Monroe magician wins two silver medals

Magician Devin Graupmann, 8, returned home to Monroe with two shiny new medals from the Pacific Coast Magicians Conference, held Nov. 19-22 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Devin won silver medals for stage magic and close-up magic in the age 13-and-younger category. Devin was on stage with Gwen Ayer, who won a Magician’s Assistant Award. You can often find Devin performing during open mic poetry nights at Cafe Zippy in Everett, or at birthday parties, weddings and other events. Find out more at “The Magic of Devin Graupmann” on Facebook.com. He takes third- and fourth-grade classes through Washington Virtual Academy.

Arlington Police honor excellence

The Arlington Police Department recognized more than 30 employees, volunteers and citizens at its annual awards ceremony in December.

Employee of the Year was awarded to Officer Seth Kinney, whose exemplary efforts in 2015 included redesigning the department’s K-9 program.

Two citizens were honored: Kimberly Casteel worked to improve personal relationships with the police department; Sandra Matthews provided the tip on suspicious activity that led to the arrest of two burglary suspects.

Volunteer awards went to Yvonne Hoover, Ray Coleman, Rich Stommel and Judy Ness.

The Marysville-Pilchuck Award was presented to Mike Phillip, Seth Kinney, Mike Sargent and Jason Rhodes for their response to the October 2014 school shootings.

Mike Phillips was awarded the Chief’s DUI Award. Brian DeWitt was awarded the Chief’s Traffic Enforcement Award. Letters of Commendation were awarded to Loralie Carlson and Seth Kinney.

Medals of Valor were awarded to Rory Bolter and Molly Ingram for assisting the Marysville Police during the Oct. 15, 2014 rolling gun battle.

Oso Awards for efforts during the March 2014 mudslide went to Karen Composano, Loralie Carlson, Monica Schlagel, Anthony Davis, Brian DeWitt, Mark Wilde, Mike Gilbert, Mike Phillips, Molly Ingram, Kay Schander, Seth Kinney, Peter Barrett, Terry Quintrall, Dan Cone, Mike Sargent, Stephanie Ambrose, Rory Bolter, Curtis Hirotaka, Jason Rhodes, Erik Moon and Ken Thomas.

POTUS Awards for helping with security during President Obama’s April 2014 visit went to Loralie Carlson, Karen Composano, Monica Schlagel, Justin Olson, Anthony Davis, Brian DeWitt, Seth Kinney, Peter Barrett, Terry Quintrall, Dan Cone, Mike Sargent and Rory Bolter.

Fundraiser helps kids attend parks programs

The city of Edmonds’ “Light a Light” fundraiser raised $1,870 for the Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps children with financial need participate in parks and recreation programs. This was the 17th year that a living fir tree was lit and placed outside the Frances Anderson Center for the holiday season. The tree is now planted at Pine Ridge Park.

Banks battle, food bank wins

The annual Battle of the Banks in Snohomish collected 1,690 pounds of food and $818 for the Snohomish Community Food Bank.

Six banks participated in the friendly competition, held in December. Staff and customers at Coastal Community Bank of Snohomish brought in the most donations. Opus Bank in Snohomish won a Judge’s Award for Best Display.

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