snovalleystar032912

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

March 29, 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 13

Union deal North Bend approves a new union contract.

Page 2

Keep an eye out Group seeks help in spotting animals along I-90.

Page 3

Police blotter Page 6

Gardening anyone?

Snoqualmie P-Patch gardens are available.

Page 6

Baby burritos roll in yoga class Page 8

Garbage rates likely to drop

By Michele Mihalovich

Republic Services, formerly called Allied Waste Services, has agreed to unify service in North Bend, including annexed areas, which they say will significantly increase services and reduce costs to customers.

Duncan Wilson, North Bend city administrator, told the City Council March 20, that the city had a 10-year contract with Republic that was slated to end in 2012. So, he put a request for bids out to other garbage service providers to look for options.

“And so was Issaquah and Snoqualmie,” he said. “We had three major haulers that sharpened their pencils for some sig-

Nice shot

By Jan Larson

North Bend resident Jan Larson got up early one morning to get a look at Rattlesnake Lake as it was “waking up.”

See GARBAGE, Page 2

One of the best Tina Longwell is an Educator of the Year.

Page 10

King County joins North Bend approves Snoqualmie, other cities sewer charges for some property in climate change effort Some owners upset by lack several cities formed a partnership called the King CountyCities Climate Collaboration.

King County Council memThe focus is to pool resources to bers approved a partnership combat the impact of climate among the county, Snoqualmie change. and other citSnoqualmie ies March 19 is poised to to coordinate play an imporOn the Web regional efforts tant role in the on climate Learn more about effort. change and the King County-Cities “With sustainability Climate Collaboration at a staffer as issues. the program website, www. co-chair, In a unanikingcounty.gov/environment/ Snoqualmie mous decision, climate/other-governments/ has helped leaders OK’d climate-pledge.aspx. provide feeda program to back on orgabring together nization of the county and monthly meetcity staffers to ings, and some collaborate on greenhouse gas logistics for establishing the emissions reduction targets and group. For the 2012 workplan, other shared projects.

In June 2011, the county and See CLIMATE, Page 2

By Warren Kagarise and Michele Mihalovich

Triple play Mount Si tops Redmond with rare triple play.

Page 12

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

of public discussion

By Michele Mihalovich Landowners in some parts of North Bend will be paying for a new sewer system. The North Bend City Council on March 20 voted 5-0 to impose the assessment on areas scattered throughout the city, which got a new sewer system, over the objections of a handful of property owners.

The assessments, which total $19.1 million, will be imposed upon 406 parcels inside Utility Local Improvement District No. 6.

According to documents from Wayne Tanaka, who served as the hearing examiner for ULID No. 6, a vacuum sewer system was supposed to have been installed to serve

the area annexed in 2007 at a cost of $12 million.

But a group of property owners who lived outside of the utility district asked the city to include them, which the city did in 2008. However, to include the new property owners, the sewer system had to be changed from a vacuum system to a gravity system, which bumped the price to nearly $19.3 million.

The entire cost of the improvement is to be paid by property owners who benefit from the upgrade. Now that the city has completed the approval process, property owners can pay the assessment in full, or pay 18 equal payments over a 20-year-period of time with a possible 4.5 percent interest rate.

A majority of the residential property owners in the area See SEWER, Page 3

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

North Bend public works department employees, city agree on contract

By Michele Mihalovich

The North Bend public works employees have been operating without a new union contract since Dec. 31, 2010.

The Teamsters Local No. 763 voted to approve the new contract, and the North Bend City Council on March 20 also approved it.

Duncan Wilson said that when the old contract ended in 2010 with no agreement, the employees and city in 2011 followed the contract used in 2010 while negotiations con-

tinued.

He told the council that the new contract with the union will help the city control costs.

The new four-year contract, which will retroactively begin on Jan. 1, 2011, includes a 1 percent cost of living raise in 2012 and 2013, and a zero – 2.5 percent cost of living raise in 2014.

Wilson said the city will not have to pay overtime until more than 40 hours per week have been worked, rather than overtime accruing after an eight-hour shift.

The “strict Monday through Friday work schedule” ended, allowing employees to work on the weekend without premium pay, he said.

New public works employees won’t be offered longevity pay and vacation time will accrue at a slower rate, Wilson said.

He also told the council that in the past, the city used to pay 100 percent of heath care costs, “but that is just not sustainable, especially with the recent economy.”

See UNION, Page 2

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MARCH 29, 2012

Climate

tion, and transportation.

“It helps inform us about things that will be beneficial to our individual communities in From Page 1 slowing down climate change,” Frisinger said. we are specifically involved in The adopted County Council helping deliver legislative inforordinance calls for County mation in coordination with Executive Dow Constantine to other groups, and assisting on enter into a pact finalizing the the countywide greenhouse county’s participation in the gas emissions framework,” said effort.

Nicole Sanders, Snoqualmie “This climate collaboration associate planner. is more than a pledge, it’s a Sanders also said the city new era of partnership with cithas been on ies to make “This climate collabothe verge of real progress completing its toward reducration is more than a greenhouse gas ing climate pledge, it’s a new era of inventory for a pollution,” he few months and said in a statepartnership with cities hopes to comment. plete that soon.

In addition to make real progress “On a more to Issaquah, toward reducing climate recent front, we Kirkland, installed five Mercer Island, pollution,” electric vehicle Redmond, charging stations —Dow Constantine Renton, in the city, are County Executive Seattle, beginning to Shoreline, participate in a Snoqualmie green code review process along and Tukwila joined the collabowith multiple cities within the ration.

Sustainable Cities Roundtable “The climate collaboration and are pursuing other items is an exciting opportunity to within the Snoqualmie maximize our regional efforts Sustainability Strategy,” Sanders to respond to the climate crisis said. through cooperation, coordi“We will share information nation and pooled resources,” that helps us do these things,” Councilman Larry Phillips Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger — Transportation, Economy said March 23. “So, for instance, and Environment Committee the county has programs that and prime sponsor of the leghelp people do land-use and islation — said in a statement. transportation planning that “Reducing global greenhouse gas make connectivity stronger.” emissions starts with action at The county and cities pledged the local level.” to commit funds and staffing to the program. Besides greenhouse Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www. gas emissions reductions, plans call for collaboration on “green” issaquahpress.com. Michele Mihalovich: 3926434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. building, renewable energy, susComment at www.snovalleystar.com. tainability outreach and educa-

Garbage From Page 1

nificant savings.”

But he said Republic approached the city with a consolidation plan. Wilson said city staff halted the requests for bids process and has been working with Republic for months to renegotiate the contract.

Anne Laughlin, community relations manager with Republic, said in an email that the company is providing expanded recycling to the residents of North Bend such as accepting additional items like fats, oils, grease, and items like fluorescent bulbs.

“All residents will have composting included in their base service with every other week pick-up; and we added commercial organics recycling collection,” she said. “At the same time we increased recycling, the

garbage rate is going down and you get recycling included at the lower rate. We also added an annual spring cleanup to the existing schedule of yard waste cleanups throughout the year.

And we’re adding a paper shredding service event that will be provided at City Hall for residents once a year.”

Laughlin said the savings will be substantial.

“A resident with a 32-gallon garbage container and yard waste service will see rates go down as much as 39 percent.

And a business that has a fouryard container serviced weekly will see their rates go down as much as 22 percent in comparison with existing rates,” she said.

Duncan said the new contract, which goes into effect June 1, “is a fantastic win for all North Bend citizens.”

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

MARCH 29, 2012

Groups seek help watching wildlife

By Pat Muir Yakima Herald-Republic There was no way the agencies monitoring wildlife along the Interstate 90 corridor could supply the manpower needed for a yearlong survey of animals along the highway, so they turned to you.

Well, you and anyone else who drives the stretch of I-90 connecting Eastern and Western Washington. That was the genesis of the I-90 Wildlife Watch, a multi-agency effort that enlisted public volunteers -- commuters -- to document wildlife sightings.

“That information is really hard to collect,” said Paula MacKay, an Ellensburg-based research associate with Western Transportation Institute. “You have to be in the right place at the right time.”

Tapping the occupants of the 28,000 vehicles that pass over the Snoqualmie Pass corridor each day for help greatly increases the odds that someone will be in that right place, she said. The Western Transportation Institute, a department of Montana State University, launched the project in November 2010 with the nonprofit I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition. The goal is to help the state Department of Transportation better understand the area’s wildlife as it plans construction of 24 wildlife crossings over and under I-90 between Easton and Hyak as part of a highway expansion over the next several years. The crossings are intended to both reduce the number of animals killed by vehicles and maintain gene diversity of species that

Sewer From Page 1 will have to pay $2,986 toward the new sewer system. But many owe hundreds of thousands, and at least four property owners were assessed more than $1 million.

More than 30 property owners appealed the decision, asking in some cases that they not have to pay the tax, or in others that they could pay less. The City Council asked Tanaka, who held public meetings in November and December with the property owners, to make a recommendation on the appeals. On Jan. 6, Tanaka approved three appeals, denied the rest and submitted his recommendation to the council.

Most of the property owners have since settled with the city, said Wilson. However, 10 prop-

might otherwise stay on one side of the highway.

It works by asking drivers to report wildlife sightings at the project’s website, http://www. i90wildlifewatch.org.

“It allows us to get information from the public that we’re not able to see with our own monitoring programs,” said Yakima-based DOT spokeswoman Meagan McFadden.

In February, the Western Transportation Institute published the results of its first year of monitoring: 475 animals were reported, including 52 dead ones. Unsurprisingly, the animals spotted most frequently were deer and elk.

But there were also bobcats, black bears, foxes, mink, otters, cougars, turkeys and other species. It’s not as though any of that is groundbreaking from the perspective of those who study the local wildlife, but most people don’t really have any idea of just how much animal diversity can be found close to the road.

“There weren’t surprises in the species that were reported,” said Jen Watkins, outreach director for the I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition. “But for the public, seeing the breadth of species was surprising.”

The interstate crosses the ecologically vital North Cascades ecosystem, something most motorists don’t spend much time considering when they’re flying past at 70 mph, MacKay said.

“When we’re traveling in our cars we really feel like we’re in a bubble,” she said. “This program has allowed people to really realize ... they’re traveling through a wild place when

we’re driving in that I-90 corridor.”

Now in its second year, the public-monitoring project has begun to produce data that can help the DOT design and place its wildlife crossings. For instance, Watkins said, mountain goats tend to shy away from roadways. So if mountain goats are spotted at certain places along the highway, crossings at those places could be tailored to better resemble natural geography in a way that would encourage mountaingoat use.

Facilitating that kind of travel for wide-ranging species that migrate seasonally or in search of food and mates is key to the health of the ecosystem, MacKay said.

“At the most extreme end of the spectrum, what you run into when you have a barrier within a wildlife habitat is separation of populations,” she said. “And those populations become vulnerable to different problems.”

The hope is that once the highway crossings are built, more animals will cross safely out of the way of traffic. Future years’ data, then, will hopefully show a pattern of more live animal sightings and fewer dead animal sightings, MacKay said. And the information reported now by the public will help the agencies better monitor that.

“They’re helping us create a before-and-after picture in terms of the wildlife crossing structures that will be constructed,” she said.

Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com

Lack of discussion upsets some Although they did discuss it, the City Council did not talk about the appeals to a sewer system assessment in an open meeting. Property owners who had been opposed to it were upset that they didn’t have a chance to speak and to hear the council debate the issues, but the council says its actions are permitted under state law.

City documents said: “The City Council must now deliberate on the filed appeal letters before addressing the final assessment roll…notices were sent to the appellants so that they will have the opportunity to appear at the meeting at which deliberations will occur.”

Issaquah attorney Todd Wyatt, who is representing five protesting property owners, attended the meeting and said afterward that he was very disappointed that erty owners, representing 23 parcels, still have active appeals.

At the March 20 council meeting when the item came up, Councilmembers

PAGE 3

King County crews start roadside weed control soon King County road crews plan to roll out a roadside weed control program in unincorporated areas April 9.

Through the annual program, certified technicians conduct controlled herbicide spraying along road shoulders during the spring and summer. The program is meant to reduce safety hazards for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians.

The spraying also controls noxious weeds — a potential threat to animals and native vegetation.

If residents do not want county crews to spray the county right of way near their property, they should post “owner will maintain” signs. The owners must also agree to maintain the right of way themselves.

Maintenance agreements must be completed and returned to the county Road Services Division before the signs can be issued.

The agreements should be received by April 4. The county provides signs at no cost to property owners.

Crews use small amounts of herbicides approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the state Department of Agriculture. The process also includes follow-up monitoring and soil testing.

No spraying is conducted near water, including rivers, streams, wetlands, bridge abutments, guardrails near water, ditches, levees, back slopes or in moratorium zones. Spraying in moratorium zones — such as the Snoqualmie Valley, and Vashon and Maury islands — is conducted in limited situations

the City Council didn’t have any kind of public discussion about the ULID appeals, or allow the citizens to speak.

“We deserved to hear how they came about accepting the recommendation,” he said. “The citizens have spent a lot of time and money to present arguments. Millions of dollars are at stake.”

Wyatt said on March 27 that his clients have decided to appeal the city’s decision to the King County Superior Court.

After the meeting, Councilman Ross Loudenback explained why no public discussion had taken place.

“We really didn’t need to talk about it any more. I had read all the documents and testimony throughout the week and we did discuss it in a meeting with our attorney before the council meeting,” he said.

No notice had been given regarding that

Ryan Kolodejchuk and Jeanne Pettersen recused themselves because they live in the ULID. However, no deliberations took place other than

What to know Unincorporated King County residents can opt out of roadside weed spraying. Call 206-296-8100 or 1-800-KC ROADS toll free for maintenance agreements and signs. The agreement is also available on the county Road Services Division website, www.kingcounty. gov/transportation/kcdot/ Roads/RoadsMaintenance/ WeedControl.aspx. mandated by state or local law, or by King County Weed Board.

Officials said the herbicide application is designed to keep road shoulders safe for bicyclists and pedestrians. The action also prevents weed root systems from damaging roadways and reducing sod buildup. Such problems can cause road flooding and icy conditions in winter.

The annual weed control also reduces fire risk by minimizing the amount of uncontrolled vegetation on roadsides.

Overgrowth from weeds can also accidents due to reduced visibility.

In addition, Road Services Division crews also plan to remove all tansy ragwort from rights of way due to the flowering weed’s danger to animals.

State and local laws require the removal of tansy ragwort and other noxious weeds.

Residents responsible for maintaining rights of way should place vegetation containing tansy ragwort in sealable bags to prevent the spread of the weed.

meeting, which is usually required when there is a quorum of city councilmembers.

City Administrator Duncan Wilson justified the meeting in an email March 21, “The Council had a closed door meeting at City Hall at 5 p.m. yesterday before the council meeting. It is not technically an executive session because the open public meetings act does not apply to quasi-judicial deliberations.”

He said the council was acting in the same capacity as a judge during the meeting, and not discussing legislative issues like passing laws, which are covered under the open public meetings act.

“We didn’t vote on anything,” Loudenback said. “It was, basically, a work session to ask our attorney questions if we had any…This was a substantial project for the city. Some people are happy with it.

Some aren’t.”

Councilmen Ross Loudenback and Alan Gothelf commenting that it had been a long and difficult process, and that they urged the council to approve the final

assessment, which it did.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Closed meetings are never the right choice

Thanks for the help

The North Bend City Council decided to handle a controversial issue behind closed doors rather than face the public.

State law says all meetings of governing bodies, even informal sessions, should be open and accessible to the public, with only a handful of specific exceptions.

North Bend is claiming that it fell into one of those exceptions on March 20 when it met secretly (no public notice was given) before a public meeting to discuss citizen appeals to being placed in a sewer district.

Duncan Wilson, North Bend’s city administrator, said public notice wasn’t necessary because the councilmembers, city staff and an attorney were discussing a quasijudicial matter, and not a legislative matter.

Even if North Bend was following the letter of the law, government should always err on the side of the public’s right to know.

Being a city councilmember comes with responsibilities to the public. And yes, sometimes it’s messy, unpopular and uncomfortable.

But councilmembers were elected to represent their constituents. They are answerable and accountable to them.

And that is why they did a grave disservice to the public…and to the 10 property owners who deserved to hear how the council came to make their decision about the appeals.

The back door meeting may have been within state law guidelines, but it was a bad choice for people elected to serve the public.

If nothing else, this meeting certainly circumvents the intent of the Public Open Meetings Act.

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Mountain Creek Tree Farm and the Kassian family would like to show their appreciation by thanking all the people that came out to our farm and helped after a flood on Tate Creek Feb. 22 that brought hundreds of tons of sands and gravel in over 1,000 Christmas trees.

Seeing the extent of the damage from the flood, our friend Marie Hearing contacted her brother-in-law John Hearing, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 945 and told him of our disaster.

In turn, he helped organize with Kim Ferree, executive officer of Venturing Crew and Scout Troop 115 to come to our farm on March 17 to help remove the sand and rocks around the trees.

There were about 50 people in all, which included scouts, venturing crews, the Mayor of North Bend, Ken Hearing, his wife, Marie, the Mayor of Snoqualmie, Matt Larsen, his wife, Jenifer, and some parents of the scouts.

The following scout troops and Venturing crews were in attendance: Venturing Crew 115 and Boy Scout 115 of Snoqualmie, with executive offi-

MARCH 29, 2012

cer Kim Ferree and wife Anita, Boy Scout troop 466 of North Bend, Venturing crew 954 of Covington, with advisor John Hearing, Boy Scout Troop 945 of Covington with scoutmaster John Hearing.

Jenifer Larsen and Anita Ferree prepared the food that we provided for lunch. My sister Sharon Posey baked cookies for them and was on hand to help out where she could.

They were a very hard-working crew with shovels, hoes and rakes cleaning the gravel and sand away from the trees, sometimes two to three feet deep.

They pushed wheelbarrowloads of dirt into one field where the water had washed away the dirt leaving the roots exposed, and covered them with fresh dirt.

They cleaned between 300 and 500 noble and Turkish firs and may have helped to save the Christmas trees for us.

Again, we want to thank all of you that helped and want you to know how much your hard work was very appreciated by this family.

The Kassian family Marilyn, Bill, Craig, and Cary

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

President Barack Obama (D), The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500; 202456-1414; president@whitehouse.gov U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D), 511 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510; 202-224-3441; http:// cantwell.senate.gov/; 915 Second Ave., Suite 512, Seattle, WA 98174; 206-220-6400 U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D), 173 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510; 202-224-2621; http://murray.senate.gov/; Jackson Federal Building, Room 2988, 915 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98174; 206-553-5545 U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-8th District), 1730 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; 202-225-7761; 2737 78th Ave. S.E., Suite 202, Mercer Island, WA 98040; 206-2753438; www.house.gov/reichert

Home Country

Spring brings out the, ahem, best in folks

By Slim Randles It was the sun’s fault; that’s all we could figure out later.

Well, that and the demise of Doc’s phantom squirrel.

For a couple of days the sun had been warming our shoulders and making us smile. You know, whispering semi-forgotten things in our ears like, “fly fishing … gardens … barbecue … swimming hole…”

Normally, our good doctor would’ve put another phony ad in the Valley Weekly Miracle offering a reward for his nonexistent squirrel, Chipper, just to hoax us into spring. But after the last time, and the ransom money for squirrel nappers, everyone here knew there wasn’t a squirrel at Doc’s house. It just wouldn’t be the same as it had been.

So Doc got this madness started by putting an ad in the VWM that took a different turn: “Spring Special! Half off on all amputations. Call Doc.” That was the first pickle out of the jar. The first tiny slip toward Spring Madness. We look up to Doc because he has more initials after his name than anyone else in town, and besides,

he delivered all of us at least once.

So we waited to see who would follow his example.

In our case, you have to Slim Randles wait a week, of course, and Columnist despite a couple of inquiring phone calls, Alberta down at the paper wasn’t telling.

Turns out it was Dewey and Bert who struck next.

Bert’s quarter-page ad promoted the town’s first (in a long time) sock hop.

“Sock Hop! Town square!

Wear socks! Nothing else!”

Now he didn’t say when this would take place, but we did notice some teenage boys hanging around the square just to see if there was any chance of naked nubile nymphets.

There wasn’t.

Dewey Decker, the accidentprone king of garden fertilizer in the valley (it’s hard to damage cow manure), bought an ad for his garden-enhancing products offering a free taste test.

There is something goofy and fun about spring, all right. Just ask Alberta down at the paper.

She has this little spring smile.

To buy Slim’s books, go to www.slimrandles. com.

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:

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

MARCH 29, 2012

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5

SnoValley Star

PAGE 6

Police Blotter Snoqualmie Police Need a lift?

Around 1 a.m. March 18, a driver reported that an older male with white hair was attempting to wave her down.

The driver suspected that another person may have been laying by his feet. Officers found the subject, who was intoxicated and walking home. The officer drove the person home.

Trying to help At about 1:30 p.m. March 18, police received a request from Sammamish Police Department to help locate a suicidal subject.

The last ping on his cell phone placed him at a Snoqualmie address. The subject had quit his job and was closing down his accounts. Snoqualmie police were unable to locate the man.

Loose leashes About 5:30 p.m. on March 18, a woman reported that a lab

Community garden plots are available through Snoqualmie If you love gardening, but lack the space to do it at your home, the Snoqualmie Community P-Patch Program may be for you. Enjoy gardening organic produce and flowers in the company of fellow gardeners.

The P-Patch season starts April 8 and runs through Nov. 11.

There are two P-Patch garden locations in Snoqualmie: 3862 S.E. Silva St. 7640 380th St. S.E. Plots are 6-by-12 and cost for one plot is $25 per season; two

puppy and pitbull mix dog were loose and that one of the dogs charged at her and her 3-yearold. Officer located the owner and released the dogs to him.

What it is, is DUI At 2 p.m. March 19, an officer observed a 1984 GMC pickup leaving Smokey Joe’s Tavern, and then swerving on 384th Avenue Southeast.

The officer pulled over Christopher A. Gale, 29. His town was not listed, but the report indicated that Gale had a valid Washington driver’s license and expired Arkansas driver’s license.

The officer wrote that “Gale was jovial and giggled constantly” and kept saying “it is what it is.” Gale was arrested for DUI and transported to Issaquah City Jail.

Officer reported that records indicated that David A. Downs, 44, of Fall City, had a suspended driver’s license for failing to appear for unpaid tickets.

The officer wrote in the report that when Downs exited the vehicle, an open container of Coors Light spilled onto the roadway.

After field sobriety tests, Downs was arrested and transported to Issaquah City Jail.

North Bend Felony arrest A woman was arrested at 1 a.m. on March 9 in North Bend on a felony warrant for theft of a vehicle without permission.

She was taken to King County Jail.

DUI arrest

DUI At 10:15 p.m. on March 19, officer observed a red 1986 Nissan pickup speeding and weaving on Railroad Avenue Southeast and then later on Meadowbrook Way Southeast.

plots cost $45 for the season.

Gardeners must bring their own tools and topsoil. The city will supply the water.

City P-Patch plots are available now for reservation on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve a P-Patch plot, download the application and rules on the city website; click “City Departments,” “Parks & Recreation” and then “P-Patch Program.”

You may also reserve a plot at the City Parks & Recreation Department, 38624 S.E. River St. Call 831-5784 to learn more.

Extra produce from home gardens and P-Patches, even in small quantities, may be donated to the Mount Si Helping

Everything you need to feel at home

Around midnight on March 11, police pulled over a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign on Thrasher Avenue near E.J. Roberts Park.

Police arrested the driver, Tre Yantis, 18, no town listed,

Hand Food Bank. Learn more at http://mtsifoodbank.org.

Studded tire deadline moved to April 16

Drivers have an extra two weeks to remove their studded tires this year, according to a March 21 press release from the state’s Department of Transportation.

WSDOT extended the studded-tire season through the end of the day April 16, as forecasts call for possible winter driving conditions through the heavilytraveled Easter weekend.

“This year, we have a combination of winter weather still in the forecast for much of the

MARCH 29, 2012

because he didn’t have identification, the vehicle he was driving wasn’t registered to him and he failed field sobriety tests. He was transported to Issaquah City Jail.

North Bend fire q At 2:21 a.m. March 17, EFR units responded to an EMS call on Uplands Way Southeast.

Ladder 87 arrived at the scene to find a car hit a tree, with the passenger out of the vehicle and the driver partially out and unconscious. Ladder 87 finished extricating the driver and turned care over to paramedics.

The patient was transported to Harborview. q At 7:16 a.m. March 17, EFR units responded to an EMS call of an 83-year-old male complaining of respiratory distress.

He was transported to Overlake. q At 4:04 p.m. March 17, EFR units responded to an unintentional smoke detector activation on Stow Avenue South. Resident was cooking corned beef for St. Patrick’s day and burned the cabbage, which set off the smoke alarm.

state,” said Chris Christopher, WSDOT director of maintenance operations. “With spring break and Easter right around the corner, we wanted to give drivers the chance to travel before having to take off their studded tires.”

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31, unless WSDOT grants an extension. WSDOT officials don’t anticipate any further extensions beyond April 16.

“Our crews will still be out working, but we need drivers to check the forecast, carry chains and drive for conditions,” Christopher said. “Close to 100 inches of snow came down on Snoqualmie Pass between March 15 and April 15 last year, and drivers can expect to see snow in the mountains well into May.” No one can guarantee iceand snow-free highways so drivers traveling to higher elevations should always prepare for winter

q At 5 p.m. March 17, EFR units responded to a drunk female who wanted her pickup out of the impound lot. The call was turned over to King County Sheriff’s Office. q At 11:55 p.m. March 17, EFR units responded to an EMS call about a 19-year-old female who had bruising under her right eye after a cell phone had been thrown at her. q At 4:43 a.m. March 19, EFR units responded to an EMS call on Southeast 131st Street for a cardiac patient, who was transported to Swedish. q At 1:49 p.m. March 19, EFR units responded to a call about a 61-year-old male with injuries from a fall. Patient was treated at the scene and transported to Swedish Hospital Issaquah. q At 4:25 p.m. March 19, EFR units responded to an EMS call about a 58-year-old female with chest pain. Patient was transported to Swedish Hospital Issaquah. q At 10:09 p.m. March 19, EFR units responded to an EMS call for to a 37-year-old KCSO officer assaulted by subject in custody. Patient was evaluated, no treatment necessary.

driving conditions. This means having information on weather and roadway conditions, traction tires and chains.

Christopher said drivers who don’t anticipate driving in winter conditions should take the time to remove studded tires sooner since tire stores will be very busy in the days leading up to April 16.

Drivers who don’t follow Washington’s rules of the road risk a visit from law enforcement.

King County Council endorses greenway heritage plan King County Council members endorsed a plan March 19 to designate the greenbelt along Interstate 90 from Seattle to Ellensburg as a National Heritage See GREENWAY, Page 7

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MARCH 29, 2012

PAGE 7

Judge upholds liquor privitization initiative Move clears way for closure of state stores, opening up of private liquor sales

By Warren Kagarise The state can continue to implement the Costco-backed initiative to privatize liquor operations, a judge ruled March 19.

Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Stephen Warning reversed a March 2 ruling and upheld Initiative 1183.

In the earlier ruling, Warning upheld most of I-1183, but decided the measure violated a state rule prohibiting initiatives from addressing more than a single subject.

I-1183 included a section directing $10 million to public safety, in addition to the liquorprivatization language.

The attorneys for the state said the source of funds and the allocation of funds share a close connection, so the section did not violate the single-subject rule. Issaquah-based Costco — the largest employer in the city — led the push to pass I-1183 last year.

Greenway From Page 6 Area.

In a unanimous decision, council members called on Congress to recognize the Mountains to Sound Greenway — a ribbon of conservation lands, recreation areas and suburban cities interspersed among farms and forests — in a federal program for “nationally important” landscapes.

Councilman Reagan Dunn, prime sponsor of the motion, lauded the council for supporting the effort.

“The Mountains to Sound Greenway is truly one of the

Union From Page 2 Employees are now expected to make a contribution toward medical coverage and will pick up 60 percent of increases to medical and dental costs, Wilson said.

Statewide, almost 60 percent of voters supported the liquorprivatization measure. I-1183 garnered lopsided support in the Issaquah area.

The measure requires staterun liquor stores to close and for the state to get out of the liquor business.

The measure also calls for the state to license private enterprises to sell and distribute hard liquor, set license fees based on sales and regulate licensees.

I-1183 limits hard liquor sales to stores of at least 10,000 square feet. Under the initiative, licensed and qualified businesses can start selling liquor June 1.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Mary Tennyson and Assistant Attorney General Bruce Turcott defended the initiative.

“Washington voters said they supported privatizing liquor sales in our state and directing $10 million of the proceeds from those sales to enhanced public safety,” Attorney General Rob McKenna said in a statement. “Today’s court ruling allows the state to continue to work to implement their directive.”

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Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www. issaquahpress.com.

jewels of the Pacific Northwest,” he said in a statement.

The designation from Congress is meant to highlight a unique feature or local history.

The greenway could become the only National Heritage Area in Washington.

Though the National Park Service handles oversight for heritage areas, the lands differ from national parks. The designation does not add lands, land-use restrictions or more regulatory authority inside the National Heritage Area.

“The Mountains to Sound Greenway has been a bold vision which has been masterfully executed,” council Vice Chairwoman Jane Hague said.

“This area absolutely needs to be a national heritage site.”

“Compromises were made on both sides,” he said. “A perfect settlement is one in which everyone is angry – I think we’re there.”

Doug Henderson, business manager for the union, did not respond to emails.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

4/8

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PAGE 8

community

MARCH 29, 2012

Valley child Keenan Fagan helps build classroom in Tanzania

By Sebastian F. Moraga Sometimes when you fail, you still succeed.

Ten-year-old Keenan Fagan fell short of his jaw-dropping goal of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, but he achieved a different goal.

With the money raised, Fagan helped build a classroom in Tanzania, the African country home to Mount Kilimanjaro and to Calvin, a 12-year-old boy Keenan’s family has sponsored for years.

Nausea got to Fagan about 4,000 feet short of the summit, so his father, Marty, summitted for the family, while his mother, Chris, and Keenan returned to a safer altitude.

The scion of a family of climbers, Keenan’s parents met while climbing Mount Denali.

Marty said they have raised Keenan on a steady diet of mental and physical challenges. The fundraising proves his heart is well nourished, too.

Three years ago, the family first traveled to Africa to meet Calvin.

“My son always thinks about him,” Chris Fagan said “seeing how their life is, how much more we have.”

When they decided to return,

Keenan said they had to do something for Calvin and the rest of the children.

“We decided to use the climb as a way to raise money for the school,” Chris said. “We raised almost $6,000.”

An organization named Friends of Africa Education found an anonymous donor who matched the Fagans’ amount.

After the climb, Calvin and Keenan got to spend more time together. The $12,000 raised sounded like a huge amount to the Tanzanians, and it was.

Calvin and Keenan bonded over games of tag.

“He was very sad to leave,” Chris said. “It created a whole bond and I can see it going on for him for a long time.”

The climb occurred in December, only weeks after Keenan’s 10th birthday — the minimum age to climb Kilimanjaro is 10.

Still, Chris said, anyone reasonably fit can attempt a climb. Both Marty, who has also climbed Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua, and Chris, an ultra marathon runner who made headlines last year by jogging the duration of the Snoqualmie See CLIMB, Page 9

Submitted photo

From left, Chris, Keenan and Marty Fagan, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. The family climbed Africa’s tallest peak to raise money for a schoolhouse in Tanzania.

Yoga helps some toddlers even when they’re not on the mat

By Michele Mihalovich That’s when she came across

Helen Garabedian’s Itsy Bitsy Trying to corral four, enerYoga for Tots and Tykes. getic little girls is not the easiest She said she started worktask in the world, and yet Trina ing simple yoga poses with her Curry managed to do just that son, and his colic and sleepless on a snowy March morning nights went away. at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Curry accepts children into Club. her classes once they start crawlCurry, a certified yoga ing and up to 4 1/2 years old. instructor, has been offering The soft lighting and quiet “Itsy Bitsy piano music Yoga” classes at the TPC regularly clubhouse If you go: since 2010, didn’t have but she start• Itsy Bitsy Yoga the same ed with her • 9:45-10:30 a.m. Mondays effect it own daugh• TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf might have ter, who is Club on adults, now 8, when • 36005 S.E. Ridge St. but the girls she was an • Contact Trina Curry at 443did make an infant.

6228 or trinayoga@gmail.com. effort to try “I have the poses, been a pracalthough it titioner since was rarely on 1997,” she said regarding yoga. the provided mat.

“I kept practicing when I was “Because little kids are going pregnant. And when my daughto walk around and explore, I ter was born, we started doing tell the parents that the whole simple poses. But I didn’t find a world is their yoga mat,” Curry structured program until my son said. was born.”

Ellie Lynd, at 18 months,

By Michele Mihalovich Curry said her son, now 5, was the youngest to attend class Lindsey Lynd, of Snoqualmie, burrito rolls her 18-month-old daughter Ellie Lynd in a yoga mat, a bonding exer- was colicky and had trouble cise in Itsy Bitsy Yoga class offered at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club in Snoqualmie.

See YOGA, Page 9 sleeping when he was born.

MARCH 29, 2012

PAGE 9 A special section by the Sno Valley Star Advertising Dept.

Yoga

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From Page 8 March 13.

Her mom, Lindsey Lynd, of Snoqualmie, said she started bringing Ellie to yoga class in September.

“We were looking for some activities outside the home where she could use up some of her energy,” Lynd said.

She also said there are additional benefits to yoga poses that she hadn’t anticipated, “like when she’s torturing the cat. We will do Hop Along Yogi, where I bounce her on my lap. She loves it and it’s a great way to distract her.”

Some of the poses in the class utilize poses or other activities not found in an adult yoga class, like Kissy Knee or Sandwich Pose.

Curry also had the girls blow into pinwheels to learn breathing techniques, which parents can use to help calm down fussy children.

Parents are right there with the children, and Curry said the children will watch what Mom or Dad is doing and mimic it.

That bonding process is what attracted Amy Barrysmith, of Issaquah, to the class with her 2-year-old daughter Cooper.

“I wanted to find an activity we could do together,” she said. “I wanted it to have an exercise aspect to it, but also a way for her to socialize with other kids.”

Cooper had only attended two of the classes so far, but she did a perfect Downward Facing Dog pose.

Climb From Page 1 Valley Relay For Life, qualified as such.

So did Keenan.

“On this trip, we bicycled through remote villages on single track trails for four days preceding the climb,” Marty said. “Keenan actually went to Kilimanjaro after doing that. He went 12 days straight with six to 10 hours of exercise every single day.”

As a memory for his son, Marty sum-

By Michele Mihalovich

Amy Barrysmith, of Issaquah, helps her 2-year-old daughter Cooper work on stretches at an Itsy Bitsy Yoga class offered at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club in Snoqualmie.

“This is the first time she’d ever been exposed to yoga,” Barrysmith said. “She’s really good at the poses. I was surprised.”

But Barrysmith said she also likes the idea of learning calming techniques, which teaches the children how to deal with stressful situations in a healthy way.

“It’s a very fun class and Trina is a wonderful teacher,” she said. “I also love that she has children. You can really tell that when she’s teaching the class.”

mitted and took a picture of Keenan’s Angry Bird stuffed animal on the summit. It wasn’t the same to summit without Keenan and Chris, Marty said. Still, he can’t hide his pride at his son’s efforts both on and off the mountain.

“My greatest hope was that he would go to the top,” he said. “We never pushed him. He pushed himself and far exceeded what we would ever dream would happen.”

Sebastian F. Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@ snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

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Schools

PAGE 10

MARCH 29, 2012

Tina Longwell is 2012 Classified Educator of the Year

By Sebastian F. Moraga For eight hours a day, Tina Longwell makes the octomom look like an amateur.

Most every weekday morning, Longwell’s family grows the way raindrops fall on a tree in North Bend. By the hundreds.

“I kind of feel like I am a mom to 536 kids, from 9:05 to 3:25,” the Opstad Elementary School secretary said, and to hear her tell it, she would not have it any other way.

“I don’t consider it a job,” she said. “I get to go to school every day.”

A former dental office manager turned instructor assistant turned school secretary, Longwell won the 2012 Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation’s Classified Educator of the Year award.

“I never would have thought I would be working in a school,” she said. “Not that I disliked school but it’s not something I ever thought I would have done.

But I love it. I can’t imagine not doing it now.”

Growing up, Longwell loved horses and wanted to run rodeo stock. A back-breaking accident at 18 took care of much of that dream.

“I was going to be the first female rodeo stock runner,” she

said.

Three years ago, she said, someone beat her to that, but odds are that person never won educator of the year.

“Got her beat there,” she added.

Miss Tina, as the children call her, — since saying ‘Longwell’ challenges their blossoming speaking skills — still relishes the change of pace her job affords her. So hectic was her old career at the dental office that being surrounded by hundreds of children, their needs, their wants and their questions, lowered her stress level, she said.

She became an instructor assistant in 2007, and applied for the secretary’s job in 2008.

Longwell’s tasks include that staple of elementary schools: owie overseer.

“I take care of the health room, so I have got kids coming in with minor owies, but they think they are major owies,” she said. “And then you got kids coming in with big owies that are scared, and you have to let them know they are going to be OK.” The owies are not a challenge to Longwell. The challenge lies in wanting to do more for the children than she actually can.

“There are some situations where kids need more, and I

can’t,” she said. “I can just do my best and hope I can make a difference. That’s kind of hard.”

Longwell said she sometimes struggles to not internalize what children are going through. She said she has to remind herself to come back the next day with a fresh approach.

“That’s what I try to tell kids, too,” she said. “‘OK, you’re having a bad day today. Tomorrow we’re going to come in, clean slate, and we are going to have a better day.’”

Few days have been better than when a camera crew surprised her with the news that she had won the award.

“I could not have won this award without this team that (Opstad principal) John Jester has here,” she said.

When she first volunteered at Opstad, years before getting the job, her son was a fourth-grader at the school.

Cody Longwell graduated elementary school and is now a seventh-grader. His mom, on the other hand, said she hopes she never does.

“I love my job, I love my kids,” she said. “There are great kids here.”

Sebastian F. Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

By Sebastian F. Moraga

Tina Longwell and her son Cody, an Opstad Elementary alum. Longwell, secretary at Opstad, received the 2012 Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation’s Classified Educator of the Year award. Longwell started her work at Opstad as a volunteer during her days off from a dental office while her son attended the school.

Mount Si High School culinary program a success in the ‘baking’

By Sebastian F. Moraga

By Sebastian F. Moraga

From left, Jessie Tidball, Steve Webb, Katie Vanbogart and Amber Caudle, all members of Mount Si High School’s Culinary Arts program. The students learn lifelong skills and build strong friendships, all while working in a hectic environment.

Add this to the long list of unusual teenage weekend activities: fixing a meal for 240 people.

That is what more than 80 students in the Mount Si High School culinary arts program did over the weekend of March 24 and 25, for their school’s ASB auction.

Such work is common for the children in the program, who have between 60 and 80 gigs outside of their school each year.

All this work, all this cooking, all this baking and all this dishwashing, has built a cohesive unit of students who take care of business and one another.

“It’s stressful at times because there’s so much stuff we get to do, but it’s fun to be with friends cooking food for all the people here,” said student Zach Sletten. “My parents say, ‘I wish I had that available when I was a kid.’”

Laura Tarp, culinary arts teacher at the high school, said children divide work in six different stations: coldline,

purchasing and receiving, DIG (dishes, inventory, garbage), front, grill, and bake.

The coldline students handle the cold food, salads and sandwiches. The purchasing-andreceiving students have to order everything, take deliveries, read invoices and know whether anything is damaged.

Such is the buy-in from students that Tarp has had children call from their sick beds to alert her about an inventory issue.

“They may be sick but they call and say, ‘Miss Tarp, we are almost out of shake lids,’” Tarp said.

Grill and bake entail just that.

Students on front duty deal with the cash register and beverages like milkshakes. Sometimes the lines get long and the students freak a little bit, but Tarp keeps her cool.

“I have to tell them to stay calm,” she said. An overseer more than a micromanager, Tarp rarely steps in.

One such occasion when she does step in is if a student curses. This is the hospitality busiSee COOK, Page 11

SnoValley Star

MARCH 29, 2012

PAGE 11

Expert applauds school district’s math emphasis at luncheon

By Sebastian F. Moraga Thanks for believing.

Sandi Everlove, interim CEO of Washington STEM, left educators, parents and leaders of the Snoqualmie Valley School District with that message during a luncheon-fundraiser March 22.

Everlove’s organization focuses on the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and math in schools.

She praised the emphasis the district has placed on STEM classes, and encouraged its teachers to share what they have learned with teachers outside the district, so children all over Washington state can learn, she said.

“Imagine sitting in a math class where they are begging for math class to not end because they love it,” she said. “STEM is the career path of the future,

Cook From Page 10 ness, after all, no room for foul language. If a student’s tongue slips, she or he has to do pushups.

“We have to keep our upper body strong,” she said.

Over the course of a semester, students switch stations every week, to keep things interesting.

Students form a cross section of the school, from great singers to math wizards, special needs students and 4.0-GPAers.

The only way to fail this class is by showing up with a bad attitude or not showing up at all, Tarp said. Students receive no homework. The proof of their learning is in the pudding. And in the sandwich, and in the fried

Your news comments welcome!

Aune applauded the foundation’s effort to help teachers and students bring resources to the classrooms of the Valley.

“Please be assured,” he said, “that we are very much appreciative of the support this community has given us in the past. We do not take it for granted it and we look forward to your support in the future.”

and I thank you for everything you’re doing.”

The fundraiser’s keynote speaker, Everlove said the way educators look at mathematics and science needs to change.

Math and science amounts to the “passport to opportunity” for today’s children, Everlove said during the luncheon at Snoqualmie Ridge TPC. “Every kid deserves that opportunity,” she added, stating that more than 180 million nationwide STEM jobs will be available by 2018.

While Everlove called Washington a “STEM-fueled state,” she also said the state’s gap between what children know and need to know about STEM is the second-largest in the nation. Only Delaware’s is larger.

“But we can fix this,” she said. “In Washington State, the average elementary school

kid gets les than two hours of science a week. If we want to change the numbers, we might try getting more science in the classroom and that’s doable.”

She said the same recipe applies to math. Six out of 10 Washington state children would rather take out the garbage than do their math homework, she added.

Prior to Everlove’s speech, district superintendent Joel Aune said the district is committed to STEM. “It is our intent to extend the STEM opportunities in our school,” he said. “We need to educate students for the future, not the past.”

The luncheon is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Snoqualmie Valley School Foundation, and it helps pay for a long list of classroom grants.

The group raised $89,000 this year.

Sebastian F. Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar. com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.

chicken, and in the careers they find after they graduate.

Most students, Tarp said, have a job lined up in the culinary field by the time they are sophomores. Just last week, Jerry Weathers, sous chef at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge heard from two students about jobs.

Weathers is a graduate of Mount Si and Tarp’s program.

Even those who don’t get to wear a cap and gown manage to find success sometimes, Tarp said. A former student of hers who did not graduate is now working as chef in a boat in Alaska, “making some real good money,” she added.

Students outside of the class trust their peers’ cooking abilities, Tarp said. Many have taken Tarp’s creative cooking class, a more narrowly-focused version of home economics.

“They know me, so they know I don’t mess around in the kitchen, when it comes to safety or when it comes to cleanliness,” Tarp said.

Sletten agreed.

“It makes me feel good they make my food for me,” he said.

“I trust a lot of the kids back here.”

Students inside the class form friendships as impenetrable as

overdone steak. Student Camille Neaves, sneaking behind Sletten to cover his eyes with her hands, called him one of her best friends.

“There’s a lot of bonding,” Tarp said. There’s a lot of, ‘Oh, you need help with biology homework? I took that class last year.’”

Several students see themselves holding on to that ladle

By Sebastian F. Moraga

Sandi Everlove spoke in favor of increased availability for sceince and math classes..

once their high school years pass. Tarp said she can’t go to the Snoqualmie Casino without former students recognizing her.

“I want to do everything culinary,” Neaves said. “I want to be a head chef somewhere someday.”

Sebastian F. Moraga, 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

Sports

PAGE 12

MARCH 29, 2012

Mount Si baseball finishes off Redmond with a triple play

By Michele Mihalovich A Mount Si triple play ended the game in a 5-3 win against Redmond High School March 23.

Mount Si pitcher Ross Tassara dove and caught a bunt, hit by

Gunnar Buhner swings at a pitch.

Redmond’s Cody Beliel, for the first out. Tassara then threw the ball to shortstop, Ryan Atkinson, who got the force at second and then tagged out the advancing runner from first base.

“Triple plays are very rare and I have never actually been a part

By Michele Mihalovich

of one, let alone to end a game,” coach Elliot Cribby said after the game.

But it took the Wildcats until the sixth inning before it rallied against the Mustangs.

Redmond had three players cross home plate in the second inning, and it wasn’t until the third that Mount Si saw its first run of the game.

At one point in the bottom of the third, the bases were loaded with Wildcats.

Gunnar Buhner’s pop up was caught by Redmond’s Peter Hendron for the first out. But Wildcat Joey Cotto hit a grounder to centerfield and made it to first base.

Redmond pitcher Kirk Gysler then walked Ryan Atkinson and Carson Breshears. Evan Johnson’s hit allowed Cotto to cross home plate, for the Wildcat’s first run, but catching its second out at second base.

Mount Si missed its chance of possibly tying the game when Trevor Lane blasted a powerful See BASEBALL, Page 13

By Michele Mihalovich

Mount Si pitcher Trevor Taylor winds up for a pitch on March 23 against Redmond High School. He struck out three batters over five innings pitched.

2012 is likely to be a season of learning for Wildcat girls tennis

By Sebastian F. Moraga With a mixture of modesty, humility and plenty of good cheer, the Mount Si Wildcats’ girls tennis team opens another underdog season in the KingCo Conference.

Hampered by its rainy weather, its modest indoor facilities and by its powerhouse neighbors to the west, the Wildcat team nonetheless retains a big dose of enthusiasm, even in the face of matches against behemoths like Mercer Island.

Thirty-six girls turned out for tennis this season, a big number until one realizes than more than 60 turned out last year.

“It’s the lowest we have had in my tenure,” said fourth-year head coach Erik Hanson. “I don’t know if this is the cause, but fees went up from $125 to $175. That might have been a contribution.”

The team’s strength and emphasis is in doubles. Making it through the first rounds of KingCo league championships would make this season a big success.

Through the tough start of the season, with matches against Lake Washington and Mercer

By Sebastian F. Moraga

Cheyenne Dixon, a junior, returns a serve during practice at the Mount Si High School tennis courts. Mount Si has played strong teams to begin the season but the team hopes to be in top form when the more winnable matches come along.

Island, Hanson has remained “He has the right attitude,” Waiting for the scary calm. player Sierra Morin said.

Islanders to show up in

Snoqualmie for a match, the girls practiced hard, laughed plenty and rocked to Bill Haley and the Comets, the latter courtesy of Coach’s stereo.

“We’re not expecting to win,” said senior Trina Eck, “but we are expecting to learn from playing with a faster-paced team, a team that hits better and more accurately.”

Senior Kenzie Parker agreed.

“It’s not about winning or losing, but about learning and having fun with it,” Parker said.

The girls are great, Hanson said, committed to many things outside tennis.

“We try to work hard, have fun, learn and they all get better,” he said.

Still, the road is certainly uphill, with 36 girls practicing in a crowded gym when the weather does not cooperate.

Outdoor practice time grows scarce, with rain making constant cameos.

“I was so mad yesterday,” Eck said. “It was snowing. I was like, ‘It’s the first day of spring!’”

Sebastian F. Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

MARCH 29, 2012

PAGE 13

2012 a building year for girls golf

Scoreboard

By Michele Mihalovich

Soccer

Brandon Proudfoot, coach for the Mount Si High School girls golf team, said 2012 is going to be a year to build his team back up after losing seven players last season.

Three from the 2011 team returned, but Proudfoot said they lost one because of a medical issue, three graduated, two moved away and one decided to join track instead.

This year’s team includes five freshmen, four of whom hadn’t even touched a golf club before joining the team, Proudfoot said.

But at a March 19 jamboree hosted by Mount Si at Mount Si Golf Course, Proudfoot said the girls did pretty well.

“They were pretty raw,” he said. “They did what I would have expected for only practicing for 10 to 15 days. But they played better than I’d hoped.”

At practice, he worked with the girls on just hitting the ball and becoming familiar with the clubs.

Lake Washington, Juanita and Interlake played with Mount Si during the jamboree, which Proudfoot described as a practice session.

He said it’s a great way for the girls to “feel confident in the order of play and game etiquette. Once they get that, the big focus will be on the short game – putting and chip shots – where they can really shave off strokes. I’m working my more experienced players on the same thing. We saw a lot of missteps at the jamboree on chipping and putting.”

Mount Si 3, Liberty 2 Liberty 20-2 Mount Si 12-3 Liberty goals: Daniel Stockman (Josh Johnson) 6:00; Josh Johnson (un) 26:00.

Mount Si goals: Matt Eichler (Aaron Baumgardner) 11:00; Cody Clearman (Alex Censullo) 54:00; Alex Censullo (Erik Stai) 71:00.

Mount Si 1, Sammamish 0 Sammamish 0 0 – 0 Mount Si 1 0 – 1 Mount Si Goals: Chace Carlson (Matt Eichler) 31:00 Shutout: Alex Sanderson

Baseball Mount Si 5, Redmond 3 Redmond 030 000 0 – 3 6 1

Baseball From Page 12

Contributed by Dominique Knoppi

Mount Si High School golfer Kylie Pfiffner, a freshman, lines up to swing at hole four at Mount Si Golf Course. Mount Si hosted a fourschool jamboree at the golf course March 19.

His youngest sibling, Katrina Proudfoot, is one of the freshmen on the team. He said the two of them have never played golf together.

“She hadn’t shown interest before high school,” Proudfoot said. “And then she debated between tennis and golf.”

Golf won, and he said she

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brought three very athletic friends to the team.

“My goal here is to make sure that they are enjoying the game,” Proudfoot said. “We are a young team. But if I can inspire them to play throughout the year, then hopefully they will keep improving. This is a building year.”

hit right into the Redmond centerfielder’s glove.

Neither team got any runs in the fourth or fifth innings.

Mount Si started rallying in the sixth inning after Redmond switched pitchers.

Breshears and Joe Done were both walked. This time, Lane hit the ball to deep center and the centerfielder missed the catch, allowing him to get on base and Breshears to cross home plate.

Reece Karalus bunted the ball, sacrificing himself to keep Done and Lane on bases.

Conner Jensen then hit the ball to centerfield, and Done

Mount Si 001 004 0 – 5 3 1 W: Ross Tassara; L: Adam Cline; 2B: Brent Firth.

Mount Si 5, Kamiakin 4 Mount Si 013 000 1 – 5 5 2 Kamiakin 000 310 0 – 4 8 4 W: Trevor Lane S: Ross Tassara; 2B: Reece Karalus.

Kennewick 4, Mount Si 0 Mount Si 000 000 0 – 0 2 2 Kennewick 003 001 x – 4 3 1 L: Reece Karalus 6IP, 3H, 4R, ER, 7K, BB.

Softball Mount Si 6, Inglemoor 5 Mount Si 050 000 1 – 692 Inglemoor 000 030 2 – 572 W: Kendra Lee; L: Bella Montoya; 2B Rachael Picchena, Britney Stevens, Izzy Riddle; 3B: Izzy Riddle; HR Mickey Blad.

Mount Si 6, Lake Washington 3 Mount Si 002 000 4 – 6 8 1 Lk. Wash. 000 000 3 – 3 12 3 W: Kendra Lee; L: Audrey Sundene. and Lane made two runs.

Redmond switched pitchers again, but Daniel Besmer hit to right field and Jensen ran over home, making it 5-3 Mount Si. “We’ll take the win, but we are not satisfied,” Cribby said.

“We came out really flat with a poor approach at the plate.

Redmond’s pitcher shut us down because we were swinging at his pitches and not our own.

But there was no panic button and we rallied in the last two innings.”

He said, “We had a quality start by Trevor Taylor and our bench stepped up at the end of the game, which was huge.”

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 14

MARCH 29, 2012

Senator sponsors bill to reform Medicaid, recover dollars

By Warren Kagarise Lawmakers — including local State Sen. Cheryl Pflug — passed legislation to crack down on Medicaid fraud and recover taxpayer funds.

The measure, Senate Bill 5978 or the Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act, aims to create additional tools for the state to pursue Medicaid fraud.

Supporters said the effort could raise millions of dollars in fraud recoveries in the years ahead.

The legislation is modeled on a longstanding federal program.

The measure relies on whistleblower tips to learn about fraud from health care companies out to defraud the state Medicaid system.

The act encourages health care company employees to alert state regulators to fraud. The legislation then awards a portion of funds recovered during a successful investigation.

Medicaid is health insurance for qualifying low-income and needy people. Experts from the National Conference of State Legislatures estimate the cost of Medicaid fraud accounts for between 3 percent and 10 percent of total expenditures for the program. Washington spent $8.5 billion on Medicaid last year — and recovered less than $20 million in fraud.

Pflug, a registered nurse and a 5th Legislative District Republican, signed on as the bill’s prime sponsor. (The district includes Issaquah and East King County.)

“Without this tough enhancement of our False Claims Act, our state has been almost powerless against the corporate culprits who defraud taxpayers through false Medicaid claims,” she said in a statement. “Fraud only leads to higher health-care costs, and as the Medicaid program grows the need to deter fraud grows as well. This bill also would help take away the incentive to commit fraud — to

Ledbetter elected to King Conservation District board Issaquah resident Christopher “Kit” Ledbetter is the latest addition to the King Conservation District board after a littlenoticed, uncontested election.

Ledbetter, longtime parks and recreation director for SeaTac municipal government, earned a supervisor seat on the board of the conservation district — the agency responsible for promoting sustainable use of natural resources, and providing inforSee ELECT, Page 16

discourage the egregious corporate schemes that have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars.”

The measure passed 40-9 in the Senate on March 8. The legislation cleared the state House of Representatives, 56-42, the same day. The bill heads to Gov. Chris Gregoire to be signed into law.

Pflug joined another senator, Kent Democrat Karen Keiser, to support the bipartisan bill.

“The bill allows us to be party to over 100 ongoing cases of multistate fraud around the country that already exist and are under way, that we are denied access to right now,” said Keiser, Senate Health and Long

Term Care Committee chairwoman. “In the last three years, Washington has missed out on our proportionate share of over $1 billion. Leaving such sums on the table during these difficult times is simply unacceptable. I’m proud that members of both parties were able to come together to enact this legisla-

tion.”

Pflug and Keiser joined forces last year to pass a similar measure, but after the bill passed the Senate, the House failed to act on the legislation.

Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www. issaquahpress.com.

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Calendar

MARCH 29, 2012

Public meetings q North Bend Finance and Administration Committee, 4 p.m. April 3, City Hall, 211 Main Ave. N q North Bend City Council, 7 p.m. April 3, 17, Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S q North Bend Public Health and Safety, 4 p.m. April 10, City Hall q North Bend Planning Commission, 7 p.m. April. 12, City Hall q North Bend Community and Economic Development Committee, 1:30 p.m. April 17, Community and Economic Development office, 126 E. Fourth St. q North Bend Transportation and Public Works Committee, 3:45 p.m.

April 18, Public Works office, 1155 E. North Bend Way q North Bend Economic Development Commission, 7:45 a.m. April 19, Community and Economic Development office q The Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. March 29, has been cancelled.

Music/entertainment q Gigs for Guatemala fundraiser, dinner, open mic and silent auction, 6-9 p.m.

March 29, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 831-DOGS (3647) q Katy Bourne Duo, 7 p.m.

March 29, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, 292-9307 q Tim Hickey and Jazz Strings, 7:30 p.m. March 30, The Black Dog q Frank Kohl Trio, 7 p.m.

March 30, Boxley’s q The Left Coast Gypsies, CD release party, 8 p.m. March 31, The Black Dog q Mike Antone, 8 p.m.

March 31, The Black Dog. q Dennis Hastings, 7 p.m.

March 31, Boxley’s q Ravinwolf, 8 p.m. March 31, Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie q Valley Center Stage presents “Leisure Time Presents The Billy Dupree Show,” 7:30 p.m. March 30-31, Valley Center Stage. The show is a spoof of the old-time radio shows. Tickets are $10 to $12.50. q Danny Kolke Trio, 6 p.m.

April 1, 8, 15, Boxley’s q John Hansen, 7 p.m. April 4, Boxley’s q Janette West and Eric Verlinde, 7 p.m. April 5, Boxley’s q Peace Frog, 8 p.m. April 6, The Black Dog q Kareem Kandi Trio, 7 p.m.

April 6, Boxley’s q Michael Kirkpatrick, 7:30 p.m. April 7, The Black Dog q Graye and Green Quartet,

Vintage tunes at the Black Dog

PAGE 15

April 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30

Contributed

Tim Hickey will perform at the Black Dog Cafe, playing music from 70, 80 and 90 years ago. Show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

March 30.

7 p.m. April 7, Boxley’s q Jesse Brewster and Cyndi Harvell, 6:30 p.m. April 9, The Black Dog q Darin Clendenin and Friends, 7 p.m. April 11, Boxley’s q Zachary Kellogg 4, 7 p.m.

April 12, Boxley’s q Valley Green, 8 p.m. April 13, The Black Dog q Milo Petersen Trio, 7 p.m.

April 13, Boxley’s q Jonathan Nicholson, 7:30 p.m. April 14, The Black Dog q Greg Williamson Quartet, 7 p.m. April 14, Boxley’s

Events q SnoValley Idol Junior Finals, 6 p.m. March 30, Mount Si High School Auditorium, 8651 Meadowbrook Way S.E., Snoqualmie q International Fly Fishing Film Festival, 7 p.m. March 30, North Bend Theatre, 125 Bendigo Blvd., North Bend.

Tickets $10 in advance, $15 at door. Go to www.flyfilmfest.com to purchase. q Collages by North Bend artists Susan Olds and Audrey Zeder will be on display at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, Monday through Friday through March 31, free, 888-3434 q SnoValley Indoor Playground, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays when school is in session, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive.

A donation of $1 per child per visit is appreciated. q Meadowbrook 101, learn about the future and past

of these unique 460 acres of land between Snoqualmie and North Bend, 10 a.m. March 31, Meadowbrook Farm, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. q Tree planting at Three Forks Natural Area, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 31, 39912 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie q Tween Scene, after-school activities, at Snoqualmie Valley YMCA. Fifth-graders engage in fun and unique activities while remaining physically active, getting homework help and learning leadership skills. Call 2563115 for more information. q Kids U Session 3B, after-school activities at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA focusing on science, arts, reading and sports, challenging children and stretching their imaginations.

Call 256-3115 for a list of classes and more information. q Sallal Grange Community Games Night, 7 p.m. last Wednesday of each month.

Please consider bringing a small monetary donation to help the Grange keep organizing events like this, www.sallalgrange.org. q Sallal Grange swap meet, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 31, 12912 432nd Ave. S.E. North Bend.

Contact rummage@sallalgrange. org to reserve a table or to learn more. Tables are $20 each. q Fashion show, 2-5 p.m.

April 1, Snoqualmie Ridge TPC, tickets $20 per person, $160 for a full table. All proceeds to benefit the Mount Si Senior Center.

For tickets, call 888-3434. q Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt, 8:30 p.m. April 6, Centennial Park, 39903 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie. For children grades 6-12. Free admission. Bring your

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own flashlight. q Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Moose Lodge. 9 a.m. April 7, at Si View Park.

Free admission. Pancake breakfast follows hunt, children eat free. For children in fifth grade or younger. q Youth Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.

April 7, Centennial Park, ages 2-12. Free admission. q Kids Night Out, crafts, baking, playing games, watching movies, maybe even taking a dip in the pool. All the while giving parents a much deserved break.

6 p.m. April 13. Must register by the prior Wednesday. Call Si View Community Center at 8311900. $20 registration fee.

North Bend Library The following events take place at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. q Snoqualmie Valley Chess Club, 7 p.m. Thursdays. Learn to play chess or get a game going; all ages/skill levels welcome. q Tax preparation assistance, 10 a.m. Wednesdays through April 11. Everyone welcome regardless of income and age. q Study Zone, 4 p.m. March 29, 12, 3 p.m. April 9, 10, 16, 17, 7 p.m. April 11. Free tutoring for grades K-12. q Game On! 3 p.m. March 30, April 6, 13. Play Xbox 306, PlayStation and Nintendo, “Guitar Hero” and “Dance Dance Revolution.” Board games and snacks available. q Spanish/English Story Time, 11 a.m. March 31. All ages welcome with adult. q Special Needs Story Time, 10 a.m, April 14. Targeting ages 3 to 6, children of all ages and abilities welcome. q Merry Monday Story Time, 11 a.m. April 2, 16.

Newborns to age 3 with adult.

Siblings and other children welcome. q Job Club, 2 p.m. April 2, 9, 16. Connect with fellow job seekers for support and networking. q EReader assistance, 6 p.m.

April 2, 9, 16. Learn how to download library eBooks to your eReader or computer. q English as a second language classes, 6:30 p.m. April 2, 9. q First Tuesday Book Club, 7 p.m. April 3, discussion of “They

Almost Always Come Home,” by Cynthia Ruchti. q Toddler Story Time, 9:30 a.m., April 3, 10, 17. Ages 2-3 with adult. q Preschool Story Time, 10:30 a.m. April 3, 10, 17. Ages 3-6 with adult, siblings welcome. q Pajamarama Story Time, 6:30 p.m. April 4, 11, all young children welcome with adult. q One-on-one Computer Assistance, 1 p.m April 4, 11, for adults. q SnoValley Writers Work Group, 3 p.m. April 8. Join other local writers for writing exercises, critique and lessons on voice, plot and point of view.

Adults only. q Friends of the North Bend Library meeting, 9:30 a.m. April 9. q Microsoft Excel classes, level 3, 7 p.m. April 10. Basic understanding of Excel and experience making and saving spreadsheets required. q Conducting Effective Interview Conversations in the New Economy, 7 p.m. April 10.

Learn what it takes to give a successful job interview nowadays. q Auntie Lena’s African Stories, 2 p.m. April 14. Auntie Lena and her friend Possum are back to tell more African stories.

Snoqualmie Library The following events take place at the Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. q EReader Assistance, 11 a.m. March 29, April 5, 12.

Learn how to download library eBooks to your eReader or computer. q Preschool Story Times,1:30 p.m., April 2, 9, 16; 10:30 a.m.

March 28, April 4, 11; ages 3-6 with adult q Study Zone, 3 p.m. April 10, 17. Free tutoring for grades K-12. q Young Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m, April 4, 11, ages 6-24 months with adult q Anime and Manga Club, 3 p.m. April 4 and 11. Watch anime movies, eat popcorn and practice anime drawing. q Pajama Story Times, 7 p.m. March 29, April 5, 12. All young children welcome with adult. q Purl One, Listen, Too, knitting program, 1 p.m. April 5. q Friends of the Snoqualmie Library meeting, 6 p.m. April 12. q Spanish-English Story Time, 10:30 April 14. All ages welcome. q Landscape tree pruning workshop, 3 p.m. April 14. q EReaders and Mobile devices workshop, 7 p.m. April 16.

Submit an item for the community calendar by emailing smoraga@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 16

Elect From Page 14 mation and technical assistance to landowners.

Landowners fund the district through a $10-per-parcel assessment fee.

In 2011, the district shifted to online elections in a push to boost turnout. King County

Elections does not administer district elections.

Instead, the district relied on Bellevue-based Election Trust and Scytl USA to coordinate the balloting.

Though the district encompasses most of the more than 1.1 million registered voters in the county, anemic turnout defined recent conservation district elections.

Ledbetter received 205 out

of 216 votes cast during the monthlong election. Other votes went to write-in candidates.

Beware 9-1-1 phone solicitation scam

The Washington State Emergency Management Division reported that residents of Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other states have received calls from some-

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one requesting money for 9-1-1 services.

The caller claims residents must pay a fee to register their house in a 9‑1‑1 database so that first responders can locate the home in an emergency, according to a press release from the city of Snoqualmie.

The caller also requests names and medical information from the residents.

This is a scam — 9-1-1 services are funded through dedicated 9-1-1 excise taxes on telephone bills and by other local government funds.

Any request for 9-1-1 funds over the phone is a fraud.

Residents who receive such calls should hang up and report the suspicious call to their local police department’s nonemergency phone number.

The Snoqualmie Police Department business line is 8883333.

State website is meant to crack down on fraud

Several state agencies have rolled out a tool to help protect consumers from fraud.

The agency encourages consumers to go to www.suspectfraud.com to see if a business is registered and in good standing.

In addition, links on suspectfraud.com allow consumers to check to see if a registered business is properly licensed, owes the state taxes, has had complaints filed against it or is the subject of state enforcement actions.

The site is a collaboration among the state departments of Revenue, Labor & Industries, and Employment Security to cut down on businesses operating beyond regulators’ reach and to pursue tax evaders.

Concerned citizens also can use the site to notify the agencies about possible tax evasion or other types of fraud, such as illegally claiming unemploy-

ment benefits, billing the state for unnecessary medical services, or evading state taxes on boats, planes and vehicles.

Summer firefighters for forest lands needed

Citizens can join the fight against forest fires, as the state Department of Natural Resources seeks firefighters for summer positions.

The state agency responsible for conservation lands and open space needs to fill engine leader and squad boss positions.

Department of Natural Resources officials said serving as a member of a handcrew or wildland fire engine crew offers a chance for motivated people interested in a career in natural resource management to gain fundamental experience.

Candidates must be 18 or older.

Individuals must be willing and capable of performing strenuous outdoor work safely and productively. Candidates must also accept direction and act responsibly.

The agency provides safety clothing and training needed for the job.

The duration is usually three to four months. Work starts in about mid-June and ends midSeptember.

Candidates can learn more at the Department of Natural Resources employment website, http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ AboutDNR/Employment/Pages/ Home.aspx.

Send us your pictures SnoValley Star welcomes original photography contributions.

We give priority to local content. Information about the photo and the photographer’s name are required.

The deadline is noon on the Friday before the publication.

Send photos to: Editor@snovalleystar.com.

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