Good morning, Mercer Island. Expect a cloudy start to the week with highs in the mid-50s today, but things will warm up into the upper 60s by Thursday. Today we're looking at the sentencing of the man who shut down I-90 with a bomb threat last year, plus a 60-year milestone for the MIPA Circus. Read on for the latest school board updates, upcoming town events, and new zoning rules that could reshape the Town Center.
Top News
- Man sentenced to 18 months for 2024 I-90 bomb threat - Sokphana Soeung got federal prison time for possessing a homemade explosive device and leading police on a low-speed chase that shut down the interstate for hours. (via The Seattle Times)
- Omnibus hearings delayed for Mercer Island murder suspects - The two defendants charged with the first-degree murder of 74-year-old Curtis Engeland will now have their pre-trial hearings on June 4 because of ongoing investigations and scheduling conflicts. (via Mercer Island Reporter)
- MIPA Circus celebrates 60 years of family fun - The Mercer Island Preschool Association held its 60th annual circus at Islander Middle School, drawing about 1,000 people for petting zoos, magic shows, and community games. (via Mercer Island Reporter)
- Police recover body from Lake Washington near Luther Burbank Park - Authorities confirmed the deceased is a 35-year-old man who was reported missing earlier in the week, though his identity hasn't been released. (via Mercer Island Reporter)
This Week in Town
Featured
- Community Baby Shower - New and expectant parents can join a community baby shower with Nancy Stewart's Sing With Our Kids at Mercer Island on Sunday. (via mercerisland.gov)
- Friends of the Mercer Island Library Spring Mini Book Sale - Find some good reads and support the library at the Mercer Island Library on Tuesday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. (via kcls.org)
- Ride the Light Rail with Councilmember Julie Hsieh - Talk with Councilmember Julie Hsieh on a light rail trip from the South end QFC to Pike Place Market on Thursday at 10:45am. (via mi-reporter.com)
Other Local Events
- Tech Support for Older Adults - Older adults can get free tech help from Mercer Island High School's Coding Club on Saturday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. (via kcls.bibliocommons.com)
- Fitness Class: Step Class - A step fitness class runs at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Sunday at 10:30am. (via patch.com)
Got an event? Hit reply with a link, or add it here. City, library, school, Eventbrite - anything works.
What's Coming
- Mercer Island Council Advances Comprehensive Plan Revisions for State Compliance - The City Council moved forward with revisions to its comprehensive plan, including new inclusionary zoning rules and land-use limits in the Town Center, to comply with a state Growth Management Hearings Board order by July 31. (via mi-reporter.com)
- New Zoning Rules Could Reshape Mercer Island's Town Center and Housing - Mercer Island's City Council approved changes to its comprehensive plan, including new inclusionary zoning rules and Town Center land-use limits, to meet a state compliance deadline. (via patch.com)
- Mercer Island Seeks Input on 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan - The city is updating its 6-year Transportation Improvement Program, which includes roadway, pedestrian, and bicycle projects, and wants public comments on proposed additions and safety concerns. (via letstalk.mercergov.org)
- School Board Receives Update on City's Comprehensive Plan Compliance - The Mercer Island School District Board heard from city officials about the City's work to update its Comprehensive Plan to comply with a state Growth Management Hearings Board order by July 31, 2026. (via mercerislandschools.org)
- Planning and Zoning Commission Discusses New State Legislation on Housing - The Mercer Island Planning and Zoning Commission talked about recent state legislative changes, including House Bill 800 on manufactured homes and Senate Bill 1354 on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which require local government code amendments. (via youtube.com)
School Board This Week
- MISD bond refinancing saves Mercer Island taxpayers $1.5 million - On March 26, 2024, the Mercer Island School District refinanced $40,495,000 from its 2014 Bonds, saving taxpayers over $1.5 million. (via mihs.mercerislandschools.org)
- Community testimony influences MISD to reconsider Crest Learning Center changes - Mercer Island families and students spoke at a school board meeting to preserve the Crest Learning Center, prompting officials to rework plans for the alternative program. (via patch.com)
- Mercer Island voters approve Educational Programs and Operations levy - The Mercer Island community voted "Yes" on the Educational Programs and Operations replacement levy during the February 10 Special Election. (via mihs.mercerislandschools.org)
- Katie Gallagher appointed new Islander Middle School principal - Dr. Fred Rundle announced Katie Gallagher as the new principal of Islander Middle School during a staff meeting on March 31. (via mi-reporter.com)
- Mercer Island schools celebrate successful first year of phone-free policy - The new phone-free program at Mercer Island schools improved teaching, learning, and student interactions in its first year. (via mihs.mercerislandschools.org)
Weather Outlook
Expect a cloudy start to the week on Tuesday with highs in the mid-50s, but skies will clear up for a sunny Wednesday reaching 65 degrees. The rest of the week through Saturday stays mostly cloudy but warm, with high temperatures in the upper 60s.
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