All Stories - Mercer Island Reporter

Detours posted for I-5 between Mount Vernon and Burlington

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Check WSDOT for updates and detours as the I-5 bridge collapse is under investigation. The bridge is to remain closed indefinitely.

Mercer Island School District's Dingle wants to get bond issue finished, announces reelection bid

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

After a bruising defeat of the bond measure designed to bring Mercer Island schools into a place for 21st century learning, School Board member Adair Dingle said she is determined to stay on the board to ensure that the next such measure — greatly revised and reduced in scope from the original measure — will pass.

King County urges caution on lakes, rivers over the long Memorial Day weekend

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the summertime outdoor recreation season, and King County officials are urging everyone to use caution when around open water.

Mercer Island police consider social media options | On the beat

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Mercer Island Police Officer Rob Jira answers frequently asked questions from Mercer Island residents.

Washington State Transportation Commission approves toll increase on 520 bridge

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a toll increase for the State Route 520 bridge beginning on July 1.

Gravel truck overturns on East Mercer Way

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Neighbors heard a loud boom, then the sound of spilling gravel.

Mercer Island School District board meeting Thursday, May 23

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island School District Board of Directors will hold a second regular meeting of the month on Thursday, May 23.

Mercer Island School District appoints new elementary associate principal

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island School District has announced it has filled the new elementary associate principal position. The position will be filled by Aimee Batliner-Gillette, who will work with all three elementary schools beginning next fall.

Heavy traffic expected for Memorial Day weekend, travelers urged to plan ahead

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Anyone heading out of town for Memorial Day weekend is encouraged to plan ahead, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Heavy traffic is expected along state freeways, including I-90 across Mercer Island.

How to help people affected by Oklahoma tornados

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

A massive tornado swept through Moore, Okla. on Monday, May 20, after a deadly weekend of storms throughout the Midwest.

Mercer Island 5/6 silver lacrosse team finishes season undefeated | Sports brief

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island boys 5/6 grade silver lacrosse team finished the season undefeated.

Mercer Island golfer completes first round at state tournament | Girls prep golf

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island girls golf team sent one golfer to the 3A state tournament in Woodland, Wash.

Mercer Island beats Lakeside, advances to state quarterfinals Thursday | Boys prep lacrosse

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island boys lacrosse team punched a ticket to the state quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 21 with a 9-4 win over Lakeside.

Mercer Island athletes win district titles, qualify for state track meet | Prep track and field

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Seventeen members of the Mercer Island track and field team competed at last week’s SeaKing District competition, several earning district titles by winning their events.

Mercer Island wins out regular season, prepares for playoffs | Boys prep lacrosse

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island boys lacrosse team won it's last two games of the regular season last week and began the state tournament this week.

Mercer Island fifth at state tournament | Girls prep water polo

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island girls water polo team finished in fifth place at the state tournament last weekend.

Mercer Island resident advances to 3A state tennis tournament | Sports brief

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Mercer Island resident Shea Wojchiehowski has earned a second trip to the 3A state tennis tournament after finishing in third place in the SeaKing District tournament on Wednesday, May 15.

Mercer Island basketball team first at Spokane tournament | Sports brief

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island ECBA eighth grade team ICE, recently traveled to Spokane for the Warehouse May Madness tournament. The team finished first overall.

Mercer Island's season ends at district tournament | Prep fastpitch

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island faspitch team's historic season came to a close on Thursday, May 16 when the team lost to Bainbridge in the SeaKing district tournament.

Mercer Island wins first district game in over a decade | Prep fastpitch

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

The Mercer Island fastpitch team recorded it's first SeaKing district tournament win in over a decade on Wednesday, May 15.

'Chicago' brings a little more Razzle Dazzle to Village Theatre stage

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

There's a certain level of expectation that comes with putting on a musical that's already established itself around the world. Especially if said musical currently stands as the second longest running production on Broadway. And if the stage version has called on some of the biggest and best names in show biz to fill it's roles. Even more so, if it was made in to an Oscar-award winning movie.

Mercer Island to be featured on Friday, May 10 edition of Evening Magazine

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Mercer Island will be featured on this Friday's edition of Evening Magazine.

The Scene

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

TV’s soon to be ex-bachelor will stay on Eastside

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Jason Mesnick has been asked about heartache before.

On the Crest of Comedy | MIHS grads bring Island school into New York limelight

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Mercer Island High School graduates Alex Ricciardi and Adam Goodman have brought a piece of their past to the big screen.

Ballet Bellevue sets photo contest; company’s dancers to serve as models

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Tutus may start appearing in Bellevue any time of day or night, rain or shine, as photographers both amateur and professional choose their favorite Ballet Bellevue dancer for a chance to win the $500 First Prize in Ballet Bellevue’s “This is YOUR Ballet Bellevue” Photo Contest. Prizes of $200 and $100 also will be awarded for second and third places.

Jessica Simpson, Wynonna Judd, Sergio Mendes top Snoqualmie Casino entertainment

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Jessica Simpson, Wynonna Judd and Sergio Mendes will headline the entertainment lineup at the Snoqualmie Casino.

Out & About in Bellevue | Sept. 27

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Foolscap: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 27; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 28. Science-fiction convention features books, art and panel discussions. Cost: $45-$50. Marriott Hotel, 17401 164th Ave. N.E., Redmond. 206-938-2452 or www.foolscapcon.org.

Seattle Childrens Theatre to present 'Night of the Living Dead' | Photo

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Bellevue A&E Calendar | Sept. 27

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:29 PDT

Calendars are published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis. Items for the Wednesday edition must be submitted by noon the previous Thursday. Items for the Saturday edition must be submitted by noon the previous Tuesday. To submit an item, e-mail calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

What To Wear closes, owner retires

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

After 12 years on Mercer Island, What To Wear is closing this week. The boutique's owner, Mia Kammerer, is retiring. Today is the shop's last day of business.

Huey is a cat about town

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

At first glance, the tabby cat with distinctive markings and sea-green eyes wandering the streets around the edge of the North end business district looks like a stray. Upon closer contact, however, the cat is not feral — he is unafraid and curious.

Intrepid traveler, Bob Lewis tours North Korea

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

One month after North Korea’s third nuclear test, Bob Lewis boarded a plane to Pyongyang. Lewis, 81, a retired dentist, has visited many places — Vietnam, Mexico, the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and even Iran and Cuba.

Mercer Island artist's sculpture to be featured on NBC's Grimm

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Fans of the NBC show Grimm know to expect the unexpected. The same is true for a Mercer Island artist whose sculpture will be featured on the May 7 episode of the show.

Gluten Free Foodies

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

The Scene

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Timi Gustafson, R.D.

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Mercer Island kids go sledding

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Video: Halloween on Mercer Island

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Photographer Chad Coleman records the action around town during trick or treat.

Scary trucks | Editorial

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

These super-sized vehicles are obviously not very maneuverable.

Do you find the MISD listening sessions helpful? | Online poll

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

The Mercer Island School District, starting this week, is holding several listening sessions for the community to discuss the proposed draft bond.

Should state government data have better security? | Online poll

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Last week it was announced that the Washington state Administrative Office of the Courts database was hacked in February. Hundreds of individuals’ private information was accessed.

Full EIS will likely delay toll decision | Editorial

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Uncertainty about tolling will still affect the economy here.

Guns and laws | Editorial

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Nothing is as important as keeping guns out of the wrong hands.

Are you concerned with the lake’s water quality? | Online poll

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:30 PDT

Late last week a massive sewage spill of around 70,000 gallons leaked into Lake Washington at Marina Park in Kirkland.

Letter | It’s a dog’s life, city does not have leash law

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

Reading about the Councilman and his dog reminded me of an incident last summer. I was walking past the children’s playground in Mercerdale Park and a large, unleashed dog jumped on me from behind.

Letter | Big trucks unsafe at any speed on East Mercer Way

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

It is my suggestion to the City Council members that an ordinance be passed banning these dual trailer loaded trucks from East/West Mercer Way. There is no way that these monster vehicles can safely navigate the sharp curves on these roads.

Letter | Freshy’s is a good neighbor

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

Mercer Island has a good neighbor! Freshy’s Seafood Market allowed the Mercer Island Learning Lab parents to park in their lot while their children visited the care center patients.

Letter | More on iPads at schools

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

In the spirit of carrying on constructive discussion with my good friend Greg Kim and other readers, I am writing to provide my reasoning for why the school district made a smart decision in purchasing 1,600 new iPads for students.

Letter | Mercer Island seniors will be hurt by tolls on I-90

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

I’m a Mercer Island senior citizen, as is one-fifth of our population here. I can barely afford the property taxes on our Social Security income, but will be very burdened by the tolling tax. Please don’t put us all into a stereotypical socioeconomic bundle.

Letter | Cartoon is bizarre

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

I find the implication to be drawn from your opinion page cartoon bizarre at best. It shows an overweight woman smoking a cigarette while dumping her lifesavings into a slot machine and complaining about politicians raising taxes.

Letter | MIHS band to benefit from Community Fund

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

On behalf of the Mercer Island Schools Band Booster board, I’d like to thank the Community Fund for their generous grant, which allowed us to purchase a brand new podium for the marching band.

Letter | iPads at school are a positive addition to learning

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

As a current student at the high school, I find my iPad very useful, and I believe that they are well worth the cost.

Letter | Guild phone books are community effort

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

Thank you to everyone who helped on mailing day, March 15, 2013, when the Mercer Island Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital delivered over 6,500 directories to Mercer Island residents and businesses.

Letter | Support initiative to strengthen gun control

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:05:31 PDT

I was glad to see the article about the group (of prominent local clergy, law enforcement and public health leaders) who are working together to start an initiative about gun control.