All Stories - Mercer Island Reporter

Click Here for I-90 Bridge Updates

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Sewer lake line work begins

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Sewer lake line work begins

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Mercer Island celebrates PEAK groundbreaking

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

City officials, School Board members and representatives of the community gathered around a giant mound of dirt to celebrate the birth of PEAK on Monday morning. The June 29 groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a healthy crowd, including those who spear-headed the six-year project, steering committee members, individual donors and children with the Boys & Girls Club.

Caditz to run for Mercer Island School Board seat

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

After a long career of volunteer involvement in the Mercer Island PTA, estate planning and probate attorney Terri Caditz decided to run for the Mercer Island School Board of Directors Position Two this November. She faces physician Dave Myerson in the election

Mercer Island Reporter contributor recalls boat rescue

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Mercer Island police dispatch moves closer; regional operation center opens in Bellevue

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Until yesterday, if you dialed 911 in Mercer Island, your call was answered by an operator in Kirkland. As of today, that call will be routed to Bellevue City Hall. The Mercer Island police and fire department dispatch system has merged with 18 other departments under a new operation called Northeast King County Regional Communications Center (NORCOM). The new center, which is located in downtown Bellevue, consolidates dispatch for 19 Eastside fire and police departments under one roof. The move has been years in the making, according to Mercer Island Police Commander Leslie Burns, and has both operational and financial benefits.

Latest stats show Mercer Island growth, like state, sluggish

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Bridge watch: MI-Reporter.com to link coverage of I-90 bridge repairs

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

With another partial closure of the I-90 floating bridge looming, residents and motorists can stay informed of the latest construction-related developments through the Mercer Island Reporter.

School briefs

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

WASL dropped, new high school exam roll-out

Girls hoops fourth in Oregon

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

The Mercer Island High School girls basketball program finished the end of the academic year with a fourth-place finish at a prestigious off-season tournament.

Women’s golfing club celebrates 15 years

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

The Northwest Ladies Golf Association (NLGA), founded to organize and promote golf activities for women, is celebrating its 15th year as a premiere golfing organization for women. Organized leagues, weekend getaways, clinics, competitions and social events are among the benefits of belonging.

Mercer Island High grad Ross Miller takes 2nd in San Juan Marathon

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Wales on U.S. Rowing team for World Championships

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

It has been a great summer for Islander Michael Wales.

Eastside Catholic's Matt Boyd named '09 baseball MVP

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

MIHS grad places second in marathon

Locals’ favorite ways to putt around Puget Sound

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

There may not be space on the Island for an 18-hole golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant, but golf luxury abounds in Puget Sound. Within driving distance are some of Seattle’s oldest courses, as well as some of the newest. Locals have their favorites, with reasons ranging far and wide.

Ellsworth paintings coming to Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Summertime fun with Transformers 2

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Ballet brothers from Bellevue have big dreams

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Arts Scene | June 26

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Master Chorus Eastside presents 10th annual All-American Independence Celebration

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Artist returns to explore Bellevue, wealth, happiness

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

'Simply Sweet Jazz' to benefit jazz program at Interlake

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Bellevue Arts Museum's Michael Monroe honored by American Craft Council

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

Jason Mesnick has been asked about heartache before.

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

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:54 PDT

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

Islanders make good use of Craigslist

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Islander teen George Lejnine began fixing bikes when he was 12. Now, at 15, a sophomore at Mercer Island High School, he uses Craigslist to get out the word on his services. The teen has the only bike shop on the Island.

Bad economy, fuel prices reduce holiday travel, says AAA

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

MIHS grad brings English to schools in Laos

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Like many graduates from Mercer Island High School, Martin Momoda headed off to college and into the “real world” with big dreams about the future. But few could have predicted that he would wind up the sole proprietor of his own book company in the mountainous, rural Southeast Asian country of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.

Instructions not included | Lessons in discipline from the classroom

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

But babies do not arrive with instructions and effective parenting isn’t automatic. At Childhaven, we understand that all parents — even those who grew up in stable, loving families with good role models — can benefit from education and support.

Island family’s famous sauces vie for national attention

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

The Dore brothers, Barry and David, raised on Mercer Island, are in the top 10 of the first Homecookingstar.com recipe contest.

Lisa’s little tykes

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Planes above, Island views below

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

The Mercer Island rooftops, cars, backyard barbecues and garden chairs looked like plastic miniatures — detailed enough to recognize but small enough to pinch together with tweezers and modeling glue. But it was not until I saw an Island mother, child on hip, stroll out of the South-end QFC behind a packed shopping cart that I realized how close we actually were to the living miniatures below. Seven hundred and sixty feet, actually. That is how close we were.

Tax tip: check your withholding to avoid surprise next year

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

With 2009 nearly half over, the Internal Revenue Service reminds Washington state taxpayers that there is no better time to check their 2009 federal income tax withholding levels to make sure that they do not face any surprises when returns are due next spring.

YTN summer lineup

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) commences its 26th season with a stage adaptation of the beloved story “Winnie-the-Pooh.” Adapted by Kristen Sergel from the popular children’s book by A.A. Milne, “Winnie-the-Pooh’s” wit and special understanding of young people make this one of the most endearing plays for children.

Island mom graduates

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Mercer Island mother of two, Tracy Drinkwater, graduated from Seattle University on June 14 with a master’s in teaching degree. Her endorsement areas are in math and special education.

Teachers honored

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

The Mercer Island School District recognized and thanked this year’s retiring teachers on June 1, acknowledging their years of service in educating the community’s students.

Island Forum | Boys & Girls Club PEAK project is celebration of community

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

On June 29, the Mercer Island community broke ground on the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club PEAK project being built on the North Mercer High School Campus — not a few individuals or one organization, but the Mercer Island community.

Using pervious concrete long overdue

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Island Forum | Youth Theatre Northwest future is secure: a victory for MI

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

I am writing to share good news. For 25 years, Youth Theatre Northwest has been Mercer Island’s premiere, nonprofit, performing arts center. YTN has served tens of thousands of children and produced hundreds of theatrical productions. Last winter, the economic recession and a resulting decline in revenues threatened to end our legacy as the theater came very close to the brink of closure. In response, the theater launched a “Save YTN” campaign and the immediate support of many emergency donors kept our theater doors open through spring. After a momentous vote in the chambers of Mercer Island City Hall, our legacy has been secured for the future. On Monday, June 15, the City Council approved a historic allocation of $37,000 to the Theatre’s Emergency Appeal. This is not only a cause for celebration among our young students and their families, but a victory for the entire community.

Editorial | Immeasurable impact

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

What a gift to have had a pair like Mace and Janet Brady teaching in our schools. Both are skilled and highly educated teachers with a good measure of practical experience. They not only brought their passion for education into the classroom, but to their fellow teachers and staff. Each worked in different schools in the district and in many roles. A sample: For a time, Janet Brady worked with special education students, and Mace Brady took part in the extensive planning for the remodeling of Islander Middle School in the early 1980s. As a part of the Mercer Island School District team, they served on a myriad of committees and projects; celebrated the bonds they have with their fellow educators; and always went the extra mile to reach out to students and their parents — whether or not it was at school or an impromptu conference at QFC.

Editorial | No ordinary grads here

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Last week, another crop of young people, carefully nurtured and always anguished over, are done with an important phase of their lives.

Libraries, librarians are essential resources

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Libraries, librarians are essential resources

Dave Myerson for School Board

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

Dave Myerson, a longtime Island resident and a parent in the MISD, represents the concerns and ideas that many parents share. He has the insight, experience and passion to bring about change, which will culminate in improved education in the MISD. I look forward to a revamped math education, as I have seen too much experiment with “New Math” with my children. Dave Myerson is committed to the MISD’s 2020 Vision to ensure that our students have the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century. Please visit Dave Myerson’s Web site at www.dave4mi.com to learn more and vote with me for Dave!

Clarke Beach trash

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:27:55 PDT

I go to Lakeridge Elementary, and I’m in second grade. At my school, we have a project called the Giraffe Club. The Giraffe Club is a program to help your community. I chose to up clean Clarke Beach two times. I packed a shovel, a pair of gloves, and a couple of bags. When I went to Clarke Beach, there was way too much trash there!