Strange behavior shaped Issaquah gunman’s final days
May 15, 2012
Inquest into police shootout starts May 21
The rough outlines resemble doodles more than a far-fetched blueprint, and the instructions on the page defy explanation.
Ronald Ficker
In hand-scrawled notes about a manmade island scattered among the sketches, the creator urges, “Start building Atlantis.”
The creator later stuffed the notes, sketches and more than $23,000 in Swiss francs into a safe deposit box at the Bank of America branch in Issaquah.
The stack of documents contained instructions for the reader.
“If I get hurt, must take this to police.”
The sentence outlined the future. The man behind the notes, Ronald W. Ficker, 51, died in a police shootout on the Clark Elementary School campus Sept. 24.
Press Editorial
May 8, 2012
Park bond should include new museum
Voters last passed a park bond six years ago.
The city will soon launch a public opinion survey to gauge residents’ interest in what the bond might include. The survey should reach residents by late spring or early summer.
Issaquah voters could decide parks funds in November
April 17, 2012
Issaquah voters could decide as early as November on a multimillion dollar package to fund expansions and upgrades to city parks.
The proposed park bond could generate dollars to add amenities to existing parks, create additional parkland and purchase undeveloped land for conservation. The package could infuse funds into the parks system as lean municipal budgets limit the number of projects the city can undertake.
The municipal Parks & Recreation Department is in the initial stage to prepare for such a bond package, although the timeline is not yet firm. The decision to put a bond measure on the ballot is left to the City Council.
The city is considering offers from firms to conduct a public opinion survey to gauge residents’ interest in parks amenities. The survey should reach residents by late spring or early summer.
Presidents Day means Issaquah closures
February 15, 2012
NEW — 6 p.m. Feb. 15, 2012
Presidents Day means closures and schedule changes Monday.
King County Metro Transit operates on a weekday and no University of Washington schedule for the holiday.
Sound Transit buses operate on a regular weekday schedule for Presidents Day. Sound Transit customers can also sign up to receive Rider Alerts via e-mail or text message for specific services and bus routes.
Metro Transit also offers Transit Alerts to update riders about inclement conditions, road construction and other service changes.
The city, county and state close government offices in observance of the holiday. In addition, the Issaquah Community Center and Julius Boehm Pool close for the day.
State liquor stores also remain open for the holiday.
Eagles win first SeaKing district swimming title
February 14, 2012
Brian Ruggles, Issaquah High School senior, leaps at the start of his 100-yard backstroke race Jan. 10 against Eastlake High School at the Julius Boehm Pool. By Christopher Huber
The Issaquah High School boys swim team had current coaches, former coaches and swimmers searching the program’s records last weekend.
That’s because the Eagles just might have established a first for the program. On Feb. 11, Issaquah finished in first place at the Sea-King District 4A Swimming and Diving Championships at the University of Washington. The Eagles, sparked by two first-place relays, compiled 233 points to top KingCo Conference rival Newport by 2.5 points.
Eagles’ swim team is eager to return to the pool after winter storms
January 24, 2012
Issaquah High School boys swimming coach Laura Halter probably had the best idea about getting away from Old Man Winter. Halter and her family spent last weekend playing golf in Phoenix.
With the high school and the Julius Boehm Pool both shut down last week, Issaquah swimmers, like other winter sport athletes, were unable to get practice time.
“I can’t wait to get the team back in the pool and get things organized,” said Halter, who is preparing the Eagles for the Jan. 27 KingCo Conference Invitational at the University of Washington. The meet starts at 4 p.m. and is made up of swimmers from KingCo 4A, 3A and 2A schools.
Issaquah enters the meet with the state’s fastest 4A times in the 200-yard medley relay (1:41.14) and 400 freestyle relay (3:21.28). The Eagles are also second in the state in the 200 freestyle relay (1:33.34).
Halter said the rankings are nice but might not be a true indication.
In Issaquah, power outage, travel headaches continue for another day
January 20, 2012
Rodney Amburgey, a lineman with City Pacific Services contracted to Puget Sound Energy, works Jan. 20 to secure a broken and dangling utility pole crossbeam at Southeast May Valley Road and 231st Place Southeast. By Greg Farrar
NEW — 6:30 a.m. Jan. 20, 2012
Though the forecast calls for temperatures to inch upward Friday, effects from a major snowstorm and rare ice storm continue to impact Issaquah residents.
Puget Sound Energy estimated 11,235 customers remained without power in Issaquah at 6:10 a.m. — a drop from the more than 18,000 left in the dark Thursday. Difficult road conditions continue to challenge motorists on city streets and roads in unincorporated King County.
City road crews continue to focus on maintaining priority routes and removing downed trees from the roadway. Numerous roads in Issaquah and nearby areas closed Thursday due to fallen trees and downed power lines.
Downed trees snarl morning commutes in Issaquah area
January 19, 2012
NEW — 7:25 a.m. Jan. 19, 2012
Fallen trees caused road closures and traffic headaches early Thursday, as icy conditions caused fresh problems a day after a major snowstorm.
Newport Way Northwest from Northwest Oakcrest Drive to state Route 900 is closed due to a downed tree. State Route 900 from Northwest Talus Drive to the southern city limits is closed due to a downed tree.
Meanwhile, outside Issaquah city limits, state Route 18 is closed in both directions from Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast to Interstate 90 due to multiple fallen trees blocking the lanes.
Puget Sound Energy reported more than 1,200 without power at 7:45 a.m.
Early Thursday, National Weather Service meteorologists issued a regional ice storm warning through noon. Forecasters said to expect travel impacts related to icy conditions, although temperatures should start to rise by midday.
City road crews continue to focus on high-priority routes, as ice poses a different challenge than the snow from previous days.
Crews continue snow removal on Issaquah streets as flood concern rises
January 19, 2012
NEW — 5 a.m. Jan. 19, 2012
City road crews labored throughout the night and morning to remove snow and treat Issaquah streets, as officials and residents prepare for another day of snow-snarled commutes.
Roads remain open and snowplows continue to focus on Priority 1 routes — important arteries and access to hillside communities. Crews intend to address side streets as conditions allow. (Officials divide streets into priority levels for snow removal.)
Officials canceled all programs at the Issaquah Community Center and Julius Boehm Pool for Thursday. Call 837-3300 or go to the city website for updates on possible drop-in hours.
Expect rain and snow before 10 a.m. Thursday. Temperatures should rise into the upper 30s throughout the day. More rain and snow is expected Thursday night.
Some Issaquah city facilities remain open amid snowstorm
January 18, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Jan. 18, 2012
Though the snowstorm prompted officials to close recreation facilities, some city offices remain open to the public Wednesday.
Issaquah City Hall is open for normal hours, although officials scaled back some services. The city permitting center is only open until 4:30 p.m. and the passport center is closed.
Julius Boehm Pool and the Issaquah Community Center closed at 10 a.m. Call the community center at 837-3326 for additional weather updates.
Issaquah Municipal Court briefly opened for normal hours and then closed at 10 a.m. Officials canceled all hearings, and people scheduled to appear in court cannot be penalized for failing to appear.
