Redistricting splits Snoqualmie Valley between two congressional districts
December 30, 2011
Snoqualmie Valley is being split between two Congressional districts, based on a proposal from the commission tasked with redrawing Washington state’s political boundaries. The commission shifted boundaries to make room for a congressional district that has a majority of residents of minority ethnicities, and a new district centered in Olympia.
The plan cuts off neighbors to the northeast of North Bend and Snoqualmie, and moves them into the 1st Congressional District. Most of the residents in the upper Snoqualmie Valley remain in a more conservative 8th Congressional District, which now stretches across the Cascade Mountains.
Fall City and the rest of the lower Valley move into the 1st District, which remains the state’s one swing district.
Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance moves to Preston
December 29, 2011
Budding gymnasts try out the balance beams at Puget Sound Gymnastic and Dance's new location in Preston. (Contributed)
After 10 years in North Bend, Puget Sound Gymnastics and Dance has moved to Preston. The new location offers a more open floor plan, higher ceilings and better lighting, according to a news release from the store’s owners, Amy Murphy and Penny Loan.
The gym’s new location is next door to Kidz Bounce in the Preston Industrial Park at Interstate 90’s exit 22.
The new location also features an upstairs viewing area for parents and other spectators.
Molly Sellers — and Wildcats — rout Cascade High School
December 29, 2011
Call it the Molly Sellers Show. Mount Si’s game against Cascade High School could’ve been billed as such. The Wildcats routed Cascade 49-19. Sellers outscored her opponents 22-19.
The 5-foot, 10-inch junior set a personal record in points per game.
King County ends flood watch for Snoqualmie River
December 29, 2011
King County has closed its Flood Warning Center for Snoqualmie River after rising water levels triggered its opening Wednesday morning. Heavy rains had raised the river’s flow levels above the threshold requiring county staff to monitor the situation.
Clear weather during the night of Dec. 28 and the following morning allowed the water level to subside. The county closed its warning center by 9 a.m. Dec. 29.
Blaze destroys Preston home before Christmas
December 28, 2011
Brian Jarvis, a firefighter with Eastside Fire & Rescue Engine 72, sprays water into a window of a burning Preston family home Dec. 22. By Eastside Fire & Rescue
Firefighters lost a battle against the elements early Dec. 22, and a predawn blaze left a Preston family homeless only days before Christmas.
The rural location along a tight, steep road less than a mile from Interstate 90 left firefighters little room to maneuver to combat the flames. The lack of fire hydrants in the neighborhood also limited firefighters’ options.
King County flood district passes 2012 budget
December 28, 2011
With another wet year expected, the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors passed a $46 million budget for 2012 and a six-year capital improvement program.
The 2012 budget pays for 19 capital projects, including engineering design for major levee rehabilitations scheduled for 2013-2015 construction on the Green, Cedar, Snoqualmie and White rivers.
2011 saw many changes, especially in schools
December 28, 2011
The Snoqualmie Valley continues to change, and 2011 saw several big developments that will affect the area for many years to come. From annexations to ground breakings to traffic jams, the Valley is evolving.
Many of this year’s biggest stories revolved around schools — from school bonds to school board elections to a state baseball title.
State Patrol warns about drowsy driving
December 28, 2011
Danger when driving is spelled with three Ds — drunken, distracted and drowsy. Any one of the three can impair a driver’s ability to react to avoid an accident.
While the threats of driving while drunk or distracted by something like texting are well publicized, drowsy driving and its dangers are less well known.
It can have devastating effects on Washington roadways.
Editorial
December 28, 2011
Thank you to the Star’s letter writers
The SnoValley Star strives to serve as a forum for earnest community conversation. We could not do this without participation from you, our readers. We want to thank the people who took a few minutes to write a letter to our editorial page during the past year. Thank you for sharing your passionate voice.
Safety song hits unexpected note
December 28, 2011
School bus driver Chuck Smith, in what he calls his 'office.' By Sebastian Moraga
Fame came in a flash for Chuck Smith.
The Snoqualmie Valley School District bus driver’s rap song about bus safety has reached dizzying heights.
“I didn’t expect it to do this,” he said. “The original was to get the word across to the students in our district.”
It went much farther.
