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…

The Post Office hole on SR7 needs to go away

Editorial opinion This photo is of a drainage ditch on Pacific Avenue in Spanaway between Les Schwab and the Spanaway Post Office. This is the single biggest mistake in the sidewalk project for SR7. This little ditch 1) Almost never fully drains 2) Hides a very deep hole between the two locations 3) Creates a…

Frederickson Family Movie Night Friday, June 28

Friday night, June 28, 2013, the Frederickson Clover Creek Community Council will hold one of its Family Movie Nights outdoors at Sound life Church on 36th Ave E. and 176th Street.  The event will begin at 6:30 pm with vendor booths, food and games for the family. At dusk, the movie “The Lorax” will be shown….

A Taste of Summertime at PLU

[Editor note: This is an article refresh now that summer is here.] PLU, Parkland, WA — Our annual Fruit Festival is a lunchtime community concert series featuring summer fruit desserts and live music. Bring a picnic and your favorite people and relax for lunch! Or, grab lunch at PLU’s restaurant and find a seat on the…

Skin cancer information

USA.gov — Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Get information about this potentially deadly cancer and what you can do to identify signs of skin cancer and decrease your risk factors. RiskFactors — Anyone can get skin cancer, but sun exposure, family history, and certain medical conditions are…

Impact of smelting operations on arsenic in urban lakes

UW Tacoma — The ASARCO smelter in Ruston, Washington contaminated the south-central Puget Sound region with heavy metals, including arsenic and lead. This study finds that arsenic is highly mobile in these urban lakes. Current knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological factors affecting arsenic mobility in regional lakes will be discussed and initial data on…

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…

Tips for when you hear the thunder

USA.gov — Summer is the peak season for lightning-related deaths and injuries, though people are struck by lightning year-round.  The National Weather Service provides a wide range of information about lightning, including these facts and tips: General Tips No outdoor area is safe when you hear thunder. If you hear thunder, find a safe indoor…

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…

National HIV Testing Day – June 27

USA.gov — National HIV Testing Day (June 27) serves as a reminder of the importance of HIV testing. Use these resources to answer your questions about HIV testing: HIV      Testing Locations – Enter your ZIP code to find a testing location      near you, including those that offer free HIV tests. Types      of…