Conservation Crew Joins City to Enhance Natural Areas
May 23, 2013
In recent months, open space and parks in the City of Issaquah have benefited from a state program to enhance our natural areas and create jobs.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program recently provided crews from Washington Conservation Corps to assist the City in maintaining and restoring urban forests – all at no cost to the City.
Issaquah is one of only three government entities statewide selected to be a host city in this pilot program.
Skyline assistant principal to take the helm at Issaquah
May 22, 2013
NEW — 5:40 p.m. May 22, 2013
Issaquah High School is staying within the district to hire its next principal, as Paula Phelps prepares to leave to become the executive director of high schools.
Andrea McCormick, Skyline High School’s assistant principal, will make the move to Issaquah beginning July 1, according to an email sent to Issaquah High School families.
The new Issaquah principal was described as a top leader who “communicates well and often,” in the email signed by Superintendent Steve Rasmussen and incoming Superintendent Ron Thiele.
“She has proven to be unwaveringly focused on the personal achievement of every student, from those who are struggling to those who are excelling and everywhere in between,” they wrote. Read more
Clead Karren
May 22, 2013
Clead Karren, 78, of Issaquah, passed away, May 18, 2013.
He is survived by his dear wife Kaylene; his children Cindy, Karlene, Lisa, Denise, Tim and Clint; and his 12 grandchildren.
Clead Karren
He loved to restore old Mustang cars and to play golf.
Bomber pilot shares vivid memories of POW camp, raids over Japan
May 22, 2013
Richard Murphy is at a difficult age.
At 90 years old, he can still remember the pain in his leg from the crash-landing on Sakhalin Island in December 1944. He still remembers his crew sitting down to dinner with their Russian captors while they were being held as prisoners of war.
Murphy is also aware that the early stages of dementia have taken away his ability to remember what type of plane he flew, who operated the POW camp, his rank or how he escaped. He becomes frustrated when he is unable to recall his wife’s name or how many children they had together.
By Greg Farrar
Richard Murphy (left), wearing his bomber jacket and Army Air Corps cap, and his son Kevin share one of their get-togethers with a visit at Spiritwood Retirement Community at Pine Lake.
STILL PAYING TRIBUTE
May 22, 2013
World War II vet recalls the days he took to the air as an eager teen
Contributed
Issaquah resident Lou Ortiz served as an aviation radioman and gunner in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Before Issaquah resident Lou Ortiz boarded the USS Lexington and conducted missions all around the Pacific, the World War II veteran had to fight a different battle — one with his mother.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the eager 16-year-old was determined to enlist in the U.S. Navy, despite the fact that he was underage.
“I was so upset with it that I just kept saying to my mom, ‘Mom, I want to help. You’ve got to let me join,’” he said.
Copper River Salmon Cook-off / May 17, 2013
May 22, 2013
Let’s Go! May 23 – 29
May 22, 2013
Girl judging website raises ire of community
May 21, 2013
In the wake of the May Madness scandal that shined a national spotlight on the Issaquah High School community, some students are speaking out against the contest that rates classmates based on appearance.
The competition, which has become an annual undertaking at Issaquah, arranges girls in a sports-style bracket to determine the best-looking one in the school.
The Issaquah community is not attempting to hide or ignore May Madness, but rather, the students want the public to know that the harmful game is but a small blemish on what is an overwhelmingly giving and respectful student body.
Copper River cook-off
May 21, 2013
Local chefs participate in culinary competition with fresh Alaskan salmon
By Peter Clark
Wildfin Executive Chef Chris Bryant kisses the 42-pound king salmon flown in from Copper River, Alaska, as he holds it with (from left) Anthony’s Restaurant’s Pat Donahue, Capt. Jeffery Meyer and Master Sgt. Robert Shulman.
Local chefs gave the first Copper River salmon of the season the red carpet treatment. Then, they cooked it.
VFW plans memorial service
May 21, 2013
Once again, residents will celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day by honoring veterans at Issaquah’s Hillside Cemetery.
At 10 a.m. May 27, the Liberty High School Junior Naval ROTC program will lead a service to remember those who gave their lives in the name of continuing American freedom. It is an annual tradition that attempts to bring attention to those who fought for their country and the dedication of youth service programs.
“It’s been well-attended every year,” event organizer Dave Waggoner said. “It’s completely open to the public and all are welcome.”
