School district may attempt another bond
October 22, 2008
The School Board will decide Thursday night whether or not to put a $49 million bond before voters March 10.
The proposition, as it exists now, would provide funding for building maintenance, modular classrooms and land for future schools.
The hallway was the only place these Mount Si High School students found to study during a school day earlier this year. With a new bond proposal, the district hopes to relieve overcrowding at the school.
Community center vote may be premature
October 22, 2008
A place for the entire family to be active — where they can work out, swim and play basketball — is something every city should have. However, this might be the wrong time to approve a bond to pay for a city community center on Snoqualmie Ridge.
The $14 million proposal to be voted on Nov. 4 offers lots of appeal, but maybe not in today’s economy. Taxes on a $400,000 home would go up $120 a year, a reasonable amount. However, dues to the YMCA — which would operate the community center — could be as much as $93 a month. Combined, that’s $1,236 a year for a family. Those who do not join the Y would still get the higher property taxes, but would gain some property value, too, by having the community center nearby.
More important to home values are good schools. We would hate to see this proposal get in the way of a third-try school bond. We supported the $189 million bond proposed by Snoqualmie Valley School District last March. That bond failed, but the district’s lack of classroom space is not going away. Voters will have to say yes to a second high school at some point in the near future, fulfilling a need much more dire than desired.
When a proposed community center was considered in 2002, it was voted down by a staggering 86 percent of residents in downtown Snoqualmie. Some of these residents feel the proposed center is simply a health club for those on the Ridge. Others are still angry about the Snoqualmie Library being relocated to the Ridge and say that part of town is being coddled. Others in downtown simply cannot afford higher taxes.
Snoqualmie needs a plan that unifies the old and new sections of town. A visioning process that finds common ground is needed to encourage residents to do what’s best for families and the community’s future. That vision must overcome the geographic divide of the town and embrace Snoqualmie’s history while recognizing the potential of tomorrow.
Snoqualmie residents need to get the school bond passed, get each side of town to come together on a vision, and then build a city community center, together.
Letters to the editor
October 22, 2008
Community center proposition
Business owner wants parking situation solved
October 22, 2008
A Snoqualmie Ridge business owner has asked the city of Snoqualmie to take steps to prevent commuters, lured to the Ridge’s business area by Metro Transit’s new bus service, from parking all day long in front of local establishments. Read more
Utility increases should give a boost to Snoqualmie reserves
October 22, 2008
Proposed across-the-board utility hikes in Snoqualmie should be used primarily to build up designated reserves, according to a consultant charged with developing a new utility rate study.
That consultant, Katy Isaksen, told the city’s Public Works Committee Monday that she was not prepared to suggest how much of an increase would be required. But, at an Oct. 7 town hall meeting, Mayor Matt Larson announced that residents should expect rate increases of up to 5 percent for each of the upcoming three years. Read more
Small quakes recorded in Snoqualmie Valley
October 22, 2008
Right at 10:54 a.m. on Feb. 28, 2001, the Nisqually earthquake rattled the Puget Sound area, causing an estimated $2 to $4 billion in damages, and was responsible for one related death.
At the time, 34 North Bend residents reported feeling the quake, giving the temblor a VII, or “very strong” rating on the U.S. Geological Survey rating scale. Similarly, 27 Snoqualmie residents reported a similar shock, while 37 Issaquah respondents reported the quake as a VI, or “strong” event. Read more
Three more Eagles named in Troop 466
October 22, 2008
Three Mount Si High School students are flying high after achieving Eagle Scout.
The recognition symbolizes the fact that Josh Yoker, Matthew Lynne and Stephen Hannan have demonstrated leadership, earned at least 21 merit badges, and organized service projects, in addition to fulfilling a list of other activities.
Eagle Scouts help build a woodshed at Tolt McDonald Park in Carnation.
Encompass gala plans to “Fall In Love” this year
October 22, 2008
Some call it the social event of the season.
Every year, Encompass holds an autumn gala filled with music, dinner and a silent and live auction.
“It’s one for the few fundraisers I’ve been to where it’s actually considered a date I can go on with my own husband,” said Encompass coordinator Kim Ayars. Read more
Engagement
October 22, 2008
Bissell, Gehre
Greg and Bonnie Bissell, of Issaquah, and Mark and Krista Liburdi, of Snoqualmie, announce the engagement of their daughter Katrina Bissell to Robbie Gehre, son of Ernie Gehre and Debbie Palmer, of Kirkland. Read more
Wildcats to celebrate homecoming week
October 22, 2008
As high school students flock to the mall to buy homecoming wear, each grade is busy participating in this week’s spirit competitions leading up to Mount Si High’s big game with Juanita at 7 p.m. Oct. 24.
Each grade decorated the school’s hallways over the weekend. On Monday, students eagerly sat in the auditorium as they learned who had received enough votes to claim a royalty title. One prince and princess per grade accepted a red sash. Six senior men and six senior women were dubbed princes and princesses at the assembly. One lucky senior nabbed the title of jester.
ASB President Ben Olson and senior Brooke Moorhead walk with the Mount Si Wildcat during a recent assembly.
