A landmark water deal, tragedy, changes in leadership, downtown demolition and a baseball team’s magical run were among the top stories the Auburn Reporter brought to readers in 2010, a year of transition for a growing community.
The Reporter looks back at some of the top stories of the year.
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THE TOP 10
1. All-Stars enjoy dream ride to World Series
Auburn’s boys of summer enjoyed a remarkable run to the Little League World Seres. The all-stars captured state and regional titles to earn a berth to South Williamsport, Pa., where they won three of five games, including three consecutive elimination contests. Auburn, one of eight regional champions representing the U.S., came within three outs of reaching the American final.
It was Auburn’s first trip to the Series.
“Unbelievable experience,” said manager Kai Nahaku. “Being on that stage was unbelievable. It’s something we will enjoy for the rest of our lives.”
2. Cities reach Lake Tapps agreement with Cascade Water Alliance
The cities of Auburn, Bonney Lake, Buckley and Sumner on Feb. 5 signed an historic agreement with the Cascade Water Alliance to ensure that they will all have water to help them meet their needs for the next 50 years.
3. Kelly steps down; Lee succeeds as Auburn’s top cop
Jim Kelly officially retired in September after 31 years with the Auburn Police Department, the last 11 years as police chief, to become the deputy director of the new misdemeanor jail in Des Moines. Longtime Assistant Chief Bob Lee succeeded Kelly, taking the oath in October.
4. A special place to play
The City officially opened Discovery Playground, an innovative 32,000-square-foot barrier-free playground, at Les Gove Park in June. The new playground was designed with the physical, sensory and developmental abilities of all children in mind.
5. A tragedy at Farrelgas
Two men perished in May when the boom truck they were operating made contact with a live power line while working for the propane distribution company Ferrellgas, located in south Auburn.
6. Farewell to old friends
Auburn lost one of its longtime community-minded and influential personalities, Dick Kammeyer, who passed away Oct. 20 at age 88. Kammeyer left his mark on the city, fighting for police and firemen on the Civil Service Commission, representing his constituents on the City Council, serving on the Auburn School District board during a period of major development that included the construction of the Performing Arts Center and numerous schools.
The community also lost Mae Yamada, a member of a prominent Japanese-American pioneer family. Yamada, a compassionate and generous woman of many facets, died Nov. 22 at age 92.
7. A mystery, then an arrest in murder case
Auburn Police Department major crimes detectives – with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service – arrested a 30-year-old Portland man Dec. 10 in connection with the murder of Seth Frankel, an Auburn resident killed at his home May 21.
8. Downtown renovation begins
The former Marvel Food & Deli and Charlie Wong buildings on West Main and the Crites-Huff building on South Division Street were torn down in September to make way for a major downtown renewal project. The City plans to widen South Division Street for the Promenade project.
9. Auburn Mountainview gymnasts make history
The Lions, behind all-around finishes from senior Lexi Morton and junior Natalie Hostetter, captured the state 3A gymnastics title in February. It was the school’s first team sports title in its five-year existence.
10. Victim’s remains found, likely tied to Green River Killer
In December, a skull found by teenagers playing in a wooded ravine on Auburn’s West Hill was identified as a woman who disappeared in 1982, and a likely early victim of the Green River Killer. Authorities have long believed that Rebecca “Becky” Marrero may have been another victim of serial killer Gary Ridgway.
