Snovalleystar021314

Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington

February 13, 2014 VOL. 6, NO. 7

Robotic motivators Mount Si robotics team wins award.

Page 2

No death Governor announces death penalty moratorium.

Page 3

Let’s dish Here’s a Valentine’s Day recipe for a meal with your sweetheart.

Page 6

Police blotter Page 7

Housing on hold Planned affordable housing in Snoqualmie is put on indefinite hold.

Page 11

Larson a leader Snoqualmie mayor takes on regional position.

Page 11

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER

Cheer team brings home hardware Page 10

Teen killed Snoqualmie throws a 95th in car crash birthday party for Gloria McNeely

By Sam Kenyon

Calvin Hancock, 17, a junior at Mount Si High School, was killed in an SUV accident at about 7:50 p.m. Feb. 8 near North Bend.

Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Sgt. Cindi West said drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been involved.

There were five people in the Toyota Landcruiser, which was driven by a 16-year-old boy. Passengers included three 17-year-old boys and a 16-yearold girl.

They apparently were driving on a dirt portion of the Southeast Middle Fork Road.

Reports indicate that the vehicle rolled when the driver lost control and it went down an embankment, crashing into trees and a large boulder. The boy in the left rear seat was pronounced dead at the scene.

The three other passengers were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver was not hurt.

Mount Si Principal John Belcher released a message for the parents of students on Feb. 10. The school was closed that day due to snow.

“We will share with students first thing tomorrow if school is open,” Belcher said in his message.

“Extra support is being offered for anyone needing extra time and support when we resume school since we are closed today.

See TEEN, Page 2

Artist reception is Feb. 16 for ‘Celebration of Primary Colors’ show The public is invited to a meet-the-artist reception for the ‘Celebration of Primary Colors’ show, 2-4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the North Bend Library.

The show, sponsored by the Mt. Si Artist Guild, is the first event in the refurbished community room.

Artists whose work was selected for the show will be on hand to explain their pieces and meet the public.

The event is free.

By Sam Kenyon Gloria McNeely turned 95 on Feb. 11, and the day before, Snoqualmie City Council declared that McNeely’s birthday would now be known as “Gloria McNeely Day.” The designation is in honor of the many community contributions McNeely has made to the city.

“You’ve done so much to help so many organizations,” said Lanice Gillard in a speech during McNeely’s birthday celebration at City Hall. “You’re our founding mother in so many ways.”

Gillard is the chairperson of the Snoqualmie Arts Commission of which McNeely is an original member.

McNeely has been involved with numerous local groups over the years such as the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society and the Snoqualmie United Methodist Church Choir. The choir sang two songs for McNeely at her party, one of which was written by McNeely about Snoqualmie. After the choir

By Sam Kenyon

A pair of cakes, showing Gloria McNeely at different stages of her life, were unveiled at the party. finished, they led everyone in attendance in a spirited singing of “Happy Birthday.”

“Ninety-five years of giving to us, it’s time for us to give to you,” said Ken Hearing, the Mayor of North Bend.

“She’s a living icon in the community,” said Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson. “Through her extensive involvement with so many different valley organizations, she has

touched many people’s lives over the years.”

McNeely found the celebration overwhelming and humbling. She took to the podium for a few brief remarks of gratitude.

“I’m speechless,” she said.

“People who know me well won’t believe that.”

The city of Snoqualmie See MCNEELY, Page 2

Snoqualmie Tribe donates $150,000 to Daybreak Star Center in Seattle

By Safiya Merchant Seattle Times staff reporter The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe recently donated $150,000 to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle.

The center in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood serves as a hub for Native American culture and art, as well as for social services to Native Americans.

Because of program and federal cuts, the center has been experiencing financial struggles since last year.

Joseph McCormick, the director of finance for the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation said the center serves as the headquarters for the foundation and that the additional funds will help with the center’s recovery.

“So we’ve had a lot of capacity that we’ve

lost and this will help us to restore that capacity — the staff cuts and budget cuts. We’ve also incurred some debt, and so it’ll help us to recover from that and then to begin rebuilding,” McCormick said.

McCormick said funds have been raised from other sources as well, such as individual and online donors and tribes, and that the foundation had applied for help from the Snoqualmie Tribe.

“The work that Daybreak Star does for Northwest Natives and others is critical,” said Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Chairwoman Carolyn Lubenau, in a United Indians of All Tribes Foundation news release. “The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe wanted to ensure that the Center’s programs are able to continue.”

Safiya Merchant: smerchant@seattletimes.com or 206-464-2299

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Snoqualmie City Council concerned about bill in state Legislature The Snoqualmie City Council Feb. 11 had their second meeting in a row discussing a bill in the Legislature. House Bill 1287 would provide property tax exemptions for property owned by Native American tribes, even if the property isn’t on a reservation. If passed, this could eventually cause a drop in city revenue as property owned by the tribes becomes un-taxable.

The council is concerned that if such properties become exempt, the lost revenue will be forced to come from everyone else’s property taxes, effectively raising property taxes for the city.

Although the bill states that tribes will need to pay fees to the cities to make up the lost property tax, those fees are dependent upon negotiations between the tribes and the county. City Attorney Bob Sterbank is concerned that the tribe will negotiate lower fees that will not make up the lost property tax revenue.

“Because if the tribe can negotiate its amount, why wouldn’t it negotiate for less than it currently pays?” he said.

The bill is moving through the state House of Representatives where it is currently being read by the rules committee.

Win tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters

Contributed

The Mount Si Robotics team members are pictured with their award.

Mount Si High robotics team wins Motivate Award Mount Si High School’s robotics team, the Mount Si-Borgs, recently won the Motivate Award at the FIRST Technology Competition (FTC) at the Robotics Inter-league Championship.

This is the first year Mount Si participated in the event. Mount Si teacher Kyle Warren started the team.

The Motivate Award is given to a

Teen From Page 1 The auditorium will be set up as an optional Drop-In Room to provide a quiet, safe place where students could go for support from other students

team that is confident, represents the core values of the FIRST organization (gracious professionalism and collaboration), achieves amazing results, and exemplified positive teamwork.

To qualify for the inter-league championship event, the team had

and counselors. We are also working to monitor all of our students and reach out to those who seem to need support. Additional district counselors, staff, administration, and faith based community will be invited to support students and staff during this dif-

See ROBOT, Page 8

ficult time tomorrow.”

“Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the student’s family, friends, teachers and neighbors today for their loss.”

Sam can be reached at skenyon@ snovalleystar.com or via Twitter @ samuel_kenyon.

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions of fans for 88 years, with their exciting innovations to the game of basketball.

Last year, the Globetrotters did something unparalleled in the history of sports and entertainment. They let fans vote on new rules to be used in actual games.

It was so much fun, they are doing it again, and

there are cool new rules to choose from on the 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour.

Now, you have a chance to see the Globetrotters at 2 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Key Arena in Seattle. And you could go for free. Go to www.snovalleystar.com and enter to win a pair of tickets to the game.

Drawings will be Feb. 14. Winners must be able to come to The Issaquah Press office, 1801 12th Ave. N.W., Suite D1, Issaquah, to get their tickets on Feb. 14 or 17, after they have been notified.

McNeely

connect to people, especially after her husband, Denton, passed away in 1987 at the age of 72.

From Page 1 “It is supposed to be trite and stale but it’s very hosted a simitrue that you get lar celebration so much more for McNeely back from anyon her 90th thing you give birthday. Many when you volunpeople at the teer,” McNeely party said they said. looked forward Cake and to celebrating in refreshments similar fashion were served at again five years the party, which Gloria McNeely from now when took place right McNeely would before the usual be one hundred city council years old. meeting. About fifty peoMcNeely said repeatedly ple filled the city council that she didn’t underchambers for the celebrastand what all the fuss tion of a local woman who was about for her birthgave much more than she day. She downplayed her received. local achievements and “She’s an inspiration volunteerism. For her, to all of us,” said Gillard. volunteering was a way to “She is our matriarch.”

Savanna Samuelson

Thanks for the amazing experience and my new smile with straight teeth.

-Savanna Samuelson

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FEBRUARY 13, 2014

PAGE 3

Gov. Jay Inslee declares moratorium on death penalty in state

By Jennifer Sullivan Seattle Times staff reporter Gov. Jay Inslee is calling a moratorium on executions while he is governor.

“Equal justice under the law is the state’s primary responsibility,” Inslee said during a news conference Feb. 11. “And in death penalty cases, I’m not convinced equal justice is being served.”

Inslee said there was “too much at stake” in death penalty cases in what he termed an “imperfect system.”

Inslee cited the high cost of trials and appeals, the apparent randomness in which death penalties are pursued and concerns that executions do not deter crime as reasons for his decision. Inslee said he is not asking the state Legislature to abolish the death penalty.

“As governor, it is on my shoulders to come up with a decision for our whole state,” Inslee said.

“I have made a decision. It is not an easy one.”

There are currently nine men on Washington’s death row.

He said that if a death penalty case crosses his desk for action, he will issue a reprieve, which will potentially only be in effect while Inslee is governor. He said he does not intend to commute any death sentences.

“The citizens of the state of Washington can be assured the men of death row will be in prison for as long as they live,” he said.

When questioned, Inslee acknowledged the

moratorium may not necessarily save money, particularly since appeals will still likely be filed.

However, the move could prompt county prosecutors to not seek the death penalty in some cases, thus realizing some savings.

Reprieve vs. commutation According to the state Attorney General’s website, “Under RCW 10.01.120, the Governor has the authority to commute a death sentence to life in prison at hard labor and, upon a petition from the offender, to pardon the offender. A commutation is generally defined as a lessening of the criminal penalty, whereas a pardon is often defined as the termination of the criminal penalty.”

The Attorney General’s Office also said that the governor “has the power to issue a reprieve (also called a stay of execution or a “respite”) to temporarily delay the imposition of a death sentence. A reprieve is to be issued “for good cause shown, and as the Governor thinks proper.”

“Washington’s Constitution and state statutes grant the governor significant powers over the fate of individuals sentenced to death,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Consequently, the governor has the authority to hit the ’pause’ button for executions in Washington.”

However, Ferguson said his office will continue to represent the state when

death-row inmates file challenges to their convictions or sentences with the federal courts. Currently, there are four such cases before the federal courts, he said.

Two men from King County are on death row: • Dayva Cross, who murdered his wife, Anouchka Baldwin, 37, and stepdaughters Amanda Baldwin, 15, and Salome Holle, 18, on March 6, 1999, in Snoqualmie; • Conner Schierman, who murdered neighbors Olga Milkin, 28; her sons Justin, 5, and Andrew, 3; and her sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24, on July 16, 2006, in Kirkland.

In one potential King County death penalty case, costs are now nearing the $7 million mark in the prosecution of Joseph McEnroe and Michele Anderson, who are accused of killing six members of Anderson’s family on Christmas Eve 2007 in Carnation.

King County prosecutors are also seeking the death penalty against Christopher Monfort, who is accused of killing Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton and wounding Officer Britt Sweeney on Oct. 31, 2009.

King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, in a written statement, said the legal ramifications of Inslee’s “reprieve policy” appear limited and that state law remained unchanged. However, he said in the short term it is likely to cause more delays, expense and uncer-

tainty.

“A moratorium alone will not resolve the issues raised by the Governor,” Satterberg said. “Let’s have an informed public debate and let the citizens of Washington decide if we should keep capital punishment in our state.”

Green River Killer spared The death penalty has come under fire in Washington state for a variety of reasons, including what some have termed inconsistencies in when it is sought.

For example, in the case of Green River Killer Gary Ridgway, King County prosecutors gave up on capital punishment in exchange for his cooperation in providing detectives details that helped solve dozens of open murder cases. Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of aggravated first-degree murder in 2003 and was sentenced to life in prison.

State Rep. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle, has repeatedly introduced legislation to ban the death penalty Of the governor’s moratorium, Carlye said, “It’s a profound shift. He has opened a legitimate conversation. … It sets in motion a legitimate and genuine public conversation.”

But he said the moratorium would not likely spur legislative action this year, noting that last Friday was the cutoff for non-budgetrelated bills to make it out of committee.

“In 2015, we will ask

Corrections Two basketball photographs in the Feb. 7 edition of the SnoValley Star should have carried photo credits. They were provided by Calder Productions.

The SnoValley Star is committed to accuracy. If you have a concern about an article in the newspaper or online, email editor@ snovalleystar.com.

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the public to join us in this conversation,” said Carlyle, who will push for a bill then.

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, disagreed with Inslee’s decision, calling it “shortsighted.”

“I think that is going off on his own and is certainly nothing the Legislature has authorized,” Padden said, noting that Inslee had not consulted him.

“I question it, I really do,” Padden said of the moratorium. “To victims it’s the wrong message.

The relatives who have suffered the deaths. They have gone through 10 years or more of waiting. ... For the governor to unilaterally take that away I think is wrong.”

Cal Coburn Brown, the last person executed in the state, died by lethal injection in September 2010 for the 1991 murder of Holly Washa in SeaTac. Jonathan Lee Gentry, sentenced for the 1988 murder of 12-year-old Cassie Holden in Kitsap County, is expected to be the next inmate in line to be executed. Last month, the state Supreme Court rejected a petition for release filed by Gentry’s defense team. Gentry just filed another appeal, based on DNA testing.

A source said Inslee spoke with Holden’s father Monday night.

Kitsap County Prosecutor Russ Hauge said Tuesday morning he is disappointed by

Inslee’s announcement and its potential impact on Gentry’s case. Hauge said he could “see an end in sight” for the Gentry case, because after more than 20 years the man had exhausted most of his appeals.

“If ever there was a case that warranted the death penalty, it’s the case of Jonathan Gentry.

This is exactly this is what the statute was meant to address,” Hauge said.

Pam Mantle, whose daughter, son-in-law and two young grandchildren were among those fatally shot in Carnation on Christmas Eve 2007, said she was disappointed by Inslee’s announcement.

“We have put our lives on hold,” said Mantle, who with her husband has sat through nearly every court hearing for defendants McEnroe and Michele Anderson over the past six years. “I think if it was his family he would perhaps feel a lot differently.”

“Executions are down” Richard Dieter, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center in Washington, D.C., said Inslee is not the first governor in the nation to oppose the death penalty.

Last year, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper granted a reprieve to an inmate who killed four people at a Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurant in 1993 after finding the See DEATH, Page 7

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Make every day Valentine’s Day

No on Initiative-594

Give your loved ones an extra hug today. Give them two tomorrow for Valentine’s Day. For the unthinkable happens here in the valley.

Five people were in a car that rolled on the Southeast Middle Fork Road Saturday. A teenage boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was a junior at Mount Si High School, an athlete, a bright student and beloved.

Hours later a trucker was killed in a freakish accident at the truck stop in east North Bend. He was run over when he was helping direct a semi that was backing up.

As parents and spouses, we get caught up in the day-today minutiae of life. We get in too big a hurry to call our mothers. We go to bed at night, telling ourselves we’ll call our friends tomorrow and set up a dinner date.

Who has time in the morning for a hug? We’re too busy directing our children and our spouse.

Have you done your chores; did you pick up your dirty clothes? Who is stopping at the dry cleaners on the way home, who is taking the family dog to the vet and why didn’t you fill up the gas tank when you drove my car over the weekend?

There are schedules to keep, places to be, carpools to run and homework.

We’re all in such a big hurry we forget the important things.

We need to hug our teenagers more and grouse at them a little less. We need to smile at our spouses more often and worry about what didn’t get done a lot less. We need to tell our children we’re proud of them.

Smile at them more often. Stop and play a game with them. Or just sit down with them and ask them questions about their day.

We need to tell our husbands and wives we appreciate everything they do for the family and for us. Smile at them more often, too.

We need to call those friends whose voices we miss, we need to stop by the retirement center and tell mother that we care.

Forget the housework temporarily. Enjoy your loved ones instead. Take an extra few minutes after dinner and call a friend, just to check in and say hello.

For we never know when tragedy will strike, when something will happen and we won’t be able to say I love you one more time.

Don’t make it just a Valentine’s Day thing: Make hugs and love your way of life.

Joe Heslet

General manager

Sherry Grindeland

Editor

Sam Kenyon Ari Cetron

Reporter Page designer

Michelle Comeau

Advertising rep.

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Those who oppose the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America are rabid about preventing honest citizens from exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

They refuse to understand the phrase, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

The anti-Second Amendment rabble has even flown in gun control advocates from out of state. Had Gabby Giffords’ injuries been caused in a traffic collision would she have attacked the make and model of the vehicle that did her harm? Of course not.

Does anyone think she would have been stumping 700 miles from home to ban knives, axes

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

or baseball bats had any of them been used to cause her egregious injuries? I don’t think so and neither does anyone else.

The criminal who shot Ms. Giffords and murdered six others bought his gun at a retail shop and passed the required background check. Therefore, the proposed initiative would have had NO impact on Gifford’s unfortunate shooting.

She is merely exploiting a tragedy to push her own agenda.

The real purpose of Initiative 594 is universal gun registration so that the government will know who has the guns and where they live and that is why you should vote “No” on I-594 and “Yes” on I-591.

Joe Crecca North Bend

Building is empty, cupboards are empty, bank account is empty As a contributor to the Mt Si Food Bank I am deeply disturbed about the recent events that have taken place and request your help.

Please join me in asking the following pastors to return the furniture, food and approximately $350,000 to the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank (old food bank by location, new food bank by name). q Charlie Salmon, of Church on the Ridge q Rick Skeen, of Snoqualmie Church of the Nazarene q Steve Qualls, of New Life See LETTERS, Page 5

Home Country

Think tank tackles question about love The subject was love, of course, with Valentine’s Day upon us. That’s why the grizzled and semi-grizzled members of the world dilemma think tank had settled upon it. Well, to be fair, they agreed to talk about someone else’s love life, naturally.

The problem – the romantic mystery – was Sarah McKinley.

It started small, with just a few people wondering why this attractive woman was – still or again (no one knew which) – single.

In a valley where being single is looked upon as a sin of omission, all those inquiring minds wanted to know.

And then, about six months after Sarah opened the Read It Now Bookstore, she threw everlasting gasoline on the fire by hanging the now-famous sign on a long bookshelf, saying “Love and other Fiction.”

This spurred on speculation (none dare call it gossip) about an unhappy love affair in Sarah’s past. The most interesting speculations centered on: 1. Losing a lover in a foreign war.

2. Secretly lusting after an actor on afternoon television’s “As the Worm Squirms.”

3. Being left at the altar by a scoundrel.

Naturally, no one came right out and asked her, as that would be … pushy? Rude? Nobody’s business?

The “girls” down at the Curl Up ‘N Dye beauty salon couldn’t get the job done, so the world dilemma think tank decided to do the manly thing and con-

front her.

The fourman coffee’dup deputation walked into the store en masse. Doc had been assigned the Slim Randles role of Grand Inquisitor, Columnist since he pried into people’s private lives as part of his official duties.

“Hi guys,” Sarah said, smiling.

“What can I do for you?”

“Sarah,” Doc said, “we’d like to know … you know … so we can put an end to all the speculation.”

“Know what, Doc?” “Well, why do you have that sign up there. ‘Love and Other Fiction.’ You know. Is it something in your past? Did you have an unhappy love affair?”

“You certainly come right out with it, don’t you, Doc?

“Well … it’s like this. I needed a sign up there and I painted that one and put it up. That’s why.

“As for any unhappy love affairs I may have had, how many women had you consorted with before you met Mrs. Doc? How about you, Herb? Dud? Marvin? Let’s get it all out on the board and talk about it.”

Ten minutes later, the guys ordered fresh coffee back at the philosophy counter.

“I never thought Sarah would be like that,” Herb said.

“Yeah,” said Doc. “Kinda nosy, isn’t she?”

“Some things are just … personal, Doc,” said Dud. Marvin just quietly smiled and put sugar in his coffee.

Slim Randles can be reached at homecountry8@gmail.com. Being hard of hearing takes all the fun out of gossip. For a free test, call Beltone 1-866-867-8700.

Write to us Snovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:

snovalley star

P.O. Box 1328 q Issaquah, WA 98027 Fax: 391-1541 q Email: editor@snovalleystar.com

SnoValley Star

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Letters From Page 4 Christian Center q Don Erlitz, of Mountain View Assembly of God Over the years, these assets were gathered and donated by our community (you, local businesses and our cities) with the intention of serving needy people at the food bank located at North Bend Community Church. As of today, these assets are in storage and in one of these churches bank accounts.

I’ve read these pastors intend to start a second food bank. In my opinion, the valley doesn’t need a second food bank. The one we have serves the community successfully.

I’ve also read that because these assets were raised under the pastors’ ministry EIN number, this legally allowed them to take the assets.

I went to the IRS website to review non-profit status of the Snoqualmie Valley Ministerial Association. The status is “The federal tax exemption of this organization was automatically revoked for its failure to file a Form 990-series return or notice for three consecutive years.” This is dated May 15, 2013.

I’m guilty of placing

higher standards on these gentlemen; after all they are pastors and leaders in our community. But, this entire situation is confusing, sad and doesn’t make any sense.

Please call or write to these pastors. If you are a member of their churches, please have a conversation with them. Ask them to be heroes, to set aside pride and make this right.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Dusty Cavaliere North Bend

Feeding the hungry is not a church vs. state issue While healthy competition can be a very good thing in the business world, there should not be competition when it comes to feeding the hungry in our community. The decision by the Snoqualmie Valley Ministerial Association (SVMA) to withhold support from the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank is wrong.

In my opinion, the SVMA’s actions perpetuate the idea that faith-based organizations and community-based organizations cannot work together.

This is a disservice to every church that is a true partner in our community,

and to the local organizations that serve and welcome everyone.

When Pastor Charlie Salmon of the SVMA states, “It came down to remaining a faith-based organization or a secular non-profit,” he leads us to believe that the legal holder of an entity’s tax designation determines the heart of the operation.

I strongly disagree.

The SVMA should have filed appropriate paperwork and taxes so as not to lose non-profit status.

It should not create an environment where all staff and board members resign.

The heart of an organization is the staff, the board and the volunteers who give their time and energy, and, who tirelessly demonstrate their moral and Christian call to action. To give the impression that the SVMA provides the only faith-based direction is both frustrating and deceitful, especially to the staff, pastors, churches and volunteers who support the new food bank.

The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank just has a new name. It operates at the same location and is run by the same great team that has served our community for many years.

All funds and resources donated to the new food bank will be used to pro-

PAGE 5

vide food and resources to our neighbors. The resources that were raised by the existing team (not the SVMA) were donated in good faith and should be transferred to the SVFB, not left in a bank account or storage unit.

We need to communicate this to the leadership of SVMA. We do not want or need a competing “religious” food bank. Let’s focus on what is most important, feeding the hungry in our valley.

Susan Gillespie Snoqualmie

Deadline looms for photo contest

You can win $100, but hurry! The deadline for the annual Snoqualmie Valley Photo Contest, sponsored by the SnoValley Star, is Feb. 21.

Awards of $100 will be presented for the best in each of the three categories: Life in the Valley (people); animals/pets; and Northwest nature (scenics).

Staff members of the Star will select the best photos and will consider composition, lighting

and originality. Photos may not be composites or changed dramatically from the original picture.

Email digital files to photocontest@snovalleystar.com. Include the name, address and phone number of the photographer, plus the story behind the photo.

All entries become the property of SnoValley Star and its parent company for use in any of its publications.

Winners will be announced in the March 6 issue of the Star.

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FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Make Valentine’s Day a culinary treat

By Sherry Grindeland Wow your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day with a delicious, gourmet home-cooked meal.

Wait, don’t turn that page.

It is really, really easy.

The recipes come from Brandon Near, the lead cook in the fine dining division at Snoqualmie Casino. Near oversees the kitchen at the Terra Vista Restaurant. The restaurant has an impressive view of the valley and Mount Si and an even more impressive menu of high-end fare.

He understands home cooks don’t have the convenience of someone else to do the dishes and ability to purchase topgrade steaks that start at $25 on the restaurant menu.

How about delicious risotto and exquisitely braised chicken thighs?

“These recipes aren’t hard,” he said. “Chicken thighs are inexpensive and the sauce is good. The chicken and the risotto go together well.”

Near demonstrated the dish using chicken thighs with the drumsticks still attached but you can just use plain thighs if desired.

And if you prefer vegetarian fare, head straight to the risotto recipe.

Start your dinner with a small green salad and end it with something chocolate. Wine, of

course, is optional.

Voila! You’ll dine well and your sweetheart can return the favor by taking you out for a meal over the weekend, when restaurants won’t be so crowded.

The recipe serves six, so be sure to adjust proportions.

Braised Chicken Thighs 6 chicken thighs w/drumsticks 2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 medium white onion, diced* (should be about 2 cups) 1 or 2 carrots, diced* (should be 1 cup) 1 cup diced* celery 4 cups diced* tomatoes 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 bay leafs 1 tablespoon oregano ½ cup sherry (can substitute chicken stock) 6 tablespoons canola oil (can use other salad or vegetable oil) * large diced or chunky instead of fine little pieces Generously salt and pepper the chicken thighs. Set aside.

Heat three tablespoons of the oil in a large oven-proof pot until it begins to smoke.

Add chicken thighs skin side down first and sear until golden brown. Once the skin is nice and crispy flip them over and do the same to the other side.

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Dump off dirty oil. Add the remaining three tablespoons of oil to the same pot and heat.

Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir them occasionally, cooking until they are fragrant and started to become

soft – about five minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juice, about another seven minutes.

Add tomato paste, bay leaf, oregano and cook five more minutes.

Deglaze the pan with the sherry or with a half cup of chicken stock. – that means pour in the sherry and stir up the yummy little bits on the bottom of the pot.

Then add the chicken broth and simmer.

Place the chicken thighs back in the pot, skin side up, covering the chicken with as much liquid as possible.

Cover the pot with aluminum foil and bake in a 325 degree oven for 60 to 75 minutes.

Chicken should be tender and falling off the bone. Remove the chicken from the liquid.

Strain all the vegetables out of the liquid. Put the liquid back into the pot and put it on the stove over low-medium heat. Cook the sauce to reduce (thicken) it.

“You can reduce the sauce as far as you want,” Near said.

“I like mine similar to a thin gravy.”

Wild Mushroom and Leek Risotto 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (Use any mixture of mushrooms you’d like. Near used Hedgehog, Porcinis and oyster mushrooms.)

2 leeks, washed and diced (Use only white and pale green parts) 2 cups heavy cream 8 tablespoons or one stick butter 1½ cups Arborio rice 1 white onion, chopped ½ cup white wine

*

R

By Sherry Grindeland

Snoqualmie Casino Chef Brandon Near shared recipes for Braised Chicken Thighs and Leek and Wild Mushroom Risotto.

6 cups chicken stock, warmed 2 ounces Parmesan cheese Melt four tablespoons butter in a sauce pot. Add diced leeks and cook until they start to turn tender. Add mushrooms and cook five to seven minutes, until they start to release their liquid.

Add the cream and cook until the mixture is reduced (condensed) by one-third. The mixture should be thick but slightly runny. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Remove from pot and set aside.

Clean the pot and add two tablespoons butter and melt.

Add the chopped onions, cooking until tender.

Add the Arborio rice and cook for about one minute. Deglaze with the white wine. Cook until fully absorbed.

Add warm chicken stock, stir-

*with purchase of a 21 oz drink

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To serve, put a large scoop of the rice in a large soup plate.

A dinner plate works, too, but then serve a small pitcher of the chicken sauce on the side.

Artistically arrange a chicken thigh on top of the rice. Ladle one-third to a half-cup of sauce over the whole thing.

Garnish with a parsley sprig.

Bon appétit!

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ring in ½ cup at a time. Stir constantly and wait until each addition is almost totally absorbed before adding more.

Keep stirring – this should be stirred constantly while cooking.

After adding the last of the chicken stock, stir in the final two tablespoons of butter, the Parmesan cheese and the mushroom-leek-cream mixture.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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SnoValley Star

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Police and fire reports North Bend Police Person warrants investigation Police responded at 1:52 a.m. Feb. 5, to the 46000 block of Southeast 137 Street to reports of suspicious activity. Two teenage males were observed prowling near the caller’s vehicle. One of the young men had an outstanding warrant.

a.m. Feb. 4, to the 300 block of East Second Street to reports of trespassing.

The caller reported that one or more persons entered the empty home and slept inside.

Snoqualmie Police An officer responded at 6:08 p.m. Jan. 27 to the intersection of Center Boulevard Southeast and Snoqualmie Parkway for a two-car, noninjury blocking collision.

Wet duty

Bad timing At 12:27 a.m. Feb. 5 in the 460 block of East North Bend Way where a subject violated a court order by contacting a former dating partner.

Unfortunately this happened in the presence of a police officer.

Cat burglar Police responded at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 5, to the 1500 block of Northwest Eighth Street to reports of burglary. Jewelry was taken from a standing jewelry chest in the master bedroom closet of a residence.

Gimme shelter Police responded at 9:20

Curses, caught again!

Many engines

Officers, during a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Southeast 378th Street and 85th Avenue Southeast, discovered the driver had several outstanding warrants. He was booked in the Issaquah Jail.

Eighteen engines were dispatched at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 3, to the 14100 block of 452 Avenue Southeast to contain a structure fire. The house was destroyed by the fire.

Nap interrupted

Crash, bang!

An officer responded to a call for help from a resident in the 8200 block of Falls Avenue Southeast.

Water was spraying all over the bathroom and the shut-off valve was frozen and the resident couldn’t turn it off. The officer had the same lack of luck. They called the fire department to assist.

Suspicious vehicle report

Police responded to a call to the 7800 block of Baker Avenue Southeast. The caller had, reported a suspiciouslooking light-colored vehicle roaming the neighborhood in recent days.

The officer was unable to locate the vehicle.

PAGE 7

Officers were dispatched to check on a suspicious vehicle parked at a construction site. A suspect was passed out behind the wheel. He was taken into custody and booked because he was under the influence of something that impaired his physical control.

North Bend fire Accident with injuries

Five engines were dispatched at 1:08 p.m. Jan. 30, to the 40500 block of Eastbound I-90, east of Bendigo, to provide emergency medical service to a motor vehicle accident that caused injuries.

Trash fire One engine was dispatched at 2:19 a.m. Feb. 2, to the 1600 block of Rock Creek Ridge Boulevard Southwest for a trash or rubbish fire that was contained.

Taxi Two engines were dispatched at 9:23 a.m. Feb. 6, to the 17500 block of 462 Avenue Southeast to give medical assistance. The crews provided patient transportation.

Two from North Bend make Linfield dean’s list

Katricia Stewart and Andrew Villeneuve, of North Bend, were named to the Linfield College dean’s list for fall 2013. Villeneuve and Stewart are in the top 10 percent of their classes at the McMinnville, Ore., School.

Franklin named to Wake Forest University dean’s list

Katherine Franklin, of North Bend, was named to the Wake Forest University Dean’s List for fall 2013. To qualify, students must achieve a GPA of 3.4 or higher.

Snoqualmie fire

Death

Cleaning up a mess

From Page 3

Firefighters were dispatched Jan. 30 to the area of Snoqualmie Parkway and Southeast Center Street for a fuel spill.

The Snoqualmie Public Works Department was also at the scene and placed absorbent pads down and evaluated the spill. It was unknown where the spill originated.

Near disaster Firefighters responded to the downtown area of Snoqualmie, Feb. 3, for a chimney fire. Crews found the chimney on fire and spreading to the roof of the See BLOTTER, Page 8

state’s death penalty system to be “imperfect and inherently inequitable,” according to The Denver Post. Dieter said the move means that the inmate won’t be executed while Hickenlooper is governor.

“Death sentences are down. Executions are down. Six states in the last six years have repealed the death penalty,” Dieter said this morning. According to the DPIC, seven states have an effective moratorium on executions.

Inslee’s actions also recall those of then-Illinois Gov. George Ryan, who first imposed a moratorium on executions in 2000. He then emptied death row in 2003.

Seattle Times staff reporter Andrew Garber, Brian M. Rosenthal and Sara Jean Green contributed to this report.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes. com. On Twitter @SeattleSullivan.

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SnoValley Star

PAGE 8

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY

Obituaries Margot Baglen Margot Ann Baglen, of Snoqualmie, loving wife to Don and abiding mom to Lori, passed Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014.

A private celebration of her Margot Baglen life will be held.

Please view photos, share memories and sign the family’s online guestbook at

www.flintofts.com. Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home, 392-6444.

Mary Brunstad Jones November 29, 1920 – February 9, 2014 A longtime North Bend resident, Mary is survived by her children Robert Jones, Judith Petersen, Linda Joslin and Vicki McLellan.

She was preceded in death by her son Ronald Jones.

Friends are invited to sign the family’s online guestbook at www.flintofts.com.

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Humane Society offers Valentine’s Day specials Need a little extra love in your life?

The Seattle Humane Society is celebrating Valentine’s Day with half-price adoption fees Feb. 14-16 for dogs and cats three years and older.

View available pets online at www.seattlehumane.org or come visit them in person at the organization’s Bellevue facility, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way. Seattle Humane is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday,

and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.

North Bend City Council meeting cancelled The North Bend City Council meeting for Feb. 18 has been cancelled.

The City Council will hold their next regular meeting at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Mt. Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend.

All city offices will be closed Feb. 17 for Presidents Day, a national holiday.

Blotter From Page 7

Amateur Photo Contest to be awarded in each category: • Life in the Valley (people) • Animals/pets • NW nature (scenics)

residence.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in the chimney and what had spread into the attic.

The cause was determined to be accidental and the damage estimated at $50,000.

There were no injuries reported.

Full disaster Firefighters responded to the area of 452nd Avenue Southeast in North Bend Feb. 3, to a reported house fire.

Crews assisted with extinguishment. The house was a total loss.

The Star publishes names of those charged with felony crimes.

Information comes directly from local police reports.

Robot From Page 2

WINNERS! Send your best high-resolution digital photo to PhotoContest@SnoValleyStar.com.

Include name, address and phone number of the photographer, plus the story behind the photo. Limit three entries per person.

Photos may not be dramatically altered from the original. All entries become the property of SnoValley Star and its parent company for use in any of its publications.

Deadline: February 21, 2014 Winners will be announced in the SnoValley Star on March 6

participated in two qualifier events, and as a result, started the event with a ranking of 21 out of 24 teams. However, in the championship round, the team won five out of six games, resulting in an impressive increase in ranking to 11th overall.

The FTC is one of the two high school level robotics competitions that are held annually by the FIRST organization.

In Washington State, more than 150 high school teams participate each year. Robotics competition season runs from September through January.

SnoValley Star

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

YOUR WEEK

PAGE 9

SCHEDULE THIS: Bring a loved one or someone to fall in love with to Valley Center Stage’s production ‘Love Letters’ at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14-15, at Valley Center Stage, 119 W. North Bend Way, North Bend. Tickets are $17/ adults and $14.50/seniors and students. Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/1aNM4Sg.

Send your news Send items for Your Week to newsclerk@ isspress.com by noon Friday.

THE CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 14-20 FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THUR

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q Kids Night Out: Valentines for a Cause, 6-9 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, ages 2-12, dinner provided, donations taken at door, pre-register online at www.seattleymca.org q Kids Night Out at Mt. Si Gymnastics Academy, 6-10 p.m., Mt. Si Gymnastics Academy, 1546 Boalch Ave. N.W. Suite 20, North Bend, ages 3 and older, $25, registration required, www. mtsigymnasticsacademy.com, 292-3152 q Kids Night Out, 6-10 p.m., Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend, grades K-5, $25, pre-registration required, 831-1900 q Jon Hansen and Kelley Johnson: Valentine Romance, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Laura Lagerstadt, Pink Camel and Jay Pinto, 8 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647

q ‘Meadowbrook 101,’ 10 a.m. to noon, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend, presentation on the colorful history of the Snoqualmie Valley, all ages, free, 831-1900 q Aging Well With Consciousness Book Club: ‘Water for Elephants,’ by Sara Gruen, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd.

S.E., 888-1223 q Winter Adventure Hike, 1:30 p.m., Cedar River Watershed Education Center, 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E., North Bend, 2-mile hike around Rattlesnake Lake, all ages, free, www.seattle.com/util/ crwec

q Aria Prame Quartet, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Songwriters Circle with Jay Pinto, Jean Mann, Jim Page and Sonya Heller, 7:30 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647

q First Bake Sale of 2014 Fundraiser for American Cancer Society Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life, sponsored by Super Troopers Relay Team, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Bend Ace Hardware, 330 Main St. S. q Winter Stories and Crafts, 1:30 p.m., Cedar River Watershed Education Center, 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E., North Bend, stories and crafts about local wildlife’s winter adaptations, all ages, free, www.seattle.gov/ util/crwec q Danny Kolke Trio, 6 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, 2929307

q The Commodores, 7 p.m., The Ballroom at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, ages 21 and older, $30-60, tickets available through Ticketmaster

q Mid-Winter Break Camp, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Feb. 21, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend, $180, info@siviewpark. org, 831-1900 q Teen MidWinter Break: Rock Climbing and Swimming at Matt Griffin YMCA, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $50-55, ages 11-15, register online at www.seattleymca.org q Mid-Winter Hoops Basketball Clinic, 9-11:30 a.m. through Feb. 19, Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 S.E. Redmond-Fall City Road, Fall City, $55, grades 3-6, www.siviewpark.org q Mid-Winter Pro Baseball Clinic, 10 a.m. to noon through Feb. 19, Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 S.E. Redmond Fall City Road, Fall City, $75, ages 9-14, www.siviewpark.org q Christian Henriksen Project, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q Teen MidWinter Break: Whirlyball, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $50-55, ages 11-15, register online at www.seattleymca.org q School’s Out Early Swim, 12:45-1:45 p.m., Si View Pool, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend, $2/ youth and senior, $3/adult, $9/family q Public Works Committee meeting, 5-6 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8314919 q Planning & Parks Committee meeting, 6:30-7 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8314919, 888-5337

q Laser Tag at Laser Quest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $50-55, ages 11-15, register online at www.seattleymca.org

q Pacific Science Center and IMAX, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie, $50-55, ages 11-15, register online at www.seattleymca.org

q AARP Tax Help, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., bring picture ID, last year’s tax return and current tax documents, 888-0554

q School’s Out Early Swim, 12:45-1:45 p.m., Si View Pool, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend, $2/ youth and senior, $3/adult, $9/family

q Future Jazz Heads, 5 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, 292-9307

q Tim Kennedy +1, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q Finance & Administration Committee meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8314919

q Paul Green Jazz Night, 7:30 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647

q Jam Session, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Planning Commission meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8314919, 888-5337 q Parks Board meeting, 7-8 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8314919, 831-5784

q Jazz Heads, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q Sharon Corr, 7 p.m., The Ballroom at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, ages 21 and older, $10-30, tickets available through Ticketmaster

Sports

PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Mount Si boys win playoff berth

By Sam Kenyon

By Calder Productions

The Mount Si Cheer team, seen here during a Jan. 31 basketball game against Juanita, brought home awards at the state and national level.

Mount Si cheer squad places high in state and national competitions The Mount Si High School cheer squad recently finished in second and third in the state and eighth in a national competition. The Mount Si Silver cheer squad – the junior varsity – won the JV State Championship.

The state competition was held at the University of Washington’s Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle.

Cheer divides into two teams for competitions. The Mount Si Red includes tumbling in its routines and the Silver competes in the non-tumbling category. The Red team finished third in the medium varsity division and the Silver team was second.

Cheer coach Jessii Stevens explained that this year the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the governing body over sports and activities, changed the state competition. The WIAA combined divisions – based on the number of squad members – meaning Mount Si was competing against larger teams.

“It made a huge difference for the girls on the floor,” Stevens

said. “It was harder.

“I’m proud they finished third against the larger teams.”

Sixteen of the Mount Si cheer squad competed in nationals at the Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida Feb. 7-9.

There were three rounds of competitions: preliminaries, semi-finals and finals.

“We peaked at nationals,” Stevens said. “I felt sorry for the girls because they would be so nervous, almost sick, before they went out on the floor.

“Cheer isn’t like playing basketball. If you have a bad moment in basketball and the other team scores two points, you have the rest of the game to make back the points, you have more chances.

“In cheer, you only have one chance. They’re under such high pressure, I feel for them.”

Stevens commented that she was extremely proud of the team.

“They were just phenomenal to watch,” she said. “Our kids hit perfect routines every time they were on the floor.”

The Mount Si Wildcats earned at least another three games in their postseason with their dominating 56-40 win over the Juanita Rebels Feb. 8.

Mount Si was able to play to their strengths and dominate the post area. Senior center Tyler McCreadie had a strong first half which set the tone for the whole game. Juanita could not compete with McCreadie’s size inside.

“I just wanted to go out there and kind of be an animal,” McCreadie said. “That was my mentality.”

The Wildcat defense hounded the Rebels all night, forcing turnovers and frustrating their opponent. The hard-driving play gave Mount Si a 29-16 lead at halftime.

Mount Si controlled the game in the start of the second half. Where in the first half, McCreadie’s size as well as the height of sophomore forward Parker Dumas kept the Wildcats in control of the post, the third quarter was led by some hot shooting.

Senior point guard Jack Nelson helped seal the victory with solid throws from the three-point line.

“It felt really good to know that we’ve still got a lot more

assists, three blocks, one steal, basketball to play,” Nelson and 10 total rebounds. said. “It feels like we’re playing Dumas was the other Wildcat our best basketball at the right to score in double digits with time. We were confident com11 points. He rounded out his ing in and we’ll be confident box score with four assists, two going forward.”

Juanita did stage a late game blocks, and four rebounds.

Senior forward Beau Shain rally to slightly threaten Mount had a rough night from the Si’s dominant performance, floor, shooting just 2 of 12 for but that was due more to the 4 points. But the aggressive Wildcats not playing with the Shain contributed in other same gusto due to their big ways, includlead.

“We were confident ing pulling Although down the happy with coming in and we’ll be team-high in the win, confident going forward.” rebounds with Coach Kyle 14, as well as Clearman was three assists not pleased and one steal. with the way — Jack Nelson The team his team got Point guard earned another lazy down the three games fourth quarter for their season with the win, stretch. which is especially meaning“We did a great job through three quarters of sticking to our ful for the players on the team who will be graduating, like game plan and doing what we Shain. do,” Clearman said.

“Now we’re guaranteed three Nelson led the team in scormore games, which is always ing with 19, including shootgood, being a senior and everying a scorching 4 of 6 from thing,” he said. downtown, sinking all the The Wildcats played a tough made three point shots for the Bellevue team Feb. 11, after the Wildcats.

SnoValley Star print edition Nelson also had one assist deadline. and two rebounds.

The next leading scorer was McCreadie with 16, 11 of Sam can be reached at skenyon@snovalleywhich came in the first half. star.com or via Twitter @samuel_kenyon.

McCreadie also had three

Loss to Mercer Island ends Mount Si girls basketball season 68-47.

“In the third quarter, they The Mount Si girls ended hit some shots and we just their season on Feb. 8, with couldn’t get momentum a loss to Mercer Island. The going again,” said junior away loss was the first game point guard and the team’s of the loser-out playoff tourleading scorer Elizabeth nament. The Wildcats finPrewitt. ished their Despite season with an “In the third quarter, the poor win overall record record, the they hit some shots of 3 - 18. team mainand we just couldn’t get Mount Si tained a posiwent down by momentum going again.” tive attitude 10 in the first all season. quarter and — Elizabeth Prewitt Coach Megan was unable to Botulinski Point guard recover. always They kept praised her pace with the Islanders in the team’s mentality and refusal second quarter, only scoring to let the losses prevent them one point less than Mercer from playing hard.

Island.

“The next day we would But the Islander’s came come into the gym and we strong out of halftime and were just ready to go have a poured in 10 more points good practice and stop thinkthan the Wildcats in the ing about the last game and third quarter, which quieted look forward to the next any hope Mount Si had of game,” Prewitt said. victory. The final score was Two seniors will be

By Sam Kenyon

graduating from this team, which means a lot of returning strength for next year’s squad. This year, the team was very young, and it was a rebuilding season. Next season the returning experience will help the Wildcats.

Prewitt said the team incorporated the younger players into the team’s chemistry this year, and that will pay off next season.

If they can maintain the same positive attitude and work ethic, they expect next year to have a much stronger record.

“I think it’s positive, looking ahead,” Prewitt said.

“One of the fortunate things about only losing two seniors is that we’ll have pretty much the same core group of girls.

And we were able to already have this season to build our relationships and learn how to play with each other. And that just moves into the next season.”

SnoValley Star

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

PAGE 11

Proposed affordable housing project delayed in Snoqualmie Imagine Housing has informed Snoqualmie that it will not be seeking design or permitting approvals from the city for its proposed affordable housing project in Snoqualmie for an indefinite period of time.

Imagine Housing has been working on plans to develop the S-20 parcel for more than two years to build workforce housing in the Snoqualmie Ridge

Man killed in truck accident A man named Romeo Head died in an accident involving a semi truck Feb. 9. The 37-year-old trucker was killed near Ken’s Truck Town in North Bend.

The accident occurred while Head was assisting another trucker. Head was helping the other trucker back up by directing him when he was accidentally run over.

Head reportedly lived in the Midwest.

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson is elected Sound Cities Association vice president Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson has been elected vice president of the Sound City Association (SCA), which represents 36 cities in King County and

community. The 12-acre parcel is next to the Eagle Point neighborhood.

The timeline for developing the site is delayed as the city, owner of parcel S-20, and Imagine Housing address the challenges of developing it.

The land is designated for affordable housing by the Snoqualmie Ridge II Mixed Use Final Plan.

provides a regional voice for nearly one million people.

“Mayor Larson’s knowledge of local and regional issues and enthusiasm for bringing people together to solve problems makes him the perfect leader to serve as our new vice president,” said SCA Executive Director Deanna Dawson.

Larson said SCA provides a voice for King County cities with a population of fewer than 150,000 through leadership in areas such as economic and community development, transportation, land use, health, government operations, the environment, education, public safety, social welfare and other public policy issues.

“SCA gives our cities a powerful regional voice, provides members an opportunity to connect and network, and offers tremendous tools to learn what other cities are doing,” said Larson.

“Though there are challenges to work through, Imagine Housing remains committed to developing affordable housing for working families in Snoqualmie,” said Ann Levine, Executive Director of Imagine Housing. “We will continue our efforts and collaboration with the city and the community to provide the affordable housing that originally was envisioned as

Larson is currently serving his third term as Snoqualmie’s mayor. He has held many offices in Snoqualmie in the past, including mayor pro-tem, city council member, chairman of the planning commission, and parks board member.

As an Advanced Certified Municipal Leader — a certification earned through the Association of Washington Cities — Larson enjoys serving in leadership roles in local and regional capacities.

For two years he held the position of president of the Snoqualmie Valley Governments Association.

He also currently serves on the King County Flood Control District Advisory Board. Larson was named the 2012 Elected Official of the Year by the Alliance of Eastside Agencies, an

part of the master plan.”

“The Imagine Housing team’s commitment and perseverance is commendable and deeply appreciated,” said Mayor Matt Larson. “The city of Snoqualmie has been very successful in providing affordable housing as part of a balanced and equitable master plan. We will continue to seek every opportunity to meet the affordable housing needs of

association of more than 50 health and humanservices organizations and governments serving east King County.

SCA, which was formerly known as the Suburban Cities Association, was established more than 40 years ago to help King County cities act locally and partner regionally to create vital and thriving communities through advocacy, education, leadership, mutual support and networking.

For more information, please visit www.

SoundCities.org.

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this community as we approach the full build-out of Snoqualmie Ridge.”

Although the project has not been formally brought before the Snoqualmie City Council, Mayor Larson, council members and the city administration are supportive of an affordable housing option for Snoqualmie residents of moderate income.

phone scam occurring in Washington State requesting people to give their Social Security number when they call an (813) Florida area code phone number as part of an identity theft investigation.

The State Patrol received reports of individuals getting phone calls from people identifying themselves as an official from the “Washington State Police” and the “U.S. Justice Office.” The callers are requesting people to “call today” to an (813) area code number in Florida to confirm their Social Security number.

Identity thieves pose as businesses, banks, or government representatives in order to obtain personal information. They appear to be legitimate and sound convincing. Never reveal information to anyone

you do not know.

The State Patrol recommends that if you are called by someone representing themselves as a WSP employee, and asking for your personal identity information, to call a local WSP office to confirm the caller is an employee with the agency and to contact the office they work in for why they need your information.

Helpful websites about how to protect yourself from identity theft can be found at: q Washington State Attorney General www.atg. wa.gov q Washington State Patrol/Department of Licensing Identity Theft Unit www.dol.wa.gov q Federal Bureau of Investigation www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud.

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SnoValley Star

FEBRUARY 13, 2014