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Runners go ‘Beast Mode’ on muddy course Page 6
Your locally owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington August 21, 2015
Snoqualmie Tribe says city is building on sacred ground By Paige Cornwell Seattle Times staff reporter The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe says Snoqualmie Falls is the birthplace of its people, a sacred spot where the mists carry prayers to ancestors. Tribal members believe the site is spiritually significant not only to Northwest Indians, but to all people. As the city of Snoqualmie begins construction of the nearby Tokul Road roundabout, Snoqualmie tribal members say they want to continue protecting the falls, and the surrounding land, from further desecration. The city says the roundabout between Snoqualmie Falls Park and the Highway 202 bridge will make the roads safer for millions of visitors. The 500-member tribe says their ancestors were buried there, and the site should be left alone.
The recent discovery of a prehistoric artifact supports their beliefs, the tribe says. The projectile point, which an independent archaeologist estimated to be 4,000 to 9,000 years old, was returned to the tribe last week. “Something we have said all along is that for thousands of years, this place was sacred,” said Snoqualmie tribal council member Lois Sweet Dorman. “The ancient ones are speaking out to us.” Archaeologists concluded the artifact was an “isolated find,” city officials said in a statement, and did not warrant stopping construction, which began in July. The project, scheduled to be complete in May 2016, will include a new storm-drainage system, signs and roadway paving, according to the city. The roundabout, which slows traffic, will improve safety for the nearly 2 million people who
visit Snoqualmie Falls each year. According to the city, the two intersections that will be eliminated do not meet current safety standards. Plans for the project date back a decade. In 2007 the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe bought the nearby Salish Lodge and Spa, having outbid groups including the Snoqualmie Tribe. The Muckleshoot Tribe is helping fund the roundabout. According to project documents, the roundabout could be the “gateway” feature welcoming visitors to the city. It is being designed in anticipation of further development nearby. The tribe took out an ad in the Snoqualmie Valley Record in July with a photoshopped image of a bulldozer in a church, with the caption “bulldozers don’t belong here.” Under the image is a photo of the roundSee SACRED, Page 8
Equine rescue hosts fundraiser Aug. 29 Rancho Laguna’s HEART, a nonprofit organization focused on equine assisted rescue therapy, is hosting its second Summer Benefit Concert and barbecue from 3-8 p.m. Aug. 29 at its Snoqualmie location, 37705 S.E. 47th St. Tickets are $25 each and are available at the door. Children 10 and younger are free. There will also be a silent auction and fun activities for the whole family. All proceeds will be used for the care of the animals at the rescue ranch and support of its programs. Learn more about attending the fundraiser or about Rancho Laguna’s HEART at http://www.rancholagunaheart. org. Lula Ruby Salon is helping raise additional funds for Rancho Laguna’s HEART. After owner Angela Favero’s son Kingston volunteered with the nonprofit group, she was inspired. Lula Ruby Salon, 7329 Better Way S.E., Snoqualmie, will offer the “Helping HEART” red bracelet through September for a suggested donation of $3.
By Lindsey Wasson/The Seattle Times
A view of the Tokul roundabout project Aug. 12 from Tokul Road Southeast, which is closed due to construction, in Snoqualmie. The Snoqualmie Tribe said it considers the land to be sacred ground and the site should be left alone.
Martin Volken, Trevor Kostanich top North Bend City Council primary races
Top chopper
By Dylan Chaffin
David Moses Sr., 71, competes against his son David Moses Jr. (not pictured) during the timber sports show portion of the Railroad Days festival. See more photos from the festival at www.snovalleystar.com.
Incumbents trailed the top vote getters in both North Bend City Council races Aug. 17, a day before King County Elections finalized primary election results. Trevor Kostanich has the edge over incumbent Councilman Dee Williamson in the race for Position No. 3, earning 53.83 percent of the vote. Williamson is behind him with 24.21 percent, followed by Rich Wiltshire with 13.85 percent and Piper M. Muoio with 7.45 percent. Martin Volken received the most votes in the race for Position No. 7. He garnered 51.41 percent of the vote. Judy Bilanko trails him with 25.81 percent, followed by incumbent Councilman Ryan Kolodejchuk sitting in third with 22.28 percent. Just 31 votes separated Bilanko and Kolodejchuk immediately after King County Elections released the first round of results Aug. 4. That number grew to 35 as of Aug. 17. Incumbents were leading the hospital commissioner races.
Incumbents Joan Young (Position No. 5) and David Speikers (Position No. 1) maintain leads in the primary races to retain their Public Hospital District No. 4 seats. Young had 42.17 percent of the vote, followed by Steve Weaver with 30.32 percent and Bruno Kelpsas with 27.17 percent. Speikers led with 39.40 percent of the vote, followed by Fritz Ribary with 31.61 percent and Tim Noonan with 28.73 percent. The top two vote-getters of each race in the Aug. 4 primary election will move on to the Nov. 3 general election. Get full results at www.kingcounty.gov/elections. Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER