BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The Sky River Natural Health Center in Sultan was recognized during the Sultan City Council's Business Spotlight for the month of September. The health clinic, which is owned and operated by Dr. Brandy Rose Lipscomb of Index, focuses on Naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Lipscomb has been in the Sky Valley area since 2006, and has a diverse background. Originally from West Virginia, Lipscomb completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky. She came to Washington State in 2000 to attend Bastyr University.
In 2003, her National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq where she served with the United States Army for 18 months as an Infantry Combat Medic. Upon returning to the United States she completed her education at Bastyr, and in 2006 received her doctorate degree.
Attracted to the Sky Valley because of the white water rafting, Lipscomb decided she wanted to live in Index and open a business somewhere in between Index and Monroe. Sultan seemed like the perfect place. Lipscomb began operating her practice out of Sultan Chiropractic, which is owned and operated by Dr. Brian Copple.
"It was an amazing, wonderful fit and I loved every moment of being there,GÇ¥ said Lipscomb.
Currently, she practices at her new location which is just a short trip east, up U.S. 2.
Lipscomb shared that, in her practice, they focus on healing the body rather than just treating symptoms. The clinic does primary care, wellness exams, physicals, blood draws, nutrient therapy, vitamin B12 injections, and much more. She is currently offering SCENAR, a revolutionary non-traditional treatment for pain relief.
The Sky River Natural Health Center is located at 33405 SR 2, just east of Werner Paddles in Sultan. For more information, please call (360) 793-0206.
CITIZENS TALK COPS
For several months now, members of the Sultan community have joined together in an effort to address the city's homeless population, the high levels of illicit drug activity, and the rising level of property crimes.
The Sultan Block Watch Network was organized, the Sultan Community Task Force was implemented, and multiple citywide cleanup events have removed tons of trash and refuse left in the various community parks around the city. One resident even started his own security company to help residents secure their properties and become more vigilant.
A common theme has been echoed by residents throughout the process, "How can we obtain more police officers?GÇ¥
The city of Sultan, which transitioned from having an independent police department in 2009, now contracts with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department for their law enforcement services. Per the contract, the city pays for services including patrol and investigations that are to be provided by a total of four officers.
The contract guarantees them one Sultan-designated patrol deputy on duty, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also provides for a chief of police to act as both a supervisor and a liaison between the sheriff's department and the city.
There are those in the community who do not feel that one deputy is enough.
Sultan Community Task Force Lead Facilitator and VOA Director Calei Vaughn addressed council in hopes of prompting further discussion on the idea of holding a police levy, which would allow the city to obtain an additional officer.
Vaughn, who lives close to a duplex notorious for suspicious activity, asserted that drug deals are being conducted in broad daylight.
"I stood in front of my house the other night and in 15 minutes I had 16 individuals go in and out of the duplex around the corner,GÇ¥ said Vaughn. "It is like a parade in front of my house every night, and it's really, really disheartening. It's hard to raise our families when we can't go out in the front yard.GÇ¥
Vaughn stated that, while she understands that Sultan's issues are not unique, having one officer to cover such an expansive area is unique.
"I'm asking if we can just begin that discussion on how we can look at getting increased police coverage in Sultan,GÇ¥ said Vaughn.
Vaughn's neighbor, Kelly Geiger, also addressed council. Geiger lives next door to Vaughn with his wife, Mandy. He shared that, as a firefighter, he has more time off then the average person with a regular 40-hour work week. He confirmed Vaughn's account of excessive drug activity.
"What we see next to our house is throughout this community,GÇ¥ said Geiger. "It is rampant.GÇ¥
Geiger expressed concern at the current level of available law enforcement officers; one patrol officer per shift.
"I will tell you that, in my profession, we don't run into burning buildings by ourselves, the same as law enforcement doesn't run into situations by themselves,GÇ¥ said Geiger. "It's inherently dangerous, both occupations.GÇ¥
Geiger said that the $100,000 in savings the city received by contracting with the sheriff's department isn't worth people's lives. He doesn't feel that it's worth the lives of the citizens or the lives of the officers who could be forced to confront dangerous situations by themselves.
Overall, councilmembers were far more receptive to the idea of discussing a levy or some other means of obtaining an additional police officer than they were when the topic came up during a previous meeting. Throughout both discussions, Councilmember Jeffrey Beeler has been consistently supportive.
The Sultan Community Task Force meets every Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Sultan City Hall. All are welcome to attend.
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