Stories for December 2024

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Tuesday, December 31

Townsend Family wins 2024 National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year award

The Townsend family, recently recognized as the West Region Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, has won the National title for the year of 2024. The family has managed the 277-acre Coburg Tree Farm with passion, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and family. Located in the Cascade foothills near Eatonville, Washington, Coburg Tree Farm has been a family legacy since its certification through the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) in 1955. It stands as the 9th oldest continuously certified tree farm in Washington State, with three generations of Townsends working together to manage their land for future generations.

Beyond timber: The Coburg Tree Farm’s rise to national recognition

The crisp mountain air vibrated with the rhythmic drone of a chainsaw as Keith Townsend surveyed the Douglas fir plantation, a proud smile etched on his face. Sunlight went through the towering trees, casting long shadows on the forest floor. Coburg Tree Farm is a 277-acre testament to generations of sustainable forestry, a legacy meticulously crafted by his family.

County adopts comp plan update

The Pierce County Council adopted the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update, concluding a multi-year community outreach, planning, and legislative effort. The Comprehensive Plan is a foundational document that guides the County's growth and development over the next 20 years.

Pierce, Kitsap make joint senate appointment

Deb Krishnadasan was appointed to the 26th Legislative District Senate seat on Wednesday, Dec. 11, to complete the term of Senator Emily Randall (D-Bremerton), during a joint special meeting of the Pierce County Council and Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. Randall resigned her seat on Sunday, Dec. 8, to assume her new role as U.S. Representative for Washington's 6th Congressional District.

Brussels sprouts détente

Are you Brussels sprouts-averse? This recipe may help. It takes the divisive earthy crucifer and greets it head-on with equally potent ingredients: kimchi, gochujang and yes, fish sauce.

Savvy Senior: How long to keep tax records and other documents

Is there a rule of thumb on how long someone should keep their old financial paperwork? I have file cabinets full of old receipts, bank and brokerage statements, tax returns and more that I would like to toss.

Tuesday, December 24

Bickford's 26 leads Lady Cruisers in rout Steilacoom

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers asserted their dominance Thursday night with an emphatic 66-27 victory over the Steilacoom Sentinels in a 2A SPSL League matchup, powered by a career-best performance from forward Lillian Bickford and a double-double effort from Hailey Hall.

Eatonville wrestlers shine at Rogers Holiday Tournament

The Eatonville Cruiser boys wrestling team made a strong showing at the annual Rogers Holiday Tournament on Saturday, finishing sixth overall in a competitive field of 16 teams.

Artists wanted for Election Center mural

Pierce County is looking for artists to design a large-scale mural to welcome people to the county Election Center. As part of the County’s 1% for the Arts Program, the new mural will stretch across four exterior walls, about 2,200 sq. ft.

Eatonville Cruisers fall short in two hard-fought contests

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team faced tough competition last week, dropping two hard-fought contests to the Washington Patriots and Steilacoom Sentinels.

Proposed WIAA amendment creating an open division for gender identity in athletics

On Dec. 10 the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) announced they have introduced a proposed amendment to its handbook, aiming to ensure equitable participation in school athletics by creating an open division alongside the existing boys’ and girls’ sports categories.

Tuesday, December 17

Recipe: Reverse searing to perfection

When you splurge on a luxurious beef tenderloin for the holidays, consider reverse searing as the cooking method. Reverse searing is a foolproof way to respect the integrity of a rich and tender cut of lean meat. While the term may sound intimidating, it's a straightforward technique that ensures a luscious, evenly pink interior and a browned outer crust.

Savvy Senior: What happens to your debt when you die?

Can my kids inherit my debt after I die? I have taken on a lot of credit card debt over the past 10 years or so, and I’m worried that my son and daughter will get stuck with it when I die.

Ethan Rogers claims 2nd at Muilenburg Tournament

The Eatonville Cruiser wrestling teams showcased resilience and skill during a packed week of competition, hosting a double dual meet on Thursday, Dec. 12, and traveling to La Grande, Oregon, for tournaments Dec. 13-14.

Holiday closing at senior center

Graham-Kapowsin Community Council’s senior center will be closed on Dec. 24 at Evergreen and Dec. 25 at Benston Hall.

Pierce County funds Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center

Pierce County Human Services is announcing $495,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded to Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center (MCFHC) to enhance digital literacy and digital equity in our community.

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber awards local businesses

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has announced five outstanding businesses and organizations as recipients of a 2024 Spotlight on Business Awards.

Eatonville Lady Cruisers split first two games

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers had an eventful start to their 2024-2025 basketball season, experiencing the highs of a decisive victory and the challenges of facing a top-tier opponent in their first two games.

Cruiser boys basketball drops 2 to open league play

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team opened their 2A SPSL League campaign last week with a pair of challenging matchups, falling 73-65 to the Orting Cardinals on Monday and 74-44 to the Foss Falcons on Wednesday.

Tuesday, December 10

Eatonville wrestling teams show promise in season-opening tournaments

The Eatonville High School wrestling teams launched their season with solid performances in two tournaments over the weekend, showcasing individual achievements and potential for the year ahead.

Results of ‘GRIT’ income program released

Mayors for Guaranteed Income, Mayor Victoria Woodards, and the United Way of Pierce County welcomed the release of independent data on the Growing Resilience In Tacoma (GRIT) guaranteed income pilot, showcasing significant improvements in financial stability, a reduction in income volatility, an increase in stable, full-time employment, and less food insecurity than a control group of similar Tacoma residents.

Recipe: Pizza to the recue

During this festive season, with its lengthy to-do lists, socializing and houseguests, a simple dinner sandwiched between holiday prep provides a welcome respite.

Purple martin colony being relocated

A charismatic colony of purple martins along Ruston Way is moving. The dark purple and blue birds are North America’s largest swallow and often spotted among decrepit wooden poles at Dickman Mill Park, Titlow Beach and Chambers Bay.

Washington office begins tracking statewide deadly use of force incidents

This month, the Washington State Office of Independent Investigation began tracking deadly use of force incidents involving law enforcement officers.

Ninth Circuit rules in favor of federal deportation

The federal government has the authority to deport foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally over the objection of local authorities, a panel of three judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled.

Savvy Senior: How to talk to your doctors and get them to listen

How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions?

WA GOP chair files bill to restore felony status for fentanyl-related offenses

After failing to launch last session, the Washington State Republican Party is attempting to raise the stakes around dealing, trafficking and possessing fentanyl with legislation that, if approved, would lead to harsher sentences.

Washington state’s spending spree drives massive deficit

Over the past decade, many state lawmakers have advocated fiscal restraint during years of enormous revenue growth, arguing that Washington could face a budgetary crisis if an economic downturn were to occur.

Gov. Inslee imposes spending freeze to deal with $10B-$12B operating budget gap

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee is calling for a freeze on hiring, services contracts, goods and equipment purchases, and travel to deal with a projected operating budget shortfall between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four years.

County Council approves supplemental budget

The Pierce County Council approved a supplemental budget ordinance, which amends the current 2024–2025 Biennial Budget, during its Tuesday, Nov. 26, meeting. The supplemental budget includes investments in affordable housing, homelessness interventions, therapeutic courts, and youth violence prevention, among other priorities.

Wreaths Across America will host a Saturday ceremony

Wreaths Across America will host a Saturday ceremony at Roy Cemetery. The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Campbell announces plans for transition to Assessor-Treasurer

The Pierce County Canvassing Board has officially certified the results of the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election, paving the way for several key transitions in County government, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Cooperative preserves affordable housing in Parkland

The Pierce County Community Development Corporation (PCCDC) is awarding $750,000 to a resident-owned cooperative for the purchase of Olga Dor Court, a Mobile Home Community (MHC) for seniors aged 55 years or older in Parkland.

Incoming Pierce County executive says housing costs, homelessness top priorities

Pierce County Executive-elect Ryan Mello announced his agenda for 2025, including plans to increase the region’s affordable housing capacity and reduce homelessness.

Cruisers fall short in season opener against Timberwolves

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team opened their 2024-2025 season Saturday night, facing off against the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves in a hard-fought non-league matchup.

Tuesday, December 3

Recipe: Respecting the mushroom

Stuffed mushrooms are timeless, popular appetizers. They make terrific hors d'oeuvres. The fillings vary from luxurious crabmeat or crumbled sausage to melty cheesy and wilted spinach.

Washington cities to ask state to raise cap on annual property tax increases

As federal COVID-19 pandemic aid dries up and budget deficits mount, cities across the state are asking their legislators to let them tax residents more than the 1% cap on annual property tax increases.

Facing $10 billion in budget overspending, Washington considers $1.4 billion state worker pay hike

According to the Office of Financial Management, Washington state is projected to face a budget imbalance of between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four-year outlook period.

The driver behind Washington state’s budget shortfall

Earlier this month, state officials reported that the operating budget faces a $10-12 billion deficit over the next four years.

AG report: Washington state data breaches have reached an all-time high

A new report from the Washington Attorney General’s Office found that there were more data breaches in the state this year than there are residents.

Dept. of Natural Resources focused on future as $3.5M cleanup project starts in Tacoma

State and local officials announced plans Tuesday to expand a multimillion-dollar aquatic cleanup program as a crane started pulling 1,200 creosote pilings from the Tacoma Waterfront behind them.

Northern border terrorist-related arrests soar

Federal agents are arresting a record number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the northern U.S. border, including a Jordanian national with ties to terrorism who recently was removed from the country after illegally entering from Canada.

Washington trucking industry warns of Jan. 1 limit on new gas truck and RV sales

Washington state’s trucking industry is urging Gov. Jay Inslee to reconsider a first-of-the-year commitment to align with California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which requires a certain percentage of so-called "zero emissions" trucks to be sold in the state.

County opens art grant for nonprofits

Pierce County has announced the opening of the 2025 Art Grant program. This grant initiative aims to expand access to the arts, foster educational opportunities, support underserved communities and celebrate the rich cultural diversity within Pierce County.

Experience ‘A Victorian Country Christmas’

A festive holiday event unlike any other in the South Sound is returning to the Washington State Fair Events Center. Now in its 36th year, A Victorian Country Christmas Festival transforms the fairgrounds into a European style Christmas marketplace Dec. 5-8 for a classic yuletide experience that will enchant everyone of all ages.

County awarded $1.6M for mobile opioid treatment

Pierce County Human Services (PCHS) has been awarded $1.6 million to fund mobile opioid outreach and treatment services for residents in need of substance abuse services. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program (COSSUP).

Savvy Senior: What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2025

I know there will be a small 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2025, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income beneficiaries?

Academic success in Eatonville schools

Across our district, all 280-plus staff members are united in their commitment to ensuring students excel academically and enjoy a meaningful educational experience. Every team member, regardless of their role, is working diligently to foster success.

EFN brings food drive, Empty Bowls

Emergency Food Network (EFN) and the Lakewood Police Department will host the 15th Annual Fallen Officers Food Drive on Thursday, Dec. 5.