Couple searches for lost wedding ring
December 6, 2011
Tyler and Tami Johnson’s lost ring is seen here around the leg of their son Deacon, who was born prematurely along with twin sister Avigail. Contributed
On Nov. 29, Tami Johnson’s husband Tyler visited the Fred Meyer store in Issaquah. She admits the wedding ring he lost at the store can be replaced, but the memories attached to it are well out of the ordinary.
When Tami Johnson gave birth to twins in 2009, she had been pregnant for a mere 24 weeks. Deacon and Avigail weighed in at 1 pound, 10 ounces and 1 pound, 7 ounces. They were given only a 40 percent chance of survival.
“I am very fortunate to say that today they are healthy children with minimal issues,” Johnson said.
Deacon is in therapy to help with some general motor skill issues, but otherwise both children are in good health, she said.
Still, back when they were born, Tyler Johnson could put his wedding ring around Deacon’s leg with room to spare. That is the source of the couple’s added emotional attachment to the ring. The Johnsons have a striking picture of the ring around Deacon’s leg, with Tami’s hand in the frame to add a further sense of scale.
Issaquah couple search for special lost wedding ring
December 2, 2011
NEW — 12:45 p.m. Dec. 2, 2011
On Nov. 29, Tami Johnson said her husband Tyler visited the Fred Meyer store in Issaquah. She admits the wedding ring he lost at the store can be replaced, but the memories attached to it are well out of the ordinary.
When Tami Johnson gave birth to twins in 2009, she had been pregnant for a mere 24 weeks. Deacon and Avigail weighed in at 1-pound, 10-ounces and 1-pound, 7 ounces. They were given only a 40 percent chance of survival.
“I am very fortunate to say that today they are healthy children with minimal issues,” Johnson said.
She later added Deacon is in therapy to help with some general motor skill issues, but otherwise both children are in good health.
Issaquah Police Department targets holiday shopping grinches
November 29, 2011
The holiday shopping season means bargains galore for shoppers — and tempting targets for thieves.
Issaquah police officers headed out in patrol cruisers and on foot Nov. 25, Black Friday, and will continue throughout the holiday season, to search for prowlers and remind shoppers not to leave valuables out in the open.
“During the holidays, parking lots can be very enticing to prowlers looking for quick and easy targets,” Police Chief Paul Ayers said. “We’re hoping these extra patrols will remind our shoppers to protect their property.”
Officers also distributed a display card at local business’ checkouts to remind shoppers to lock vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight.
Issaquah Police Department targets holiday shopping grinches
November 22, 2011
NEW — 9:40 a.m. Nov. 22, 2011
Black Friday means bargains galore for shoppers — and tempting targets for thieves.
Issaquah police officers plan to head out in patrol cruisers and on foot Friday and throughout the holiday season to search for prowlers and remind shoppers not to leave valuables out in the open.
“During the holidays, parking lots can be very enticing to prowlers looking for quick and easy targets,” Police Chief Paul Ayers said. “We’re hoping these extra patrols will remind our shoppers to protect their property.”
Fred Meyer, QFC join Taylor Farms salad recall
October 25, 2011
Fred Meyer Stores and QFC are participating in a voluntary recall initiated by salad maker Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms announced the recall of several Fresh Selection bagged salads after a sample tested positive for salmonella.
Customers should check for specific Fresh Selection items with a sell-by date of Oct. 18.
The affected items all have the Fresh Selection label and include: Field Greens Salads, 8-ounce package; Leaf Romaine, 10 ounce; Romaine Salad Blend, 10 ounce; and Hearts of Romaine, 10 ounce.
Fred Meyer and QFC have removed affected items from store shelves. Customers who may have purchased the affected products will receive register receipt messages and/or automated phone calls. Any open or unopened items included in the recall should not be consumed and should be returned to a local Fred Meyer or QFC location for a full refund or replacement.
Consumers who have questions about the recall may call Fred Meyer and QFC toll free at 800-576-4377 or may contact Taylor Farms consumer relations at 877-323-7374 toll free.
Fred Meyer, QFC join Taylor Farms salad recall
October 20, 2011
NEW — 12:45 p.m. Oct. 20, 2011
Fred Meyer Stores and QFC are participating in a voluntary recall initiated by salad maker Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms announced the recall of several Fresh Selection bagged salads after a sample tested positive for salmonella.
Customers should check for specific Fresh Selection items with a sell-by date of Oct. 18.
The affected items all have the Fresh Selection label and include: Field Greens Salads, 8 ounce package; Leaf Romaine, 10 ounce; Romaine Salad Blend, 10 ounce; and, Hearts of Romaine, 10 ounce.
Costco-backed I-1183 aims to remove state from liquor business
September 20, 2011
Months after a measure to privatize the state’s Prohibition-era liquor system failed, Issaquah-based Costco ordered another round, and spearheaded a similar measure for the November ballot.
Initiative 1183 aims to remove the state from the business of distributing and selling hard liquor. The measure is less comprehensive than Initiative 1100, a Costco-backed privatization measure rejected last November.
A colorful brand of Puerto Rican rum occupies a shelf at the state liquor store on Northwest Gilman Boulevard. By Greg Farrar
If passed, I-1183 calls for state-run liquor stores to close by June 2012. The measure also aims to require the state to license private enterprises to sell and distribute hard liquor, set license fees based on sales and regulate licensees.
Unlike the unsuccessful initiative from last year, I-1183 limits hard liquor sales to stores of at least 10,000 square feet. (The average Costco encompasses about 140,000 square feet.) I-1100 aimed to allow smaller retailers, such as gas stations and convenience stores, to sell hard liquor.
Still, opponents said safety concerns remain about efforts to privatize the system and sell booze at more locations.
Fred Meyer store offers needleless flu vaccinations
September 20, 2011
Fred Meyer customers can receive a flu vaccination — without the needle.
Most stores offer traditional flu shots as well as a needleless option.
The stores use a Biojector — a gas-powered, needleless injector to deliver medications or vaccines up to 1 milliliter in volume, subcutaneously or intramuscularly — from a sterile, single-use syringe.
The system includes a durable injection device; a disposable, needleless syringe; and a cartridge of carbon dioxide gas.
The plastic syringe is the only part of the system coming into contact with patients’ skin. Following each injection, the used syringe is discarded and a new one is inserted for the next injection.
“While needle-free vaccines have been used in the past in some public agencies and the military, this is the first time this option has been available to the public through their pharmacies,” Marc Cecchini, vice president and director of pharmacy for Fred Meyer, said in a news release. “This provides a great alternative for customers who are wary of needles but want to protect themselves against the flu.”
King County commits $70,000 to repair city’s retaining wall
September 6, 2011
King County recently agreed to fund repairs to a decade-old retaining wall along Southeast Black Nugget Road as city planners seek to shore up the structure against landslides.
The city closed the sidewalk along the wall in March after soggy conditions caused a small landslide on the slope behind Fred Meyer and The Home Depot. The shifting earth did not pose a risk to motorists or residences atop the hill, but the incident refocused attention on plans to strengthen the wall.
County officials committed $70,000 for upgrades. The project could cost up to $640,000 for substantial renovations. The city is setting aside funds to complete the project in the years ahead.
Deep Metro Transit cuts could halt Issaquah bus route
July 19, 2011
Route 200 is on chopping block as transit agency faces steep service reduction
Metro Route 200 bus riders Christina Martin and Paul Vranesh chat July 18 on their way from their residences in downtown Issaquah to work on Gilman Boulevard. By Greg Farrar
The proposed cuts to King County Metro Transit could create obstacles for commuters on cross-town trips, especially if the agency abolishes Issaquah-centric routes.
