Snovalleystar030514

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

Local guides teach about backcountry skiing Page 10

North Bend police hand over duties

March 6, 2014 VOL. 5, NO. 10

Levies approved Voters OK property tax hike for schools.

Page 2

By Sherry Grindeland

Clean the closet Local church wants your old clothes.

Page 3

By Sherry Grindeland

North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner stands by the North Bend decal which will be removed from the King County Sheriff’s Office cars.

There are two types of good cops, outgoing North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner said.

One goes to work to arrest people and put bad guys in jail.

Then, there’s the kind of cop Toner tries to be.

“I am here to help people,” he said. “I want people to understand they have choices to do things right or wrong. When you tell people their options, the crime rate plummets.

“I want to help them make the right decision.”

Both kinds of cops get the exact same results — a safer community.

Toner will no longer be the chief of police as of March 8.

See TONER, Page 2

Local legend grows State recognizes work of Gloria McNeely.

Page 5

Police blotter Page 8

Guns on the ballot Conflicting measures are heading for ballot.

Page 8

Annual auction Mount Si ASB holds annual fundraiser.

Page 11

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

Community service honored at Give Good Awards

Daylight saving time ends March 9 Remember to set your clocks forward one hour when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m.

March 9.

The AllState Blog recommends using the occasion to performing other seasonal home maintenance, including: q Replace smoke/carbon monoxide alarm batteries. q Flip or rotate your mattress. q Schedule a furnace inspection. q Call a chimney sweep. q Drain your water heater.

(Energy.gov suggests doing this every three months.)

By Sherry Grindeland When it comes to giving guests a good time, the annual Give Good Awards did a great job. Guests walked the red carpet into the Church on the Ridge in Snoqualmie Feb. 28 to join the celebration of local people who give their time and talents to the community.

There was entertainment and a keynote speech by Chris Fagan who recently skied to the South Pole, plus a dessert buffet for the more than 250 guests.

But the best part of the ceremony for many was learning how dozens of outstanding nominees made a difference in the Snoqualmie/North Bend area.

Winners included: Arts: Mary Miller, co-owner of “Smart with Art” a company that brings art into schools that have cut arts programs.

Business: The Irwin Group (Christi Irwin) for her company’s sponsorship of many local and community events.

Courage: Snoqualmie Valley Relay for Life.

See AWARD, Page 3

Photo contest results delayed

Rick Edelman Photography

Two-fisted winner! Joel Bauer holds both his and Michelle Carnes’ award for Youth Advocate at the Give Good Awards Feb. 28. Carnes was unable to attend because she was working with local youths.

Wow! What amazing photographs and talented photographers we have in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Thank you to everyone who entered the annual Snoqualmie Valley Photo Contest. Because our inbox is overflowing, we need more time to study the entries and pick the winners.

Winners will be announced March 13.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

MARCH 6, 2014

School district levies approved Toner

By Sherry Grindeland It is official. Voters approved two levy proposals on the Feb. 11 ballot for the Snoqualmie Valley School District. The results were certified Feb. 25, after the Star’s deadline.

Both levies replace existing ones. District officials estimate that the two levies will mean a $91 per year tax hike for a $350,000 home.

The Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy was approved by a 67.76 percent majority – 5,535 yes votes to 2,639 no votes.

The Technology Levy had

an even higher approval rate – 69.01 percent. It received 5,630 yes votes and 2,528 no votes.

Neither levy will fund any construction.

The EP&O authorizes collection of $15.5 million in 2015, $16 million in 2016, $17.5 million in 2017 and $18.5 in 2018.

The EP&O money provides nearly one quarter of the district’s day-today operations, programs and personnel, including teachers and staff who work with students. The current maintenance and operations levy expires this year.

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“Treat people with have plummeted,” he said. respect,” Toner said.

“Community policing “Going in with a chip is like that. I’m going to will fund class equipment, on your shoulder doesn’t have to refresh them when From Page 1 support, training, and work.”

I get reassigned.” resources for teachers and That’s when the city Toner grew up in Not everything, of staff — in other words, of Snoqualmie Police Issaquah, a small town course, has been fun. the hardware, software Department assumes not unlike North Bend in Toner drove to the site and infrastructure to suplaw enforcement 1979, when he graduated near Kimball Creek Bridge port technology. duties for North Bend. from high school. where a dead newborn The levy provides $2.7 He will be happy to be Becoming a police offibaby was recently found. million each year from called Sgt. Toner. cer wasn’t even a blip on Flowers and baby toys 2015 to 2018.

“The chief title his radar. By 1985, he was were heaped in a mound Washington state does came with the job,” a machinist and welder, by the side of the road. not provide any funding he said during a ridesupervising a crew in a “I never know if people for technology in schools. along Feb. 27. “I small shop. will be insulted if I remove When the state defined earned the sergeant “One of my workers the dead flowers and basic education in 1977, it title.” was a vetthings when “Treat people with didn’t include any allowBut giving up the eran and it gets ance for technology. chief’s job has been a a stoner,” messy,” respect. Going in with The EP&O levy increasbit poignant for the Toner he said. es taxes by 22 cents per 28-year veteran of the said. “He “This a chip on your shoulder $1,000 of assessed valuaKing County Sheriff’s got a letincident doesn’t work.” tion, to $2.70 in 2015. For Office. ter asktouched the owner of a $350,000 He said he’s going ing him the com— Mark Toner munity a home, that would be an to miss coming to to apply North Bend police chief lot.”

North Bend, miss the increase of $77 per year. to be a local residents and The Technology Levy sheriff. I He pulled will increase by 4 cents miss the local characthought if into the parking lot at per year to 47 cents per ters. they wanted him, I could the North Bend Outlet thousand, amounting to a Dealing with some do it.”

Mall and pointed out of the characters can $14 per year increase on a The two of them went challenge any law $350,000 house. to the interview. The other power lines on Rattlesnake Mountain. enforcement officer guy didn’t get hired but Near there, he said, was he said. It helps if you Toner did.

Sherry Grindeland can be reached at where Peter Keller built a empathize and listen “I was a machinist and editor@snovalleystar.com or 425-392bunker and hid after he instead of judging welder on Friday and on 6434, ext. 246. murdered his wife and them.

Monday I was a cop,” he 18-year-old daughter last said.

The key to being a good year. Keller killed himself before deputies could welder or being a good arrest him. cop is the same thing, Those cases are the Toner added. minority of what he’s “Like what you’ve If your auto insurance includes PIP, dealt with. got in life and you’ll be at least $10,000 of your auto accident Usually, he feels he’s happy,” he said. making a difference in the It’s been fun, he said, related medical bills are paid for with area. to be part of the comno deductible or co-pays, even if the Toner tried to work munity. In his four-plus accident is your fault. with and help homeless years in the Valley, he has Please call us for a free consultation. people in the area. He lost count of the number enthusiastically helped of homeowner meetings, support the establishment hospital meetings, comof a winter shelter. munity groups, Cub Scout “Sometimes, you never meetings and events he’s know when you give attended. someone a can of soup or Before his North Bend a sleeping bag if you’re assignment, Toner worked saving a life,” he said. “I major crimes which know what we’ve done includes homicides. He with the shelter has saved often went home and at least 24 lives — people would tell his wife not we’ve gotten reconnected to talk to him while he with their families and unwound.

231 Bendigo Blvd N., North Bend, WA 98045 gotten them back on their “My officer safety skills feet.”

He enjoys driving around North Bend, waving at people and checking things out.

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MARCH 6, 2014

Clean out your closets: Local church wants your discards Turn your unwanted clothes into food for the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank and aid for disaster areas.

The Snoqualmie Methodist Church will be collecting textiles of all kinds — clothing, towels, quilts, blankets and drapes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 8, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9 at 38701 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie.

“We do a lot of things with money we collect,” said Carol Lawrence, a

church member who is organizing the event.

“Whenever there is a disaster in other countries, the Methodists are there with relief, sometimes even before the Red Cross.”

Locally, church members provide lunch on distribution days at the Fall City Food Bank as well as food for the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank.

Clothes for the Cause has become a popular fundraising activity in the

Snoqualmie Valley because it is easy, said Lawrence.

She got the idea when students at Mount Si High School collected textiles under the Clothes for the Cause banner a couple months ago.

Clothes for the Cause is a recycling company that pays organizations for what they collect.

It accepts all textiles, including rags, shoes, purses and belts.

All items are reused or recycled.

How does your garden grow?

bone density screenings for osteoporosis and blood pressure testing for hypertension.

Some things will be free; others will be offered at discounted rates.

named the new rural ombudsman for King County.

She will help resolve land-use and other issues affecting citizens and property owners in the rural and unincorporated areas and respond to citizen complaints about the operation of county government.

Contact Hill at elizabeth.hill@kingcounty.gov or 206-477-1058.

Learn which vegetables grow best in North Bend and Snoqualmie at a Master Gardeners presentation at 11 a.m. March 8 at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. The open discussion will also cover when to plant and tips for choosing between seeds or starts.

The Master Gardeners are sponsored through the Washington State University Extension services.

Other upcoming programs include: Weed Management on April 12, Create a Container Garden on May 10 and Propagation and Plant Division on Sept. 13.

They will all be held at 11 a.m. at the North Bend Library.

Health and beauty events are set at North Bend’s Bartell Drugs Cosmetic demonstrations and hair styling tips begin at 11 a.m. March 7 at Bartell Drugs, 248 Bendigo Blvd. S., North Bend.

Cosmetologists will be giving free mini makeovers 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They will demonstrate the newest hot colors for spring and other products to perk up your make-up.

The hair styling session runs from 3-6 p.m.

A health clinic is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon March 13.

Services offered include blood glucose testing, blood glucose meter exchange and meter education, cholesterol testing,

New rural ombudsman prepared to help residents Elizabeth Hill has been

3560 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE Bellevue

March 13 - 15 Thursday and Friday 10:00am–7:00pm

Saturday 10:00am–5:00pm

“Like Us” on our FACEBOOK Country Creations Washington State

Award From Page 1 Environmental: Erick and Wendy Haakenson, owners of Jubilee farms, the first organic farm in the area.

Educational excellence: Mickey Fowler, a teacher in Snoqualmie Valley.

Teen Spirit: Kianna Hales for her volunteerism.

Youth leadership Initiative: Abbey

PAGE 3

Bottemiller for her work raising money for a charity that drills wells in foreign nations without clean water.

Youth Advocate: Michelle Carnes and Joel Bauer for their role in the Young Life group for local youth.

Unsung Hero: Rebecca Kitz for bringing the Special Olympics to the Valley.

Parent Volunteer: Joe Richter for his work with youth through many programs at the Church on the Ridge.

Spirit of the Valley: Kevin and Laurie Hauglie for numerous volunteer efforts over many years through their business and as parents.

Entertainment for the evening included jazz trio Tobi Stone, Dan Taylor and Chris Clark, who played as the guests arrived.

Dancers from local dance schools demonstrated their moves and the Chief Kanim Middle School Jazz Band played at the close of the program.

Opinion

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Editorial

Letters

Thanks to the King County Sheriff’s Office

Last week’s letter in error

After 40 years of providing police services to the city of North Bend, the King County Sheriff’s Office is handing off the responsibility. Beginning March 8, the Snoqualmie Police Department will cover both towns.

The change has been in the works since early last year.

New vehicles added to the Snoqualmie police fleet already carry the names of both cities. New officers have been hired to cover North Bend and have done ride-alongs with the deputy sheriffs to get acquainted with the new territory.

The change makes fiscal sense because the two cities are close together and dominate the Upper Valley.

But the outgoing deputy sheriffs and the police station staff whose long arms, guns, law enforcement smarts and dedication have protected and served local citizens for four decades deserve a moment of fame.

They’ve done more than just go after bad guys.

These men and women have been part of the community since Dec. 27, 1973.

It was the sheriff’s department that started Operation Santa to serve as a clearinghouse and provide gifts and holiday goodies to needy families from the early 1990s through 2009. The staff’s effort laid the ground work for One Voice to expand the service throughout the Valley.

In some ways, providing law enforcement service to a small town such as North Bend may seem a lot like Mayberry, the fictional setting in the 1960’s “Andy Griffith Show.” Most of Mayberry’s problems could be solved with wisdom and good advice from Griffith, the town’s police chief.

But North Bend sometimes required police to deal with problems never envisioned in television’s Mayberry, and the police here dealt with them with aplomb.

Deputies handle the persistent problem of homeless encampments with firmness and sensitivity.

Indeed, when homeless camps became an issue a couple of years ago, outgoing Police Chief Mark Toner helped organizers develop a winter shelter. Like other officers before him, Toner has been an integral part of the community.

Like all places, there were some very un-Mayberry times in North Bend — the most recent was early last year, when a man killed his wife and daughter and then headed to a bunker he had built on Rattlesnake Mountain. Police tracked him to his hideout and ensured the community was safe. Only later did they find he had killed himself.

But most days and months and years in North Bend were pretty peaceful.

Deputies had time to get to know the community well.

They worked with the well-heeled and the everyday folks, and treated both groups equally and with respect.

Thanks to all the deputy sheriffs and staff who have served us so well.

Joe Heslet

General manager

Sherry Grindeland

Editor

Sam Kenyon Ari Cetron

Reporter Page designer

Michelle Comeau

Advertising rep.

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In her letter printed Feb. 27, Kim Wagner writes “For some 38-plus years, the Mt. Si Food Bank, run by area pastors, has been faithfully helping people in need around the valley.” “The “Helping Hand Food Bank,” its name until recently, was founded, and, in its early years, jointly run by a group of ministers and volunteers.

However, by the mid-90s, the interest of the ministers, with the exception of volunteer Rev. Mary Brown, had waned to hearing a monthly report from the volunteer coordinator, an interest in maintaining the Christian credential purity of key volunteer staff and taking credit for the work of the food

MARCH 6, 2014 bank.

There was no follow-up by the SVMA to fulfill its legal responsibilities as the umbrella 501(c)(3).

When the economy deteriorated, leading to an increase from 70 to 400 families seeking assistance, the food bank evolved into a community supported six-figure financial enterprise necessitating the hiring of paid management.

This management, as a matter of necessity, reached out beyond the churches to the wider community seeking contributions to meet the need.

Ms. Wagner writes, “Donations were made to the faith-based, Christian ministry - not to the people installed to manage daily operations.”

This is not true! Those donations were made to the food bank to cover its costs, including the necessary and prudent estab-

Home Country

Say a prayer for mushers It’s the first Saturday in March, 1973, and more than 40 dog mushers are ready to leave the semi-pro baseball stadium in Anchorage and drive their teams more than 1,100 miles to Nome.

Could they really do it?

Well, they did it that year and every year since, of course, in the monumental Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

But that first year? The mushers themselves kinda looked at each other and shrugged and wondered. No one alive had ever driven a team that far.

I was there, and was privileged to have driven a team in that first race.

Some top-name mushers referred to guys like me — homesteaders who used dog teams to get back and forth to town — as “recreational mushers,” meaning not serious racers. That was true.

Our dogs were valued members of our families, just as your dog is in your family. We just had more of them and they pulled a sled for a living.

Iditarod is pronounced eyeDIT-a-rod. The men and women who drive teams in this long, cold camping trip pronounce it IDIOT-road, with reason.

I had seven dogs, the minimum allowed, and I had to borrow a dog to make seven, giving me the nickname “Seven-Dog Slim.”

The dog I borrowed had kennel cough and I had to stop every couple of hours and dose him with cough syrup. He hated the syrup. He would run all out in panic when he saw me coming with the bottle. I still think I’d have won that race if all my dogs

had kennel cough.

Our race ended ignominiously with a helicopter ride after I crushed an Slim Randles ankle 300 Columnist miles into the race.

But there’s something about the first Saturday in March for those who have been there.

Wherever we are and whatever we do now, each year on that day we say a prayer for the men and women on trail and wish them good weather, packed trail, and happy dogs.

It’s lonely and cold out there, and it’s a very long way to Nome.

To buy Slim’s updated ebook version of his 1975 book “Dogsled, A True Tale of the North,” email homecountry8@gmail.com.

lishment of a reserve fund to be prepared to continue services in the event of a community disaster.

I know because my wife and I have a combined total of 36 years of volunteering at the food bank.

The SVMA’s loss of its tax exemption that led to closing of the food bank was due to SVMA negligence.

Volunteers and staff from the “old food bank” with the support of the community are already back in business at the same familiar location, but as the “Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank” — a qualifying nonprofit organization. They deserve all the support we as a community, including all of the congregations, can give them. Too many Valley families are dependent on it!

Dave Olson North Bend

Share your views Citizens can make a difference by contacting their elected representatives.

State — Governor Gov. Jay Inslee (D), Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 40002, Olympia, WA 985040002; 360-902-4111; www. governor.wa.gov

State — 5th District Sen. Mark Mullet (D), 415 Legislative Building, P.O. Box 40405, Olympia, WA 985040405, 360-786-7608; 800-5626000; mark.mullet@leg.wa.gov Rep. Chad Magendanz (R), 417 JLOB, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504-0600; 360-786-7876; 222-7092; chad.magendanz@leg.wa.gov Rep. Jay Rodne (R), 441 JLOB, P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600; 360-786-7852; rodne.jay@leg. wa.gov Toll-free Legislative Hotline: 800-562-6000.

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

MARCH 6, 2014

McNeely honored in Olympia ceremony

Gloria McNeely, of Snoqualmie, received a 95th birthday present from the Washington State House of Representatives Feb. 25 in Olympia — a resolution in her honor.

5th District Representatives Chad Magendanz and Jay Rodne sponsored and passed House Resolution 4687. It outlined McNeely’s contributions to the Valley.

“While we listed much of her work, we know there is more and we know there is more to come,” wrote Rodne in his weekly email message. “At 95, she is still going strong and doing all she can to support the arts and many other local endeavors. She is a true treasure, and we know she’ll continue to be active in our communities

First Aid class offered in Snoqualmie

A Heartsaver First Aid class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 15 at Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St. Heartsaver First Aid is a classroom, video-based, instructor-led course that teaches critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking, or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency personnel arrive.

inal Snoqualmie Valley Record newspaper from 1941 to 1962. She then worked as an administrative services officer in King County’s flood control offices.

Since then, she has been involved in numerous local groups, including the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum and Contributed served on the Snoqualmie Arts Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson and Gloria McNeely were guests Commission. in Olympia the day the Gloria McNeely Resolution was signed by She turned Representative Jay Rodne.

95 on Feb. 11.

She was honfor years to come.”

Snoqualmie in 1940. She ored at the Snoqualmie McNeely and her was the bookkeeper and City Council meeting Feb. husband moved to associate editor at the orig- 10.

Students learn skills such as how to treat bleeding, sprains, broken bones, shock, and other first aid emergencies. This course also teaches adult CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator.

The class fee is $25, which includes a workbook, keychain/face shield, and a CPR card good for two years.

To register, email Liz Luizzo by March 10 at lluizzo@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us or call 888-1551.

Barko makes going to the dogs fun Barko, a party to raise funds for Valley Animal Partners, begins at 1 p.m. March 8 at Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend.

Barko is a combination of barks and bunco, the traditional dice game where players try to accumulate the most points by rolling specific numbers.

It returns by popular demand because people

Sno Valley Eagles

Mardi Gras’ Open House

March 8th 2:00 PM ‘til Midnight OPEN TO THE PUBLIC !!!!

Special Guests: “The Drop Top’s Band” Pot Luck Dinner • Drink Specials Prize Raffle

had so much fun at last year’s Barko.

Proceeds from the event will underwrite spaying and neutering of pets for low income families.

Tickets are $25 per person (or four for $75). To reserve a seat or for more information call Andrea Logan at 466-4621 or go to: www.valleyanimalpartners.com.

PAGE 5

SnoValley Star

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MARCH 6, 2014

SnoValley Star

MARCH 6, 2014

PAGE 7

Spring 2014 Sports Schedule Baseball 2A/3A Varsity Saturday, March 1

Golf Girls 2A/3A Varsity

Thursday, March 27 Monday, March 31 Tuesday, April 15 Thursday, April 17 Tuesday, April 22 Wednesday, April 23 Wednesday, April 30 Monday, May 5 Monday, May 12 Monday, May 19

3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3:20pm 4pm 3:15pm 3pm 12:30pm 10am

vs Bellevue, Liberty, Mercer Island vs Interlake vs Sammamish at Bellevue Municipal Golf Course at Overlake Golf and Country Club vs Mercer Island at Wayne Golf Course vs Liberty at Snohomish Golf Course at Riverbend Golf Course

Thursday, March 20 Saturday, March 22 Monday, March 24 Saturday, March 29 Friday, April 4 Monday, April 7 Wednesday, April 9 Friday, April 11 Monday, April 14 Wednesday, April 16 Friday, April 18 Monday, April 21 Wednesday, April 23 Friday, April 25 Monday, April 28 Wednesday, April 30 Friday, May 2 Monday, May 5

10am 11:30am 3:30pm 12pm 4pm TBD 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 7pm 4:30pm 4:30pm TBD 4:30pm 4:30pm 4:30pm

at Inglemoor High School at Inglemoor High School at Peninsula High School at Safeco Field at Bothell High School at Kamiakin High School vs Juanita at Interlake High School at Sammamish High School vs Lake Washington at Bellevue High School at Island Crest Park at Liberty High School at Lee Johnson Field vs Interlake vs Sammamish at Lee Johnson Field vs Bellevue vs Mercer Island vs Liberty

Track & Field Varsity & JV

Soccer 2A/3A Varsity ALL GAMES AT 7:30pm

Monday, March 17 Thursday, March 20 Friday, March 21 Tuesday, March 25 Friday, March 28 Tuesday, April 1 Friday, April 4 Monday, April 7 Wednesday, April 9 Monday, April 14 Wednesday, April 16 Tuesday, April 22 Friday, April 25 Tuesday, April 29 Friday, May 2 Tuesday, May 6

at Eastlake High School vs Bothell at Juanita High School vs Interlake vs Sammamish at Lake Washington High School at Bellevue High School vs Mercer Island vs Liberty vs Juanita at Interlake High School at Sammamish High School vs Lake Washington vs Bellevue at Mercer Island High School at Liberty High School

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SnoValley Star

PAGE 8

Police and fire reports Snoqualmie police Bear with us Officers responded to a call at 3:06 p.m. Feb. 24 to the 34000 block of Southeast Scott Street.

The caller said there was a growling bear in her bushes and she believed it might be injured. The growling bush wasn’t a bear but a hissing raccoon hanging out in a dry corner.

Walking makes you tired Officers responded to an 11:59 a.m. call Feb. 25 to Southeast Beta Street and Railroad Avenue Southeast where a young male had been seen walking and screaming at houses. He then fell on his back. When officers found the man, he said he was tired from walking, wasn’t hurt in the fall and was catching the bus to North Bend.

Exhausting situation An officer responded to a vehicle car prowl call at 3:53 p.m. Feb. 24 in the 8200 block of Bracken Place Southeast. The caller reported that the exhaust pipe from his vehicle was stolen while he was working. The exhaust had been cut and taken from the parked vehicle.

Thirsty thieves take tea and see Police responded to a call at 10:27 a.m. Feb. 26 to the 8200 block of Park Avenue Southeast.

The caller said a case of Snapple had been stolen off the porch. It was the second time someone helped themselves to Snapple. Value of loss: $15.

Open invitation to enter An officer responded to a call about an open door at 9:17 a.m. on Feb. 27 to the 38000 block of Southeast Roberts Court.

The door appeared to have been kicked in and no one responded to the officer.

The house was filled with

garbage and in a state of disrepair. Renters may have moved out.

North Bend police Potential car thief can’t start vehicle

Towing for a burglary in progress. The security guard at the towing company watched a man crawl under the fence on a video monitor. The security guard held the man at gunpoint until officers arrived.

Officers responded to a 1:32 p.m. call Feb. 21 in the 200 block of Sydney Avenue North. An owner arrived home and interrupted a thief trying to start the homeowner’s vehicle. The theft was delayed because the vehicle’s battery was almost dead and it was hard to start. Officers were able to arrest the would-be car thief.

Waiting for the train?

Cellphone toss

Two officers stopped at 1:21 p.m. Feb. 26 to see if a man walking near the 600 block of Northeast Eighth needed help. The man became emotional and was upset. He said a woman had come toward him with a hatchet.

An officer responded at 2:16 p.m. Feb. 22 to the Norwest Apartments. The man threw a cellphone at the woman and injured her. He was arrested and booked into jail for domestic violence.

Caught on Candid Camera Officers responded at 6:15 a.m. to Wyrsch’s

Officers doing an area check at 1:15 p.m. near the Train Depot in William Harrison Park found a suspect seated under an awning at the west end of the building.

He was intoxicated.

Chop, chop!

On permanent loan?

An officer responded to a call at 7:24 p.m. Feb. 25 that an automobile had been stolen from the

MARCH 6, 2014

44000 block of Southeast Tanner Road. The owner had loaned the vehicle to a roommate. The roommate moved out while the vehicle owner was at work and three days later still hadn’t returned the car.

Snoqualmie fire Accident victims required aid Firefighters responded to a call Feb. 24 to an automobile accident at mile post 44 on Interstate 90. They helped Eastside Fire & Rescue personnel treat and transport patients to local hospitals.

Betting the wind knocked it down On Feb. 25 firefighters responded to a call about a tree that fell across the roadway near the Snoqualmie Casino. Crews removed the tree and reopened the road.

In addition to the above calls, Snoqualmie firefighters responded to 22 medical aid calls, bringing the total 2014 call number to 152.

North Bend fire No, no fire, please Firefighters responded at 9:02 a.m. Feb. 21 to the 100 block of Sydney Avenue North to a report of unauthorized burning.

Upsetting situation Firefighters responded at 11:35 a.m. Feb. 21 to the 44500 block of Southeast 146th Street. A person was in distress.

Another no, no fire, please Firefighters responded at 9:07 a.m. Feb. 23 to the 100 block of Bendigo Boulevard North to a call about unauthorized burning.

In addition to the above calls, North Bend firefighters responded to eight emergency service calls.

The Star publishes names of those charged with felony crimes.

Information comes directly from local police reports.

Dueling gun control measures likely to appear on fall ballot

By Christopher Lopaze WNPA Olympia News Bureau Campaigns for dueling gun initiatives on this year’s ballot could bring national attention to Washington state, and contribute to an ongoing debate about gun laws across the United States.

Initiative 594 would enact statewide criminal background checks for all firearm transactions.

That’s in direct conflict with Initiative 591, which would prohibit passage of any law expanding background checks unless a national standard is created. I-591 also prohibits confiscations of guns without due process.

Both measures were given a public hearing in the Legislature, but it’s doubtful state lawmakers will take further action, said Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) head of the house committee that heard testimony on the initiatives. Jinkins said it doesn’t make sense to waste time on a measure that aren’t likely to pass.

Lawmakers have the option of not taking

action on initiatives to the Legislature, if they don’t, the initiatives will end up on the November ballot.

Campaign Preparation The Citizens Committee to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a member of the proI-591 campaign. Dave Workman, communications director for the organization, said the state has some of the best firearm laws in the country, not just because they are less restrictive, but because they have strongly written language to defend an individual’s right to bear arms.

“It’s a matter of dealing with a constitutional affirmed and protected civil right,” Workman said. And he said the state constitution includes arguably stronger language regarding the right to bear arms than the Second Amendment.

Christian Sinderman, spokesperson for the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, said his organization is ready to run an aggressive cam-

paign for I-594.

“We’re building what we hope is a long-term movement for gun responsibility.”

He said the stark contrast between the proposals presents a clear choice for citizens. Because of the situation with dueling initiatives, he said there is potential for both sides to receive significant out-ofstate funding.

Lobbyists for the National Rifle Association have spoken against I-594 during a public hearing this session, but the organization has not taken a position on I-591 yet.

Both initiatives received significantly more than the 246,732 signatures required to qualify for the ballot.

about $1.5 million, more than twice the $717,000 raised by the Protect Our Gun Rights committee in support of I-591, according to the Public Disclosure Commission.

Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a New York-based coalition of mayors seeking to expand gun-control laws, donated $30,000 to

the Yes on I-594, which has been the only significant out-of-state contribution.

Nicolas Hanauer, a Seattle-based venture capitalist, contributed $265,000, making him the largest donor to the Yes on I-594 campaign. Bill and Melinda Gates each added $25,000 in contri-

butions as individuals.

Most of the funding for the Yes on I-591 has come from in-state donors.

The Gun Owners Action League, Washington Arm Collectors and Citizens Committee to Protect the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, pro-gun organizaSee GUN, Page 11

Campaign Contributions The campaigns promise to draw a lot of attention and money, with a combined total of more than $2.2 million raised already.

The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which backs I-594, has raised

Exp. 4/30/2014

www.lesschwab.com

SnoValley Star

MARCH 6, 2014

YOUR WEEK

PAGE 9

SCHEDULE THIS: Valley Christian Assembly hosts a benefit dinner and silent auction from 6:30-8 p.m. March 8 at 32725 S.E. 42nd St., Fall City.

Tickets are $10/adults and $5/ children younger than 10 with proceeds benefitting a sponsored Guatemalan village. Call 222-5284 or register at www.vcag.com/_ forms/view/18402.

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

THE CALENDAR FOR MARCH 7-13 FRI

SAT

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MON

TUES

WED

THUR

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q Kids Night Out, 6-10 p.m., Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend, $25, 831-1900

q Master Gardeners, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554

q Toddler Story Time, 10-10:45 a.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 q Preschool Story Time, 10:45-11:45 a.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554

q Family Fun Nights at the Y, 6:30-8 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35108 S.E. Ridge St., free/facility member, $10/ community member, 256-3115

q Released from Quiet, 7 p.m., Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8312357 q Ham Carson Quartet, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, 292-9307

q Tarot Card Readings with Christina Stembler, 2-6 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-3647 q Parents Night Out, 4-8 p.m., Encompass Main Campus, 1407 Boalch Ave. N.W., North Bend, $15, www.encompassnw.org q Paul Green Quintet, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, 292-9307 q Snoqualmie Valley Young Life Alumni Night, 7 p.m., 29820 S.E. 15th Place, Fall City, RSVP, joel. bauer247@gmail.com

q John Hoover and The Quinns, 7:30 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647

q Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7 p.m., The Ballroom at Snoqualmie Casino, 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, Snoqualmie, $15-40, 21 and older, tickets available through Ticketmaster

q Poindexters, 7:30 p.m., The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647

q Cynthia Kuni, 10:30 a.m. to noon, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647 q Danny Kolke Trio, 6 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q MSHS Vocal Jazz Clinic, 5 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q Wenman/ Taylor Quartet, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Merry Monday Story Time, 11 a.m. to noon, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 q Friends of the North Bend Library meeting, 7-8 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554

q Community & Economic Affairs Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8881555 ext. 1125

q Vox at the Box: Vocal Jazz Jam, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Recreational volleyball, ages 16 and older, 7-10 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie q Study Zone, drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors, for ages K-12, 5-7 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8881223

q Anime and Manga Club, 3-5 p.m., Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E., 888-1223 q Future Jazz Heads, 5 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Shoreline Hearings Board meeting, 5-6 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 8885337 q Pajamarama Story Time, 6:307:30 p.m., North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 888-0554 q Jazz Heads, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307 q Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8312357

q Reuel Lubag and Michael Glynn, 7 p.m., Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend, 2929307

q Black Dog Arts Coalition’s First Annual Film Fest, 8 p.m., through March 15, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-3647 q Public Safety Committee meeting, 5-6 p.m., City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St., Snoqualmie, 888-1551 q Family Story Time, all young children welcome, 7-8 p.m., Snoqualmie Valley library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8881223

Sports

PAGE 10

MARCH 6, 2014

Experts give high rating to Cascade Mountain backcountry skiing opportunities in new book authored by local guides

By Sam Kenyon The mountains of Washington aren’t as well known as the famous peaks of Europe, but according to local backcountry skiing experts, the recreational quality of this state’s mountain ranges is as high as anywhere in the world.

A group of local authors showcase the quality of Washington’s backcountry skiing in their new book, “Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Washington,”

by Martin Volken and The Guides of Pro Guiding Service. The guidebook, published by Mountaineers Books, features 81 backcountry routes for all skill levels.

“The mountains of Washington State are of international caliber,” said Ben Haskell, one of the coauthors of the book. Haskell, like all the authors, is a professional mountain guide with the North Bend based Pro Guiding Service. He is also a fireman captain in Seattle.

“A lot of people travel out of state to go skiing places, and they don’t even know what’s in their backyard,” he said.

The areas highlighted in the book, such as the Cascade range’s west and east side, are a selection of the quality skiing that the state has to offer.

“Snoqualmie Pass arguably offers the most aggressive ski touring in Western Washington,” Volken said. “You won’t get bored ski touring there.”

Volken is the primary author and founder of Pro Guiding Service. He wrote another book, “Backcountry Skiing,” which was published in 2007.

“It’s become the most popular textbook on the techniques behind backcountry skiing,” said Kate Rogers, Editorin-chief of Mountaineers Books.

For his newest tome, Volken wanted to produce a collaborative effort to offer a wider range of backcountry routes than he could write on his own.

“He just thought it would make for a more exciting project for him but also for the people who read and use the guidebook, to have that whole community of experience behind it,” Rogers said.

Guides like Haskell feel that the book is improved by the variety of perspectives that each author brings. A bigger team means more routes are shown in the book.

Volken founded Pro Guiding Service in North Bend after spending years as a certified mountain guide in Switzerland.

His years of experience helped

Contributed

Ben Haskell, one of the contributors to the book, skis near Snoqualmie. build the backcountry skiing community in the area.

“At some point, I decided that I wanted to spend a large part Martin Volken of my professional life in the mountains,” Volken said of his career. “It started with a few ski touring

Contributed

The staff at Pro Guiding Service worked together to write a book about backcountry skiing.

courses and then evolved into just about every facet of mountain travel.”

Pro Guiding Service offers educational courses and guided trips domestically and internationally.

Mountaineer Books is the publishing division of the Mountaineers, an outdoor educational non-profit organization.

After the success of Volken’s first title with the publisher, Rogers was an early force encouraging him to write “Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Washington.”

Rogers thinks his second book will be as well-received as his first. “[It is] One of the best and most comprehensive guides to backcountry routes in the

Cascades and the Olympics,” Rogers said. “What makes it special is that it was put together by what I would call an elite group of skiers.”

The guides who put “Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Washington” together, including Volken, are offering the chance to see a side of the local wilderness that leaves a lasting impression. The guides and their tours want to share a special experience in nature.

“It nourishes the soul,” Haskell said. “Sharing the love of the mountains to me is important.”

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

By Martin Volken

Chair Peak is one of the backcountry destinations.

SnoValley Star

MARCH 6, 2014

Mount Si ASB holds 12th annual auction Support your favorite sport or club at the Mount Si High School’s Associated Student Body 12th annual auction. The party will be held March 29 at Si View Community Center in North Bend.

Funds earned at the auction support high

Gun From Page 8 tions based in the state, are the largest contributors to Yes on I-591. Together, they have donated more than $600,000.

Todd Donovan, a Western Washington University professor of political science who studies elections, said it would be difficult to eclipse the previous fundraising record — $20 million on I-1183 to privatize liquor sales, set in 2011. He said it depends on whether grassroots organizations and political-interest groups decide to funnel their resources into Washington.

What happens if they both pass?

school activities including clubs, programs and various sports.

General admission tickets are $35 per person and include dinner. Wildcat Club tickets are $85 and include early admission and bidding, drink tickets, and reserved parking.

For more information on how to buy a ticket or

make a donation, go to www.mountsiasb.weebly. com.

Go behind locked gates in the watershed Find out what’s in your backyard at the Cedar River Watershed. Behind

the scene tours are offered by the city of Seattle.

(The watershed provides Seattle’s drinking water – not water for Snoqualmie or North Bend.)

The organized tours, done in a van and for groups of 9-13 people, are led by a naturalist on weekends during the spring and fall and mid-

follow in that situation.

Donovan said when rival initiatives are on the same ballot, voters are more likely to reject both proposals, which is what happened in two previous elections when this situation occurred.

In the 1993 election, there were conflicting initiatives, I-601 and I-602, on limiting state-revenue collection and spending.

In 2005, provisions in two initiatives on medicalmalpractice law were in

direct opposition. I-330 was sponsored by doctors; I-336 was sponsored by lawyers.

When the issue came up in 1993, Chris Gregoire, who was then state attorney general, issued an opinion that said if both measures passed, the Legislature would have to act to resolve the differences. If the Legislature did not, then the state Supreme Court would have find a new process to choose between conflict-

ing provisions.

Katie Blinn, director of legislative policy for the Secretary of State’s Office, said people have firm beliefs on an issue like gun control, and it’s likely voters will be decisive in picking one of the proposals over the other.

Sponsors could also challenge the legality of the measures, and if one of them was declared illegal, the remaining initiative would be accepted as law.

PAGE 11

week during the summer.

You must preregister to participate.

Cost is $5 per person.

To participate, call 206733-9421 or go to crwprograms@seattle.gov.

Eastside Fire & Rescue announces 2014 board members Alan Gothelf will represent North Bend on the Eastside Fire & Rescue board of directors for 2014.

Other board members include: Eileen Barber and Mary Lou Pauly, of Issaquah, Tom Vance and Don Gerend, of Sammamish, Chris Dahline, of Fire District 38 and Don Smith and Mike Mitchell, of Fire District 10.

Eastside Fire & Rescue is a consortium of fire departments that serve Issaquah, Sammamish, North Bend, Preston, part of Bellevue, Tiger Mountain, Coalfield, Maple Hills, Carnation, Lake Joy and the Wilderness Rim area.

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SnoValley Star

MARCH 6, 2014