This week’s news about the fire that gutted Twede’s Cafe is sad and also of concern. Two arsons within a few weeks’ time smells suspicious. Is the population of the Upper Valley growing so fast

as to bring in folks with mischievous time on their hands? Is this a case of

two isolated incidents or kids with nothing better to do? In the case of Twede’s,

an obvious act of a childish mind has put several employees out of work and

the owner, Kyle Twede, wondering if he can recapture the business that will be

lost over the next few months. And all at the height of the visitor season, a

time when many downtown Snoqualmie and North Bend businesses have to

make enough to carry them through the slow season.

So what can we do about it? Keep your ears to the ground and let’s find

out who is involved. A reward has been posted for information leading to the

arrest and conviction of the arsonists. Let’s also take the time to give an extra

glance if driving around at odd hours of the night. Let’s ask the police for extra

patrols in business and residential areas to potentially curb some of the destruction.

It will also be important for the city of North Bend to recognize the

rebuilding of Twede’s as a priority. It’s still common place to see visitors with

cameras in hand, taking pictures of the Cafe sign. With one other major vacancy

on Main Street, making the process smooth for Kyle is even more critical.

And with the recent discussion about a downtown historical district, it

is apparent that North Bend’s economic development committee also

thinks Twede’s will play an important role.

I’m sure everyone’s thoughts are with you and your staff, Kyle.

Jim McKiernan