VALLEY RECORD SNOQUALMIE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012 DAILY UPDATES AT WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM 75 CENTS
Smooth start: ‘Cat baseball defense holds off ace pitcher Page 7
Young voices: Junior Valley Idol winners sing at Si View Page 9
INDEX OPINION 4 5 LETTERS 8 EASTER 12 OBITUARIES ON THE SCANNER 12 13,14 CLASSIFIEDS
Vol. 98, No. 46
Shaking up the beats
Schools brace for more layoffs
North Bend weighs resources, community ties, in police service decision
Teachers on the block in cost-cutting plan; Snoqualmie Valley district may rely on attrition
BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
Eight teachers’ jobs could be eliminated next year, in a worst-case scenario for the Snoqualmie Valley School District. The cuts are part of a costcutting plan to go before the district’s board at a 6 p.m. Thursday, April 12, work session. In the plan, Superintendent Joel Aune will suggest reductions of between $1.2 and $1.3 million from the 2012-13 budget. He and district Business Services Manager Ryan Stokes explained in a public e-meeting on March 29 that the cuts could be necessary, depending on the outcome of the current legislative session, which alone could cut $1 million from the budget, and other factors. Lower than expected student enrollment is a contributing factor, and one the district has anticipated since the start of the year. Projections showed 80 more full-timeequivalent students (about 60 at the elementary level, 20 at middle and high school) than were enrolled in September, which will result in about $300,000 less in state funding than what was budgeted. SEE SCHOOLS, 14
Photo by Brenda Huckle
Five decades after they convinced a judge to marry them on an ‘unlucky’ day, Carol and Charles Peterson will celebrate with a party at Snoqualmie City Hall.
A life together
Well-connected Snoqualmie couple celebrates 50 years of marriage on Friday the 13th BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
Superstitions aside, the judge who refused to officiate at Charles Peterson and Carol Jones’ wedding ceremony Friday, April 13, 1962, had
good reason for his reluctance. “He was in uniform,” Carol said, pointing to her husband, Charles, a Snoqualmie City Councilman, “and (the judge) thought that I had just gotten into town and just met him, and he did not want to marry us on Friday the 13th!” Judge John Malloy was half right. Carol had just arrived in Washington D.C. SEE TOGETHER, 6
When a plane crashed into Mount Si at 2 a.m. Feb. 15, the King County Sheriff’s Office responded within minutes, and the county rescue helicopter, Guardian One, was in the air within the hour. By daylight, the Sheriff’s Office had dispatched more than 40 people, many of them volunteers, to the crash site to locate and remove the three victims. Later that same day, Snoqualmie police officers ran an errand to pick up the children’s books that they would read to Cascade View Elementary School students in March, through the Badges and Books program that Officer Nigel Draveling introduced to Snoqualmie last year. After reading to children, the officers donated books to the young readers. SEE POLICE, 3
Comparing the cops King County Sheriff • Serving North Bend since Jan. 1, 1974. • 2012 cost is $1.6 million, $1.2 million of that is contract cost. • Contract includes 1.52 officers patrolling 24/7. Snoqualmie Police • Contract includes 1 officer patrolling 24/7. • Could begin service by July 2013. • 2013 startup cost would be $1 million, 2014 cost would be $1.2 million.
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Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 11, 2012 • 3
POLICE FROM 1
Benefit dinner honors cancer survivors, caregivers
by the 2009 annexation of the determining that low-value increased need of serving North Tanner area into city limits. or week-old crimes could be Bend, and all administrative “Our calls for service went up investigated at a lower level functions and record-keepIn one day, both agencies 14 percent for 2009,” North of priority. Last year’s imple- ing will be maintained in the showed their strongest assets in Bend Police Chief Mark Toner mentation of an online crime Snoqualmie station. Snoqualmie reporting tool on the sheriff’s currently has 14 officers on staff, the debate over North Bend’s said. The city of North Bend is seeking By line item, the biggest website was also expected to with two patrolling Snoqualmie next police services contract: public comment on a potential A Relay for Life Cancer at all times. availability of expertise and increase in law enforcement save time and money. change in police service providers Survivors Dinner is 6 p.m. costs for 2012 was the county Instead, Toner said “We’re North Bend will be required resources, and a strong connecfrom the King County Sheriff’s Tuesday, April 17, at Mount jail budget, which increased going to investigate all we to pay $384,000, to cover the tion with the community. Office to the Snoqualmie Police Si Golf Course, 9010 Boalch $33,000, or about 43 can… we’ve given the deputies purchase of three patrol vehi“You’ll find people Department. Community memAve. S.E., Snoqualmie. percent. The sheriff’s more work to do, so it saves the cles and other startup costs for expressingbothviews,” bers are invited to share their A spaghetti dinner is procontract increased 2 city money in the end.” the expansion of service. Total said North Bend’s city comments and concerns at the vided free of charge to all percent, to $1,206,260, North Bend’ s contract with startup costs, which are expectadministrator Duncan April 17 City Council meeting, cancer survivors and carebut personnel and the sheriff specifies that 1.52 ed to include about a half-year Wilson. “Snoqualmie’s 7 p.m., at the Mount Si Senior givers by the golf course. overhead costs (the patrolmen, which is basically of service, are just over $1 milofficers would probCenter, 411 Main Ave. S. Diners are asked to RSVP city pays half the sala- a full-time patrolman plus lion. After that, the contract ably have a better According to a North Bend press by Friday, April 13, to ries of the police chief Toner’s position, will be in the price is $1,247,000 with a fixed working knowledge release, the proposed contract a.loring@comcast.net, (425) and two administra- city at all times. All records are 3 percent rate increase annually, of the community… DUNCAN WILSON with the Snoqualmie Police 888-0576, or rohrbach@ tive staff members, stored in the Boalch Avenue for each year of the five-year they’re more involved North Bend City Department offers a significant nwlink.com. and half the cost of substation, and Toner is an contract. with the community Administrator yearly cost savings, a fixed cost for renting the North employee of both the city and The cost savings, estimated on a day to day basis, the next five years, and localized between $230,000 and $400,000 whereas the sheriff’s depart- Bend substation) decreased, by the sheriff. control. The existing contract with In the proposal from annually, are significant, Wilson ment, speaking in generalities, nearly 3 and 12 percent respecthe King County Sheriff’s Office tively. For 2011, the contract Snoqualmie, the department said, but “this is not a cut-andthey’re not tied here as a dedioffers the city access to extensive A sustainability workshop cost decreased by less than 0.5 will guarantee one patrolman in dried decision.” cated force.” resources, such as the SWAT series hosted by the city of Any change would take On the other hand, Wilson percent, and the biggest increase the city at all times, and the city and search and rescue teams, North Bend takes a look at continued, “We get excellent was in personnel, 11.54 percent. has the option of also designat- between one year and 18 well-qualified officers, and a long local resources like energy service from King County, we In 2010, the contract increased ing Snoqualmie’s police chief as months to implement, since history of quality service. and water, and their future. have an excellent chief, we have almost 12 percent, and the jail its own. Although Toner sug- the city has a 12-month notice Community members who want The first workshop, gested that the county would requirement to end its lease response when we need it, and budget, almost 19 percent. to be heard at the meeting will “Energy, Fossil Fuel and Water Wilson said the often dou- be able to match or beat the on the Boalch Avenue substait’s extensive.” have three minutes to speak. Use and Conservation,” origiGranted, the plane crash ble-digit cost increases are what savings offered by Snoqualmie tion, and an 18-month notice The city also encourages people nally scheduled for March, was rare — less than 100 fatal restarted a conversation the by reducing its level of ser- requirement to end the county to submit their statements in has been moved to 7 p.m. plane crashes have occurred in North Bend City Council has vice, Wilson said the council contract. writing. Written comments can Thursday, April 12, at North Council members have Washington since 2000 — and it had several times about police is emphatic about maintaining be sent to City of North Bend, Bend City Hall, 211 Main didn’t occur inside North Bend’s services, and what prompted one officer in the city around invited the public to offer their Attn: City Clerk, PO Box 896, North Ave. N. comments in the decision at the city limits. However, since the the council to request a pro- the clock. Bend, WA, 98045, or via e-mail to North Bend is developing The proposal also specifies next council meeting, Tuesday, sheriff’s department is also the posal for police services from cityhall@northbendwa.gov. a sustainability element in the that six patrolmen, plus a records April 17, 7 p.m. at the Mount Si city’s police force, it would have Snoqualmie last fall. city’s Comprehensive Plan. “It wasn’t just the increase, clerk, will be hired to meet the Senior Center. received the same response if it had. A March 30 break- it was the inability to predict in and shooting in the Si View the increase,” Wilson said. “We neighborhood drew a signifi- couldn’t really plan for these cant response from the sheriff, costs… and when you’re talkincluding five patrolmen, five ing about millions of dollars, a 1 detectives, a canine unit, staff percent increase is significant.” Steve Weaver Steve Weaver To address some of the counfrom the major crimes unit, and Steve Weaver Financial Advisor, Eagle Strategies. LLC LLC NEW Financial Adviser, Eagle Strategies cil’ s concerns last year, Toner a chaplain. Financial Advisor, Eagle Strategies. LLC Agent, New YorkInvestment Life Insurance Company A Registered Adviser LOCATION Agent, New8th York Company 11400 SE St, Life SuiteInsurance 300 That extra support from the implemented some changes Agent, York Life Insurance Company Photo Here 11400 SENew 8th St, Suite 300 Bellevue, WA 98004 Photo Here county will show up on North at the North Bend substation. 11400 SE St, Suite 300 Bellevue, WA8th 98004 Office 425-462-4833 401 Ballarat Avenue North Office 425-462-4833 Mobile 425-503-6391 Bellevue, WA 98004 Bend’s bill next year, in Exhibit He eliminated the department’s Mobile 425-503-6391 sweaver@ft.newyorklife.com Suite 204, North Bend Office 425-462-4833 or 425-503-6391 B. This document itemizes the use of detectives, which adds to sweaver@ft.newyorklife.com sweaver@ft.newyorklife.com the Exhibit B costs, and limited city’s share, based on its number © 2011 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 © 2011 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 SMRU 00447133CV (Exp. 05/20/13) of calls for service, of depart- the scope of calls that deputies SMRU 00447133CV (Exp. 05/20/13) ment-wide expenses (patrol could respond to in-person, cars, equipment, administrative AR04112_0511_Give_Gift_Fin_Strgth_4_25x2_75_V3RG.pdf salaries, etc.). Each contracting AR04112_0511_Give_Gift_Fin_Strgth_4_25x2_75_V3RG.pdf city pays the costs as estimated in the fall of the contract year, and gets a final report of its actual costs the following spring. If the city’s costs were less than Exhibit B estimated, the city gets a credit. If the city’s needs, and therefore costs, were greater than the estimate, the county absorbs the difference for that year, but the city’s next-year Exhibit B costs will reflect the increase. “They have it, usually, pretty darn close,” Wilson said of the estimates. “We don’t ever get what I’d call a windfall.” However, Wilson said the city *Restrictions, terms, and limitations apply. Contact us for details. has been seeing steady increases • The Tight Equipment At the Lowest Cost® in law enforcement costs, some • One-Way & In-Town® of it driven by Exhibit B. For Thank you • New Models, Automatics, AC 2012, he said, the cost of police for voting us BEST STORAGE increased 8 percent, and for • Only U-HAUL Moving Vans FACILITY 2011, the increase had been 11 Have the Lowest Decks and in the Valley percent. In 2010, the budget for 2012! Gentle-Ride Suspensions™ law enforcement increased 10.3 percent, and the line item of the www.snoqualmieridgestorage.com county contract increased 11.76 percent, to $1.2 million. Part of that can be explained
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012 DAILY UPDATES AT WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM 75 CENTS
Partners in policing
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North Bend sees savings, stands to lose county advocates in switch to Snoqualmie BY CAROL LADWIG
SPORTS
Staff Reporter
Telepathy on the court? Tennis team making history Page 12
Thirty-nine years ago, the North Bend City Council voted to dissolve the city’s own police force, and form a contract partnership for police services with the King County Sheriff ’s Office instead. According to a Nov. 29, 1973, Valley Record account of the meeting, police chief Fred Pingrey and other supporters touted the city’s ability to ‘Partners in policing’ keep their local is the first of a three-part officers (as long series exploring North as they applied Bend’s police contract, to be county which may soon change deputies), along from King County Sheriff with better pay to Snoqualmie Police. and opportunities for the officers. Opponents feared a loss of local control, and a less responsive police force—North Bend’s Police Department boasted a response time of under five minutes anywhere in the city. Both sides knew the city couldn’t afford full-time county coverage, at $112,000, and would probably settle for 16 hours, plus eight hours on-call, for $83,000. They also were pretty sure the city couldn’t afford the police department’s requested $106,000 budget, which included a new car and full-time coverage. Following the unanimous vote in favor of the contract, several citizens gathered outside the meeting, so incensed, they began discussing a recall of the full council. That recall never came to fruition, however, and on Jan. 1, 1974, North Bend became the first city in King County to contract with the Sheriff ’s Department.
Force change
Seth Truscott/Staff Photo
SCHOOLS
A rare birth defect can’t slow down Hunter Stembler, playing with his mom Christina, of Snoqualmie, at the Northwest Railway Museum. Hunter, 4, is a survivor of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which brings challenges in breathing and eating. Christina is holding an awareness walk for the condition Thursday, April 19, in Seattle.
32-year ride coming to an end for North Bend’s PE teacher Tepper Page 7
INDEX OPINION LETTERS GO GREEN HEALTH ON THE SCANNER CALENDAR
To brighter days
For Snoqualmie family, birth defect leads to hopeful road for others BY SETH TRUSCOTT
4 5 10 11 15 19
Vol. 98, No. 47
Editor
He’s just getting into Star Wars, but for the moment, Hunter still loves trains. The 4-year-old boy smiles as he explores the Northwest Railway depot with his mother, Snoqualmie resident Christina Stembler, looking around at the
big machines and the other children at play. Firmly in his grasp is a new toy, a metal Thomas the Tank Engine for his collection. “He’s the number-one blue engine,” Hunter says. SEE CHERUBS, 14
The new face of city hall Ex-Mercer official, attorney Lindell picked for Administrator BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
City government seems to be in Londi Lindell’s blood. An attorney who grew
up in the Seattle area, enjoying the same name recognition as her well-respected attorney father, Lindell has practiced law, developed real estate and managed cities (Federal Way and Mercer Island) in her career, but she will soon return to city government. SEE LINDELL, 6
LONDI LINDELL New North Bend City Administrator
SEE PARTNERS, 3
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PARTNERS FROM 1 Now, the North Bend council is reviewing that decision, and considering reversing it. At its Tuesday, April 17, meeting, the council invited public testimony on a possible change from King County to the Snoqualmie Police Department, for police services. Cost and local control are again at the center of the discussion, which began three or four years ago, says North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing in a meeting of the mayors and city administrators of both cities. North Bend officials are seeking lower costs, greater local control, and a third component, community-oriented policing, from their law enforcement service, and are hoping to find it all, just down the road in Snoqualmie. Hearing, who can’t actually vote on the contract, said, “We’re going to have to negotiate a contract with Snoqualmie that gives us a level of control in our policing.” He sees that as a position or two on a Snoqualmie public safety committee, or even better, forming a joint commission for organizing the police in both cities. “Community-oriented policing is the type of policing that Snoqualmie does now, where the intent is to get to know the constituency and to get the constituency to know them,” Hearing added. King County Sheriff Steve Strachan knows about community-oriented policing. So do Sgt. Mark Toner, North Bend’s chief of police, and Kym Smith, office supervisor at the North Bend Sheriff’s substation. And they are all a little confused on why that’s an issue. “We have that. It’s already here,” said Smith, who’s been with the department for 14 years. As one of the department’s two civilian employees and a lifelong North Bend resident, Smith sees her deputies meeting with citizens every day, handing out stickers to children, and listening to people’s concerns. “The officers work with the community extremely well,” she said. “Everybody knows that they can call in here, whether they want to be anonymous, or give us their name, and tell us what’s going on in their communities. The citizens are our eyes and ears. They do such a good job letting us know what’s going on, (so) we can go out and make that difference.” Toner, Smith, and Strachan all stressed that they had no complaints about and no intention of criticizing the Snoqualmie Police Department, which Strachan said was “a good partner for us.” However, they also felt that the Snoqualmie officers weren’t the only ones who knew their community well. The nine deputies serving the North Bend substation have all spe-
Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 18, 2012 • 3
Fall City’s new place to play
Eastside Baby Corner donations sought at local markets Saturday Local service clubs are collecting donations for Eastside Baby Corner, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the North Bend QFC and Safeway, and at Ridge Supermarket IGA on Snoqualmie Ridge. Members of Kiwanis, Snoqualmie Valley School District’s Key Club, Rotary and Lions are taking donations of slightly used clothing and toys for youth from infancy to age 14, along with other baby supplies. Eastside Baby Corner will accept clothing, toys, diapers, formula, baby food, baby wipes, baby bottles and other needs. To arrange a drop-off, send e-mail to debby.peterman@yahoo.com.
Courtesy photo
Students lined up at Fall City Elementary School’s new playground Monday to try out the equipment, officially open to the public after an April 9 ribbon cutting. The new playground, the only one in the community of Fall City, is located in the school’s primary grade play area, designed for FCES students in Kindergarten through second grade. It was officially opened to the school and community after Superintendant Joel Aune, along with Principal Dan Schlotfeldt, playground supervisor Diane Johnson, PTSA President Cynthia Thomsen and PTSA Playground Project Chair Sophie Harris cut the ribbon. Jeff McMorris, Chief of Staff to King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, also attended. cifically requested assignment here, Toner said, and several, like Paul Eng, have been in the community for more than 20 years. Toner himself came to North Bend in August 2009, and remembers some challenges at first in coordinating deputies and shifts. “In North Bend, we have a flex model, which means we’ll always have a guy here, but we don’t always know who that is,” Toner said. “We can have a different guy every day, but we try not to.” Toner pushed for a regularly-scheduled roster of deputies, as much for the city’s benefit as for the deputies’. “We want somebody consistent, and the guys want that too… Once you get assigned to a district, you kind of feel ownership of it.” After a challenging start, Toner was happy to see a core group of deputies form at the substation. Of the entire department’s 700 deputies, Toner typically only sees these nine come to work at his department each day. “The only time we get changes up here right now is, one, if somebody gets transferred or promoted, or two, if somebody is on vacation,” Toner said. “This year has been the most stable I’ve seen.” Unlike the dedicated model used by most cities contracting with the sheriff’s department, the flex model covers such scheduling gaps by assigning another deputy to empty posts in the short term. It also allows
overtime, which is paid by the said. “To keep the city happy, I county. sometimes upset the county.” What the flex model doesn’t Under the model proposed do, however, is guarantee that by Snoqualmie, Toner does one deputy will be patrolling not see North Bend having North Bend at all times. its own advocate, as they have “The contract says we don’t with him at the sheriff’s office. have to,” explained Toner, “but “I hear this discussion we always have.” about how they want local“What we guarantee to ized control. I am their local North Bend is response to control,” he said. calls for serToner has vice,” said been with the Robin Rask, sheriff’s office 27 a contracts years and notes administhat he will not trator with Kym Smith, lose his job if the sheriff’s city ends its Office Supervisor, North Bend the office. “What contract, just his Sheriff’s substation title of chief. they purchase from us is a dedicated Newly appointed Sheriff police chief, and guaranteed Strachan, however, plans to response to all calls in the city.” make improved inter-departA dedicated model could ment cooperation a hallmark offer the guarantee of a specific of his career, and sees huge number of officers on duty at potential losses if North Bend any time. It would actually cre- leaves the group of partners. ate a city-centric police force “It’s going to further fragof sheriff’s deputies, and allow ment us,” he said, noting that them to wear city-identified local police in the area already police uniforms and drive city- have created “silos” with their identified police cars, if city own radio frequencies and leaders chose that, and could their own dispatch agencies. afford it. The dedicated model Losing North Bend would is also much more expensive. mean “we have a larger area North Bend’s model is the that we don’t communicate less expensive of the two, but with… fewer officers backwith many of the benefits of ing up our officers on highthe dedicated model. It also risk calls… and we can’t back has the distinct advantages them up either.” that Toner brings to the city. “If there’s a shooting across “I have jurisdiction any- the street (in Snoqualmie), we where in the county,” Toner wouldn’t know about it, and said, but he feels that the chief we’re five minutes away.” benefit he can offer the city is At the same time, Strachan his role as the city’s advocate. supports the city’s decision to “I am paid by the county look at other options in an to keep the city happy,” he effort to save costs. In fact, he
“The citizens are our eyes and ears.”
wants to work with them on ways to save. Each city’s contract “is totally driven by what the community wants to do,” he said, and contracts can be changed at any time. He can’t change his labor costs, however. They are set by a fiveyear deputies’ union contract, which is up for renegotiation now and renewal in 2013. Strachan rattles off a list of changes that he would make for North Bend, from closing the substation and renting a smaller space – Toner would like a location within the city’s downtown, but Strachan would be open to subletting from Snoqualmie’s police station – to finding other ways to partner without jeopardizing the local control. “This is not an open market... Strachan said. “These are all tax dollars funding our departments.” North Bend’s contract can be updated at any time, Rask said, with a written request from the city administrator. Her office can also help advise cities on possible changes to their contract, she said, but “We don’t ever tell a customer how they should staff their police department. That’s completely up to them. All we do is figure out...a model of what that would look like.” Strachan hopes to negotiate contract changes that save the city money, while better utilizing the resources at his, and possibly Snoqualmie’s forces. “I would be amazed if we couldn’t work that out,” he said.
Dy-No-Mite bake sale at shopping center Local Relay for Life Team Dy-No-Mite holds a bake sake, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at the Mount Si/Safeway shopping center, off Mount Si Boulevard, in North Bend. All proceeds go to Relay for Life.
Mount Si grad, airman awarded medal for duty John Train, a 2008 Mount Si High School graduate, has been awarded the Air Force Air Medal for superb airmanship and courage during combat while participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. John was a MC-130P Combat JOHN TRAIN Shadow Loadmaster with the 67th Special Operations Squadron deployed from RAF Mildenhall in England. While deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, the senior airman flew a total of 40 combat missions while faced with the constant threat of surface-to-air missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. His expert skills allowed his crew to deliver critical cargo including food, ammunition, weapons and special operations personnel to troops on the ground in direct contact with enemy forces. Train joined the Air Force after graduating from Mount Si High School in 2008. He worked at the North Bend QFC store prior to joining the military. He is now stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico where he is training to be a Loadmaster on the AC-130W gunship.
VALLEY RECORD SNOQUALMIE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012 DAILY UPDATES AT WWW.VALLEYRECORD.COM 75 CENTS
Search in wake of double killing
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Two women die in North Bend shooting; Detectives look for homicide clues
Snoqualmie 7: Couple’s new baby lambs are instant flock Page 12
BY VALLEY RECORD STAFF
Two women found dead inside a North Bend house that burned Sunday morning, April 22, were not killed by the fire, but by gunshot wounds, the King County Medical Examiner’s office reported Monday afternoon. The women had not been identified by the Medical Examiner as of Tuesday morning, but are believed to be a mother and daughter who lived in the home, in the 47000 block of Southeast 159th Street. A third resident, Peter A. Keller, 41, is a “person of interest” in the case, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Awardwinning Fall City designer personalizes living spaces Page 16
Seth Truscott/Staff Photo
Touring Snoqualmie Police Station, Snoqualmie Police Chief Jim Schaffer shows off the municipal department’s capabilities, which include an in-house firing range and room to grow. Schaffer knows “in my head and in my heart” that the department can meet the needs of a North Bend law enforcement contract.
Ready for anything
INDEX LETTERS 6 HOME/GARDEN 9-16 17 CALENDAR 18 LEGALS ON THE SCANNER 18 19-20 CLASSIFIEDS
Vol. 98, No. 48
Snoqualmie police have no doubts that municipal force can police neighboring North Bend BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
Snoqualmie’s Police Department is ready to grow, was built for growth, in fact. Another six officers, the estimated hire needed for the department to police North Bend, wouldn’t even trigger an antici-
pated remodel of the 1998 building, says Jim Schaffer, Snoqualmie’s soon-to-retire chief. The 13,000 square-foot police station on Douglas Avenue is home to 14 police officers and three civilian staff members, a handful of subletting State Highway Patrolmen, another handful of community meetings and programs, a firing range, two holding cells, a couple of dirtbikes for patrolling on trails, and a variety of special equipment. It is also under-utilized, Schaffer says quite frankly, but only because it was built for the size of police force
Force change ‘Ready for anything’ is the second story in a three-part series exploring North Bend’s police contract, which may change from King County Sheriff to Snoqualmie Police. the growing town of Snoqualmie would ultimately need. “We built it with the future in mind,” says Schaffer, who’s been with the department 23 years. “We came from 1,500 square feet to 13,000 square feet… and when it gets to the point we need to expand, we built for that, too.” SEE POLICE, 5
Smilla, come home Lost in Fall City, scared sled dog evades rescue for six weeks BY SETH TRUSCOTT Editor
Smart and fast, Smilla is a survivor. Half a world away from her home, she’s also too scared to come in from the cold. A lost mixedHusky racing dog who broke out of her crate on March 10, Smilla has led wouldbe rescuers from Fall City to Preston and back over the last six weeks.
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POLICE FROM 1 From his office overlooking the small pond that hosts the annual spring children’s fishing derby, Schaffer gestures to the deck running along the southwest side of the building. The station can build out onto that, and to the southeast, pushing into their parking lot, to easily accommodate the 20-plus officers and civilian staff it would need to service a 15,000-person city. The readiness of the station is a reflection of the officers that work there, according to several officers on the force. “We feel like we’re capable of handling anything that comes at us,” said Officer Dan Moate, a department member for the last four years. As president of the Snoqualmie Police Association, Moate feels the officers are not only able to take on the additional responsibilities that would come with a contract for North Bend’s police services, but are looking forward to it. “I think the benefit the officers see of getting the North Bend contract is more officers working together. Instead of three on a crew, we might have four or five,” Moate said. Captain Steve McCulley, who will take the reins as chief when Schaffer retires June 30, outlined other benefits of a shared police force in the Upper Valley. “North Bend has schools, Snoqualmie has schools, and we’re very entrenched in the schools. That can help make things more seamless, especially with the school district’s REMS grant,” he said, referring to the two-year federal grant the school district received last year for emergency management planning. In ramping up to service North Bend, McCulley said, “there’s going to be a lot of community outreach, meeting with the businesses, seeing what their needs are, and just making sure that we’re stepping off on the right foot,” too. McCulley also described the more advanced policing abilities his department could offer, at an April 17 presentation to the North Bend City Council. Because of Snoqualmie’s membership in the Coalition of Small Police Agencies, McCulley said the department has access to detectives, its own major crimes task force, specialty training that would otherwise be too expensive for the department to offer, and the opportunity for each officer to focus on a particular area of police work. “Each officer has a specialty,” McCulley told the North Bend Council. The coalition was formed in 2002 to pool the resources of smaller agencies, making training more affordable, and winning grants more feasible. Each of the 12 police departments in
Snoqualmie Valley Record • April 25, 2012 • 5
Passing of the teapot
William Shaw/Staff Photo
Girl Scouts with Troops 41784 join Brownies from Troop 42488, in a “passing of the teapot” moment at the senior tea, Friday, April 20, at Mount Si Senior Center. Girl Scouts originally met at the Senior Center. They started the annual tea as a thank-you to the center, and it has become an annual tradition. Now, Brownies of Troop 42488 will carry on the tradition. 2012 is the centennial of the Girl Scouts. the coalition contributes officers to coalition projects, such as investigating incidents like the missing person reported in Snoqualmie in November, 2010, on the major crimes task force, or becoming certified trainers in courses like the Active Shooter training held three weeks ago, or in emergency vehicle operations (EVOC). Two Snoqualmie officers are detectives on the major crimes task force, and Moate is an EVOC trainer. Officer Jason Weiss specializes in DUI enforcement both inside and beyond the coalition, something extra that a smaller department can offer its staff, Schaffer noted. Last week, Weiss accepted an award for his department’s participation in the Target Zero enforcement partnership with several Eastside cities. Of course, the highway patrol and sheriff’s department are also available for backup, McCulley added. Both he and Schaffer expressed full respect for the sheriff’s department, and a belief and desire that their relationship with the department would not change. Sheriff Steve Strachan reassured everyone on that point, saying, “If we’re needed, we go. No matter what we talk about here, that’s not going to change.” Many Snoqualmie officers also live within the Upper Valley, McCulley said, giving them “a real understanding of what services need to be provided to our city.” North Bend would benefit
from that, as well, if the city chose to contract with Snoqualmie. “When the public calls for us, they’re going to get a police officer at their door,” McCulley said. It will be a familiar face, too. Snoqualmie will have to hire six new officers and a civilian records clerk to cover North Bend, and McCulley said he’s heard concerns that North Bend will get “the new guys.” Not true, he says. “We’re going to send our best people over there, get them trained up and familiar with the city and their ordinances, while our new guys are getting trained here, under close supervision,” he said, “and then eventually they’ll be rotated through.” “And they’ll be one of 18 cops in the city,” added Schaffer. Schaffer counts 18 because the chief’s role is mainly administrative and the second-incommand captain is mainly supervisory. “We’re not what we call ‘real cops!’” he laughs.
of the public, and councilmen. What about local control? Who is the department accountable to? What happens to the people outside the city limits? And what’s going on with Snoqualmie’s police contract? Local control hadn’t been discussed yet, but Snoqualmie officials both at the meeting and afterward said North Bend will have some voice on police issues. City Manager Bob Larson said the city would be supportive of the idea of placing a North Bend councilman on the Snoqualmie Civil Service Commission (Schaffer was skeptical that this was allowed by state law, however). Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson said “We’ve made very clear from the beginning, if
they contract for our services, they’re contracting with us,” but added “By no means is North Bend not going to have some influence here…. there’s going to be significant dollars invested in the ramp-up of our police department, so we’re clearly going to entertain their input.” Larson added, however, that North Bend could lose a little in terms of accountability, and the loss of its own police chief. He compared it to the city of Carnation’s contract for police services with Duvall, saying “Clearly they don’t have that connection, and that’s a choice. If you want that, it’s more expensive.” Schaffer felt accountability was just part of the job for his department, so when a business owner wanted to speak with a
higher-ranking officer about an ongoing problem, the sergeant, the captain, or even the chief would go to that talk. “It’s wringing with accountability,” he said. At the end of the day, though, North Bend can end any contract it enters with Snoqualmie, or, if still in negotiations, withdraw its 18-month notice of cancelling the sheriff’s contract. Until then, if North Bend has hired Snoqualmie Police, the city will receive the same level of service that Snoqualmie residents have, Schaffer, McCulley, and Larson all affirmed. Sheriff Strachan responded to the concerns about residents of unincorporated North Bend, assuring them that the current level of service, one deputy patrolling the C1 district from North Bend city limits to Snoqualmie Pass, won’t change. In a separate conversation, Schaffer noted that his officers can and do keep an eye out for incidents outside of their coverage area, as well, and have open lines of communication with the sheriff’s department, the highway patrol, and other agencies that could respond. He is also confident that his department is capable of doing the job for North Bend, despite the lack of a present contract with the Snoqualmie Police Association. Expired since 2010, the contract has been through mediation, Moate said, and has just qualified for arbitration. He expected the contract discussion to be resolved soon. Contract debates are common, all sides agreed. Snoqualmie’s last three-year contract, now expired, was approved more than one year into its span, and in 2005, before a new contract was approved, Snoqualmie had considered dissolving its police department to contract with the Sheriff’s Department. Until a new contract is in place, Moate said the force will operate under the terms of the old contract, and the negotiations haven’t affected morale. “Just because we haven’t settled the contract, doesn’t mean we’re unhappy,” he said.
The details
Snoqualmie’s presentation at the North Bend council meeting emphasized capability, stability, education and community-oriented policing. Like the King County Sheriff’s Office presentation that went before, it also focused on public safety, and the cooperation that already exists between the two agencies. The questions it didn’t answer were raised by several members
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4 • April 11, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record
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idnight on January 1, 1974, was when North Bend’s boys in blue hung up their old uniforms. King County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mark Toner remembers the date of the big change, when the county took over for North Bend’s own city force. It’s part of a historical file kept at the North Bend substation, the city’s police station, covering 39 years of local police history. Continuity is important for Toner, who is the latest in a long line of police chiefs who have worked for North Bend in county uniform. He might be the last. On Tuesday, April 17, North Bend will take public comment on a possible police contract change. North Bend wants to save money on police coverage, and is once again considering buying service SETH TRUSCOTT from Snoqualmie instead of the Editor King County Sheriff. North Bend’s got a lot of options here. It’s true that Snoqualmie officers have a lot of community links with North Bend. However, it’s my opinion that North Bend will lose out if it loses its own police chief—Toner has certainly earned his chief’s stripes—along with all the community policing that he, his officers and administrative staff like Kym Smith bring. Their efforts go beyond patrols, beyond the station, to things like Project Santa Claus and proactive, street-level work. Whenever this newspaper reports on issues such as graffiti, homelessness, deadly violence, Toner and his team have been there with facts, professionalism and compassion. Their transparency with us, and depth of local knowledge, show that this department deserves the support and gratitude of the citizenry. I am conservative when it comes to the loss of Valley institutions. The county’s North Bend police arm is exactly that—an institution. Bottom lines and hard realities must be observed, but if Toner’s crew can offer a fair deal, they deserve to stay. You can have your say on this matter at a council meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Mount Si Senior Center. Public comment is taken early in the meeting.
Lock your doors I’ve heard it, time and again, from police in Snoqualmie and North Bend alike: No matter how big your community is, you need to lock your doors. With all the vehicle prowls and burglaries the Valley’s seen in the last few years, safety and preparedness have been the refrain. Last week’s deadly encounter at a Si View residence hammers it home. When I first heard about the shooting of a North Bend man who smashed his way into a local residence, the first thing that went through my mind was that it was a burglary gone wrong. The reality, that it was a situation where everyone was a victim, and that it could so easily have been prevented, is more complicated and tragic. It’s a reminder that, even in a normally peaceful place, bad things can happen. To be safe: • Lock your doors and secure your windows at night, and keep your garage door closed • Get to know your neighbors, and let them know when their home is not secured • If you keep a gun, install a gun lock on it • Make an emergency plan and talk with family members about what to do in an emergency • Learn about and consider joining a block watch • Consider installing a home security system You can protect your family, home and possessions. Most of these precautions take only moments. If you’re lucky, you may never need them. But it is so much better to be safe than sorry.
Are high gas prices OUT of the changing your ways?
PAST This week in Valley history
Thursday, April 9, 1987:
“I’m driving less. I live in walking distance, so I save a couple of cents on gas and walk. I only drive when I have to, and in Snoqualmie, it’s pretty easy to walk.” Jim Largent Snoqualmie
“Just trying to save as much money as possible, because gas prices are so ridiculous. I pretty much drive to work and drive the kids to school, and that’s it.” Layla Hopper Snoqualmie
April 1 didn’t include many jokes for local fire departments, whose members fought blazes caused by high winds and unusually warm weather.
• The newly incorporated ‘Friends of the Snoqualmie Valley’ have mounted a campaign to stop development of the Lake Alice Plateau. Members do not want “extremely dense areas,” and say the city of Snoqualmie can boost its financial situation in other ways than growth.
Thursday, April 12, 1962: A
“In a sense, I am driving less, but I’ve always been pretty economical. I try to do two or three things in one trip.” Barb Duquette Snoqualmie
“I ride my bike, because our family enjoys biking, we always have. But now that the price of gas has gone up so much, it’s really nice!” Diane Peterson North Bend
landmark for years, the storage shed and truck garage at the Old Bookter Bakery in Snoqualmie, now owned by Harold Johnson, is being torn down board by board as part of Snoqualmie’s pre-Century 21 Expo spring cleaning.
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4 • August 8, 2012 • Snoqualmie Valley Record
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Publisher William Shaw
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Advertising David Hamilton Account dhamilton@valleyrecord.com Executive Circulation/ Patricia Hase Distribution circulation@valleyrecord.com Mail PO Box 300, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Phone 425.888.2311 Fax 425.888.2427 www.valleyrecord.com Classified Advertising: 800.388.2527 Subscriptions: $29.95 per year in King County, $35 per year elsewhere Circulation: 425.453.4250 or 1.888.838.3000 Deadlines: Advertising and news, 11 a.m. Fridays; Photo op/coverage requests in advance, please. The Snoqualmie Valley Record is the legal newspaper for the cities of Snoqualmie, North Bend and Carnation. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this publication. Letters, columns and guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the Snoqualmie Record.
Don’t let the survey takers pass you by
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hen a hard decision needs to be made, should government come to you, or should you go to local government? That’s one of the questions that’s come to my mind in recent weeks, as I’ve noticed what appears to be a trend: Local cities using a specialized tool to connect with their citizens. This year, both the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend turned to a private survey company to gauge local support for tough decisions. In Snoqualmie’s case, the firm, called EMC Research and Northwest Public Affairs, ran a telephone survey to gauge potential support for a levy. The survey laid the groundwork for this fall’s operations levy, and the results showed overwhelming support. Will ECM’s findings end up matching the majority of Snoqualmie voters’ decision this fall? Only time can tell. North Bend also recently turned to a random phone survey to build consensus on its upcoming police contract decision. They hired EMC to survey at least 100 residents for their opinion on current police services, as provided by the King County Sheriff’s Office. Results SETH TRUSCOTT from the survey were presented Valley Record to the council at its Aug. 7 meet- Editor ing. The same night the council is scheduled to vote Aug. 21 on keeping the contract, in place for 39 years, or switching to Snoqualmie. Such surveys have their strengths and weaknesses. Done at random, they give elected officials a more objective, scientific look at what their electorate wants. The flip side of the coin, though, is that the survey could be replacing the old method of depending on active public participation in the decision-making process. Cities typically hold public hearings before making decisions. In Snoqualmie, some topics draw a lot of attention—the annexation of the Mill Site drew big crowds and dozens of speakers last year, many opposed to it for varied reasons; the council’s final decision is slated for this coming Monday; based on past votes, the annexation is likely to pass. But, contrast that with last month’s meeting on Snoqualmie’s operations levy. No one from the public spoke up, for or against, on the ops levy on the day of the council vote. Only one person from the community took the mic to address it in the run-up to passage. In North Bend, the council’s opportunity for public comment on the police decision did better, drawing about ten speakers, including a few county residents, last April. Their testimony was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the county contract. The decision to turn to a survey is somewhat surprising—perhaps the turnout at that meeting didn’t give the city an overwhelming mandate, but it was typical, perhaps better than normal. Again, it takes major buzz to draw big crowds to city hall. During the round of surveys, I heard from one citizen in Snoqualmie who felt that the questions were leading. Officials counter that they are frank. I accept that. But it’s important to keep in mind that these surveys aren’t done in a void: They’re part of a decision-making process and almost a mini-election; in Snoqualmie, they led to a citizen vote; in North Bend, they will lead to a council decision. It’s too bad that cities have to pay consultants to know what their constituents are thinking. Citizens can certainly make themselves informed and heard, if they so choose, by checking the city website, reading the legal notices in this newspaper, talking to their neighbors, weighing in on the chat groups—and then coming to the hearings, or writing a letter or e-mail. You may well have an opinion on such basic issues as taxes or police. If you want to be heard, you’d better raise your voice. Who knows, the survey company might not have your number.
Are phone surveys useful for OUT of the cities to gather public opinion?
PAST This week in Valley history
Thursday, July 30, 1987
“I don’t think so, because I don’t answer my phone at home. I’m not sure what would be better, maybe going door to door? People might answer if the survey’s not too long.”
“In this day and age, probably not. People are more electronics-oriented for communication. If I’m in my study in the evening, I’ll sit down and answer my e-mail.”
Sandy Read Snoqualmie
Michael Gresham North Bend
• Three more persons have been arrested in connection with vehicle burglaries at hiking trailheads in the Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest east of North Bend. Mike Cooley, North Bend District Ranger, said there have been more than 50 vehicle break-ins at hiking trailheads along the I-90 corridor east of North Bend since late May. Cooley said it’s the worst rash of vehicle burglaries at I-90 trailheads in 15 or 20 years. • Last Sunday, Valley Pioneer Association president Isabel Jones crowned Gladys Sorenson, at 96 the oldest person attending the Pioneer Picnic in Carnation.
Thursday, Aug. 9, 1962
“I don’t see why not, but a lot of people have cell phones these days. I don’t think they’ll reach a whole demographic that way. Maybe mail would work.” Lee Bramlet North Bend
“Sure, if it isn’t too long. I had one that was almost 50 questions!” Al Beesler North Bend
• Seventy persons braved the damp weather and passed up the World Cup races for the bountiful and pleasant get-together at the 40th annual picnic of the Snoqualmie Valley Pioneers last Sunday. The picnic was held in Carnation Grange Hall. Mrs. Mary Eliason, the oldest woman present, wore her crown and the years which won her the royal honors in grateful fashion. Mr. Cornelius Qualley was honored as the oldest man present.
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Hometown heritage
120 North Bend residents answer phone questions, say they’re satisfied but want savings
Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 17, 18 and 19, 2012 Historic Downtown Snoqualmie
FESTIVAL SCHOOLS
PUBLISHED AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE VALLEY RECORD
Special section: Railroad Days returns with plenty of fun Pages 9-16
Future Mount Si freshman could be golf team’s secret weapon Page 7
INDEX OPINION 5 8 ON THE SCANNER 16 CALENDAR 17 OBITUARIES 19-20 CLASSIFIEDS BACK TO SCHOOL 23
Vol. 99, No. 12
And the police survey says BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
Summer refresher Seth Truscott/Staff Photo
Young people frolic in the rainbow-tinted spray from a North Bend fire truck at the close of the Festival at Mount Si grand parade, Saturday, Aug. 11. Floats, youth clubs and bands, political candidates and local businesspeople marched, and thousands watched from the sidelines. See more Festival photos on page 2, or visit www.valleyrecord.com for a full slideshow.
Deeply connected
SEE SURVEY, 4
Busy night for vandals Teens arrested in theft, fire-setting rampage
Valley’s Jim and Lisa Schaffer are RR Days honorees
Two boys from North Bend, ages 14 and 17, were arrested Tuesday, Aug. 7, in connection with an early-morning spree of vandalism across several city blocks. North Bend Police Chief Toner describes the two-hour rampage as one of the worse cases of vandalism he’s seen in the Valley.
BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
After nine years as Snoqualmie’s police chief and 23 in the department, Jim Schaffer still remembers vividly the advice he got as a new chief from then-Mayor Randy “Fuzzy” Fletcher. “Keep your mouth shut, your head down, and your nose to the grindstone!” Schaffer says, laughing. SEE SCHAFFERS, 6
People in North Bend are extremely satisfied with their existing police service, according to a recent telephone survey. A majority of them would support the switch to another department, according to the same survey. Aren’t these contradictory findings? “I don’t think they are,” said North Bend City Administrator Londi Lindell. “Oftentimes, people can be very happy with what they have,” she continued, but something new could trigger their willingness to change, such as money, in this case.
JIM AND LISA SCHAFFER
SEE RAMPAGE, 21
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SURVEY FROM 1 The money Lindell referred to is an estimated $300,000 that North Bend expects to save annually by ending its contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office, and entering a new five-year contract with the Snoqualmie Police
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Department. Those savings, along with a dedicated model of police service, were listed as benefits of the city changing contracts, in a telephone survey of 120 people conducted the week of July 23. No negative impacts of the change were described to the survey respondents, however, as the results were presented by
Ian Stewart of EMC Research at the Aug. 7 council meeting. North Bend has been considering the contract change, sporadically, for several years, and the council is scheduled to vote on the issue Tuesday, Aug. 21. Council members requested the $4,000 survey to gather more public opinion on the contract, before the vote.
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“This is not going to be an easy decision.” Alan Gothelf, North Bend councilman Because the presentation was part of council business, audience member Jim Curtis, who began an out-of-order criticism of the survey’s “leading questions,” was asked to hold his comments. He, and other citizens, though, were encouraged to phone or e-mail the city with their thoughts on the change. “This is not going to be an easy decision for any of us,” said Councilman Alan Gothelf. Stewart began his presentation with information about the survey process. Respondents were randomly selected from voter registrations, and each person was contacted up to six times, to be sure they were reached, Stewart said. Of the 120 people who answered the survey, a majority, 37 percent were in the 45 to 59 age group, and 71 percent had lived in North Bend for 10 or more years. The margin of error was plus-or-minus 8.8, with 95 percent confidence of accuracy. “The point of what we do is to take statistical numbers, and project them to a large sample,” Stewart said. “That’s what we’re doing here.” He noted that interviewers did not specifically state the subject of the survey, as a way
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Magendanz, Mullet lead in 5th District primary vote Early returns from the Tuesday, Aug. 7, primary election showed conservative candidates doing well in the local State Rep. races, but a Democrat gaining ground in the state Senate race. In the 5th Legislative District, which includes Snoqualmie, North Bend, and surrounding communities, the contested state Senate race saw Democrat Mark Mullet leading Republican Brad Toft. Mullet had 52.66 percent of the vote, as of Monday, with 13,986 votes. Toft had 47.34 percent of the vote, with 12,573 votes. In the State Rep., Pos. 2, race, Republican candidate Chad Magendanz earned 53.22 percent and 13,830 votes, with David Spring, a Democrat, earning 42.36 percent and 11,006 votes. Independent Ryan D. Burkett had 4.42 percent, or 1,149 votes. In position 1, Jay Rodne, R-North Bend, is unopposed. • You can follow full results online at http:// vote.wa.gov/results/current/ default.htm. spoken “loud and clear,” regarding their priorities for police service — short response times, a dedicated officer in the city at all times, and the motto of “no call too small.” “To meet those priorities, we would need a dedicated model,” Lindell thought. Since the survey results were presented, Lindell said she’d met with representatives from the King County Sheriff’s Office. “They believe, with fairly good certainty, the cost will only increase 3 percent next year,” she said. When the council meets Aug. 21, she will present them with the latest, but not final, cost estimates from the Sheriff’s Department on both a flexible model, which the city currently has, and a dedicated model, to compare with Snoqualmie’s offer for a dedicated model.
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to prevent bias. Lindell had specifically requested a bias-free approach, she told the Record later in the week. “I said ‘I want objective questions,’ and told them about the issues that the council’s been dealing with,” she said. Stewart said interviewers, after assuring respondents that they were not salesmen, begin with general “warm-up questions.” Those responses indicated that most citizens felt the city was doing a good job overall (65 percent positive) and responsible in spending tax dollars (52 percent positive), but especially well in delivering police services (69 percent positive). The vast majority of people, 84 percent, knew that the city contracted with King County for police, and when asked to rate King County’s service, 86 percent were satisfied. Next,respondentswereasked to rank various aspects of police services by their importance. Three characteristics ranked highest: Response times are five minutes or less at all times (92 percent); Dedicated police officer within North Bend at all times (89 percent); and Officer available to respond to all calls, regardless of issue, or “no call too small” (86 percent). Lower-ranked characteristics included stable, predictable police contract costs (75 percent); a long record of service to the city (69 percent); a supervisor available to assist officers at all times (67 percent); police costs not reducing funding for city projects such as parks and streets (54 percent) and contracting costs not requiring a tax increase (51 percent). Finally, respondents were read a statement about North Bend’s current contract costs, about $1.5 million per year, and an expected increase of 5 percent annually, and the city’s option to save about $300,000 annually by contracting with Snoqualmie. Given this information, 65 percent of respondents were in favor of changing to Snoqualmie, 30 percent were opposed and 5 percent said they didn’t know. Stewart summarized the findings by telling the council, “People like the services they’re provided now, but they also like the idea of saving money, so these are competing interests you’re going to have to deal with.” Lindell felt the citizens had
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Advertising David Hamilton Account dhamilton@valleyrecord.com Executive Circulation/ Patricia Hase Distribution circulation@valleyrecord.com Mail PO Box 300, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Phone 425.888.2311 Fax 425.888.2427 www.valleyrecord.com Classified Advertising: 800.388.2527 Subscriptions: $29.95 per year in King County, $35 per year elsewhere Circulation: 425.453.4250 or 1.888.838.3000 Deadlines: Advertising and news, 11 a.m. Fridays; Photo op/coverage requests in advance, please. The Snoqualmie Valley Record is the legal newspaper for the cities of Snoqualmie, North Bend and Carnation. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this publication. Letters, columns and guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the Snoqualmie Record.
Snoqualmie Valley Record • August 15, 2012 • 5
Resident: ‘Smart meters’ are privacy threat Tanner Electric Cooperative recently replaced its power meters with digital “smart meters.” Three Tanner members, including my wife and I, have refused to allow installation of the new meter due to privacy and security issues posed by the technology. Other members would likely have refused had they been made aware of the risks beforehand. Smart meters automatically read power consumption every 15 to 30 minutes, and some models as often as every 5 minutes. Readings are transmitted to data management systems where the information is processed for billing and other purposes. The high frequency of data monitoring allows a power consumption profile to be established for every customer with enough precision to determine what appliances are operated and when, when someone is home or not, and your power usage habits. This technology can also be used to shut off power to your residence and even control appliances, heating, and air conditioning systems. Smart meters are characterized by legal and security experts as surveillance devices. Who has access to your data and how it’s protected are serious issues. Your right to privacy and security are at risk once this data leaves your control. Millions of utility customers around the country are saying “no” to smart meters”. Dozens of cities have passed ordinances prohibiting their use. In response, power companies are offering an “opt- out” choice for those customers not wanting smart meters. For my wife and me, this technology brings no value and is nothing we need or want. It only poses an unacceptable risk. Other Tanner members may feel differently and that’s fine—they should be able to use it at their discretion. But, for members who feel like we do, they should be allowed to “opt out.” Power companies like Tanner do not require this technology to operate, it’s not required for billing, it’s not required for system maintenance, and it’s not required by regulation. Use of it should be a consumer choice, just as Congress provided for in section 1252 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act. If you are concerned, contact Tanner and let them know how you feel. If you do not want a smart meter, request that they allow you to “opt out”. After all, it’s your right to privacy, it’s your information to protect, it’s your residence to secure and as a member, you have the right to participate in the decisions of the cooperative. Tanner is in a unique position to set a good example for other utilities around the state. By proactively establishing an “opt out” choice, Tanner can position itself as a leader in this discussion. As other utility customers confront this issue, Tanner can be looked to as the standard bearer for having responded to the concerns of its members. Larry Costello, PE North Bend
What was your favorite part OUT of the Summer Olympics?
PAST This week in Valley history
Thursday, Aug. 16, 1987
“Women’s volleyball—beach volleyball. I love it all, I’m one of those people who stays up too late watching every night. We love it at our house.” Ginger May Snoqualmie
“Somehow, I missed most of the Olympics, but I heard that the Croatian water polo team beat the U.S. I’m from Croatia, so that caught my ear.” Dragan Dujmovic Snoqualmie
Cops switch is bad idea During the North Bend City Council meeting Tuesday, the results of what I would label a token survey were presented to the council and others like myself who reside in North Bend. Sadly, a very small group—120—of North Bend residents were surveyed by phone and asked what in many cases were leading questions designed to encourage these residents to support a proposed change of contracting police services from the King County Sheriff’s Department to the Snoqualmie Police Department. Even so, one point that was made abundantly clear in the survey results was the fact that a very high majority of these North Bend residents were well satisfied with the police services already being provided by the Sheriff’s Department. It’s my strong opinion the contract for police services provided by the King County Sheriff’s Department should be continued to ensure the public safety needs of all North Bend residents. Like the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and this is very important to remember when public safety is on the line. Jim Curtis North Bend
of the
“I haven’t watched much because I wanted to be outside. Out here, we have to take the weather when we can. My friend told me about Michael Phelps.” Ann Hamerly Snoqualmie
“Swimming, the men’s 400-meter individual medley. It’s butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.” Al Harper North Bend
• The date of the fourth annual pancake breakfast sponsored by the Fall City Kiwanis Club has been set for Saturday, Aug. 18 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. The members of the club have ordered sunshine for that day because the breakfast will be served, rain or shine. Ray Lierley is in charge of the kitchen, Vern Stenberg is in charge of tables, Claus Hoover is cleanup chairman and Ron Smith is publicity.
Thursday, Aug. 13, 1962 • Beginning Monday, it will be illegal for children age 16 and under to be on the streets of North Bend between midnight and 5 a.m. Councilwoman Susan Vieg was against the idea of a curfew a month ago, but she ended in favor of it “if it can help the problem.” Market owner Gerald Strovas also said he favored the city adding a curfew law, but asked for more strict restrictions such as a 10 p.m. curfew rather than midnight. • Carnation Family Medical Center opens its doors to the public on Monday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Built by Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, the clinic is headed by Dr. Kenneth Hahn, M.D.
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Contract cops: Carnation’s model North Bend considers police contract change that Carnation made years ago BY CAROL LADWIG Staff Reporter
North Bend is not the first Valley city to weigh the pros and cons of ending its contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office, but it is the largest. Carnation, with about one fourth the population and no easy freeway access, seems to have little in common with North Bend, but the city faced the same debates as North Bend when it came to public safety. Like North Bend, the city had its own police department years ago, which it disbanded when it opted for a police services contract with the Sheriff’s Department. And like North Bend, when Carnation considered contracting with a neighboring city for police services, the surrounding unincorporated residents expressed real concerns about the effect to their own police coverage. Asofpresstime,NorthBend’s City Council was scheduled to vote Aug. 21 on canceling its longstanding contract with the Sheriff’s Department and entering a five-year contract with the city of Snoqualmie’s police department. The decision follows months of discussions in regular and workstudy council meetings, a public meeting for testimony from residents in April, and a July phone survey of 120 residents. “This is not going to be an easy decision for any of us,” Councilman Alan Gothelf stated during a discussion on the phone survey results Aug. 7. Carnation’s council voted in 2004 to end the sheriff’s contract and throw in with the city of Duvall’s police depart-
ment, which was renamed the Duvall-Carnation Police Department. The partnership between the two cities continues today, but Carnation had to reduce its level of service when the contract was renewed this year, because of stagnant revenues. The new contract reduces police coverage from about three fourths of the time to about half time, with additional “flex” hours budgeted for emergencies. Despite the cut, the contract is still the best solution for public safety that the city can afford, according to City Manager Ken Carter. “We’re too small to have our own (police department),” he explained. This contract enables the city to provide the needed coverage, without breaking its budget, or any state laws—the state constitution prohibits cities from making gifts of public funds to any entity. The flex hours, which the city pays for but doesn’t necessarily use every week, are what make it possible, Carter explained. “As long as the service is provided and the needs of the community are met, then we have not gifted anything,” he said. “They haven’t gifted anything to us. On average we’re paying for the service.” North Bend is now balancing the needs of its community against the cost of services, too. The expense of contracting with the sheriff, estimated at about $1.44 million this year, prompted the city to take a closer look at its police contract, but the level of service is the top concern of many councilmen. “What’s going to be better from a public safety perspective?” Gothelf says this question is his first consideration. North Bend currently contracts for a “flex model” department, but is considering a “dedicated model.” The flex model puts a deputy on patrol within
city limits around the clock, and is cheaper, since the city does not pay overtime or sick leave, but it can result in deputies on patrol who are unfamiliar with the city and its people. The dedicated model commits a specific deputy to the city, week in and week out, but is consequently more expensive. Under North Bend’s current contract, “they pay for 5.1 deputies to provide for patrols of the city of North Bend, and they also pay for three quarters of their Chief of Police,” said Dave Jutilla, Chief Deputy with the sheriff’s office. The remainder of the police chief’s cost is covered by the county, Jutilla added, for “supervisory management” of deputies in the unincorporated areas surrounding North Bend. Police Chief Mark Toner notes that his nine deputies (six for city limits) all want to be assigned to North Bend. “The only time we get changes up here right now is 1) if somebody gets transferred or promoted… or 2) if somebody is on vacation,” Toner said. “We get consistent people, so they know the community, and they know the area.” North Bend essentially gets the benefit of a dedicated group of officers, with the flex model price tag now, but Toner agrees that a dedicated model could benefit the city even more. “We could be more effective in our crime-fighting with a dedicated group,” Toner said. Snoqualmie’s five-year proposal offers the city the equivalent of a dedicated model, with one officer of the 20-member department (currently, Snoqualmie has 14 officers, but would hire six more to meet the demands of the North Bend contract) on patrol at all times. Chief Steve McCulley would serve as police chief for both cities, and the city would preserve ownership of the cars and equipment it would purchase as its share of startup costs for the contract, estimated at $387,000.
When North Bend’s Council met Tuesday, City Administrator Londi Lindell was set to present them with the final five-year cost projections for four different proposals: their current flex model; Snoqualmie’s proposed dedicated model; a dedicated model from the sheriff’s department; and a “modified-dedicated” model that gives North Bend an additional deputy for use as needed. “What they really want is named, identified, dedicated officers who are assigned to work in North Bend as much as possible,” Jutilla said, of his discussions with the North Bend City Council. “They have that very much right now,” he added, but with the modifieddedicated model, he said his department would give the city a .9 credit for another deputy within city limits. Toner will have the latitude to select six deputies as North Bend police, Jutilla said, and the city will have the option to identify them with uniforms and cars. The cost of this model would be similar to the flex costs, although “discretionary overtime,” such as staffing up for city events like the Block Party and Festival at Mount Si, would be a city responsibility. Of the four models, Lindell noted that Snoqualmie’s proposal, averaging $1.4 million over five years, is still the least expensive. However, she added “I think one of the concerns with the Snoqualmie model is we’ll be sharing a police chief …” which may make citizens feel isolated. “I think it’s important to have a person in command who they can go to… they’re going to want a place to go and have their questions answered.” McCulley has said his department, if awarded the contract, will do “a lot of community outreach, meeting with the businesses, seeing what their needs are, and just making sure that we’re stepping off on the right foot.”
Snoqualmie Valley Record • August 22, 2012 • 7
Photo courtesy Natalie McGowan
Pasture and trees burn on upper Bettas Road Tuesday, Aug. 14, during the Taylor Bridge fire. Thousands of acres southeast of Cle Elum burned in the fire, which began last Monday.
WILDFIRE EFFORT FROM 1 Liam—a former Fall City and Issaquah resident— and his fiance, Natalie McGowan, and cousin Patrick Haggerty of North Bend, defended Liam’s cattle ranch, located on Bettas Road in Horse Canyon, east of Cle Elum. Ranches there were in the direct path of the fast-moving wildfire, which consumed more than 23,000 acres of rural land in the vicinity of Cle Elum and Ellensburg and more than 80 homes since it kindled Aug. 13. Shaw relates that he was amazed at the devastation. The fire swept up from the south. Neighbors had been ordered to evacuate, but several, including Liam and his friends, family and neighbors, stayed behind, guarding their homes. Neighbors stayed because they loved their farms and ranches, and didn’t want to see them destroyed. The younger Shaw had closely grazed his land in preparing for his and Natalie’s upcoming wedding, and as part of his job demonstrating livestock fencing. That close crop, combined with frantic efforts with shovel, dozer, firewall and water truck, kept his home safe as the blaze approached. By Thursday morning, the fire had passed, leaving Liam’s ranch an oasis of green in a desert of ash.
Local resources The fire underscored connections between the Snoqualmie Valley, the greater Eastside, and neighbors across the Cascades. Many Valley residents and business gave of their time and resources to help Kittitas County residents made homeless by the blaze, and the firefighters battling it. Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce, Encompass, Hooper’s Deli, Frankie’s Pizza, Pet Place Market, Mount Si Montessori and the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital Foundation were among the Valley organizations trumpeting the need to react to the fire. The North Bend McDonald’s restaurant donated a pile of cheeseburgers and Big Macs; Shaw hauled a load of the burgers to the volunteers. “That was the first food those guys had,” he said. Now, the Kittitas County Chamber asks for monetary donations. Goods that were donated to help fire victims have filled several warehouses. Cash helps a number of responding groups meet the specific needs of fire victims, while helping businesses recover, according to the chamber. To learn how to help, visit www.kittitascountychamber.com.
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Police switch is on
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North Bend makes its move, votes to finalize Snoqualmie cops contract; King County Sheriff is out in 2015 BY CAROL LADWIG
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Staff Reporter
Lower costs, quick responses, and responses to every call were the main reasons that four North Bend City Council members voted Tuesday night to contract with Snoqualmie for police services.
Tales of the urban chicken: Valley families get fowl friends Page 7
Improvedreadiness,communityfeedback, and lack of representation in a Snoqualmie contract were the main reasons that three councilmen voted against the action. Despite their fundamental disagreement, however, both sides shared the opinion that North Bend could no longer make do with a flex model for law enforcement, at any price. “Public service, public safety is a primary mission for city government,” said Jeanne Pettersen, who voted for the change with Dee Williamson, Ross Loudenback and Jonathan Rosen.
JEANNE PETTERSEN
SEE SWITCH, 5
RYAN KOLODEJCHUK
Fresh look for school’s start
Farmers market season isn’t over yet; Exec promotes farms Page 11
INDEX OPINION 4 5 LETTERS 6 BACK TO SCHOOL 11 MOVIE TIMES 12-13 CLASSIFIEDS ON THE SCANNER 14
Vol. 99, No. 14
No limits Boeing Classic Adaptive Clinic helps golfers of all abilities grow and heal BY SETH TRUSCOTT Editor
Ed Wilson grasps the club with both arms. Only one, his right, ends in a hand. His left arm links to a prosthetic, a red, white and blue-striped fork that fits around the club, giving Wilson added power and control. He drives the ball with practiced ease. Wilson, a 21-year North Bend resident and competitive golfer, lost his left hand 18 years ago, after the packing unit of a recycling truck snagged his glove. The injury couldn’t keep him off the green, though. SEE ADAPT, 6
Seth Truscott/Staff Photo
Hefting an armload of brush, Becky Jorgenson of North Bend helps fellow members of SVA Church tidy the grounds of North Bend Elementary School on Sunday, Aug. 26. Volunteers from the church cleaned up elementary grounds in Fall City, Snoqualmie and North Bend, while members of Cascade Covenant Church worked at Mount Si High School the previous Sunday. Their work freed up custodial resources for other schools. The Snoqualmie Valley School District will recognize volunteers at its meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at the district office, 8001 Silva Ave., Snoqualmie. School begins Wednesday, Aug. 29.
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North Bend resident Ed Wilson readies a shot during the Boeing Classic Adaptive Golf Clinic. Wilson, who lost a hand in a recycling truck accident, now helps others try the sport.
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From the Chief
It’s a new school year, so drive with care I would like remind drivers that school begins on Wednesday, Aug. 29. School zone safety is a top priority for the Snoqualmie Police Department, and we would like to ensure that all drivers are aware that the school zone speed limit is 20 mph in all Snoqualmie school zones. Schools zones vary from city to city and are posted in several different ways. School zones can be posted with flashing lights, times of enforcement and when children are present. Please remember to give yourself extra time when driving your children to school. Statistics show that a child hit at 20 mph or slower by a moving vehicle will probably survive the impact. If a child is struck at speeds
over 20 mph the likely hood is the child will not survive the impact. I would also like to remind drivers to not talk illegally on their cell phone or text while driving. Talking on your cell phone and texting is one of the leading causes for car accidents and serious injuries. In 2010, 3092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. It is also important to remember that for drivers with children under 13 years of age, state law prohibits children from riding in the front seat of a motor vehicle. This is separate from the child seat law. Snoqualmie Police will be conducting extra traffic emphasis for school zone violations, talking or texting while driving and child restraint violations. Please remember to drive safely and allow plenty of time to get to your next destination. The start of the school year is an exciting time for students and parents. My police officers are committed to ensuring the safety and security of your children, their schools, and their school bus drivers. If you have questions, please contact our office at (425) 888-3333. Steven D. McCulley Snoqualmie Chief of Police
Snoqualmie Valley Record • August 29, 2012 • 5
SWITCH FROM 1 “For me, that requires an officer within the city limits, with adequate supervision and backup. In other words, not a flex model, but a dedicated model,” she said. To illustrate her point, Pettersen referred to a March 30 incident involving an intoxicated man creating a disturbance in several areas before he eventually broke into a Si View home and was shot to death by the resident. Neither North Bend deputy was available to respond to the calls made before the break-in. “It’s possible that if we had had a dedicated officer… that there would have been an intervention somewhere along the way,” she said. In the minority opposition were Ryan Kolodejchuk, Alan Gothelf and David Cook. “I don’t think (a Snoqualmie contract) is the right decision,” Kolodejchuk said. “I
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think the right decision is to work with King County on the modified-dedicated” model—a year-old proposal that offered two deputies patrolling the city and slightly different pricing. “I think it’s time we had broader services,” he added. What those broader services might look like with Snoqualmie will be decided in the next few weeks, as city officials negotiate the final five-year contract and interlocal agreement. Several council members, along with Snoqualmie Police Chief Steve McCulley, hope it will include a second officer to patrol North Bend. “This is an opportunity for us to upgrade our service, our level of service,” said Jonathan Rosen, adding that the city’s growth makes that necessary. He felt that since the Snoqualmie contract was less expensive than the city’s current flex model, the city should use those savings to hire another officer. “Not only is it dedicated, it’s more officers, and the impact to the budget would be zero,” he said. McCulley said on Wednesday, “I was very encouraged to hear that the majority of the council aren’t seeing this as a cost-savings, but an opportunity to improve their service… because one person a day is not enough for North Bend. It’s not the small city it used to be.” Currently, North Bend has one deputy in the city and one outside city limits, and the two offer mutual backup. Snoqualmie’s original proposal was for one officer in the city, McCulley said, because that matched the current King County contract, but North Bend frequently benefitted from having the “Charlie 1” deputy for unincorporated King County nearby.
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With a single officer in North Bend under the new contract, “they would be receiving the same support from the city of Snoqualmie but that could be a resource drain on our city,” McCulley said. Adding an officer to the Snoqualmie contract would require Snoqualmie to hire eight new recruits, rather than six, McCulley said, but the 18-month notice period required to cancel the King County contract would give his department adequate time to hire the officers in shifts of three at a time. To Mark Toner, Chief of North Bend Police Services now, the second-officer proposal sounded frustratingly like one of the sheriff’s office proposals. “Our modified-dedicated is giving them an extra officer,” he said, with some limitations. “It’s what I asked for last year. The city actually turned us down.” Rosen saw potential improvements in a Snoqualmie contract beyond quality of service. “Maybe this is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our cities,” he said. The council is expected to receive the final contract in September. After both cities approve it, North Bend will notify King County of its intent to cancel the sheriff’s contract, which will take effect 18 months later. The decision disappointed Toner. “It’s our first contract, there’s probably a little pride in that,” he said, but it won’t affect his or his deputies’ work. “It’s not the council that we’re out here to serve.” The day after the vote, he said, he heard the deputies saying “We can’t let anything else suffer out here… we still want to deliver to the people.”
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Advertising David Hamilton Account dhamilton@valleyrecord.com Executive Circulation/ Patricia Hase Distribution circulation@valleyrecord.com Mail PO Box 300, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 Phone 425.888.2311 Fax 425.888.2427 www.valleyrecord.com Classified Advertising: 800.388.2527 Subscriptions: $29.95 per year in King County, $35 per year elsewhere Circulation: 425.453.4250 or 1.888.838.3000 Deadlines: Advertising and news, 11 a.m. Fridays; Photo op/coverage requests in advance, please. The Snoqualmie Valley Record is the legal newspaper for the cities of Snoqualmie, North Bend and Carnation. Written permission from the publisher is required for reproduction of any part of this publication. Letters, columns and guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views of the Snoqualmie Record.
Snoqualmie Valley Record • September 12, 2012 • 5
Tie that binds? With cops switch, two more cities are drawn together
T
he transition has been considered for years, but on Tuesday, Aug. 21, the North Bend council, on the strength of a single “yes” vote, made the bold step of switching police contracts, away from King County, after 39 years. A new deal was quickly hammered out. Last week, Sheriff Steve Strachan received notice of the formal switch by the county’s oldest contracting city. By 2014, Snoqualmie police officers will be patrolling the streets of North Bend. SETH TRUSCOTT A Snoqualmie force for North Valley Record Bend is an idea that goes back Editor decades. It has its fans, its naysayers, its pros and its cons. Last month, we reached out to Carnation and Duvall to explore their police contract. It was our effort, before North Bend’s vote was cast, to show what contracting really means for cities on both sides of a police deal. Duvall is the provider, and Carnation is the client, but their relationship is interdependent. The smaller city gave up county policing years back. With limited resources, Carnation has limited say in Duvall’s police decisions, but its funding does flesh out the Duvall force. For good or ill, both cities’ law enforcement destinies are twined. Now, the same thing is happening in Snoqualmie and North Bend. There are clear positives that can come out of this. First, it helps put an end to some of the semi-official rivalry between two Upper Valley cities that are, geographically, practically one. That, in turn, quells backbiting among our communities, and creates synergy. A lot of our Valley entities already work together across borders. Cities can do it, too. A secondary benefit is the fact that a number of Snoqualmie cops happen to live in North Bend. These officers have been eyes and ears in the city. Now, they’ll also be part of the long arm of the law, in their own town. That equals strong local presence. Of course, there are also the drawbacks of this change, starting with the fate of the North Bend substation and its staff. We lose some experienced officers and administrators; New distances may make it harder for county residents in the Valley to get the same response they’re used to having. I intend to work with North Bend Chief Mark Toner’s replacement, Snoqualmie Chief Steve McCulley, to ensure that lines of communication remain wide open. I’ll also be watching to see how McCulley, a North Bend resident, takes over his role as advocate for the city, as, and I’m sure Toner can vouch for this, it can be tough to serve two masters. Change comes to every community. Residents of both cities will no doubt be watching this process closely. Snoqualmie’s challenge will be to balance the policing of a different city with its own needs. North Bend’s challenge will be to ensure that its police response meets its own unique situation—if the blotter is any indication, the two cities have somewhat different types of crime, with North Bend heavier in terms of shoplifting and theft, to say nothing of some of the high-profile murders and shootings that have gone on lately. The cities must also make sure that the connection between officers and residents gets off to a strong start. The die has been cast. North Bend is trading an old, trusted model for a new approach with new promise. Now, both cities must work together to maintain and, with luck, improve on the foundation of the deputies’ work to ensure a safer tomorrow. And “together” is definitely the key word.
Where do you think Valley OUT drivers should slow down?
of the
PAST This week in Valley history
Thursday, Sept. 10, 1987
“I’d say the main roads, and the roundabouts. When you’re pulling up to the roundabouts, people never stop.” Matt Snyder North Bend
“Well I don’t drive here much, but I can’t think of anywhere that people need to slow down. Maybe I’m one of those that people think needs to slow down!” Rod Ehrlich Snoqualmie
• The North Bend City Council is expected to take another look at a draft ordinance banning or regulating dangerous dogs in the city. One of the main issues still to be resolved is whether pit bull terriers will be specifically deemed as “dangerous” due to their breed. • The ladies will be up in front when Johnny Rusk performs at Truck Town this month. It’s guaranteed. Rusk’s tribute to Elvis Presley, which he’s been doing since before The King’s death in 1977, tends to bring out the ‘50s screamer in women.
Thursday, Sept. 13, 1962
“Probably Reinig Road...there are so many bicyclists and runners. The speed limit is 45 and I think that’s fair, it’s just when people go 65 that it gets scary.” Marilyn Chambers Snoqualmie
“From my experience, it’s actually that new detour to the Plateau … that left you take on Highway 202 by Aldarra Field. I just see people flying through there.” Sue Hollenbeck Fall City
• School District 410 recorded a bumper crop of students this fall. Enrollment jumped from 1932 a year ago to 2005. • Miss Devora Bayer of North Bend will leave Friday on a six week tour through England, Scotland, Denmark, Holland, France and Switzerland. Bayer’s tour will be somewhat different from the averge tourist: She is especially interested in agricultural programs.