Mercer Island School District employees had their hands full cleaning up debris, assessing damages, running an emergency shelter and preparing for a return to school during the power outage that started with a major wind storm last Thursday night.
The one thing Islanders could rely on with certainty during the power outage was the presence of clean running water. And according to published reports, it is some of the cleanest water in the region.
As many as 100 Mercer Islanders found warmth, hot food and respite at West Mercer Elementary’s emergency shelter last Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Staffed by the City, the emergency center became the Island’s 24-hour drop-in for those seeking warmth, light, storm recovery updates — and neighbors with whom to exchange stories.
Reporter staff
Mercer Island Reporter
Every day since the storm began, City Manager Rich Conrad has driven his SUV around the Island. Not just once a day, but three times and perhaps four.
Students returned to school around the Island gradually last week, some returning for just one day before winter break.
J. Jacob Edel
Mercer Island Reporter
Gov. Christine Gregoire has proposed spending almost $155 million on math and science education for Washington students.
While hundreds of trees fell to the ground during the 60-plus mph winds that gusted through the Island last week, countless still remain standing tall.
Reporter staff
North end businesses on the Island saw their busiest shopping days grind to an abrupt halt with the storm that left the community without electricity for days.
The final edition of the King County Journal will be published Jan. 21, employees of the daily newspaper were told Thursday.
This week the city published some official storm data and estimates. First and foremost, Mercer Island did not have any injuries or health-related emergencies occur as a direct result of the storm. But five families have been left homeless because their homes have been “red tagged” by city inspectors because of the remaining risks from storm damage. City officials estimate that the total amount of structural damage to Island homes is $1.4 million. That does not include the costs of cleaning or hauling debris.