Looking back at 2017: Part 3 — Highlights from October-December

Our review of top stories from 2017 continues with this installment covers October-December. You can see January-March here, April-June here and July-September here.

October
South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue officially formed after Sunday special meeting
Chief Bruce Stedman is sworn in. (File photo by Natalie Covate)

Oct. 1  The South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority (RFA) met for the first time to establish the authority as a governing body, swear in the RFA board and swear in Arlington Fire Chief Bruce Stedman as its new fire chief. The group met on Oct. 1 — a Sunday — because that is the first date the RFA could officially form based on a ballot that was approved by 54.40 percent of voters in the August primary election. The measure consolidated the Lynnwood Fire Department and Snohomish County Fire District 1 into the new RFA. Under provisions of its contract with Fire District 1, Edmonds will continue to receive fire and emergency medical services through the new RFA.

Edmonds woman who aspired to be serial killer receives 18 years for attack
Guards lead Amy Brown into the courtroom for sentencing. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Oct. 3  Saying “I am not often at a loss for words, but this case leaves me almost speechless,” Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Michael Downes sentenced 24-year-old Amy Brown of Edmonds to 18 years in prison for attempting to murder 29-year-old Nicholas Johnson of Lynnwood by repeatedly stabbing him in the chest with the intent of cutting out and eating his heart.

City council learns more about Bigfoot competition coming to Edmonds in January

Oct. 3  Bigfoot is on its way to Edmonds, the Edmonds City Council learned. The hairy creature said to inhabit Pacific Northwest forests is the namesake for a new community contest aimed at creating awareness of ways people can reduce their own carbon footprints. Bob Bindshadler, a retired NASA climate scientist, explained how a group of citizens created a contest involving Bigfoot in Jefferson County. Following Bindshadler’s presentation. the council heard more about the Taming Bigfoot program planned for Edmonds.

Fraley-Monillas kicks off re-election campaign with promise of ‘making a difference’
Edmonds City Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas shares a laugh with Edmonds Center for the Arts’ Sarah Mixson and host for the evening, Tung Bui.

Edmonds City Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas officially kicked off her re-election campaign with a Thursday evening get-together for friends and supporters at the Meadowdale home of Tung and Tiffany Bui. “Public office isn’t for everyone,” Bui said. “You have to be tough and tolerant of adversity. It’s not for the faint of heart. Adrienne Fraley-Monillas is smart, fair, straight and knows the city inside-out. I’m not easily impressed, but this woman has what it takes. Her energy is amazing.”

Parle awarded WIAA Athlete of Week honor for cross country performance

Oct. 5  Edmonds-Woodway High School cross country runner Yukino Parle this week was named a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Athlete of the Week winner for Week 5 (Sept. 24-30). Parle beat a loaded field of 231 competitors in the girls’ 3A/4A race at the 5K Marysville Twilight Meet, on Sept. 30. Her winning time was 17:42.

Annual canine costume contest a howling good time

Best in show went to Yuki and Sakura teaming up as a 2-dog UPS delivery crew. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Oct. 7  “I think we’ve set a record this year,” said a beaming Diane Buckshnis as more than 30 costumed canines turned out for the annual Halloween Howl sponsored by Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE). “And not just in numbers. The creativity of this year’s costumes is beyond anything we’ve seen in the past.” Decked out in their Halloween finery, the pooches on parade spanned the gamut from classic Disney and Game of Thrones characters to food items to scary monsters to even a friendly UPS delivery crew bearing a package from Amazon.

Nearly 800 runners participate in 2017 Celebrate Schools 5K
Two- and four-legged runners take off down the track.

Oct. 7  Nearly 800 runners braved the chilly October morning Saturday for the Celebrate Schools 5K benefiting the Foundation for Edmonds School District. Lynndale Elementary once again had the most runners participate with 241. Sherwood Elementary and Brier Terrace Middle School were in second and third places respectively, with 99 and 92 runners.

Fundraiser launched for Edmonds bakery owner hospitalized in Florida

Oct. 8  A GoFundMe account has been started for Edmonds resident and business owner Nikolai Kulakevich, who is in a Jacksonville, Fla. hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage while on a cruise last week. Kulakevich and his wife Renata own and operate Ganache Patisserie and Cafe, at 407 Main St. Kulakevich also serves as pastor at Harvest Christian Center in Everett.

Edmonds Candidate Forum: City Council hopefuls share their stance on issues
Oct. 9 Edmonds City Council candidates, from left, Josh Thompson, Kristiana Johnson, Adrienne Fraley-Monillas and Al Rutledge faced off during candidate forum sponsored by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. Also appearing were candidates for the Edmonds Port Commission and School Board.
‘Financial health of Edmonds is strong’: Earling delivers 2018 budget plan to council

As he presented his 2018 budget message to the Edmonds City Council Tuesday night, Mayor Dave Earling was upbeat about the city’s current financial picture. Citing “the continued strong city, regional and national economy,” Earling said the city’s revenues are growing. Operating revenues for 2017 are projected to be 0.8 percent higher than 2016 actual revenues, and 2018 revenues are forecast to be 0.5 percent higher than 2017 projections, he said.

9-1-1 dispatch centers announce decision to consolidate

Oct. 12  The boards from Snohomish County’s two emergency dispatch centers — SNOCOM and SNOPAC — voted to consolidate the county’s two 9-1-1 centers, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Both SNOCOM, located in Mountlake Terrace, and SNOPAC, in Everett, were founded in the 1970s and are staffed 24 hours a day to answer police, fire and related emergency calls. SNOCOM serves roughly 30 percent of Snohomish County’s population while SNOPAC serves about 70 percent.

Clothes for Kids raises over $40,000 during Transforming Lives breakfast

Oct. 13  Over $40,000 in donations were raised for Clothes for Kids during its annual Transforming Lives fundraising breakfast. The nonprofit provides school wardrobes for kids in need in the Edmonds School District. (All photos by Natalie Covate)
Contractor dispute means more money for Edmonds Fishing Pier renovation
The council approved an additional $75,000 for the Edmonds Fishing Pier rehabilitation, which has been the subject of a contractor dispute.

Oct. 17  The Edmonds City Council approved an additional $75,000 for consultant fees and staff time related to substandard repairs made to the Edmonds Fishing Pier by Razz Construction, which was hired by the City in 2016 to complete the Fishing Pier Rehabilitation Project. The issue is deficient center joint repairs in 10 of the 11 pier bays, where the bond between new and old concrete has failed critical stress tests. Razz Construction did not remedy the problem during the final months of construction, the city says, and efforts are ongoing to ensure appropriate repairs are made.

Bail set at $1 million for 19-year-old man accused of murdering 6-year-old nephew

Oct. 18  Bail has been set at $1 million for Andrew Henckel, a 19-year-old man from Kerrville, Texas who is accused of murdering his 6-year-old nephew in Lynnwood. Dayvid Pakko, a first grader at Beverly Elementary School, was reported missing on Monday afternoon. His body was found in a dumpster near the apartment complex where he lived on Tuesday morning. Henckel, who was in Lynnwood for a family visit, was taken into custody that morning and arrested for murder by that afternoon after police say he described drowning the victim in a bathtub.

Homes in north Edmonds evacuated after mudslide ruptures natural gas line
A photo of the slide, courtesy South Snohomish County Fire.

Oct. 19  About 40 people in 30 homes were evacuated in a north Edmonds neighborhood after a 50-foot-by-100-foot mudslide crashed into a house, rupturing a natural gas line. South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Leslie Hynes said that Edmonds police began knocking on doors around 3:55 a.m. to evacuate residences near the damaged home, which was located on 73rd Place West north of Meadowdale Beach Road.

Ferry crew rescues man from overturned kayak off Edmonds

Oct. 20  Two crew members from the Washington State ferry Spokane rescued a man after his kayak overturned 50 yards north of Edmonds. According to Washington State Ferries spokeswoman Broch Bender, crew members who were dispatched from the ferry in a lifeboat. They pulled the man out of the water and took him to the beach, where he was met by South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue medics.

Upgrades to comply with federal disabilities act will cost $151 million, city council learns

Oct. 25  The Edmonds City Council learned that the city has a lot of work to do — and a lot of money to spend — to ensure that Edmonds’ sidewalks, curb ramps and traffic signals are accessible to people with disabilities. Transportation engineer Bertrand Haus told the council that the city in late 2016 hired a consultant to prepare an updated American with Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan to address physical obstacles within the city’s right-of-way and whether the city is meeting ADA legal requirements. The total cost to make all the improvements identified: $151.5 million. The city’s current total annual budget for these improvements is $220,000.

Waterfront Center gala kicks off community fundraising campaign
Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming greets Edmonds Schools Superintendent Kris McDuffy.(File photo by Larry Vogel)

More than 200 community leaders, elected officials and supporters came together for a gala breakfast event in support of the new Edmonds Waterfront Center. The Waterfront Center will replace the existing Edmonds Senior Center, expanding its reach to all generations. “I’m often asked ‘will seniors be forgotten,'” said Senior Center Executive Director Farrell Fleming. “Most emphatically no! We’re building a center for human beings of all ages, a place where age will be irrelevant. It will be a place where the generations can come together, share, learn from each other, and enrich each others’ lives.”

Magic of Edmonds Rotary auction raises $118,000 for good causes

Oct. 27  The Magic of Edmonds Rotary auction fully lived up to its theme last weekend. The presidents of Edmonds‘ two Rotary clubs — Chris Lindberg of Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary and Scott James of Rotary Club of Edmonds — said that the first Edmonds Community Auction exceeded everyone’s expectations, raising $118,000 for scholarships and other charitable endeavors.

Warriors take 3A district football crown with 38-17 win over Snohomish
The team celebrates being Wesco South Champions. (File photo by Karl Swenson)

Oct. 27  Edmonds-Woodway won the Wesco 3A South championship with a 38-17 win over Snohomish at Edmonds District Stadium. The Warriors (6-0 league, 8-1 overall) were led by quarterback Reilly Chappell, who completed 15 of 22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Jaro Rouse caught eight passes for 137 yards and two TDs.

Students Saving Salmon restore Shell Creek stream bank
Club members Emily McLaughlin-Sta. Maria, Ava Wilson and Elena Sta. Maria get a Western Hemlock seedling in the ground. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Oct. 28  It was a perfect fall morning as the Edmonds-Woodway High School Students Saving Salmon club gathered with club advisor Joe Scordino and others to continue their restoration work along the banks of Shell Creek just south of Holy Rosary Church. “Our past work here has been focused on removing invasive plants like blackberry and bindweed,” Scordino explained. “Today we’re putting in native plants to help give this section of the stream an ecological boost that will make it more hospitable to spawning salmon.”

Thousands turn out for picture-perfect Halloween
T-Rex and Vampirella compare their dental work. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Oct. 31  It was the first Halloween without rain in more than a decade, and thousands turned out to fill the streets of downtown Edmonds for the annual celebration of costumes, candy, monsters, mayhem and fun for kids of all ages — courtesy of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and local business owners.

EWHS girls soccer earns berth to state with 1-0 win over Marysville-Pilchuck
Kyra Hicks elevates for the header. (File photo by Karl Swenson)

Oct. 31  Edmonds-Woodway High School’s girls soccer team is state tournament-bound, following a 1-0 win over Marysville-Pilchuck in a 3A District semifinal game Tuesday night at Edmonds District Stadium. Kyra Hicks scored the lone goal for the Warriors (11-3-3), which won the state title in 2014 and finished third in 2015.

November
Warriors earn trip to state with 24-6 win over Gig Harbor
E-W Coach John Gradwohl congratulates his team after the win. (File photo by Karl Swenson)

Nov. 4  With a strong defensive effort and solid play from quarterback Reilly Chappell, Edmonds-Woodway  defeated the visiting Gig Harbor Tides 24-6 at Edmonds Stadium and earned a berth in the 2017 WIAA 3A State High School Football Tournament. The last time Edmonds-Woodway went to state in football was 2011. The Warriors, ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press 3A state poll, will face the winner of the Nov. 4 match-up between Stanwood and Eastside Catholic (ranked No.1 in the AP poll) on either Nov. 10 or 11 in the first round of the state championship tourney.

Holiday market kicks off a season of downtown festivities
Nov. 4 The Edmonds Downtown Holiday Market opened for the season with music, food and vendors aplenty selling hand-made gift items and offering samples of tempting treats. Here, a customer gets a jump on holiday shopping with customized kitchen tools from Sun Fire Artistry. (File photo by Larry Vogel)
Warrior girls finish 2nd, boys 4th at state cross country championships

Nov. 4  The Edmonds-Woodway Warriors led a contingent of runners from all four Edmonds School District high schools at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Cross Country Championships. With three runners finishing in the top five, the Warriors girls squad placed second in state for 3A classification teams. E-W’s Yukino Parle finished second among all runners in the 3A girls race; teammates Olivia Meader-Yetter and Stephanie Wroblewski ran to fourth and fifth place finishes respectively.

It’s fun and games for a good cause at annual Edmonds Museum gala
Becky Jamieson is easy to spot as she sells tickets to games.. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Nov. 4  Who says history has to be boring? The Edmonds Historical Museum changed up the format of its annual Heritage Days fundraising gala this year, offering a range of games — from corn hole to a wine toss to trivia — along with a silent auction, wine and beer, appetizers and dessert at Holy Rosary Parish Center. Emcee Eric Dubbury kept the evening lively, and Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling urged the nearly 200 attendees to give generously during the raise-the-paddle portion of the event.

Edmonds Museum Scarecrow Contest business, residential winners honored
Lord of the Crows, 1st Place Residential, Jacoby Family

Nov. 7  The winners of the 2017 Edmonds Scarecrow Festival were recognized and honored at a reception in the main exhibit area of the Edmonds Historical Museum. An annual event, the Edmonds Scarecrow Festival combines fun, creativity and community building as residents compete for the top prize in several different categories. First-place winners in each category received a certificate, a family or business membership to the museum, and the honor that comes with contributing to the fun of living in Edmonds.

African American workers find noose at Edmonds job site

Nov. 7  The City of Edmonds is looking into a recent incident at an Edmonds construction job site where two African American men found a noose hanging from a wooden beam when they arrived for work. According to an account from the Seattle Vocational Institute, which placed one of the workers on the job site at 50 Pine St., the worker came to the job site — later identified as the Building 10 multifamily housing project at Point Edwards — to find a noose “hanging in a spot designed for him to see it.”

Edmonds City Council incumbents on their way to four more years
Edmonds City Council incumbents Adrienne Fraley-Monillas, Mike Nelson and Kristiana Johnson celebrate at American Brewing Tuesday night. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Nov. 8  Edmonds voters were returning incumbents to Edmonds City Council positions in early returns. Councilmember Adrienne Fraley-Monillas and Kristiana Johnson each had comfortable leads over their respective challengers — Alvin Rutledge and Josh Thompson. Councilmember Mike Nelson was running unopposed. In races for Edmonds Port Commission, two of three incumbent commissioners were leading challengers but a third, Fred Gouge, was trailing opponent Angela Harris. The three challengers made protecting the Edmonds Marsh — which borders the port-owned Harbor Square Business Complex — a centerpiece of their campaign. And in the school board election, incumbent Ann McMurray was leading challeger Mitchell Below while Deborah Kilgore was ahead of Cathy Baylor in a race for an open seat.

Warriors move on to state girls soccer quarterfinals with 3-2 win over Bonney Lake

Kyra Hicks’ mid-shot that resulted in her second goal of the game, and the third for Edmonds-Woodway. (File photo by Scott Williams)

Nov. 8  After starting the year on the junior varsity team, Edmonds-Woodway sophomore Kyra Hicks soon found her way up to the varsity squad early in the season. The maturation of the young striker reached a new level as Hicks scored twice to lead the Warriors to a 3-2 win over the visiting Bonney Lake Panthers in a WIAA 3A State Girls soccer tournament match played at Edmonds Stadium. The Warriors (13-2-2) will next face the Mercer Island Islanders in a state tourney quarterfinal match.

Contractor fires superintendent, foreman on duty at time of Point Edwards noose incident

Nov. 9  The job superintendent and foreman on duty at the time that two African American employees found a noose at an Edmonds construction job site have been fired, according to a statement from the company managing construction for the project. Seattle-based Venture General Contracting announced that it “has terminated employment of the job superintendent and foreman” who oversaw work at the 68-unit Point Edwards Building 10 construction site. The company added that it “stands with others in the Edmonds community who are appalled by this highly offensive incident.”

No. 1 Eastside Catholic ends Warriors’ playoff hopes

Nov. 11  Eastlake Catholic defeated Edmonds-Woodway 42-13 in a first-round state high school football playoff game at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. With the loss, Edmonds-Woodway was eliminated from the WIAA 3A State Football Tournament, ending their 2017 season with a 9-2 record.

Warriors fall to Islanders in state soccer quarterfinal match

Nov. 11  With three appearances in the WIAA 3A State Girls Soccer Tournament over the past four years — including a state championship in 2014 — the seniors on the current Edmonds-Woodway Warriors squad have helped produced the most successful run in the sport the school has ever had. But that run ended for the five upperclassmen and the team  as the Warriors fell to the Mercer Island Islanders 2-0 in a state quarterfinal match at Edmonds Stadium.

First Veterans Day observance at new Edmonds Veterans Plaza
Nov. 11  The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the more than 125 veterans, families, dignitaries and citizens who were on hand for the first Veteran’s Day observance in the new Edmonds Veterans Plaza. (File photo by Larry Vogel)
E-W’s Broadhead earns 4th place at state swim championship in 100 yard freestyle

Nov. 12  Student athletes from Edmonds-Woodway, Meadowdale and Mountlake Terrace High School competed against the best swimmers from around the state at the WIAA State Girls Swimming and Diving Championships at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. E-W’s Morgan Broadhead brought home the top finish among Edmonds School District swimmers, earning fourth place in the 3A 100 yard freestyle.

Edmonds CC names interim college president during search

Nov. 14  As Edmonds Community College continues the search for its next president, the college’s Board of Trustees announced that Christina Castorena, vice president for student services, will serve as its interim president. Castorena will serve as interim president until the Board of Trustees concludes its presidential search and appoints the college’s next president. It is anticipated that the next president will begin duties no later than July 1.

Mayor brings Town Hall to Edmonds Library
Nov. 16  Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling conducted the latest of his own hall meetings in the Edmonds Library Plaza Room. (File photo by Teresa Wippel)
Edmonds man convicted of stealing from non-profit Sea Cadet program

Nov. 17  A 49-year-old Edmonds man who defrauded the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps of more than $50,000 was convicted in U.S. District Court in Seattle following a four-day jury trial. Michael Noel Leighton was convicted of four counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement. The jury deliberated about two hours before returning the verdicts. U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly scheduled sentencing for Feb. 22, 2018.

Councilmembers propose changes, additions to 2018 City of Edmonds budget

Nov. 22  After weeks spent listening to city department directors make their case for various projects and, in some cases, staffing as part of the 2018 draft city budget, Edmonds City councilmembers had a chance to offer their own ideas. The most sweeping set of proposals came from Councilmember Mike Nelson, who suggested deleting five items from Mayor Dave Earling’s budget and using that money instead for several other initiatives that he believes should take higher priority. Among them, hiring a second K-9 police officer to reflect community concerns about public safety and a climate/renewable energy consultant to both measure the city’s effectiveness in that area and assist Edmonds in reaching renewable energy goals. Nelson also proposed establishing regional funds of $250,000 each to address homelessness and opioid addiction.

Costumed crowd pounds the pavement at 3rd annual Edmonds Police Foundation Holiday Dash
Sam the dog leads his family across the finish line. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Nov. 25  What started three years ago as a fun kick-off to the local holiday season has grown into a major community event. This year’s Edmonds Police Foundation fundraiser attracted an estimated 200 adults, kids and canines for a 5K run through downtown Edmonds, all to support a good cause. “We had more than 150 preregistered,” said event organizer and Edmonds Police Foundation president Darlene Stern, as runners began gathering at the Civic Field Boys and Girls Club starting line. “But right now we’ve got a line out the door and down the street of folks looking to get in on the fun and sign up today.”

Nov. 25  Light rain didn’t dampen the spirits o those gathered for the annual Edmonds Tree Lighting Saturday, the official kickoff to the city’s holiday season (File photo by David Carlos).
Hazel Miller Foundation announces $1.5 million award for Civic Field redevelopment

Nov. 27  The Hazel Miller Foundation on Monday said that it is donating $1.5 million to support the redevelopment of Civic Field in downtown Edmonds. The announcement was made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, who presented a ceremonial check for the grant funds at Civic Field to City of Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling and the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. “This is wonderful news for our entire community that deserves to be celebrated,” says City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Carrie Hite.

Edmonds resident Adam Cornell to run for Snohomish County Prosecutor

Nov. 27  Edmonds resident Adam Cornell, a 15-year Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor, announced that he is running for the job of Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney in 2018. Cornell, a Democrat, has received the endorsement of incumbent Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe, who is retiring from the position. He has also received the endorsement of Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, Police Chief Al Compaan and the entire Edmonds City Council.

Budget discussions heat up as council debates Edmonds funding priorities

Some heated discussions (literally) were in order Tuesday night as Edmonds City Councilmembers discussed their ideas for changes to the city’s proposed 2018 budget. Councilmember Neil Tibbott stated that Councilmember Mike Nelson’s proposals to allocate $250,000 toward a fund that could be used to address homelessness reminded him of his recently microwaved lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers — a good idea but half-baked, since Nelson didn’t have particulars to share on how the fund would work. “I’d like this to be more cooked before we commit to $250,000,” Tibbott said.

December
The Hideaway goes away — Marina Beach shipwreck cleared
Crews secure the boat to the trailer. (File photo by Larry Vogel)
Dec. 1  It’s been a month since the cabin cruiser The Hideaway ran aground off the Edmonds Marina Beach dog park on Halloween night. Since then, the boat has been stranded on the beach, attracting the attention of park visitors and sustaining additional damage almost daily by wind and tide action. The City of Edmonds has been working with the boat owner, the owner’s insurance company and the State Department of Natural Resources to come up with a plan to remove it. It all came together Friday morning when crews from Global Diving and Salvage brought in a crane, a specialized trailer and other heavy equipment and began the delicate process of safely hoisting the Hideaway off the beach, securing it to a trailer, and finally removing it from the site.
City Council approves homeless, opioid funds as part of final budget; elects Mike Nelson 2018 president

Dec. 5  The Edmonds City Council approved an amended 2018 city budget that includes half a million dollars to address homeless and opioid addiction issues, $106,000 for a new police officer, a $41,250 contribution to the Snohomish County Health District and $130,000 for a climate/renewable energy consultant. In addition, the council voted unanimously to appoint Councilmember Mike Nelson as its 2018 president.

 

Hundreds honor President Jean Hernandez as she prepares to leave Edmonds CC

Edmonds CC’s Triton mascot escorts Dr. Jean Hernandez to the stage during a retirement party in her honor. (File photo by Teresa Wippel)

Dec. 7  Hundreds of well-wishers gathered in Woodway Hall on the Edmonds Community College campus to honor outgoing College President Dr. Jean Hernandez. One by one, those who had worked with Hernandez — from the colleges Board of Trustees to faculty members to students to community members to elected officials — described the attributes that Hernandez had brought to the school during her six years as president.

Holy Rosary Singers take top honors in first Downtown Edmonds Caroling Competition
Nov. 7  The Holy Rosary Christmas Carolers warm up their pipes before going on stage for the first-ever caroling contest in downtown Edmonds. The group took the top prize in the people’s choice contest. (File photo by Larry Vogel)
‘This place is pure love’: Edmonds Toy Shop makes dreams come true for families in need
Tears streaming down her face, Georgia Melton gets a hug from personal shopper Diane Jackson. “This is beyond anything I could have imagined,” Melton said. (File photo by Larry Vogel)

Dec. 9  For the eighth year in a row, the Edmonds United Methodist Church fellowship hall became a Saturday morning magic carpet for families in need, a veritable holiday wonderland of toys, books, ornaments, music and dozens of scurrying volunteer elves filling customer baskets with all the makings of a festive holiday. The best part — you don’t need money to shop here. All items are either new or gently used, the result of generous donations by members of our community.

Edmonds officers subdue man after he attempts to take police handgun

Dec. 12  What started as a routine Edmonds police call for a suspicious circumstance  quickly turned violent when an intoxicated suspect attempted to grab an officer’s handgun. Officers were able to subdue the suspect, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Edmonds School Board swears in new member, selects 2018 officers
Superintendent Kris McDuffy swears in board members Deborah Kilgore for the first time and Ann McMurray for a new term. (File photo by Natalie Covate)

Dec. 12  During its last meeting of the year, the newest member of the Edmonds School Board was sworn in. Deborah Kilgore replaces Susan Phillips, who did not run for re-election in 2017. “It’s been such a long road and I’m so glad to be here finally,” Kilgore said, taking her seat at the dais for the first time. Board member Ann McMurray was also sworn in, after being re-elected to her position on the board.

Replacement Edmonds School District levy to appear on February ballot

Dec. 12  The Edmonds School Board approved a resolution to place a replacement school programs and operations levy on the Feb. 13, 2018 ballot. The levy would allow the district to collect $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value on residences within the district, which totals between an estimated $49 million and $78.5 million per year from 2019-2022.

Pedestrian crossing Highway 99 hit by car, transported to Harborview
Photo of the scene courtesy Edmonds Police

Dec. 14  Highway 99 near 238th Street Southwest was closed for about an hour after a car hit a pedestrian crossing the highway. The pedestrian, a woman, was transported to Harborview Medical Center with what are described as significant injuries to her lower legs and unknown internal injuries. According to Edmonds police Sgt. Shane Hawley, the woman, wearing dark clothing, crossed Highway 99 in the middle of the road at 7:10 a.m. She was not at a cross walk. A northbound driver hit her, but stopped after the collision.

Edmonds PD dog has his day: K-9 Hobbs nabs armed robbery suspect
Edmonds Police Officer Jason Robinson with K-9 Hobbs.

Dec. 17  Edmonds police gave credit to K-9 officer Hobbs for apprehending a suspect in Lynnwood Saturday afternoon following an armed robbery in Mountlake Terrace. The captured suspect was treated at Swedish Edmonds before being interviewed by detectives and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for robbery and burglary.

Mayor, council trade gifts of lobbyist, open space during special meeting

Dec. 21  Just four days before Christmas, the Edmonds City Council and Mayor Dave Earling participated in an early gift exchange of sorts. Voting during a special meeting Thursday night, the council agreed to allocate $72,000 to pay a federal lobbyist, which was high on the mayor’s wish list, and also approved a long-desired budget addition of its own: $200,000 that can be used for the potential purchase of open space.

City of Edmonds set to demolish Civic Park grandstands in January
Civic Park grandstands, which will be demolished in early 2018.

Dec. 21  As part of the Civic Park Master Plan adopted in February 2017, the City of Edmonds has contracted for the demolition of the Civic Park Grandstands for the first part of January. According to a city announcement, by the end of the year the city will be installing temporary construction fencing around the work site. The first part of the demolition — to begin on Jan. 2, 2018 — is a no-cost contract for Ballard Re-Use to remove all materials that are worthy of recycling.

Edmonds Way holiday light display a gift to the community
The lighted pathways around the building create a holiday wonderland where walkers are surrounded by colored lights and displays.

Dec. 22  Travelers coming into town along Edmonds Way have noticed it for years. A festive wonderland of lights appearing just after Thanksgiving and adding a touch of joy to the darkest weeks of the year. Most know it as the little white house at the corner of Edmonds Way and 236th Street Southwest, long-time home to SnoKing Massage and Spa. What is not immediately obvious is that the display is a personal project of building owner and local institution Mary Brubaker, one of the original 1983 founders of Edmonds Realty, and current owner of Mary’s Towing.

Warriors’ McAtee, Lawrence, Becker receive all-state football honors

Dec. 24  Three Edmonds-Woodway Warriors have been chosen for 2017 all-state football honors by the Associated Press sports writers of Washington state. Senior defensive lineman Tyler McAtee was selected for the 3A all-state team for his season-long performance that included 11.5 sacks for the Warriors. Seniors Dominic Lawrence and Noah Becker received honorable mentions — Lawrence for his play at linebacker and Becker at defensive back. McAtee, E-W qualified for the WIAA state football playoffs for the first time since 2011 and finished the 2017 season with a 9-2 record.

Edmonds gets snow for Christmas
Edmonds in the snow Christmas Eve afternoon. (File photo by Bill Anderson)

Dec. 24  For the first time in five years, Edmonds will have a White Christmas. Snow began falling Christmas Eve afternoon, with an accumulation of between 1-2 inches reported. The National Weather Service is predicting up to an additional inch of snow on Christmas Day. Cold temperatures were making driving hazardous, according to social media reports from Edmonds police and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Edmonds, Brier men plead not guilty to armed robbery of MLT pot store

Dec. 28  The two men charged as accomplices in the Nov. 21 armed robbery of Mountlake Terrace’s Rainier Cannabis have entered not guilty pleas. Both are awaiting trial, but under very different circumstances, with one free on bail and the other in custody. Bradford Marcellas Johnson, 20, of Edmonds was arraigned Tuesday, Dec. 26 in Snohomish County Superior Court before Judge George Appel on charges of first-degree armed robbery and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was only 28 days out of prison after serving time for the September 2015 robbery of another Snohomish County pot business, Patient Care 99 in south Everett. Bail was set at $50,000. Johnson posted bail and was released pending a March trial date.

 

 

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