Candidates sought for Pierce County Charter Review Commission

PIERCE COUNTY — At least every 10 years since it was first adopted in 1981, the Pierce County Council is required to call for a Charter Review Commission to examine the effectiveness of the county’s governing document. In accordance with Resolution 2015-14, Pierce County voters will elect a Charter Review Commission this fall that will…

Herbicides sprayed into sensitive waterway in Pioneer Valley April 16

By Marianne Lincoln It was a Thursday morning, no different than any other. I was on my way to work heading  down the hill from McGee’s Guest Home on Eustis Hunt Road into Pioneer Valley. Below me was the oxbow that flows through the valley into the Frederickson area and the Chambers Clover Creek system….

Task force to dedicate DUI emphasis patrol to young victim

Tacoma Pierce County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force will dedicate a DUI emphasis patrol this weekend in honor of Quinnton Dimmitt. The 17-year-old Franklin Pierce High School student was killed by an impaired driver April 25, 2014, as he drove to buy a coffee for his mother. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department will conduct the…

Domestic Violence Awareness Day set for April 26 in Pierce County, Tacoma

The Pierce County Council and the Tacoma City Council have issued proclamations designating April 26th as Domestic Violence Awareness Day in Pierce County and the City of Tacoma. April 26, 2015, marks the twelfth anniversary of the tragic murder of Crystal Judson Brame by her estranged husband, former Tacoma Police Chief David Brame. “Domestic violence is…

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…

Flag lowering, April 15 – 150 years, remembrance of Abe Lincoln

Governor Inslee directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, April 15, in honor of a Day of Remembrance for President Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, and died on April 15, 150 years ago. Flags should remain at half-staff until…

Milroy Bridge over Puyallup River to close April 15 for inspection

The Milroy Bridge over the Puyallup River at 66th Avenue East and River Road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 15 to allow crews to perform a detailed structural inspection and general maintenance. Motorists should use an alternative route during the closure. Crews from Pierce County Public Works and Utilities…

Pierce County CASA Program to host event at LeMay America’s Car Museum

Pierce County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) will gather at the Lemay America’s Car Museum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 to “Get the Word Out” about the CASA Program and the need for more CASAs. CASAs are trained volunteer advocates who are assigned to walk with a child through their time in foster…

Pierce County ferry peak season fare rates take effect May 1

Peak season fare rates start May 1 for Pierce County ferry passengers that drive a vehicle or motorcycle onto the ferry. Peak season runs through Sept. 30. Passengers driving vehicles 21 feet in length or less will see their fares increase from the non-peak season rate of $17.80 to the peak season rate of $22.30,…

Weekend weather warning – April 11

From Pierce County Emergency Management: A strong cold front will sweep across western Washington tonight. In addition to creating gusty winds, this front will usher in a colder air mass. Snow levels will be in the 2000 to 2500 foot range during the day Saturday. This means that the heavier showers or any thunderstorms that…

Pierce County CASA Program participates in Pinwheels for Prevention campaign

Watch for silver and blue pinwheels to appear around Tacoma and Pierce County. For the second year Pierce County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is planting pinwheels around town during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheel has become a symbol for the happy, healthy, and carefree childhood every child deserves. There…