Civic leader Don Persson passes away
Mr. Persson served the residents of Renton for 53 years as a police officer and city council member
Don Persson, whose public service to the residents of Renton spanned 53 years as a police officer and city council member, passed away Monday.
“Don's commitment to Renton was a hallmark of his character,” said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, who served six years with Mr. Persson on the city council.
“There are very few lives not touched by his efforts. Our community will forever be a better place because of Don's service.”
Mr. Persson served with the Renton Police Department for 33 years. His experience patrolling the streets led him to become a valued member of the council's Transportation Committee and as a member of several regional transportation committees.
“Don’s legacy will be felt for many years to come at Renton Police Department,” said Jon Schuldt, the department’s interim chief. “In his 33 years of service to the city as an officer, he set the standard for ‘service before self.’ He represented true leadership: respectful, humble, and principled, balancing the community's needs with those who serve. He was always there as a mentor with words of encouragement and guidance.”
Throughout his 20-year career on Renton City Council, Mr. Persson demonstrated a unique ability to find solutions acceptable to his colleagues while not compromising his principles. His particular interest and acumen concerned the city's finances. His skills as a police interrogator showed in his probing questions and ability to flush out uncertainties and soft spending projections. He retired from the council in December 2019.
"It was an honor to serve with Don for his 20 years on the council," said Randy Corman, the current city council president. "He would do anything to help the community, and his optimism for the people of Renton was inspiring to all of us."
Mr. Persson served the community in many other ways. He was one of the founders of Renton River Days, was a member of the Communities In Schools board, and provided food and other supplies to REACH's Center of Hope. For 26 years, he was the driving force behind the city's annual Thanksgiving dinner for seniors at Renton Senior Activity Center. In addition, Mr. Persson gave his time, money and considerable culinary skills to many neighborhood picnics, community events, employee recognition lunches and more.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Renton
Proclamations
-
A woman in the U.S. is beaten by her husband or boyfriend every nine seconds. More than half the time, children under the age of 12 are present.
-
Over half of domestic violence-related fatal shootings were prohibited by law from owning firearms.
-
Domestic violence does not discriminate and crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious, and societal barriers. We sustain it by our indifference.
• We are working to improve the overall response and reduction of domestic violence through awareness of the cultural differences in our community.
-
Renton police have a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate to aid domestic violence victims within the city limits. If you or someone you know needs their help, please call (425) 430-6654. If you are in imminent danger, please call 9-1-1.
-
Renton is home to the King County Sexual Assault Center. Their resources are available 24/7: 888-998-6423.
When you drive by city hall this month, you’ll see the Cherry trees decorated with purple lights to remind us of the horrors of domestic violence. All of us together need to end the violence. Please do your part.
Street maintenance starts winter prep
No, you weren’t seeing things Tuesday in Renton. It’s the first week in October, and that means our street maintenance crews have shifted to winter prep mode.
The city’s dump trucks were converted to snow removal mode, complete with plows and sanders. The drivers then took the trucks out to refamiliarize their routes.
This early work allows crews to discover issues and get them corrected BEFORE snow hits.
The third part of their preparations is today, when the drivers, mechanics, support staff, and leads hold their annual snow and ice operations meeting.
Halloween Drive-Thru
Oct. 22, 5-7:30 p.m.
For ages 3 and up.
Gather the ghosts and goblins for a drive-through Halloween experience at the Renton Community Center. This registered event will have your car cruising through Trucks, themed stations, and special guests!
New for 2021: 5 p.m. time for those with sensory challenges reducing the noise and flashing lights.
Each vehicle will collect plenty of treats and a few tricks along the way, costumes welcome! For safety and the best experience, all attendees will remain in their vehicle for the entire event, facemasks recommended.
Registration is open Sept. 27– Oct. 20, or until sold out. One vehicle per registration. A detailed email will be sent to the main registrant the week of Oct. 18.
Cost: $15R/$18NR plus WA state sales tax.
Register: rentonwa.gov/register
#10169 5–5:30 p.m. (Reduced noise)
#10170 5:30–6 p.m.
#10171 6–6:30 p.m.
#10172 6:30–7 p.m.
#10173 7-7:30 p.m.
Olde Fashioned Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, Oct. 23-30, 2021
Calling all little ghouls, witches, princesses and superheroes to downtown Renton! We invite you to join us for an olde fashioned Halloween scavenger hunt Halloween week. Find the clues posted in storefront windows throughout downtown and solve the riddle to complete your game card.
The scavenger hunt can be completed any time through Oct. 30 (though residents are encouraged to hunt before the 30th.) Registration is free, but will help ensure that we fill enough goodie bags for everyone. Register now and we’ll email you a link to the printable map and game card. Turn in your completed game card on Saturday, Oct. 30th in Gateway Park (510 S 3rd St) between 1 and 5 p.m. to pick up your goodie bag.
Register online at rentonhalloween2021.eventbrite.com and we’ll send you a link to the map and game card when they are ready.
Household Hazardous Wastemobile
King County’s Household Hazardous Wastemobile will be at McLendon Hardware (440 Rainier Ave. S) on Oct. 8-10, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
It’s free and an excellent opportunity to safely dispose of:
-
Fluorescent bulbs/tubes (limit: 10 per vehicle)
-
Household cleaners
-
Pesticides
-
Oil-based paint
-
Gasoline, motor oil, and anti-freeze (limit: 25-gallons)
-
Household batteries (lead-acid, alkaline, button, rechargeable)
List of acceptable items and quantity limits