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SR 161 fish passage improvements begin Monday

Travelers who use State Route 161 between Graham and Eatonville will see temporary changes to the roadway this summer. The work is part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s efforts to remove barriers to fish under state highways.

WA council rejects optimistic revenue assumption amid worries over tort debt

The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council decided to reject a more optimistic economic assumption that would have presumed more revenue, as some members warn of increasing tort debt liability. Under state law, the operating budget must be balanced within a four-year period, which means spending cannot exceed the revenue forecast.

Auto insurance rate increases are slowing down in 2025 compared to previous years

It’s probably not quite the break Washington state drivers were hoping for, but the rate of increase in the cost of auto insurance appears to be slowing down.

Critical infrastructure projects funded

Thanks to Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, Rep. Michael Keaton and Sen. Chris Gildon, the city just received funding from the state for two critical infrastructure projects, the Meeker Festival Street and the 4th Street NW Stormwater Improvement project. The city is working to develop and implement a festival street, located on East Meeker between Meridian and 3rd Street SE.

Public input sought for bridge’s future

Pierce County Councilmember Dave Morell is encouraging community members to participate in the Carbon River Bridge Public Input period. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has launched an online open house to gather community input on the future of State Route 165 across the Carbon River. The bridge was permanently closed in April due to structural deterioration, ending years of vehicle weight restrictions caused by deferred maintenance.

Savvy Senior: Does Medicare cover annual physical exams?

Does Medicare cover annual physical exams? I’ve gotten a physical every year since I turned 50 and would like to find out what Medicare covers when I sign up in a few months.

County ‘SolSmart Silver’ for solar energy

Pierce County received a “Silver” designation from the national SolSmart program for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level. As a SolSmart Silver designee, Pierce County has adopted nationally recognized best practices to advance solar market growth. Pierce County worked with SolSmart’s no-cost technical assistance team to increase local knowledge of solar energy so the entire community can benefit.

Hundreds of classic cars expected at Eatonville’s 29th annual Rod Knockers Car Show

For nearly 30 years, downtown Eatonville has been the place to be for car enthusiasts during the annual Rod Knockers Car Show. Now in its 29th year, the event returns June 21, bringing together classic car lovers from across the Pacific Northwest.

$80 million or bust: Wilkeson teeters on ghost town if cut off from Mt. Rainier

Proposals to restore access to one of Mount Rainier National Park’s four entrances could cost the state at least $80 million and nearly a decade for workers to complete. The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the Fairfax Bridge on April 22. The 103-year-old bridge leads to the park’s northwest entrance, crossing the Carbon River Canyon to an area where around 30 residents live. They now have to drive another hour to get to town.

Fort Nisqually Clerk’s House being replaced

In 1935, the Clerk’s House at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum was built. Now, 90 years later, it will be demolished to make way for a new Clerk’s House building designed to enhance the museum’s historical immersion for visitors and provide a more effective operations base to support staff and the Fort’s nearly 200 volunteers.

Countdown on for big bloom

Ever since May 5, something wonderful has been going on with one of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s plants on display. It was on that day when lead horticulturist Bryon Jones noticed that one of the agaves was showing signs of flowering, such a rare botanical event that the media was notified to come out and witness it.

Fish passage enhancement report

Pierce County is making significant strides in restoring vital salmon habitats through its Fish Passage Removal Program. The initiative focuses on eliminating barriers like outdated culverts and bridges that impede fish migration, which supports the recovery of salmon populations essential to the region's ecosystem and cultural heritage.

WA trade groups seek federal intervention to block state gas ban

Eight Washington state trade organizations, led by the Building Industry Association of Washington, are hoping their recent appeal to the federal government will stop what they regard as state overreach in energy policy.

Recipe: Why this flavor will be on your plate in 2025

Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow Chile pepper,” is grown in Peru and is native to South America. Long considered a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, this moderate-heat pepper with fruity notes reminiscent of passionfruit and mango is going to spice things up in kitchens worldwide in the year ahead.

Arbor Health – Morton Hospital receives two excellence in healthcare awards

Arbor Health—Morton Hospital’s Physical Therapy and Emergency departments were recently recognized with Excellence in Healthcare Awards. The awards were presented by PRC, a nationally-recognized organization which supports over 2,800 healthcare organizations across all 50 states and is a leader in the healthcare intelligence space.

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