Andy Nystrom, Mercer Island Reporter Journalist Profile

Articles

Macrina Bakery to open new café on the Island

3 weeks ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Come early July, Mercer Islanders will be sipping coffee and munching on pastries, sandwiches, artisan bread and more at a new Macrina Bakery café across from Mercerdale Park. Macrina’s seventh café in its 32-year existence will be located at 3051 78th Ave. SE. It will cover just under 3,000 square feet and will include indoor and outdoor dining spaces and copious windows for maximum lighting, according to president and co-owner Scott France.
Sawhney notches state titles in wheelchair events

3 weeks ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Right out of the gate, Mercer Island High School (MIHS) sophomore Sarina Sawhney has snagged success in the track and field realm. Last month, the 16-year-old newcomer to the sport notched state shot put (18’ 6”) and javelin (35’ 2”) titles in the girls wheelchair events at Mount Tahoma High School. She placed second in the discuss (39’ 10”) at the premier event. All three marks are school and state records.
Goodrich receives MI Community Member of the Year award

3 weeks ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

With a plethora of family members and friends looking on, Jennifer Goodrich was named Mercer Island’s 2024 Community Member of the Year at city council’s regular meeting on June 3 in a packed room at the community and event center.
Becker appointed to serve on Mercer Island City Council

3 weeks ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Daniel Becker is the newest Mercer Island City Councilmember after he was appointed to serve on the seven-person council at its June 3 regular meeting. Becker was one of three Island residents who submitted applications to fill the vacant Position No. 7. The seat was held by Daniel “Jake” Jacobson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on March 30 following a medical emergency.
Northwest Yeshiva STEM team wins first prize at conference

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

A trio of Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS) students delved into the assisted healthcare technology realm by creating an automated pill box and notching a first-prize award in a prestigious conference in New Jersey.
MIHS boys golfers launch comeback to take state title

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

At the end of day one, Mercer Island High School’s boys golf team sat eight strokes behind team leader Bellevue High School at the 3A state championships at Creek at Qualchan Golf Course in Spokane. When day two concluded, the Islanders stood tall as state champs after blasting ahead of Bellevue by two strokes in the final team standings. MI finished first with 605 strokes and Bellevue took second with 607 strokes.
Sound Transit begins light rail testing across I-90

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Link light rail is now trending to open for service on Mercer Island and begin zooming across the Interstate 90 floating bridge to Seattle in early 2026, according to Sound Transit.
School bus driver to retire after 40 years

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

After spending 40 years driving Mercer Island School District buses, it’s time to hang up the keys and retire, said Dave Irish. When the last day of school hits on June 20, Irish will be traversing his final routes as a part-time driver who logs about 25 hours a week. For 20 years, he drove the big buses and he completed his final 20 manning the smaller ones while transporting students with disabilities, he said. “I’m a little nervous. It’s like, gosh, it’s coming to an end here.
Candidates step into campaign mode for MI, district positions

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Filing week has come and gone and now the candidates for Mercer Island City Council, Mercer Island School District and Legislative District 41 positions will step into campaign mode. Less than six months from now, voters will be having their say at the ballot box in the Nov. 4 general election. In the LD 41 realm, an Aug. 5 primary comes first because three candidates are running for a state representative spot; the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election.
Mercer Island participating in 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort

1 month ago | mi-reporter.com | Andy Nystrom

Mercer Island has been invited into the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort in which local leaders strive to achieve city-scale sustainability. Joining 12 other cities and three counties — including King County — nationwide in the cohort acceptance realm, Mercer Island initially took part in the council’s government leadership summit last July in Issaquah.