Salmon ingestion poses risks to dogs
December 18, 2012
Ingesting raw, undercooked and smoked fish can prove fatal to dogs, Veterinary Poison Emergency Treatment Services reminded pet owners Dec. 12.
Salmon poisoning is caused by a microorganism within a fluke parasite in the fish. Dogs typically become ill within a week of eating the fish. Signs include lack of appetite, dehydration, diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting and weight loss.
The condition is often fatal if left untreated, but prompt treatment — including supportive care to rehydrate infected dogs, plus antibiotics and a dewormer — can give a pet a good prognosis.
Veterinary Poison Emergency Treatment Services is a service from the Washington Poison Center. Call 800-572-5842 toll free at any time if unintended exposure occurs.
King County leaders set legislative agendas
December 18, 2012
Transportation is a high priority as King County prepares to ask state and federal leaders for assistance to upgrade roads and other infrastructure.
King County Council members adopted legislative agendas for the state and federal governments Dec. 10.
The county is asking the state to create financing tools to allow local leaders to create revenue for the aging road system in rural and unincorporated areas.
Editorial
December 18, 2012
Make Christmas about giving to those in need
The excitement of Christmas is here … the reindeer at Cougar Mountain Zoo are being harnessed to guide Santa’s sleigh, the last-minute stocking stuffers and eggnog have been bought, the silver has been polished for the dinner table, and the church choir is ready for the candlelight service.
But here and there — in apartments, homes and homeless campsites — if you look closely, you’ll see some families with furrowed brows.
Forget Christmas. This single mom, widowed senior and unemployed dad are too busy worrying about next month’s rent. A decorated tree, presents tied with bows and a festive dinner are not going to happen.
Turn holidays ‘green’ to reduce waste
December 18, 2012
‘Tis the season for consumption — parties, gifts, shopping, decorations, food and more food — leading to more waste, so King County is encouraging revelers to turn the holiday season “green.”
The county launched the Green Holidays campaign, http://KCgreenholidays.com, to educate consumers about how to cut waste, save energy and support the local economy during the holiday season.
The campaign covers holiday décor, entertaining, Christmas tree-cycling and more. The “green” motif also extends to cards, packaging and gift-wrap.
Off the Press
December 18, 2012
Birthdays are personal, not meant to be stolen
I have a beef with my birthday.
Not that I’m yet again a year older this Dec. 18 (I eternally hope to be a year wiser with each passing anniversary).
I have also long reconciled its proximity to Christmas and all the combined gifts I received over the years for the two occasions.
In the Navy, there was even a saying when you got in trouble, but had been in so much hot water before that one more run-in was inconsequential, “What are they going to do? Take away my birthday?”
Habitat for Humanity affiliates complete merger
December 18, 2012
Habitat for Humanity of East King County — builder of residences in the Issaquah Highlands — and Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County merged to form Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County.
In Issaquah, the East King County affiliate built the 10-unit Magnolia Village complex in the highlands. Habitat for Humanity of East King County dedicated the final residences in the complex in April.
Eastside Audubon offers giftwrapping at REI
December 18, 2012
Eastside Audubon brings its holiday giftwrap service to the REI, 735 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
Volunteers from Eastside Audubon will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 21-24 to wrap REI purchases into presents ready to take home and put under the tree. Suggested donations will range from $3 to $9, depending on package size.
Donations raised by the giftwrapping service helps support Eastside Audubon’s programs in wildlife conservation and youth education. Those programs include habitat restoration on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park and classroom presentations about birds and bird behavior for school-aged children.
To the Editor
December 18, 2012
Issaquah Schools Foundation
Thanks for going All in for Kids
Once again, I am in awe of our community’s ability to come together to meet the needs of our children and families.
Not only was it inspiring to see the $25,000 raised for the food bank through the Turkey Trot last week and the response to the Caring and Sharing and Merry Christmas Issaquah efforts currently under way, but, thanks to our generous community, 300 intrepid student callers, dedicated volunteers and support of the PTSAs and school district, $366,805 was raised during the All in for Kids campaign, which will provide a plethora of opportunities for our students. Go to www.isfdn.com to learn more or make a donation.
Birth: Grady Joseph Forkner
December 18, 2012
Dan and Sarah Forkner welcomed son Grady Joseph to their Issaquah home Nov. 9, 2012.
Grady was born at Swedish/Issaquah, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 20 1/2 inches.
His grandparents are Patty and Thom Miller, of Issaquah; Joe and Michele Forkner, of Issaquah; and Gary and Elaine Brummett/Haines, of Arkansas.
Great-grandparents are Evelyn Miller, of Pittsburgh; Hank Miller, of Pittsburgh; and Jim and Audrey Forkner, of Spokane.
Sarah is a 2000 graduate of Skyline High School. She is a second-grade teacher at Grand Ridge Elementary School.
Dan is a 1996 graduate of Issaquah High School.
Laura Erickson
December 18, 2012
In early August a beloved, lifelong resident of Issaquah, Laura Erickson, passed away peacefully in her home with her daughters and granddaughter at her side, along with her beloved dog Cody.
Laura was preceded in death by her husband Rodney, whom she married after graduating from Issaquah High School in 1951. They were best friends and loved each other dearly for more than 50 years of marriage.
Laura was born in Issaquah on July 19, 1933, to parents Tom and Reada (Pickering) Lewis, and was sister to Ed (Ila) Lewis.
Laura grew up playing on the shores of Lake Sammamish with cousins and enjoying time at her family’s Pickering Dairy Farm. Laura’s great-grandfather, William Pickering Sr., appointed as territorial governor by Abraham Lincoln, acquired the land in 1867 and established the farm.





