King County receives high marks for credit
May 31, 2011
King County has again received high marks from global credit rating agencies.
Fitch Ratings, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s all reaffirmed top credit ratings for the county, despite lingering effects from the recession. The agencies noted the county’s proactive financial management, diverse economic base and moderate debt levels as factors in the ratings.
The high credit ratings allow the county to borrow money for projects at a lower cost to taxpayers.
“These strong credit ratings reinforce that we are taking the right steps to create fiscal sustainability,” County Executive Dow Constantine said in a press release. “The people of King County can continue to have confidence that our projects are being delivered with the lowest financing rate possible.”
Latest depot film series features Bing Crosby
May 31, 2011
Washingtonian Bing Crosby is the focus as the popular Films @ the Train Depot! series returns.
“High Society” plays at the depot June 11. “The Country Girl” completes the Crosby series July 9.
The films start at 7 p.m. at the historic depot, 50 Rainier Blvd. N. The program is free, due to support from the city Arts Commission and the King County cultural agency, 4Culture.
“High Society” is a musical reworking of “The Philadelphia Story” and features a blue-blooded Crosby attempting to win back ice goddess ex-wife Grace Kelly. Meanwhile, Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm, as reporters for Snoop Magazine, gum up the works.
“The Country Girl” tells the tale of washed-up thespian Frank Elgin (Crosby) and how red-hot director Bernie Dodd (William Holden) attempts to revive his career. Grace Kelly won an Oscar for her role in the film.
Since the film series launched in October 2009, Films @ the Train Depot! has featured train-themed films, films set in Washington and noir classics.
Gold Star
May 31, 2011
Challenger students raise $1,309 in relief funds for Japan
Challenger Elementary School students
Challenger Elementary School students leant a hand and raised some dough for the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.
The Student Council collected $1,309 for UNICEF, while hundreds of students wrote encouraging notes on paper hands during school April 22. The notes will be sent to children in Japan as part of the school’s Give a Helping Hand campaign for Japan.
Washington ranks as friendliest state for bicyclists
May 31, 2011
Washington is the Most Bicycle Friendly State again.
The ranking from the League of American Bicyclists honors a strong commitment to bicycling through policies and programs. The honor marks the fourth consecutive year the Evergreen State has clinched the No. 1 spot.
“Public support is strong for making biking safer and more convenient for children, commuters and recreational users,” state Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond said in a statement.
The league rates states based on bike-friendly legislation, policies and programs, education, places to ride and planning. Washington scored consistently high in all ranking evaluation categories.
Statewide, the number of people bicycling has increased — a figure reflected in the state Department of Transportation’s annual statewide bicycle and pedestrian count.
In a three-day snapshot taken at 155 locations across the state in fall 2010, volunteers counted nearly 16,000 bicyclists, compared to more than 9,600 in the previous year.
Washington’s bicyclist-involved fatality crash rate improved from 1.37 per 1 million people in 2008 to 1.35 in 2009.
Michael Riste
May 31, 2011
March 14, 1948 to April 23, 2011
Michael Riste
Michael passed away at this home in Issaquah shortly after he retired from Safeway.
Michael was born in Tonasket and went to school in Oroville. He served in the U.S. Army for 17 years. He did three tours of duty in Vietnam. He had been stationed in Hawaii, Colorado and at Fort Lewis.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy, and by his son Mickey. He is survived by his daughter Jeanette; brothers Alan, Robert and Ben; and his sisters Vikki and Dolly. He had many, many close friends.
Please join us for a celebration of Michael’s life on Sunday, June 5, at Gibson Hall, 105 Newport Way S.W. in Issaquah from 2-3:30 p.m.
Karen L. Barrett
May 31, 2011
Karen L. Barrett, of Issaquah, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. She was 64.
Karen was born April 8, 1947, in Bremerton, to William and Gene Staples. She was raised in the Yakima Valley, graduated from A.C. Davis High School and attended Central Washington University.
A memorial service was held May 28 at the Seattle Revival Center; a gathering followed.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the American Cancer Society or Providence Hospice of Seattle.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Lucy Ann Crow
May 31, 2011
Lucy Ann Crow passed away April 27, 2011, at the age of 92.
Lucy Ann Crow
Born in Ural, Russia, in 1918, Lucy and family escaped the Bolshevik Revolution by traveling across Siberia to China and then to the United States in 1923.
Lucy graduated from Broadway High School, attended Cornish School, earned a master’s in bacteriology from the University of Washington, and served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy Waves during World War II.
Lucy and Seattle surgeon Donald R. Crow wed in 1948 and in 1960 she began a career teaching science and health in Seattle schools. On Dr. Crow’s passing in 1991, Lucy moved to Providence Point Issaquah and began another phase of life with new friends and activities.
Sarah Keller Bertagnole
May 31, 2011
Sarah Keller Bertagnole left this earth on May 13, 2011, after living 44 years of a fulfilling and wonderful life.
Sarah Bertagnole
She has been married to Nathan Bertagnole for more than 20 years and has six children: Lindsey, Andrea, Nathan Jordan, Bryan and Dallin. She was born in Seattle to Ward and Carol Keller and then moved to North Bend.
Sarah lived with her husband and family in Enumclaw and Longview, as well as Sacramento, Calif., and most recently Casper, Wyo., where her husband was born and raised. She served a mission in Ecuador for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, her life was focused on spreading the love of her Savior Jesus Christ and she took advantage of every opportunity to bless the lives of others with her testimony.
She attended Mount Si High School, where she excelled in volleyball, discus, shot put and track. She attended Brigham Young University Idaho for a year. Being involved with club volleyball took her to Russia, where she had the opportunity to play against other clubs.
George Bates Jr.
May 31, 2011
March 23, 1932 to May 19, 2011
George Bates Jr
Born to George and Ivy Bates in Pasco, he grew up in Everett. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he graduated from the University of Washington and was a longtime Boeing engineer and soccer referee.
Married to Kathleen (O’Brien) in 1958; father to George III (Michele) and Jon; grandfather to Forrest and Aiden; brother to Neal, John and Wallace.
Preceded in death by his daughter Ann Louise and brother Willfred.
He would ask you to support your local youth soccer league or local food bank.
Private family services will be held.
Ann-Louise Bates
May 31, 2011
Dec. 8, 1961 to Nov. 29, 2000
Ann-Louise Bates
Born in Seattle to George Bates Jr. and wife Kathleen. Graduated from Hazen High School and the University of Washington after a semester at the University of Oslo.
Sister to George III (Michele) and Jon; Auntie Al to nephews Forrest and Aiden. She loved to travel only slightly less than she loved the game of soccer.
Ann-Louise has been missed by all every day.
