Zombies overrun Issaquah, menace unsuspecting residents
October 29, 2011
The undead, including zombie physician, overrun downtown Issaquah en route to the Issaquah Library for a 'Thriller' dance routine Saturday. By Warren Kagarise
NEW — 8 p.m. Oct. 29, 2011
The undead creaked and rasped to life in Issaquah late Saturday afternoon, as zombie hordes menaced motorists on a downtown street and overran a festival in the Issaquah Highlands.
Zombies, groaning and ashen-faced, clad in blood-spattered and torn clothes, started to creep south along Front Street North just after 3 p.m.
Traffic decelerated to a crawl as zombies shambled down the centerline and along the lanes’ edges as motorists — some bewildered, some bemused — aimed cameras at the horde. Others stared straight ahead in stunned silence as zombies peered inside and tapped on windows.
Zombie infestation in Issaquah / Oct. 29, 2011
October 29, 2011
State fire marshal offer tips, tricks for Halloween safety
October 29, 2011
NEW — 6 a.m. Oct. 29, 2011
Flammable costumes and decorations can turn Halloween from a celebration into a fright.
The state fire marshal reminds parents to plan ahead for the safety of little ghouls and goblins to make Halloween a fire-safe holiday.
Police trick-or-treat for Halloween DUI suspects
October 29, 2011
NEW — 6 a.m. Oct. 29, 2011
Extra law enforcement officers in Issaquah and elsewhere in King and Pierce counties fanned out on local roads Halloween weekend to search for impaired motorists.
Halloween is a historically dangerous holiday on local roads due to the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The extra patrols started Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend. Halloween is Monday.
“Impaired drivers are the scariest things on our roads this weekend,” Dr. David Fleming, Public Health – Seattle & King County director and health officer, said in a statement. “Treat everyone to a fun and safe Halloween by driving sober or planning a safe ride home. Designate a sober driver, ride a bus or use cabs this weekend.”
State allows motorists to use studded tires Nov. 1
October 29, 2011
NEW — 6 a.m. Oct. 29, 2011
The approach of winter means motorists can again use studded tires.
In Washington, studded tires can be legally used between Nov. 1 and March 31. Violators face a $124 penalty.
The state Department of Transportation recommends for motorists headed into higher elevations should carry chains and use approved traction tires year-round. If the state requires chains on a roadway, studded tires alone cannot meet the chain requirement, unless the vehicle has four- or all-wheel drive.
The abrasion on pavement surfaces caused by studded tires wears down pavement at a much greater rate.
Moreover, rutting damage caused by studded tires is limited to state routes, primarily interstates, due to higher speeds and traffic volumes. Rutting leads to safety issues such as ponding and water on roadways, hydroplaning, excessive roads spray, and steering problems.
Issaquah Eagles advance to preliminary round of playoffs
October 28, 2011
NEW — 11 p.m. Oct. 28, 2011
After a decisive 40-24 victory in a must-win game over the Inglemoor High School Vikings on Friday night, the Issaquah Eagles advance to the preliminary round of the Class 4A state playoffs next week.
“We tell the guys that we have to earn every week of practice,” Issaquah coach Chris Bennett said. “The Inglemoor players wanted to win just as bad as we did … and we’re really lucky that we’ve earned an extra week.”
Senior quarterback Ethan Kalin handed off the ball to sophomore running back Jack Gellatly for the Eagles’ first score on the night two minutes into the game.
Glitch delays ballots for 11,000 Eastside voters, including Issaquah residents
October 28, 2011
NEW — 5:15 p.m. Oct. 28, 2011
King County Elections officials said ballots for 11,000 Eastside voters — including more than 50 people in Issaquah — did not go out last week as planned due to a glitch.
The elections office plans to mail ballots Saturday; voters should receive them early next week. The deadline to return ballots via mail, drop box or accessible voting center is Nov. 8.
Overall, the issue impacted 11,000 Eastside voters, including 54 in Issaquah, 141 in Newcastle and 875 in Sammamish. Some North Bend and Snoqualmie voters also face delays in receiving ballots.
King County Elections started mailing 1.1 million ballots to voters Oct. 19.
Police: Robber hits KeyBank branch in Issaquah
October 28, 2011
Police released a surveillance camera image of the KeyBank robber late Friday. Contributed
NEW — 4:10 p.m. Oct. 28, 2011
Issaquah police responded to a robbery at the KeyBank along Northwest Gilman Boulevard just after 2 p.m. Friday.
Investigators said a man approached a bank employee and handed the employee a demand note. The suspect then fled the bank, carrying cash. Police did not reveal the amount of money stolen.
Owner: Issaquah party bus drinking violation is ‘isolated incident’
October 28, 2011
NEW — 1 p.m. Oct. 28, 2011
Hours after Issaquah police recommended charges against a party bus driver accused of purchasing booze for teenagers, the bus’ owner said the violation is “an isolated incident” for the company.
The party bus driver, a 49-year-old Auburn woman, faces charges in Issaquah Municipal Court of furnishing liquor to minors and reckless endangerment — both gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
Issaquah High School administrators suspended nine students for alcohol infractions in connection to the party bus incident. Police and school administrators started investigating the incident after intoxicated students arrived at the Oct. 22 homecoming dance.
King County Elections projects 52 percent turnout for November ballot
October 28, 2011
NEW — 4 p.m. Oct. 28, 2011
Despite inescapable advertisements for the forces behind and against a liquor initiative, and important local races on ballots throughout the state, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed predicts less than 50 percent in the November election.
Reed forecast 47 percent statewide in the election. In King County, turnout is expected to crest 50 percent, although the low expectations reflect the lack of major races on the ballot. County Elections Director Sherril Huff predicts 52 percent turnout countywide — 53 percent in Seattle and 51 percent elsewhere.
The liquor measure, Initiative 1183, and Tim Eyman’s tolling measure, Initiative 1125, dominate most discussions about the Nov. 8 election.
Issaquah-based Costco is the major supporter behind I-1183, a push to remove the state from the liquor business. I-1125 aims to change rules to allow state lawmakers, rather than the appointed state Transportation Commission, to set tolls.
