News Flash

Residents have shared concerns in recent months about speeding in school zones, specifically along Meadowbrook Way near Mount Si High School, Park Street near Mt. Si High School, and Snoqualmie Parkway near Timber Ridge Elementary.

In response, the Snoqualmie Police Department increased targeted enforcement in those areas, issuing a higher number of warnings and infractions. Despite those efforts, officers and community members continue to observe concerning levels of speeding.

To better quantify the issue, the Department had a three-day speed study conducted from September 23–25, 2025. Over that period, thousands of vehicles were recorded exceeding the 20-mph school zone speed limit at speeds above 26 mph. Two particularly alarming incidents were documented on Snoqualmie Parkway: one vehicle traveling 93 mph eastbound and another at 86 mph westbound.

The study will be presented to the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 17 at 5:00 p.m., along with a discussion of potential traffic safety measures and next steps. The public is welcome to attend all City Council committee meetings, and public comment will be accepted in person.

The City of Snoqualmie, the City of North Bend, and the Snoqualmie Police Department that serves both cities are committed to serving and protecting all members of our community regardless of immigration status. 

Both Washington Law (Keep Washington Working Act) and Snoqualmie Police Department Policy prohibit our officers from assisting U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) or any other federal law enforcement entity engaged in federal immigration enforcement. Federal immigration enforcement is not the function of local law enforcement and local officers are prohibited from acting based on a person’s immigration status. Officers will not ask about your immigration status during an investigation, whether you are a victim or a suspect. 

Should anyone in our community observe a situation that creates a public safety concern, please call 911 and report it. Snoqualmie Police will respond to ensure public safety, keeping in mind that ICE’s authority arises under federal law. 

Mayor James Mayhew, Mayor Mary Miller, and Interim Chief Gary Horejsi want to remain dedicated to protecting and serving all members of our diverse communities.

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The City of Snoqualmie’s Urban Forestry and Stormwater team invites residents to help restore and celebrate Snoqualmie’s urban forests through two upcoming community events. Register for a “Walk and Learn” on Saturday, February 21, 1pm-3pm, at Azalea Park, 6604 Azalea Way, on Snoqualmie Ridge. The walk will last 1.5 hours, covering 2.3 miles of soft surface and paved trails, moving through the urban forest. Learn about forest restoration, tree risk management, soil maintenance, and street tree replacement, and stormwater system. 

The Green Snoqualmie Partnership will host a volunteer event to plant trees and native plants to restore a section of the forest near Borden Park, location map here, on Saturday, March 7, 9am-12pm. The event is open to all ages and provides a great volunteer opportunity for individuals and families looking to give back to their local environment. 

For all details on what to bring, where to park, where to meet, and register, visit the Green Snoqualmie Partnership webpage

 Through the Green Snoqualmie Partnership, an initiative to restore and steward Snoqualmie’s forested parks and natural areas, thousands of square feet of invasive plants have been removed and numerous trees planted. The Green Snoqualmie Partnership continues the region’s forest legacy and invites people of all ages to get outside, have fun, and engage in helping restore our green spaces. 

Mayor Ross shares a special message to the community and looks back at City accomplishments in this final installment of the Ross Report. 

Read the November/ Final Ross Report below or view PDF version here. 

Mayor Ross was busy in October in support of Snoqualmie residents and businesses. See the latest Ross Report below or view PDF version here: Oct. 2025 Ross Report 

Read the September Ross Report below or view the Sept. Ross Report PDF version. 

The Snoqualmie Fire Department is partnering with Snoqualmie Valley Health to offer a free course, September 18, 2025, 6pm, at the Snoqualmie Valley Hospital training room, 9801 Frontier Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065. The class will educate citizens on how to recognize and reverse a fentanyl overdose. Across the state and in Snoqualmie Valley, there has been a dramatic rise in fentanyl use, addictions, and overdose deaths.

 People ages 14-45 are specifically being targeted for fentanyl use and addiction. Middle school, high school, and college students should attend training, learn the dangers and how to protect themselves and friends. Parents of these age groups should attend, learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of use and overdose. Additionally, caregivers of elderly people who can become confused and accidentally overdose on prescription opioids, should attend this training and learn how to reverse the overdose. 

 Education topics:

• Who is at risk
• Opioid drugs
• Fentanyl public health crisis
• Examples of common fentanyl laced deadly pharmaceutical pills
• Learn life-saving actions to reverse a fentanyl overdose
• Overview of Good Samaritan Laws, offering protection from lawsuits or protection while providing aid, and protect opioid user from arrest

 To register: Fill out and submit the online -  https://www.snoqualmiewa.gov/FormCenter/Fire-Department-9/OpioidFentanyl-Overdose-Education-and-Ov-118

 Class is limited to 40 participants.  Questions? Email fireprevention@snoqualmiewa.gov or call 425.888.1551.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 9:25 pm, Snoqualmie firefighters responded to a deck collapse at an apartment building on SE Newton Street in historic Snoqualmie. 

One man and two dogs fell into a ground-floor shed after their second-story deck collapsed. After approximately 40 minutes, firefighters successfully extricated the trapped individual and dogs. The man was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident is an important reminder of deck and balcony safety, and steps homeowners and landlords can take to protect property and prevent injuries. 

Tips to prevent porch, deck, and balcony collapse:

• Know maximum capacity for balconies and decks. Overcrowding and exceeding capacity should be avoided. Commercial properties are required to post occupant loads for outside decks. 
• Decks older than 15 years should be professionally evaluated, repaired and reinforced. Many older porches, decks and balconies were built before building codes required them to support higher load pounds per square foot, or to have ledger boards with direct structural connections. 
• Inspect decks annually for missing or rusted nails or fasteners; ledger boards that are not lag bolted or through bolted; severe cracks and rotted wood (particularly at connections to the buildings); and for proper footings. Repair or replace as needed. Keep an eye out for horizontal movement which may require cross-bracing to prevent sway.
• Assess the weight of furniture, barbecues, and other heavy items on the decks or balconies and consider removal. 

“Thankfully, the resident involved in this incident was not more seriously injured,” said Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mike Bailey. “We advise all residents to conduct regular inspections of their decks to identify and address potential structural issues, which could lead to collapse and injuries.”

The Snoqualmie Firefighters Association (SFFA) will hold its annual fundraising Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 23, 2025, during Snoqualmie Days, serving up breakfast for the community from 7 to 11 am at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway. 

Firefighters will turn a fire station bay into a makeshift restaurant, cooking and serving a pancake and ham breakfast, along with Krispy Kreme donuts, Starbucks coffee, orange juice and other beverages. Breakfast is $15 for adults, $10 for kids (6-12), and kids 5 and under are free. Firefighters are also continuing their commitment to going green, partnering with Waste Management for a zero-waste event by utilizing recyclable and compostable items only. 

The Snoqualmie Firefighters Association is a non-profit that supports Snoqualmie Fire Department special equipment purchases, community events, public safety and fire education, human services assistance during emergency situations, high school educational scholarships in health and fire sciences, the historic preservation and maintenance of Snoqualmie’s original Engine 1, and charitable organizations within the community. This year, donations raised at the pancake breakfast will support Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank’s (SVFB) vital services and capital campaign for a new SVFB location. 

There will be a raffle ($2 per ticket) for items under $100 from local businesses and a silent auction for larger items. This year, some special items up for auction include a golfing foursome at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge; deluxe overnight stays for 2 with country breakfast at the Salish Lodge; wine tasting for 8 at Sigillo Cellars; as well as other exciting donations from local restaurants, breweries, and other business gift certificates.  

T-shirts, bike helmets, and SFFA Challenge Coins will be available for purchase during the event. Come meet your Snoqualmie Fire Department Firefighters and EMTs and enjoy photo opportunities for the family with firefighters and emergency vehicles.

The Snoqualmie Firefighters Association (SFFA) will hold its annual fundraising Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 23, 2025, during Snoqualmie Days, serving up breakfast to the community from 7 to 11 am at the Snoqualmie Fire Station, 37600 SE Snoqualmie Parkway. 

On June 7, 2025, at approximately 12:46 pm, Snoqualmie Police Department officers responded to the Snoqualmie River near Riverview Park in downtown Snoqualmie after a witness reported seeing a body in the river while paddle boarding. 

Patrol officers responded and secured the area. They requested the assistance of King County Search and Rescue and the King County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, which provided resources and confirmed the location of the body. Recovery teams were activated to recover the deceased male. The King County Medical Examiner was requested to assist in the investigation.

This is an active investigation. The Snoqualmie Police Department will work closely with the King County Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased male. Investigators are actively pursuing information to identify the male and the circumstances surrounding his death. 

Please contact the Snoqualmie Police Department at 425-888-3333 if you have any information pertaining to this investigation.

We would like to thank our law enforcement partners at King County for their assistance today and our community members for always being diligent.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with the assistance of the King County Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit, a Snoqualmie Police Department Detective arrested an adult male in North Bend for possessing and distributing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree.

The arrest follows a cyber tip received from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Acting swiftly on this information, the Snoqualmie Police Department detective authored and obtained multiple search warrants for the suspect’s residence and devices. Those search warrants were executed early this morning, resulting in the suspect’s apprehension.

During the investigation, the suspect admitted to the crimes. He will be transported to the King County Jail, where he will be booked on the above charges.

“This case underscores the importance of our partnerships with regional and federal task forces in identifying and removing child predators from our community,” said Snoqualmie Interim Police Chief Gary Horejsi. “We commend our detective for the dedication and extensive work it took to bring this individual to justice.”

The Snoqualmie Police Department remains committed to protecting children and holding those who exploit them accountable. Anyone with information regarding suspected child exploitation is urged to contact law enforcement or submit a report through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline at www.cybertipline.org.

On April 10, 2025, the City of Snoqualmie terminated the employment of Police Chief Brian Lynch following the conclusion of an external investigation that identified sustained violations of the City’s personnel policies and Snoqualmie Police Department’s Standards of Conduct. 

Lynch was placed on administrative leave on February 6, 2025, to immediately address the allegations and conduct the comprehensive external investigation.

“We are committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment for all,” said Mayor Katherine Ross. "Captain Gary Horejsi has been appointed Interim Chief while the City begins the formal process of selecting a permanent replacement. Our focus remains on serving the community with integrity and respect during this transition.”

As this is a human resource and sensitive personnel issue, the City of Snoqualmie is not able to disclose more information at this time.

In partnership with Empower Youth’s Be Kind Snoqualmie Valley - #BeKindSV – campaign, Mayor Ross has proclaimed November 2023 Kindness Month in Snoqualmie. 

The City of Snoqualmie supports the #BeKindSV campaign, which was designed to create a positive climate and establish a foundation of regular, proactive support across the Snoqualmie Valley, reinforcing the impact of kindness and inclusion on local youth. 

Mayor Ross encourages all residents to practice kindness and recognize that by using the power of kindness, we have the ability to send out a positive ripple that can travel throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.

Read the full Kindness Month proclamation HERE. 

Snoqualmie, Washington is an easy, accessible drive from Seattle, Bellevue and Issaquah via I-90 or SR 202 from Redmond. Either route provides a lovely, scenic drive all less than 30 miles. 

Start the day at Snoqualmie Falls, and enjoy the breathtaking waterfall and a sacred site of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe. The waterfall cascades 268 feet over granite cliffs and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a site of natural, historical, and cultural convergence.

Next, walk or drive 1.2 miles to quaint and charming, Historic Downtown Snoqualmie. Parking in Snoqualmie is free. The sidewalks are flat and accessible to all. Downtown Snoqualmie is the perfect town to explore antiques, art, and curated shops. Eat, drink and be cheery.  Try Snoqualmie Ice Cream for the kiddos or those with a sweet tooth; wine tastings and beer flights for adults are found at Sigillo Cellars and Snoqualmie Falls Brewery. Foodies will delight in BBQ with a kick at Buckshot Honey; renowned Indian cuisine at India Belly; and Mexican food from the Oaxaca region at Caadixi Oaxaca.

Visitors can explore the Historic Snoqualmie [Railway] Depot, walk along the boardwalk, and follow Centennial Trail to learn about train history in Snoqualmie.  Then stop for a selfie in Railroad Park gazebo to get those Gilmore Girls vibes. 

Enjoy your day in Snoqualmie. 

Make Snoqualmie your base camp for an exciting biking weekend. Located near Snoqualmie are several popular bike parks and trails that provide options for the casual or adventurous rider.

The Snoqualmie Inn provides a variety of room options in a central location on Snoqualmie Ridge. A short walk away, and you'll find Saints and Scholars Irish Pub, Francesco's Ristorane, MOD Pizza, Starbucks, and other dining options. 

A short 4-mile drive from the Snoqualmie Inn is  Snoqualmie Point Park, with breathtaking views of the Snoqualmie Valley and adjacent to the Raging River biking trail system, one of the top three biking destinations in Washington. 

Trails within 14 miles of Snoqualmie for biking enthusiasts include, Duthie Hill, Tiger Mountain Trail, Tennant Trailhead Park, and Ollalie Trail. End the day at No Boat Brewing Company, located right next door to the Snoqualmie Inn, for beers, ciders, and food truck fare.

Let Snoqualmie be your golf for a day or a get-away destination. 

For a day or a weekend, start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Mount Si Golf Course's popular restaurant. Then tee off for 9 or 18 holes of golf under the towering, yet majestic, Mount Si.  Look out on Hole 2 - the local elk herd may be watching! 

After a round of golf, as you leave the course, explore Meadowbrook Farm Preserve, located right across the street. It's a favorite lounging area for the famous and eye-catching Snoqualmie elk herd.

It you still have energy, you can head to nearby historic downtown Snoqualmie and enjoy many dining options, including the Snoqualmie Fall Brewery with refreshing local beer options and river-side outdoor dining.