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A helping hand

Beverly Krueger (Osborn) recently sent a note to The Dispatch.

State NFIB director applauds permanent status for Small Business Tax Deduction

Patrick Connor, Washington state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, views the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index staying steady in June — a slight decrease of 0.2 points to 98.6 — as a positive sign for small business owners in the Evergreen State. This is mainly because the 2017 Small Business Tax Deduction was made permanent in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4.

Stage 2 burn ban in place for Pierce County

A Stage 2 burn ban is in place in Pierce County, effective immediately, the county recently said in a news release. The Pierce County Fire Marshal, in partnership with local fire chiefs, has declared the Stage 2 burn ban in response to dry conditions on the ground and ongoing fires in western Washington. The elevated burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve, and the fire marshal and fire chiefs determine it is safe to resume outdoor burning.

Savvy Senior: Beware of the Medicare Advantage trap

I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fine?

50 wild years: Northwest Trek marks half-century with festivities on July 19–20

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary this summer, marking five decades of connection, conservation, and community built on the extraordinary legacy of one visionary family. On August 23, 1971, Dr. David “Doc” and Connie Hellyer donated the land that would become Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to Parks Tacoma.

Pierce County hit with $207K in fire damage from improper use of fireworks

Firework misuse over the Fourth of July weekend caused $207,000 in damages across unincorporated Pierce County. There were four fireworks-related incidents over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Three of those incidents occurred on July 4 alone. In one case, a wave boat and trailer in Puyallup were destroyed by fallout from fireworks.

Trucking industry says Washington has failed it regarding EV mandates

While recent remarks made at meetings and in reports by the State Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council accuse the trucking industry of undermining efforts to transition to electric commercial trucks, the industry is arguing the state has failed to provide adequate infrastructure.

Savvy Senior: Nifty golf gadgets that can help older golfers

Can you recommend some good golf gadgets that can help older golfers? I like to walk the course when I play but I have some back problems that make stooping over to tee-up or retrieve the ball difficult, and some hand arthritis that make gripping the club painful.

Pain at the pump: State's 6 cents per gallon gas tax hike now in effect

Motorists in Washington state are experiencing gas prices higher than the national average, in contrast to declining gas prices across much of the rest of the nation in recent months. As of Tuesday, Washingtonians are paying even more to fuel up. The state’s gas tax increased by 6 cents per gallon, from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents.

Locals remain skeptical of on-hold plan to breach lower Snake River dams

For three decades, politics in the 5th Congressional District have been shaped by the many “what if” questions about removing four dams on the Lower Snake River. The Washington State Department of Transportation is the latest agency to jump into the Lower Snake River dam breaching debate at a time when federal agencies are getting out of the water.

Eatonville School District public surplus sale notice

Calling all bargain hunters and school supporters. The Eatonville School District is holding a Public Surplus Sale on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Don’t spend the Fourth with the fire department … unless it’s dropping off treats

Every year, around this time, we get a little extra sparkle in our step — and a whole lot of sparkle in the sky. Independence Day means barbecue smoke, backyard playlists, and that one neighbor who still swears they only bought the small fireworks (sure, Dave) some legal, some ... questionably sourced from “my cousin in Puyallup.”

Bloodworks Northwest group issues call for blood donations — especially for Type O

For Bloodworks Northwest’s ongoing “Give Blood. Rescue A Human” campaign, donors who give this summer are entered to win a variety of prizes.

Summer concert series returns to Old Town

Musician, singer and songwriter Kim Archer has always been a gift to Tacoma. She comes from a place of inclusion and community in her music and all that she does, and she’s bringing this same embrace to this year’s Old Town Summer Concert Series that she has produced and presented for the past 11 years.

Pierce County thanks jurors by proclamation

Each June, the Pierce County Council declares the month of June as Juror Appreciation Month, and the proclamation was again brought at the council’s June 10 meeting. Jury duty is a cornerstone of American democracy, guaranteeing one of the most fundamental rights: a fair trial by one’s peers. It requires everyday people to rearrange their lives, from work schedules to family obligations, to uphold justice in our community.

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