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…

McMillin Bridge headed for Pierce County Register of Historic Places

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — The state-owned McMillin Bridge, a historically significant structure spanning the Puyallup River near Orting, may not be long for this world if the state proceeds to tear it down. But Pierce County wants to make sure the bridge’s future remains the subject of continued discussion. The County Council voted 6-0 on June…

Public Hearings on 180th Street closure July 9 and 23

The official posting on 180th Street East in Frederickson regarding its closure has been placed. Local property owners have received official mail from Pierce County Council including a map of the area and notice of public hearings on July 9th and 23rd. The Pierce County Council will conduct the public hearings on Ordinance No. 2013-36 on July 9, 2013, at 9:30 AM…

Cheerleading program, July 9-Aug 27

PIERCE COUNTY PARKS — This JUMP Kids Fitness basic cheerleading program is open to ages 6-10 and includes stretching, arm motions, kicks, jumps, cheers, and chants.  A fun way to promote physical fitness for kids.  This 8 week program will run Tuesday afternoons, July 9-Aug 27 from 4:50-5:50pm for a fee of $66. It is…

Hip Hop Class, July 9-Aug 27

PIERCE COUNTY PARKS — In this high energy, age appropriate class, kids ages 8-12 will learn basic hip hop dance techniques, combinations, and choreography.  Taught by JUMP Kids Fitness, the class will be held on Tuesdays, July 9-Aug 27 from 6:00-7:00pm for a fee of $66.  The program is held at Meridian Habitat Park &…