[Guest column on the Army Corps “decision” 2014 Sierra Pacific site on 208th St. in Spanaway] Letter To: Dennis Hanberg; Scott Sissons; Bruce Dammeier: I have contacted the USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) staff personnel now in charge of this area and am waiting for them to call back. Meantime, I am proceeding…
Category: Federal
Federal government
Joint Base Lewis-McChord enters prescribed ecological burn season
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – The annual prescribed burn season at JBLM for ecological restoration, habitat maintenance and wildfire prevention is underway, according to JBLM Directorate of Public Works’ Environmental Division. JBLM conducts ecological burns throughout the spring and summer for two reasons. First, the dry conditions ensure invasive species such as Scot’s Broom are…
Joint Base Lewis-McChord honors fallen Service Members in Memorial Day Ceremony
JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. – Joint Base Lewis-McChord will honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the United States with a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the base cemetery, the Fort Lewis Cemetery. Col. Anthony J. Davit, Joint Base Lewis-McChord deputy commander,…
Volunteers needed for open boards and commissions in the 5th District
Pierce County residents looking to give back to their communities have ample opportunities to volunteer, especially in the 5th Council District that extends from South Tacoma to 160th Street E. in Spanaway and east-west from Interstate 5 to Woodland Avenue E. in South Hill. “Serving on one of our many boards and commissions is an…
Visit Your National Parks for Free
National Parks Foundation — Did you know that during opening weekend of National Park Week, April 18–19, you can visit any of your more than 400 national parks for free? Be sure to mark your calendar for upcoming fee-free days. Fee-Free Days in Your National Parks: April 18-19: Opening Weekend of National Park Week…
Open houses on updated flood insurance rate maps planned
PIERCE COUNTY — Homeowners and businesses located near coastal areas, rivers and streams can view updated flood insurance rate maps at three open houses in April. These maps are used by property owners and federal, state and local agencies to determine standards for development on properties within flood hazard areas of the county. Insurance companies use…
Pierce County receives $2.16 million for road safety projects
Pierce County will receive $2.16 million in federal highway safety improvement funds to fund five road safety projects. Pierce County is among 46 agencies across Washington that will receive more than $48 million in federal highway safety improvement funds, according to a Jan. 8 announcement by the Washington State Department of Transportation. “These funds will…
Learn how to use Social Security
Many options are available to individuals when taking Social Security. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Planning ahead is important to make the most out of the benefits available to people as they retire or as they need to claim disability. “Making Social Security Work for You” will provide straightforward information about whether, when…
Anti-bulling apps
USA.GOV — Bullying is a prominent topic, and more parents are on the lookout for warning signs and signals from their children. But sometimes, children aren’t comfortable telling parents what’s going on at school. That’s why SAMHSA has created the free KnowBullying app for smartphones. It is designed to help prevent bullying, and helps parents start…
JBLM conducts Town Hall meetings to inform military community and answer questions about Ebola
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Medical professionals and senior Army and Air Force leaders will host a series of town halls next week at JBLM to provide information about Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as well as the installation’s Ebola preparedness. Leaders at the Town Halls will also answer service member, military family member and employee questions…
Franklin Pierce Youth First wins grant to address youth substance abuse
White House Drug Policy Office Awards $625,000 to Local Coalition to Prevent Youth Substance Use in Community Served by Franklin Pierce School District Tacoma, WASHINGTON (October 16, 2014) – Michael Botticelli, Acting Director of the Office National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), announced 680 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants, totaling $84 million, to communities across…
Is your car safe?
Safercar.gov, provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) will help you identify recalls and investigations on your vehicle, learn what it’s crash test ratings are ad discover if there are other complaints or defects that have not yet generated a recall. Check it out! You’ll be better off knowing. http://www.safercar.gov/ There are lots…
Columbia Sportswear settles with EPA for mislabeled clothes containing insect repellent
Hats, socks containing insect repellent did not meet federal labeling standards (Seattle—July 22, 2014) Columbia Sportswear Company has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for distributing mislabeled clothing containing insect repellent and violating federal insecticide laws. According to the settlement, the Portland, Oregon company distributed the clothes without the full label…
Up the hill – it’s melting and blooming
By Marianne Lincoln The last day of the Independence Day weekend and I, like many others, took a drive up the hill to Mount Rainier National Park. In my case, I was inspired by a friend who is 83 and hadn’t been there since the Nisqually Glacier was near the bridge over the river. For…
Graco Recalls Car Seats Due to Harness Buckle Problem
Graco Children’s Products is recalling several of its car seats due to a faulty buckle. The buckle can get stuck in the latched position, making it difficult to remove your child from the seat and increasing the risk of injury in an emergency. Visit the Graco website to look up affected models. If your car seat is included in the recall, you can order a free replacement harness…
FREE Consumer Action Handbook
USA.GOV — At one time or another, even the savviest consumer will have a problem with a product or a service. Luckily the brand new edition of the Consumer Action Handbook is a free survival guide for your money. It can help you make smart purchases on big stuff like cars or a home. It…
Top 5 Summer Scams You Need to Know
USA.GOV — For the majority of Americans who plan to take a vacation, attend a concert or work on their home or garden this summer, this season comes with its own unique consumer challenges. Check out our list of the top five summer scams you should be aware of from the Consumer Action Handbook. Curious…
NASA’s Earth Day Global Selfie 2014
On Earth Day in April 2014, NASA asked people around the world, “Where are you right now?” More than 50,000 people responded across social media. NASA has pulled more than 30,000 of those images into an interactive mosaic that resembles the Earth. Take the mosaic for a spin
Memorial Day events
For those who want to pay special tribute to the fallen on Memorial Day there are a couple local events in which you may participate. Fir Lane Memorial Park on 176th Street has a service and program on Sunday, May 25th at 1 p.m. They will accept volunteers to help pu out flags and crosses on Saturday,…
Dispose of old Prescription Drugs on April 26
USA.GOV — Saturday, April 26 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Between 10AM and 2PM on April 26, bring your unwanted prescription drugs to a collection site near you. Properly disposing of medicines is important to human health and the environment. If you dispose of drugs on your own, check out these tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection…