Immediately after the SnoValley Star began publishing in March, the Snoqualmie Valley provided many interesting stories to report on.
Just in the first month, there was another run made at a second high school, a debate over a soccer field, an agreement signed that ended a long-awaited moratorium and a heated public discussion over a hospital.
From a state playoff run by the Mount Si football team to a bizarre robbery at a local fast-food chain, the year continued to provide intriguing story lines. Five, however, stood out among the rest. Here is a run-down of the top five stories of 2008.
March – School bond
For the third straight time, a bond put forth to voters that would have provided a second high school in the Valley failed. And, once again, it was close — less than 2 percent shy of the 60 percent super majority needed to pass.
The district was asking for $189.6 million to fund land and construction costs for a new high school. The total also would have funded a sixth elementary school, roofs and heating systems for several existing schools and a new school bus parking facility.
In the end, 58.6 percent (4,510 voters) voted for the bond, while 41.3 percent (3,178 voters) rejected it.
In 2009, the district will attempt a much smaller bond. The $27.5 million they’ll ask for this time around will not include plans for a new high school.
March 13 – North Bend ends building moratorium
After almost a decade-long ban on building, the city of North Bend worked out its water problems and ended a self-imposed moratorium.
The problem began in 1999 when North Bend learned municipal pumps were drawing down the nearby Snoqualmie River. As a result, the city imposed upon itself a moratorium on new construction.
Eight years later, North Bend reached a deal with Seattle that would allow the city to access 1.1 million gallons of water a day, paving the way for the ban to be lifted. But an appeal to the agreement was filed by local rancher and tree grower Ewing Stringfellow, who was concerned the new operation would lower the water levels on his property. To avoid a months-long court case with Stringfellow, the city decided to pay him $40,000 to end his appeal.
In November, North Bend officially lifted a portion of the moratorium and began accepting plans for development.
April 25 – Day of Silence
gets noisy
The Rev. Ken Hutcherson and about 100 members of the Antioch Bible Church converged at Mount Si High School to protest the school’s annual Day of Silence.
The Day of Silence, held at 255 middle schools and high schools across Washington on an annual basis, is an event meant to draw attention to the harassment gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face. Participants remain mute throughout the day.
About 40 parents and 30 counter-protestors arrived opposite Hutcherson’s group to show their support for the event. Many of them held signs either in support of the event or in opposition to Hutcherson’s group.
Five Snoqualmie police officers were on hand to watch over the groups, but no incidents were reported. More than 600 students, however, were absent from class.
Earlier in the school year, Hutcherson arrived at Mount Si to speak during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembly. He was booed by one teacher and questioned publicly by another for his opposition to gay rights. Hutcherson later requested both teachers be fired.
May 15 – John McCain
visits the Valley
Republican nominee John McCain made a campaign stop in North Bend to talk about environmental issues at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.
McCain was joined by a panel of environmentalists and business leaders. He pushed the need for clean energy, specifically nuclear energy, and criticized his Democratic rivals for their “never having written” pro-environmental legislation.
McCain talked about environmental issues for more than an hour.
“I’m not new to this issue,” he said, “but I’m always learning.”
In November, McCain lost his bid for president to Barack Obama.
Nov. 6 – Snoqualmie Casino’s grand opening
After much planning, construction and the spending of $375 million, Snoqulamie Casino finally opened its doors.
Included in the casino are 170,000 square feet of space, 1,700 slot machines, a cigar lounge, a ball room, a night club, a fine dining restaurant and much more. The casino, owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, also employs 1,300.
Jessica Simpson performed for a small crowd on opening night and then again for a larger crowd the following night. Lots of other entertainment, including boxing matches, have been planned at the casino, located right off I-90 at exit 27.
Filed Under Local News