When NOT to stop for a school bus?

School buses these days have cameras to catch you when you do not stop. It is a very large fine and you may get that ticket in the mail. School begins August 31 for Bethel students and September 1 for Franklin Pierce. Calendar links for them are on our menu at the top of the…

In with the new – a day of transition

By Marianne Lincoln I am awake early this morning thinking about the experiences I have had this week. One of my best friends, my classmate in school, and my bridesmaid, lost her husband. He actually isn’t gone yet, his acute event left him without brain activity in the ICU. She sent me a text. I…

Franklin Pierce District looking for creative ways to fund itself

By Marianne Lincoln UPDATE: According to Superintendent Goodpaster, this is a policy that is available to school districts. A new board member identified as missing from their set of policies. There was no particular reason for it other than to complete available options. Apparently, the Franklin Pierce School District is strained for funds. The state…

The New Bethel High Ribbon Cutting Aug 21

You are invited to the official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Bethel High School on August 21,2026, at 1 p.m. Speakers will include former Superintendent Tom Seigel, BHS students, and more! The ceremony will be held in the main gym. Self-guided tours will be available after the ceremony. Everyone is welcome to join…

June 6 Habitat Stewardship at Flett Creek

The habitat stewardship event on CPTC’s Flett Property is this Saturday, June 6th from 9:00 AM to noon! The flyer below has pertinent details and all of the 2026 dates for the remaining habitat stewardship events in 2026. For this habitat stewardship event, the focus will be on cutting scotch broom using reciprocating saws and loppers.  Training on the proper and…

May 16 celebration of Syttende Mai

Syttende Mai actually means May 17, but since that is a Sunday, the Scandinavian Cultural Center (SCC) at PLU will hold their annual celebration on Saturday, May 16. Due to the weather predictions, the event will not be held outdoors in Red Square. Plan to be inside the SCC at 9:30 a.m. The SCC is…

The answer is: Rocky Ridge!

By Marianne Lincoln One of my favorite questions for people in the Bethel School District is, ” Can you name the five original school districts that were combined to make Bethel?” And yes, I even hit up the Superintendents for this one. It is common for people to name Clover Creek. That is an incorrect…

May 1 Eatonville new stadium grand opening

The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 1st at noon at Eatonville High School Stadium! Replacement of the track, field and stadium were made possible by voters in the district. Students and the entire community have much to celebrate. No more playing football in the mud. The new track and…

April 22 Apprenticeship Expo at PC Skills Center

The Pierce County Skills Center, 16117 Canyon Rd E, Puyallup, WA, will be the site of an Apprenticeship Expo on April 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. PCSC and Bethel School District students are invited to attend the annual Apprenticeship Expo at PCSC. Over 50 businesses will be in attendance. We will also have…

Saturday, March 14, Nordic Heritage Festival at PLU!

It is the best celebration of Norwegian Heritage of the year. Booths of Norwegian sweaters, rosemaling, wood carvings, jewelry. plates, and books. There is Romegraten, waffles, krumkake, and other pastries. Musicians and dancers will fill the room with lively motion. Get a T-shirt that says how you feel about lutefisk, or being Norwegian. It is…

PLU Health Center and the Land Use Advisory Commission

The first Wednesday evening of the month is the Parkland-Spanaway-Midland Land Use Advisory Commission. This evening, Pacific Lutheran University brought a concept of their new medical facilities. This Planned Unit Development (PUD) includes a health center for teaching with real patients, an office building, and a hospital. The team brought in a packet of information…

Bethel Family Center Needs

By Caitlin McConnell, Bethel School District- Community Connections We are reaching out with two opportunities to partner with our community in meaningful ways. First, we are currently working on our Daffodil Parade float, Bethel in Bloom, and are seeking donations of artificial flowers. All colors are welcome, with a particular need for blue, purple, and red. Flower donations can…

Register to Vote!

In Pierce County, Washington, you can register to vote online or by mail until 8 days before an election or in-person through Election day. Registrations done by mail need to be received by the 8 day deadline. Three ways to register: 1. Online You can register online, 24 hours a day, at VoteWA.gov.  2. By mail        …

Stuff the Bus Dec 6

This Saturday at the Spanaway Walmart is the annual Public-School Employees, Stuff the Bus event! Saturday, December 6th7:00am – 4:00pm Spanaway Walmart20307 Mountain Hwy ESpanaway, WA 98387 Staff will be there from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect donations for Bethel Community Services “Holidays of Hope” program that will help families in need. They’re…

Nov 8 & 9, SLHS Craft Fair

By Marianne Lincoln I will admit, this has been a favorite of mine for years! Spanaway Lake High School has put on this craft fair for more than 30 years now. It has lots of vendors and the parking lot gets crowded, but you will find some really great, locally sourced, handmade items for yourself,…

Two meetings, two critical purposes

The Bethel School District, under the leadership of Tom Seigel several years ago, began having meetings with key leaders in the community. These meetings are held three times a year and they help steer the district in a direction compatible with sensitivities of the public. The most recent Mid- County Leadership meeting was October 22….

Elementary reflections

This is a tribute to elementary school. It is September. The bell rings and the youthful exuberance and reticence all come rushing into the gymnasium. They grab a paper boat, their big brown eyes staring up at you as they anticipate the breakfast they will soon consume. Some say good morning. Some want to give…

Oct. 4, ABC Day at Graham Kapowsin

All Bethel Community Day – ABC Day 2025 ABC Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Graham-Kapowsin High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual community event, will feature music, food, various booths with activities, and fun for the entire family. • Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025• Time: 9 a.m. –…

Donations needed for Bethel Cares event

To support students in the Bethel School District with back to school supplies, the Red Canoe Credit Union is collecting donations for Bethel Cares. Locations you can drop off to are • Sprinker Recreation Center • Hops and Drops in Frederickson • Bethel Family Center (@ Challenger High School) Supplies will be distributed at our Bethel Cares Event,…