Stories for January 2025

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Wednesday, January 29

Bill requiring more local say for large wind, solar projects faces gloomy future

A bill to give local communities more say in large renewable energy projects got a public hearing this week, but Washington Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, isn’t holding her breath that her sponsored legislation will get a vote out of committee this session.

County Council new leadership for 2025

During the Pierce County Council’s Jan. 14 meeting, new leadership was designated for the coming year.

Recipe: Warm up one spoonful at a time

People who live in cold climates understand that it can sometimes be challenging to warm up after a day spent combatting snow, wind or freezing rain. Luckily, eating hot soup is a very effective means to returning the body to a less-chilled temperature.

New strategic plans for County libraries

Thanks to input from nearly 3,000 people, the Pierce County Library System has created a new strategic plan approved by the library system’s board of trustees.

State agencies sued for violating climate law

The Washington Policy Center said Wednesday that it is suing the state Departments of Ecology and Commerce over the agencies’ failure to comply with a state law requiring timely reporting of greenhouse gas emissions.

Savvy Senior: How seniors can get help lowering their grocery bills

I would like to find out if my 72-year-old mother is eligible for food stamps or any other type of assistance program. When my stepfather died last year, mom’s income dropped in half and is having a hard time paying her grocery bills. What can you tell us?

Cruiser boys continue to struggle

The Eatonville Cruisers boys’ basketball team showcased grit and determination in two challenging matchups last week, as they continued to search for their first win since early January.

Bailey Andersen’s sets scoring record

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers basketball team powered through an intense three-game stretch last week, coming away with three decisive wins that underscored their dominance in the 2A SPSL League.

Wednesday, January 22

Eatonville School District awarded $1 million Clean energy grant

The Eatonville School District has been awarded a $1 million Clean Energy Fund grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. This significant funding will be used to optimize energy efficiency at Eatonville High School, helping ESD meet the requirements of the Clean Buildings Act and avoid costly non-compliance fines in the future.

Eatonville High School accepting nominations for Award of Distinction

Eatonville High School is accepting nominations for its Award of Distinction. The award honors alumni who have made contributions in their professional careers, community service, or personal endeavors. Award recipients will be recognized during the Welcome Back event in August, celebrating achievements and inspiring the next generation of Eatonville students.

Bob Ferguson sworn in as Washington governor, delivers inaugural address

A day after outgoing three-term Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his final State of the State address, Bob Ferguson was sworn in as the state’s 24th governor on Wednesday. Ferguson has served as the state attorney general since 2013 and was a member of the King County Council before that.

Incoming Gov. Ferguson describes taxes as a ‘last resort’ for WA budget deficit

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson has released his office’s budget priorities, which call for $4 billion in reduced spending by Washington state agencies while describing new taxes as a “last resort.”

Savvy Senior: The surprising dangers of earwax

It’s true! Excessive amounts of earwax can indeed cause problems in elderly seniors including hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Some people experience vertigo, which increases the risk of falling. And there’s also a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline and depression.

Tuesday, January 14

CA fires a good reminder for WA homeowners to check their insurance policies

Devastating fires continued to burn across Southern California Wednesday, with homes and other buildings destroyed in Los Angeles County. Five people have been confirmed dead so far, with hundreds injured as they race to flee the flames.

Budget deficit may mean protecting, not expanding, substance abuse treatment programs

A prominent state senator indicated that fiscal reality could mean prioritizing and protecting substance abuse recovery programs that are already working over any plans to expand them.

Eatonville Cruisers suffer back-to-back defeats

The Eatonville Cruiser boys’ basketball team faced a tough week on the court, dropping two games in league play that exposed issues with consistency and execution.

Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover talk therapy services?

What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist.

Property tax relief bill proposed by WA lawmaker as majority considers increase

As Washington Democrats consider potential tax increases to fill a massive projected budget deficit over the next four years, some lawmakers are pitching tax-saving proposals to help struggling Washingtonians.

Oldest state employee, from Monroe, calls it a day at age 91

Gloria Hopkins knew a small celebration would happen for her retirement, but was wowed by how big a deal it would become.

Confront the common cold with this beloved seasonal staple

Everyone knows there’s no cure for the common cold. Though colds can strike at any time, cold season tends to occur when the weather cools down and people spend more time indoors.

Eatonville boys shine at Hill Climber Tournament

The Eatonville wrestling teams showcased their talents this past weekend, with the boys competing at the Hill Climber Tournament in Tumwater and the girls participating in the Kelso Girls Invite – Braided 64 at Kelso High School.

Lady Cruisers dominate Trojans in pivotal victory

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers had a whirlwind week of basketball, notching two impressive wins before narrowly falling in their third matchup.

Tuesday, January 7

Savvy Senior: How to help a hoarding parent

My dad has always been a pack rat, but since mom died a few years ago he’s become more of a hoarder. The clutter in his house has gotten out of control and I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?

Recipe: Faux pho

It would be inaccurate to call this nourishing soup an authentic Vietnamese pho. The essence of pho is a daylong-simmered broth, typically made from beef or chicken bones.

County offers volunteer opportunities

Among resolutions people tend to make in the new year, a most common one is to volunteer for a good cause. Pierce County government offers multiple opportunities to do just that.

County brings films for seniors, caregivers

Just like caring for someone we love, movies can touch our hearts, awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. To celebrate family caregivers, Pierce County Human Services Aging and Disability Resources division is hosting a series of free films for seniors, caregivers, and care receivers. ‌

Looking ahead to 2025

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I hope the holiday season brought you cherished moments with loved ones and a chance to recharge. This time of year invites us to reflect on the past and dream big for the future—and I am filled with gratitude and optimism as I look back and ahead.

Pierce County Library Board to review foundation agreement and policies

At the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees’ Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 3:30 p.m., regular meeting, the Board will review the Library System’s agreement with the Pierce County Library Foundation, consider updates to policies, and address additional business.

Pierce County’s upcoming sewer repair project to cost up to $8 million

Pierce County will soon begin construction on urgent repairs to a sewer pipe in Lakewood after a recent inspection of wastewater infrastructure.

Hitchen details American Rescue Plan Act successes

Pierce County received $175.8 million in ARPA funding, and we worked very hard as a Council to invest these dollars in ways that allow the county to come out of the pandemic better than when we went in.

Lady Cruisers battle to 3rd place in Coyote Invitational

The Eatonville Cruisers girls basketball team weathered foul trouble and a late surge by Payson High School to secure a 30-23 victory in the third-place game of the Coyote Invitational Basketball Tournament on Jan. 4.

Eatonville boys secure first win of season

The Eatonville Cruisers boys basketball team capped off their trip to Arizona with a milestone win at the Coyote Basketball Invitational, defeating Tempe Prep 48-44 to secure their first victory of the season and deliver Head Coach Josh Bennett his first career win at the helm.