Rain or shine the Evergreen State Fair is awesome, and this is the last weekend to get out there. I hope you get a chance to visit the pigmy goats, check out the rodeo, and of course eat some fair food. Elephant ears, scones, and corn on the cob are always better at the fair.

Today, is Armed Forces day. The Army band will be on the Courtyard stage and there will be an Armed Forces Ceremony.

Monroe Veterans Memorial earns Community Stewardship Award

At the Fair’s opening ceremonies I had the honor of selecting the 2016 Community Stewardship Award winners. This year’s winners were the American Legion Arthur Kincaid Post No. 58, Monroe Historical Society, Park Place Middle School, and Boy Scout Troop 53 for their work in brining Monroe a new Veterans Memorial.

I’m sure many of you are familiar with the story by now, but it is worth repeating. In 1946, the Arthur Kincaid American Legion dedicated the Monroe High School athletic field as Memorial Field. The field was dedicated “in honor of former students who lost their lives in the service of their country during the recent war." A bronze memorial was erected and the plan was to inscribe the names of former Monroe High School students who were lost in the Second World War. Despite the best intentions those names were never added and over time the memorial itself became worn.

These community stewards helped bring together a widespread community effort to build a new Monroe Veterans Memorial and make good on that 1946 promise. Eighth-grade humanities students from Park Place Middle School even researched the lives and sacrifices of the 18 young men who will be memorialized.

Entry Tunnels get the Blue Ribbon Treatment

On your way into the fair you will notice the entry tunnel has a new look. Artist, Cheri O’Brien’s public art installation, A Day at the Fair was revealed last week.

The artwork which has transformed the entry tunnels of the Monroe Fairgrounds was created using powder-coated steel animals and glass images that are inspired by the barn displays, carnival rides, and fair icons that are synonymous with the Evergreen State Fair and the year-round activities that draw more than 300,000 participants annually.

New Sultan Police Chief and East Precinct Commander

I want to congratulate the newly appointed Sultan Police Chief and East Precinct Commander, Lieutenant Steven McDonald.

Lt. McDonald has a 20 year career in law enforcement, most recently serving as the sergeant for the training division. During his career, McDonald has worked in a variety of units, including SWAT, and served as a field training officer and instructor in defensive tactics, firearms, and active shooter response. He also worked as a detective for five years in the Special Investigations Unit.

Thank you, Lt. McDonald for your continued service to our community.

WDFW Seeks Advisory Committee Candidates for the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is currently accepting applications to be on an advisory team for the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area. The 2,774-acre wildlife area lies within the Snohomish watershed and includes the Skykomish and Snohomish rivers.

The area includes open water, estuary, and various types of wetlands, riparian areas, forested uplands, and seasonally flooded agricultural land. There is a wide range of wildlife including waterfowl, eagles and Chinook salmon.The wildlife area helps preserve and enhance wildlife and habitat, restore and enhance stream drainages and floodplain wetlands and provides opportunities for hunting, and recreational opportunities.

I don’t have to tell any of you how special a place this is. Let’s keep it that way. A healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. Both are critical to building good communities and keeping this a great place to live. The economic impact from agriculture and recreation in this area makes a big impact on local economies. You can’t export a job that is tied to the beauty of the Skykomish.

Please take a look at the roles and responsibilities of this board and let me know if you are interested in serving.