snovalleystar112212

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

November 22, 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 47

No tax hike North Bend council keeps property taxes level.

Page 2

Debt reduction Hospital district uses tax hike to pay down debt Page 3

Watch thy neighbor North Bend starts a webcam.

Page 7

Pineapple express Race with your favorite fruit.

Page 8

Colorful day Valley youths celebrate Thanksgiving.

Page 12

Police blotter

Page 14 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER

Title shot comes for Mount Si grads Page 13

Rage against Going to ‘The Dome’ raccoons results in gunshots

By Michele Mihalovich Raccoons were apparently responsible for a 61-year-old Snoqualmie woman firing numerous gunshots late Nov. 14, Snoqualmie police captain Nick Almquist said.

The woman, who is not being identified, lives alone in the 8500 block of Falls Avenue Southeast and no one else was at the residence at the time of the shooting, he said.

Police received several calls reporting gunshots at about 11 p.m. King County sheriff’s deputies blocked off surrounding streets while Snoqualmie Police Department officers responded to the home where the gunshots were being fired and found an armed woman “I don’t know in her driveway, accordhow many ing to a press raccoons release.

Officers were eventually involved.” convinced the woman to — Nick Almquist drop her gun.

Snoqualmie Police They arrested her and transported her to the King County Jail, according to the press release.

Almquist said she might be transferred to the Issaquah Jail because she had calmed down quite a bit from the night before.

He said the woman told police she was shooting at raccoons.

“She was crying, intoxicated and very emotional,” he said.

The woman was shooting a five-shot .357 handgun and had reloaded at least four to five times, Almquist said, adding that they hadn’t counted up all the shells.

He said the woman has no history with the police department, and officials are looking into what happened.

“I don’t know how many raccoons were involved,” he said.

See RACCOON, Page 2

By Calder Productions

The Mount Si High School football team had trouble containing its enthusiasm after beating Kennedy Catholic, 38-7, Nov. 17. The win guaranteed the Wildcats were advancing to the state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome, the first time in school history.

School Board approves new boundaries

By Sebastian Moraga The Snoqualmie Valley School Board voted 3-0-1 to approve a realignment of boundaries for middle school students.

The new boundaries, grouped under the title Option F, would send all fifth-graders and all Snoqualmie Middle

School sixth- and-seventh graders from both Fall City and Snoqualmie to Chief Kanim Middle School starting in 2013, with the exception of Cascade View Elementary School fifthgraders.

Students at CVES, along with students from North Bend and all the way to the southeast corner of the dis-

trict, would attend Twin Falls Middle School.

At the Nov. 8 school board meeting, board members were offered two options, F and the option dubbed Option G, which would send all students to one school, likely Chief Kanim.

See BOUNDARY, Page 3

Neighbor appeals youth shelter decision

By Michele Mihalovich

A neighbor who lives near the Friends of Youth temporary, overnight shelter for youth is appealing the hearing examiner’s decision to allow it.

Shannon Neiger filed the appeal Nov. 6, and states in the appeal that Friends of Youth failed to show that there was a need for a homeless shelter in the Snoqualmie Valley.

The appeal also states that

Friends of Youth was unable to ensure that residents at the shelter would not pose a danger to the community, and that a homeless shelter should not be placed in a residential neighborhood.

Hearing examiner Ron McConnell approved the temporary overnight shelter for youths Oct. 16, and it opened Oct. 22.

Friends of Youth, based in Redmond, is the primary pro-

vider of housing to homeless youths on the Eastside, Terry Pottmeyer, CEO of the group, said before Snoqualmie’s hearing examiner Oct. 8.

She said the organization has been offered a $60,000 grant to open an overnight shelter for three months.

The shelter is to operate from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Organizers had proposed See APPEAL, Page 2

SnoValley Star

PAGE 2

SNOQUALMIE VALLEY

North Bend council says no property tax increase

By Michele Mihalovich Just because we can raise property taxes by 1 percent every year, doesn’t mean we should, North Bend City Councilman Alan Gothelf said at the Nov. 6 public hearing on the city’s budget.

“This is not the time to increase property taxes on our citizens,” he said.

The rest of the council agreed.

The small property tax increase would only have added $12,000 to the city’s coffers in 2013 if it had been approved, said Stan Lewis, the city’s finance director.

And, as it turned out, North Bend’s budget is going to balance in 2013 without the slight bump in taxes.

Mayor Ken Hearing told the council that the past few years have been extremely challenging for the city, but that 2012 saw “a slight recovery.”

Revenue from the real

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estate excise tax went from $129,634 in 2011, to an estimated $210,084 this year. The 2013 budget anticipates $162,000 in REET revenue.

Utility tax is expected to take a dip in 2013 because fewer people are using landlines these days, Hearing said.

He said revenue from the business and occupation tax is expected to go down due to changes in the state law.

North Bend expected to receive $730,000 from the tax this year, but is only going to receive $640,399.

The city is budgeting $660,000 in B&O revenue in 2013.

One employee, a parttime payroll officer who was making $56,459 with salary and benefits, left the city this year, according to City Attorney Londi Lindell.

North Bend is now contracting payroll services with the city of Snoqualmie, at an

From Page 1

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

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

that it serve up to eight homeless 18- to 24-yearolds at Friends of Youth’s existing counseling building at 7972 Maple Ave. S.E. in Snoqualmie; however, McConnell limited that number to six in his Oct. 16 ruling.

Pottmeyer told McConnell at the public hearing that there has been a significant

annual cost of $12,000 to $15,000, she said.

A GPS mapping position will be going from full time to part time in 2013, Lindell said.

Ron Garrow, director

“This is not the time to increase property taxes on our citizens.”

— Alan Gothelf City Councilman

of public works, is retiring in December and has cut some of his hours. Lindell said Garrow will bring in a salary of $91,182 this year, and his replacement, Frank Page, will be paid $96,348 in 2013.

Only 12 city employees will receive raises in 2013.

That group, 12 unionized public works employees, signed a contract with the city this year and will receive a 1 percent cost-ofliving raise.

increase in homelessness among young people ages 11-24 in the past couple of years in Washington, and a lack of resources has created challenges, especially in the Snoqualmie Valley.

She said that during the three months of operating an emergency overnight shelter, Friends of Youth would be able to ascertain the need for services in the area.

Neither Neiger nor Pottmeyer returned calls requesting an interview before press time.

Snoqualmie City Attorney

Pat Anderson said the City Council will hear the appeal at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. at City Hall, and that no new testimony will be taken.

He said the council could make a decision at the appeal hearing, or at a Dec. 10 council meeting, or could wait until the decision deadline, which is Jan. 7.

The shelter’s 90-day conditional use permit ends Jan. 22.

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

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Lindell said the topend of their monthly salary ranges in 2012 were $4,636 to $5,530, and will go to $4,682 to $5,585 in 2013.

The mayor said the city expects to pay $1.4 million in infrastructure improvements in 2013, which will be offset by $400,000 expected from the Transportation Benefit District tax.

North Bend will have to pay the city of Snoqualmie $384,000 in 2013, the start-up costs to prepare for the Snoqualmie Police Department taking over police services for North Bend in March 2014.

The King County Sheriff’s Office currently provides that service.

The 2013 budget for law enforcement and jail services will cost North Bend $1.6 million.

The downturn in the economy has affected another aspect of the city’s budget. Human ser-

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vice requests in the city “have continued to exceed our available resources,” Hearing said. “However, I am recommending an increase in spending from $79,000 in 2012 to $87,000 in 2013.”

Some of the benefitting organizations for those funds include the Mount Si Helping Hands Food Bank, Encompass, the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, St. Vincent de Paul and the Mount Si Senior Center.

When all is said and done, North Bend’s general fund is expected to receive $6.6 million in revenue, spend that same amount in 2013 and hold 10 percent of its budget in reserves.

The City Council approved the budget, and will make its final adoption Dec. 4.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext.

246, or editor@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

Raccoon From Page 1 Almquist said the home where the woman lives sits in front of three vacant homes. One home to the west is occupied, but no one was home at the time of the shooting. The house to the east did have occupants home.

“They were one of the 911 calls but they are OK,” he said.

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

SnoValley Star

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

PAGE 3

Hospital operating in the black, but still saddled with millions in debt

By Michele Mihalovich The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital commission was tasked Nov. 7 with approving or rejecting the 2013 budget and a 1 percent property tax increase, but one commissioner had no intention of just rubber-stamping a tax increase.

The state allows governments to increase property tax annually by 1 percent, but commissioner David Speikers said he wasn’t comfortable with increasing taxes on citizens, especially since the hospital is showing a profit in its operating budget this year.

He said his neighbors and friends have been substantially affected by the downturned economy, and he knew some who haven’t been able to celebrate Christmas the past couple of years.

“I can’t in good conscience vote in support of this,” Speikers said, adding that the only way

Boundary From Page 1 Jeff Hogan, executive director of technology services for the district reiterated his support for Option F, saying Option G presented operational challenges, such as the occupancy of common areas like cafeterias and gymnasiums.

Despite the endorsement, board member Carolyn Simpson voiced concerns, calling the decision “a step backward instead of forward.” She abstained from voting on the new boundaries. Board

he would support the tax, which could bring in an additional $30,000, is if the money were applied to some of the hospital’s $33.4 million in debt.

The other four commissioners agreed to the funds going toward the debt, and the tax increase passed.

The commissioners also passed the proposed 2013 budget, which shows the hospital bringing in $24.7 million from patient revenue, $3.08 million in tax and miscellaneous revenue, and spending $26.5 million in operating expenses.

The hospital’s biggest expense in 2013 is salaries and benefits, accounting for $17.7 million of the budget, according to documents supplied by hospital CFO Steve Daniel.

In January, 15 jobs at the hospital were cut, which was expected to save about $750,000.

Board president Dick Jones told the Star after the meeting

president Dan Popp was absent.

“This decision,” Simpson said, “spends some of the public money on portables before we have a capital facilities plan completed.”

The two issues behind the new boundaries are the capacity of the schools and the creation of a Freshman Learning Center, Simpson said, and questions regarding both have not been answered.

“I can’t understand the rush with which we have been asked to make this change,” she said. “We have to get this right and I have confidence that we will, but I don’t see

that two employees who were laid off were rehired in different positions.

The hospital also created a new position, a public information and communications officer, with an annual salary of nearly $80,000.

“I can’t in good conscience vote in support of this.”

— David Speikers Hospital commissioner

The hospital is also creating a new Senior Living program, with two full-time employees and accounting for $227,448 in salaries next year.

The 2013 budget also included a nearly across-the-board 1.04 percent salary increase for administrative and medical personnel.

The hospital’s coffers included a $14 million infusion this year when the Snoqualmie Tribe

us getting it right in four months.”

Next year, current eighth-graders have to begin registering for the Freshman Learning Center, scheduled to open in fall 2013 at the current Snoqualmie Middle School Campus.

“There’s a lot of worried people in North Bend,” board member Geoff Doy said. “They see the successful school their kids attend suffering.”

Teachers are also worried about how changes will affect their delivery of education, he added.

“These are not off-thewall people,” Doy said.

“These are people with

paid off the current hospital and property early. The tribe was expected to pay $29 million in May 2015.

Hospital Administrator Rodger McCollum said $5.9 million of the $14 million will go toward paying off the Leisure Time property, where officials had originally planned to build a new hospital.

Jay Rodne, the hospital’s attorney, said in a Nov. 8 email that they “anticipate a closing in 30-45 days. We are trying to negotiate the elimination of a profit sharing mechanism in exchange for additional interest. We are waiting to hear back from them.”

Grading and utility work are currently underway for the new $38.5 million hospital, expected to be completed in early 2014.

The hospital itself has experienced some positive trends in recent years, which is helping the operating budget stay slightly in the black.

eighth-graders with serious concerns and good data.

We should see that data.”

Doy called on the board to build goodwill among the community.

“Ultimately,” he said, “we have to pass a bond.”

Valley schools Superintendent Joel Aune said the situation is less than ideal, but the district is capable of handling changes.

“These processes are never easy,” he said. “But

According to hospital documents, inpatient visits increased by about 100 from 2011 to 2012. Lab requests and out patient visits increased, and are expected to stabilize next year with 5,990 visits.

Clinic visits decreased by 2,333 from 2011 to 2012, but is expected to increase slightly in 2013.

Emergency room visits have steadily decreased since 2009.

This year is expected to see 3,299 visits, but officials anticipate 3,297 in 2013.

Net revenue from patients has been trending upward since 2011; however, charity care and bad debt is also steadily increasing. This year, the hospital incurred $1.7 million for charity care and bad debt, and expects $1.9 million next year.

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

one thing we have experienced is once the decision is made and the staff goes to work, we have a pretty strong record with the kids.”

He added, “We would rather not have to do boundary changes, but we are in a growing district, and it is what it is.”

Later, Aune said he did not get the sense the staff members at schools were feeling rushed.

“Where we are today is

where we thought we were going to be,” he said.

After the 3-0-1 vote, Simpson moved to postpone the opening of a freshman learning center and the move from three to two middle schools.

The motion died from lack of a second.

“The vote to move forward with a freshman learning center is a vote we have taken before,” board member and acting president Scott Hodgins said.

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Opinion

PAGE 4

Editorial

Letters

Have we told you lately we appreciate you?

Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Auxiliary’s Holiday Bazaar was a success!

Believe it or not, newspaper folks are just like you.

We’re thankful for turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie and celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family.

But we are also grateful for so many things in our community — including you.

We are thankful to all of our readers, of course. We enjoy that you let us know when a possible interesting story pops up. We are thankful for positive feedback we receive from you, as well as constructive criticism. And we’re thankful to all our advertisers who help make the SnoValley Star a free publication.

We are thankful when you send us photos of this beautiful Valley, and allow us to share them. And a very special thank you goes to Curt Carlson, who out of the goodness of his heart, shoots photos of local athletes at various events and makes them available to everybody for free.

We are thankful to members of the military, Snoqualmie Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel who keep us safe.

We’re thankful for Valley historian David Batty and everyone involved with recording our history, including the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum.

We’re thankful that we still have a pretty good number of living veterans who can share their stories with the younger generations.

We’re thankful the Snoqualmie Valley has so many talented youths, from the athletes to the dancers to the debaters.

We are especially thankful for the Wildcats football team, which changed the course of school history this season.

We’re thankful to the teachers, coaches, parents and volunteers who make our kids’ futures a top priority. We’re thankful for local governments that are doing a pretty good job of handling our taxpayer dollars. We also want to thank all citizens who are dedicating their careers or free time to helping others who are less fortunate.

And not a day goes by when we are not grateful for the stunning beauty that surrounds us.

Here’s wishing you a wonderful Turkey Day.

WEEKLY POLL What do you look forward to the most during the holidays?

A. Thanksgiving food B. Christmas music C. New Year’s Eve parties D. Jan. 2’s peace and quiet.

Vote online at www.snovalleystar.com.

Deborah Berto

Publisher

Kathleen R. Merrill

Managing editor

Michele Mihalovich

Editor

Nathan Laursen Advertising manager Sebastian Moraga

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On perhaps the most windy and rainy fall day this year, with the price of gas sky high, who in their right minds would even consider leaving the warmth of their homes to brave the storm and support a local fundraiser?

You did!

From all who benefit from your support and generosity, which in past years have included our Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, local food bank, children’s toy drive at Christmas, and $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Mount Si High School, we say thank you!

More than $800 was raised.

A special thanks to the local merchants who allowed us to post fliers, to the Snoqualmie Valley School District and to the SnoValley Star.

Congratulations to our lucky raffle winner – Warren Douglas,

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

of North Bend.

John McLean, secretary Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Auxiliary

Thanks from Night on a Dark Trail Imagine asking a group of people to stay out on a dark trail for three hours and do it in the rain. Imagine asking young dancers to perform a difficult song in the rain in a parking lot with a light tower for stage lighting.

Imagine having that happen with Snoqualmie Valley residents for two nights in a row as cast, crew and audience. It happened. Imagine them enjoying it and wanting to do it next year.

In this the second year’s performance of Night on a Dark Trail, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits. While some stayed home, those who attended saw a great show and raised roughly $4,400 for the Mount Si

Helping Hand Food Bank.

It is great to have an idea for a community event, to make it a reality. It requires work and sacrifice from a great many willing individuals and sponsors.

They are to be thanked for their support, and without them, the show would not have gone on.

We would invite you to see photos from the event on Facebook at Night on a Dark Trail. There, you will find an exceptional group of volunteers that ignored the cold, the dark and the rain to give freely of their time and energies to provide a scream, a laugh and an enjoyable entertainment while helping neighbors in need in our community.

Please visit our website at http://nightonadarktrail.weebly. com for the list of our sponsors. They are to be thanked for their support. Without them, the show would not have gone on.

Mark Hennig Event organizer

Home Country

It’s a time to be thankful for what we have Sometimes, it’s good to just walk around slowly and quietly, and look and think.

This morning was one of those times. I didn’t get mildly out of breath the way Doc wanted me to, but just strolled comfortably.

There was what we still call the old drugstore, there in faded brick solidity on the corner. The new drugstore’s made mostly of glass and is three blocks down these days, and the old drugstore has become a meeting place and rehearsal hall for our local actors, and is also a place where members of the PTA take turns tutoring children after school. Not a bad job for a grand old building.

And here comes Mrs. Sandiford. She’s bent over pretty badly these days, but she looks up at me with effort and smiles a good morning. Two years ago, we knew she wasn’t going to survive that stroke, but here she is, still smiling and still taking care of her two cats: Boots and Desdemona.

There’s old Billy, asleep in the street again. He was Stewart Simpson’s dog until Stew passed on, and now Billy belongs to all of us. We haven’t had a town dog since Sally died in her sleep on Doc’s front porch, you know, so now Billy has picked

up the slack.

We all feed him and pet him, and he has quite smoothly made the transition from oneSlim Randles man dog to Columnist one-town dog. He greets each of the children in the mornings down at the school, just to make them feel good about themselves. A worthwhile job.

Old Martin, the crossing guard, stops the traffic for Billy now, as well as for the kids. How Martin can make it out there,

year after year, in all that weather, just to get those kids safely across the street, is a mystery.

He’s a special guy.

That new young couple just parked the car over by the dress shop and got out. They have that new baby of theirs in one of those tummy sling things.

You can zip a parka right around those babies, you know. Keeps everyone warm and feeling loved. As for me, I just like to think of Thanksgiving and the treasures life has given us.

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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

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

SnoValley Star

PAGE 5

SnoValley Star

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NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Snoqualmie City Attorney plans to retire, in December 2013

By Michele Mihalovich Snoqualmie City Attorney Pat Anderson has decided that his last day of shuffling legal papers will be Dec. 31, 2013, and the City Council will have to decide if it wants to keep an in-house attorney or contract out the work.

Anderson told the Star Oct. 31 that even though he loves his job and the work he does, he did install a countdown app on his phone, which indicated he had

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CBS’s reality show “Survivor” is holding casting auditions from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Snoqualmie Casino ballroom, according to the Casino’s website.

Requirements are: q Must be 21 years of age to audition at Snoqualmie Casino’s Survivor Casting Call. q Auditions must be 60 seconds or less, one take only. q Auditions not guaranteed;

426 calendar days before he’ll walk out of City Hall for the final time as a city employee.

He said he and his wife Patty will be moving to Birch Bay, and putting their boat and fifth wheel to good use once he retires.

Anderson, who grew up in Snoqualmie, started with the city 30 years ago, in 1982 when he served as the city’s prosecutor and special counselor. Two years later, he was appointed as city attorney.

But before that, he served in the Peace Corps in Turkey, taught school in New Jersey, received his law degree in 1975, and then returned to Snoqualmie in July 1975. He worked for then-city attorney Daryl Rank. Anderson did the city attorney work in 1975 under then-Mayor Charles Peterson, who today is a Snoqualmie city councilman.

Anderson said he was a partner in an Issaquah law firm from 1976 to 1995, and when he real-

ized he’d only had one client — the city of Snoqualmie — since 1988, he figured he’d open an office in Snoqualmie. In 2005, Anderson went from being a contract attorney for the city to officially becoming its in-house attorney.

On Oct. 30, Anderson recommended to the city’s finance and administration committee — made up of Councilwomen Maria Henriksen and Kathi Prewitt, Councilman Jeff MacNichols and city staff — that

the city stay with an in-house city attorney.

He said that overall, an inhouse attorney costs less than a contract attorney.

Anderson currently makes $150,000, but he said the city could probably hire an experienced in-house attorney for $80,000 to $100,000.

first come first serve. q The only thing you need to bring is a photo ID. q No applications are necessary for this audition. q Please do not bring a tape with you.

The website says the casino will allow contestants to start lining up at 6 a.m., but not a minute earlier. The casino is at 37500 S.E. North Bend Way in Snoqualmie. Learn more at http://snocasino.com/events/survivor-casting-call-2.

and Chaclacayo, Peru, will arrive in January to attend Mount Si High School for approximately four weeks.

During those weeks, host families will provide housing and meals for the students, and will share cultural traditions and lifestyles, according to a press release from the city of Snoqualmie.

If you would like more information about being a student’s home away from home, email Tina McCollum at valent6222@ aol.com or Russell Maw at russellmaw@hotmail.com.

The program is sponsored by the Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association.

Hunting boundary changed in annexed Mill Planning Area

Snoqualmie’s city code prohibits the discharge of any firearms within city limits.

Learn more by calling Snoqualmie Police Capt. Nick Almquist at 888-3333.

Hosts needed for sister city student exchange Students from Gangjin, Korea,

The Mill Planning Area annexation by the city of Snoqualmie in September has affected hunting boundaries in the area, according to a press release from the city.

The familiar hunting area of Lake Borst, on Southeast Mill Pond Road, is now off limits to hunting, according to the release.

The city will work with the state Department of Fish & Wildlife to post the area as a no hunting zone, because

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

Did you get a REVERSE 911 call?

The city of Snoqualmie is asking residents to let it know if you did not receive a call during the REVERSE 911 system test between Oct. 22-25.

If you did not receive a call, register or update your phone number in Snoqualmie’s Reverse See HOST, Page 7

SnoValley Star

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

City of North Bend launches webcam

By Michele Mihalovich North Bend’s new webcam, at http://146.129.248.180/ northbend.html, can serve multiple purposes.

The camera, set up on Rattlesnake Ridge, allows citizens a live view of the city, Interstate 90, Mount Si and the Cascade Mountains. Because it can pan, zoom and tilt, the city says it can be used to follow traffic or a helicopter rescue on Mount Si. Citizens can also check

Host From Page 6 911 database system in one of two ways: q Visit www.cityofsnoqualmie.org and click “REVERSE 911: Sign Up!” in the box titled “Where do I find…”. You may also email the Emergency Operations Center with this information at EOC@ci.snoqualmie. wa.us. q If you do not have computer access, call 888-5911 and leave your name, phone number and property address.

The system allows residents to have multiple phone numbers included in the database.

For example, you may

weather conditions, watch a neighbor fix a roof or observe fireworks during the Mount Si Festival.

The city of North Bend’s citizen Economic Development Commission has worked for more than a decade to bring economic benefit to North Bend, and has long recognized the value of showing off some of what the city has to offer, according to a press release from the city.

The press release states that this year the commission and city staff collabo-

rated to launch the webcam, and after many technical and environmental challenges, the camera is now operational.

Total cost for the equipment, software and installation was $10,142, and annual data streaming runs $1,470, said Cheryl Proffitt-Schmidt, administrative services director for the city.

want to have your home phone, your cellphone and another family member’s cellphone included so that you receive the emergency notification anywhere you are, according to a press release from the city.

Snoqualmie’s system is separate from King County and other cities’ REVERSE 911 systems, and separate from the Snoqualmie Valley School District callout system.

The phone number database the city uses is exclusive to Snoqualmie.

All phone numbers are confidential and are used only during emergency situations by the city of Snoqualmie Emergency Management Department or by King County 911 emergency dispatch,

according to the press release.

A fact sheet about Snoqualmie’s REVERSE 911 system is available on the city website.

PAGE 7

Enjoy the view

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext.

246, or editor@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

By Bent Wiencke

Overlooking Rampart Lakes from Rampart Ridge gives a beautiful view.

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• (425) 888.9170

Community

PAGE 8

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Pineapple run nets nearly a half-million for leukemia research The Winter Pineapple Classic, a Hawaiian-themed fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Washington/Alaska Chapter, raised nearly $500,000 Nov. 10 in North Bend.

Nearly 2,500 participants, some in grass skirts, costumes and even bikinis, endured the bitter cold to finish a 5K obstacle course. Some participants completed the course while holding on to pineapples.

This is the seventh edition of the fundraiser.

“We are once again blown away by the amazing outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the thousands of people in our community that joined us today,” Wilma Comenat, deputy executive director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Washington/Alaska Chapter, said in a press release.

“Each year, the event continues to grow, both here locally and nationally. With every step participants take, we move closer to finding a cure for blood cancers.”

At the end of the race, participants enjoyed a full-scale Hawaiian luau that featured free food and beer.

The Winter Pineapple Classic was started in Seattle seven years ago by Eric Cox after his wife and son were able to successfully recover from simultaneous battles with breast cancer and leukemia, respectively.

Since 2006, the run has raised nearly $2.5 million for the society.

Last year, society chapters all across the country, including San Diego, Portland (Ore.), Pittsburgh, Dallas and the Silicon Valley, hosted their own versions of the run.

Photos by James Whelan

The seventh annual Winter Pineapple Classic, a fundraising run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Washington/Alaska Chapter, gathered 2,500 people at North Bend’s Mountain Meadows Farm Nov. 10. Participants who endured a 5K obstacle course helped raise about $450,000 for the society and were treated to a post-race Hawaiian-style luau. People showed up for the run in outfits that included sporty clothing, grass skirts and even a few bikinis.

Local pub owner shows his tough mudding skills for the troops

By Sebastian Moraga What would you do for people who don’t know you? Adam Krett spent a night outdoors in New Jersey, running.

Now he has frostbite. And he can’t wait until he does it again.

Krett, part-owner of Finaghty’s Irish Pub in Snoqualmie, participated in New Jersey’s World’s Toughest Mudder obstacle course to help raise money for the Wounded

Warriors Project.

The project aids ailing military personnel returning home from the front lines.

Krett finished in the top 5 percent in a qualifying race in September in Seattle. He had never heard of the event until then.

He then received an invitation for the New Jersey race, which he described as kind of the Super Bowl of the Tough Mudder races.

“I just went for it, without really thinking what I was getting myself into,” he said.

What he got into was an hourslong obstacle course, thousands of miles away from home.

The competition started with temperatures in the low 50s and ended with frozen mud puddles and wood planks, his gear frozen to the ground, a wetsuit cutting off his circulation, his hands and toes aching, and a visit to a doctor to make them stop hurting.

All worthwhile, Krett said.

“I just really like the fact that the race is all about overcoming obstacles and that’s what the charity is all about,” he said, “trying to get back on your feet.”

Serious prize money was on the line, but that did not detour runners from the spirit of camaraderie, he said.

“What was absolutely amazing,” he said, “is you knew everyone had your back. If you

fell or limped, there was always another participant checking on you if you were OK.” Between the race and fundraisers at his bar, Krett raised $750 and, he added, “put my own skin in the game.”

When the race was over, Krett said, he really wondered if he would do it again. With the race a few days behind him now, his answer is a definite maybe.

See MUD, Page 9

SnoValley Star

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Obituaries Margaret Mary ‘Peggy’ Fursman Peggy Fursman, of Snoqualmie, loving wife to Jeremy, mother to Ian and Fiona, and teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, passed away Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, at home. She was 45.

A funeral Mass was held Nov. 19, 2012, at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sammamish.

Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.

Sally Vaughan Hill Sally Vaughan Hill (Busby), of North Bend, was born Oct. 21, 1955, in Snoqualmie, to Cecil and Vaughan Busby. She died Nov. 7, 2012.

She is survived by the pride and joy of her life — Luke Wyrsch, her son; siblings Mary Ann Barth, Terry, Patrick, Claudia and Brian Busby; and many loving family and friends.

Memorial service will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 1, at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, Fall City.

Guestbook, photos and obit at www.flintofts.com.

PAGE 9

Holiday goings-on are coming to the Valley Santa train, tree lighting among annual favorites

By Sebastian Moraga It’s beginning to look a lot like your end-ofyear calendar will fill up rather quickly.

With activities across the Snoqualmie Valley, you will have a chance to celebrate the holidays, do some local shopping and stretch your solidarity muscles, without traveling too far from home. q The North Bend Sheriff’s substation, the Mount Si Lutheran Church and the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank will serve a free Thanksgiving meal to the homeless, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 22,

Mud From Page 8 “It was pretty cool,” he said on his way to the doctor to look at his frozen extremities.

“I learned a lot about what is required of your

at the church, 411 N.E. Eighth St., North Bend. q The North Bend Community Church, 126 E. Third St., North Bend, will host a Christmas bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24.

Local crafters will bring items including quilts, embroidery, ceramics and jewelry to the event.

Admission is free. q The Santa Train returns for the 44th year to the Northwest Railway Museum, Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 14 and 15, with seven departing trains from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every hour, plus a train for people with special needs at 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 14. Meet Santa, eat freshly baked cookies, drink hot cocoa and coffee, and watch your child receive a small gift

Budget cuts have made the future of the food bank uncertain, and that’s just not acceptable.

Join the SnoValley Star in insuring that the Mt. Si Food Bank will be here next year, and the year after that…

1, complete with entertainment, hot chocolate, cookies and special offers. The Salish Lodge and Spa is at 6501 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie. Call 800826-6124 toll free. q The city of Snoqualmie will host the annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at 7971 Railroad Ave. S.E. Visitors will have a chance to not just see the tree, but visit with Santa, take a horsedrawn carriage ride and enjoy traditional holiday songs by the Sno-Valley Winds. Go to www. ci.snoqualmie.wa.us to learn more.

Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext.

221, or smoraga@snovalleystar. com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

American Family Mutual Insurance Co. announced Oct. 26 that local Snoqualmie agent Sean Sundwall was named Agent of the Month for the state of Washington.

“It is an honor to achieve such an exclusive award in a state full of many, many wonderful American Family agents,” Sundwall said in the press release.

Sundwall opened his Snoqualmie Valley agency in June 2011.

He is also an avid runner who organizes several local running events in the Valley, and he serves as a coach for the Mount Si High School track team, according to the release.

body.”

Even if he did not raise a lot of money or won the race, he said he still succeeded.

“It built awareness,” he said, “which at the time is just as important, to get the word out, to keep the charity in front of people’s minds.”

Don’t let Valley families go hungry The Mt. Si Helping Hand Food Bank serves 300 children and their parents and 150 senior citizens from Snoqualmie Valley every week.

from the big jolly guy himself. Tickets are $20 per person for everyone ages 2 and older. Order tickets in advance at www.trainmuseum.org or email info@trainmuseum.org. q Si View Metro Parks will unveil the ninth annual Holiday Bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 1 at the Si View Community Center, 400 Orchard Drive in North Bend. A full house of crafts, jewelry, candles, clothes, purses, wood creations, paintings, photos, food vendors, musicians and a raffle await visitors. Admission is free. Call 831-1900 or email mrudd@siviewpark.org to learn more. q The Salish Lodge will host a tree lighting at 1:30 p.m. Dec.

Snoqualmie’s Sean Sundwall named insurance agent of the month

Send donations to

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 Now preferred provider for Premera

Fund for the Valley, c/o SnoValley Star, PO Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045

Donor names will be published (but not amounts) unless anonymity is requested.

WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Schools

PAGE 10

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Turkey day gets children’s attention at Cascade View

By Sebastian Moraga A butterfly runs into a fish, the fish swims and runs into a teepee. And they all gave thanks.

Welcome to Thanksgiving, as seen through the eyes of a kindergartner at Cascade View Elementary School, who drew that scene on his Indian headdress.

“That,” Principal Ray Wilson said earnestly, “makes total sense.”

Spencer Martindale, another kindergartner, had a similar scene, with a triangle shape representing a teepee, an X representing a campfire, an M for mountains, a half circle for the rising sun and zig-zag lines for the ocean waves.

An upside-down Y represented bird’s feet, an O surrounded by squiggly lines represented a pond. After finishing a headdress, teachers stapled it according to the circumference of its owner’s head.

Then, some of the kids, their heads properly attired, walked to a window and struck a rapper’s pose. Tradition is tradition.

Students from four different grades had Thanksgiving-related activities Nov. 20. Second-

graders made a calendar of things they are grateful for and finger-painted a family tree.

From now until winter break, teacher Katie Williams said, a student will pick a piece of paper from each day on the calendar, and read it aloud. A student wrote each piece of paper anonymously, stating what she or he is thankful for.

Third-graders sponge-painted an autumn landscape, and firstgraders made a Thanksgiving book based on an old Indian prayer of gratitude.

Though it all sounds fun, it was serious business for the children, who treated their scissors and glue sticks as if they were the compass on the Mayflower.

Precious little funny business occurred while the cardstock was in their little hands.

“Tell me something about the pilgrims,” teacher Lisa Boysen asked kindergartner Hallie Kappen, who had a headdress to finish and apparently no time to waste.

“They moved to a different place,” she said.

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

These two ‘Indians’ show their brand-new headdresses for the camera and their classmates in Lisa Boysen’s kindergarten class at Cascade View Elementary School. Besides the headdresses, students in Boysen’s class made bonnets and pilgrim hats. The Indian headdresses carried a drawing the students used to tell a story.

Nothing can distract Marin Jones, above, a student in Kristin Yoshikawa’s first-grade class at Cascade View Elementary School, from her Thanksgiving holiday art project. Students in Yoshikawa’s class built a book based on an old Indian prayer of thanks.

At top left, Cascade View Elementary School first-graders Addison Corder, from left, Mason Wilkerson, Will Majestic and Kennedy Porter show off their finished Thanksgiving arts project: a book with a prayer of gratitude.

Photos by Sebastian Moraga

At left, Katie Williams’ secondgraders pose with the calendar they built. Each day carries a piece of paper with something for which a student feels grateful.

A different student will pick and read the piece of paper each day until winter break.

Catherine Smith works on her ‘family tree’ in Katie Williams’ secondgrade class at Cascade View Elementary School.

SnoValley Star

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Running for the hills, and learning to ski

By Sebastian Moraga This January, the hills will be alive with the sound of children learning to ski.

The Ski Bus, a program of ski and snowboard lessons for children, returns to Snoqualmie Valley schools. At Cascade View Elementary School, program coordinator Stephanie Bullard-Beares said students from four out of the Valley’s five elementary schools participated in the program last year.

The first out of six weekly lessons on skiing and snowboarding at the Summit at Snoqualmie begins Jan. 11 for CVES students. Lessons run until early March.

Students may learn to ski or improve their skiing skills, said Bullard-Beares, who described herself as the only skier in her family.

The program is open for third-, fourth- and fifthgraders, taking students and parent chaperones to the hills, with lessons starting at 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. All students must wear helmets.

Lessons will be split in eight levels, from novice to advanced.

The program is run through Mohan Ski School, a nonprofit from Redmond that was started in 1960 by a science teacher wanting to teach students how to ski.

Besides North Shore, the district where Strand worked, the company serves five others, according to the website www.skimohan.com. The company is named after John Mohan, the nonprofit’s director for 30 years until 2000.

Emerald Erickson-Mulanax

The program costs $285 for the bus and the lessons. Students may opt out of either, BullardBeares wrote. Lessons alone cost $140; trips alone cost $195.

The bus-only option is for levels 5-8, intermediate-advanced and advanced.

Deadline for registration is Dec. 15, with a $20 late fee applying Dec. 16.

The group has scheduled an informational meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at the CVES multipurpose room. At least one spot in that room is already spoken for.

Sort of.

“My husband has no interest,” Bullard-Beares wrote in an email, “so I figured if I got my oldest, Haven Beares, a thirdgrader, up to the mountain with some ski lessons, I will start skiing again, too.”

SES teacher wins Macaroni Kid award Nate Ziemkowski, a second-grade teacher at Snoqualmie Elementary School, won the November edition of the Macaroni Kid Teacher of the Month award for the Issaquah and Snoqualmie Valley school districts.

The nomination described Ziemkowski as a teacher who makes “all of his students feel special and excited about school,” an email from Macaroni Kid stated.

Ziemkowski was the second Valley teacher to win the award during the 2012-13 school year. Suzanne Spuhler, a teacher at Opstad Elementary School, won it in September.

Ziemkowski will receive a gift certificate to Flat Iron Grill, a one-hour massage from Therapeutic Health and a plaque from Issaquah Trophy & Awards.

I’m your Hometown Agent Happy 237th Birthday Marines!!

Si, hablo español Andy Lee Moreno

425-451-4400 800-206-1616 11422 NE 21st Street Bellevue, WA 98004 AndyMoreno1@allstate.com

State says fill and cap old wells Every year, farm animals or pets are injured or die in Washington after falling into abandoned water wells that have not been properly filled in and capped, according to a press release from the state’s Department of Ecology.

Among the reports received this year, an 1,800-pound horse fell into an abandoned well in Centralia in August, after a concrete lid covering the top of the well collapsed under the horse’s weight. The horse died during a rescue attempt by local firefighters.

In July, a 13-yearold pet draft horse fell through a covering on an abandoned well near Shelton, but was pulled from the well by fire department rescuers.

In April 2011, two Labrador retrievers that

ran away from their Maury Island home were found drowned in an old well less than a half-mile away. There have been no reports of people falling into abandoned wells in Washington in recent years, but the wells are of particular danger to children and can be found anywhere, which is why the department is encouraging landowners to find and properly fill them in.

To locate and to ensure abandoned wells are properly decommissioned, property owners are encouraged to report these wells and seek advice from the department’s well construction and licensing program.

Landowners may face legal liability for injuries or groundwater contamination caused by abandoned wells that are not properly filled in and capped.

“Many abandoned wells date back to the

post-World War II housing boom and were dug to serve single-family homes.

Many of these wells have been covered over by brush or forest,” said Bill Lum, the department’s well construction and licensing coordinator.

The number of abandoned wells in the state may be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000.

The Department of Ecology works with property owners about how to locate and properly decommission abandoned wells.

“We do have the authority to fine property owners for noncompliance with these laws, but we’ve never used it,” Lum said. “Our priority is to help property owners do the right thing for public safety.”

Property owners should go to www.ecy. wa.gov/programs/wr/wells/ abandon-wells.html for or call 360-407-6648.

During this season of Thanksgiving,

Life Enrichment Options (LEO) wishes to thank these great businesses which are currently employing persons with developmental disabilities from the greater Issaquah area.

The following employers deserve our business and appreciation. They have not only welcomed these employees into their teams, but have also jointly cooperated with their supported employment agencies and job coaches. We are proud of you! Each day you give persons with developmental disabilities the dignity that comes from earning a living and doing their part in our community.

Our sincere thank you to the following businesses:

“Kirby Nelson Orthodontics employees were incredibly friendly and provided me amazing orthodontic service. They worked with me to accomodate my needs and my teeth feel amazing. Thank you Dr. Kirby Nelson!”

-Emerald Erickson-Mulanax

Call for Your Free Consultation Voted Top Orthodontist 2011, 2012, 2013 www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com North Bend Office 425-888-1896

PAGE 11

Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121

Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386

Albertsons, Eastgate Adventure Bowl AMC, Factoria AtWork!

Bellevue Community College Burger King, Issaquah City of Issaquah Costco Headquarters Costco Warehouse, Issaquah Cucina! Cucina!

Denny’s Restaurant, Issaquah Eastridge Christian Assembly Encompass Eurest Dining Services Evergreen Ford Fairwood Golf and Country Club Fischer Meats ForYu Furnishings Fred Meyer, Issaquah Gilman Auto Body Hilton Garden Inn Home Depot, Issaquah Issaquah Brew Pub Issaquah Kiwanis Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Issaquah Press Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Issaquah School District Jubilee Farms

Kids Country Day Care, Issaquah KinderCare, W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy Lakeside Montessori La Petite Academy, Sammamish Lowe’s, Issaquah Matthews Thriftway McDonalds, Gilman Michael’s Toyota of Bellevue Microsoft Mt. Si Sports and Fitness NAES (formerly North American Energy Service) National Etching North Bend Theater Old County Buffet, Factoria Panera Bread PCC Foods Pediatric Associates Petco, Issaquah PetSmart, Issaquah Pine Lake Club Pitney Bowes Services Providence Marianwood QFC, multiple locations: Gilman Blvd Pine Lake Klahanie Red Robin, Bellevue Square Regal Cinemas, Issaquah Ridge Fitness, Snoqualmie

Rite Aid, Factoria River Dog Round Table Pizza, Issaquah Safeway, multiple locations: Issaquah North Bend Sammamish Renton Highlands San Mar Snoqualmie Casino Squak Mountain Greenhouse & Nursery Starbucks, multiple locations: Gilman E. Lake Sammamish Pine Lake Klahanie Village Renton Highlands Swedish, Pine Lake Clinic Target, Issaquah Tavon Center The Grange Trader Joe’s, Issaquah True Marshall Arts Tutta Bella, Issaquah Tweeds Cafe University House Issaquah York Building Services, Bellevue Zeek’s Pizza, Issaquah Highlands

We apologize for any businesses we may have missed. Please submit any omissions to www.lifeenrichmentoptions.org.

Life Enrichment Options

providing a

quality life

for individuals with developmental disabilities

Sports

PAGE 12

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Tacoma Dome, here come the Wildcats!

By Michele Mihalovich

The moment the final whistle blew at the Mount Si High School football game Nov. 17, a crazy celebration ensued.

Fans in the stands chanted “Tacoma Dome! Tacoma Dome!”

Players dumped Gatorade on coach Charlie Kinnune, who was already soaked from the fourthquarter rains.

Lineman Stephen Nnabue ran across the field, hugged tight end Griffin McLain and screamed, “We’re goin’ to the dome, baby!”

The Nov. 16 38-7 win against Kennedy Catholic was more than just Mount Si’s 11th win of the season. This win guaranteed the Wildcats a seat at the WIAA’s state semifinals in Tacoma. That has never happened in Kinnune’s 21 seasons of coaching the Wildcats. It’s never even happened in the school district’s 67 years of existence.

This year’s record-breaking Wildcats will go down as the

best football team in Wildcat history.

“That’s just crazy, being the best football team in Mount Si history,” McLain said. “But getting to the Dome, that’s been our goal this entire season.”

The only obstacle to a Tacoma trip was losing to Kennedy, but many didn’t see that as an option. The two faced off in the season opener Aug. 31, when Mount Si racked up its first of four shutout games this season.

But for Kennedy, that game marked the only loss this season and the Nov. 16 game at Mount Si could provide the Lancers some redemption.

It was not to be. Just one minute into the game, Wildcat Tyler Button intercepted Lancer quarterback Conner Richardson’s pass.

Junior quarterback Nick Mitchell made quick work of getting the ball down the field, and finished up with a 26-yard

By Calder Productions

See FOOTBALL, Page 13

Wildcats wide receiver Jimbo Davis caught a 5-yard pass from quarterback Nick Mitchell, with the touchdown bringing the score to 35-7 Nov. 17 at the state quarterfinals.

North Bend soccer teams fight for entry to state’s final four

By Sebastian Moraga Oh, how sweet — and sour — it is to make it to state.

The Sweet and Sour, the nickname for the soccer squad otherwise known as FC North Bend Girls U-14 Smothers R1 Recreational, earned a berth in the Washington State Youth Soccer Association state tourney for the second consecutive year.

The team went 9-1 in the season, scoring 29 goals and allowing seven. They finished first in the league for the fourth year in a row.

In the district title game Nov. 18, the team lost to the Daredevils from Bothell in a penalty shootout. Three in-game shots and two penalty kicks for the Sweet and Sour hit the post.

“We dominated the team probably 80-20, but we couldn’t put the ball in the net,” Mike Smothers, the team’s head coach said.

He had high praise for his opponents and for his kickers, whom he said remained calm during the penalty shootout.

“I told them to keep a song in their heads,” Smothers said.

“So, there they were, kicking penalty kicks and saying nursery rhymes.”

Newcomer Jamie Krueger

Contributed

The Sweet and Sour, a soccer team from the Valley, will play for a spot among the top four best U-14 teams in the state Dec. 1 against a squad from Lacey. It’s the second year in a row the team has made it to state. loved being part of the team, penalty shootout and all.

“Last year, my team didn’t make it this far, so it was really fun,” said Krueger, a defender whose 2011 team disbanded.

“It was really exciting, not nerve-wracking but fun,” she said of the game against Bothell.

“It was really great.”

The Sweet and Sour — so named after the lime green color of their uniforms years ago — still qualified to state as the wildcard.

The next game is Dec. 1 in Lacey against a local team named The Wild Things. It’s the second consecutive year the team will make it to state.

Besides The Wild Things and

Sweet and Sour, six more teams made it to the Dec. 1 round.

The four winning teams play Dec. 8 at Tukwila’s Starfire Soccer Complex. The winners play the next day in the finals.

“It’s going to be tough,” Krueger said. “We are really going to have to prove that we deserve to be there.”

The team will be up to it, Smothers said.

“The girls just work hard,” he said.

The team has a core of about eight girls who have been playing together for about six to seven years, and four more who have been playing for about four, Smothers said.

“We’ve played in the top division in the last couple of years, and the people who come in the team know what they are getting themselves into,” Smothers said.

Sarah Panciroli, another newcomer, agreed.

“Once I came in, I felt like everyone was really focused and committed to the team,” she said, “and it was really fun to be in it.”

Krueger said adapting to the team has been easy.

“Everybody is so nice,” she said. “So welcoming. I really enjoy playing on this team.”

With state around the corner, having everyone play at her best would be reward enough, Panciroli said.

“Even though,” she added, “it’s really fun to win.”

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

SnoValley Star

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Two Mount SI grads star in season for the books at NU

By Sebastian Moraga They had never beat Concordia. They had never won a regular season championship. And they had started their 2012 preseason losing seven of nine matches.

No problem.

The 2012 season for Kirkland’s Northwest University womens soccer team, and for its two Snoqualmie Valley standouts Jessie Oliver and Jordyn Wilson, went from unfathomable to unforgettable.

The team built a storybook season on the back of an improbable streak after the string of losses.

The team started its regular season with a loss and a tie, and then did not lose again until the final game of the conference playoffs, nine matches later.

“We were up 1-0, and with five minutes left they tied, and they won in overtime,” Wilson said, referring to the Cascade Collegiate Conference’s soccer powerhouse from Oregon: Concordia University.

Concordia then won its next match, and qualified for nationals in Alabama.

To think that NU, a 7-year-old program,

fell just five minutes short from playing for a nationals berth is no small feat, she said.

“I’m really proud of the team,” she said.

One reason for the poor preseason record was the caliber of rivals scheduled, Wilson said.

Nationally ranked teams and NCAA Division II teams proved tough for the small private school from Kirkland.

Still, the defeats galvanized the team, Wilson added.

“It’s one of those seasons where everyone thought it was going to go one way because of what happened in preseason, but we made a decision to turn it around and made a name for ourselves,” she said.

Despite the early exit from the playoffs, Wilson called the 2012 campaign “the perfect senior season,” with the regular season crown and the victory against Concordia glued in her mind as well.

Not even her fifth concussion, sustained during the regular season finale against Warner Pacific, diminished her enthusiasm for the game.

“I’m really sad that it’s over. I want to keep playing,” she said.

A defensive center midfielder, she had Oliver as a starting teammate for every game but one, the game after the concussion, where Wilson only played for 10 minutes as a sub. She still managed to get a shot off in the 2-1 victory against Oregon Tech in the first round of playoffs.

The shot went off the post, Wilson said with a chuckle.

Wilson calls Oliver — a former teammate at Mount Si — her best friend. She said she convinced Oliver to transfer to Northwest from Bellevue College in 2011.

Any time they passed each other the ball, they would call it “The North Bend Connection.”

“It was really fun playing with her this year,” Wilson said of Oliver, a music major known to perform the National Anthem at Eagle events.

A secondary education major, Wilson said she might try playing indoor soccer next. She sounds more certain about coaching in high school than playing again.

“I love high school soccer,” she said.

If Wilson had Oliver See SOCCER, Page 14

PAGE 13

Football From Page 12 pass to junior Trevor Daniels for Mount Si’s first TD of the night.

Cameron Van Winkle missed the extra point, but it was a 6-0 Mount Si lead.

Wildcat defensive back Trent Riley recovered a Lancer fumbled ball, and set Mount Si up 40 yards from the end zone.

The following nineplay drive put Mount Si at fourth and goal just two yards shy, and the Wildcats decided to go for it, with Mitchell sprinting in for a touchdown. He then ran in a 2-point conversion for a 14-0 score in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Lancers seemed to get some momentum going. A four-play drive got the ball into a receiver’s hands.

As he carried the ball, it dropped out of his hands, bounced on the field and he recovered it like a basketball player. A few plays later, Lancer Drew Thompson ran 10 yards for their first and only touchdown of the night.

Button finished up the quarter with an 8-yard pass from Mitchell, putting Mount Si up 21-7 at the half.

Within the first three minutes of the third quarter, Mitchell tossed a 7-yarder to McLain for another Mount Si touchdown.

Brothers Holiday Lighting

Lancer quarterback Richardson fumbled a handoff, which Wildcat Hank Van Liew recovered and set Mount Si up midfield.

The offense had a slow drive to the 25-yardline, setting it up for a Van Winkle field goal, which was missed due to some Lancer contact that left the University of Washington-bound kicker limping off the field.

In the fourth quarter, Wildcat Beau Shain, a league leader in interceptions, almost picked off a Lancer pass.

Moments later, however, the ball slipped out of Lancer kicker Colin Cossette’s hands just as he was setting up for a punt return. Shain redeemed himself with the recovery, and Jimbo Davis picked a 5-yard Mitchell pass for a touchdown, bring the score to 35-7.

Van Winkle got to redeem himself from the earlier missed field goal by kicking in a 45-yarder with just 53 seconds left in the game, ending the night with a 38-7 win and a guaranteed trip to the Tacoma Dome.

Now for the bad news.

Mount Si will face the only team that beat them this season, the dreaded Bellevue Wolverines.

Sports Illustrated ranks

Bellevue as the second best high school football team in the nation, but McLain doesn’t see that as a huge obstacle.

The Wildcats faced the Wolverines before and now have a pretty good idea of what to expect and how to possibly turn things around this time, he said.

“We were pretty tense the first time we played them,” McLain said. “But this time, we’re going to give it all we’ve got.”

Kinnune, a bit sticky from the Gatorade dousing, described this year’s Wildcats as a “phenomenal group of players.”

He said everyone is aware of how good Bellevue is.

“But these guys, they are happy just to be able to play a nationally ranked team in the state semifinals,” Kinnune said.

“Playing in the dome, that’s been their dream all season.”

Mount Si is set to kick off at 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Tacoma Dome. If the Wildcats beat Bellevue, they will advance to the Gridiron Classic the following weekend.

Michele Mihalovich: 392-6434, ext.

246, or editor@snovalleystar.com.

Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.

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Mount Si High School football player Trent Riley has been unstoppable this season, offensively, defensively and on special teams. The wide receiver/defensive back was named KingCo 3A’s Offensive Player of the Year and Punt Returner of the Year. Riley, who sat out his entire junior year due to a basketball injury, now has 22 touchdowns this season, breaking the school record last week with 19.

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PAGE 14

North Bend Rock toss

Police received a report at 4:10 p.m. Nov. 6 that someone earlier had thrown a rock through a front door window in the 13000 block of 457 Avenue Southeast.

he was living in his vehicle and just barely getting by, admitted to stealing the items from Safeway and shoplifting from QFC the week before.

Warrants and coke

Police received a report about midnight Nov. 4 that someone had put a barricade in front of Salish Avenue Southeast, and pulled out stop and street signs.

At 11:45 a.m. Oct. 29, police pulled over a man for several traffic infractions. Police learned that the driver, Joshuah Daniel Wright, 30, of Issaquah, was wanted on a firstdegree criminal trespass warrant out of King County. After arresting him, police found cocaine in a plastic bag in his pocket. Wright was transported to King County Jail.

Shoplifting

Resisting arrest, etc.

Police were called at 7:03 p.m. Nov. 3 to Safeway about a 20-yearold male who had just stolen a basket full of groceries. Police found him at QFC. The man, who said

At 4:45 p.m. Oct. 20, police received a report of a man who shoplifted items from Famous Footwear and was then at Vanity Fair. Police contacted the man in the

Vandalism

fitting rooms at Vanity Fair and he tried to flee the store. Officers and store security tackled him and he resisted arrest as they tried to handcuff him. As an officer was walking the man to his patrol vehicle, the man fled again. Snoqualmie PD and Washington State Patrol officers assisted in the search and did apprehend him. Johnny Martin Carter, 47, of Snoqualmie, was arrested for trying to escape, theft and resisting arrest, as well as a felony warrant out of King County, and misdemeanor warrants out of Snoqualmie and Bellevue, and was transported to King County Jail.

Shoplifting A Portland woman was arrested and transported to the Issaquah Jail at 6:37 p.m. Nov. 6 after shoplifting a green shirt and pink insulated vest with a hood from Vanity Fair.

Snoqualmie DUI

Police noticed a driver

weaving at 4 p.m. Nov. 9 on Railroad Avenue Southeast. The man was arrested for driving while intoxicated and was transported to the Issaquah Jail.

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Vehicle versus deer Police responded at 6:35 p.m. Nov. 14 to a noninjury vehicle accident involving a deer on Snoqualmie Parkway Southeast.

Tire tracks

North Bend fire calls

A Snoqualmie parks official reported to police Nov. 13 that during the night, someone drove through the baseball field at Stellar Park, leaving hundreds of feet of tire tracks in the grass and causing $1,000 worth of damage.

One fire engine responded to a cooking fire call at 4:46 p.m. Nov. 11 in the 1200 block of East North Bend Way.

Mail theft A caller reported at 12:37 p.m. Nov. 14 that he saw a man with a ponytail and a purple sweatshirt taking mail from mailboxes on Railroad Avenue Southeast.

Need to make a call A woman reported at noon Nov. 14 that a man took her cellphone out of her baby stroller while she was on Center Boulevard Southeast and drove away in a dark, Ford Explorer.

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Snoqualmie fire calls

EMTs and Bellevue paramedics responded Nov. 8 to Snoqualmie Casino for a woman who was having chest pain.

Firefighters responded Nov. 10 to Snoqualmie Ridge for a residential fire alarm. After investigation, it was determined that it was a false alarm due to

Soccer From Page 14 around during the past two years as fellow Wildcats, her future may also have a feline growl to it.

“Darren Brown wants me to join the coaching staff next year,” she said, referring to the longtime Mount Si High School coach. “I really want to do that.”

a malfunctioning smoke detector.

Firefighters, along with Bellevue paramedics, responded Nov. 11 to a downtown residence for a 24-year-old man with a heroin overdose. The medics transported the man to the hospital.

Firefighters responded Nov. 11 to Snoqualmie Casino for a woman who had fallen earlier in the day and needed a medical evaluation.

Firefighters on Nov. 13 assisted units from Eastside Fire & Rescue and Maple Valley at a tractor trailer fire on Highway 18.

The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.

Brown confirmed the hire via email. Nov. 19.

Wildcat or Eagle, Wilson said that next year she will feel a part of whatever success comes NU’s way.

“We are a pretty new program and people didn’t even pronounce our name right, ‘Northwestern,’” she said. “And this year, we got our name in the national rankings. It’s pretty cool, because I feel like we built the foundation.”

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Calendar

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Music/ entertainment q Holiday Artisan Fair and Wine Tasting, 3-8 p.m. Nov. 23, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, 8313647 to reserve a craft table, $15 each q Snoqualmie Strings Faculty Quartet, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26, Boxley’s, 101 W. North Bend Way, 2929307 q Hard Roller and Big Wheel Stunt Show, 9 p.m. Nov. 30, Finaghty’s Irish Pub, 7726 Center Blvd. S.E., Suite 110, Snoqualmie, 888-8833 q Open Mic Night, 8 p.m. Nov. 26, Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom, 8031 Falls Ave. S.E. Snoqualmie, 888-1234 q “Nutcracker Sweets,” act 2 of “The Nutcracker,” and “Holidays on Broadway,” performed by the Cascade Dance Co., 1 p.m. Dec. 9, Cascade View Elementary School, 34816 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. Call the academy at 396-0538.

Events q Ladies’ Night fundraiser for Valley Animal Partners, showing of “While You Were Sleeping,” starring Sandra Bullock, at the North Bend Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, doors open at 5:30 p.m. The $25 admission includes movie, one alcoholic beverage, appetizers, small soda and popcorn.

All proceeds will benefit people and their pets in the Snoqualmie Valley.

Tickets for sale at U Dirty Dog, Pet Place Market and Another Hair Place.

Theatre is at 125 Bendigo Blvd. N., North Bend. q Downtown Merchant Holiday Open House, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 1, downtown Snoqualmie.

Visit stores and restaurants for complimentary treats, hot beverages, art exhibits, live music, food tasting benefits and coupons for holiday shopping. q North Bend Holiday Festival Gingerbread House contest, entries will be displayed in downtown North Bend businesses starting Dec. 1. Deadline for entries is Nov. 28.

Deliver completed houses to Cook Real Estate in Downtown North Bend from noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 1. Prizes for adult, family, teens, and kids’ categories.

Call Stacey Cepeda at 8882777 to learn more. q Pancake breakfast with Santa, 8-11 a.m. Dec.

PAGE 15

Bluegrass bonanza

Contributed

Bluegrass guitarist Rob Ickes will perform at the Sallal Grange on Dec. 6. The Nashville musician will perform with two-time International Bluegrass Music Association Guitar Player of the Year Jim Hurst.

Tickets are $15 at the door or online at www.sallalgrange.org. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Sallal Grange hall, 12912 432nd Ave. S.E. North Bend. Call 888-0825.

1, 411 Main Ave. S. North Bend, and Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Breakfast, pictures with Santa, baked goods, gifts, and brand-new sheepskin boots and slippers. q Snoqualmie Valley Hospital District Lunch and Learn, “PostAcute Care,” noon Dec. 6, Snoqualmie Fire Department, 37600, Snoqualmie Parkway S.E. q Santa’s Toy Shop Toy Drive at the North Bend Substation of the King County Sheriff’s Office, 1550 Boalch Ave. N.W., to Dec. 11. New, unwrapped toys for children tots to teens welcome. Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday.

Santa will visit the toy shop at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1. q 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.

Volunteer opportunities q 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 hand out food on Wednesdays. Call

888-0096.

Classes q Adult/senior tap lessons. Learn basic steps and rhythms, traveling time steps and shuffles.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring your tap shoes the first day. Fees are $7 for drop-ins or $30 for a five-day punch card good for 90 days. Lessons start Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., through Dec. 18.

GARFUNKEL AND OATES

Help Kate & Ricki celebrate 4 years together as Garfunkel & Oates with a Big Show at the Snoqualmie Casino on November 24th, 8pm $10 - $40 tickets!

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Churches q Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church’s Stockings of Joy Project will meet to assemble stockings 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Stockings need items like hot powdered drinks, canned food, candies, gift cards, toiletries, socks, handkerchiefs, washcloths, towels, playing cards, stationery flashlights, novels, etc. Put donated items in parish hall donation box, 39025 S.E. Alpha St., Snoqualmie. Items will go to homebound residents and residents of the Mount Si Transitional Center and The Red Oak Residence.

Submit an item to the community calendar by emailing smoraga@ snovalleystar.com.

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NOVEMBER 22, 2012