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Elderly couple survives early morning house fire

Monday, January 23, 2012
By Mike Murphy

Firefighters had a tough time keeping their footing on the icy pavement.

A fire did more than $100,000 damage to a home near 208thand 23rd around 5:15 this morning.

The homeowners, an elderly couple, were already awake when the fire started. They called 911 and reported that their house was filling up with smoke. Both made it out safely.

When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming from the house and an orange glow was visible in a second-floor window. Inside, they found a bedroom in flames.

Firefighters from Fire District 1 and Lynnwood had the fire under control within 20 minutes and kept flames from spreading beyond the bedroom.

Fire damage was contained to the one room but heavy smoke damage throughout the second-floor left the home uninhabitable.

Support 7 and the Red Cross are helping the couple. They have homeowner’s insurance.

The fire was traced back to an electrical problem.

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Cold temperatures freeze Sprague’s Pond

Friday, January 20, 2012
By Mike Murphy

The recent cold snap was enough to freeze the top layer of Sprague’s Pond just off 200th Street SW. Although as you can see from the second photo, the ice was easily cracked. Thanks to Bryan Briscoe for the photos.

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As snow turns to rain, concerns switch to urban flooding

Friday, January 20, 2012
By Mike Murphy

With the snow still piled up alongside the road and more rain falling, city crews are switching their focus to preventing urban flooding. They’re working to clear storm drains so standing water doesn’t get a chance to collect.

“We are running all five plows right now trying to clear gutter lines.  We have widespread ponding at blocked catch basins, but nothing significant at this point,” Les Rubstello from Lynnwood Public Works told us. “We will have a night crew come on at 7 p.m. and continue the fight.

In case it does flood, sand bags and sand are available to fill up and pick up at Fire Station 15.

City crews also have a few downed trees, which they’ll clear Saturday.

It’s a similar situation throughout Snohomish County, which is in charge of 50,000 catch basins.

“Snohomish County crews have done an excellent job keeping roads cleared during this weather event despite the difficult conditions,” County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “As rain continues, they turn toward keeping stormwater drains and catch basins clear to prevent urban flooding.”

Roads in residential areas are treated after higher-priority routes are cleared. Officials say residents can help by shoveling the snow away from grates in their neighborhoods when it’s safe to do so.

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Dozens of crews battle house fire in Brier

Friday, January 20, 2012
By Mike Murphy

A fire in Brier caused more than $200,000 damage and left a couple homeless this morning.

Neighbors called 911 around 8:40 a.m. after seeing smoke and flames coming from the home in the 21500 block of Elm Drive. A woman was home at the time but she made it out safely.

Crews responded from nearby Brier Fire Station 18. “When they arrived at the house, the garage was in flames and smoke was pouring out from the eaves,” said Leslie Hynes, spokesperson for Fire District 1

About 35 firefighters from Fire District 1, Lynnwood and Bothell responded.  “The flames had extended to the attic, but firefighters made a quick attack and had the fire under control within about 20 minutes,” Hynes added.

No one was hurt. The fire caused heavy damage to the attic and garage, and destroyed a car parked inside. Firefighters were able to stop the flames before they spread to the living area, but there was heavy smoke damage throughout the house.

The couple has insurance. Investigators determined the fire started in the garage, but were unable to find the cause. They say it doesn’t appear to be suspicious.

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Classes canceled Thursday in Edmonds SD, makeup days announced

Wednesday, January 18, 2012
By Mike Murphy

The Edmonds School District posted the following announcement that schools are closed again Thursday:

  • All schools and programs are closed for one day.
  • All after-school activities, evening events, and athletic practices are canceled.
  • School days lost for weather closures must be made up. Please update your calendars to reflect the following:
    • Tuesday, June 19 is now a full day of school;
    • Wednesday, June 20 is now a full day of school;
    • Thursday, June 21 is now an early release;
    • Friday, June 22 is now an early release and the last day of school.

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Schools, city offices closed as more snow falls

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
By Mike Murphy

Schools in the Edmonds School District are closed Wednesday as the region digs out from another blanket of snow. The Rec Center and city offices will also be closed.

The city is advising residents to check road conditions on the traffic camera website before you leave home. Crews will first plow and sand major arterials so emergency responders can get around. The next priorities are steep hills, followed by minor arterials and neighborhood streets. For questions about snow response during regular business hours call 425 670-5200.

Meantime, Snohomish County will have about 40 trucks on the road.

“We’re working diligently to keep offices open, roads cleared and county services available to residents,” said County Executive Aaron Reardon.

As temperatures return to normal, heavy melting and possible urban flooding are to be expected, especially in south Snohomish County, officials say.

The State Patrol responded to 52 collisions just in Snohomish County by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

“Driving could be more challenging than it was today. Drivers who venture out should be prepared for very poor driving conditions,” Trooper Keith Leary said Tuesday.

Community Transit says local service will be very limited Jan. 18. Local bus routes will run during the first and last scheduled trips. Other than that, buses may only operate every hour or every two hours. The Swift route is scheduled operate on its regular schedule.

Photos by Patty Carrion Moras.

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Letter to the Editor: Kudos to Big O Tires

Tuesday, January 17, 2012
By Mike Murphy

Doug Kerley sent us this letter about the positive experience he had at Big O Tires during the snowfall.

I got home from the snows in Monroe on Saturday afternoon at 5:30.  Had the boy stick the snow tires in my car on top of my wheelchair.  In my VFW cap and jacket from Lynnwood post 1040, I set off to get my tires rotated.  At the first three shops I stopped by they were working but wouldn’t take me.  I got to Big “O” Tires (21609 Highway 99) at 5:50 and they took me in.  I asked, “How much?”  The guy at the desk said,”$79.95″.  (I thought, I would be happy to pay anything to get it done at that point.)  “No,” he went on to day, “It would be no charge.”  I was so happy I couldn’t believe it.  Service still is available in Lynnwood.

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Box of cremated remains returned to boy’s father

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By Mike Murphy

The box containing cremated remains found last weekend at Days Inn on 196th has been returned to its owner.

It turns out the red box had been stolen in a recent burglary of the owner’s home in unincorporated Lynnwood. He called police after seeing the above photo on the news.

The ashes were that of his son who had passed away several years ago.

“Obviously the owner is grateful for their safe return,” said Shannon Sessions, police spokesperson.

The box also contained a photo of a pre-school age boy that had a name and “1980″ written on the back.

The father declined to speak any further about the case.

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Suspect sketch released in espresso stand robbery

Wednesday, January 11, 2012
By Mike Murphy

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has released a sketch of the suspect who allegedly robbed an espresso stand on Ash Way last week.

On Thursday at about 5 a.m., a man armed with a pipe forced open the back door of the stand just south of 164th and demanded money from the employee. He ran from the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. The employee was not hurt.

The suspect is described as a white adult male, bald, clean-shaven with a scar near his right eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 425-388-3845.

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County Councilwoman Wright sworn in for new term

Monday, January 9, 2012
By Mike Murphy

Superior Court Judge Joe Wilson administered the oath.

Last week a judge swore in Snohomish County Councilwoman Stephanie Wright for her first full term. The former Lynnwood City Councilwoman was first appointed to the county council in 2010 to fill the seat left vacant by Mike Cooper when he became Edmonds mayor.

Wright represents District 3, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Woodway and surrounding unincorporated areas.

“It is truly an honor to work alongside these councilmembers, and to see once again that you, my neighbors in Council District 3, trust me to  represent your interests and address important county issues on your behalf,” Wright said. “Thank you for your continued support and  encouragement. I look forward to a full and productive year ahead.”

She will serve as council vice-chair for 2012.

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