City seeks Regional Growth Center title
May 14, 2013
To help the chances of receiving additional transportation funds from the Puget Sound Regional Council, the City Council has decided to apply for the title of Regional Growth Center.
The Puget Sound Regional Council provides transportation grants and support for four counties in the area. Regional Growth Centers have a heightened visibility when money is available for such projects.
Mountains to Sound seeks federal title
May 14, 2013
A newly announced bipartisan bill that would designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust as a National Heritage Area might have a bumpy road to climb.
U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert held a press conference April 30 to announce his co-signage and support for House Bill 1785, which he introduced April 26. The bill, if passed, would give the title of National Heritage Area to the 1.5 million acres of land that stretches from the Yakima Basin to the Puget Sound.
“There is no other heritage designation in the state of Washington. This would be the first,” he said to a crowded room of leaders and greenway supporters at the King County Library Service Center in Issaquah. “I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to put my name on this legislation.”
Living legacy
May 14, 2013
End of scholarships will not diminish the impact of teacher Ruth Roy
Death came too soon for Issaquah teacher Ruth Roy. The same thing might be said for the scholarship program created in her memory.
By Greg Farrar
The final Ruth Roy Scholarship recipients (from left) Gargi Panatula, of Grand Ridge Elementary, Shiven Raina, of Apollo (in tree), Eric Hong, of Grand Ridge, Anjali Goel, of Cascade Ridge, Monsi Pingili, of Beaver Lake Middle School, meet Rob Roy at the school district administration building. Alex Zhang, of Endeavour, was not available.
The final six grants from the Ruth Roy Scholarship program established to inspire gifted middle school students were presented in March. In all, 23 scholarships were awarded in the seven years the Ruth Roy Scholarship program was operated through the Issaquah Schools Foundation.
Troopers, truckers team to look for unsafe drivers
May 14, 2013
Washington State Patrol troopers will be back out May 20-24 conducting an aggressive driving emphasis in King County. This time, troopers will have help from truckers to look for motorists who are driving unsafely around big trucks.
During the emphasis, troopers will team up with truck drivers and ride with them in their trucks. When a trooper spots a car speeding, cutting others off or driving aggressively around a truck, the trooper will radio ahead to fellow officers to stop the motorist.
Police & Fire
May 14, 2013
Subaru robbed
A white Subaru station wagon was broken into April 26 in the 1800 block of 10th Avenue Northwest. An estimated $5,000 was stolen from the vehicle.
Personal bubble burst
A woman reported to the police April 27 that she was approached by a contractor working in the 200 block of Northwest Gilman Boulevard. The man hugged her and kissed her on the cheek, and it made her uncomfortable.
Salmon Days may up security
May 14, 2013
After the Boston Marathon bombings April 15, event organizers across the country are reconsidering security concerns and those who run Issaquah’s annual Salmon Days festival are no different.
“We’re very aware of it,” Salmon Days Director Robin Kelley said. “We’ve been through this before with 9/11.”
She said organizers will have a concerted effort with the Issaquah Police Department and have already begun to review their measures and see if there is any room for improvement.
Squak Mountain State Park temporarily closed to remove diseased trees
May 14, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. May 14, 2013
The day-use parking area of Squak Mountain State Park will be closed until late summer or early fall, according to a news release from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Forest health issues have been identified in the park. Native tree pathogens, primarily laminated root rot, are attacking Douglas-fir trees in developed areas. The disease, which affects the roots and lower stems of certain conifer tree species, has the potential to cause healthy-looking trees to fall without warning.
Construction Brings Changes for Motorists, Pedestrians
May 14, 2013
Construction in Issaquah Highlands means changes for motorists, pedestrians and transit riders in the days ahead.
Sidewalk closures and detours are needed as part of the Grand Ridge Plaza retail center.
Signage and maps will be provided to direct pedestrians to the open pathways. Certain routes may switch to the opposite side of the road, depending on construction needs.
Additionally, work continues within the roadways and will affect the following streets:
• May 7-17, 2013: Northeast Federal Drive will be restricted to a single lane between Highlands Drive Northeast and Northeast Park Drive from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
• May 7-22, 2013: The right westbound lane of Northeast Park Drive will be closed from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
• May 13-20, 2013: The eastbound lane of Northeast High Street will be closed from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• May 15-17, 2013: The westbound lane of Northeast Federal Drive between Highlands Drive Northeast and Ninth Avenue Northeast will be closed between 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• May 28-30, 2013: The westbound lane of Northeast Park Drive will be closed between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• June 4-6, 2013: The two left westbound lanes of Northeast Ellis Drive between Ninth Avenue Northeast and Highlands Drive Northeast will be closed from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
The dates are approximate and may change due to weather or other factors.
Call 425-837-3432 with questions about the project.
District to hold open house for departing superintendent
May 13, 2013
After more than four decades serving public education, Dr. Steve Rasmussen will receive recognition and well wishes from the Issaquah School District as he leaves for retirement.
In an open house on June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the ISD Admin Building at 565 NW Holly Street, a reception will be held to commemorate his years of dedication. Remarks will be made at 5 p.m.
Online and in-person candidate filing begins Monday
May 12, 2013
Candidates interested in filing for any of the 331 positions open for election in King County this year may file online or in person for office from May 13-17.
King County Elections encourages candidates to file online, the easiest and most efficient method, according to a press release from the office. Candidates who prefer to file in-person at King County Elections Renton headquarters will be directed to county computers to file online.Staff assistance will be available.
