Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington
December 8, 2011 VOL. 3, NO. 49
Election recount Hospital District recount results are due by Dec. 13. Page 2
Give them credit Casino’s credit rating gets a boost. Page 6
Sallal Grange helps Group holds fundraiser to benefit the Valley. Page 8
Police blotter Page 9
One of the best Mount Si senior accepted into Grammy Foundation band. Page 14
Hoops time Basketball season is under way. Page 16
Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Kent, WA Permit No. 71 POSTAL CUSTOMER
Five down, two to go Page 12
Fund for the Valley will help food bank
Cub Scouts pitch in by planting trees at park
By Dan Catchpole Every Wednesday, Kathy joins dozens of volunteers at the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank and helps distribute dry goods, canned goods, vegetables, fruits, milk and other foods to the hundreds of people who come each week. After her shift, though, Kathy goes through the line in the squat white building beside the North Bend Community Church, collecting food to take home for herself and her husband, Scott. The couple hasn’t had a steady income for more than two years, but had been able to get by on unemployment insurance benefits until this past July. “A lot of bills started coming in,” Kathy said, sitting in her living room. A few boxes of Christmas decorations sit open around an artificial tree that has been meticulously adorned with ornaments she has collected over the years. “I love my tree,” she said proudly. Kathy and Scott don’t fit the stereotype many people have for clients of a food bank, but more and more people at food banks look like them, according to hunger advocates. “Families just do not have the resources they need to purchase food and meet their other basic needs,” said Robert Coit, executive director of the Thurston County Food Bank. “For some, it is rising costs, food, fuel, heating — particularly if on a fixed income.” Kathy and Scott have been on a very fixed income for the past two years. Neither has been able to find work in that time. She is a hairstylist, and he is a union electrician. Without children, the couple has been able to manage their expenses and get by, but Kathy wonders about how parents cope with the See VALLEY, Page 2
By Ann Specht
Members of North Bend Cub Scout Pack 452 Den 5 pitched in to plant trees at the city’s Torguson Park on Oct. 18. The Scouts planted three new red sunset maple trees at the park. The trees serve as a backdrop to a memorial bench, placed earlier this year by the Lynn family.
Garbage rates should decrease next year for Snoqualmie customers By Dan Catchpole Snoqualmie has a new garbage collector, and most residents and businesses will pay lower garbage rates next year. Waste Management will be hauling trash, compost and recycling in the city beginning
June 1. The City Council approved the new contract at its Nov. 28 meeting. Customers will receive new collection cans, which the city will own at the end of the contract. It isn’t clear whether the new cans will handle the wind
any better than the existing cans. “It doesn’t take much for my container to get knocked over, and then my garbage becomes my neighbor’s garbage,” Snoqualmie resident Terry See GARBAGE, Page 3
North Bend City Administrator Duncan Wilson is leaving By Dan Catchpole After five years, North Bend City Administrator Duncan Wilson is moving on. He is leaving the city in May to take on the same position in Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. In his short time, Wilson has been deeply involved with several major projects in the city
that will continue to influence its look, character and development long after he has left. “It’s been some of the best years of my life here,” he said. “I think we got a lot done.” The list of projects ushered along during his tenure includes expanding the city’s sewer system; the Tanner Annexation; getting adequate See WILSON, Page 3
SnoValley Star
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Hospital commissioner recount should be completed by Dec. 13 The election’s outcome could have lasting effects for While King County officials the district, which is getting certified the ready to Nov. 8 elecbreak ground Nov. 8 election tion late last on a $37 by the numbers month, four million facilraces remain 1,081,888 — King County ity. unsettled. registered voters Pollard The races 580,846 — total ballots ran on a were so close returned reform platthat they 564,331 — total ballots form, and triggered counted has been automatic 69,258 — ballots returned critical of recounts by at drop boxes the district’s election offi0 — discrepancies executive cials. 1 — accounted-for errors leadership The closest 7,137 — ballots returned and its decirace this year too late to be counted sion-making is the contest 18,687 — ballots with sigprocess. for a seat on nature challenges He has Public 10,049 — signature chalcalled for Hospital lenges resolved increased District No. 9,925 — ballots returned transparency as undeliverable 4’s board of and a refocommissioncusing on ers. The district manages providing basic health serSnoqualmie Valley Hospital. vices. Six votes separate the chalDenton supports the adminlengers. istration, which she used to According to certified results belong to as the district’s forreleased Nov. 29, Gene Pollard mer chief operating officer. leads with 4,613 votes to Karyn See RECOUNT, Page 6 Denton’s 4,607 votes. By Dan Catchpole
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Valley From Page 1 tough economic times. “How are people supposed to survive?” she said. It doesn’t help that the federal and state governments are cutting back their safety net programs, either, Coit said. Washington state legislators are currently trying to close a $1.4 billion budget gap in the current two-year budget, which ends June 30, 2013. Legislators have focused more on cutting expenses, rather than raising new revenue to close the gap. In mid-November, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed about $2 billion in cuts to state programs and departments in order to balance the budget and create a buffer if the economy worsens. Gregoire also wants residents to vote on a half-cent sales tax increase to “buy back” about $500 million worth of programs. All of these cuts in Olympia and Washington, D.C., are felt at food banks across the state. “As support for housing assistance declines, a household needs to replace that resource, so, rather than move to the streets, they use a food bank to free up some additional money to pay the rent,” Coit said. “As support for medical costs declines, a household needs to replace that resource, so, rather than not taking an important medication, they use a food
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
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For Kathy and other Snoqualmie Valley residents cutting household expenses in the down economy has come to include food. She and her husband get food from the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank, where she is also a volunteer. bank to free up some additional Kathy said she enjoys her money to buy medication.” hours volunteering at the food Mount Si food bank’s execubank. tive director, Heidi Dukich, said “I just try to make it fun, she has seen it first hand in the make the customer laugh,” she Snoqualmie said. Fund for the Valley Valley. Putting a Kathy and smile on a Scott cut what The SnoValley Star’s Fund stranger’s face they could, for the Valley benefits a can brighten but finally in 501(c)3 charity each holiday her day, she July, there season. This year’s recipient is said. was nothing the Mount Si Helping Hand Kathy tries more to cut. to apply the Food Bank. So, she went same philosoContribute by sending to the food donations to Fund for the phy to her bank as a cusValley, c/o SnoValley Star, own life, tomer and P.O. Box 2516, North Bend, despite the signed up as a WA 98045. uncertain volunteer. Donor names will be pubfinancial The seleclished — but not donations future she and tion has amounts — unless anonymity Scott face. It amazed is requested. looks like he Kathy, who will have a enjoys cooking. full-time job for a contractor On most trips, she picks up working for The Boeing Co., but milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, the aerospace company hasn’t canned goods and bread, she signed off on all the contractor said. positions yet. Dukich and the food bank’s “I try to be positive instead of many volunteers work hard to negative about it, because when ensure their clients have a nutri- you’re negative, nothing goes tious and interesting selection. your way,” Kathy said.
SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011
North Bend receives grants from state for road projects North Bend has been awarded state grants for two transportation projects in 2013. The city will receive more than $400,000 from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for the projects. The first grant is for improving the sidewalk on the north side of North Bend Way from Downing Avenue to Orchard
Wilson From Page 1 water rights for the city; ending the building moratorium; reaching an agreement with Fire District 38 for a new fire station; and landing a Metro Park & Ride station. None of it would have been possible without his colleagues at the city, he said. There are projects that he wanted to tackle but won’t be able to get to before setting off. “I would’ve liked to complete the downtown revitalization effort and build the downtown plaza,” Wilson said. “You can’t do it all at once.” The greatest challenge during his time was getting the city out of a state-imposed building moratorium, which necessitated securing more water rights for the city, he said. The effort required building an extensive — and expensive — water mitigation system that went live in 2009.
Street, and it includes both design and construction work. The award is $156,430. The city must provide $52,144 in matching money for the project. The second project is for overlaying pavement on a stretch of North Bend Way west of Thrasher Avenue to beyond Tanner Road. The grant is for $250,000, and the city has to provide $27,778. The matching money will come from revenue raised by the Transportation Benefit District
But North Bend came out of the 10-year building ban during the Great Recession. There was scant demand for new homes. “North Bend had its growth stunted a little bit when it lost its water rights,” Wilson said. When the ban was in effect, neighboring Snoqualmie became the fastest growing city in the state. At the same time, the ban allowed North Bend city officials to learn from mistakes other cities made during the height of the housing bubble. “We never wanted to lose that character of what North Bend is,” Wilson said. Juggling routine Keeping a city’s government running requires constant attention. Wilson compared the city administrator job to plate spinning by Vaudevillian performers. “You have to keep all the plates going at once,” he said. “You could never step back and look at all the plates, because there’s always one that needs to be spun.” Regardless of the frenetic
Another beautiful smile A “BIG” thank you to Dr. Kirby Nelson, Dr. Lee and Staff giving us three beautiful smiles. We went in to have orthodontic care and left with new found friendships. Thank you for always being friendly, caring, and reliable. It will be an experience we will always remember. - Cierra, Angela and Aubry Anna Diaz
Garbage
sales and use tax, which voters approved in the Nov. 8 election. The new levy allows the city to leverage grants that will help North Bend accomplish “essential improvements to the city’s transportation system,” City Administrator Duncan Wilson said in a news release. The state Transportation Improvement Board gives out grants to cities and counties for transportation projects. The board’s money comes from 3 cents of the statewide gas tax.
Sorenson said. Waste Management has locking lids available for $3. While the company would prefer not to bother with straps, “we understand a strap is required sometimes,” Jeff McMahon, the company’s district manager, said at the meeting. “And if we have to get out and work to that, we will.”
pace, Wilson took the offer to take over for Friday Harbor’s outgoing City Administrator King Fitch, because it is a “oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.” Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher said in a statement, “I believe Mr. Wilson has the skills, vision, and energy we need to help take our town into a strong and dynamic future.” The Friday Harbor Town Council will vote on Wilson’s contract at its Dec. 15 meeting. Before arriving in North Bend in November 2006, Wilson worked for two years as the deputy city administrator in Covington. Before that, he practiced municipal and banking law for 25 years. He earned his law degree from the University of Puget Sound, now Seattle University’s School of Law, and his undergraduate degree from Western University. North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing will oversee the search for Wilson’s replacement.
Expanded services The city asked in June for proposals for a new contract from garbage collection companies. Three responded — Cleanscapes, Waste Management and Republic Services, which is the city’s current contractor through its local division, Allied Waste. All three proposals featured expanded services and lower rates than currently charged, according to a report prepared by city staff members. In the city’s evaluations of the three proposals, city staff equally ranked Waste Management and Cleanscapes ahead of Republic Services. Waste Management’s proposal cost about $100,000 less a year than the other two, which tipped the scale in its favor. The new contract includes: ❑ New garbage, recycling and compost carts for all customers. ❑ Wildlife-resistant containers available for a nominal charge. ❑ An expanded range of
From Page 1
recyclables. ❑ All single-family customers getting compostables (yard waste and food scraps) collection with basic garbage service. ❑ Monday through Thursday pickup, with Friday open as a make-up day for holidays and inclement weather. ❑ Free recycling for commercial customers. While King County’s disposal fee is going up, Snoqualmie customers are expected to receive a 15 percent saving on average next year, according to the city report. Single-family customers who currently subscribe for yardwaste collection are expected to save about $8 to $10 per month on their combined garbage and yardwaste collection bill. Single-family customers with only garbage collection are expected to save about $1 per month. Commercial customers are expected to have generally lower rates, as well, according to the report. Allied Waste had served Snoqualmie for 50 years, according to Jan Pritchard, a spokeswoman for the company. “We were disappointed that we were not permitted to amend the contract,” Pritchard told the City Council. But Allied Waste will work closely with Waste Management to ensure a smooth transition, she said. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246 or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
THANK YOU! To the voters and all of our citizens, let’s work together to keep North Bend a great place to live. I would also like to say “Thank you” to those who endorsed me • Joint Council of Teamsters No. 28 • Sherwood B. Korssjoen, Valley Businessman • Bud Raisio, President Snoqualmie Valley Youth Soccer Association • Fritz Ribary, former Mayor of North Bend
Cierra, Angela and Aubry Anna Diaz, North Bend patients
Courtesy of
Call to find your perfect smile... Your dentist’s choice for their family www.kirbynelsonorthodontics.com North Bend Office 425-888-1896
PAGE 3
Maple Valley Office 425-413-2121
Snoqualmie Ridge Office 425-831-0386
Here’s to the future of our great city! Please Keep in contact through my new City email address: rkolodejchuk@northbendwa.gov
Ryan Kolodejchuk North Bend City Council # 7 Paid for by Vote Ryan Kolodejchuk
Opinion
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Editorial
Letters
With elections over, time to get to work
Why do we need a hospital?
With the Nov. 8 general election results certified and the results of four ballot recounts due in the coming week, it is time to look to the next step. It is time for the candidates — the winners and the losers — to back up their campaign promises with action. It is easy to be cynical about the disparity in government between what is said in stump speeches and what is done after the election, to assume that it must pervade all levels of government. But happily, local government often offers a refreshing break from the birthright of politicians — hypocritical, self-interested behavior. The winners of races in the Snoqualmie Valley face daunting challenges. Infrastructure maintenance and economic development are among the chief concerns this year. Every candidate for City Council in North Bend and Snoqualmie promised voters they would offer sound fiscal leadership while trying to spur economic activity and keeping city roads in working order. Given the outlook for the local economy — as morose and gray as the region’s late fall weather — it is doubtful that anyone could deliver on all of those goals. With both cities passing conservative budgets, city leaders must choose their goals wisely. Projects should never be undertaken simply because construction costs are down or a grant is available. That is like buying something simply because it is on sale. Saving money on a purchase doesn’t matter if you don’t need the item in the first place. With municipal resources limited, cities must focus their work on what is most important. (And make headway on other priorities as much as possible.)
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What in the world is the district thinking? The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, once again, has sign a long-term multimilliondollar contract. For what? Why a new hospital, of course. All our problems will be solved if we just have a new hospital. Wow! What an easy fix. I guess I don’t understand. I’ve heard that the hospital is operating in the black. Sounds like the old hospital is perfectly adequate for the services rendered. Other than stiffing the residents for millions of dollars, and guaranteeing the long-term employment of the administrative staff, what is the point? If the present hospital is operating in the black, sounds like the major problem has always been marketing. Well, the commissioners didn’t ask for the public’s input. Indeed, the contract with the builder has been signed (at 7:30 in the morning last week), so once again, it’s too late. Guess we’ll have to wait a few years for this hospital to fail, and then the district will ask for more taxes and they’ll be turned down, again.
DECEMBER 8, 2011
What a merry-go-round. Herschel Backues North Bend
From the Web Re: Snoqualmie approves annexation agreement with King County There is no doubt that we need leadership that listens to the people who put them where they are. We have the Ridge, which is not affected by the vote. However, we have the whole lower valley at risk by a few politicians who are letting the Valley change in not such a good manner. Living in the lower Valley I see a lot of issues that can affect us all. Living on the Ridge with the golden boys watching over me would be a choice but not one I would want to make. Support the suit against the city and hope some judge with common sense prevails over a City Council that just cannot get things correct. Go to a City Council meeting and give your opinion — in three minutes or less — and look into your leaders’ faces who have already made up their
minds before you speak. Ron Sorenson
Re: Pan-American trip has North Bend pit stop for Argentine couple Gracias por la nota… nos estamos deleitando con ella desde Argentina… Exitos a los viajeros!!!! Realmente es importante haberse animado a hacer ese viaje tan soñado… y un ejemplo… “Cuando se quiere algo… sólo hay que programarlo e intentarlo.” Bravo chicos… sigan disfrutando del viaje.. Día a día. María Isabel Rodríguez Lahitte Desde María Teresa, Argentina (Translation: Thanks for the article, we are delighting ourselves with it from Argentina. Good luck to the travelers!!!! Really, it’s important having dared to make such a longdreamed-of trip...and an example “When you want something, all you have to do is plan it and try it.” Bravo, kids, keep enjoying the trip, from day to day.)
Home Country
Jasper cannot tell a lie, about his ax By Slim Randles These days we don’t think much about axes. They’re kinda old fashioned and they are too closely associated with manual labor for them to be very popular. It’s a shame, because there is lore to an ax. There are proper and improper ways to sharpen one, for instance. There are proper and improper ways to fell a tree with an ax, to limb a fallen tree with an ax, to split firewood with an ax. Replacing the handle on an ax could be the subject of a very interesting small book, even. Marvin always puts a coating of fiberglass around the handle just below the head to keep firewood from chewing up the handle, for instance. Ol’ Jasper Blankenship, up at the diggin’s, has been known to soak an ax handle in kerosene before using it to give it longer life. In fact, Jasper has made ax work into something of an art form. If you need your ax sharpened, he’s the guy to see. He has an old-fashioned grindstone with a water drip. He’ll tell you
it’s important not to get the steel too hot and therefore take the temper out of it. And when he finishes sharpening Slim Randles your ax, you Columnist can shave with it. If you really want to. If they gave doctor’s degrees in ax use, Jasper would get the first one in the valley. He built his cabin with just an ax. The
whole thing. It was while Jasper was showing his new cabin to some tourist ladies, in fact, that his ax became legendary around here. “You see that ax?” he asked them. “That was George Washington’s ax. Yep, the same one he used to chop down the cherry tree. ‘Course it’s been through 42 handles and six heads since then.” Brought to you by Slim’s award-winning book (and stocking stuffer) “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right.” Learn more at www.nmsantos.com/Slim/Slim.html.
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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DECEMBER 8, 2011
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Snoqualmie Casino’s credit rating gets a boost from Standard & Poor’s Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has raised its credit rating of the Snoqualmie Entertainment Authority, which manages Snoqualmie Casino, from B- to B. The ratings agency announced the change Oct. 21. The Snoqualmie Entertainment Authority is owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. The casino’s credit rating is still relatively low. The casino’s credit rating had been hurt by a disappointing opening in November 2008 and high debt load, but it has improved since then. Its last credit upgrade came in December, when Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s both raised their ratings for the casino. “While there remains some uncertainty surrounding the authority’s longer term development plans, as well as the tribe’s longer term financial policy regarding distributions, we believe Snoqualmie’s credit and liquidity profiles support the higher rating,” Standard & Poor’s credit analyst Carissa Schreck said in the company’s news release. Concerns persist about the authority’s “narrow business position as an operator of a single casino property, high debt leverage, and some uncertainty around the tribe’s longer term financial policy and expansion plans. These risks are only somewhat tempered by continued Alexis McMillan, LMT, Esthetician Lic # MA00018258
Encompass opens in downtown North Bend
By Clay Eals
Surrounded by Encompass board members, employees and supporters, North Bend City Administrator Duncan Wilson holds a red ribbon snipped to open the organization’s new downtown North Bend location. The facility — at 209 Main Ave. S. — opened Nov. 7, and replaced a smaller office. The new location houses the organization’s programs in family support, in-home and clinic therapy for children with developmental challenges and new, in-home literacy services for low-income families with young children. It complements Encompass’ main campus at 1407 Boalch Ave. N.W., North Bend. Learn more at www.encompassnw.org.
improvement in operating performance, which has resulted in credit measures and a liquidity profile in line with the ‘B’ rating,” according to the news release. The casino has about $330 million in notes that begin coming due in 2014.
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Recount From Page 2 She currently holds the contested commissioner’s seat. The board appointed her to the position after former commissioner Fritz Ribary resigned to become the hospital district’s communications and marketing director. During the campaign, Denton said she would work for improving services and keeping costs down. King County Elections staff
will recount the more than 9,000 ballots cast for the race on Dec. 12 and post results online the following day. The other races that triggered recounts are Enumclaw School District Director No. 4, City of Bellevue Council Position No. 1 and City of Des Moines Council Position No. 6.
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more than 580,000 ballots for 53.7 percent turnout. Statewide, turnout also beat pre-election estimates — and reached 52.95 percent — for the off-year contests. “This was our first statewide election conducted completely by mail, and there was a flurry of interest in our statewide ballot measures, including Tim Eyman’s initiative dealing with tolls and light rail and the Costco-sponsored liquor privatization proposal,” Secretary of State Sam Reed said in a statement. “There was record spending on the liquor measure, including saturation advertising, and lots of people were talking about it.” Washington voters returned 1.94 million ballots statewide. San Juan County experienced the highest turnout at 69.55 percent.
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Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246 or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com
Higher turnout than expected Despite the absence of any statewide, congressional or presidential races, more voters turned out than had been expected. County-wide, voters returned
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Sallal Grange fundraiser to benefit Snoqualmie Valley community about using music as a teaching aid, and was very well-received The Sallal Grange and last year,” Houch said. “This Community Hall’s fall fundraiser year, we’re expanding to include in late October raised more than a student scholarship as well. In $2,000, which the group is using an economic downturn, where to benefit the Snoqualmie Valley the arts are the first to get the community. budget axe, we hope this helps The Grange is hoping to raise keep fine arts vibrant and alive more money for the community in our Valley.” this Saturday at Sallal Grange its Holiday was originally If you go Bazaar and chartered Sept. Swap Meet. Sallal Grange Holiday 4, 1930, with “The supBazaar membership port from the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 from North community 12912 432nd Ave. S.E., Bend, was nothing North Bend Meadowbrook, short of amazSnoqualmie ing,” Grange and the surOn the Web President Larry rounding areas. Houch said in Sallal Grange and Declining an email to the Community Hall: www.salmembership led Star. “We are lalgrange.org to the group very grateful giving up its and humbled.” charter on Dec. The money will be used to 31, 2007. send a local teacher to Since its re-establishment in Wintergrass, an annual bluegrass 2010, Sallal Grange has supportmusic festival in Bellevue. ed local music, especially folk It will be the second year that music. The Grange has provided a “It’s hard to sum up the scholarship for the national diverse and communal group event. that is the Sallal Grange, but I’ll “The scholarship is for a class try,” Houch said. “We’re trying
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Grange gives turkeys
By Dan Catchpole
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. Budget cuts have made the future of the food bank uncertain, and that’s just not acceptable.
Contributed
Sallal Grange members Dan Clapp (left) and Larry Houch (right) hand a frozen turkey to Dan Shea, a volunteer at the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank in North Bend. The Grange and dozens of Snoqualmie Valley groups and individuals answered the food bank’s call for 340 turkeys to help its clients enjoy Thanksgiving Day. The Grange allocated money to buy 24 turkeys as part of its ongoing support for the food bank, which serves 1,200 people each week. Learn more about The Grange’s community outreach programs by contacting Leah Aichele at leah@aichele.org or 445-2840. to bring back the sense of community that used to exist in rural areas, through promoting local culture and music, and
Send donations to Fund for the Valley, c/o SnoValley Star, PO Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045
Join the SnoValley Star in insuring that the Mt. Si Food Bank will be here next year, and the year after that…
Donor names will be published (but not amounts) unless anonymity is requested.
supporting local and sustainable agriculture.” For the past two years, the first Friday of every month has been Grangestock at Sallal Grange’s community hall in North Bend. The evening begins with a potluck dinner, followed by open mic performances from local musicians. The Grange is a force in Snoqualmie Valley’s community as well. This Thanksgiving, the group’s members contributed more turkeys than any other group to the Turkey Drive for
the Mount Si Food Bank. The group also works with Project Linus, which produces blankets for ill and traumatized children. The Sallal Grange Holiday Bazaar and Swap Meet is Dec. 10. The event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include a baked goods table. The proceeds from the table will benefit the Mount Si Food Bank. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011
PAGE 9
Police chase
Police Blotter Snoqualmie Police Those aren’t cigarettes At 3:13 a.m. Nov. 26, police in the 6500 block of Railroad Avenue Southeast saw a car in the parking lot of the Salish Lodge and Spa, when the parking lot was closed. The car had California plates, the engine running, a man in the driver’s seat and a woman in the passenger seat. Police parked behind the car and as the man exited the car, he saw police and tossed a cigarette pack inside the vehicle. The couple told police they had just been watching the Snoqualmie Falls, but police saw a pipe for smoking marijuana next to the cigarette pack. Police arrested them both for criminal trespassing. Police discovered three grams of marijuana inside the cigarette pack. Police asked to whom the pipe belonged and the woman said it was the man’s. Police arrested the man for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the Issaquah City Jail and booked. Police told the woman she would receive a criminal citation in the mail and she was released at the scene.
At 1:10 a.m. Nov. 27, police saw a 1987 Acura Legend speed as it turned onto Meadowbrook Way from Railroad Avenue Southeast. The car was traveling at 65 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. When police turned on their emergency lights, the car sped further. The car continued north over the Meadowbrook Bridge, then north on Reinig Road and west onto 79th Street, a gravel road. The car drove on for about three miles, until it reached a private circular driveway and turned around, heading east on 79th. Police set spike strips at the intersection of Reining Road and when the car drove back across the bridge, the tires went flat because of the spikes. The driver, a 24-year-old man from North Bend, told police he ran because his license was suspended and was trying to get to his girlfriend’s house to avoid having the car towed. A passenger in the car had two arrest warrants and was taken to the Issaquah City Jail. The driver was taken to the Snoqualmie Police Department, and later to the King County Jail and booked for attempting to elude a police vehicle.
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Christmas tree cutting banned on state lands, other options abound By Warren Kagarise
Snoqualmie Valley u-cut options
Forget about cutting a fresh Christmas tree in a state forest. But there are plenty of other options in the Snoqualmie Valley for those willing to brave the cold to bring home an evergreen. Timber on state trust lands is earmarked to benefit public schools, universities and other state institutions. The lands are managed by the state Department of Natural Resources. “Cutting trees from state trust forests isn’t allowed,” state Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark said in a statement. “These trees need to grow to build future public schools in our state, as well as provide wildlife habitat and clean water and air.” Though the state does not allow Christmas tree cutting, people can cut trees at private farms and on U.S. Forest Service land. Purchase permits to cut Christmas trees inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/mbs. Trees can be cut in eastern portions of King County, plus parts of Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Trees can be cut on land owned by Hancock Forest Management, which owns several thousand acres of forest stretching north of Snoqualmie
Mountain Creek Tree Farm ❑ 6821 440th Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie ❑ 888-1770 ❑ www.mountaincreekchristmastreefarm.com Crown Tree Farm ❑ 13005 424th Ave. S.E., North Bend ❑ 888-1506 ❑ www.crowntreefarm.com Keith & Scott Tree Farm ❑ 42999 S.E. 120th St., North Bend ❑ 206-669-8025 or stringfamily@comcast.net ❑ www.kandstreefarm.com Christmas Creek Tree Farm ❑ 15515 468th Ave. S.E., North Bend ❑ 888-2099 or 888-534-TREE ❑ www.yourchristmastree.com Holiday Mountain Trees ❑ S.E. 104th St. and state Route 18, Snoqualmie Ridge ❑ 253-838-7979 or 253-927-1911 ❑ www.pscta.org/central.htm#24 For regional options, check the following websites: ❑ Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association: www.nwtrees.com ❑ Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association: www.pscta.org ❑ National Christmas Tree Association: www.christmastree.org and North Bend almost to Sultan. But recreation permits for Hancock’s property aren’t cheap. “All access requires a permit including entry by bicycle, horseback and walk-in,” according to the company’s recreation website, www.hancock-
recreationnw.com. Individual walk-in permits cost $75 per person (and everyone must have one). Motorized permits cost $225, and everyone in the vehicle must either have a permit or, for minors, be named on their parent’s permit.
DECEMBER 8, 2011
State will auction off building and land in downtown North Bend The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is selling a maintenance shop it owns in North Bend at a Dec. 15 auction. Built in 1961, the building has seven garage bays and sits on a 0.74-acre commercially zoned site in downtown North Bend. The address is 201 Second St., North Bend. The building is currently being used as a shop and for storage, DNR spokesman Bob Redling said. But DNR doesn’t need the property any longer, because it can use land it is leasing from the U.S. Forest Service for the same purposes, he said. The Forest Service land is behind the Snoqualmie Ranger Station on North Bend Way, and will host the auction at 1 p.m. Dec. 15. The address is 902 S.E. North Bend Way, Building 7, North Bend. The minimum bid is $335,000, and bidders must provide a $30,000 deposit. The buyer must also pay transaction costs of approximately $14,000. Learn more by calling 360902-1600 or emailing machelle.leal@dnr.wa.gov.
County weed board seeks new members The King County Noxious Weed Control Board has two openings. The volunteer citizen board oversees and guides the work of the county’s Noxious Weed Program and sets the noxious weed list priorities for the county. One of the vacancies is for the board’s District 2, which covers the Snoqualmie Valley. Noxious weeds are invasive plants that threaten local habitats by displacing native vegetation. They are an ongoing threat to Snoqualmie River’s ecosystem, but they are found everywhere in King County. The noxious weed program’s mission is to provide benefits to the environment, recreation, public health and economic resources of King County by preventing and minimizing harm-
ful impacts of noxious weeds, according to a news release from King County. The Noxious Weed Control Program relies on prevention, education and providing technical assistance for fighting the invasive species. Residents can get an application packet or learn more by calling 206-296-0290 or emailing noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov. Applications are due by Dec. 12. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/weeds.
Grief support group is forming in Snoqualmie A new support group is forming in Snoqualmie for people who have experienced divorce, separation or the death of a loved one. The group, Beginning Experience, meets from 7-9 p.m. Thursday evenings at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 8650 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. Beginning Experience is a 36year-old Christian grief-counseling program. It is in nine countries on three continents. Community meetings are run by trained peer ministers, according to the group’s website, www.beginningexperience.org. Learn more about the Snoqualmie meeting by calling Sally Mehlhoff at 591-1033.
WSDOT seeks input on federal grants The Washington State Department of Transportation wants input from residents regarding how to administer federal grant programs to make transportation more accessible for low-income, disabled, elderly and rural citizens. The guidelines for administering the grants determine how the department selects and monitors recipients. WSDOT is holding two meetings in mid-January in Wenatchee and Olympia to gather public comments. It is also accepting input via email or phone. Comment by calling 360-705-7926 or emailing Linda Howell at howell@wsdot.wa.gov. All public comments must be See CRASH, Page 11
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Crash From Page 10 received by Feb. 15. Residents can see the draft update online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/transit after Dec. 14. The existing State Management Plan is available at http://1.usa.gov/uMqm86. The changes must be approved by the Federal Transit Administration before being enacted.
State trooper rolls patrol car on Interstate 90 A Washington State Patrol trooper rolled a patrol cruiser on eastbound
SnoValley Star Interstate 90 early Monday west of Preston amid foggy and icy conditions. The incident occurred at about 3 a.m. as Trooper Casey Myers, 28, neared the end of his shift and hit a patch of black ice. The patrol cruiser veered off the roadway and then rolled into a roadside embankment. The six-year veteran trooper did not sustain injuries in the crash, but he later checked into Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue as a precaution. The state Department of Transportation also treated roads to combat ice, but crews responded to icerelated crashes on Eastside roads. Officials used the incident as a reminder to motorists to use caution on icy roads.
Blotter From Page 9
False alarm
PAGE 11
SNOQUALMIE VALLEY
At 6:05 p.m. Nov. 27, police responded to a 9-1-1 hang-up from the 7300 block of Cranberry Court Southeast. Police received no answer after calling back twice, and went to contact the homeowner. The owner told police he saw a van pull up to a neighbor’s house and called 9-1-1. Then he saw the van was delivering a bed. No other reports were available at press time. The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.
Amateur Photo Contest to be awarded in each category: • Life in the Valley (people) • Animals/pets • NW nature (scenics)
WINNERS! Send your best high-resolution digital photo to PhotoContest@SnoValleyStar.com. Include name, address and phone number of the photographer, plus the story behind the photo. Limit three entries per person.
Photos may not be dramatically altered from the original. All entries become the property of SnoValley Star and its parent company for use in any of its publications.
Deadline: February 5, 2012 Winners will be announced in the SnoValley Star on Feb. 16
PAGE 12
community
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Totem pole fulfills a man’s dream Willie Wiseman sees a family portrait. You see an owl, a sun, a His three children, Wiseman moon and stars carved onto a said, are the moon, the sun and wooden totem pole. the stars to him. And owls have a reputation for being wise. A retired rehabilitation counselor at Echo Glen Children’s Center, Wiseman’s 35foot totem pole is not only a dream fulfilled, but is also a tribute to his family, his land and his surroundings. Ryan Brewington, a North Bend carver and a 1992 Mount Si High School graduate, took two months carving the By Sebastian Moraga log. That was The totem pole local artist Ryan Brewington built for the short part. Willie Wiseman. More than a work of art, the pole is a Preparing the tribute to Wiseman’s family, his passions and his sur- log before and roundings. after the carvBy Sebastian Moraga
ing took almost a year, Wiseman said. The log had fallen on his property, which he calls Dancing Elk Haven, and Wiseman said he did not want to see it go to firewood. He took no credit for the carving of the cedar log. “When I was prepping the log and fixing it up, I was also building some furniture and this gate,” he said, pointing to the entry to his property. “And I tore up a tendon in my shoulder.” Instead of carving, he drew it. What should go on the log and where. The result, expensive as it was, pleases him and moves him more than just a little bit. You see a dragonfly and a daisy on the pole. He sees his sister, who lives next door and who loves them. A raven sits atop the pole. Friends say Willie, who collects things like lapel pins and fake skulls, is a scavenger, like the bird. While the scavenger’s shoulder tendon healed, Wiseman’s son Austin helped with the pole, which has an elk and a salmon on it. The elk is a tribute to the See TOTEM, Page 13
By Sebastian Moraga
Willie Wiseman and the totem pole he installed in his front yard. A longtime dream of Wiseman’s, the pole contains carvings of things representing earth, wind, fire and water.
A view from the top Valley climber climbs fifth of Seven Summits peak on each of the world’s seven continents. Having climbed five of the Dickinson endured the pooch world’s Seven Summits, having attack and then endured minusdodged falling on Everest and 70 degree temperatures on the freezing in Antarctica, 16,050-foot summit of Vinson Snoqualmie climber Brian Massif. Dickinson has one question: “Even though it’s 16,000 feet, Who let the dogs out? the barometric pressure is equivOn his way to visit an alent to 18,000 feet,” Dickinson orphanage in Punta Arenas, said. “The weather was constantChile, a stray dog attacked ly below zero. You really have to Dickinson. plan for surApparently, the “I knew that one step in viving the dog had cold.” front of the other, I would Foursquare, His goggles eventually get there.” because his froze, his right friends joined hand froze, — Brian Dickinson and yet, it was in. Mountain climber an easier climb Dickinson eventually than most, he fought one of said. the stray dogs into traffic, which “From base to Camp 1 is very scared the other four. gradual,” he said. “From High “When they saw the cars Camp to the summit is very coming, they all took off,” said gradual. From Camp 1 to High Dickinson, who stopped in Camp is straight up.” Chile en route to climb Vinson The day he reached the sumMassif, the tallest peak in mit, Dickinson said, he wasn’t Antarctica. feeling well. He had received Dickinson is in the midst of a news about his best friend quest to climb the so-called falling ill in Snoqualmie and Seven Summits — the tallest had a hard time sleeping the By Sebastian Moraga
Submitted photo
Snoqualmie climber Brian Dickinson en route to Antarctica, holds a book telling the story of Charles Shackleton’s expedition to that continent. Dickinson reached the summit of Antarctica’s highest peak, Vinson Massif, last month. night before. “I knew that one step in front of the other, I would eventually get there,” he said. And he did. “I had seen pictures of Vinson, but when you’re actual-
ly on the summit ridge, it’s just amazing,” he said. “It’s beautiful and it goes on for a long time.” Given the weather, he stayed at the summit for a few minutes. He had brought a satellite phone to one of the camps but did not
bring it to the summit. “My hand would still be frozen to the phone,” he said. In fact, his right fingertips are still a bit numb, but he trusts he See CLIMBING, Page 13
SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Obituary James McKiernan James Michael McKiernan, son of Jim and Karen McKiernan, former owners of the Snoqualmie Valley Record, passed away early Sunday morning, Dec. 4, in Pasco. James was a 2006 graduate of Mount Si High School, along with his father (1980), mother (1984) and sister (1988). He is also a graduate of Central Washington University, walking in commencement in June 2011. He had recently been hired by Connell Grain Growers in Connell as a seed broker and was living in Pasco. James was an avid fishermen, fly fishing being his passion, and had been know to take a few shots at passing deer and even an occasional coyote. If you are a fan of Mount Si football you will remember him
Totem From Page 12 property and the salmon an homage to the Northwest. Austin, 17, loves the totem pole, which he can see from the dining room. He likes being represented on the pole by the moon and the stars. “It’s awesome,” he said. Of course, Austin is far from alone on that pole. Under the dragonfly, a bobcat stares back. Under the raven, a dog collar wraps around the circumference of the pole. More friends. His dog once wore that collar and his cat’s
as the small center on the 2005 team who was not afraid to take on a nose tackle twice his size James McKiernan while hiking the ball to his good friend Rollin Smith. His latest fun came from stirring up the world of seed sales for Connell Grain Growers and furnishing his new house with anything his parents were willing to give up. James touched many lives in his short 23 years and will be remembered for his unwavering smile, flipping off his dad for taking too many pictures, begging his mother to bring down food and prodding his sister to
keep her grades up at Central. Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon, in the Mount Si High School Auditorium and will be officiated by Pastor Monty Wright. A graveside service will be held afterwards at the Fall City cemetery and a reception back at the Mount Si High School Commons. Those wishing to post their thoughts and photos may do so on Jim McKiernan’s Facebook page. James is survived by his mother Karen, father Jim, sister Lynnae, grandmother Avon Barquist, grandparents Bob and Sandie Scott, and grandmother Patricia McKiernan. He is also survived by numerous cousins, uncles, aunts and hundreds of friends. Donations are suggested to the James McKiernan memorial scholarship fund at Mount Si High School.
name is Bob. Enchanted as he is, Wiseman already has another project in mind. Once again a tower and once again familythemed. He will take his collection of heart-shaped rocks and bring it indoors, to the kitchen, as a celebration of a bygone time in his son’s childhood. “When he was 10 years younger, my son used to call
our kitchen the ‘Heart Rock Café,’” Wiseman said. Until the tower is finished, he will rejoice staring at the 35-foot family album in his front yard. “I would not change a thing,” he said. “If I wanted to add something to it, it would already be there.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
PAGE 13
Submitted photo
Brian Dickinson lands on the Union Glacier, in Antarctica on a Russian airplane flying in from Punta Arenas, in the southern end of Chile. From the glacier, Dickinson boarded another airplane to the base camp on Vinson Massif, the tallest peak in that continent.
Climbing From Page 12 will recover. He will take a break from his Seven Summits quest for at least a year. No. 6 is Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas, but now he’s going to focus more on the numbers eight and five.
Those are the ages of his children. “I have been away from them and I want to make sure they are my priority,” he said. “I want to be present for my friend as he goes through with his recovery.” Besides, if during the year, he begins yearning for the mountains again, he lives in Washington. “There’s so many beautiful mountains in our back yard,” he said.
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Schools
PAGE 14
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Law student shares wisdom with students By Sebastian Moraga The trick worked every time. Students either gasped or needed a ladder to bring their eyebrows back down. “How long was your last test?” third-year law student and Mount Si High School alum John Varga asked the eighthgraders in Janice Wintermyer’s class at Snoqualmie Middle School. Without fail, a student would say 30 minutes, or 20 minutes or 40 minutes. “Well,” Varga replied, “The bar exam is two and a half days long.” Besides shocking students out of ever wanting to be attorneys, Varga shared some of the ups and downs of a career that took him from the United States Army Reserve to a bachelor’s degree to law school. And next year, to the shocking bar exam. “Two and a half days long?” a student asked. “You mean, 60 hours?” After explaining that the exam was not two and a half
full days, Varga talked about some of the teenagers he has met this semester while working at the juvenile detention center in Seattle. He told them about the consequences of teenage misbehavior, from stints in jail to hard-toerase records. He advised students not to live off just their talents but to work hard. “If you’re smart and you don’t have good work habits,” he said, “you will struggle a little bit.” He talked honestly about some of his past decisions, like his major in college. “My degree in college was in Southeast Asian studies,” he said. “Employers weren’t knocking down my door to hire me.” He mixed stern warnings with gentle ribbing, like when student Max Puff asked him for his card. “You plannin’ to get in trouble?” Varga asked. Puff shook his head, but got in “trouble” anyway. When talk turned to the latest book Wintermyer made the students read, Varga asked “Did anybody
By Sebastian Moraga
John Varga, a third-year law student at Seattle University and a Mount Si High School grad, talks to Snoqualmie Middle School students about the law, the Army and ‘ancient’ movies like ‘A Few Good Men.’ Varga told the students that talent without a good work ethic often results in a struggle. read it?” The class responded “Yeah!” “Did anybody not read it,” Varga asked. “Max!” a student peeped.
Puff smiled. Varga, who earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, fielded questions about whether he liked the
Third time is a charm for teenage trombonist By Sebastian Moraga On his third try, Mount Si High School senior Matt Bumgardner was accepted into the Grammy Foundation’s 17-piece jazz band. In February, Bumgardner will join the select group of high school performers in a 10-day tour of the Los Angeles area, playing at different venues and events, all associated with the Grammy Foundation. “That culminates in you actually getting to go to the Grammy Awards,” he said from New York City, where he is visiting colleges and universities he would like to attend next fall. “It’s unlikely we will get to play in the telecast, but we will get to go.” After that, the band will record a CD with Capitol Records, which will release it to iTunes months later. Bumgardner had to play a 12-bar blues piece and record it, and then send a link of the recording to the foundation. Besides the band, the foundation also chose members for a three-piece combo and an eight-piece choir. “It’s just a really good experience,” said Bumgardner, who has friends who have been chosen in years past. “It can’t hurt you, it can only help
you.” Mount Si High School band director Adam Rupert raved about the news in a Snoqualmie Valley School District press release. “This is the best high school jazz band in the nation,” he said. “Matt has also been named the solo chair, so essentially you can call him the best jazz trombone improviser in the nation.” The chosen performers were to find out Dec. 1 via email, but Bumgardner found out via phone in mid-November. “I was really excited when I found out,” he Contributed said, “especially after not Matt Bumgardner, a Mount Si High School student making it for a few years. and talented trombonist has been chosen to the It had turned into my Grammy Foundation’s 17-piece jazz band. . white whale, getting into the stupid band.” Now that he is in the stupid band, meals, transportation, everything,” he he won’t have to worry about much said. of anything except playing his Now that the initial excitement has beloved trombone. The foundation passed, Bumgardner said he is will pay for everything but the bagrelieved. gage fee. See MUSIC, Page 15 “They pay for airline, lodging,
result of this year’s Apple Cup, whether he had ever been on “Judge Judy,” and whether he See LAW, Page 15
Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation awards classroom grants By Sebastian Moraga Valley teachers will receive more than $17,000 in grants from the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation. The foundation awarded 18 “classroom grants” to teachers in different areas of instruction, including science, writing, and special education. “Classroom grants hap- “Classroom pen once a year,” said grants happen Carmen Villanueva, president of the foundation’s once a year.” executive board. — Carmen Villanueva Besides the classroom grants, the foundation dis- Foundation president tributes money through a two-part districtwide initiative, the second part of which happened after September’s Phonathon fundraiser. The classroom grants were divided as follows, according to a document from Lisa King, the board’s vice-president. ❑ Cascade View Elementary School: $120.45 for clocks displaying time zones around the world, $510 for a presentation of “Let’s Drive Our Teachers Buggy,” by Redmond-based Nature Vision, $609.66 for portable CD players meant for “Read Naturally” lessons. ❑ Fall City Elementary School: $1,695 for a See GRANTS, Page 15
SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Grants From Page 14 subscription to a science website. ❑ North Bend Elementary School: $525 for eight global positioning system devices; $600 for “Access For All” e-books. ❑ Opstad Elementary School: $280 for a secondgrade field trip to Seattle’s Burke Museum. ❑ Snoqualmie Elementary School: $766 for materials for a first-grade writing workshop. ❑ Chief Kanim Middle School: $300 for software to make comic books. ❑ Twin Falls Middle School: $350 for microphone headsets, $1,000 for the school’s Natural Helpers’ chapter, $2,300 for upgrades to video cameras. ❑ Mount Si High School: $870 for physical education equipment designed for students with special needs, $2,000 for the school’s Natural Helpers chapter’s training, $1,580 for a camera and tripod to be used during the making of the school’s social norms campaign, $100 to send student members of DECA to a conference, $2,611 for science lab units. The district also awarded the Snoqualmie Valley School District $866.25 for toolkits for the English language learners at each of the district’s elementary schools. Educators received applica-
tions in June and had until Oct. 3 to apply for classroom grants, King said. The applications don’t just reach teachers, she said, but everyone who is involved in education, like teachers’ aides. The foundation’s selection committee, comprised of educators, parents, board members and other members of the community, read the applications but never find out who submitted them and for what school. The committee discusses and grades every application. Although $17,000 went out, more than $66,000 in requests initially came in. “The requests for funding far exceeds the funds the foundation has,” King said, later adding, “We would be thrilled to grant everyone’s wish, but it’s just not possible.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Music From Page 15 Not only was this his last chance — the band is composed of high school students — but this paves part of his way toward getting into college. His acceptance into the foundation’s band waives the audition requirement at three schools to which he is applying. New York’s Manhattan School of Music, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and Boston’s Berkley College of Music partner with the Grammy Foundation and will not require Bumgardner to go through a stressful audition. “You have to get a rhythm section together, set a recording time, make sure everyone knows the music, then you have to go to the city for live auditions,” he said. “Now, I still have to apply, but the audition itself is waived.”
PAGE 15 Sort of. The dean of the Manhattan School of Music will direct the 17-piece band, so being in the band will be an audition of sorts, too. “He’s the one who decides who gets the scholarships,” Bumgardner said. “You kind of have to try to make a good impression on him, too, if you want to get money.” Bumgardner said that even when he did not make it into the band, he remained encouraged. “The majority of people who get in, don’t get in until their senior year,” he said. “You can count the people who made it as sophomores on one hand.” Despite the amazing journey ahead of him, Bumgardner is trying to remain levelheaded. What he looks forward to the most is the people he will meet. “I’d like to meet some really, really good musicians,” he said. “Hopefully this in the long run will inspire me to be better and work harder. I already know it’s going to be really fun.”
Law From Page 14 realized he looked just like eighth-grader Dante Angerame. “Really?” Varga said, turning to Angerame. “You know, Dante, you’re a good-looking guy.” The temperature never rose above the 30s that day in Snoqualmie, but when Varga took a break and stepped outside, he was not the least bit cold. “That was difficult,” he said, after talking to three classes. “I like to think of myself as a humble guy and I don’t like to talk about myself, and it’s always hard to overcome that. I hope I was interesting.” It was interesting, he said, to see Wintermyer, a former classmate at Mount Si High School, turned into a full-fledged teacher, commanding the attention of an entire room. “It was pretty neat,” he said. “I feel like the last 10 years have been a blur.”
sports
PAGE 16
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Mount Si girls basketball looks to build on last year’s record By Dan Catchpole Mount Si’s girls basketball squad might be young this year, but they are ready to play, and win, this season. Only five of the team’s 12 players logged significant time in varsity games last season, when the Wildcats won the KingCo Conference Tournament after finishing second in the league with an 11-3 record (17-7 overall). What the Wildcats lack in experience, they make up for in physical prowess. “We are tall and powerful,” coach Megan Botulinski said. It is her third year in charge of the program. Leading the team on the court is point guard Katy Lindor, a 6-foot junior. She put up a big performance against Mercer Island in the Wildcats’ season opener. Mount Si won the Dec. 2 game, 47-45. Lindor gave the credit to her teammates. “It’s easy when your teammates come to the ball strong,” she said after the game. The Wildcats have dynamic offensive potential this season
Mount Si hangs on to beat Mercer Island in season opener
She made a key 3-point shot late in the game, helping hold the Islanders at bay.
Mount Si High School’s girls basketball team showed composure and tenacity in its nail-biter win Dec. 2 at home against Mercer Island High School. The Wildcats came out strong in their opening game of regular season play, establishing a 20-12 lead in the first quarter. Mount Si’s shots were on point, the team showed great ball control and it dominated rebounding. The Wildcats took a 2720 lead into halftime. Mercer Island showed renewed vigor in the third period. The Islanders put on a full press, which broke Mount Si’s stride. As the last seconds slipped away in the third period, Mount Si’s Ally Pusich hit a 3-point shot from the corner to keep
See BASKETBALL, Page 17
See OPENER, Page 18
By Dan Catchpole
Mount Si High School’s Katy Lindor fights off two Mercer Island players to keep control of the ball in the Wildcats’ 47-45 win Dec. 2. with strong post play and good outside shooting. “We’re blessed this year with height,” Botulinski said. Molly Sellers, a 5-foot, 10-
inch junior, is Mount Si’s top outside threat this year. She showed off her shooting skills against Mercer Island, racking up 10 points and six assists.
Wildcats boys basketball squad doesn’t let up against strong Mercer Island offense It has been a tough start to the 2011-2012 season for the Mount Si boys basketball team. The Wildcats’ first two games have both ended in big losses. The team lost to Mercer Island, 65-43, at Mount Si High School on Dec. 2. But the Wildcats showed tenacity, refusing to give up. Mount Si couldn’t find its rhythm early on in the game, struggling to get open shots and committing several fouls in the first half. Utilizing their significant height advantage, the Islanders led 18-3 at the end of the first quarter. At halftime, Mercer Island led 35-13. But Mount Si kept even with the Islanders in the second half, with both teams scoring 30 points. Jason Smith, a 6-foot, 1-inch junior, led the Wildcats’ eight points. Levi Botten, a 5-foot, 9-inch junior, and Anthony McLaughlin, a 6-foot, 6-inch senior, both had seven points. Mount Si lost its season opener, 76-36, to Issaquah.
By Dan Catchpole
Wildcats forward Anthony McLaughlin looks for an open teammate during Mount Si’s 65-43 loss to Mercer Island on Dec. 2.
Scoreboard Prep boys basketball Nonleague Nov. 29 Game ISSAQUAH 76, MOUNT SI 36 Issaquah 10 26 16 24 – 76 Mount Si 7 9 11 9 – 36 Issaquah – Nick Price 18, Brian Watson 2, Cory Nevin 6, Ryan Sexton 8, Jake Henke 9, Tyler Witte 0, Blake Biechsel 5, Grant Bair 8, Fletcher Martin 8, Tyler Gibson 10, Drew Danner 2. Mount Si – Anthony McLaughlin 11, Ryan Atkinson 4, Beau Shain 4, Joe Williams 4, Miles Zupan 4, Levi Botten 2, Tyler Button 2, Griffin McLain 2, Jason Smith 1, Charlie Corriveau 0, Hunter Malberg 0, Jack Nelson 0, Josh Piper 0. KingCo Conference 3A/2A Dec. 2 Game MERCER ISLAND 65, MOUNT SI 43 Mercer Island 18 17 11 19 – 65 Mount Si 3 10 15 15 – 43 Mercer Island – Joe Rasmussen 19, Sam Cohn 13, Kaleb Warner 10, Brian Miller 6, Justen Altaras 5, Kyle Huber 4, Nick Nordale 4, Espen Platou 2, Karsten Sherman 2, Chris Lawler 0, Jack Shaddle 0. See SCOREBOARD, Page 18
SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011
Mount Si Wildcats roster Alex Welsh (C), senior, guard, 5 feet 4 inches Katy Lindor, junior, guard, 6 feet Molly Sellers, junior, forward, 5 feet 10 inches Shelby Peerboom (C), senior, forward/post, 5 feet 10 inches Jordan Riley (C), senior, post, 6 feet Ally Pusich, junior, guard, 5 feet 3 inches Grace Currie, junior, forward, 5 feet 6 inches Katie Swain, junior, forward, 5 feet 8 inches Kelsey Lindor, sophomore, forward, 5 feet 9 inches Darian Michaud, junior, post, 6 feet 1 inch Sally Nelson, sophomore, post, 5 feet 10 inches Elizabeth Prewitt, freshman, guard/forward, 5 feet 8 inches (C) = captain
Basketball From Page 16 Under the basket, the Wildcats have strong, tall post players led by two of the team’s three captains — Jordan Riley and Shelby Peerboom. Riley has recovered from an ACL injury that sidelined her last December. The two seniors are joined by newcomers Darian Michaud, Sally Nelson and Kelsey Lindor. Botulinski has high hopes for the trio. “I see them coming on strong, especially the second half of the season,” she said. Michaud, a 6-foot, 1-inch junior, showed off her potential against Mercer Island. She was a resolute presence in the paint going both ways. She scored six
KingCo 3A at a glance Juanita looks to be the team to beat in the 3A/2A KingCo Conference this season. The Rebels are returning with an experienced and talented team. The team’s returning players include its top four scorers from last season — Mikayla Jones, Kate Cryderman, Molly Grager and Bre Carter. The Seattle Times ranked Juanita No. 5 in the state in its preseason ranking. The Rebels finished first in the conference last season (12-2 league, 19-7 overall), but the Wildcats upset Juanita in the conference tournament. Mount Si finished second in league play (11-3 league, 17-7 overall). Liberty High School figures to be another tough competitor in the conference. Last year, the Patriots tied for third in the conference (9-5 league, 16-10 overall). Liberty will see some of its key players return this season, including seniors Megan Tsutakawa and Aspen Winegar, but it doesn’t have dominating height. Mercer Island will be a tough competitor, as it demonstrated against Mount Si in the two
PAGE 17
schools’ season-opening game. The Islanders finished last season tied for third in the conference (9-5 league, 17-13 overall). The Islanders lost their top scorer, Jae Shin, who is playing for the University of Louisiana at Monroe this season. Shin led the league in shooting. Still, Savanna Reid and Kristen Brackmann showed Mount Si that Mercer Island still has teeth. Reid had 16 points and Brackmann scored 12 points. Lake Washington has several varsity players returning from last year, led by the Kangs’ top offensive threat, Hunter Hopkins. If they can stay healthy, the Kangs could be a dark horse competitor this season. Interlake has most of its varsity squad from last year back. Despite its experience, the Saints are still a young team, with only two seniors. However, it isn’t clear how much the team will be able to use its experience to improve on its 2-12 league record from last year. Bellevue and Sammamish have a few starters returning, and likely will finish in the back of the pack again this year.
points and Currie is good “We are tall and blocked two from the outshots. side. Swain got powerful.” Nelson and limited varsity — Megan Botulinski playing time Kelsey Lindor Coach last season. She are sophomores. Botulinski is an aggressive has more and physical options at forward in juniors athlete, Botulinski said. Grace Currie and Katie Swain. Alex Welsh, the team’s third
captain, is the “defensive spark plug” for the Wildcats, Botulinski said.
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She showed off her fire against the Islanders when she forced a turnover from Mercer Island with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game, which was tied, 45-45. Mount Si retook the lead and got the win. Ally Pusich, a junior, provides more hustle in the team’s defense, Botulinski said. The Wildcats’ other guard is Elizabeth Prewitt, a 5-foot, 8inch freshman. “Elizabeth is a freshman, but has such a natural sense of the court — she doesn’t play like one,” her coach said. With so much talent and enthusiasm to draw on, Botulinski said she isn’t worried about the team’s experience. She said she sees it as “more of a challenge for us to overcome, and these girls are definitely ready to step up to the plate.”
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DECEMBER 8, 2011
Scoreboard
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From Page 16 Mount Si – Jason Smith 8, Levi Botten 7, Anthony McLaughlin 7, Jack Nelson 5, Ryan Atkinson 4, Tyler Button 3, Charlie Corriveau 2, Griffin McLain 2, Beau Shain 2, Miles Zupan 2, Joe Williams 1, Hunter Malberg 0, Josh Piper 0.
Prep girls basketball KingCo Conference 3A/2A Dec. 2 Game
MOUNT SI 47, MERCER ISLAND 45 Mercer Island 12 8 11 14 – 45 Mount Si 20 7 9 11 – 47 Mercer Island – Savanna Reid 16, Kristen Brackmann 12, Carly Anderson 5, Marlo Cafarelli 3, Lauren Ellis 3, Jamie Mounger 3, Ari Moscatel 2, Renae Tessem 1, Julia Blumenstein 0. Mount Si – Jordan Riley 9, Katy Lindor 12, Molly Sellers 10, Darian Michaud 6, Shelby Peerboom 3, Alex Welsh 3, Grace Currie 2, Ally Pusich 2, Sally Nelson 0, Katie Swain 0.
Opener From Page 16 the Wildcats lead at 36-31 going into the game’s final 8 minutes. The Islanders continued chipping away at the lead, and Mount Si (1-0 league, 1-0 overall) continued to come up with clutch shots and stiff defense to keep Mercer Island at bay for as long as possible. With 40 seconds left in the game, Mercer Island’s Savanna Reid hit a 3-point shot to tie the game, 45-45. But the Wildcats kept their poise, and hit two free throws when the Islanders sent them to the line. Tough defense and a block from Mount Si’s Alex Welsh sealed the game for the Wildcats at 47-45. What won the game for Mount Si? “Towards the end, it was our composure,” point guard Katy Lindor said. The junior led her team with 12 points and six assists. Forward Molly Sellers, a 5foot, 10-inch junior, had 10 points and six assists. “They really dug their heels in,” coach Megan Botulinski said. “They have a die-hard attitude.”
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Public meetings ❑ Snoqualmie City Council, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Snoqualmie Arts Commission, 5 p.m. Dec. 12, 38624 S.E. River St. Rescheduled from its original Dec. 19 date. ❑ Snoqualmie Parks Board, 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Shoreline Hearings Board, 5 p.m. Dec. 14, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ North Bend Public Health and Safety, 4 p.m. Dec. 13, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ North Bend Parks Commission, 6 p.m. Dec. 14, 126 E. Fourth Street.
Classes
String orchestra to brighten winter
❑ S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) exercise class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Led by certified exercise instructor Carla Orellana. Call 888-3434. ❑ English as a second language, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversational skills. ❑ One-on-One Computer Assistance, 1 p.m. Wednesdays, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. A volunteer instructor can give you one-on-one assistance with computer questions. ❑ Community yoga class, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18, at North Bend Yoga, 325 Bendigo Blvd. N. Admission is free.
Events ❑ Gigs for Guatemala, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 8 at Black Dog Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. Guatemalan menu, $20 for three-course meal, $12.95 for entrée only. Money raised will help build a playground for children in Guatemala. ❑ Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17, at Valley Center Stage above the SingleTrack bike shop in downtown North Bend. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12.50 for seniors and children. You can purchase tickets online at www.valleycenterstage.org. Learn more by calling 831-5667. ❑ Game On! 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the North Bend library, 115 E. Fourth St. Come play video games. Free admission ❑ Holiday Movies at Snoqualmie City Hall, 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10 at 38624 S.E. River St. “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 9, “Polar Express” Dec. 10. Admission is the donation of non-perishable food items for the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Reserved seats are available for a $20 donation to the food bank. ❑ Santa Claus in person, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9 at the King County Sheriff’s North Bend Substation, 1550 Boalch Ave. N.W., North Bend. Parents may bring cameras if they want a photo of their child with Santa. Donations of toys for the Snoqualmie Valley Toy Drive is appreciated. ❑ The Gift of the Magi, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at Black Dog Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E. Caroling sing-along to follow. $10 at the door for entertainment. Food and beverages sold separately. ❑ Journey Through The Season of Rock, 2 p.m. Dec. 10 a the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. An up-tempo journey through the seasons for children ages 2 and older, with adult. ❑ Special-Needs Story Time, 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at the North
Volunteer opportunities File
Snoqualmie Strings Youth Orchestra’s Winter Carnivale, 6 p.m. Dec. 8, Church of Latter-day Saints Temple, 527 S.W. Mount Si Blvd., North Bend. Come enjoy a delightful blend of circus classics, holiday favorites and classical masterpieces! Free admission. Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. Stories, songs and activities designed for children with special needs and their families. Program targets children ages 36. Children of all ages welcome with an adult caregiver. ❑ Snoqualmie Strings Youth Orchestra’s Winter Carnivale, 6 p.m. Dec. 8, Church of LatterDay Saints Temple, 527 S.W. Mount Si Blvd., North Bend. Come enjoy a delightful blend of circus classics, holiday favorites and classical masterpieces! Free admission. ❑ One Voice Holiday Event, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Dec. 15, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Church of LatterDay Saints Temple, 527 N.W. Mount Si Blvd., North Bend. ❑ Kids Night Out!, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 9, Si View Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Register by Wednesday, Dec. 7 by calling 831-1900. Cost: $20. For grades kindergarten through five. ❑ Family Fun Night, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Si View Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Brought to you by Encompass and Si View Parks District. Featuring Zero & Somebuddy. Suggested donation: $10 per family. Includes dinner and entertainment. Downtown ❑ Live music at Boxley’s, 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 12-16; 6 p.m. Dec. 11. 101 W. North Bend Way. Katy Bourne Quartet Dec. 10, Danny Kolke Trio Dec. 11, Carolyn Graye Downtown North Bend Holiday Festival, 5-8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 on North Bend Way between Main and Bendigo. Donations of food, toys, funds, household items, new and gently used clothes welcome. Singer’s Soiree Dec. 12,
December
2011
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Future Jazz Heads Dec. 13, the Young Lizards Quartet Dec. 14 and the Milo Peterson Trio Dec. 15-16. ❑ Cascade Dance Academy Holiday Dance performance, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at Cascade View Elementary, 34816, S.E. Ridge St. Admission is $6. ❑ Santa Train, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 10-11, Dec. 16-17. Trains depart hourly from the Northwest Railway Museum Depot, 205 McClellan St., North Bend. Tickets are $20 for everyone ages 2 and older, are available by reservation only at www.trainmuseum.org and should be purchased in advance. ❑ Merry Monday Story Times, 11 a.m. Dec. 12 at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend. Newborn to age 3, accompanied by an adult. Free admission. ❑ Afternoon Preschool Story Time, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Snoqualmie Library 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 3-6 with an adult. Free admission. ❑ Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 6-24 months with an adult. Free. ❑ Managing Stress and Conflict Resolution, 6 p.m.
Dec. 14 at Encompass, 1407 Boalch Ave., North Bend. How couples can maintain happy, strong relationships while parenting children of any age, $30 per couple per workshop, $25 per couple if taking all three workshops. $5 additional perworkshop fee if childcare required Call 888-2777. ❑ Pajamarama Story Times, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. Admission is free. All young children welcome with an adult. ❑ Flix For The Fix, 5:30-9 p.m., Dec. 15, North Bend Theatre, 125 Bendigo Blvd. Tickets are $25, good for one alcoholic beverage — for people 21 and older — appetizers, a soda, popcorn and a ticket for the 7 p.m. showing of “Love Actually.” Purchase tickets at U Dirty Dog, Pet Place Market, Another Hair Place and www.northbendtheatre.com. Tickets are cash only Dec. 15. ❑ Jeff Parker Jazz Fusion, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 15 at Black Dog Café, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E. ❑ Danny Godinez, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Snoqualmie Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. A donation of warm clothes is appreciated. ❑ Keep The Valley Warm Coat Drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at the North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. ❑ Ask Sophie, 8 p.m. Dec. 17, Snoqualmie Taproom, 8032 Falls Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. A donation of warm clothes is appreciated.
❑ Snoqualmie Sister Cities Association invites community members to join a newly formed group to support Snoqualmie’s new sister city, Chaclacayo, Peru. The association already has developed a close relationship with sister city Gangjin, South Korea, which more than 30 residents have visited in the past four years. Email maryrcorcoran@gmail.com or call 503-1813. ❑ The Mount Si 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 the food bank at 888-0096. ❑ The Elk Management Group invites the community to participate in elk collaring, telemetry and habitat improvement projects in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Project orientation meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the North Bend City Hall, 211 Main Ave. N. Email research@snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting applications for ages 16 or older to volunteer in various departments of the hospital. Email carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org to arrange an interview. ❑ Senior Services Transportation Program needs volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Choose the times and areas in which you’d like to drive. Car required. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered. Call 206-7487588 or 800-282-5815 toll free, or email melissat@seniorservices.org. Apply online at www.seniorservices.org. Click on “Giving Back” and then on “Volunteer Opportunities.” Submit an item for the community calendar by emailing editor@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.
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SnoValley Star
DECEMBER 8, 2011