The Maple Valley Creative Arts Council is calling for artists to apply for the Maple Valley Days Arts Festival, happening June 12–14, 2026, at Lake Wilderness Lodge. This juried event welcomes painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelers, and other artisans, with a new dedicated Textile Exhibition this year. Selected artists get displayed booths, sales opportunities, and two complimentary tickets to a VIP Opening Gala on Friday where awards will be announced. Applications are now open at mvcac.clubexpress.com, with space filling quickly.
King County released the first draft of the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Subarea Plan, which will guide development in the area through 2047. The public comment period runs April 15–May 18, with a virtual meeting Thursday, April 23 at 6 p.m., plus in-person office hours April 30 at Maple Valley Library. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection while aiming to preserve the region’s rural character and natural resources.
Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area Council met April 6 to chart strategy for reviewing a 20-year Subarea Plan that will shape community growth. The preliminary draft opens for public comment April 15 on publicinput.com/greatermaplevalley, with a virtual meeting April 23 and a final Area Council vote May 14. Residents can comment until May 18. The council also discussed a proposed Fire District Benefit Charge potentially heading to a vote in August.
Taylor Creek Church, located at 21110 244th Ave. S.E. in Maple Valley, is sharing a reflection on finding joy through faith. The church invites the community to Sunday School at 9 AM and Worship at 10:15 AM each Sunday. For more information, contact the church at 425-432-0634 or visit taylorcreekchurch.org.
South County Fire Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed $420 million capital bond for fire and EMS infrastructure. The measure would replace or renovate most fire stations in the region. Maple Valley residents are served by South County Fire, making this bond directly relevant to local emergency services and potential tax implications.
King County is proposing a sewage rate increase of about $96 annually for residents to fund wastewater system upgrades. The hike would affect Maple Valley households served by the county’s treatment division. Details on the exact timing and approval process were not fully available in the source material.
Seattle and King County lawmakers are drafting legislation to dissolve the King County Regional Homelessness Authority after a forensic audit found $13 million in mismanaged taxpayer funds and a $45 million deficit. The audit revealed widespread accounting failures, poorly labeled accounts, and bulk expense entries that made tracking spending difficult. City Councilmember Maritza Rivera and County Councilmember Rod Dembowski announced the move Thursday, saying earlier corrective efforts failed to fix the problems.
The King County Sheriff’s Office released new guidance on how deputies respond to federal immigration enforcement activities, following a King County Executive order. This policy affects all King County communities including Maple Valley, clarifying local law enforcement’s role and procedures during ICE operations in our region.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently toured the Wilburton Trestle project in Bellevue, a $43.5 million transformation of the Pacific Northwest’s longest wooden trestle into a scenic trail bridge for the 42-mile Eastrail. Crews are installing a 20-foot-wide trail surface, three viewing platforms, and modern safety upgrades on the 122-year-old, 1,000-foot-long structure, expected to open next year and connect South King County to the Eastside and Snohomish County via regional trails and Sound Transit stations.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide drought emergency in April due to unusually warm winter weather cutting snowpack to roughly half of normal levels. State officials warn of increased wildfire risk and urge residents to conserve water through early summer, though the Seattle-Tacoma area is not expected to face water supply issues. This marks the fourth statewide drought emergency since 2015.
King County Council unanimously approved a move to overhaul oversight of the county’s homelessness authority and is considering whether to terminate it entirely. The decision, made May 5, reflects growing scrutiny of how the region manages its homelessness response. While this doesn’t directly affect Maple Valley city operations, county-level policy changes on homelessness could influence local services and funding available to our community.
King County Council is increasing oversight of the Regional Homelessness Authority after millions in taxpayer dollars meant for homelessness services went unaccounted for. The move affects county residents, including Maple Valley, since the authority manages homelessness programs across the region. The council’s action aims to strengthen accountability for public funds dedicated to addressing homelessness in our community.
King County Council is considering creating an inspector general position to investigate fraud and waste across county operations. This regional governance move could affect how tax dollars are spent on services Maple Valley residents rely on, including parks, transit, and utilities managed at the county level. The proposal aims to increase accountability in county spending.
Washington state is launching Washington’s Water Future, a statewide initiative to address persistent drought challenges affecting the region. State Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller announced the effort Wednesday, with roundtable discussions planned across the state this summer to deliver recommendations to Gov. Bob Ferguson before the 2027 legislative session. The initiative will explore solutions including water recycling, aquifer recharge projects, and desalination as climate change reduces snowpack and creates what officials call Washington’s “new normal.”
Sound Transit is studying a $34 million fare gate pilot at five downtown Seattle stations (Westlake, Capitol Hill, UW, University District, Northgate), with a board decision expected by Q2 2026. Currently, only 61% of Link riders pay their fare. San Francisco’s BART spent $90 million on systemwide gates and saw crime drop 41%, maintenance hours cut by 961, and $10 million in annual recovered revenue. Sound Transit faces a $34.5 billion funding gap while collecting only 12% of operating costs from fares.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay is enforcing a mandate requiring county employees to work in the office at least three days a week. About 75 workers represented by PROTEC17 union protested the requirement Tuesday at the downtown Seattle office building, arguing remote work has been effective for years. County Councilmember Reagan Dunn supports the mandate, citing concerns about service delivery and collaboration among the county’s approximately 18,000 employees.
King County’s housing authority faces scrutiny after an audit found nearly $13 million in unaccounted public funds, raising concerns about funding delays for tiny home villages across the region. The shake-up could affect affordable housing projects serving King County residents, including those in communities like Maple Valley seeking solutions to housing availability.
A forensic investigation of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority found $13 million in public funds unaccounted for and a negative cash position of nearly $45 million, prompting Seattle city leaders to demand reforms. The agency reported $8 million in unreconciled receivables, $6.4 million in budget reclassifications, and a $1.3 million reporting discrepancy, with officials saying no fraud was identified. Seattle councilmembers are calling for major changes, with some demanding the agency be dismantled.
King County drivers, including those in Maple Valley, should expect significant traffic delays this weekend due to highway construction and closures across the region. While specific routes and times aren’t detailed in this brief report, commuters are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes. Check local traffic updates before heading out on Saturday and Sunday.
Sound Transit leaders held a forum Tuesday at Seattle City Hall with more than 200 transit advocates to oppose indefinitely deferring light rail projects. Seattle board members including Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda argued for keeping all ST3 projects moving forward and finding additional revenue, pushing back against Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers’ proposal to defer Ballard light rail and other stations. The Sound Transit board is expected to vote this month on a revised financial plan.
King County Council approved a motion Tuesday to strengthen oversight of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority after an audit revealed a $44.7 million spending hole. County Executive Girmay Zahilay must submit a comprehensive report by August 1 on corrective actions and the authority’s future. The KCRHA, established in 2019 to coordinate regional homelessness response, has struggled with structural spending issues and leadership turnover.
This November, Washington voters will elect five of nine state Supreme Court justices in what may be the most consequential judicial election in years. The races pit progressive candidates against conservatives backed by dark-money groups, with major implications for taxes, civil rights, and environmental protection. Key issues include challenges to the new millionaires tax and the court’s influential rulings on criminal justice and racial bias.
University of Washington law professor Anita Ramasastry is advising FIFA and host cities on human rights for the 2026 World Cup, the first tournament to require human rights planning from all bidding cities. Ramasastry drafted Seattle’s human rights action plan, which addresses trafficking, homelessness, protest rights, workers’ rights, and immigrant community protections. She chairs FIFA’s human rights expert advisory group and will discuss workers’ rights in Seattle on May 4 at 5 p.m. as part of the UW Global Sport Lab speaker series.
Sound Transit faces a $34.5 billion budget gap to complete its 116-mile light rail network promised in the 2016 ST3 ballot measure. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin rallied last week at Everett Station to prioritize the 16-mile Everett Link extension (opening targeted for 2041), which they argue is more affordable than other regional projects. Sound Transit will realign project schedules this spring, likely deferring Ballard and Interbay stations in Seattle while advancing Everett and Tacoma expansions first.
Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers proposed a plan to address the agency’s revenue shortfall by prioritizing light rail to Everett and Tacoma while deferring other ST3 projects. The proposal would delay the South Kirkland-Issaquah line to 2050 and stop Ballard Link at Seattle Center, though West Seattle Link would advance. The full 18-member board will vote on modifications before a May 28 deadline.
The Friends of the Black Diamond Library held their annual plant sale on May 2 at Ten Trails Community Center, selling over 300 plants and raising $2,069.95 for library programs. Local businesses including Fred Meyer in Maple Valley and Covington Creek Nursery donated generously to support the effort, which will fund programs for adults, youth, and children throughout the library system.
Sound Transit’s Ballard Link Extension project faces yet another delay as the Federal Transit Administration holds up approval of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), now pushed to summer instead of May. The 7.7-mile light rail project, approved by voters in 2016, is also under threat of being truncated or phased—potentially stopping at Seattle Center or Smith Cove rather than reaching Ballard—as Sound Transit grapples with a $34.5 billion budget shortfall through 2046.
Taylor Creek Church, located at 21110 244th Ave. S.E. in Maple Valley, is sharing a faith-based message about overcoming fear and worry by trusting in Jesus. The church invites community members to Sunday School at 9:00 AM and Worship at 10:15 AM. For more information, call 425-432-0634 or visit taylorcreekchurch.org.
Taylor Creek Church in Maple Valley shared an inspirational piece about redefining the Seven Wonders of the World. The reflection contrasts man-made wonders like the pyramids and Empire State Building with simpler, more personal wonders—touch, taste, sight, hearing, hope, laughter, and love. The church invites the community to Sunday School at 9 AM and worship at 10:15 AM at 21110 244th Ave. S.E.
King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson, who oversees property valuations for 2.3 million residents, is accused of stalking his former fiancée and wears a court-ordered GPS ankle monitor to work. Arrested in July 2025 and charged in March 2026 with gross misdemeanors for violating a no-contact order, Wilson has pleaded not guilty and refused to resign despite unanimous demands from the King County Council (twice) and calls from the Seattle Women’s Commission and Seattle Times editorial board.
Two candidates are vying for King County Council’s District 2 seat: Toshiko Hasegawa and Rebecca Saldaña. Both support violence prevention, LEAD diversion programs, gun violence prevention, and youth programs, but differ on approaches—Hasegawa champions zero youth incarceration, while Saldaña emphasizes rehabilitation within facilities. The race highlights county budget challenges, with a projected $90 million deficit in 2028-2029 threatening to limit prevention investments both candidates want to expand.
John Taylor, director of King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks, is leaving county government to become CEO of the Cascade Water Alliance starting May 29. Taylor, who led major environmental projects including floodplain restoration and the Fish, Farm, and Flood accord, spent 13 years with King County. Deputy director Mo McBroom will serve as interim director while the county searches for a permanent replacement.
A Cascadia Daily News feature explores team racing traditions in Northwest Washington, tracing roots back to the 1911 Mount Baker Marathon. The article highlights Ski to Sea (a 93-mile multisport relay selling out faster each year), Ragnar Northwest Passage (a 200-mile overnight running relay), and the decline of adventure racing in the region. Notably, the Fall Cascade 6-Hour Adventure Race is scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Maple Valley.
King County Council is moving to dismantle the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) following a forensic audit that raised concerns about the agency’s finances. The decision could reshape homelessness services across the county, including programs like DESC Bloomside in Burien. While this is regional news that may eventually affect how services are delivered to Maple Valley, the immediate impact remains unclear.
Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood has seen a surge in business break-ins, prompting local owners to consider shared private security. KIRO hosts attributed the uptick to economic pressures, reduced police staffing, and drug use. While the discussion highlights regional crime trends affecting the Seattle area, it focuses specifically on a Seattle neighborhood and doesn’t directly involve Maple Valley, though regional conditions may have tangential effects on foothill communities.
Voice of the Valley explores the history of early 20th-century tourism in southeast King County, tracing how the Green River Gorge area transformed from a coal-mining region into a resort destination. The article details the rise and fall of Franklin’s coal industry and chronicles the ownership of the Green River Gorge Lodge from its origins with Captain Dick Craine and his wife in the 1920s through subsequent owners including the Rudges and Tretheweys.
Everett and Community Transit are restarting talks to merge Everett Transit into the larger countywide agency, potentially doubling bus funding in Everett from 0.6% to 1.2% sales tax. Both the Everett City Council and Community Transit board will consider an interlocal agreement this fall, which could increase all-day frequent service routes from 3 to 14 and evening service routes from 3 to 15 if approved.
The Highline Journal explores Washington State’s unique place as the only U.S. state named after a president, George Washington. Established as a territory in 1853 and achieving statehood in 1889, the state was named to honor Washington’s leadership and ideals. The article reflects on Washington’s legacy of restrained power and peaceful transitions ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The Covington Makers Market runs Saturday, May 9, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Covington Town Center Lawn (17070 SE Wax Road). It’s a great nearby option for Maple Valley shoppers hunting for unique Mother’s Day gifts from local makers, though the event is technically in neighboring Covington.
Black Diamond History Museum is hosting three free public presentations in May featuring local and regional history. Events run 1:00–2:00 pm on May 2 (“How Whiskey Won Washington” with author Becky Garrison), May 3 (“The Legacy of the Chinese Exclusion Act” with author Trish Hackett Nicola), and May 16 (“The History of Ravensdale” with historian Michael Brathovde). All programs are free and open to the public.
King County Council has called for the resignation of King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson following stalking charges against him. While the assessor’s office affects property valuations countywide, this is primarily Kirkland-focused news about a county official. Maple Valley residents may see this as county-level leadership news but it doesn’t directly impact local services or decisions.
Bellevue secured unanimous approval from five regional agencies—King County, Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, King County Library System, and the flood control district—to use tax-increment financing for its $200–$225 million Grand Connection Crossing, a pedestrian and bike bridge over I-405. The King County Council’s Tuesday vote clears the way for Bellevue to meet a state-imposed June deadline to establish the financing district, with the bridge expected to open by 2030.
Simon Property Group is redeveloping Seattle’s Northgate Mall into a major housing hub, with Phase 1’s nine-story Everis building nearing completion this summer with 234 apartments. The project ultimately plans about 1,000 apartments across multiple phases near the light rail station, but critics note the development prioritizes extensive parking over walkability and transit-oriented design typical of urban development.
Jaelynn Scott, executive director of the Lavender Rights Project, announced her candidacy in early March for Washington’s 37th Legislative District House seat, becoming the only Democrat to declare for the open position as of mid-April. If elected, Scott would be the first openly transgender person in the state legislature. The 37th LD includes parts of the greater Seattle area but does not directly encompass Maple Valley, making this race primarily relevant to nearby communities rather than to Maple Valley residents.
King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking public assistance in locating 41-year-old Kyle W. Cathcart, who is wanted in connection with a homicide in Covington. While this is regional law enforcement news, it doesn’t directly affect Maple Valley residents unless there’s a specific safety concern or connection to our community.
The Stranger’s weekly roundup covers Seattle-area stories including a free medical clinic at Seattle Center serving 3,000-4,000 uninsured patients, unionized journalists at McClatchy newspapers across the Pacific Northwest threatening to strike over poverty-level wages, and a transit accessibility dispute involving King County Metro’s Route 2 bus. While these are regional stories, none directly involve Maple Valley.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is pushing a $1.3 billion levy for education and child care that would add roughly $600 annually to property taxes on an average Seattle home. The proposal would expand day care hours and provide free meals to all students but will not go to voters for approval—the Seattle City Council is expected to finalize it soon.
Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet announced the city will purchase an existing building for city hall rather than construct a new one, saving approximately $40 million. The deal includes a creative arrangement allowing the building’s previous owner to maintain a family office in the basement for seven years. While this is regional news about a neighboring city’s government decision, it has minimal direct impact on Maple Valley residents.
A 29-year-old Seattle man, Ahmed Osman, has been charged with second-degree assault for attacking a 77-year-old man near Third Avenue and Pike Street in downtown Seattle on April 19. The victim suffered a broken arm, broken knee, and head gash, requiring at least a week of hospitalization. Osman’s arraignment is scheduled for May 13, with prosecutors requesting $200,000 bail.
A Seattle-based opinion piece describes a personal dispute with a King County Metro bus driver over where passengers should wait at a stop on 20th Avenue and East Union Street. The author learned from Metro’s public information officer that the official bus stop sign is the designated boarding location, not the nearby shelter, to accommodate passengers with disabilities and streamline operations at busy stops.
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss is hosting a community meeting with Sound Transit on May 11 at 6 p.m. at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard to discuss potential changes to the Ballard Link Extension. Sound Transit is considering cost-cutting options that could stop the light rail line short of Ballard, prompting elected officials and community members to advocate for the project as originally promised.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined officials this week for a ribbon-cutting on Copperleaf Northgate, a 235-unit affordable housing building next to Seattle’s Northgate light rail station. The seven-story project, developed by Community Roots Housing and BRIDGE Housing, received $30 million in county transit-oriented development funding—the largest affordable housing investment King County has ever made. A planned Phase 2 for the remaining five acres remains in development limbo after a decade-long process.
About 300 people marched Sunday in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood to support the planned Ballard Link light rail extension, which faces budget cuts and possible indefinite delay. Sound Transit’s project costs ballooned from $12 billion to over $20 billion, prompting the agency to consider truncating the line before reaching Ballard. Local and state leaders, including Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and State Senator Noel Frame, urged Sound Transit to complete the project as promised to voters in 2016.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a $4 million plan to improve King County Metro’s Route 8 bus line, including nine new blocks of eastbound bus lanes on Denny Way, new turn restrictions, and pedestrian safety improvements. Work is split into two phases: Phase 1 (May 2026) adds three blocks of bus lanes on the west end, while Phase 2 (August 2026) extends lanes eastward. The route has struggled with poor on-time performance, sometimes moving as slow as 3 mph during rush hour.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced plans to speed up Route 8 bus service on Denny Way with a new half-mile eastbound bus lane and permanent reroute of southbound I-5 traffic, launching in August. The improvements aim to help the chronically delayed Route 8 that connects Uptown and Capitol Hill, with frequency increasing from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes starting August 29.
Seattle’s Department of Transportation is forming a Community Advisory Group to help plan improvements for Aurora Avenue N, one of the city’s busiest streets. The group will work on traffic safety ideas that reflect the needs of communities along the corridor. This is Seattle-specific planning with no direct connection to Maple Valley.
South Seattle is debating how best to prevent gun violence following the January 30 shooting deaths of two teens at a Rainier Beach bus stop. Community members are divided over surveillance cameras as a solution—some, including a mother who lost a son to violence, support CCTV to aid investigations, while immigrant advocates worry about federal access to surveillance data for immigration enforcement. Both sides agree on the need for long-term community investment, though they differ on tactics.
Community members near Seattle’s Rainier Beach High School are petitioning King County Metro and the City of Seattle to close a bus stop and build a permanent memorial honoring two students, Tyjon Stewart, 18, and Tra’Veiah Houfmuse, 17, who were fatally shot there on January 30. The petition has garnered over 820 signatures as of mid-April, with organizers proposing a wrap-around bench and plaques at the site where the boys were killed shortly after school.
The University of Washington’s ArtSci Roundup highlights May 2026 events across arts, sciences, and humanities—including exhibitions, lectures, music performances, and public talks. While most events occur in Seattle, they’re university-focused and not specific to Maple Valley. However, some online lectures on topics like the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle or environmental issues may interest regional audiences seeking cultural enrichment beyond their immediate community.
Federal law enforcement is reevaluating security protocols after an attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. The incident marks the third violent assault near President Trump in less than two years and has prompted the Secret Service to assess security for upcoming high-profile events, though this national security matter has no direct local impact on Maple Valley.
Seattle’s Department of Transportation scaled back a plan to install bike and scooter corrals in Pioneer Square from 21 on-street locations to just 3, plus 7 off-street corrals, after opposition from local business owners and the Pioneer Square preservation board. SDOT will instead install no-parking signs near intersections to improve pedestrian safety ahead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this summer.
Kaden Hansen, an Auburn alum, has been named GNAC player of the year after helping lead the Saints to a No. 21 national ranking and the No. 1 seed in the GNAC tournament.
Indivisible Kent will participate in the nationwide “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump on Saturday, March 28, marking the group’s first anti-Trump protest. This will be the third iteration of the “No Kings” protest to take place across the nation, with Kent participating for the first time.
A man was found dead floating face down in Lake Fenwick in Kent. No additional details regarding the identity, circumstances, or date of the discovery were provided in the available report.
Washington Governor signed a bill addressing retailers’ penny problem in the state. The new law provides a solution for making change in transactions when pennies are not available.
I cannot write an accurate summary based on this source material. While the excerpt mentions Auburn Riverside’s Morgan throwing a complete game with 97 pitches and nine strikeouts against Enumclaw, the content is too brief and lacks essential details such as the specific date of the game, the final score, or other context needed for a proper news summary.
Kent Police arrested a 45-year-old Kent resident on March 23 following a vehicle pursuit that began in the Valley and extended up West Hill early Monday morning. The man is being investigated for several charges related to the incident. Specific charges were not detailed in the report.
The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds have advanced to the first round of the Western Hockey League playoffs, where they will face the expansion Penticton Vees from British Columbia.
A candlelight vigil to honor fallen U.S. Air Force Captain Ariana Savino will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23 at Heartwood Church located at 19320 SE 240th St. in Covington.
Federal Way is considering public safety funding options to address budget shortfalls and potentially avoid staff cuts this year. The city is exploring two alternatives to help maintain public safety services amid financial challenges.
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph opened her State of the City address with a tribute to fallen U.S. Air Force Captain Ariana Savino. The mayor honored the pilot during the solemn ceremony.
King County is planning to launch the RapidRide I Line in 2027, which will provide new bus service connecting Auburn, Kent, and Renton in South King County. The new line aims to improve transit accessibility across the region.
Kent residents Joe and Allison Riley received a Key Award from the Washington Coalition for Open Government for their successful lawsuit against the Kent School District over violations of the state’s Open Public Meetings Act. The award recognizes their efforts in pursuing open government practices in the local school district.
Washington state leaders are reconsidering how the state honors Cesar Chavez following recent sexual abuse allegations against the farmworker movement leader. State lawmakers and Governor Jay Inslee are reviewing the state’s recognition of Chavez’s legacy in light of these accusations.
Joe Hochwalt plans to participate in a peaceful sign-waving protest on March 28 in Auburn as part of Indivisible Auburn’s “No Kings” event. Hochwalt has been conducting similar sidewalk protests for nearly a year to oppose Trump Administration policies.
Kent approved a new city sales tax expected to generate approximately $3.65 million annually to fund 10 additional police officers, bringing the Kent Police Department to 180 officers by the end of 2026.
Mercy Housing Northwest and Open Doors for Multicultural Families held a groundbreaking ceremony with Sound Transit for the Kent Multicultural Village, a 233-unit affordable housing development. The project aims to provide affordable housing options in the Kent area.
The King County Council is considering a measure to decriminalize “entheogen-related activities” involving psychoactive substances including psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca tea within the county. The proposal would address the legal status of these substances in King County.
Kent Police arrested eight people—five men and three women—during a shoplifting sting at Safeway located at 20830 108th Ave. SE in the Panther Lake area.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Maple Valley area received its first snow of the season. The snowfall was described as beautiful but created messy conditions in some locations.
In July 1968, the Tacoma News Tribune interviewed 73-year-old Tom Whitehouse Jr., called the unofficial mayor of Kanaskat, who was born there in 1895 and represented the third generation of his family in the area. Whitehouse worked in coal mines starting at age 14, served in World War I, and later operated a grocery store, gas station, and auto-camp with his wife Katie along the Green River. By the mid-1950s, Whitehouse had assembled over 100 acres, with portions eventually becoming the Kanaskat-Palmer Recreation Area and State Park.
Green Play Northwest has opened registration for summer nature camps featuring themed programs for children ages 3-12 at locations in Enumclaw, Spokane, and Spokane Valley. The camps are now open for enrollment, and the organization notes that spots tend to fill quickly. Interested families can register and learn more at greenplaynw.org/summer-nature-camps.
On March 9, 2026, the Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area Council held its regular monthly meeting at the Maple Valley Fire Station, discussing the Transportation Benefit District, Local Subarea Plan, and school siting issues. Mike Birdsall, Vice Chair of the Joint Transportation Initiative, explained how King County could use the Transportation Benefit District process to fund transportation improvements through various tax options, noting that Maple Valley, Covington, and Black Diamond have already established TBDs. The Area Council also reviewed the 20-year Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Community Service Area Subarea Plan, with a public release scheduled for April 15, 2026, and discussed the Tahoma School District’s need for additional capacity, with plans to submit a PF-22 application this spring for development on district-owned land near Summit Trail Middle School.
Black Diamond Police responded to numerous incidents between February 9-25, 2026, including a domestic violence arrest on 2/9 at the 32300 block of Union Drive, a two-vehicle collision on 2/11 at Roberts and Morgan Drive requiring hospital transport, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle on 2/11 in the 25000 block of Kanasket Drive. Additional calls included traffic violations, welfare checks, an animal attack on 2/17, and a protection order violation on 2/25.
Black Diamond Police responded to various incidents between January 28 and February 7, 2026, including a homeless encampment report at 3rd Ave and Old Lawson Rd, approximately 215 feet of stolen wire from power lines in the 22200 block of SE 295th Pl., and a high school student protest on January 30 at 29200 216th AVE SE involving 200-300 juveniles impeding traffic and throwing ice. Officers also investigated two injury collisions, including one on February 1 at 216th AVE SE and SE 292nd ST where a driver running a red light was issued a notice of infraction, and another on February 7 in the 21900 block of SE 296th ST with one driver transported to Covington MultiCare.
The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra is hosting a Symphony Sampler at Covington Library on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event welcomes children ages 5 and older for instrument experimentation and a short musical performance, with siblings welcome and babes in arms exempt from registration requirements.
The 1952-53 Black Diamond basketball team consisted of 12 players photographed in front of the old elementary school, with two fifth graders and ten seventh graders coached by George Hazen, a 4th grade teacher. Notable player Bob Lloyd went on to become center and co-captain at Enumclaw High School, led his league in scoring, and made the Washington State College varsity team as a freshman after the 1958 Hornets finished 4th in the State A tournament. Seven of the players were of Italian heritage, descendants of coal miners, reflecting Black Diamond’s history as a coal mining town where sports served as primary entertainment.