Last year, Pierce County completed a redistricting project affecting nearly every local voter in just five weeks. The county also started using the latest mobile technology to track damage to roads, bridges, and buildings during floods, fires and other disasters. These two innovative programs have been recognized as among the best in the United States…
Category: Pierce County
Understanding the Affordable Care Act and Washington State’s Health Benefit Exchange
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) (aka-Obama Care) is moving closer to full implementation. Washington State has chosen to establish a Health Benefit Exchange, a marketplace where individuals and businesses can shop for insurance plans. The business marketplace is called SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program). The SHOP is for companies with fewer than 50 employees…
Pierce County Council to consider ordinance to change county elections to odd years
By Marianne Lincoln On the 5th Floor of the County-City Building Courtroom 533, Monday July 8, at 10 a.m., the Pierce County Council’s Rules and Operations Committee is going to consider an ordinance to move the Elections of County Elective Offices to Odd-Numbered Years. The final hearing is scheduled for July 23. This proposal brings…
Pierce County Library news July 8-14
Thank You for Helping to Break Down the E-book Blockade Thank you for participating in the e-book blockade, aka Scrooge campaign. Good news—all six major publishers are now selling e-books to libraries—or say they will do so soon. Pierce County Library is happy that we are making some progress. We still need a fair market…
Stay safe and legal this Fourth of July
PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds citizens to celebrate the Fourth of July safely. Last year, Pierce County hospitals treated 34 firework-related injuries, according to the Office of the Washington State Fire Marshal. Avoid serious injury by exercising caution when discharging fireworks. Also, the combination of fireworks and the forecasted…
Graham Fire and Rescue welcomes new Chief Ryan Baskett
Graham Fire and Rescue held a badge pinning today to officially promote and welcome its new Fire Chief, Ryan Baskett. The 3:00 p.m. ceremony was held at the headquarters fire station on 70th Avenue. The entire Baskett family was there, some arriving from eastern Washington. Much of Baskett’s wife’s family (she’s a granddaughter of John…
Council appoints Kevin McCann Judge and Dick Muri 28th Rep.
The Pierce County Council filled two key vacancies in the community on Tuesday, July 2. First, the Council voted 7-0 to appoint Kevin McCann as a judge on the Pierce County District Court bench. McCann, who has served the county as a deputy prosecutor for 17 years, succeeds Jack Nevin, who was elected to the…
Pierce County Council blocks pot industry until rules are ready
PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The Pierce County Council unanimously voted Tuesday, July 2, to delay the start of the marijuana market until state licensing rules are set and the county adopts permanent zoning regulations. Last fall, Washington state voters approved Initiative 502, which creates a framework for the licensing the production and sale of recreational…
Hypothermia? Maybe if you survive long enough
By Marianne Lincoln It’s summer and it’s hot, so you are headed to the nearest body of water to cool off. Keep in mind, the water in the rivers, lakes and Puget Sound is cold, very cold. Hypothermia is not your worst enemy. In water between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you have about 5…
Film explores depths of what makes us who we are
The Alzheimer’s journey is just another story – until it hits home. When Ann Hedreen’s mother began the battle with Alzheimer’s, it was only natural for the daughter – a professional filmmaker – to pick up her camera and tell the story with a mix of scientific detachment and daughterly passion. Emmy-nominated “Quick Brown Fox”…
Low tides will affect Pierce County ferry service July 2-11
Pierce County ferry riders in large vehicles – such as an RV, commercial truck or a vehicle towing a trailer – should plan ahead to avoid low tides from July 2-11. Load restrictions will be in place on some sailings, and riders may be asked to wait until a later sailing. Ticket agents and crew…
Niagara Bottling, LLC to create jobs with new plant in Frederickson
PIERCE COUNTY , WA — Niagara Bottling, LLC, the largest family-owned bottled water manufacturer in the United States, has announced plans to open a state-of-the-art bottling facility in Pierce County, Washington. This will be Niagara’s first site in the Pacific Northwest, joining 13 others around the country. The new 311,000-square-foot facility in Randles Business Park…
Pierce Prairie Post 