Massage therapist accused of sexual misconduct fired from Issaquah clinic
June 17, 2013
NEW — 2 p.m. June 17, 2013
Days after state health officials suspended the license of Newcastle massage therapist Matthew E. Usher, his current employer, Elements Therapeutic Massage Issaquah, terminated him from its staff.
A charge of sexual misconduct with a patient at Newcastle’s Massage Envy led the state agency to immediately suspend his license.
Usher was criminally charged in King County Superior Court with indecent liberties, after he allegedly reached under the draping and touched a patient’s breast during a December 2012 massage treatment. He pleaded not guilty and a subsequent hearing is scheduled for July 11.
Usher began working at the Elements Therapeutic Massage in January, according to owner Glenda Sue Poletti. At the time of hiring, Usher was properly insured and licensed, she said. Read more
Zeeks Pizza will host Raise the Dough for Seattle Children’s on June 18
June 17, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. June 17, 2013
Hope on the Hill Guild will have its third annual Raise the Dough benefit for Seattle Children’s on June 18 at Zeeks Pizza in the Issaquah Highlands.
The event will also receive a portion of sales from Ben & Jerry’s, also in the Issaquah Highlands, according to a press release from Hope on the Hill Guild.
Twenty percent of the day’s sales — including dine-in, take-out and delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. — will be donated to the hospital’s uncompensated care program, allowing children to receive world-class medical treatment, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
Regal Cinemas hiring for new Issaquah Highlands location
June 16, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. June 16, 2013
In anticipation of the official grand opening July 2, the new Regal Cinema 12 theater in the Highlands is hiring.
Advertising online and in the existing Pickering Place theater, the Regal Entertainment Groups are looking for floor staff as well a part-time associate manager.
Ushers, concessionists and box office tenders are among the staffers sought by the newly constructed theaters. Responsibilities in the job description include customer service, cash handling, phone etiquette, knowledge and enforcement of the MPAA ratings system.
Front Street closes tomorrow for Fenders on Front Street car show
June 15, 2013
NEW – 6 a.m. June 15, 2013
Front Street North from Sunset Way to Gilman Boulevard will be closed tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Fenders on Front Street car show.
Thousands of visitors stroll down Front Street to admire hundreds of vintage and classic cars, according to the Fenders on Front Street website.
It will be a fun-filled Father’s Day event with participants coming from across the state to show their cars. There will be live music, family activities, a trophy and award ceremony with MC Lance Lambert, and an afternoon cruise to the Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in.
Registration for the show starts at 6 a.m. at the Triple XXX and the Hailstone Feed Store.
Join instrument flash mob June 21 for National Music Day
June 14, 2013
NEW – 6 a.m. June 14, 2013
Get out your instruments and mark your calendar now for a fun flash mob June 21 to celebrate National Music Day.
Join fellow city residents for an all-instrument flash mob performance of “Louie Louie” on the steps of Issaquah City Hall and Police Department, 130 E. Sunset Way, from 6-6:30 p.m.
There will be musicians in businesses and restaurants downtown and in Gilman Village from 4-9 p.m.
Massage therapist’s license suspended for sexual misconduct
June 13, 2013
NEW — 2:55 p.m. June 13, 2013
State health officials have suspended the license of Newcastle massage therapist Matthew E. Usher, according to a June 12 Washington State Department of Health release.
A charge of sexual misconduct with a patient at Newcastle’s Massage Envy led the state agency to immediately suspend his license.
Usher cannot practice massage in Washington until the charges are resolved. He has 20 days to respond to the charges and to ask for a hearing.
Usher was criminally charged in King County Superior Court with indecent liberties, after he allegedly reached under the draping and touched a patient’s breast during a massage treatment. Read more
Chad Magendanz fills House leadership role
June 13, 2013
NEW — 11:50 a.m., June 13 2013
State Rep. Chad Magendanz (R-5th District) was chosen by his colleagues to fill the role of assistant floor leader for the House Republican Caucus.
The assistant floor leader is a key member of the leadership team that helps coordinate the debate on the House floor.
Rep. Steve O’Ban previously served in the role. After the death of Sen. Mike Carrell last month, O’Ban was called to replace him in the Senate, leaving the position open. The House Republican caucus voted to appoint Magendanz the new assistant floor leader.
Parking pickle
June 11, 2013
Farmers market parking change frustrates, but does not stop attendees
By Peter Clark
Cranes constructing the new Costco parking structure rise up beyond the farmers market at Pickering Farm. Due to the temporary work, parking has been moved to a further lot, causing consternation for vendors and patrons alike.
Parking changes for this year’s farmers market have left many vexed and it is unclear how deeply they will affect the event.
Lombardi’s closes to make room for Gilman Square redevelopment
June 11, 2013
After 22 years in Gilman Square, Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant is closing July 28.
Owner Diane Symms learned two years ago that there would definitely not be a renewal on the lease for the land. After searching for options to stay in the city and not finding any viable opportunities, she said they had to leave.
“It’s hard to believe it’s flown by this fast,” Symms said. “We had known it would be a possibility that the lease wouldn’t be renewed. It’s still sad. We tried.”
After the initial Lombardi’s location opened in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle 25 years ago, Symms said that opening the second location in Issaquah was a good move for the company. She said it was the flagship location and brought in the most money for the company during the mid-2000s. The restaurant has since opened new locations in Everett and Mill Creek.
Issaquah school levy proposal could raise taxes $160
June 11, 2013
Three separate levies under consideration by the Issaquah School Board could mean a $160 per year tax hike if approved by voters in February.
The board pored over information June 5 that would provide about $247 million between 2015 and 2018 for ongoing maintenance and operations, new buses and improved technology in the Issaquah School District.
The board is likely to approve a levy proposal June 26 so the Issaquah Education Association and other levy supporters can begin campaigning in August.
