King County urges caution on lakes, rivers over the long Memorial Day weekend
May 25, 2013
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summertime outdoor recreation season, and King County officials are urging everyone to use caution when around open water.
County officials expressed heightened concern about swimmer safety, given that 24 preventable drowning deaths were recorded in King County in 2012 – up from an average of 17 per year over the previous four years.
Local palm reader arrested in $25,000 scam
May 24, 2013
NEW — 3:15 Friday, May 24, 2013
A psychic/palm-reading scam that ran on Front Street has been exposed, according to court documents.
Paula Ann Adams, 36, of Issaquah, is accused of stealing in excess of $25,000 from a client of the Psychic Palm Reading Store. She’s been charged with one count of first-degree theft and five counts of second-degree theft, according to charging documents.
Traffic safety: roundabout construction starts
May 24, 2013
Motorists should prepare for construction near West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast and Interstate 90 as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) builds a new roundabout.
Crews recently started the safety project near the interstate on- and off-ramps at West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast and 180th Avenue Southeast. The project will wrap up by winter 2013.
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
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.”
‘Obsession’ turns up 15th Civil War veteran
May 21, 2013
Another man buried in Issaquah’s Hillside Cemetery has been proven to be an American Civil War veteran, bringing the total number of known local soldiers to serve in that great conflict up to 15.
James Foresman, born in 1846 in Illinois, would have been only 15 years old when the war began. Still, cooperation between local historians have found that he fought with the volunteer cavalry in the 9th Regiment beginning in 1863.
Local commander of the Issaquah Veterans of Foreign Wars and history buff Dave Waggoner has worked with the Issaquah History Museums to uncover activities and facts of those in the cemetery who he suspected took part in the monumental war. After validating 14 of the headstones distinguishable from markers given by the old U.S. War Department, he knew that more could be in the cemetery.
Alison Meryweather files for school board
May 21, 2013
As she promised when she was appointed to the Issaquah School Board at the end of March, Alison Meryweather has officially announced that she will run for election.
Meryweather occupies the District 4 seat, representing the majority of the downtown Issaquah corridor, the Issaquah Highlands, Mirrormont and the district’s southeast corner. She was appointed to the board March 20, filling the seat that was left vacant when Chad Magendanz resigned to serve in the state Legislature.
Alison Meryweather
The Issaquah mother of two looks forward to continuing the board’s work, if re-elected, she said in a statement.
