snovalleystar071912

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

True warrior Page 8

July 19, 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 29

Property tax hike Snoqualmie may ask voters to increase tax levy.

Page 2

Remember a founder Children of a Truck Town founder remember him.

Page 3

Fire station starting

By Mary Miller

North Bend set to start construction on facility.

Page 3

A long lineup of concerts and shows packed in the crowds at the Downtown Block Party. Spike and the Impalers, a Seattle-area band headlined a strong queue of shows that lasted for more than 10 hours.

Police blotter

Hundreds come to 4th annual block party

Page 10

By Sebastian Moraga

By Sebastian Moraga

Natalie Clavero, 10, beams with joy at the sight of a Patagonian Cavy, a large rodent rescued from a home in Olympia. The petting zoo was one of several attractions that lured children and grownups alike to downtown North Bend July 14.

Rockin’ the fields Caspar Babypants will entertain Snoqualmie.

Page 6

Hopes and dreams were dashed by a homicidal husband and father

By Michele Mihalovich

National kicks Local student plays on national footbal team Page 8

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

With a smile that could light up a stadium, Natalie Clavero welcomed a new best friend onto her lap.

“You can always tell when she’s excited,” said Natalie’s stepmom Laura, holding the 10-year-old girl’s hand so she

The hopes and dreams of many went up in flames when Peter Keller made a calculated decision to kill his wife and daughter and set his North Bend house on fire April 22.

Peter shot Lynnettee Keller, 41, and Kaylene Keller, 18, in the backs of their heads while they slept. He then set the house on fire to destroy any evidence and fled to a bunker on Rattlesnake Ridge that police believe he began carving out in 2004.

King County Detective Robin Cleary, the lead investigator, said ballistics tests confirm that one of the guns found with Peter in the bunker was used to kill the two women.

Kaylene, a 2011 Mount Si graduate, was an artist, her boy-

friend Carson Brammer said.

She was good at art, painting and creating worlds in video games, as well as playing them.

“She was good at everything she did,” he said. “She was perfect.”

He dreamed of marrying Kaylene one day.

Kaylene dreamed of attending DigiPen Institute of Technology, a world-renowned leader in education and research in computer interactive technologies in Redmond.

She had a passion for video game design and most recently worked as a video game tester.

“It was crazy to want to go there because it’s so expensive,” Brammer said. “Her family could never have afforded that.”

So the two of them attended Bellevue College together,

studying video game design.

He had to take a break from school after the tragedy. It’s just been too much for him to handle, he said.

Lynnettee, whose family described her as the sweetest person with the biggest heart, loved giving back to the community.

Her sister said Lynnettee bought Christmas gifts for families she selected from Chrismas Giving Trees.

Brammer said Lynnettee adored her daughter.

“She was always hugging her,” he said.

Lynnettee loved crafting and scrapbooking, and even had her own YouTube channel with nearly 700 followers.

Lynnettee posted 161 videos See KELLER, Page 3

could rub the fur on a live bunny.

Natalie did not say a word, as her cerebral palsy keeps her from talking. But the way she stretched her arms and torso, plus the thousand-watt smile made it clear that this was not See BLOCK, Page 2

Bank robber still at large

By Michele Mihalovich The man who robbed a North Bend bank at gunpoint July 6 is suspected of similar, unsolved crimes in California where police say he shot a patrol officer.

A press release from the King County Sheriff’s Office said the robber in California has been dubbed “The AK-47 Bandit,” and should be considered armed and dangerous.

North Bend Police Chief Mark Toner said a man walked into Chase Bank at about 6 p.m., immediately raised a black assault rifle with a drum magazine, and began barking orders.

“The teller saw the gun and knew immediately they were See ROBBER, Page 2

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

JULY 19, 2012

Snoqualmie may ask voters for property tax hike Robber

By Michele Mihalovich The Snoqualmie City Council will vote July 23 on whether to put an operations levy on the November general election ballot, which city officials say is needed to help maintain the current levels of police, fire, and emergency medical services, and preserve basic maintenance of streets, parks and trails.

The cost of the measure would be 24 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a $413,000 home, the cost amounts to a little less than $100 per year, or about $8 per month.

Block From Page 1

just another day for her.

This was the fourth annual North Bend Downtown Block Party, a day where smiles like Clavero’s could be found on children from the Valley and beyond.

The petting zoo was one attraction at the event, which once again gathered crowds in the center of town, to enjoy games, music, food, contests and booths.

Artists filled a long schedule of concerts, from noon to 10 p.m., with acts like Valley musicians Future Jazz Heads All-Stars and headliners Spike and the Impalers.

When it came to kiddie

“The operations levy, if passed, would be permanent,” said Rob Orton, the city’s finance officer. “In 2013, the new rate would be $2.99 per $1,000 of assessed property value. In years after 2013, the levy resulting from the 2013 lid lift would become the new base for calculating levy limits, so a 1 percent annual increase could be made in subsequent years.”

Mayor Matt Larson said in a June email that the financial problem the city is facing in trying to maintain the current level of service is threefold.

One, costs for basic city services have increased annually by approximately 3 percent,

while the city has only been allowed by state law to increase property taxes annually by 1 percent.

Two, he said, decreases in federal, state and county revenue impact capital improvement projects because cities, like Snoqualmie, can no longer count on grant money like it had.

And three, “The economy.

Same story as all others,” he said. “Less housing, retail and business activity equals less city revenue, yet many of the demands on city services remain the same. Public works maintains street and utilities, and the police patrol whether

businesses and neighborhoods prosper or decline.”

To address this issue, the city has implemented many belt-tightening measures over the past several years, including an ongoing hiring freeze on new positions, elimination of cost-of-living increases for management, savings in health and insurance costs, and cutting replacement equipment for the fire, public works, and parks departments, according to the press release.

“We started with belttightening, but it alone is not a long-term solution,” said

stuff, though, nothing could dampen the draw of the petting zoo. Not even the puffy balls rocketing off a giant slingshot, located right next to the petting zoo.

That’s what happens, John Connolly, owner of Issaquahbased Animal Encounters said, when you have live bunnies.

Nothing trumps the shy carroteaters.

“We could have a unicorn and nobody would pay attention to it because we have baby rabbits.”

Children braved the location of the petting zoo for a chance to see the rabbits, chickens, wallabies and other critters.

One of them was Superman.

“We call him Superman because when we rescued him he was so thin,” said Kim Connolly, John’s wife, of a

large rodent called a Patagonian cavy. “He needed a coat and the only coat was red and it draped over his body, and when he slept, he slept with his arms straight out.”

The cavy is now almost half-a-year old. They live to be about 10 to 12 years old, Kim said. Exotic as he was, he still fell behind in popularity from the bunnies and other more kid-savvy animals.

“The chickens hatched in the classroom,” said Kim, a teacher. “So they have been around kids, literally, since the moment they were born.”

Most of the children around the animals July 14 had only seen animals like these in books, Kim said.

“This is not Natalie’s first time at a petting zoo, but it’s the first time she has had that

much interaction with the animals,” Laura said.

On the other hand, the Connollys have plenty of interaction with animals. Besides the petting zoo, they hold presentations at local schools of reptiles, invertebrates and other animals.

“It’s definitely a lot of work,” said John who added some animals need a lot of attention.

Still, people like Natalie and her pearly whites make it all worthwhile.

“It’s my reward,” he said, “to have a job that makes people happy.”

And Natalie was happy, said Laura, no question about it.

“Her eyes light up and her arms straighten and she’ll try to stand,” Laura said. “You just learn to read it in her expression.”

See LEVY, Page 10

From Page 1 getting robbed,” Toner said.

“They were very frightened, but they stayed calm and did exactly what he asked.”

Six people, customers and employees, were in the store at the time of the robbery, but Toner said no one was hurt.

According to the press release, the suspect parked his vehicle directly in front of the North Bend bank, making no attempt to hide it.

The vehicle is described as a reddish-orange, very dirty/ dusty, Jeep (perhaps a Liberty or Patriot). It may have out-of-state license plates with a prominent blue stripe across the top of the plates.

The spare tire was rearmounted and the cover may have a multicolored design.

The suspect is described as 5-feet-10-inches to 6-feet tall with a heavy build and dark hair. His shirt was a two-tone gray, vertically striped, buttonup long sleeve. He wore baggy blue jeans and black or dark boots and his forearms were described as “very hairy,” Toner said.

Law enforcement released a video of the North Bend robbery, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =xsD5dfozWsM&feature=plcp.

This makes the third time a North Bend bank has been robbed since 1997. Bank of America was robbed in 2001 by a suspect handing a teller a note, Toner said.

In November 2009, Sterling Savings was also robbed with a note. Toner said the 58-year-old North Bend man in that bank robbery was arrested, charged and convicted.

“This is the first ‘take over’style robbery we’ve had in recent history,” he said, adding that those types of robberies can be “particularly dangerous due to the presence of the weapon and the excited state that the (suspect) is in during the event.”

King County Major Crimes is working the case, and is asking the public to give any information to Detective Mike Mellis at 206-263-2086, or to call 911.

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

SnoValley Star

JULY 19, 2012

PAGE 3

Children pay tribute to their father, founder of Truck Town

The Rogers brothers, Hadley (third from the left) and Neil (far right).

Hadley and Neil ran the truck stop in east North Bend for almost 30 years. Hadley died in June of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. household. at one point or another,” she They remembered his faith, said, later adding that having Calhoun said, which showed family as co-workers was chalwhen he built a chapel in the lenging but fun. truck stop.

“I think he really was glad “We wanted it to be a place he got to work with his famwhere truck drivers felt safe ily,” Calhoun said. “He really bringing their kids,” Calhoun enjoyed every day.” said.

One time, Rogers showed a They remembered his care teenage Calhoun a sheet filled of family, which showed in the with signatures under the headcommon last names among the ing “Who wants to date my employees. daughter.”

“All the cousins worked there Rogers, Calhoun said, told

her he had posted that at work for two weeks. Calhoun wanted to crawl under a rock. In truth, Rogers collected signatures from truckers telling them he wanted to play a prank on his daughter.

Prank over, he returned to Dad mode. “Don’t call these numbers, because they may be real,” Calhoun said he told her.

You did not need to be at work to play when Rogers was around.

Dad and daughter would compete on who could grow the largest pumpkin, and Rogers would try to sabotage the Calhoun’s patch, inevitably forgetting about the automatic sprinkler system. He would soak and Kim would laugh.

You did not even need to be family to partake in the chuckles.

One time, the truck stop ran out of ranch dressing, Calhoun said, so an employee named Wanda made some from scratch.

On her way to the cooler, she slipped and fell, bathing everything in sight in the stuff.

“Dad walked in,” said Calhoun, “and said, ‘Could you do it again? I missed it.’”

Now it’s Calhoun and her brother Brian who are missing him, although his presence remains in many ways. Like

the fact that righty siblings Brian and Kim have nothing but southpaw children, just like Rogers was.

Watching Rogers lose his battle against Alzheimer’s’ was very difficult, Brian said.

“It’s as if pieces of his personality slowly disappear,” he said.

“He started telling the same stories over and over again and he had always been very dead-on.

Then bits and pieces of those stories started going.”

Even in the midst of his last great fight, Calhoun said, Rogers took time to think of others. He feared embarrassing his family once the disease worsened.

“He was always so sweet,” Calhoun said. “He had a love for people.”

For the last two years of his life, he lived in special care in Bellevue. He now rests in the same city where his father started the truck stop back when it was called Ken’s Café in 1941, buried near his brother and nephew.

True to his nature as a lover of people, Roger is probably making friends and chatting people up in heaven says Brian.

And not just anybody.

“Moses, Noah, Abraham,” he said. “He wanted to sit down and chat with all those guys.”

present.

Residents are asked to spray with a product containing glyphosate, which is sold by the brand name “Roundup” and other brands.

An organic alternative is undiluted white vinegar, which can be sprayed or poured directly on the weeds in the sidewalk joints/cracks. It is best used on a warm day when weeds are actively growing.

Call 831-4919 or dhumes@

The city of North Bend is inviting the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new fire station at 11 a.m. July 25 at 500 Maloney Grove Ave. S.E. City officials, representatives

of Fire District 38 and Eastside Fire & Rescue will be in attendance.

Citizens in North Bend and Fire District 38 service areas approved a construction bond to pay for the station. Following a competitive bidding process, the construction contract was awarded to Kirtley-Cole Associates for a little less than $4.1 million.

According to a press release from the city of North Bend, the

need for a new station had been discussed over the past few years and intensified when significant structural and asbestos problems were identified in the 60-yearold building.

“We are happy to be breaking ground,” said North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing in the press release.

“We owe it to our citizens to have a safe building. Not only for our trucks and life support vehicles, but especially the firefighters who live in the facility.”

macies,” he said. “I won’t have to worry about Lynnettee and Kaylene anymore … at least it won’t be boring.”

Peter looks at the camera in one video and describes his thoughts about “the project,” and said, “I used to think this whole thing is crazy. But with time, it just all makes sense now.

I don’t feel bad about it. It’s just the way it is.”

Police found a notebook from 2003, where Peter sketched drawings of a bunker he imagined building.

He wrote notes describing that the bunker would have multiple chambers, with labs for research, and mentioned nanobots and viruses.

“He’d obviously been planning this for weeks, months, years actually,” King County

Sheriff Steve Strachan said at the press conference.

“Two beautiful people were killed in their beds by someone they trusted,” he said. “That he had breakfast with them, went to the store with them and knew all along that he planned to kill them … it’s incomprehensible … it’s evil.”

Lynnettee and Kaylene’s family attended the press conference, and Lynnettee’s sister Kimberly Rocha-Pearson read a statement to the press, mostly thanking law enforcement for the quick resolution and to the community for showing kindness.

Strachan asked the media beforehand to not ask the family about the murders or Peter.

“It’s still too raw, still too new for them,” he said.

Rocha-Pearson did say that

a scholarship has been set up to “ensure that their memories live on,” and that a portion of the tens of thousands of dollars found in the bunker would be used for the scholarship.

The fund, established at the Seattle Foundation, will be used for females who want to attend DigiPen, like Kaylene did.

“That’s the best way we have been able to deal with this,” Rocha-Pearson said. “We have to know that some kind of good has come out of this.”

Contributions can be made at www.seattlefoundation.org/ Kaylene or www.Kaylenesfund. com.

By Sebastian Moraga With tears in her eyes, Kim Calhoun can’t help but smile.

The memories are just too sweet.

For decades, she said, her father guided his family and his work at the family’s truck stop in east North Bend with faith in his heart and a smile on his face.

“He was such a good dad,” Calhoun said of Hadley Rogers, founder and for 30 years coowner of Truck Town in east North Bend, who died June 15 at 76 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Back then, when Ken’s Truck Stop was his and Kim was one of his employees, Hadley made friends with his customers and turned co-workers into families.

He also turned Truck Town into one of the more recognizable locations in the Valley.

The business no longer bears that name since the family sold it in 2003, but Calhoun said people still refer to it as Truck Town.

The same way people who had not worked with Rogers for years still remembered the man at his life celebration June 30.

They remembered his kindness, Calhoun said, that showed when truckers needing a place to stay found one at the Rogers’

Help control weeds in North Bend sidewalks A landscaping contractor for the city of North Bend will be spraying herbicide on city streets near curbs to prevent grass and weeds from damaging streets, according to a city press release.

North Bend is asking residents to help with grass and weed control by spraying cracks between the sidewalk squares in front of their homes when weeds are

Keller From Page 1 where she shared her love for crafting with others. The last video she ever filmed was the day before her death. Most of her videos received roughly 200 views.

Her last one has accumulated more than 4,300, serving as a memorial where people post heartfelt, goodbye messages to Lynnettee and her daughter.

Peter, 41, liked videotaping himself as well.

At a press conference in Burien on July 12, the King County Sheriff’s Office released videos they found in the bunker where Peter shot himself in the

Contributed photo

mouth during a standoff with police April 28.

The videos, which can be found at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aodgtiB7ShE, were filmed in or near the bunker about two weeks before the shootings, and show a calm man describing what he calls “the end,” when he drops out of society and “starts this project.”

During the thick of things, when police were searching for him, he was described as a gun enthusiast, computer repairman and survivalist preparing for the “end of the world.”

But the videos show a man who is simply bored with the monotony of everyday life — going to work and having to pay bills.

“I’m comfortable thinking about robbing banks and phar-

ci.snoqualmie.wa.us for more information.

Groundbreaking ceremony for new fire station July 25

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

Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Keller’s last videos leave us confounded

New search-and-rescue site needed

The community had hoped that as King County Sheriff’s Office dug deeper into the Keller family investigation, it might find answers as to why Peter Keller murdered his wife and daughter in April.

We did get some answers with the release of several videos Keller filmed a few weeks before the double-homicide of Lynnettee and Kaylene, but it didn’t provide the closure we’d hoped for.

Instead, we’re angry and deeply disturbed by the selfish actions of one man, who left a wake of violence in his path simply because he was bored with life and looking for excitement.

Keller says in the videos that going to work and paying bills “freaks me out.” He said he’s a lot more comfortable with the idea of “robbing banks and pharmacies. At least it won’t be boring. At least it’ll be exciting.”

Life can sometimes be monotonous. Going to work Monday through Friday can be a bore. Paying bills, keeping a roof over our heads and food in our bellies, can sometimes feel suffocating.

But sane people change careers, get different jobs or seek marriage counseling. Sane people develop hobbies to fight the ennui of everyday life.

One could argue that Keller did have a hobby. Digging a multiple-chambered bunker into the side of the mountain could be considered a hobby. But if you can’t tell another living soul about your hobby, alarm bells should be going off.

Peter said in one video that he used to think that his plans — presumably his plans to murder his wife and daughter and then drop out of society — were “crazy,” but as time went on, it just started to make sense.

If you first get the idea that shooting family members sounds crazy, know this: it absolutely IS crazy and you need to get help immediately.

Two beautiful women are dead, along with any hopes and dreams they had for themselves, simply because life wasn’t exciting enough for Peter Keller.

WEEKLY POLL Do you feel well informed about the freshman learning center?

A. Yes. I like where this is going and I support it.

B. No. The school district has yet to answer all of our questions.

C. Yes. All details may not all be ironed out, but the basics are clear and in place.

D. No. The information has been vague at best.

E. Don’t know/don’t care Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto

Publisher

Kathleen R. Merrill

Managing editor

MIchele Mihalovich

Editor

Jill Green

Advertising manager

Sebastian Moraga

Published by

ISSAQUAH PRESS, INC. P.O. Box 1328 Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: 392-6434 Fax: 392-1695

Ari Cetron

Reporter Page designer

Michelle Comeau

Advertising rep.

MAIL SUBSCRIPTION

$30 per year Call 392-6434

The need for search-andrescue missions is a necessity of living, working and playing this close to the wilderness.

However, it’s time to find a new staging area for search-andrescue missions into Central Cascades wilderness areas.

North Bend’s Torguson Park is a busy community park – no less than six different activities are available. During the recent missing hiker incident, the valley was enjoying some of the best weather this year.

For days, there was no access to this community space. It was handed over to search-and-rescue crews, up to three helicopters, K-9 units, and a fuel truck.

At approximately 4:30 p.m.

July 9, once the sad news came that the missing hiker was dead, a body bag was unloaded out of search-and-rescue helicopter at Torguson Park. But, no appropriate vehicle to transport the deceased was anywhere in sight.

They put the body in the firstbase dugout of the Torguson’s Majors field, where many a family’s children play, including the Challenger League.

It was nearly another two

JULY 19, 2012 hours before the body was moved out of that dugout and transported out of the park.

I can appreciate that there may have been some lag in the chain of custody for the body.

But, a kid’s playing field? The handling of this poor hiker’s remains seemed very mismanaged, not to mention poorly placed.

This is not to take anything away from the crews that volunteer, or whose occupation it is to participate in these missions.

They are a rare breed and helped to bring closure to the hiker’s family by locating and retrieving his remains. However, the bottom line is that Torguson Park is a place for community. It is not a place for emergency operations.

It’s easy to think of several other places that would be better as a staging area in times of search-and-rescue operations, which would not impact residents and homes and our children.

For instance, the fire-training center off exit 38 where they train emergency response personnel is a good candidate.

It’s time for our leaders in North Bend, King County, and search-and-rescue to make sure this happens.

Casondra Brewster North Bend

Still confused Does anyone understand Snoqualmie Valley Hospital’s finances? They gave away $14 million dollars to Snoqualmie Tribe, settling the tribe’s debt for 50 cents on the dollar.

The commissioners said it was a good deal for the hospital and a good deal for the tribe. Well, I think they are half right. The tribe is laughing all the way to the bank.

Commissioner Kevin Hauglie stated that the $14 million they received could have a future cash value of $16.8 million.

Wait a minute! According to a contract between SVH and Leisure Time, the first monies received from the Tribe goes to settle Leisure Time’s suit against the hospital. Now, the $14 million is cut in half.

The hospital is down to $7 million. Because of Leisure Time’s suit, effectively, SVH received 25 cents on the dollar.

Way to go guys!

Spin it any way you want.

You gave away millions of dollars of the hospital district’s money. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Tell the truth. You’re broke again or you wouldn’t have done it. Ah well, perhaps Mr. Hauglie can run $7 See LETTERS, Page 10

Home Country

How to finish a book

By Slim Randles There are so many things to consider when writing a book, Dud thought. Sometimes, as now in the middle of a hot summer night, he wondered how anyone actually finishes a book.

The odyssey of his writing passion, tentatively called “Murder in the Soggy Bottoms” by him and “The Duchess and the Truck Driver” by the rest of his friends, is a case in point.

It began several years ago as a murder mystery, but was rejected for having eight murders in the first chapter. He then peeled it down to three, but couldn’t figure out what to do to the other five former victims who seriously needed killing.

Then he married Anita and he decided to concentrate more on the love angle, the American truck driver on secret assignment to the duchess’s European realm. They fell in love at the truck stop below the hill holding her castle, he knew that, all right. And then Marvin Pincus started fixing up the love lives of several of us here in the valley, and Dud was sent journalistically careening off into more conundrums, because he admired Marvin’s work and

tried to discover how to fit it into a European truck stop murder and love drama. It was hard.

Did Mark Slim Randles Twain have to go through Columnist all this just to introduce Tom and Huck to the world of literature? How long did Louis L’Amour ponder and sweat before finally figuring out how to fix Ange Kerry up with Tell Sackett?

And then there was the

byline problem. ‘Dud Campbell’ just didn’t have that … salable ring to it. I mean, we all know what a dud is, don’t we? So he decided to initialize himself.

How about H. Dudley Campbell?

Or W. Dudley Campbell? He wanted his friends to know he’d written the thing, but he also wanted to sell them to serious readers in the cities.

So, as Anita was already asleep, leaving him with just the computer, his thoughts, and half a cup of coffee, Dud did what any writer on a hot summer night would do. He clicked on his favorite icon and played solitaire until his eyes closed.

Now you can read free samples of Slim’s books at 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:

snovalley star

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

JULY 19, 2012

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5

community

PAGE 6

JULY 19, 2012

Rocker digs playing for pint-sized audiences and their parents Caspar Babypants will perform in Snoqualmie Aug. 4

By Sebastian Moraga The crowds are smaller and shorter. The music is sillier and the smile is bigger.

Once a constant visitor of the heights of rock-stardom, Chris Ballew now plays libraries, parks and community events, loving every minute of it.

The crowds of thousands are gone, and so are the politics of being in a band, said Ballew, lead singer of the Presidents of the United States of America, who now works as children’s entertainer Caspar Babypants.

“Having no ego involved in the recording is the greatest freedom in this new way of things.

To be able to erase an entire guitar part without having to explain it to anybody,” he said.

Babypants performed July 12-14 at the Day Out With Thomas event in Snoqualmie and will return for two shows at Sounds of Snoqualmie at 1 and 2:15 p.m. Aug. 4 at Centennial Fields. Ballew’s band was known for its unusual themes and lyrics. He has taken that to a new level now as Babypants, with songs like “Butterfly Driving a Truck,” “My Flea Has Dogs,” and “Googly Eyes.”

Unlike the bulk of children’s entertainment, his songs are high-quality pieces, with great sound, and an energetic lively mix of melodies, from country to rock and jazzy tunes.

“Caspar Babypants is one of the few children’s recording artists I can listen to without wanting to stab myself in the eyes,” singer ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic is quoted as saying on Babypants’ website.

Ballew attributes the quality of his songs to his newfound freedom as a solo performer. He does everything from promoting to composing, recording and

By Sebastian Moraga

Caspar Babypants performs at the Day Out With Thomas in downtown Snoqualmie. Babypants is the stage name of Chris Ballew, vocalist for the Presidents of the United States of America. He uses the Babypants moniker in his career as a children’s entertainer. mastering.

“I am making albums all by myself and I let myself be very experimental and ruthless with my choices,” he said. “If I want to use just violins and bass, I can do it.”

With the Presidents, Ballew played a variety of music genres, but now he’s free to try out things like remaking folk songs from the 1800s and 1900s, prison songs, spirituals

On the Web

Check out Ballew’s songs at www.babypantsmusic.com

and early blues. It may not be the Stooges, the Beatles or Led Zeppelin, which influenced the Presidents, but it works for Caspar.

He first recorded as Caspar Babypants in Boston in the

North Bend’s only authentic Thai Cuisine FREE Pad Thai Noodle w/any regular priced entree.

Happy Hour Daily 2-5pm all beer & wine $2.50

Exp. 8/15/12

the parents who need good music to feel more connected to their children.”

Even when composing and recording for the Presidents, Ballew said, he had clues that he should be in children’s music instead.

“Some songs didn’t feel complete, didn’t feel fully realized.”

He said. “Now, I’m cracking

*Dine in or pick up Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week

Counseling Center Rebecca Turner, L.P.C. • Counseling available for all emotional and mental health needs, for all ages.

• Need help, but SKEPTICAL about counseling?

Give me a chance to change your mind!

425.292.9521 FREE DELIVERY!

Pad Thai Noodle

See CASPAR, Page 7

Solid Rock

• Compassionate, Competent, Convenient Christian Counseling that WORKS!

Must present coupon before ordering. Discount not applied to specials.

www.changthainorthbend.com 228 W. North Bend Way, North Bend

1980s, making a couple of cassettes of what he called very experimental music.

After the Presidents peaked and he decided to turn to children’s music, he got the old alter-ego out of mothballs and began his new career.

“Probably some people out there think it’s ridiculous and stupid,” he said of his move from rock to kiddie pop. “I’m not serving them. I’m serving

Rebecca Turner, L.P.C. “(Rebecca is) the most naturally gifted counselor I’ve ever known!”

1212 104th Ave. SE Bellevue, WA 98004 • 425-454-3863 rebeccahturner@msn.com www.rebecca-turner.com

JULY 19, 2012

SnoValley Star

Snoqualmie maybe?

Valley students receive Idaho scholarships

Seattle radio man gives pop hit local lyrics Radke, host of the KIRO-FM radio show ‘Seattle Morning There’s a President Obama News,’ is not a Snoqualmie resiversion, there’s a Cookie dent.

Monster version, there’s a Miami “I came in Monday morning Dolphins Cheerleaders version. and sang it on the show,” Radke So what version of the Carly said.

Rae Jepsen pop hit “Call Me The song has received more Maybe” should come next? attention than he expected, Well, a Valley one, naturally. with emails coming almost It was Seattle radio man Bill daily.

Radke’s 5-year-old daughter Someone even suggested who started Radke sell the “My daughter digs the singing the song to a city song around pop hits. If it would have tourism agency the house the in Snoqualmie. happened with a Justin weekend of Trouble is, the July 6. Her new version’s Bieber song, I probably enunciation lyrics may would have done the of ‘so call belong to him, me maybe,’ but not the same thing.” sounded like music, so he “Snoqualmie will pass.

— BIll Radke maybe,” Radke Still, people Radio personality dig his little said, and that got his wheels creation, which turning. he said took him about five The original song, a flirtaminutes. tious tune about a girl wanting “I messed with the words to hear back from a guy she to ‘Call Me Maybe’ and every morning since then, I’ve gotten just met, mentions ripped jeans and skin showing. Radke turned listener emails asking to hear that into ‘growing’ and then the song again,” Radke wrote on ‘Boeing.’ his www.mynorthwest.com blog, The final product, instead where he has a short file with of a flirtatious invitation to a the song. phone conversation, suggests “My daughter digs the pop Snoqualmie would be a good hits,” he said. “If it would have place for out-of-town guests to happened with a Justin Bieber escape Seattle’s rain. song, I probably would have The main riff goes, ‘Hey, we done the same thing.” just got here, the traffic’s crazy/ Let’s leave the city, Snoqualmie Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or maybe?/Hey, got a rental, this smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at place is rainy/We need a day www.snovalleystar.com. trip, Snoqualmie maybe?’

By Sebastian Moraga

Call for Your Free Consultation “Straight teeth was what I wanted, and Kirby Nelson gave me that.”

- Madison Fougere

Love your smile!

Madison Fougere

Two North Bend students and one Snoqualmie student from the University of Idaho stand among the thousands of students selected to receive more than $30 million in university scholarships. According to a press release, 5,400 students from the Moscow, Idaho-based institution will receive scholarships. These students include Danielle N. Rehm and Molly Ann Meyers of North Bend and Snoqualmie’s Blake Mitchell Johnson.

“We understand the family financial challenges in the current environment,” Dan Davenport, director of Student Financial Aid Services at the university stated. “We are committed to a strong scholarship program that will continue bringing the best and brightest to the University of Idaho.”

PAGE 7

Caspar From Page 6 those songs back open with the new perspective of kids’ music and a lot of them are coming back to life.”

The Presidents still do a few shows every year, but Ballew said he believes that that’s as far as the band will go.

“We will never break up, but we will never make another record,” he said. “It’s kind of a double-edged sword. You never say never, but that’s kind of where my mind is right now.”

In the meantime, he will keep writing and singing for toddlers, all using a DIY approach that keeps him busy and delights him at the same time.

Every child should be treated the way we’d like our own children treated.

It’s our goal to implement the highest standard of care at every patient encounter whether it’s a child’s first visit, a teenager who’s headed off to college, or a special-needs adult we’ve been treating for decades.

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Courtesy of

Your perfect smile is just a call away...

Your dentist’s choice for their family www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com North Bend Office 425-888-1896

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Sports

PAGE 8

JULY 19, 2012

Warrior Dash is not just a young man’s game from home to go and check out the scene, and make sure no one At first glance, looking at was tearing up the terrain at the Warrior Dash photos from last historical farm. year, one might assume that He bumped into another this obstacle course is reserved board member, Sam Metzler, for young adventurer-types, and the two walked around the folks who enjoy 5-kilometer “I did everything, every dressing up in course, just wacky costumes obstacle — I just did it kind of checkand racing ing things out, slow.” through fire he said. and mud pits.

Olson, 82 But one — Dave Olson at the time, 83-year-old Warrior dasher watched the North Bend youngsters parman wasn’t ticipating in about to let his age stand in the the military-style obstacles and way of a sloppy good time. recalled his paramilitary training Washington’s first Warrior days for the Central Intelligence Dash, attended by 23,000 Agency. warriors in 2011, was held at “I said, ‘Oh heck, this is like Meadowbrook Farms in North basic training.’ And then I made Bend, and returns July 21-22. a fatal mistake by telling Sam, Dave Olson, a Meadowbrook See WARRIOR, Page 9 board member, rode his bike

By Michele Mihalovich

Contributed by Sam Metzler

Dave Olson, of North Bend, competes in last year’s Warrior Dash at Meadowbrook Farm. He was 82 years old at the time.

Cameron Vanwinkle’s team misses gold medal by 7 points

U.S. national under-19 football team falls to Canada in championship game July 7

By Michele Mihalovich Mount Si kicker-punter Cameron Vanwinkle, who was named to the national Team USA in Austin, Texas, experienced some great moments in the July 7 game for the gold, but the national team fell to Team Canada, 23-17.

Vanwinkle’s team, the No. 1

seed in the 2012 IFAF Under-19 World Championship, first faced off against American Samoa for a 27-6 win June 30.

The second game, held July 4, ended in a stunning 70-7 victory against Austria, which then brought the U.S. team to face off against Canada for the gold.

Team Canada, the tournament’s No. 2 seed, jumped out

to a 10-0 lead that it never relinquished and went on to shock Team USA, according to the organization’s website.

Canada’s first touchdown came when Alexandre Huard fielded a Vanwinkle punt and returned it 59 yards for a score with 8:24 left in the half.

Huard did not fare as well on the next U.S. punt, fumbling a fair catch at the Canada 14.

The ball caromed back to the Canadians’ 35-yard line before

safety Darius Mosely fell on it for Team USA, according to the website.

With 5:10 minutes left in the game, Canada was in the lead, 23-14.

Canada appeared to have iced the game when the U.S. quarterback was intercepted for the second time of the night

by Canada to end the next drive, according to the website.

Canada drove to the Americans’ 26-yard line before a bad shot-

gun snap rolled all the way back to the Canada 45, where it was recovered by Team USA safety Tyler Willis.

A personal foul called against Canada on the play moved the ball to the Canada 30, and Vanwinkle drilled a 43-yard field goal to cut the lead to 23-17 with 1:47 to go.

Out of timeouts, Team USA went with an on-side kick.

The Americans fielded the ball See KICKER, Page 9

EXPERT INTERVENTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Be represented by legal professionals who are compassionate and experienced advocates.

• Automobile Collisions • Employment & Work Injuries • Product Liability • Insurance Claims • Pharmaceutical Claims • Civil Litigation Jerry & Michele Pearson

Free Case Evaluations

35131 SE Douglas Street Suite 103 Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425-831-3100 • 800-423-8473 www.pearsonlawfirm.com

Appointments throughout Washington

SnoValley Star

JULY 19, 2012

team, he said.

Vanwinkle set a Washington state record with 18 field goals for Mount Si last fall as a junior, including six from 42 yards or more.

“We’re so pleased that someone from our program gets to mix with international players,” Kinnune said. “Plus, he’s experiencing life on the University of Texas campus and getting to play in a firstclass facility. This is a once-ina-lifetime thing.”

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

By Calder Productions

Mount Si football kicker Cameron Vanwinkle does what he does best.

Kicker From Page 8 but before it traveled 10 yards, which would have given the ball to Canada, the Canadians were ruled to be off sides on the kick.

On the re-kick, the U.S. tried a pooch kickoff, which Canada recovered on its own 24-yard line and ran out the clock.

“The kids played their hearts out,” Steve Specht said of his U.S. players. “I’m proud of these young men. I hope they don’t put the destination ahead of the journey. They made friends for a lifetime here these two weeks.

That outweighs any game.”

Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Austria, 7-0, to earn the

world championship’s bronze medal. Japan also earned bronze in the first IFAF Under-19 World Championship in Canton, Ohio, in 2009.

Before Vanwinkle left for Texas, Mount Si football coach Charlie Kinnune said Bothell High School football coach Tom Bainter is the one who nominated Vanwinkle for a spot on the national team.

He said Bainter served as a Team USA coach a few years ago.

“I guess the organizers called him and asked if there were any Washington players who should be considered and he told them about Cameron,” Kinnune said.

Vanwinkle’s banner junior year with the team is what made him an ideal candidate for the

Everyone Needs a Little Help Now and Then...

Stress Depression Life Transitions Loss and Grief Relationship Problems

Patty Groves, M.A., L.M.H.C.

Issaquah Creek Counseling Center 545 Rainier Blvd. N., Issaquah www.issaquahcreekcounseling.com

(425) 898-1700

PAGE 9

Warrior From Page 8 ‘Yeah, I could do this,” Olson said.

Metzler whisked Olsen off to race organizers who signed him up for the 3.55-mile race.

“I did everything, every obstacle—I just did it slow,” Olson said, who has had two hips replaced.

Adrenaline is what pushed him over rope ladders, under barbed-wire crawling exercises, and across fire and mud pits.

“It was just so silly,” he

said, adding that he did win in his age category, “Because, of course, no one else in my age group competed.”

Olson said he’s going sit out this year, but he’ll be on the sidelines photographing his ol’ buddy Metzler, who has decided to give it a try.

Race organizers said in a press release that more than 500,000 people competed last year in Warrior Dashes across the U.S., and that this year’s race will debut more innovative and exciting obstacles than ever before.

Learn more and register at http://www.warriordash.com/ register2012_washington.php#.

SnoValley Star

PAGE 10

Police blotter North Bend En garde

A laptop, sword and Airsoft gun were taken from a bedroom June 26 at the 1000 block of Southwest 12th Street. The resident believes he may have left the back, sliding-glass door unlocked.

Snoqualmie Annoying noise complaint

Someone called to report people were riding dirt bikes around 11 p.m. July 6 near the intersection of Railroad Avenue Southeast and Southeast Park Street.

Fireworks complaints

Levy From Page 2 Larson.

The city in March hired EMC Research and Northwest Public Affairs to conduct a telephone survey, which occurred in April, to explore whether to pursue the levy option.

According to Joan Pliego, public information officer for the city, EMC was paid $20,300, and NPA received $32,492.

The research consultants found that 67 percent of the 357 interviewed said they support an operations levy, 31 percent opposed the levy and 3 percent were unsure or undecided.

The survey did indicate that Snoqualmie residents

Police received two separate complaints about fireworks being lit around 9 p.m. July 8 at the 7000 block of Railroad Avenue Southeast.

JULY 19, 2012

ranked high on their priority list the police department’s motto of “No call too small,” having enough firefighters to meet safety standards and fast response times from police and fire departments.

City Administrator Bob Larson said the levy, if passed, could bring in approximately $430,000 annually.

“We’re trying to be proactive,” he said. “We’re asking the voters if they want to maintain what we have now.

Without additional funding, service levels will be impacted…response times could take longer. We want to preserve the level of service we have now.”

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

home services

Auto theft

Watch out!

A woman reported that around 8 p.m. July 11, a silver vehicle almost hit her and her son who were riding their bikes.

Eronson’s Painting LLC Lic#ERONSPS891NR

A man parked his 1993 Jeep Cherokee at noon July 11 at a gas station on Railroad Avenue, where it was stolen. He told police that he had left the vehicle running while he ran into the gas station.

Spring Special: Exterior Repainting

425-891-6723

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Pressure Washing • Res./Comm. / New Construction Veteran Owned

Not the brightest move Around 12:30 a.m. July 12, an officer reported that someone threw a firecracker at his/her vehicle. Police were unable to locate thesubject.

Calls from Eastside Fire & Rescue in North Bend No fire calls to report.

The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes.

Information comes directly from local police reports.

Washington State Construction

Contractor law requires that all advertisers for construction related services include the contractor registration number.

Call 425-392-6434 to place your ad here.

Housekeeping: Full time opening for a team player to join our

Letters

housekeeping staff. Reliability and experience preferred. Schedule varies including on-call shifts. This is a benefitted position

Nursing: We have numerous RN & CNA positions currently both part time & per diem, experience preferred.

From Page 4

Facilities Tech I: Per Diem, entry level position with exposure to multiple tasks, departments & opportunities in doors and out. Schedule varies. Sucessful applicants will be flexible with a can-do attitude.

Garage Door Co. Residential • Commercial Reidt Way Doors Richard Reidt, owner since 1990

425-503-7353 Made in America!

REIDTWD101PJ

mill up to $16.8 million.

Commissioner David Spiekers said the tribe wouldn’t have paid the balloon payment anyway. We would have had to sue them. Kinda begs the question: if the tribe is such a deadbeat, why did you sell the hospital to them in the first place?

Herschel Backues North Bend

Also available currently: Radiology; per diem MRI tech. per diem sonographer Rehabilitation; Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist Submit applications by visiting the careers tab at www.snoqualmiehospital.org & completing the on-line application.

Contact HR at email HR@snoqualmiehospital.org

Calendar

JULY 19, 2012

Events ❑ Day Out With Thomas, starting at 9 a.m., July 20-22, downtown Snoqualmie. Trains depart every 45 minutes.

Tickets are $19, available online through www.trainmuseum.org, or in person at the Snoqualmie depot, 38625 S.E. King St. ❑ Family Fun Night at Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 7-9 p.m. July 20. Participants must register beforehand. Free to YMCA members, $10 to nonmembers. 35018 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie ❑ U-Pick blueberries at Bybee-Nims Blueberry Farm.

9 a.m-8 p.m. July 21-Sept. 16.

Call 888-0821 to confirm they are open. Farms are at 42930 S.E. 92nd St. North Bend. Blueberries are $1.95 per pound, cash or check only. ❑ Warrior Dash, starting at 9 a.m. July 22 at Meadowbrook Farms, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Learn more at www.warriordash.com. ❑ Cedar River Watershed Tap Water Tours, 9:45 a.m.

July 22, Cedar River Watershed Education Center, 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E. $10 fee for adults, $5 for youth ages 10 and older and seniors. Call 206-733-9421 to learn more. ❑ Summer Matinees at the North Bend Theatre, noon, July 24-26. ‘Flipper,’ rated G. Free. ❑ Little Si Family Hike, 4:30 p.m. July 25. Grab your hiking shoes, water, lunch and first aid kit and meet at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA. Registration is required beforehand. Free to community members. ❑ Rockin’ Swingin’ Singin’ Seniors spaghetti dinner and talent show, 6 p.m. July 28, Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S. Show starts at 7:30.

Tickets $15 and $12 for seniors (55 and older) ❑ Musical Theater camp, starting July 30 through Aug. 2 at Si View Community Center.

Children will learn all the fun and camaraderie of being involved in a theater show, from auditions through applause. Go to www.siviewpark.org. Fee is $130. ❑ Guided hike up Rattlesnake Mountain with barbecue after the hike, Aug. 4.

Register at www.mtsgreenway. org. $25 fee includes shuttle and barbecue. Meet at Snoqualmie Point Park, 37580 Winery Road S.E. at 8:30 a.m. ❑ Reading of “Steve Goodman: Facing the Music,” a biography of singer-songwriter Steve Goodman, author of “City of New Orleans,” 7 p.m. Aug. 5, at Nursery at Mount Si. Seattlearea musicians Tom Colwell, Mark Myers and Bruce Hanson will perform Goodman songs.

Biography was written by Valley author Clay Eals.

PAGE 11

July

Mmmm, pancakes

2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31

7 14 21 28

10:30 a.m. July 24, 31. Ages 3-6 with adult, siblings welcome. ❑ One-on-one Computer Assistance, 1 p.m. July 25. Stop by if you are an adult needing extra help on the computer. ❑ Pajamarama Story Time, 6:30 p.m. July 25, all children welcome with adult. Wear your p.j.’s if you like. ❑ Dream Time Music Workshop 2 p.m. July 25.

Experience the time of the aborigines of Australia. Learn to play their instruments, the didgeridoo, and do the Dream Time dance of the kangaroo and dingo.

Churches ❑ North Bend Community Church Vacation Bible School, 10-11:30 a.m. July 23-27, for children ages 5-11. 126 E. Third St. Call 888-2711 to register, or come whatever day works.

Barbecue, water slides and bouncy castle for July 27. ❑ School supply drive signups 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. July 25 at the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Supplies will be distributed in mid-August. Supplies needed include backpacks, crayons, glue sticks, pencils, colored pencils, spiral notebooks, erasers, scissors, three-ring binders, notebook paper, gender-neutral pencil pouches or boxes, rulers and blue or black ballpoint pens. ❑ Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s preschool is holding a fundraiser by gathering used ink cartridges. Leave them in the blue-and-yellow containers in the parish hall of the church, 39025 S.E. Alpha St., Snoqualmie.

Volunteer opportunities Snoqualmie Library Contributed art

The Snoqualmie Fire Department will host a pancake feed and a silent auction 7-11 a.m. Aug. 18 at the SFD headquarters on Snoqualmie Parkway.

❑ Snoqualmie Parks and Recreation will host the Dog Days of Summer event at Snoqualmie’s Three Forks OffLeash Dog Park, 1-2:30 p.m.

Aug. 5. Pets and their owners get to compete in contests, watch demos, have their photos taken, browse booths, and more. ❑ The Valley Kids Showcase, 1 p.m. Aug. 12, is looking for performers. Acts could include dance, song, music, drama, juggling, standup comedy, martial arts, gymnastics, magic, hula hoop, jumping rope or whatever could be entertaining to a crowd of local fans. Register at www. cityofsnoqualmie.org. Call 8315784 to learn more. ❑ Tap Water Tours to the Cedar River Municipal watershed, 9:45 a.m. most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Aug. 26, tour lasts 2.5 hours and it costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors. Children 10 years old or older accompanied by an adult pay $5 as well. This tour occurs by foot and by bus into the river-fed watershed. See the source of your tap water and hear stories of this unparalleled watershed. ❑ The Snoqualmie Valley Museum presents: “Beyond Smokey: The USFS In The Snoqualmie Valley,” 1-5 p.m.

Saturdays through Tuesdays, 320 Bendigo Blvd. S., North Bend

❑ North Bend Farmers Market, 4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 13 at Si View Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive

North Bend Library All these events will take place at 115 E. Fourth St, unless otherwise noted.. Contact 8880554 for more information. ❑ Dancing Pajamas Concert, 11 a.m. July 19. Songs about howling coyotes, fuzzy slippers and a monster or two. Children of all ages welcome. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Chess Club, 7 p.m. July 19, 26. For all ages and skill levels. ❑ E-Reader assistance, 6 p.m. July 20, 23. Learn how to download KCLS e-books to your e-readers or computers during this demonstration. ❑ Merry Monday Story Time, 11 a.m.. July 23, for children ranging from newborn to age 3 with adult. Older children and siblings also welcome.

Songs, rhythm instruments, action rhymes and a tiny tale for the very young. ❑ Toddler Story Time, 9:30 a.m. July 24, 31. Ages 2-3 with adult, younger children and siblings welcome. Stories, songs and surprises. ❑ Preschool Story Time,

All these events will take place at 7824 Center Blvd., S.E., unless otherwise noted. Contact 888-1223 for more information. ❑ E-Reader assistance 11 a.m. July 19, 26. Learn how to download e-books to your e-reader or computer during this demonstration. ❑ Pajama Story Time, 7 p.m.

July 19, 26, all children welcome with adult. Wear your p.j.’s if you like. Stories, songs and surprises. ❑ Aging Well with Consciousness Book Club and Conversation, 10:15 a.m. July 21. Book discussion and conversation about aging. In July, the library will hold a Poetry OutLoud and Picnic, focusing on the spoken word with selected poems on aging. ❑ Preschool story time, 1:30 p.m. July 23, 30; 10 a.m. July 25.

Share the world of books with your child. Stories songs and surprises. ❑ Young Toddler Story Time 9:30 a.m. July 25. Ages 6-24 months, with adult. Younger children and siblings are welcome. ❑ Creatures of the Night Science Workshop, 2 p.m.

July 26, ages 4 and older. Learn about the nocturnal creatures that roam local forests and fields. Must register beforehand at www.kcls.org ❑ The Gustafer Yellow Gold Music Show, 2 p.m. July 31. A multimedia performance of live music and animated illustrations introduces Yellow Gold and his friends as they travel from the stars to earth.

❑ The Festival at Mt. Si in North Bend is looking for volunteers to help in all aspects of the festival. Volunteers may work behind the scenes prior to the event or in 3-4 hour shifts during the festival. The festival is held August 10-12. For more information, or for a volunteer application, visit www.thefestivalatmtsi.org or call 425-888-1406. ❑ The Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help unload food at noon Mondays, sort food at 9 a.m. Tuesdays or pass out food on Wednesdays. Call 888-0096. ❑ The Boeing Classic golf tournament seeks volunteers for its 2012 edition. Tournament will occur Aug. 20-26 at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. Volunteers will receive two golf shirts, a jacket, headwear, admission passes, meal vouchers and more.

Further details can be found at www.boeingclassic.com.

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

Write Us SnoValley Star welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, although we give priority to local issues.

Letters should be no more than 350 words.

The deadline for letters is noon on the Friday before the publication.

Send letters to: editor@snovalleystar.com

SnoValley Star

PAGE 12

JULY 19, 2012

Preservation group loses appeal in federal court wanted to verify through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hopes for a court-ordered that it could proceed under a study to mitigate downstream series of general nationwide perimpacts from Snoqualmie Falls mits, rather than applying to the dam changes were dashed by a corps for an individual permit. recent court ruling.

According to court documents, The Snoqualmie Valley the corps verified that PSE could.

Preservation Alliance lost its The downstream property appeal against the U.S. Army owners formed the Alliance Corps of Engineers and Puget to challenge the decision, saySound Energy, regarding the ing the project would increase permitting process for the dam flooding problems downstream. project at Snoqualmie Falls, but However, the lower court found organizers say they have asked in favor of the corps and PSE the court to reconsider its ruling. and the higher court agreed with The U.S. Court of Appeals its decision. for the Ninth Haakenson “They did not consider Circuit on June said the goal 26 filed its was not to what the downriver opinion that stop the projit agreed with ect, which was impacts would be.” a lower court’s already undersummary judg— Erick Haakenson way at the time ment that the SVPA of the filing.

Corps and PSE “In many followed the ways, it’s a proper permitting process. good project,” he said. “We At issue, said SVPA vice need more clean energy and president Erick Haakenson, is Snoqualmie needed flood control. What we did oppose was how the Corps went about the permitting process for the dam that they did not consider what project, and how it has affected the downriver impacts would communities below the dam. be. If you’re going to do flood PSE maintains and operates control upstream, the problem the hydroelectric plant at the will go downstream. Rather than 268-foot-high Snoqualmie Falls. hand the problem to us, they According to court documents, should look at the impacts.” the Snoqualmie River drains Haakenson, owner of Jubilee a large watershed above the Biodynamic Farm in Carnation, falls through a narrow channel said a Motion to Reconsider before it reaches the dam. has been filed with the Ninth That bottleneck created Circuit Court of Appeals. during heavy rains causes sigHe said the court could rule nificant flooding in the city of that a study should be done to Snoqualmie. look at the downstream impacts, In order to decrease the and that “tweaks” could be upstream flooding problems, made to the upstream project PSE lowered the dam by two feet that could lessen the downand lengthened it by 37 feet to stream impacts. match the excavated riverbank.

“We have a number of conAccording to court documents, striction points down here that the Federal Energy Regulatory could be altered to mitigate the Commission prepared an flooding as well,” he said.

Environmental Assessment in Haakenson said it could be a 2009, indicating that the chang- couple months before the group es would have little effect on hears whether the justices have flood elevations. agreed to reconsider the matter.

The upgrade involved a certain amount of fill being Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext. 246, or discharged over the falls dureditor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www. ing construction, which is not snovalleystar.com. allowed without a permit. PSE

By Michele Mihalovich

Platinum 7

Help Us Celebrate Our 1 Year Anniversary!

WOODINVILLE BOURBON $28.99 WOODINVILLE RYE $28.99 PEABODY JONES VODKA $16.99

BroVo - Special in Store Promo

4Culture calls for artist projects for historic sites 4Culture’s Art, Heritage, and Preservation programs seek artist projects to bring creative life to historic sites, such as Snoqualmie Depot in Snoqualmie and Unity Lodge #198 in North Bend.

The program invites artists to consider one or more of the historic sites included in its roster of historic sites, and then to work with site stewards to

explore ideas for site-specific work.

Proposals should be presented as collaboration between artists and sites.

The 4Culture Site Specific program provides funding and resources for the commissioning and presentation of visual art, installation and performance in surprising places.

The deadline is Oct. 25. Visit www.sitespecificarts.org for details.