with various friends can remind youngsters that they’re about to see their friends every day. That might be enough to make young students jump out of bed on the first day of school. Students might be less than excited about the end of summer vacation and the dawn of a new school year. But there’s much parents can do to get kids excited about going back to school.

Auditor Finds Errors in DCHS Report Numbers, Issues Memo to Revise Figures

By Daniel DeMay King County

The King County Auditor’s Office on Tuesday released a memo revising numbers from a recent audit of Department of Community and Human Services contracts. The numbers – detailing the magnitude of recent growth in DCHS grant volumes – were found to be incorrect.

The audit, which found potential fraud and payments to unapproved entities in some grant-funded contracts, originally said that DCHS grant funding had increased from just $22 million in 2019-2020 to more than $1.5 billion in 2023-2024.

After review, the Auditor’s Office found that DCHS awarded more than $1.8 billion in grant funding in 2023 and 2024 combined, up from $922 million in 2019 and 2020. The change in figures does not affect the findings and conclusions in the report, the Auditor wrote in the memo.

“Accuracy is critical to our work,” King County Auditor Kymber Waltmunson wrote in the memo. “We have many layers of quality assurance processes in place, including review of the facts by DCHS, and we are evaluating to identify lessons learned.”

On Saturday, August 30, the Auditor’s Office received a question via email from Amnon Shoenfeld, a former director of the department. The exchange led to the realization that the online county data set used

to quantify the growth and volume of DCHS grants between 2019 and 2025 was incomplete. The data was not comprehensive because, as a point-in-time snapshot of active contracts, it excluded grants that had expired prior to the date that the data was pulled in April 2025. The comprehensive data used to revise these figures are for awarded amounts that appear in contracts, which often span multiple years. They differ from actual payments and are more akin to total allowable funds.

Shoenfeld relied on his deep knowledge of DCHS to see what was missing. Shoenfeld said he retired from DCHS in 2014, after 34 years of service. During that time, he said he served for 11 years as the director of what is now the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division.

The Auditor’s Office is revising the data in the report to adhere to Government Auditing Standards. Both the previously reported and revised data support the same conclusion that DCHS manages a high volume of community grants and that this volume has increased in recent years.

The Auditor’s Office will replace the originally published audit on its website as soon as possible.

Note: This is a follow-up to last week’s story “New Audit Finds Potential Fraud, Payments to Unapproved Subcontractors.”

CROSSWORD