Sheriff finds body in burned out car in Black Diamond

May 6
King County Sheriff's Fire Investigators discovered the burned remains of a body in the trunk of a car early Sunday morning.

Initially, the Mountain View Fire Department responded to a report of a car fire in the area of SE 328th Street and SE Auburn Black Diamond Road. When the fire department arrived, the car was fully engulfed in flames, according to a King County Sheriff spokesperson.

King County Sheriff's Office Fire Investigators were then called to the scene to conduct an arson investigation, and as they were conducting their work, they discovered the burned remains of the body.

King County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes is now investigating the scene.

Fairwood Area High Schools show well in Judo

April 28
Recent standings for the Puget Sound High School Judo League show Kentridge and Kentwood High Schools in a first place tie, with a 7-1 win/loss record.

According to Coach Davis Philip, Wednesday night's matches resulted in a close 75-70 win by Kent Meridian over Enumclaw, a 100-50 win by Kentwood over Enumclaw, and a 107-50 win by Kentridge over Kent Meridian.

The next event is the Wilson Cup Challenge today, April 28, beginning at 6 p.m. An alumni social is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. in the Kentridge Cafeteria, accordiing to Leslie Mizuki, PSHSJL commissioner and Kentwood Judo Coach.

STANDINGS

Fairwood Grieves Loss of Beloved Nelsen School Counselor
Jim Graham

Renton School District, April 19
Renton School District recently announced the premature passing of a beloved educator. Jim Graham passed away on the night of Saturday, April 14, due to injuries sustained after being hit by a car in Seattle.

Jim was a longtime Benson Hill Elementary School counselor, who recently began working full time at Nelsen Middle School. He was well-loved by students and staff at Nelsen, Benson Hill and throughout the Renton School District.

"He worked well with students and families, offering care, professional insight, and support on many issues.  He was a wonderful member of the Renton School District family and will be missed," said District Spokesperson Randy Matheson.

Memorial services for Jim Graham
Saturday, April 21, 2 p.m.
Center for Spiritual Living
5801Sand Point Way NE, Seattle

KC Sheriff asks public for help with Maple Valley Robbery

King County Sheriff, April 17
Maple Valley- The King County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect who robbed a Subway Sandwich Shop at gun point.

On Tuesday, March 27 around 3:40 PM, the suspect entered a Subway store in the 27200 block of 216 Ave SE in Maple Valley. The suspect entered the business holding a handgun, ran to the counter, jumped over and told the employee, "Give me the money." The employee asked if he was serious and he replied, "Yes I'm serious." 

The suspect nudged the employee with his left hand and she opened the register. The suspect took the money from the cash register, jumped back over the counter and exited the store. The suspect fled eastbound toward Kent Kangley Rd. on a bicycle, possibly blue in color.

The suspect is described as a white male, 20-35 years old, approximately 5’11” with a thin build.  He has a pale, freckled complexion, and light blue or green eyes.  He was last seen wearing a white and blue or grey hooded jacket, a black and white skeleton print bandana, dark gloves, blue jeans and “skater shoes.”

Detectives believe this suspect may also be linked to two other robberies that have occurred in the area within the last 3 weeks.  On March 30th  the 4 Corners Teriyaki located in the 26900 block of SR 169 was robbed by a suspect with a similar description, and on April 16th the Pro Shop at the Elk Run Gold Course in the 22500 block of SE 275th St was also robbed. Detectives said in each of these cases the descriptions and M.O.’s were similar. 

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.  Callers can remain anonymous.  If you have information related to this crime please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) 

YouTube videos of the robbery are also available for the public to view online. See them by clicking the links below:

Video #1

Video #2

Kentlake Students Arrested for Gun Possession

King County Sheriff, March 4
Two Kentlake High School students have been arrested by King County Sheriff’s deputies for possessing a handgun on school property.  At approximately 10:00 a.m. today, Sheriff’s deputies received a call from school officials who said two students had been showing off a gun to other students.

Deputies responded and contacted the 16 and 17 year-old males in a classroom.   The 16 year-old
had the gun concealed in his backpack which was reportedly given to him by the 17 year-old.  

The older of the two told police he had taken the gun from his aunt’s house without her knowledge after recently visiting her in Eastern Washington.  Both boys are currently being detained, and deputies will contact Youth Services to see if the boys meet the requirements for booking.

There were no reports of threats made by either subject. It is unclear at this time why the gun was
brought to school.

Fairwood Homeowner Tied Up During Home Invasion Robbery

March 22, King County Sheriff's Office
A 28 year-old man was tied up in his home by three armed suspects just minutes after he returned home from work today.

The victim walked into his home in the Fairwood area, 18500 block of 139th Way SE, about 1:30 this afternoon and heard glass break near the back of his house.  He walked to the back of the house and was confronted by three men with handguns who had entered through the broken sliding glass door.  One of the suspects held a gun to the victim’s head as the other two suspects searched and ransacked the house.

The suspects used broken English as they spoke to the victim but spoke Spanish to each other.  The suspects used the victim’s shoelaces to tie up his hands and legs before fleeing with money and jewelry.   It is believed the suspects had a driver in a vehicle waiting for them.  The victim was able to free his legs, exit his house, and yell for someone to call the police.

The suspects are described as three black males, each approximately 20 years old, wearing hooded sweatshirts, jeans, and tennis shoes.  Two of the suspects wore black and white gloves.  All are reported to be fluent in Spanish.  

If you have information related to this crime please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours).

14 Year Old Arrested for Bringing Gun to Northwood Middle School

March 19
King County Sheriff's Office reported that a 14 year-old boy was escorted from his classroom and arrested today when he was found to be in possession of a handgun. The incident occurred at Northwood Middle School in the 17000 block of SE 184 St today around 12:30 p.m.   The boy reportedly showed the gun to another student and was also overheard by other students talking about having a gun.  

Students contacted a school security officer who immediately called the police. 

Deputies responded to the scene and contacted the boy in a classroom.  The boy was escorted out of the classroom for the safety of the others students, and once outside the classroom, deputies discovered the boy had the gun in his jacket.    He was arrested without incident and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.

The gun was not loaded and the boy was not in possession of any ammunition for the gun.  The gun’s serial number had been obliterated.

Boy Scout Troop 455 to hold Annual Pancake Breakfast March 17

It's time for the annual Pancake Breakfast, which will be cooked and served by the local Troop 455 at the Fairwood Community United Methodist Church - 15255 SE Fairwood Blvd.

All are encouraged to come and enjoy a great breakfast on Saturday March 17 from 7 to 11 am. The scouts will be in full uniform to serve; and books, CDs, games, and other items will also be available for purchase at the book fair and bake sale. Because the fair is focused on donations, Troop Leader Chris Merrill says buyers will be able to name your own price.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 10 and under. The area will be decorated in a scouting theme - Camping with photo displays of recent activities and a running slide show of some recent adventures like summer camp, outings and a 50-mile hike in the Olympic Mountains.

Tickets will be on sale at door or you may contact Karen Hake 425-288-7453. http:/www.troop455.com/

Thank you for supporting the Fairwood area Boy Scouts

Fairwood local organizes, reaches out to Sammamish High grads
for 50th Class Reunion

by Julie Thurlow Brown
Sammamish High School class of 1962 is planning their 50 Class Reunion, set for September 14-September 16. The Dinner and social events will be held at The Coast Bellevue Hotel.

The Reunion committee is busy planning a great weekend and working very hard trying to find all of our classmates.  A website has been set up at www.sammamish62.com .  If you are a member of the class of 1962 and graduated from Sammamish High School, please go online and register as a member and sign up to attend the reunion.

Finding all of our classmates has not been any easy task, so if you would like to help, please contact any of us on the committee. The Class Reunion Committee consists of: Julie Thurlow Brown, Esther Miller Robinson, Bill Davidson, Janet Lipset Gindin and Pat Jones Decker.

Julie Thurlow Brown not only is dedicated to her alma mater, she has lived in the Fairwood area for over 40 years and has taught in the Kent School District for 32 years. Bravo!

Renton Rotary names Leah Fox as February Youth of the Month

Leah Fox, senior at Lindbergh High, was recently announced as Renton Rotary's Youth of the Month for February. Rox has a 3.6 GPA. Activities include Swim, Tennis, and Wrestling (Manager) teams. She has received the Most Improved Award for Swim and has also received various JV and Varsity Letters. She has also been a part of Treehouse Foundation and volunteers with Genesis Diez, a program where youth work with orPrphans in Mexico. Future plans include attending a four-year college and join the Peace Corps to teach English in South America. Professionally, Fox would like to teach high school Spanish or become a translator.

Rotary members recognize three Renton School District high school students each month as Youth of the Month.After being selected by counselors at each of the district’s three high schools, a selection committee of Rotary members reviews applications and interviews students to identify those who will be selected as Youth of the Month.

The award is given to students who possess leadership abilities, maintain a good grade point average, participate in school activities and volunteer in their community.

The students and their parents are honored guests at a regular Rotary luncheon.

Panda Express to fill portion of Hollywood Video Space

December 8
Fairwood Shopping Center continues its transformation with the addition of Panda Express, a national chain of over 1,400 restaurants in 42 states, that is often described as fast-food Chinese cuisine.

The store will fill almost 2,000 square feet of retail space, located next to Taco Time where Hollywood Video was previously located. Currently under construction, Panda Express does not fill the full space occupied by Hollywood Video. Just over 1,900 square feet remains vacant for another tenant adjacent to this new shopping center addition.

With the reconfiguration of the Fairwood Shopping Center, six spaces are listed as available.

With the addition of Panda Express, eight businesses feature some type of Asian Cuisine in the immediate Fairwood area, including Golden Peacock, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, Miako's, Pho Hut, and Safeway on the north side of Petrovitsky and Thai Destination and Chiang's Gourmet to the south in the Fairwood Squre Shopping Center.

Renton School District Selects Traylor
as December's Student of Month for Lindbergh High

December 1 Rotary Club of Renton has selected their Youths of the Month for December. Rotary members recognize three Renton School District high school students each month as Youth of the Month. After being selected by counselors at each of the district’s three comprehensive high schools, a selection committee of Rotary members reviews applications and interviews students to identify those who will be selected as Youth of the Month. The award is given to students who possess leadership abilities, maintain a good grade point average, participate in school activities and volunteer in the community.

The students and their parents are honored guests at a regular Rotary luncheon.

Elizabeth Traylor, senior at Lindbergh High School was selected as the December Youth of the Month. Elizabeth holds a 3.8 G.P.A.; has been a member of Key Club, Speech and Debate Team, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Robotics Club; has received National Honor Society Award, and Student of the Month.

She has received awards in several subjects and volunteers with Key Club, helping students at a nearby elementary school.

Elizabeth plans to attend a four-year college or university where she will major in biology and social sciences. She is interested in a career involving biology, communication, history and human rights.

Auburn Library Achitect to Show Fairwood Library Plans,
Seek Public Input at December 1 Meeting

Above is Architect Schacht Aslani's concept drawing for the Auburn Branch expansion. This architect
was also awarded the contract for the Fairwood Library expansion project.

November 25, 2011
King County Library System and the Fairwood Library will hold a public meeting on Thursday, December 1 to share plans and seek public input on the Fairwood Library expansion project. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The project began this year and is currently in the schematic design phase.

Schacht | Aslani is the architect of this project, tasked with designing a 5,000 square foot expansion to the library.

A part of a ten-year, $172 million capital bond program voters approved in 2004, the Fairwood expansion project is one of three projects begun in 2011. When complete, the Fairwood Library will total 20,000 square feet with total project costs estimated at $2.95 million.

Other projects with a 2011 start date include the Federal Way Branch, 320th Street project, and the Library Connection at Southcenter. KCLS currently has 11 projects that are "active" projects in progress, and 11 "future" projects still to be launched.

King County Sheriff's Maple Valley Precinct
to Close December 5

November 23, 2011
The King County Sheriff’s Maple ValleyPrecinct will be closing its doors to the public starting Monday, December 5. The precinct will be combined with the City of Covington's in the next few weeks. KC's Kenmore Precinct is also scheduled to be closed on December 5.

The closure is part of an effort by the Sheriff’s Office to save money and move deputies closer to the citizens and communities they serve.  The Sheriff estimates that the moves will save King County taxpayers more than $8 million over the next 20 years by closing these facilities. 

“We are saving money, strengthening our relationships with our contract city partners, and improving our access and visibility for the benefit of the citizens of King County,” Said Sheriff Sue Rahr. 

The Maple Valley Precinct will be combined with the City of Covington and is expected to be open by January 1. The Kenmore Precinct will move to Sammamish City Hall and will be open by February 1.   

Services that have traditionally been provided to the public at the precincts such as concealed pistol licenses (CPL) and fingerprinting will be temporarily available at other locations until the moves are complete. The Burien and SeaTac Precincts will provide fingerprinting and concealed pistol licenses for individuals who would normally have gone to the Maple Valley Precinct.  The public is encouraged to call and make an appointment for these purposes. 

The SeaTac Police Station is located at 4800 S. 188th St., (206) 973-4900. The Burien Police Station is located at 14905 6th Ave. SW, (206) 296-3333. 

The downtown Sheriff’s Office located at the King County Courthouse also provides fingerprinting and concealed pistol licenses on a walk in basis.  The address is 516 3rd Ave. Suite 150, located on the first floor of the courthouse.

Kentridge HS Features Fall Musical 'Sideshow'

November 2, 2011 Kentridge High School's Drama Program opens its season with the Fall Musical "Sideshow," running November 2-5 and November 8, 10-12 at Kentridge's auditorium. Curtain times for each night is at 7 p.m., and an additional show, a 2 p.m. matinee, runs on Saturdays. The musical tells the story of a pair of Siamese twin "freaks" who leave the sideshow business for a vaudeville career. The story examines searches for survival and love through both careers. Reserved and general tickets are $10 and $8.

Bank Robber Flees on Foot,
Attempts Car-Jacking, Gets Arrested

June 1
A man robbed the Bank of America in the 23700 block of Witte Road SE in Maple Valley this morning.  He was captured by Sheriff’s deputies, detectives, and Maple Valley Police about 10 minutes later. Following the addresses will show there were no best-layed plans for this suspect.

With a bandana over his face, the man walked into the bank about 9:10 AM and gave the teller a note demanding money.  She complied and the man left the bank.  (This is where his plan started to unravel.)

Apparently the robber didn’t have his getaway planned very well, so he tried to carjack a car in the 23600 block of Wax Orchard Road.  However, perhaps because he was unarmed, the carjacking was a no-go.

Shortly thereafter, he was seen by a citizen vaulting a six foot fence and running into a back yard in the 21600 block of Wax Road.  The man was located in the yard and arrested without incident.

The suspect is 44 years old with a Maple Valley home address.  He also had an outstanding arrest warrant for Escape from Community Custody.  He is a convicted felon.  The money was recovered.

Lindbergh High Prepares for Annual Auction,
Night of Fun April 30
Friday, April 22, 2011

Lindbergh Eagle Boosters have been preparing for its 10th Annual Spring Fundraising Event, scheduled for next Saturday, April 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. This year's theme is "Come Join the Fiesta!" located in the school's cafeteria.

According to Eagle Booster Carrie Wong, this annual event engages the greater Fairwood community, staff, students and parents to celebrate and support Lindbergh's activities. Activities for the evening include both a Silent and Live Auction, Student Entertainment, and Dinner and Dessert. The cost of admission is just $15. To receive an early bid number, contact Carrie Wong at sidekik@msn or call 425-271-0743. Donations are still being accepted.

Driver Rescued from Covington Creek
Tuesday, March 15, 2011

A witness flagged down four other people, all of whom waded into the creek. When they could not rescue the man any other way, they were able to upright the truck back onto its wheels. The driver was unconscious from a serious head injury and his seatbelt was choking him.  One of the rescuers cut the seatbelt with a knife.

The man was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.

Investigators have not yet discovered why the truck veered off the roadway.

Recycle Electronics for Free this Weekend
Tuesday, March 8

Fairwood neighbors are invited to discard unwanted or broken items at Lindbergh's Free Electronic Recycling Event, set for Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can drop off your unwanted items at two locations on during this event, either at the Fairwood Albertsons or at Lindbergh High School. Although this a free event sponsored by the Lindbergh Grad Night Committee, "cash donations to the Committee are gladly accepted and are tax deductible," according to Carrie Wong, one of the organizers of the event.

Working with 1 Green Planet, a non-profit organization, a variety of items are accepted including:

• Computers, Laptops, Printers, Computer parts, Faxes, Scanners, Modems, Wires, Toners,
• Computer   Batteries, etc.
• Appliances, Washers, dryers, refrigerators, water heaters, etc.
• Stereos, CD, DVD, VHS,cassette players, speakers, Etc.
• Televisions, monitors, any size, etc.
• Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, car-boat motorcycle batteries,etc
• Barbecues (no  propane thanks pls!, ) Lawn mowers (pls empty gasoline and oil!) Fitness equipment, Medical equipment ,etc.

For more information or questions, Carrie Wong can be contacted at 425-271-0743 or at sidekik@msn.com.

Snow Hits Puget Sound
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011
Fairwood settles in, literally, to its second snow of the winter. While other neighborhoods received up to two to three feet of snow, Fairwood fared well, with just three inches. One of the greater challenges is navigating on the 140th SE hill, but King County road crews were quick to act with sand, minimizing risks. With Renton School Distrct on break and the Kent School District closing its doors for the day, traffic has been held to a minimum.

Get out the cocoa and send us your Fairwood snow photos - we'll post!

info@fairwoodcommunitynews.com

No Injuries at Fairwood Crest Home Fire
Monday, Feb. 6, 2011
A split level home located Fairwood Crest development experienced damages from a house fire on Friday, February 4, just before noon. Units from Renton, Kent and King County responded to the call at 16612 - 132nd Place SE, just east of Lindbergh High School on one of the main roads in the Fairwood Crest neighborhood.

The Red Cross also responded, supplying temporary shelter to the displaced family. The King County Animal Shelter is taking care of the family pets. No one was reported to be injured because of the fire.

Fairwood's Fire District 40, Renton Fire, Dedicates New Aid Unit
Monday, Jan. 31, 2011

King County Fire District 40 and Renton Fire & Emergency Services hosted a dedication ceremony at Fire Station 17 for the area's newest aid car on Saturday, January 29. The dedication ceremony included a long-time tradition of the fire service, often referred to as a "housing ceremony."

The ceremony dates back to the 19th century when "fire wagons" were drawn by horses. The tradition begins with pushing the old vehicle out of the station and then washing the wheels of the new unti. Washing the wheels kept the wooden spokes from drying out as well as cleaning up after a fire.

Firefighters then completed the tradition by pushing the new wagon back into the fire station. No truck to push, just the human touch completed the ceremony

Renton's Deputy Fire Chief Erik Wallgren said that "purchase of this new aid unit was possible because of the the stewardship of the board of fire commissioners of District 40. They planned well in advance for this need by creating an apparatus in placement of this plan and allocating funds to support that plan. The vehicle it is replacing has about ten years of service which is about reaching its life expectancy of an aid unit, so this is great timing for the new aid unit to be put in service today to replace the one that has transported thousands of patients to Valley Medical Center."

According to reports, the old aid unit was commissioned into service in 1999.

Family Fun, Seattle Rain
Fairwood Greens Neighborhood Holds Second Annual 'Sunday in the Park'

Fairwood Greens neighbors rolled over to nearby Allen Park to spread the blankets, break out the picnic and spirits and have some good old-time neighborly fun. Band Seattle Rain moved some to get up and dance at the Greens' second annual "Sunday in the Park" event on August 8. >>

Abandoned Homes Need Neighborly TLC
Signs of neglect can bring down the rest of the neighborhood... in more ways we can imagine. If neighbors have abandoned their home and it shows it, read about ways you and your neighbors can help.

Fairwood-Area Community Sales Lining Up this Summer
Three nearby neighborhoods are preparing for an onslaught of garage sale frenzy in the next few weeks. Break out the change, gas up your car and get ready to wheel & deal!

School Year Wrap-Up
'R' Word Pledge, Author Visits Carriage Crest Events Engage
Carriage Crest shares two events that helped them move to a fantastic year-end finish.

Woman Attacked on Tiger Mountain Trail
A woman was attacked over the weekend on the Tiger Mountain Trail outside of Issaquah.  She was able to fight off her attacker, who was armed with a stun-gun or Taser and she received only minor injuries.

King County Deputy Sam Shirley
Fairwood Safety Updates for March
Reports from King County Sheriff's office.

Local Resident Shot Multiple Times by Intruders
A local resident was shot multiple times by intruders. The victim was in a mobile home in the 17600 block of 196th Ave. SE, east of Fairwood.

Burien Homicide Case Reward Doubled to $10,000
The family of Mark Ebinger, stabbed to death last November, has increased the reward offered to $10,000 in hopes of generating tips that will lead to an arrest.

Renton Juvenile Arrested for Bomb Threats
Renton's Dimmitt Middle School's principal received several anonymous emails containing threats to blow up the school, set fire to the school and shoot to death students of the school.

"The Lake Desire Community Club is appreciative of having a place on the website to post our community updates.  It is great to have our local Fairwood community information one click away.  Thanks for all of your hard work on this website!"

- Heather Smith
Lake Desire Community Club