Stories for July 2024

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Wednesday, July 31

More than a train ride

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is a journey through history

Just a 15-minute drive from Eatonville, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe offers a unique summer activity for locals and visitors alike. The railroad's route originated as the Tacoma Eastern Railway in the 1890s, initially serving as a crucial transport link for Northwest forest resources.

Washington energy choice initiative officially qualifies for the November ballot

Initiative 2066 to protect energy choices like natural gas has officially qualified for the November ballot, according to the Washington Secretary of State's Office.

Savvy Senior: How extreme heat affects seniors: Tips to stay safe

I work for a county health department and every summer we’re seeing more and more seniors get sick and even die from heat-related illiness. Can you write an awarness piece on the affects extreme heat has on older adults, and what they can do to guard against this summertime risk. Thanks for helping keep seniors safe!

Taste Food: An indoor-outdoor recipe for easy summer eating

This dish is the epitome of summer. It highlights peak seasonal produce, is easy to assemble and quick to cook. The method is simple: Briny olives and salty feta simmer in a puddle of squidgy roasted tomatoes and sweet bell peppers.

Innovative fish passage meant to revive Yakima River Basin salmon opens in Cle Elum

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was in Cle Elum, Wash., Wednesday to highlight federally funded salmon restoration projects.

Washington gray wolves to remain classified as an endangered species

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has decided not to change the endangered species status of gray wolves in the state.

Thursday, July 25

Eatonville cheer squad triumphs at NCA Camp

The Eatonville High School cheer team returned home after a whirlwind week of learning, growth, and triumph at the NCA Cheer & Leadership camp held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Led by Coach Rylea Foehl, the squad not only honed their technical skills but also emerged as true leaders throughout the five-day camp.

Eatonville Town Council to meet Monday, July 22, 2024

NOTICE OF ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE EATONVILLE TOWN COUNCIL On Monday, July 22, 2024

Pierce County Council frustrated with lack of progress on homeless site

Frustrations are growing among Pierce County councilmembers after Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier’s office requested a shift of funding for a proposed $2.5 million homeless stability site.

Savvy Senior: Kitchen ideas for aging-in-place

My 77-year-old mother, who loves to cook has had several kitchen-related accidents over the past year. What tips can you recommend for making a kitchen safer and more practical for seniors, without doing a big expensive remodel.

Washington State Supreme Court leaves high-capacity magazine ban in place

Washington's ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines will remain in effect after a Monday decision by the state Supreme Court. A majority of justices denied a request to modify an order from Supreme Court Commissioner Michael Johnson issued back in April that kept the ban in place, despite a lower court ruling that determined the law was unconstitutional.

Washington's fuel prices plunge at the third-fastest rate in America

Washington's gas prices fell at the third-fastest rate in the past year in the United States, a new study finds. Coupon site Bountii analyzed data from AAA Gas Prices on the average cost of a gallon of regular fuel, midgrade fuel, premium fuel, and diesel in 474 cities across America on June 10th, 2023,

A cut of meat you need to meet

The top sirloin cap is a cut of meat that you may not be familiar with. It's also called coulotte and is known as picanha in Brazilian churrasco cuisine. It's a tender cut of meat that sits on top of the sirloin, with a large fat cap that is essential to its flavor, especially when grilled.

State council preparing to expand clean energy project, per Inslee's request

The state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council is moving forward with potential changes to the certification agreement for the Horse Heaven wind farm project after Gov. Jay Inslee sent it back requesting it be expanded.

Wednesday, July 17

EHS athletes continue playing careers at next level

The athletic season and school year have ended at Eatonville High School, and a few seniors have committed to playing their respective sports at the next level in colleges or universities. This year, EHS has four student-athletes who will go from donning the jerseys of their high school and club teams to sporting their new colors across various post-secondary levels.

Eatonville School District makes 3 new hires

The Eatonville School District is thrilled to introduce Dracy McCoy as the new executive director of Student Services. McCoy brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to the district. She has a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Oregon University, LaGrande, Oregon; a Special Education Endorsement from Portland State University, Portland, Oregon a Master of Education in Principal and Program Administration from City University, Seattle, WA.

Savvy Senior: How to prevent and treat age-related macular degeneration

Dear Savvy Senior, Is macular degeneration hereditary? My mother lost much of her vision from it before she died, and now at age 65, I’m concerned I may get it too. What can you tell me?

Community Council programs

Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center at Evergreen on the Graham Hill has free exercise Tuesday & Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Ted Brown’s Music Therapy on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 12:30 p.m. and karaoke at 12:30 p.m. on the last Thursday each month plus line dancing at 12:45 p.m. for $3 every Thursday. Benston Hall has Taichi on Tuesday at 2 for $4. Both locations have $7 lunches for members or $10 for non members. RSVP to 253-921-2914 at least 24 hours before.

Recipe: A grainy side without the grains

Invite this side dish to your next barbecue. Your vegetarian friends will thank you (and so will anyone else looking for a delicious way to enjoy their vegetables). The star of this recipe is cauliflower. The humble crucifer steps in as a healthy, gluten-free substitute for wheat in a lemony and very chopped salad. When finely chopped, cauliflower is a great replacement for grains and pasta, with the bonus of adding refreshing sweet and nutty flavor and a host of nutrients. The sturdy texture resembles couscous grains, resulting in a light, veggie-forward salad or side dish.

Pierce County Human Services awarding nearly $18M for homeless, housing services

Pierce County Human Services has announced it will be awarding $17.7 million to homeless housing services to address the region’s worsening homeless crisis.

Wednesday, July 10

Capital gains revenue drops as taxpayers 'learn how to operate' Washington tax

A newly released revenue forecast for Washington state indicates less money coming in than lawmakers were told to expect earlier this year.

Recipe: Corny pizza

This pizza is inspired by Mexican street corn. It's prepared on the grill, which not only keeps the heat outdoors, but lends crucial charred flavor to the crust.

Savvy Senior: How to hire a caregiver for in-home help

I need to hire a good in-home caregiver to help my elderly father who lives alone. What’s the best way to do this?

PNW Native Lacrosse’s mission: Respecting and teaching the game

PNW Native Lacrosse, based in Pierce County, strives to empower Native communities through its programs and initiatives.

Tuesday, July 2

Eatonville prepares to light up the sky for Independence Day celebration

Residents in Eatonville are gearing up to celebrate our nation's independence with the Eatonville Business Association annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show. The festivities, taking place on July 3 and July 4, promise fun activities for all ages.

Many Washington voters still undecided on governor's race 6 weeks ahead of primary

With six weeks to go until the Aug. 6 primary in Washington state, a large percentage of registered voters say they haven’t made a decision on who will get their vote in the governor’s race.

Savvy Senior: Do you need a digital will?

My wife and I had our estate plan – including a will, power of attorney and advance directive – drawn up about 10 years ago but have recently read that our plan should include a digital will too. What can you tell us about this?

Washington AGO to launch hotline for reporting ‘bias incidents’

The Washington Attorney General’s Office has announced plans to launch a pilot program next year for a new hotline for state residents to report hate crimes subject to legal action and “bias incidents” based on whether the person feels aggrieved.

Recipe: Jammin’ burgers

It's the season for grilling and burgers. This summer, lighten up your double-fisted burgers with ground turkey meat.

4th of July safety tips to keep pets calm and secure

Fireworks and festivities are synonymous with the 4th of July, but for many pets, the loud noises and chaotic atmosphere of this holiday can cause them stress and anxiety.