Stories for February 2025

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Tuesday, February 25

Eatonville wrestlers shine at state tournament

The Eatonville Cruiser wrestling team put forth a strong showing at the WIAA Mat Classic XXXVI state tournament at the Tacoma Dome this past weekend, highlighted by two top-six finishes in the boys' 2A division and strong per-formances across multiple weight classes.

Business survey, report indicate good news for Washington state’s economy

A recent survey by the Association of Washington Business shows cautious optimism among state employers, while a new study by WalletHub found that Washington employers aren’t struggling to find workers.

Savvy Senior: Service dogs can help seniors with disabilities

What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier.

Eatonville High School exceeds 9th grade academic success goal

Eatonville High School is celebrating a major academic milestone after exceeding its 9th-grade success goal for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year.

Eatonville’s Brody Thirtyacre commits to play baseball at Clackamas Community College

Eatonville High School senior Brody Thirtyacre is set to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level, com-mitting to play at Clackamas Community College in Oregon this fall.

Eatonville Lady Cruisers punch ticket to state tournament

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers secured their place in the 2A State Tournament in dramatic fashion Saturday night, edging out the Fife Trojans 51-48 in a nail-biting contest at the West Central District 3 playoffs.

Wednesday, February 19

Savvy Senior: How much do you have to make to file taxes in 2025?

What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year.

First Western U.S. college food locker now open

On Jan. 23, Pierce County marked a significant milestone by becoming home to the first climate-controlled, 24-hour access food locker on a college campus in the Western United States that provides healthy, locally sourced food to students who struggle to afford meals due to school costs.

Fish passage project in Olympic Peninsula not impacted by federal funding freeze

So far, federal funding remains intact for a major project to remove four fish barriers within the Olympic Peninsula. The project will remove and replace three outdated culverts under U.S. 101 in the Port Angeles area and one along State Route 116 in Port Hadlock-Irondale.

Recipe: A delicious French dessert

French cuisine is known for many things, including dessert. Those who want to emulate their favorite French chefs for a loved one this Valentine's Day should consider the following recipe for “Clafoutis,” a French baked custard, from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).

Pierce County Council's community plan for 2025

The Pierce County Council’s Community Development and Environment Committee (CDEC) and Health and Human Services Committee (HHS) convened on Monday, Feb. 3, and Tuesday, Feb. 4, marking the first time this year that a committee other than the Rules and Operations Committee has convened.

Athletic Commission uplifts generations of youth

The Tacoma-Pierce Athletic Commission to this day remains as the most unique and committed supporter of local sports players and teams whether it’s high schoolers, college students or adults.

Pierce County's new warming center aids homeless population during cold spell

Pierce County’s new centralized shelter hub has taken in over 60 homeless people per night less than a month after opening.

Council names ‘Athletic Ambassadors to Pierce County’

The Pierce County Council named the 2024 Sumner High School football team “Athletic Ambassadors to Pierce County” at its Tuesday, Jan. 28, council meeting.

Warrior Combat Sports to open in Eatonville

Residents of Eatonville will soon have access to local martial arts training with the opening of Warrior Combat Sports on March 3. Located at 205 Center St. E, adjacent to Plaza Market, the new gym aims to provide comprehensive martial arts education to both youth and adults.

Wednesday, February 12

Savvy Senior: How to choose and use a home blood pressure monitor

Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it.

Eatonville Cruisers close out season with hard-fought battles

The Eatonville Cruisers boys’ basketball team wrapped up their season with two competitive matchups, showing resilience and determination despite tough results. Facing the Fife Trojans and the Clover Park Timberwolves, the Cruisers battled hard but ultimately fell short in both contests.

Recipe: A delicious French dessert

French cuisine is known for many things, including dessert. Those who want to emulate their favorite French chefs for a loved one this Valentine's Day should consider the following recipe for “Clafoutis,” a French baked custard, from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’'s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books).

‘Cautious optimism’ for county economy

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber hosted its annual Horizons Economic Forecast on Jan. 29 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Presenting its 2025 Pierce County Index Report, the Chamber invited guests to speak about the county’s economic health, outlook and future prospects for this year.

University of Washington names Robert J. Jones as its next president

The University of Washington has announced Robert J. Jones as its next president, becoming the first African American to serve in the role.

Lady Cruisers clinch 2A SPSL league title

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers secured their first 2A SPSL League championship since 2010 with a hard-fought 51-43 victory over the second-place Fife Trojans on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at McCrossin Court. Eatonville then capped off its regular season with a dominant 71-38 win over Clover Park on Friday, Feb. 7, finishing with a perfect 14-0 league record.

Eatonville qualifies 10 for state

The Eatonville High School boys and girls wrestling teams put on a strong showing at the District 3 tournament this past Saturday at Foss High School, with 10 wrestlers punching their tickets to the Mat Classic XXXVI state championships at the Tacoma Dome on February 21-22.

Wednesday, February 5

$45 million EV rebate program exhausted by high-income earners

Washington state’s $45 million Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate Program for buying or leasing electric vehicles fell far short of promises to deliver environmental results and help middle-income people buy EVs, concluded a Washington Policy Center policy brief released on Wednesday.

County Council receives committee assignments

The Pierce County Council took its final step to get legislative operations back up and running for 2025 by establishing the council’s standing committees and assigning members at its Tuesday, Jan. 14, council meeting.

Sea-Tac airport broke its passenger volume record in 2024

Passenger levels at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport were at an all-time high in 2024, a sign that the Pacific Northwest’s largest airport has fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic of five years ago.

Hunting org sues WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife over delay in releasing public records

The Columbus, Ohio-based Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has filed a lawsuit in state superior court against the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. The lawsuit alleges the agency violated the state’s Public Records Act by slow-walking a public records request for 16 months.

Recipe: A tasty take on a beloved side dish

When making a meal, be it an intimate dinner for two or the main course for a dinner party, the entree often gets the bulk of the attention. But as any cook knows, the side dishes can make just as big an impression as the main course.

Savvy Senior: Driving with dementia and knowing when to stop

When should someone with dementia stop driving? My 83-year-old father has some dementia issues but still drives himself around town pretty well.

County Council sets legislative priorities

During a special study session on Monday, Jan. 6, Pierce County councilmembers and Executive Ryan Mello presented the council’s legislative priorities to state lawmakers, emphasizing the structural budget challenges faced by the county.

Eatonville boys basketball struggles on road

The Eatonville Cruisers faced a tough road stretch last week, dropping both of their matchups against Steilacoom and Franklin Pierce. Despite strong efforts from multiple players, the Cruisers were unable to overcome early deficits in both games.

Lady Cruisers dominate on senior night

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers basketball team put on a dominant display this past week, securing three decisive victories and further cementing their place atop the 2A SPSL standings.