Fall City history preserved in book
November 19, 2010
NEW — 5:15 p.m. Nov. 19, 2010
After three years of work, the Fall City Historical Society has published its book, Preserving the Stories of Fall City. The book was partially funded by King County Heritage 4Culture.
Beginning in 2007, 54 authors contributed their stories and memories of Fall City, an area that was first settled in the late 1800s, but which remains part of unincorporated King County. The birthdates of the authors ranges from 1910 to 1957, with about half being born before 1930.
North Bend could dust off two-hour parking limits for downtown
November 18, 2010
UPDATED — 5:24 p.m. Nov. 18, 2010
North Bend could dust off an old ordinance limiting downtown on-street parking to two hours in an effort to help retail businesses.
Several merchants said it would be a start but more is needed.
Downtown merchants have been complaining about how limited parking can be for their customers, said City Councilman David Cook, he directed the Community and Economic Development Committee to take up the issue.
“We want customers to be able to come in and out more easily,” he said.
King County Sheriff says cuts won’t affect 911 response time for unincorporated areas
November 18, 2010
UPDATED — 3:10 p.m. Nov. 18, 2010
In response to budget cuts, the King County Sheriff’s Office will place less emphasis on property crimes in order to prioritize crimes against people, King County Sheriff Sue Rahr said at a press conference Thursday.
“Essentially I’ve chosen to keep deputies assigned to units that can protect life over property,” Rahr said.
The sheriff’s department, which patrols unincorporated King County, is losing 28 deputies next year as part of budget cuts. But, Rahr said, unincorporated area residents won’t have to wait longer for police to respond to a 911 call. “If you need to be rescued from a flooding river or have a hiking accident, we will still have a team to respond.”
Crime data just a click away for North Bend residents
November 18, 2010
NEW — 11:01 a.m. Nov. 18, 2010
Wonder why you saw flashing blue lights streak by? Want to know how many crimes were committed in your neighborhood?
All that information is just a click away for North Bend residents. They can access local crime data and sign up for regular e-mail alerts at www.CrimeReports.com.
“Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities,” North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner said in a news release. “Partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in the community.”
Former Railroad Days director steals cash
November 18, 2010
The former head of Snoqualmie Railroad Days has pleaded guilty to using a North Bend woman’s identity to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in debt.
Tove Warmerdam, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft at the King County Courthouse Sept. 8. As part of her plea agreement with the King County Prosecutor’s Office, her 30-day sentence was changed to 240 hours of community service and paying back $78,901.
In addition to organizing Railroad Days, Warmerdam is publisher of Seattle Leisure + Dog Magazine, formerly Seattle Dog Magazine.
In April 2008, Warmerdam and a North Bend woman formed a partnership to launch a sister publication, Seattle Cat Magazine, according to court documents. Warmerdam told the woman she would need $40,000 to launch a website and for other startup expenses. The woman refinanced her home to raise the money.
Windstorm puts Snoqualmie Valley in the dark
November 17, 2010
Much of the Snoqualmie Valley went dark late the evening of Nov. 15 as high winds buffeted the area, knocking down trees and power lines.
The outages left more than 140,000 Puget Sound Energy customers without electricity, according to MacKenzie McDowell, a PSE spokeswoman.
The outages stretched across King, Skagit, Pierce and Island counties.
Customers of Tanner Electric Cooperative in North Bend were in the dark as well, according to its website.
Hiking Mount Si could cost you next year
November 17, 2010
The state could start charging hikers headed up Mount Si in its efforts to close a $4.8 billion deficit for the next two years.
The proposed user pass would cost $10 for a day pass and $40 for an annual pass, and would provide access to land managed by the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Natural Resources, according to Aaron Toso, spokesman for DNR.
Each user would be required to have a pass, which would replace the fish and wildlife department’s vehicle tag.
The U.S. Forest Service and National Parks already charge user fees.
The Washington Trails Association opposes the proposal, saying it is too high a price, according to its website.
The WTA does support user fees, writes Lauren Braden, the group’s communications director.
“WTA believes wholeheartedly that these state lands need stable, dedicated sources of funding,” Braden wrote. “We think a reasonable user fee system is a good approach.
“It’s our hope that DNR can keep critical landscapes open while charging a reasonable access fee to help pay for it,” she said on the group’s website.
Followers of the group’s Facebook page offered a range of opinions. One person asked, “Why gentrify the mountains?”
Another person said user fees were better than shutdowns.
County budget is adopted, saves some services from chopping block
November 17, 2010
The Metropolitan King County Council adopted a $5.1 billion 2011 county budget Nov. 15 that shares the pain of cuts needed to close a $55 million shortfall.
The council’s budget team, which consists of council members, restored money for some vital criminal justice services, and programs that assist survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
King County’s dedicated funds
King County’s general fund
Criminal justice and public safety services make up 76 percent of the budget’s $621 million general fund. Most of the budget’s $5.1 billion is for dedicated expenditures.
The budget protects the county’s AAA bond rating by not using cash reserves or tapping the rainy day fund.
Renton firefighter killed in single-car crash
November 17, 2010
A 33-year-old Renton firefighter died early Sunday morning when his pickup spun off Meadowbrook Way and hit a tree.
Joshua Baker, of Graham, was pronounced dead at Harborview Medical Center.
Speed is believed to be a reason his truck left the road, but the exact cause has not been determined yet, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Baker was headed north on Meadowbrook Way, when his truck spun and left the roadway, sliding down an embankment, where it hit a tree.
He joined the Renton Fire Department in 2008. Prior to that he served with King County Fire District 40.
A service for Baker will be held at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church at 11 a.m. Nov. 20. A memorial fund has been established for the Baker family and donations may be left at any U.S. Bank branch in his memory.
City clerk honored
November 17, 2010
Snoqualmie City Clerk Jodi Warren has been awarded the designation of Master Municipal Clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Warren is the first city clerk in Snoqualmie to earn the title.
The designation goes to clerks who have completed certain education requirements and have a record of significant contributions to their city.
“I have worked toward this designation for the past 14 years,” Warren said in a news release. “I take pride in being able to provide a high level of knowledge and expertise to the citizens and community that I serve.”
