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🌱 Patch AM: What changes could Mercer Island see under Chief Bennett’s leadership?

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Good morning Mercer Island! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What changes could Mercer Island see under Chief Bennett’s leadership?
  • Why Mercer Island police say there’s no suspect in Tuesday’s deaths
  • Which Mercer Island streets saw crime and arrests this past week?

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Sun through high clouds, with a high of 45 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Thursday: Occasional afternoon rain, temps: high: 42, low: 37.
  • Friday: Cloudy with a little rain, with a high of 53 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Mercer Island appoints new police chief (kiro7.com) — Mercer Island has named Michelle Bennett as its new permanent police chief, following her interim service since July 2025. She brings three decades of regional law enforcement leadership, including prior chief roles in Maple Valley, Sammamish, and Edmonds, and city leaders say her experience and community trust position the department for continued progress.
   

Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

• Police investigate possible murder-suicide in Mercer Island, WA (fox13seattle.com) — Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide after a woman in her 70s and a man in his 40s, believed to be mother and son, were found shot dead in a Mercer Island home Tuesday morning. Officers say there is no outstanding suspect, and detectives, with help from state investigators, are processing the scene and seeking warrants and relatives while exploring potential motives.
   

• Subjects caught on cameras egging residence (mi-reporter.com) — Recent Mercer Island police reports detail everything from a large cryptocurrency theft reported by a local resident to juveniles egging a home and underage drinking requiring medical aid. Officers also made several traffic-related arrests, handled a protection order violation, and coordinated with regional agencies to book suspects on Mercer Island warrants and a small shoplifting case.
   

📸 Around Mercer Island

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Mercer Island

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Sunday January 4
  • Family Story Time
    Mercer Island Library , 4400 88th Ave SE , Mercer Island
    11:15 am
  • LEGO Block Party!
    Mercer Island Library , 4400 88th Ave SE , Mercer Island
    3:00 pm
    • Thursday January 8
  • Family Story Time
    Mercer Island Library , 4400 88th Ave SE , Mercer Island
    11:15 am
    • Sunday January 11
  • Kids Craft Club
    Mercer Island Library , 4400 88th Ave SE , Mercer Island
    3:00 pm

📣 Mercer Island Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Mercer Island PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "Avoid the area" due to gas leak in Seattle, Washington.
    9:43PM on Dec 29: Firefighters are investigating a natural gas leak in the 1800 block of W. Emerson Pl. (Nextdoor )
  • A collision on the Mercer Street onramp to southbound I-5 blocked all traffic, but the incident has been cleared and the ramp is back open.
    12:50PM on Dec 29: The southbound I-5 on-ramp from Mercer Street in Seattle is blocked due to a disabled vehicle. (Nextdoor )
  • KeyBank posted a job opening for Lead Teller in Mercer Island. Apply here.
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Custodian 2 in Bellevue. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Mercer Island here.

🗞 Nearby News

Bellevue

  • This Porsche Looks Like It Was Designed By A Highlighter With ADHD (carscoops.com)
  • Yes, There's American Wagyu — and It's a More Affordable Way to Eat Exceptional Beef (foodandwine.com)
  • Wakayama Delegation to Visit Seattle in February (napost.com)

Seattle

Ok Mercer Island! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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