January 7, 2026
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ISSUE 54
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HEATHER QUIRIE
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello Reflects on First Year in Office
WASHINGTON OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Eatonville’s Amari Samuel drives into the lane against Rainier defenders, finishing with a game high 27 points in the Cruisers’ loss.
Cruisers Fall Twice at Home as Rainier, Hudson Bay Capitalize on Runs By Skip Smith
P
ierce County Executive Ryan Mello and his administration marked the completion of their first year in office this week, highlighting initiatives and developments across public safety, housing, and community services. In a video released by the county, Mello outlined what his administration calls the Forward Together agenda, a framework intended to guide growth and county services. The executive described the first year as focused on public safety, housing, and long-term planning for economic and community development. AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES A central focus of Mello’s first year has been housing. Under the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, the county reported that nearly 1,400 affordable housing units have been added within the first two years of the law. Officials say the additions are part of a broader effort to address rising housing costs and shortages in Pierce County. The initiative includes funding for both new construction
and preservation of existing affordable housing stock. The administration has stated that continued development will be guided by the recently adopted Pierce County Comprehensive Plan, which outlines strategies for housing and economic growth over the next 20 years. The plan emphasizes compact, mixeduse development and aims to balance housing availability with environmental conservation. PUBLIC SAFETY EFFORTS Public safety was another area highlighted in Mello’s reflection. County officials reported reductions in nearly all major crime categories compared to the previous year, although specific statistics were not included in the video. In addition, the county launched the Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the region. The plan focuses on data-driven road safety improvements, including speed enforcement, infrastructure changes, and community education programs.
RYAN MELLO, 4
W
hat began as a dominant opening stretch and ended with a late rally fell just short for the Eatonville Cruisers on Monday night, as they dropped a non league matchup to the Rainier Mountaineers, 67-59, at Rainier Connect Arena inside Eatonville High School. The loss, followed later in the week by another non league setback to Hudson
contested nearly every shot. Senior guard Amari Samuel set the tone early. Samuel scored 14 points in the opening quarter alone, attacking off the dribble and finishing through contact while also knocking down shots from the perimeter. His scoring spree helped Eatonville maintain control even after Rainier began to settle in. The Mountaineers finally answered with a 10-3 run late in the first quarter, cutting into the deficit
and finding some rhythm offensively. Still, Eatonville closed the period ahead 1910, with Samuel accounting for more than two thirds of the Cruisers’ points. Momentum shifted quickly in the second quarter. Rainier opened the period with a 13-0 run, flipping the game on its head and surging to a 23-19 lead. Eatonville went several possessions without a basket during the
CRUISERS, 3
Tough Night at Rainier Offers Growth Opportunity For Lady Cruisers By Skip Smith
T
he Eatonville Lady Cruisers closed out their non-league schedule this past Tuesday night with a tough road loss, falling 49-16 to the Rainier Mountaineers at Rainier High School. Playing in their final game of the calendar year, the Lady Cruisers struggled to find offensive rhythm against Rainier’s aggressive full-court press, which set the tone early and never let up.
HEATHER QUIRIE
Staff Report
Bay, left Eatonville searching for consistency after flashes of strong play on both ends of the floor. Monday’s contest against Rainier opened in stunning fashion for the Cruisers. Eatonville raced out to an 18-0 lead, overwhelming the Mountaineers with pressure defense and quick scoring opportunities. Rainier did not score for the first five minutes of the game, struggling to find clean looks against an Eatonville defense that jumped passing lanes and
Eatonville senior Savanna Price fights for position in the paint while tracking a loose ball, finishing with a team high eight rebounds in the Lady Cruisers’ loss. From the opening tip, the Mountaineers made it clear they wanted to speed the game up. Rainier forced multiple turnovers in the first few
minutes and quickly converted them into points, opening the contest on a 10-0 run. Eatonville had difficulty even getting into its
half-court offense as passes were deflected and ball handlers were trapped along the sidelines.
LADY CRUISERS, 3