News

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht gave a response to an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight report on Feb. 25 before the King County Law and Justice Committee. The report recommended ways her department could reform use of force policy and internal investigations. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
‘Reforms did not die on the vine’

Council unsatisfied with Sheriff’s response to use of deadly force report

The King County Sheriff’s Office could be required to explain why it didn’t implement recommendations.

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht gave a response to an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight report on Feb. 25 before the King County Law and Justice Committee. The report recommended ways her department could reform use of force policy and internal investigations. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
The house purchased by Kvashuk, according to King County parcel records.
Crime and courts

Renton resident convicted of defrauding Microsoft

A former Microsoft employee living in Renton was convicted on 18 charges related to a scheme to defraud Microsoft of $10 million in digital currency.… Continue reading

  • Feb 25, 2020
The house purchased by Kvashuk, according to King County parcel records.

Voters could vote to affirm subpoena powers for civilian KCSO oversight agency

The King County charter review commission recommended enshrining the power in the charter.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness

Republican opposition calls for tax relief, rather than spending the increased revenue.

  • Feb 25, 2020
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Photo courtesy of Rylee Russell Mark’s family. He was shot last Sunday, Feb. 16 at a transient camp in Renton. Police are still trying to track down the suspect identified as Kelsey M. Gornowich, who also goes by Loki.

Family mourns son who lived a life on the streets

Rylee Russell Marks was identified as the victim of a shooting at a Renton encampment

Photo courtesy of Rylee Russell Mark’s family. He was shot last Sunday, Feb. 16 at a transient camp in Renton. Police are still trying to track down the suspect identified as Kelsey M. Gornowich, who also goes by Loki.
Fentanyl (Courtesy photo)

Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County

Meth overdoses are on the rise as well, continuing a trend reported on last year.

Fentanyl (Courtesy photo)
The Colstrip Power Plant in Montana. Puget Sound Energy owns 25 percent of the remaining two units. File photo

PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant

The utility owns two units at the Montana power plant.

The Colstrip Power Plant in Montana. Puget Sound Energy owns 25 percent of the remaining two units. File photo
Puget Sound Fire District rescuers work to remove a tree that pinned a man in an apartment complex in unincorporated Maple Valley on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Fire.
911 news

Man pinned under a tree after it falls into an apartment

Fourteen emergency services respond outside of Maple Valley

  • Feb 23, 2020
Puget Sound Fire District rescuers work to remove a tree that pinned a man in an apartment complex in unincorporated Maple Valley on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020. Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Fire.

Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office

Several changes to the King County Sheriff’s Office were proposed.

911 news

He thought his wife died, she was found in Covington

Missing elderly woman found in the same clothes she left in after months of being missing

  • Feb 20, 2020
Crime web teaser. Renton Reporter
911 news

He called 911 then was arrested for homicide

Suspect with history of assault denies his alleged role in the incident

Crime web teaser. Renton Reporter
Luis Hernandez. Courtesy of Renton Schools
Local features

He didn’t care much for class until his teacher encouraged his photography

Local Renton student’s photographs featured in exhibit in Spain

Luis Hernandez. Courtesy of Renton Schools
The language of the original bill prohibited privately-owned detainment facilities from being contracted by local, state, or federal government entities, but a last-second amendment was adopted to substantially narrow the focus of the legislation. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Lawmakers flinch on banning for-profit detention facilities

Last minute amendment exempted ICE detainment facility.

  • Feb 19, 2020
The language of the original bill prohibited privately-owned detainment facilities from being contracted by local, state, or federal government entities, but a last-second amendment was adopted to substantially narrow the focus of the legislation. File photo
A cloudy day at Renton Municipal Airport. Photo by Haley Ausbun
Renton Municipal Airport updates

Renton considers legal avenues for airport plan

The city is looking at how it can combat the FAA’s masterplan requirements

A cloudy day at Renton Municipal Airport. Photo by Haley Ausbun
911 news

Renton man shot, killed at encampment

Renton Police are asking for information or witnesses

A proposal to make King County Metro fares free for low-income households could be approved in the coming months. File photo

King County considers free transit for low-income residents

The program would target those at or below 80 percent of the federal poverty level.

A proposal to make King County Metro fares free for low-income households could be approved in the coming months. File photo
Courtesy of City of Renton. Site area for the Park Avenue North extension, a project from the city and SECO development that creates a second access point for Southport.
Renton business development

SECO expands its reach

Two new land acquisitions will expand Southport

Courtesy of City of Renton. Site area for the Park Avenue North extension, a project from the city and SECO development that creates a second access point for Southport.
Courtesy of Renton School District.
Education news

Under-enrollment in Renton may lead to budget, staff cuts

RSD asking for feedback on how to cut its spending due to impending losses

Courtesy of Renton School District.
Courtesy of Renton Schools. Through a mentor program between local students and car dealerships, involving Renton School District Career Technical Education (CTE) worksite learning coordinators, nonprofit Mentor Washington and Communities in Schools Renton-Tukwila, students are getting both careers and a friendly hand on stepping into the adulthood. Pictured: First mentee in the program Nick Romo, who has gone on to continue his career after the program and is nearly a master technician, in a video about the program.
Education meets real-life work

Dealing kids a better future

Local car dealerships mentor Renton students for future careers

Courtesy of Renton Schools. Through a mentor program between local students and car dealerships, involving Renton School District Career Technical Education (CTE) worksite learning coordinators, nonprofit Mentor Washington and Communities in Schools Renton-Tukwila, students are getting both careers and a friendly hand on stepping into the adulthood. Pictured: First mentee in the program Nick Romo, who has gone on to continue his career after the program and is nearly a master technician, in a video about the program.
Courtesy of City of Renton. The Cedar River Trail experienced a significant undermining, and much of the bank was gone after flooding over the weekend, some of it just feet away from the paved trail.
Floods and rain

River flooding pushes Renton to the limits

Heavy rains and rising waters could cost Renton millions

Courtesy of City of Renton. The Cedar River Trail experienced a significant undermining, and much of the bank was gone after flooding over the weekend, some of it just feet away from the paved trail.