Andy Nystrom
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Andy Nystrom
King County Elections releases early results - Bellevue Reporter
And the early results are in. King County Elections (KCE) posted the first round of results in the Nov. 3 general election at 8:15 p.m. this evening. Local races involve candidates in Congressional District 9 and Legislative District 41, both of which cover Mercer Island. The 9th also covers Auburn, Federal Way, segments of Seattle and Bellevue and more. The 41st also covers Newcastle and portions of Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah and Sammamish. At press time, current Congressional District 9 U.S. Rep.
Homegrown to close Mercer Island and Seattle eateries - Mercer Island Reporter
A sign posted on the Mercer Island Homegrown eatery window notes that the business will close its doors on Nov. 25. The sign reads: “Come see us during our last 30 days of business. Thanks for the support all these years, Mercer Island.” A similar sign was posted at the downtown Seattle shop, which will also soon be shuttered, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Mercer Islanders qualify for state cross country meet - Mercer Island Reporter
A host of Mercer Islanders will tackle the Sun Willows Golf Course 5K terrain in Pasco on Nov. 7 in the prestigious boys and girls 3A state cross country championships. MI’s Heath Atrosh — a senior at O’Dea High School — placed fourth at the recent 3A District 2 championship at Lower Woodland Park in Seattle to qualify for state. On the Mercer Island High School front, both the boys and girls teams made state following their performances at district.
MIHS football is winning big this season - Mercer Island Reporter
When the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) football squad executes in the confidence, accountability and teamwork realms, many things will go well, said sophomore quarterback Luke Christofferson. Head coach Mason Azose noted that they’re trying to drive that philosophy home both on and off the field. He wants the players to earn their success and do their job the right way.
City management analyst unveils e-bike survey results at meeting - Mercer Island Reporter
A city of Mercer Island e-bike survey shows that many residents appreciate e-bikes and a bevy of locals have concerns about the vehicles. MI’s 2026 E-Bikes in Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Outreach Campaign — which consisted of an online survey and in-person events — occurred over the summer and generated 740 responses.
MI Rowing Club continues to offer sessions in the fall - Mercer Island Reporter
After gliding its way to an inaugural successful summer, the Mercer Island Rowing Club has kept things flowing during the fall. During the summer, the club stored its boats in a 40-by-70-foot tent near the Luther Burbank Park south swim beach while it offered its Learn to Row program for kids and adults. The club brought rowing to the Island in a big way and drew 120-plus participants, ages 13-73, to those initial sessions.
MIHS football is winning big this season - Mercer Island Reporter
When the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) football squad executes in the confidence, accountability and teamwork realms, many things will go well, said sophomore quarterback Luke Christofferson. Head coach Mason Azose noted that they’re trying to drive that philosophy home both on and off the field. He wants the players to earn their success and do their job the right way.
MISD board approves to place $35M bond measure on Feb. 9 ballot - Mercer Island Reporter
A Mercer Island School District (MISD) bond measure is headed to the special election ballot in 2027. After engaging in five discussions and a parent meeting this year regarding a proposed bond initiative, the MISD board of directors voted in favor of placing a $35 million Student Safety, Security, and Accessibility bond measure on the Feb. 9 ballot. The unanimous approval of Resolution 760 occurred at the board’s Oct.
City will roll out e-bike survey results at meeting - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Open Space Conservancy Trust will roll out the e-bike outreach results from their online survey and in-person events during a joint meeting on Oct. 29. The gathering will take place at 5 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center and will be broadcast live via the city’s YouTube channel. MI’s 2026 E-Bikes in Parks, Trails and Open Spaces Outreach Campaign occurred over the summer and generated 740 responses.
MIHS boys water polo is making a splash this season - Mercer Island Reporter
It’s most likely the first time that Milton Berle has been associated with the sport of water polo.
Mercer Island School District settles sex abuse claim for $1.5M
This story was originally published by the Mercer Island Reporter. Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle announced at a recent school board meeting that the $13.4 million sex abuse tort claim filed against the district has been resolved. According to an InvestigateWest story in March 2026, a former Mercer Island High School (MIHS) student filed the claim against the district on Feb. 3 of this year.
Seniors can learn to plan ahead at MI social seminars presentation - Mercer Island Reporter
Ami Reischman is passionate about getting seniors the right level of care and into the most ideal housing community. “I said it the other day in our team meeting, it is the victory and the joy of finding the perfect place for a family, for a loved one in a family that needs care,” said the Silver Age Senior Living Advisors consultant. Reischman will bring her vast amount of senior living knowledge to Mercer Island for a free Senior Social Seminars presentation beginning at 10 a.m. on Oct.
Former MIHS student’s sex abuse tort claim resolved - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle announced at a recent school board meeting that the $13.4 million sex abuse tort claim filed against the district has been resolved. According to an InvestigateWest story in March 2026, a former Mercer Island High School (MIHS) student filed the claim against the district on Feb. 3 of this year.
New pharmacy to open at south end Mercer Island QFC - Mercer Island Reporter
There will soon be a new pharmacy in town at the south Mercer Island QFC. QFC announced in a press release that its expansion for customers’ access to affordable healthcare and wellness services will occur with the grand opening of the pharmacy on Oct. 21.
MIHS boys hitting strong on the golf course - Mercer Island Reporter
It was a big-time rebound on the golf course that lasted the rest of the regular season. After the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) boys lost their first match to rival Bellevue, the 3A Islanders racked up five straight victories to finish second in their KingCo conference. Following the Bellevue match, MIHS “picked it up, and as the season went, each and every match they improved a little bit at a time,” said head coach Seung Lee.
Mercer Island reaches Growth Management Act compliance - Mercer Island Reporter
After a lengthy reviewing process, the Growth Management Hearings Board informed the city of Mercer Island on Sept. 24 that it has achieved compliance on growth issues in revising its 2024 comprehensive plan. The Growth Management Act (GMA) compliance includes the construction of affordable housing along with the city being ordered to amend its land capacity analysis, adequate provisions, Sound Transit light rail station area subarea plan and anti-displacement measures sections of the comp plan.
MIHS author delves into ‘The World Inside You’ - Mercer Island Reporter
It was an emotional release for Mercer Island High School senior Dora Cheng when she penned the plot for her book “The World Inside You.” The 17-year-old brought her self-released work into the world about a month and a half ago and it’s packed with stunning illustrations by her friend Angel Shou that pair with the vital messages for youngsters within the pages.
Kirkland church pastor indicted for wire fraud and money laundering - Kirkland Reporter
A Bothell resident, who is the pastor of Kirkland’s Passion for Christ Church, was arraigned on Oct. 13 on an indictment for wire fraud and money laundering connected with the Christian congregation. The pastor’s 10 fraud charges and five laundering counts are linked to a $13 million fraud scheme, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd in a United States Department of Justice (DOJ) press release.
Sumi retires after making an impact at Mary Wayte Pool - Mercer Island Reporter
Chris Sumi’s first water experience occurred at the age of 5 when he stepped off a dock. He didn’t yet know how to swim and his uncle pulled him out of the lake. About two years later while on vacation in Canada, Sumi learned how to swim and continued taking lessons back home in Seattle. Later as a teen, he joined a swim team and then took an advanced lifesaving class at the age of 17.
MI set to begin water pipeline replacement project - Mercer Island Reporter
Pieces of 24-inch pipe began arriving on Mercer Island on Oct. 7. That pipe will eventually find its way into action during the city of Mercer Island’s robust water pipeline replacement project that is commencing on Oct. 12. First up is replacing an existing asbestos concrete line on Gallagher Hill Road with a new 10-inch ductile water main, a job that initially needs to be done before installing the 24-inch line, according to project manager and city Public Works street engineer Ian Powell.
Islanders can now directly support Mercer Island police - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Cpl. Bobby Jira said that residents often ask him how they can make donations to support the police department. During Salim Nice’s time as mayor and deputy mayor on the Mercer Island City Council, he heard countless times about residents having positive interactions with the MIPD and wishing to express their appreciation for the agency.
MIHS boys tennis is tearing it up on the court - Mercer Island Reporter
Team chemistry, focus and strength are driving the deep Mercer Island High School (MIHS) boys varsity tennis team, according to head coach Jacquie Hartmann. She added that the 3A Islanders are undefeated, united and having fun on the courts this season with a 9-0 KingCo league record and 10-0 overall mark at press time. In the Universal Tennis Record (UTR) power ranking realm, MIHS stands in second in KingCo just behind 4A Redmond — a team the Islanders beat, 6-1, this season.
Candidates face off for 41st Legislative District positions - Bellevue Reporter
Four 41st Legislative District candidates are vying for two state representative positions in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Janice Zahn (D) will face off with Elle Nguyen (R) for Position No. 1, and incumbent My-Linh Thai (D) will take on Michael Rosen (Independent) for Position No. 2. Ballots will be mailed to voters on Oct. 14 and must be postmarked by election day or returned to ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on election day.
Smith and Basler vie for US representative position - Kent Reporter
Adam Smith and Doug Basler will face off for the United States Representative, Congressional District 9 position in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Smith prefers the Democratic Party and Basler prefers the Republican Party, according to the King County Elections website. Ballots will be mailed to voters on Oct. 14 and must be postmarked by election day or returned to ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on election day.
School board listening session focuses on potential bond, tech use - Mercer Island Reporter
A potential bond and technology use in schools were two vital topics on the table at a recent Mercer Island School District (MISD) school board listening and information session. About 25 parents attended the event on the evening of Sept. 29 at Mercer Island High School (MIHS), joining school board President Stephanie Burnett, directors Cristina Martinez and Julian Bradley, Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle and a host of staff members for discussions on the issues in three breakout sessions.
Volleyballer Holland thrives on intensity, team bonding - Mercer Island Reporter
It’s the intensity and team bonding that drive Kate Holland on the volleyball court. The Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior has been knocking the ball around for the last five years and the 6-foot right-side hitter is thrilled to be part of the Islander varsity program for the second straight year. She’s transitioned from her former middle blocker position to her new pin-hitting role and has helped lead the squad to a 3-2 3A KingCo Crest record (3-3 overall) at press time.
Korn having a blast with Space Raccoons card game - Mercer Island Reporter
What began as a class project has turned into a card game that will take players on a fun and challenging galactic journey with some furry, black-masked and ring-tailed characters. Mercer Islander Brandon Korn and two of his fellow Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) game design students have released Space Raccoons: Raccoons in Space after nearly three years of development.
Korn having a blast with Space Raccoons card game - Mercer Island Reporter
What began as a class project has turned into a card game that will take players on a fun and challenging galactic journey with some furry, black-masked and ring-tailed characters. Mercer Islander Brandon Korn and two of his fellow Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) game design students have released Space Raccoons: Raccoons in Space after nearly three years of development.
Friends and family gather to honor Ewan Lill in Pioneer Park - Mercer Island Reporter
Ewan Lill’s friends and family continue to keep his spirit alive each year with a birthday celebration featuring his favorite treat — chocolate cake. The Mercer Island youngster, who was described as being kind-hearted, funny, tender and loving, died at age 8 on May 7, 2018, of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On Sept.
Islander’s interest in Japan turns into business - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Islander Danielle Damasius has been spending heaps of time in Osaka, Japan, over the last year collecting antiques, vintage objects and handmade goods and bringing her Lapel business to life. While she still resides on the Island for part of the year, she also lives in an Osaka apartment for long stretches of time. Damasius will officially launch Lapel at the Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 2.
MIHS cross country squads are running strong this season - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island High School’s boys and girls cross country teams are hitting the courses in solid form so far this season. At press time, the girls were ranked first in the 2026 Washington State Coaches Poll in 3A and the boys were ranked fifth in 3A. The boys ran strong by besting all 3A and 4A schools at the recent KingCo Class Jamboree and the girls tied with 4A Issaquah at the top of the leaderboard.
MI murder suspects’ pre-trial hearings continued to November - Mercer Island Reporter
King County Superior Court representatives granted omnibus pre-trial hearing continuances on Sept. 17 for both defendants in a 2024 Mercer Island murder case. Their defense attorneys motioned for the continuances and the hearings are now slated for Nov. 12 at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. Defendants Christina Hardy and Philip Brewer pleaded not guilty to charges of the first-degree murder of Mercer Islander Curtis Engeland, 74, in February of 2024.
Mercer Island church sold to homebuilder for $7.1 million - Kent Reporter
It was as quiet as a church mouse around the spacious vacant property at 4001 Island Crest Way on a recent afternoon. A week earlier, Mercer Island’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 2.47-acre site was sold to a local homebuilder for $7.1 million on Sept. 15, according to an area builder and the Daily Journal of Commerce and Puget Sound Business Journal. According to King County records, the buyer is 4001 ICW LLC of Mercer Island and the sale was recorded on Sept. 21.
A community celebration for the Crest Learning Center - Mercer Island Reporter
Crest Learning Center was recently described as a “magical” place with a “new energy” that continues to make an impact on the alternative learning environment. The Mercer Island center features smaller classes, flexible project-based learning, a close-knit community and more. On the evening of Sept.
MIHS girls soccer off to a stellar start - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island High School’s girls varsity soccer players have been utilizing team chemistry and new tactics to bolt out to a solid start this season. With new head coach Mark Nowak and his staff on board, the Islanders were 4-1-1 at press time and outscored their opponents 21-2 along the way. Next up for the locals will be an away match against Juanita at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24.
Webinar addresses ‘Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation of Children Teens’ - Mercer Island Reporter
Ross Goldman of the U.S. Department of Justice, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section said that his agency believes in the power of prevention. In leading off a Sept.
MI’s Senior Social Seminar program continues on Sept. 29 - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island’s Senior Social Seminar program will be back in action with the Pacific Neuroscience Institute Foundation’s “Food, Mood & Function” presentation on Sept. 29. Beginning at 10 a.m., the event will “help attendees understand how everyday dietary choices can influence mental health and cognitive performance,” according to the city. The free hour-long gathering will take place at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center and features free coffee, tea and light snacks.
WSP investigating incident on Interstate 90 bridge trail - Kirkland Reporter
Washington State Patrol (WSP) is hoping the public can help the agency identify and locate the car that drove westbound on the Interstate 90 bridge’s biking and walking trail over Lake Washington on the afternoon of Sept. 10. A rider on the Sound Transit 2 Line light rail filmed the incident, posted the footage on Reddit that day and it’s been all over the social media realm ever since.
Energy abounds within the MIHS football program - Mercer Island Reporter
New Mercer Island High School (MIHS) varsity head football coach Mason Azose wants his players to “Earn It” every step of the way this season. That philosophy has been driving the Islanders since Azose came on board and as they head into their season opener at 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Oak Harbor High School. “The team is energetic and ready. There’s an excitement from the team and the football community that’s palpable,” Azose said.
City council delves into SJCC rezoning proposal - Mercer Island Reporter
A Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) rezoning request is now in Mercer Island City Council’s realm. At council’s Sept. 1 regular meeting, members unanimously voted, 7-0, to amend the planning commission’s recommendation by rejecting both amended city code findings and replacing them with city staff’s findings originally presented to the commission. A second reading of the ordinance will occur at council’s Dec. 1 regular meeting. On Aug.
City council delves into SJCC rezoning proposal - Mercer Island Reporter
A Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) rezoning request is now in Mercer Island City Council’s realm. At council’s Sept. 1 regular meeting, members unanimously voted, 7-0, to amend the planning commission’s recommendation by rejecting both amended city code findings and replacing them with city staff’s findings originally presented to the commission. A second reading of the ordinance will occur at council’s Dec. 1 regular meeting. On Aug.
Creative Art Student Society helps people in need - Bellevue Reporter
A host of high-schoolers have turned their passion for creating art into helping people in need. Members of the Creative Art Student Society (CASS), which features students from Mercer Island and other Eastside cities, displayed their handcrafted wax tablets at the Island’s Arts at the Market event on Aug. 30 and informed attendees that 100% of the proceeds from their sales will support families affected by the Spokane wildfires.
MI’s Cyclemates II group holds 55-year reunion - Mercer Island Reporter
Not many Mercer Islanders can say they met President Richard Nixon. In the summer of 1971, North Mercer Junior High teacher Fran Call and 15 of her students were welcomed into the White House by Nixon following their epic Cyclemates II bicycle journey from the Island to Washington, DC. The seven girls, eight boys and Call took off from the Island the day after school in June and arrived at the Washington Monument 60 days later. Soon after their arrival, the Islanders were White House-bound.
O’Hearn to be inducted into national lacrosse hall of fame - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island High School (MIHS) boys lacrosse head coach Ian O’Hearn is surprised, humbled and appreciative that he will soon be inducted into the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NILCA) Hall of Fame. O’Hearn is part of the hall’s 13-member 2026 class, which will be honored at its annual award dinner on Oct. 17 at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho, New York.
Families benefit from YFS back-to-school assistance program - Mercer Island Reporter
About 60 Mercer Island families are benefiting from the city’s Youth and Family Services (YFS) department’s back-to-school assistance program this year. Families with students in kindergarten through high school are eligible to receive free gift cards to purchase new shoes, clothing and school supplies if they are working with YFS case managers or counselors and experiencing low income or a qualifying event, according to YFS.
Lunara apartments building rises to four stories on MI - Mercer Island Reporter
Positioned in Mercer Island’s Town Center, the Lunara apartments building is finally open and welcoming residents into a vast four-story, 146-unit space with copious amenities that covers a total of 213,349 square footage. After nearly two years of construction, the complex stands tall at 7750 SE 29th St. Lunara opened its doors on July 14 and the first residents moved in on July 20, according to Lehua Shiroma, vice president of product for Indigo Real Estate.
Goodrum has the Ultimate summer vacation - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Islander Nikolas Goodrum called his eight-day summer excursion to Logrono, Spain, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In July, he travelled to Europe for the first time ever to play on the United States U20 open men’s team at the World Flying Disc Federation 2026 World Junior Ultimate Championships.
High-schooler creates Roman Republic escape room on MI - Bellevue Reporter
Bellevue teen Kaamil Siddiqui will be spending some time on Mercer Island to host a Roman Republic escape room with all the proceeds going toward a worthy cause. “The Consul Conspiracy: A Political Escape from Ancient Rome” room will be available for attendees to tackle at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.
Popular MI Old Friends Club adds a second day of weekly gatherings - Mercer Island Reporter
Mercer Island’s Old Friends Club has become so popular that organizers have added another day of laughter, learning and belonging. Launched in October of 2024 at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, the weekly club has added a Monday gathering to go along with its Thursday meetups.
Lens of Youth makes an impact on Mercer Island and beyond - Mercer Island Reporter
Twin sisters Felicia and Florence Qiang founded Lens of Youth (LOY) in Sammamish three years ago and they’ve brought the vital nonprofit to multiple adjacent cities, including Mercer Island. LOY is dedicated to promoting inclusion and advocating for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through storytelling, art, interviews and community events, according to its media outreach team.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Andy
Contact Andy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack