Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Blog discontinued

This blog has been discontinued by the Stanwood/Camano NEWS. It will remain active on the newspaper's Web site, www.scnews.com, for archive purposes.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Crews pouring columns for new bridge

Last week, work crews started two of the eight columns for the new Mark Clark Bridge.
The columns are filled with concrete, and then cured, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Crews will start the next two after the first set has finished curing.
WSDOT also announced area work and closures for the next week.
One lane of SR 532 will be closed between 19th Avenue NW and 28th Avenue NW starting 7 p.m. Sat. until 8 a.m. Sunday while crews stripe the west-bound truck climbing lane.
From Monday until Friday morning, one lane between 19th Avenue NW and 28th Ave NW will be closed 8:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. The Oct. 30 Friday night closure will be from 8 p.m. until 9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 31.
On Camano Island, one lane will be closed between Hanstad and Smith roads from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Crews are striping the new bus pull outs and turn lanes at Juniper Beach Road and the turn lane between Good and Smith roads.

 

H1N1 clinc tomorrow

An H1N1 clinic has been schedule for tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Heritage Park. 9600 276th St. NW in Stanwood.
The clinic will provide free vaccinations for pregnant women and children ages 6 months to 4 years, who have been the hardest hit by the influenza strain. All other priority groups must wait for the Oct. 31 clinic, which is set for the same time and place.
About 1,700 doses have been received for the H1N1 vaccination locally, said Darin Reid, assistant fire chief for Stanwood-Camano Fire Department. They hope to receive more before the Oct. 31 clinic.

Monday, October 19, 2009

WSDOT work for this week

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced work for this week.
On SR 532 east of Stanwood, crews will continue to stripe and install guardrail for new truck climbing lanes. Direction through the zone will be provided today from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. between 12th Ave NW and 52nd Ave NW and from Tues. through Fri. from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. between 12th Ave NW and 28th Ave NW.
The Mark Clark Bridge will close to one lane on Mon. through Thurs. from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and on Fri. from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. Crews will be continuing ground improvements.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

First West Nile death in state

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported that a Yakima County woman in her 70s died from West Nile Virus. It's the first death from the virus within the state.
A total of 31 other state residents have also become sick with West Nile Virus this year. About 25 of those cases were considered severe.
This is the largest number of residents to become ill with the disease in the state. According t DOH, the previous high was three people in 2008.
West Nile is spread by mosquito bite. Most humans have no symptoms, and some have mild, flu-like symptoms. Those over age 50 are most at risk for serious reactions.
Local health officials have advised that people avoid the dusk hours when mosquitoes are active, wear bug spray, wear long sleeves, and eliminate standing water on their property where mosquitoes can breed.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Closures this week on SR 532

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced lane closures on SR 532 for this week.
One lane of SR 532 will be closed between 52nd Ave NW and 36th Ave NW from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 9 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday. Crews are preparing to pave a section of the roadway if weather permits, according to WSDOT.
SR 532 will also be down to one lane between 12th Ave NW and 28th Ave NW Tuesday through Thursday night from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. and Friday from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday. Crews will install a guardrail.
Both closures are expected to cause minor delays, according to WSDOT.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Reardon to speak tomorrow

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon is scheduled to speak at the Stanwood Democrats meeting tomorrow, 10 a.m. at the Viking Restaurant in Stanwood.
Reardon will discuss the county's budget, which is currently under construction.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Leatherheads opens

Leatherheads, a new firefighter-themed restaurant, opens today at 11:30 a.m. in the old West End Fire Hall at 10209 270th Street NW in Stanwood. For more info., give them a call at 629-5555.
To see the article about the remodel of the historic building, visit www.scnews.com/news/2009/1006/front_page/002.html.

Monday, October 5, 2009

School board meets tomorrow

The Stanwood-Camano School Board will meet tomorrow at noon in the Administrative and Resource Center board room, 26920 Pioneer Hwy in Stanwood.
The board will hear a presentation about the district's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Washington state Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) scores by school and grade.

The full agenda is located at ttp://districtweb.stanwood.wednet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1146&Itemid=426.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Roll-over accident leaves one dead, two injured

One person is dead, and two injured after a rollover accident 12:30 a.m. Sunday on 271st St. N.W. in front of Hamilton Lumber in Stanwood.

The vehicle rolled into a building, causing minor damage, said Stanwood-Camano Fire Department Deputy Chief Darin Reid. Stanwood-Camano Fire Department, Camano Island Fire and Rescue and Stanwood Police responded to the accident.

Crews cut the roof of the car off. One of the victims was found dead on arrival, Reid said. Another was awake and out of the vehicle. There is no information at this time whether he was thrown from the vehicle or crawled out.

One person was flown to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, Reid said. Another was driven to Skagit Valley Hospital in non-critical condition.

More information will be available in the Tuesday edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Want to vote in the Nov. 3 election?

The Snohomish County Auditor's Office has posted a reminder that Monday, Oct. 5, is the last day someone can register by mail or online to vote in the Nov. 3 general election.
It's also the last day that registered voters can change their address in time for the general election.
Those who have never registered to vote in the state can register to vote in person at the auditor's office until Mon., Oct. 26. The Snohomish County Auditor's office, at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., in Everett, is open Mon. through Thurs., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fri., 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For the Island County Auditor's Office, call (360)629-4522, ext. 7366.

To register to vote or change address, visit http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/en/voterinformation/Pages/RegistertoVote.aspx or get a mail-in form at www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Auditor/Divisions/Elections_Voting/.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

SnoCo Council begins budget process

The Snohomish County Council has begun the budget process for 2010.
The council announced earlier this month that it would build the budget from scratch, rather than rely on the budget proposed by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.
As part of the budget process, the county is asking for public testimony. People can submit their budget priorities to the county by visiting http://web5.co.snohomish.wa.us/council/budgettestimony/.
Typically, the county council passes the budget at a November meeting prior to Thanksgiving.

Monday, September 28, 2009

SR 532/Mark Clark construction update

Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced closures and possible delays for drivers for this coming week.
One lane of the 84th St. Bridge in Stanwood will be closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. tonight and Tuesday. Part of the new bridge deck paving did not adhere correctly, so WSDOT crews are redoing the two-foot-wide section.
In addition, on SR 532 east of Stanwood, crews will install new guardrails at night Wednesday through Friday. WSDOT advises that there may be delays. One lane will be closed between 28th Ave NW and 12th Ave NW on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the next morning, and Friday from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday morning.
There will be work on SR 532 during the day this week, but WSDOT said it will not result in any closures.

For updates, check www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/Snohomish/Construction/#SR%20532.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Burn ban lifted

The burn ban for unincorporated Island County, including Camano Island, was lifted today at 8 a.m.
Residents may burn a pile of natural vegetation that is 4 feet by 4 feet or less without a permit. A larger pile requires a permit, which is available by contacting Fire Warden Fred Wefer at (360) 428-3293.
It is illegal to burn garbage, household trash, lumber, construction waste or demolition debris.

Friday, September 18, 2009

CASA auction funds shelter

The Camano Animal Shelter Association (CASA)'s fourth annual auction is approaching on Sat. Oct. 3, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Camano Senior and Community Center, at 606 Arrowhead Rd. on Camano Island.
Tickets will be $25 in advance, and $35 at the door.
The shelter is highly dependent on donations and community support. The shelter does receive some support from Island County for dogs.

The shelter has posted a list of some of the auction items on seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pet/1379828060.html.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Sno-Isle still searches for new trustee

Sno-Isle Libraries has extended the application deadline for the vacant board of trustee position until Thurs.. Oct. 1.
Potential trustees must live in Snohomish County, excluding Everett and Woodway. Those from south Snohomish County will receive preference.

A position description and application are available at www.sno-isle.org or by contacting Judy Carter at 360.651.7002, or Mary Kelly at 360.651.7030.

Public hearing about Camano Gateway

The Island County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the adoption of an ordinance for the Camano Gateway area 6 p.m. Tues., Sept. 22 at the Camano Senior and Community Center, 606 Arrowhead Rd., on Camano Island.
The ordinance, if adopted, would create a Camano Gateway Village Zone and set development regulations including design, lot size,, setbacks, building height and signage.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

First evidence of West Nile in King County

The state Department of Health reported that a dead bird found in Seattle in August has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Thus far, three birds have tested positive for the virus in Western Washington. A man in Klickitat County caught West Nile, but is recovering. Statewide, the virus has been found in 32 horses, 15 birds and 326 mosquito pools, according to the state Department of Health.
The Snohomish Health District no longer tests for West Nile, after budget cuts last year. Neither Island nor Snohomish County has reported any cases of humans with the virus.
Testing mosquitoes and birds for West Nile virus helps identify the virus' presence in a community prior to an outbreak, said Allison Cook, state Department of Health public information officer. Public health officials can then alert communities about what they can do to lower their risk of West Nile virus.
Most people who are bitten by a mosquito with West Nile don't become ill, Cook said. Some may experience flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and muscle aches. Adults over age 50 and people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. West Nile can develop into meningitis or encephalitis.
Local public health officials advise people to avoid outdoors in the evening, when mosquitoes are most active, cover exposed skin with light material or mosquito repellent, make sure screens fit and remove standing water to limit where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Part of burn ban lifted

Part of Island County's burn ban was lifted on Friday.
Outdoor burning of natural debris is still not permitted, even with a permit. However, recreational fires in fire pits lined with metal or concrete or in a barbecue or camp stove are now allowed.
As of July 30, Island County had restricted all outdoor burning due to the dry weather.

Updated burn ban information for Island County is available at (360) 391-0362. Property under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Natural Resources should call (360) 856-3500 for information on burn permits.

Council overturns FCC veto

The Snohomish County Council overturned County Executive Aaron Reardon's veto of the elimination of fully-contained communities from the county code this morning.
Reardon had vetoed the ordinance last week.
In a 4-1 vote, with Councilman John Koster dissenting, the council took the code permitting mini-cities in the county off of the books.

For more details, read the Sept. 15 edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Council to vote on FCC veto

The Snohomish County Council will consider county Executive Aaron Reardon's veto of the ordinance eliminating fully-contained communities (FCC) from the county code 11 a.m. Tues. Sept. 8.
The council passed the ordinance last month in a 3-2 vote. Councilmen John Koster and Dave Gossett voted against scrapping mini-cities. At least one would have to change his vote to overcome the executive's veto.

For more details, see the Sept. 8 issue of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS.

Political parties continue to challenge top-2 primary

The Democrat, Republican and Libertarian parties have continued their court battle to try to get the top two primary system removed in the state.
The political parties, along with Washington State Grange, had sued the state in district court.
According to court documents, Judge John Coughenour ruled that the parties can challenge how the top two primary is applied and if alleged confusion from the application of the primary takes away from the party's right to associate.
According to the Secretary of State blog, the ruling opens up a new round of litigation on how the state conducts the top two primary.
The top 2 primary, which was implemented last year, was upheld earlier by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Reardon vetoes end of FCCs

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon vetoed the ordinance that would have eliminated fully-contained communities (FCC) from the county code Monday.
The Snohomish County Council passed the ordinance 3 to 2, with Councilmen John Koster and Dave Gossett dissenting. Four county council members would have to approve the ordinance to override the veto.
"Eliminating the FCC policies will not prevent population growth from occurring in Snohomish County," Reardon wrote in a Monday memo. "Instead, eliminating these policies will drive that population into traditional development where developers cannot legally be held to the same stringent standards for economic development, land set-asides and infrastructure that may be required in an FCC."

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Sept. 8 Stanwood/Camano NEWS, or visit www.scnews.com after noon on Sept. 8.

Ref. 71 makes it on Nov. ballot

It appears that Referendum 71, which, if approved, would overturn the state's new domestic partnership law, will be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.
According to the Secretary of State blog, the unofficial results of 121,617 valid signatures would qualify the motion for the general election. The sponsor of the referendum, Protect Marriage Washington, needed 120,577 signatures for the referendum to make it on the ballot.
The signature counting of the referendum is currently being challenged in King County Superior Court, with an expected ruling sometime today.
In a press release, Gov. Christine Gregoire said, “I respect the peoples’ right to place a referendum on the ballot following legislative action. However, I am obviously very disappointed that this message will be debated once again. I signed the original bill and believe it should be and will be the law of our great state. Washington state has a history of fighting to ensure everyone – mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters – enjoys equal rights.”

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Count continues on Referendum 71 signatures

The state predicts it will finish verifying the signatures submitted by those who want to place a referendum overturning the state's domestic partnership law Sept. 1.
Protect Marriage Washington submitted 137,689 signatures. Of the 117,069 that have been reviewed, 103,198 have been accepted, and 13,871 have been rejected, according to the Secretary of State Web site.
For the referendum to make it onto the Nov. 3 ballot, 120,577 valid signatures are necessary. That means of the 20,620 signatures that remain to verify, 17,379 of them need to be determined valid for the referendum to have enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Protect Marriage Washington aims to overturn SB 5688, passed into law in the most recent legislative session.
The implementation of the law is on hold until Referendum 71 is settled. Some of the things the law does is give domestic partners the same right to visit their partner in the hospital as a spouse would and permits a partner to receive benefits similar as a spouse, according to RCW 26.60.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Island County finishes ballot counting

Island County has posted its final preliminary results from the Aug. 18 primary.
The Island Transit sales tax increase seems to have passed with 55 percent in favor. Camano Island Fire and Rescue's fire levy lid increase failed with 51.8 percent against it, while it's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy passed with 63 percent in support of it.
Voter turnout in the county ended at about 54 percent.
Results didn't change much in the Snohomish County Council district 1 race, with incumbent John Koster (R), Arlington at 58.9 percent, and Ellen Hiatt Watson (D), Lake Howard, at 40.5 percent. Both candidates will continue on to the Nov. 3 general election.
Snohomish County's voter turnout was about 24 percent. The county has not indicated whether or not it has any ballots left to tally. If it does, the results wouldn't be posted until Sept. 1, according to the county auditor's Web site.
Counties certify their primary results by Sept. 2, and then the Secretary of State has to declare the results official.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Primary results remain the same

Last night's update of the primary results in Island and Snohomish counties kept the percentages the same. The next update for both counties is tonight at 5 p.m.
Thus far, voter turnout in Island County is at about 50 percent, whereas only 21 percent of voters returned ballots in Snohomish County. Island County estimates it has about 1,200 ballots left to count, while Snohomish County does not provide a similar estimate.

Island County results are available at http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/island/Elections/ElectionResults/currentElectionresults/Pages/ElectionResults.aspx and Snohomish County results are at http://www.snoco.org/elections/results/ecurrent.htm.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Preliminary Primary results

Island and Snohomish counties have begun posting preliminary election results from yesterday's primary.
For Snohomish County Council district 1 position, which serves the Stanwood area, incumbent John Koster (R), of Arlington, is in the lead with 58.8 percent, with Ellen Hiatt Watson (D), of Lake Howard, at 40.7 percent. However, the future council member will be decided by general election, and not primary election, results.
In Island County, three ballot measures will be decided by primary election results.
Camano Island Fire and Rescue's levy lid lift for its fire levy is thus far failing with 51.7 percent of voters against it, and 48.3 percent of voters in favor. Passing a levy lid lift requires a simple majority of votes approving the measure.
Camano Island Fire and Rescue's renewal of the EMS levy looks like it will be approved, with 62.6 percent in favor, and only 37.4 percent opposing. A levy needs approval from at least 60 percent of the votes cast.
Island Transit's request for a sales tax increase will also likely pass. It needs a simple majority, and currently has it with 54.7 percent in favor, and only 45.3 percent against.
Both counties still have ballots that need to be tallied. Counties do not certify results until Sept. 2, and the results are not official until the Secretary of State has certified the results.

Both Island and Snohomish counties have election results available online. To see the results, visit www.snoco.org/elections/results/ecurrent.htm for Snohomish County or http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/island/Elections/ElectionResults/currentElectionresults/Pages/ElectionResults.aspx for Island County, or stay tuned to this blog.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Injured pedestrian airlifted to Harborview

A Stanwood man is in serious condition after being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle early Saturday morning.
Matthew Vandeuren, 20, was lying on Dove Drive near Puffin Court on Camano Island when he was hit by a northbound 1998 Dodge Stratus driven by a Stanwood woman, age 23.
The accident remains under investigation, said Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary. They are trying to determine why Vandeuren was on the roadway.
It is possible that a different vehicle hit Vandeuren first, before the driver of the Dodge Stratus struck him, Leary said.
The driver voluntarily submitted to a blood test, and there is no indication that drugs or alcohol were involved, he said.

Stanwood teen places 12 in world


Josh Ferris, 12, of Stanwood, placed 12 in the Pokemon Video Game World Championship, held last weekend in San Diego.
His parents, Phil and Melissa Ferris, said he won three games and lost two on Friday. The two losses were close, one to the Japanese national champion, and one to the teen who placed third at the world competition.
Josh is looking forward to trying again next year.

Josh was featured in a story in the Aug. 11 edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS after he qualified for the world competition. To see the original story, visit http://www.scnews.com/news/2009/0811/family_friends/047.html.

Burn ban continues

Camano Island Fire and Rescue would like to remind residents that despite recent rain, conditions are still dry.
Over the weekend, Camano Island Fire and Rescue responded a brush fire on Camano Island, said Levon Yengoyan, assistant chief.
Island County remains under a burn ban begun July 30, where recreational fires are only permitted in county, state, national or private campgrounds with a park ranger or camp host and must be out by 10 p.m. Private landowners are not permitted to have camp fire during the ban.

For burn ban info and updates, call (360) 391-0392.

Monday, August 17, 2009

School board meets twice tomorrow

The Stanwood-Camano School Board will hold two meetings tomorrow - a 4 p.m. board retreat, and a 7 p.m. regular meeting.
Both meetings will be held in the school district's administrative and resource center board room, located at 26920 Pioneer Hwy. in Stanwood.
One of the topics at the board retreat will likely be the district's food service program.
At the regular board meeting, the school board will hold a public hearing on the 2009-10 budget and the lease of surplus property.
The district intends to lease 300 square feet of property and the space needed to install a new light pole at Stanwood High School (SHS), according to the legal notice. The pole will replace the existing one, and be used for radio transmission equipment and providing light to the SHS stadium.
The meeting agenda for the regular board meeting is located at districtweb.stanwood.wednet.edu/, by clicking the School Board tab on the main menu on the left side of the page, and then clicking on meeting agendas.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Wednesday public meetings

On Wed., Aug. 12, the Snohomish County Council is holding a 10:30 a.m. public hearing on the Snohomish Conservation District's assessment request.
The district requested a $5 per parcel plus 5 cents per acre annual fee to fund the district's work in Snohomish County. An ordinance has been prepared by county staff, and the council members could vote on it. The meeting is being held in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room on the 8th Floor of the Robert J. Drewel Building at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., in Everett.

For more information on the assessment request, visit www.snohomishcd.org/ or go to www.scnews.com/news/2009/0623/News/054.html.

Also on Wed., the Island County Commissioners will discuss the Whidbey Island and Snohomish conservation districts request for a $5 per parcel plus 5 cents per acre assessment in Island County du
ring its 10 a.m. regular work session.
The meeting is being held in the commissioner's hearing room, #B102. of the annex building at 1 NE 6th St., in Coupville. Camano Island residents can watch the meeting from the Camano Island annex, at 121 NE Camano Dr. on Camano Island.

Information about the assessment request is available at
www.snohomishcd.org or www.scnews.com/news/2009/0714/camano_scene/053.html.


In addition, the Snohomish County Council will hold deliberations on the Docket XIII proposals, which include the elimination or modification of the fully-contained community code, at 1:30 p.m., Wed. Aug. 12 in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room on the 8th Floor of the Robert J. Drewel Building at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., in Everett.

The FCC code first came up in discussions about a year ago. The council could be making a decision at this meeting, or could decide to postpone the decision until a later date.


For more about Docket XIII and the FCC proposals, visit www.scnews.com/news/2009/0714/front_page/002.html.

The full list of proposals is available at www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Council/About/Meeting_Calendar/ by clicking on the Council Webcasts link on the middle of the page, and the agenda link next to the Docket XIII proposals.




Sebastian goes to school

In today's issue of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS, there is a story about Sebastian, a dog at Camano Animal Shelter Association (CASA) who is participating in the PAWfect Connections Prison Dog Program. To see the full story, go to www.scnews.com or pick up a copy of the newspaper.
Unfortunately, we didn't have a photo along with the story in the print edition. So, for those of you wondering what Sebastian looks like, here he is. This photo is courtesy of CASA.

CASA, located at 160 Can Ku Road on Camano Island, can be reached at 387-1902, or visit camanoanimalshelter.org.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

More Fair photos online

If you want to see more photos from the Stanwood-Camano Community Fair and parade, visit the Photo Gallery section on the Stanwood/Camano NEWS Web site at www.scnews.com/common/photos/. In this photo, Shad Mills, 7, of Duvall, feeds Midas, an alpaca from Utopia Alpacas on Camano Island.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Burn ban in Island County starts tomorrow

A modified burn ban goes into effect 8 a.m. Thurs., July 30 for Camano Island and the other unincorporated areas of Island County due to the hot and dry weather.
The ban restricts all outdoor burning in Island County, meaning private landowners cannot have campfires.
The only exception is recreational fires on county, state, private or national campgrounds where there is a camp ground host or a park ranger. Even then, campfires are required to be out by 10 p.m.

Updated burn ban information for Island County is available at (360) 391-0362. Property under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Natural Resources should call (360) 856-3500 for information on burn permits.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Two Camano Island Fire and Rescue meetings

Camano Island Fire and Rescue will hold two public meetings this week – one today and one tomorrow.
Tonight's meeting concerns the seismic upgrade of the Terry's Corner Fire Station. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Terry's Corner Fire Station, 525 E. North Camano Dr., on Camano Island.
Tomorrow, the department will host an open house at 6 p.m. at the Camano County Club clubhouse, 1243 Beach Dr., on Camano Island. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Fire Chief Mike Ganz will discuss construction projects, operations during construction and the upcoming levies.
Construction at the Country Club Fire Station started recently, as the station is remodeled to improve service and retrofitted to meet seismic standards.
The department is asking voters to renew two levies this year.
Emergency medical services (EMS) receives almost 50 percent of its funding from levies. The current EMS levy expires in December. Currently, residents pay 31 center per $1,000 of assessed value for the EMS levy. The department is requesting 50 cents per $1,000 in the renewal.
In addition, a motion to raise the permanent fire levy from 81 cents per $1,000 to $1.20 per $1,000 will be on the ballot. A state law caps revenue increase to 1 percent per year.
Should both levies pass, Ganz said Camano Island Fire and Rescue should be able to add up to 12 additional fire fighters.
For a Camano Island resident with a $300,000 home, both levies would mean a total of $510 annually for fire and EMS, which is $165 more than he or she currently pays.

For more information, call 629-3008 or visit www.camanofire.com.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

SnoCo sets assessment hearing

Snohomish County Council will hold a public hearing on the Snohomish Conservation District's assessment request Wed., Aug. 12 at 10:30 a.m.
The district, a non-regulatory subunit of the state government, asked the council to pass a property tax assessment of $5 per parcel plus .o5 cents per acre. The five-year fee, if passed, would start in 2010.
The district is currently dependent on grants, and is seeking stable funding that would allow it to serve all Snohomish County residents instead of those that fit within a grant.

For more informaton, visit www.snohomishcd.org/.
The public hearing will be held in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room, on the 8th floor of the Robert J. Drewel Building, at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett. For more information, or to confirm time and location, call 425-388-3494 or visit www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Council/.


Monday, July 20, 2009

Hearing on assessment tonight

The Snohomish Conservation District will hold a public hearing on its assessment request to Island County tonight, 7 p.m., at the Camano Multi-purpose Center (blue building) at 141 NE Camano Dr., on Camano Island.
The Whidbey Island and Snohomish conservation districts are asking Island County to pass a property tax assessment of $5 plus .05 cents per acre. The portion Camano Island residents pay would go toward Snohomish Conservation District activities on Camano Island.
Currently, the conservation district is limited in what it can do on Camano Island due to a funding lack, said Bobbi Lindemulder, acting district manager for the Snohomish Conservation District. The district is extremely dependent on grants.
The district provides landowners with technical assistance concerning both sustainable living and sustainable farming.
If the Island County Board of Commissioners approves the assessment, the Snohomish Conservation District hopes to dedicate at least one-full time staff person to Camano Island.

For more information, visit www.snohomishcd.org/, or read "Local conservation districts seek funding in Island County" at http://www.scnews.com/news/2009/0714/camano_scene/053.html.



Monday, July 13, 2009

School board to vote on Chartwells contract

The Stanwood-Camano School Board will vote on whether or not to authorize a contract with Chartwells for food service management at the noon regular meeting tomorrow.
Gary Platt, executive director of business and operations, recommended the adoption of the proposal in a memo to the school board. In the memo, Platt said Chartwells is the only management company that submitted a proposal prior to the deadline, and none of the four applicants for a food service manager were viable.
The district's food service program was recently featured in an investigative report printed in the Stanwood/Camano NEWS June 2 edition, entitled "At a loss."

The full article is available at www.scnews.com/news/2009/0602/Front_page/003.html.
For the full school board agenda and memo, visit districtweb.stanwood.wednet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=203&Itemid=344.
The school board meeting will be held
in the school board room at 26920 Pioneer Highway in Stanwood.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

17th annual Art by the Bay

Looking for something to do this weekend?
The Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild will host its free Art by the Bay festival Sat., July 11 and Sun., July 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Utsalady Elementary School, 608 Arrowhead Road on Camano Island. The festival includes performances by local musicians, and, of course, artwork. The featured artwork represents a wide-range of media, including watercolor, ceramics, woodwork, bead art, baskets and glass. For more information, including a concert schedule, go to http://www.stanwoodcamanoarts.com/artbythebay.htm.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Sno Co considers long list of changes

The Snohomish County Council will hold two public hearings this Wed., July 8, at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. concerning a plethora of county code changes.
Among the potential alterations is the elimination of the fully-contained community code, also referred to as mini-cities.
Another potential ordinance would amend the current fully-contained community code. It was created out of a series of stakeholder discussions earlier this year. Potential amendments ranged from increasing open space requirements to 65 percent, requiring a mini-city to be within 2.5 miles of a state highway and specifying traffic mitigation.
Although no applications for a mini-city were filled prior to the county's emergency freeze on mini-city applications almost a year ago, the McNaughton Group was considering the concept for its Lake Goodwin property, and developer Dave Barnett was considering it for his Lake Roesiger property.
Another ordinance would reduce the density permitted in rural cluster subdivisions.

The meetings will be held in the first floor meeting room of the Robert J. Drewel Building, at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., in Everett.
A full list of all the proposed changes and the ordinances are available at http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Council/Information/Current_Projects/.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Unemployment continues to increase

Island County's May unemployment rate was 8.8 percent, according to the May 2009 Labor Summary. That means 2,990 Island County residents were out of work and actively looking for it in May, an increase of 80 percent from a year ago.
Snohomish County's May unemployment rate was 9.5 percent, with 36,660 county residents looking for work, according to the May 2009 Labor Summary. Of those, 22,010 were receiving unemployment benefits.
Workforce Explore Washington has labor summaries by county available monthly at www.workforceexplorer.com/article.asp?ARTICLEID=4758.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Camano Library turns 2

The Çamano Island Library pilot project will celebrate its second birthday Sat., June 27.
Along with the birthday celebration, the library is hosting its Friends of Camano Island Library book sale in the Windermere parking lot near the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Camano Island Library is located at 848 N. Sunrise Blvd. on Camano Island.

Friday, June 19, 2009

A glance at campaign funding

Do you wonder where County Council District 1 candidates are getting their dollars?
All campaign funding information is available through the Public Disclosure Commission (www.pdc.wa.gov/QuerySystem/candidates.aspx). The site includes reports of donations, in-kind contributions and expenditures.
As of Friday afternoon, incumbent John Koster had raised $56,242.26, and opponent Ellen Hiatt Watson had $10,424.50.
On the commission's Web site, each donation is entered as it is received. For simplicity, in the following list, donations from the same person, couple or company have been added together.
Here are supporters who gave $500 or more to Koster's or Watson's campaigns:

Koster, Republican, of Arlington:
  • Dee and Charles Burnett III, retired Seattle residents, $3,200
  • Connie and Brent McKinley, of Vine Street Group, an Arlington development company, $3,200
  • Spadafora Construction and Development of Mukilteo, $2,900
  • Dave and Kristine Barnett, Cowlitz Tribe and the Lake Roesiger development, $2,800
  • Mary Ann and Ralph Monty, of Ramo Realty & Construction in Arlington, $1,720
  • PRH, LLC of Everett, $1,600
  • J.A. Sternola, owner of Permagas, a propane supplier in Lake Stevens, $1,600
  • The McNaughton Group LLC/Lake Goodwin A Joint Venture, Lake Goodwin developer, $1,500
  • Dwayne Lane's Chrysler Jeep/Lane Properties LLC, car dealership, $1,450
  • Michael Echelbarger, of real estate company Echelnarger Properties in Lynnwood, $1,200
  • Michael Appleby, of Stanwood and American Scandia and Chicago Title, $1,200
  • C.W. Binford JR, of investing company Venture Pacific Partners, $1,050
  • Steve Fulton, of State Farm Insurance in Arlington, $1,000
  • Gordon Cole Investments LLC, of Snohomish, $950
  • Butch and Polly Kvamme, of Everson, $900
  • Affordable Housing Council, a Master Builders program, $800
  • Forresters Incorporated, of Stanwood, $800
  • Geoffery Gow, CEO and president of Polygon Northwest Co., a Bellevue developer, $800
  • Gary Young, of Polygon Northwest Co., $800
  • Harvey Airfield Inc., of Snohomish, $750
  • Quadrant Homes, a Bellevue construction company, $750
  • Camwest Development Inc, a Kirkland development company, $700
  • Sundquist Homes, a Lynnwood development company, $700
  • Michael Leibold, of Everett Powersports, $600
  • Crown Distributing Co. LLC, of Arlington, $500
  • Matthew Maynard, an Arlington dentist, $500
  • Joe Pignataro, owner of Pignataro VW car dealership in Edmonds, $500
  • Previs Equipment of Woodway, $500
Watson, Democrat, of Lake Howard
  • Snohomish County Democrats, $2,000
  • Martha Kongsgaard, a Seattle lawyer, $500

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Sno-Isle answers questions

After holding a series of public meetings on the 2010 budget deficit, Sno-Isle Libraries has posted answers to common customer questions.
Too see the responses, go to www.sno-isle.org/cr/budget/?ID=answers.
The Sno-Isle Board of Trustees will vote on whether to put a levy lift on the November ballot or make cuts at its upcoming meeting 4:30 p.m., Mon., June 22 at the Sno-Isle Service Center, located at 7312 35th Avenue NE in Marysville.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Larsen withdraws

Krista Larsen, of Arlington, withdrew from the race for the Snohomish County Council District 1 position. That narrows the field down to Republican incumbent John Koster, of Arlington, and Democratic challenger Ellen Hiatt Watson, a Lake Howard resident.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Supreme Court hears fair school funding appeal

The Washington state Supreme Court heard a case filed against the state by Federal Way Public Schools last Thursday. The Federal Way school district claims the state's current system for determining school district funding is unfair.
King County Superior Court Judge Michael Heavey granted Federal Way Public School's suit Nov. 2, 2007. In his decision, he described it as temporary until the state Supreme Court ruled on the issue.
As Leavey explained it, school districts receive a certain amount of funding per pupil. The number of students determines the number of staff members allocated in the classified (paraeducators, food service employees, secretaries, bus drivers...), certificated (teachers, counselors) and administrator categories. The three categories each have three funding ranges, which is where the disparity comes from, and the reason why there are 258 different funding levels for the state's 295 school districts, according to the Nov. 2, 2007 opinion.
The ranges are based on the salaries the individual district paid staff during the 1976-77 school year, according to the Federal Way Public Schools Web site.
According to a calculator the Federal Way School District created, it was underpaid by around $6.5 million this school year and the Stanwood-Camano School District was underfunded by about $1.6 million.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Candidate update

In addition to the local positions listed in the last entry, Stanwood-Camano School Board director position 1 is also on the ballot. Patrick Patterson, current school board member, is running unopposed for that seat.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Candidates file for local elections

Quite a few local races are on the ballot this year.
Today is the cutoff for candidates to file for office.
The Snohomish County Council District 1 seat, currently filled by John Koster, is up for election. Koster is running, and he is joined by local resident Ellen Hiatt Watson and Arlington resident Krista Larsen. Both Watson and Larson have indicated a Democratic preference, and Koster has filed as a Republican for the 4-year, partisan office.
For the city of Stanwood, incumbent Conrad Ryer is currently unopposed for city council position 1. Timothy Pearce and Gerald Steik have both thrown their hats in for city council position 2. Incumbent Leonard Kelley is also unapposed for position 7.
Stanwood Mayor Dianne White is running for re-election with Timothy Loney, the current city councilman for position 6, as an opponent. Should Loney be elected, city council would appoint someone to fill his position, and position 6 would be up in the next election.
All of the city offices are nonpartisan and 4-year terms.
With the Stanwood-Camano School District, Roger Myer, current president of the school board, is unopposed for director district 2, a 4-year nonpartisan office.
For North County Fire/EMS Fire District 14, which covers Warm Beach, Stuart Lervick is running unopposed for re-election as district 14 commissioner position 2, a 6-year, nonpartisan office. For fire district 19, which includes Silvana, Kevin Buhr has filed.
The primary will be held Aug. 18, and the general election on Nov. 3.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Record request

As part of "At a loss: A look at the school district's food service program" in the latest issue of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS, I did a series of public record requests directed to area school districts and the state Department of Labor and Industries. This is a copy of the records I received from the Stanwood-Camano School District. To make the pages larger, click on them.






Thursday, May 28, 2009

A close-up view of sturgeon

While at Kayak Point County Park this Tuesday, I took this picture of a dead sturgeon found on the beach at low tide. The sturgeon was about three feet long.
Sturgeon arrive in the area late winter or early spring and tend to stay until July, according to Jason Griffith, fisheries biologist with the Stillaguamish Tribe.
In Port Susan, sturgeon feed on ghost shrimp.
Sturgeon can live for up to 100 years and get to be 20 feet long and weigh 1,500 pounds.
When people fish for sturgeon, they have to release both the small and large fish, and can only keep the ones between four and six feet long. The larger sturgeon tend to spawn better.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Only 2 days until Relay for Life

Relay for Life of Stanwood/Camano Island will start 7 p.m., Fri., May 29.
Cancer survivors will take to the Stanwood High School (SHS) track first, led by J.P. Patches and followed by the SHS drum line and the relay teams.
The event benefits the American Cancer Society.
So far, almost 1,100 people involved in 95 different teams have signed up for the relay and about $140,000 has been raised.
Organizers hope for 100 relay teams, $250,000 in donations and 150 survivors taking part in the survivor lap.
There is still time to get involved with the relay. Luminaria, candle-filled bags representing someone who survived, is fighting or died of cancer, can be purchased at the relay at the luminaria tent. People can also sign up to participate at that time.

For more information, go to the Relay for Life of Stanwood-Camano Island’s Web site at . Questions can be directed to Sue Thees at sbthees@wavecable.com.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

State Parks sets date to consider Wenberg transfer

The state Parks and Recreation Commission will vote on whether or not to approve the transfer of Wenberg State Park to Snohomish County Fri., June 12.
The public will have a chance to comment at the 9 a.m. meeting, located at 270 9th St NE in East Wenatchee. The commission will accept written comments submitted before 8 a.m., Mon. June 8.
To submit comments, e-mail Nata Hurst at nata.hurst@parks.wa.gov or mail input to
Nata Hurst at Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650.

Want a say in library cuts or levy increase?

The Sno-Isle Libraries will host a community meeting 7 p.m. Thurs., May 28 at the Stanwood Library.
The meeting will include information about the library system's 2010 budget, and give locals a chance to give input on how they want the system to deal with the predicted deficit of $2.5 million next year.
About 93 percent of the library system's budget comes from property taxes, said Mary Kelly, community relations and marketing director. Legally, it can only increase its revenue by 1 percent each year.
Although revenue will be greater in 2010 than this year, it won't be enough for the library to keep up with its current level of service. The projection of $2.5 million would be the cost of keeping the current level of service in excess of expected revenue.
The options include a levy increase, or a combination of cuts such as less hours and purchasing fewer new books and computers.

For more info, visit www.sno-isle.org/. The Stanwood Library is located at 9701 271st St. NW. in Stanwood.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Wenberg transfer still in the works

The state Parks and Recreation Commission announced Tuesday that it won't close any state parks, as long as the new opt-out parks fee tied to car tabs brings in enough revenue.
However, that doesn't change state Park's desire to transfer parks to other owners, such as handing off Wenberg State Park to Snohomish County.
Snohomish County has indicated it would be willing to accept Wenberg. The county Parks and Recreation Department's analysis concluded the county could likely earn just a bit more than it spends by operating Wenberg.
The Snohomish County Council will vote on whether or not to enter negotiations with state Parks to accept Wenberg at the 9.a.m. Wed., May 27 general legislative session.
The county has indicated it would like to begin operating Wenberg close to July 1. Eric Watilo, northwest region director for the state Parks commission, said state Parks plans to do what they can to make that possible.
If the transfer occurs, the county would institute a day-use fee of $5, and alcohol would be prohibited in the park. Residents could also purchase an annual pass to county parks for $60. Kayak Point Park already has a day-use fee.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A kidney for Steve

In today's edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS, there was an update about Steve Colvin, of Camano Island, who is waiting to receive his kidney transplant. ("Continued support needed for kidney patient" on page 11). His transplant surgery is scheduled for June 23. Here is the article that was originally printed in the April 7 edition, called "Kidney transplant could happen soon."

By KRISTI PIHL
Staff Reporter

Steve Colvin of Camano Island is being positive about his kidney disease and upcoming transplant.
With a B+ blood type, he could have waited at least three years before a new kidney was available.
But because of a “one in God chance,” his best friend, Zebb Seabrook, of Monroe, turned out to be a match for a donor organ.
And instead of waiting three years, Steve might have a new kidney as early as the end of April.
Steve was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition where the kidney no longer filters the blood properly.
For Steve, the disease is a particular problem because he was only born with one kidney.
While living in Spokane 10 years ago, Steve said he failed a urine test for a physical that was part of a job application. His protein levels were extremely high, and he was sent to a kidney specialist.
After many tests, including an ultrasound and a biopsy, his single kidney’s disease was revealed.
At the time, Steve said his kidney was still operating at about 80 percent efficiency. He wasn’t experimenting any symptoms.
Kidney disease doesn’t tend to reveal itself through symptoms until the end of the disease, when the body starts to retain fluid, said Heather Colvin, his wife.
“It’s kind of a silent killer,” she said.
At the time, the specialist estimated Steve would be in need of a transplant in another 10 years or so, at the age of 35.
The specialist was close. Steve is now 34.
Early last spring, Steve said he started to develop noticeable symptoms. He had frequent nausea because he could smell the unfiltered toxins on himself. Steve didn’t have any energy, and his short-term memory started to go, Heather said. He was also constantly cold.
They started to see how the kidney was connected to everything. When the kidney doesn’t filter, toxins build up in the body, she said. Those toxins can lead to heart issues.
People who develop kidney disease can also get diabetes, and some lose limbs to that disease.
At first, their daughter, Lydia, age 4, had a hard time understanding why her dad didn’t have any energy. Now she does, Heather said.
In December, Steve was put on dialysis, which happens only when someone is at the end stage of kidney failure. That generally means the kidney is only operating at 10 to 20 percent, Steve said.
“It filters and cleans your blood like your kidney is supposed to,” he said.
At first, Steve did peritoneal dialysis at home, where a tube is placed in the lining of the abdomen, and fluid is placed in the abdomen and later sucked out. After learning how to do it manually, it’s a procedure a machine did for Steve while he slept.
However, Steve said the extra weight in his abdomen caused him to develop two hernias. He had to stop and switch to hemodialysis, which required a catheter port in the right side of his chest so an artificial kidney can filter his blood. Three times a week, he and Heather go to the Puget Sound Kidney Center in Smokey Point for the four-hour procedure.
Heather and Steve consider themselves blessed. Community members have anonymously helped them out by sending gift cards and putting money on their PUD account.
“God has just walked with us through everything,” Heather said.
Steve’s medical expenses have been pretty much covered with a combination of private insurance and Medicare.
Quite a few people got tested to see if they could donate a kidney to Steve, including his parents, members from their church and even one of Steve’s customers from Washington Mutual.
For the moment, Steve’s transplant is scheduled for April 28.
However, the family isn’t putting much stock in the date. Two scheduled transplants have already been canceled, since both Steve and Seabrook have to be in the peak of health for the transplant to occur.
After the transplant, Steve will be taking anti-rejection medication, which will lower his immune system. For a couple months, he will have to be isolated from the public, Heather said.
What will happen after the transplant? Well, that’s a different ball game, Steve said. He’ll spend five to seven days in Virginia Mason in Seattle, and then stay near the hospital for a couple weeks for frequent checks.
“They don’t know until post-surgery how your body’s going to react,” Heather said.
With a kidney from a live donor, the transplant is expected to last twice as long, she said.
Steve does intend to return to work at the Stanwood branch of Washington Mutual, but what he does will likely require some adjustment, since his position as teller requires so much contact with the public.
At the very least, Steve said he will have to embrace the use of hand sanitizers and Lysol.

Donations to Steve Colvin's medical fund at WAMU/soon to be Chase are appreciated. Steve plans to use the fund to pay for the increased price in his medical premiums from when he goes on long-term disability at the end of May until he is able to return to work.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Teen continues to get stronger

Julie Faragher, 16, of Stanwood, continues to improve.
Her mom, Kendall Faragher, said Julie has gotten stronger each day, and is no longer in the intensive care unit.
Julie’s car entered a tributary of the Stillaguamish River while she was heading toward Stanwood on Marine Drive on April 15. She was rescued with help from Jeremy Darrow and Nathan McGrath, installers at Darrow’s Carpets, as well as the Stanwood Police, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and North County Fire/EMS.
Julie was taken off of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, which acted as her heart and lungs on May 5. As of May 8, she no longer needed a ventilator.
By the end of this week, Julie should be off all of her medications, Kendall said.
"Her mind is ready to get back to school, but her body isn't quite there yet," she said.

There is a medical fund under Julie Faragher’s name at Frontier Bank in Stanwood.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Millie's repaired heart


Millie's heart surgery was successful, and her heart murmur is history.
Millie, a 5-month-old Shih tzu mix, was featured in an article in the April 14 edition of the Stanwood/Camano NEWS. Millie had patent ductus arteriosis (PDA), a congenital heart defect that was repairable with surgery.
Millie was one of 74 dogs the Northwest Organization for Animal Help (N.O.A.H.) in Stanwood cared for after their removal from an alleged puppy mill in Skagit County in January. N.O.A.H. was able to raise enough money to cover the cost of Millie's heart surgery.
Although Millie's heart is still enlarged to twice the normal size, it has started to get smaller, said Patti VanWieringen, of Conway, Millie's adoptive mom. Her heart is expected to continue to decrease.
"Her heart is still not pumping as fully as it should yet, and hopefully with time and continued heart medication this can be corrected," she said.
Meanwhile, Millie is growing, and VanWieringen said she and her husband, Bill, are continuing to use common sense to help Millie continue to recover.
The VanWieringens were also able to finally adopt Millie today. They have been foster parents for her since she was removed from the alleged puppy mill.
"Millie and I will be doing the happy dance for sure," she said.

N.O.A.H., located at 31300 Brandstrom Road in Stanwood, can be reached at (360)629-7055.

Friday, May 8, 2009

No special session means less school district funds

State Legislators announced yesterday that there would not be a special session. Gov. Gregoire had requested a one-day special session so legislators could address some budget-related bills that hadn't yet been acted on.
That short list of bills included one that would have increased the levy lid for school districts. For the Stanwood-Camano School District, that would have meant an additional $149,666 it could have collected next year, according to 2009-10 budget estimates released at the Tuesday school board meeting.
School districts can only collect levy dollars equal to 24 percent of what they receive from the state. If the amount of state funding goes down, so does the maximum amount the district can collect.
In the 2008-09 school year, the Stanwood-Camano School District's levy represented about 18.4 percent of its total revenue at about $9 million.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

School district administration

As part of "Shedding some light on school district administration," an article in today's Stanwood-Camano NEWS, I did public record requests to the Stanwood-Camano School District, Arlington Public Schools and the Mount Vernon School District. The result of that was more information than I could possibly use in the story.
To help myself compare numbers, I made tables based on the provided information. I have posted two of them here.
Not all the positions in the tables are considered administration by the district. Counselors are certificated (like teachers) and the public information coordinator is a classified position (like bus drivers, food service employees, paraeducators...).


















The Stanwood-Camano School District provided me with a comparison of the total compensation for superintendent salaries for this year for the districts that Stanwood-Camano uses to determine Superintendent Jean Shumate's salary. Shumate's salary is determined by the Stanwood-Camano School Board. They examine the contacts for superintendents in other districts, and take the average of the total compensation. This includes benefits, annuity, doctoral stipends and vacation buy-back. Shumate's 2008-09 salary of $193,608 is based on the 2007-08 total compensation of the other superintendents.

Click on the tables to make them larger if you are having difficulty reading the numbers.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog. As part of our future new Web site, we decided to add reporter blogs as a chance for you to get updates on stories, a look at behind the scenes, and other items that just don't fit in our print addition. I welcome any reader questions here or via e-mail at kpihl@scnews.com.