By David Miller
It was a week of exhales on Mercer Island. You could hear it in the collective sigh of school district administrators on Tuesday night as early election returns rolled in, affirming that the community's financial support for local education remains steadfast. You could feel it in the tense, freezing air at Fish Lake, where a training exercise for our local police turned into a life-saving reality. And, perhaps less poetically but no less urgently, you could see it in the frantic work of utility crews on North Mercer Way, racing to contain a mess that threatened the very ground beneath our feet.
From the ballot box to the ice, this week proved that preparation—whether fiscal or physical—is the only hedge against the unexpected. As the gray February skies threatened rain that mostly held off, Islanders navigated a week defined by civic duty, sudden emergencies, and the quiet, steady hum of a community that shows up when it counts. The news for the week of February 4 to February 11, 2026.
Voters Affirm Schools with Levy Passage, But Budget Challenges Loom
Mercer Island voters overwhelmingly approved the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) replacement levy in Tuesday's special election. Early returns show the measure passing with 73 percent approval. The levy, which needed a simple majority to pass, authorizes the collection of taxes to provide up to $16 million starting in 2027, scaling up to $19 million by 2030.
This funding is not a bonus; it's the lifeblood of the district's daily operations. The EP&O levy accounts for 16 percent of the Mercer Island School District's annual operating budget, bridging the gap between what the state provides for "basic education" and the enriched experience Islanders expect. These dollars fund reading specialists in every elementary school, sustain more than 50 athletic teams at the high school, and ensure smaller class sizes and a seven-period day. For the owner of an average $2.2 million home, the replacement levy is a tax increase of approximately $27.50 per month beginning in 2027.
While the levy victory offers stability, it comes against a backdrop of serious financial headwinds. Just days before the vote, district officials warned of a projected $3 million shortfall for the 2025–26 school year. Superintendent Fred Rundle has been blunt about the situation, noting that the district is "out of tricks" after exhausting one-time measures and reserves. The root causes are structural: state caps on local levy collections, underfunding of special education, and skyrocketing costs for insurance and transportation. Despite the community's willingness to tax itself, state formulas limit how much of that local wealth can actually be applied to local schools.
The district is now in the difficult position of celebrating a victory while simultaneously planning for austerity. Officials are exploring a range of responses, including targeted staffing reductions, fee increases, and aggressive legislative advocacy in Olympia. The tension between the community's generosity and the state's funding constraints was palpable in recent board meetings, where parents expressed anxiety over potential school closures—specifically Island Park Elementary—following a failed bond measure last year. While the levy secures current programming, the long-term fiscal health of the district remains a complex puzzle of local support and state policy.
For now, however, the mood is one of gratitude. "Washington State continues to fall short of its promise to fully-fund education, but that is not the case on Mercer Island," Rundle wrote in a message to families. "Your support conveys the value this community places on education."
Reported by Reporter Staff, mercerislandschools.org, citizenportal.ai, citizenportal.ai, and Parent
Marine Patrol Unit Turns Training into Dramatic Ice Rescue
It was supposed to be a routine training day for the Mercer Island Police Department's Marine Patrol Unit at Fish Lake in Chelan County. Instead, it became a life-or-death situation that tested the very skills they were there to practice. On the afternoon of February 3, as officers were wrapping up their annual ice rescue certification, they witnessed a man plummet through the ice just yards away.
The man, approximately 25 years old and not wearing a life jacket or dressed for the freezing conditions, had been pulling a wagon across the frozen surface when the ice gave way. "Just out of nowhere, he fell through the ice," said MIPD Sergeant David Herzog. "The guy didn't say a word." Plunged into 35-degree water, the man managed to hold himself up on the jagged edge of the break, but his strength was fading fast.
The response was immediate and precise. A 20-person crew, including Mercer Island officers and members of the King County Sheriff's Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit, sprang into action. Two King County officers crawled on their stomachs across the fragile ice to reach the victim. MIPD Officer Shannon Johnson slid a specialized sled to the break in the ice. A complex system of ropes and pulleys, manned by officers staged on the docks and the ice, allowed the team to strap the man into the sled and haul him to safety.
Sergeant Herzog, along with Corporal Kelly Robinson and Officer Jordan Tranter, played critical roles in the rescue, managing the lines that brought the man back to solid ground. Herzog estimated the man was in the water for 10 to 15 minutes—a duration that can easily turn fatal in such temperatures. After being warmed up in a nearby cabin, the man was able to leave on his own. "Fortunately, we were able to put the training into play because if we weren't there, he would have drowned," Herzog noted, highlighting the importance of the unit's readiness for incidents that could just as easily happen at a frozen Ellis Pond.
Reported by Andy Nystrom
Sewer Overflow Closes Trails and North Mercer Way
Residents on the north end of the island faced a messy disruption this week after a sewer overflow forced street and trail closures. The incident began Saturday evening near the intersection of Fortuna Drive and North Mercer Way, where a temporary bypass system—installed as part of the ongoing North Mercer Island/Enatai Sewer Upgrade Project—collapsed. The failure caused wastewater to back up and spill from a maintenance hole, creating a public health hazard in the immediate area.
King County crews worked through the night, stopping and containing the overflow by 1:15 a.m. Sunday. However, the aftermath will be felt for days. Public Health – Seattle & King County has advised residents to avoid contact with potentially contaminated water in the area through February 15. The King County Environmental Lab has been on-site collecting water quality samples to monitor the impact.
While the construction contractor completed repairs and restored normal operations by Sunday noon, the cleanup continues. A section of the popular I-90 Trail at Fortuna Drive remains closed as crews disinfect the path, nearby vegetation, and storm drains. North Mercer Way has been reduced to a single lane at the site, with flaggers directing traffic. Officials have asked the public to give workers space as they complete the unpleasant but necessary sanitation work.
Reported by kiro7.com
Student Achievement: A Record-Breaking Week for the Arts
While athletic victories often grab the headlines, this week belonged to the artists and scholars of Mercer Island High School. In a stunning display of musical excellence, a record number of MIHS Orchestra students were selected for the 2026 Washington All-State Honor Ensembles. Eleven students, including violinists, cellists, and bassists, navigated a blind audition process to earn their spots—the highest level of music achievement in the state. They will perform in Tacoma later this spring.
The accolades didn't stop with the strings. The MIHS Band program saw 43 students place at the Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Contest, and the drama department celebrated 11 students recognized with State Thespian Awards. The DECA program is sending a massive contingent of 142 students to the State Career Development Conference.
These achievements are worth noting amid budget talks and levy votes. These individual triumphs are a reminder of what that funding actually buys: opportunities for students to compete and excel at elite levels across a diverse spectrum of disciplines.
Reported by mihs.mercerislandschools.org, mercerislandschools.org, mercerislandschools.org, mercerislandschools.org, mercerislandschools.org, mihs.mercerislandschools.org, mihs.mercerislandschools.org, mihs.mercerislandschools.org, and mihs.mercerislandschools.org
City Hall: New Chief, Immigration Policy, and Civic Engagement
The City of Mercer Island has been busy with administrative shifts and policy clarifications this week. The City Manager has appointed a new Police Chief, a significant move for public safety leadership on the island. This appointment comes as the department investigates a tragic case involving deaths following a welfare check, highlighting the complex and often heavy nature of the work.
In a move to address community concerns about federal policies, the Mercer Island Police Department and the School District issued messages clarifying their stance on immigration enforcement. The local policy is that local resources will not be used to enforce federal civil immigration laws, a reassurance aimed at maintaining trust with all residents regardless of their status.
On the civic front, the city is actively recruiting for various boards and commissions, though deadlines have been extended, suggesting a need for more volunteers. The City Council is launching a strategic roadmap for affordable housing compliance, a major policy initiative that will shape the island's development for years to come. Residents interested in the nitty-gritty of local governance can also note that the city is dealing with a check fraud investigation involving public funds, promising transparency as they work to recover the money.
Reported by mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerisland.gov, mercerislandsistercity.org, mercerisland.gov, and mercerisland.gov
From Olympia: Pennies, Camping Bans, and Public Health
Statewide issues with local ripples made news this week. A quirky but practical bill in the state legislature proposes rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel, as the federal government has ceased penny production due to cost. For Mercer Island retailers, this could simplify cash handling, though credit transactions would remain unchanged.
More controversially, lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit local governments from banning homeless encampments on public property unless adequate shelter space is available. This legislation, if passed, could override local ordinances and significantly impact how cities like Mercer Island manage public spaces.
A public health alert has been issued about measles, with at least 23 cases reported in Washington state so far this year. While no specific outbreaks have been centered on the island, the proximity of cases is a reminder for families to check vaccination records.
Reported by Wire Service, Wire Service, mi-reporter.com, mi-reporter.com, mi-reporter.com, mi-reporter.com, mi-reporter.com, and mi-reporter.com
Your Week Ahead: Weather
After a chilly start, we are looking at a classic February week in the Pacific Northwest. Expect mostly cloudy skies for the next few days with highs hovering around 50 degrees, giving way to light rain by Friday. The weekend cools down slightly with highs in the mid-40s, but Sunday promises a break in the clouds with some sunshine—perfect for a walk, provided you avoid the closed sections of the I-90 trail.
Business Spotlight
Shawn's Cafe & Bakery Located at 7420 Southeast 24th Street, Shawn's Cafe & Bakery is the kind of spot that makes a neighborhood feel like a community. Whether you're grabbing a morning coffee on the run or settling in for a pastry and a chat, this local gem offers a warm atmosphere that big chains just can't replicate. It's a great place to decompress after the busy week we've all had.
Island Cats Veterinary Hospital For the feline members of our families, Island Cats Veterinary Hospital at 3024 78th Avenue Southeast offers specialized care. Dedicated solely to cats, they understand the unique needs and temperaments of our feline friends. If your cat is due for a checkup or you have concerns about their health, having a specialist right here on the island is an invaluable resource.
Roanoke Inn A true Mercer Island institution, the Roanoke Inn at 1825 72nd Avenue Southeast is more than just a bar; it's a piece of local history. With its lively pub atmosphere, darts, jukebox, and outdoor seating, it's the perfect place to gather with neighbors. Serving up American fare and homemade desserts, the Roanoke remains a steadfast gathering place for Islanders looking to unwind and connect.
John L. Scott Real Estate - Mercer Island Navigating the Mercer Island housing market requires local expertise, and the team at John L. Scott Real Estate offers just that. Whether you are looking to buy into this community or sell your home, their deep knowledge of the island's unique neighborhoods makes them a go-to resource for real estate needs.
Drynow Plumbing Solutions When household emergencies strike, having a reliable plumber is essential. Drynow Plumbing Solutions services the area with professional plumbing expertise. From leaky faucets to major repairs, they are a practical contact to have in your phone for when things go wrong.