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Savvy Senior: Gravesite care when you can’t get there

Can you recommend any services that offer gravesite cleaning and care? I recently visited my parent’s cemetery gravesite over Memorial Day weekend and found that their headstones were overtaken by weeds and moss and need to be cleaned. I live in a different state and can’t get back very often. Who can I call on to help me with this?

County recognized for excellence in planning

Pierce County has received the Excellence in County Planning Award from Futurewise, a statewide organization that encourages healthy, equitable, opportunity-rich communities that protect valuable resources through wise land use policies and practices.

Eatonville School District wraps up school year

As we close out another inspiring school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. The strength of our Eatonville School District lies in the people who make up this vibrant community—our students, families, staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we’ve accomplished great things, and today I’m honored to reflect on just a few of the highlights that define this incredible year.

Preliminary traffic fatality numbers for 2024 decrease from 2023

There were 731 people killed in traffic crashes on Washington roads in 2024, which was an 9.6 percent decrease from the prior year, according to preliminary data released by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.1 At the same time, the preliminary total for 2024 is 36 percent higher than the number of people killed on Washington roads in 2019.

New WA law granting unemployment benefits to striking workers draws praise, concern

Depending on who you ask, Engrossed Senate Bill 5041 – signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this week – is either a much-needed social safety net for workers and their families or something that will incentivize and prolong strikes and imperil Washington state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

Regulatory relief on the way for childcare centers in Washington

Legislation to help address Washington state's childcare crisis has been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. House Bill 1648 pushes out requirements for childcare providers and staff, recognizing “experience-based competency, and removing unnecessary barriers that push skilled professionals out of the workforce,” noted a news release emailed to The Center Square.

Bison calf born over Memorial Day weekend at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

An American bison calf made a memorable entrance over Memorial Day weekend at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Born May 24, the calf is thriving in the park’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area and has already become a guest favorite.

Recipe: A new take on grilled steak

Grilling season has returned and steak lovers everywhere have once again started to enjoy grilled steak. This season, add some more flavor to your grill with the following recipe for "Flatiron Steak and Tomatoes With Anchovy Vinaigrette," courtesy of "The Niman Ranch Cookbook," (Ten Speed Press).

Savvy Senior: Essential legal documents all seniors should have

What kinds of legal documents do I need to help my family take care of me in my elder years? I would like to get my affairs in order but could use some help.

Washington state environmental solutions discussed at policy forum in Spokane

For the panelists at Thursday’s Washington Policy Center public forum on the future of the state’s environmental policy, collaboration is essential to practicing conservation.

WorkSource services continue in Pierce County

The Tacoma location of WorkSource Pierce is closed to in-person services until further notice after being significantly impacted by water damage. While this incident was identified as an act of vandalism, WorkSource was not the target.

Eatonville School District showcases strong reading instruction during K–5 Literacy Learning Walks

Over the past several weeks, teachers, principals, district administrators, and school board members across the Eatonville School District have participated in a series of K–5 Literacy Learning Walks at the district’s elementary schools, including Eatonville Elementary (EES), Weyerhaeuser Elementary (WES), and most recently, Columbia Crest Academy (CCA).

County brings Community Summit Watch Party

Pierce County government, Kitsap County and the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services are partnering for a 2025 Community Summit Watch Party on Wednesday, June 4. This free, in-person event at the Marriott Tacoma Downtown, 1538 Commerce St., will bring community members together to watch and engage with the virtual summit as it streams live.

Savvy Senior: How much Ibuprofen is too much?

I take Advil pretty regularly for arthritis pain and headaches, but how can I tell if I’m taking more than is safe?

New York, Washington, Vermont see most illegal northern border crossers

Of the 14 northern border states that share a land or water border with Canada, the greatest number of apprehensions of illegal border crossers were reported in New York, Washington and Vermont during the Biden administration, according to the latest data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.