Explore Mount Rainier at a Ranger-Led Snow Shoe Walk!
Staff Report
Winter at Mount Rainier National Park is not just a change in temperature. It is a full transformation. Deep snow settles over meadows and forests, familiar summer trails disappear, and the mountain takes on a quieter, more contemplative character. For visitors willing to embrace the cold, ranger-led snowshoe walks at Paradise offer one of the most rewarding ways to experience this season.
Beginning January 10 and running through March, park interpreters guide visitors on weekend snowshoe walks that explore the winter landscape at an easy and welcoming pace. Each walk covers roughly 1.5 miles and lasts about two hours, focusing less on distance and more on discovery. These outings are designed to introduce participants to winter ecology, mountain weather, and the ways plants, animals, and people adapt to months of snow and cold.
Walks meet at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays inside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, near the information desk. Participation is free with a valid park entrance pass, and snowshoes are provided by the park. This makes the program especially accessible for first-time snowshoers or families who want to try winter recreation without investing in specialized gear. Because each walk is limited to 25 participants, advance sign-ups are required on the day of the walk. Registration opens one hour before departure at the Jackson Visitor Center information desk. All members of a group must be present to sign up, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Rangers encourage visitors to arrive
early, as the walks often fill quickly, especially on clearweather weekends.
During the walk, rangers pause frequently to point out animal tracks, discuss how snowpack influences rivers and forests, and share stories about the human history of winter travel in the Cascades. Participants might learn how small mammals tunnel beneath the snow for insulation, why trees grow the way they do in heavy snowfall, or how snowshoes have long been an essential tool for moving through deep winter terrain. Preparation is an important part of the experience. Visitors are advised to dress in warm layers and wear waterproof boots. Gloves, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended, as sunlight reflecting off snow can be intense even on cold days. Rangers incorporate winter safety tips into the walk, helping participants feel confident and comfortable on the mountain.
For many locals, these guided snowshoe walks serve as a reminder that Mount Rainier is not only a summer destination. Winter brings a slower pace and a different kind of beauty, one defined by silence, sweeping white landscapes, and moments of connection with the natural world. For visitors new to the area, the program provides context and insight that turn a scenic outing into a deeper understanding of the mountain.
As winter continues, ranger-led snowshoe walks remain one of the most approachable and enriching ways to experience Mount Rainier during its quieter months. They invite visitors to step into the snow, follow a ranger’s lead, and see the mountain as it exists in winter, resilient, dynamic, and quietly awe-inspiring.
Lady Cruisers Bounce Back Behind Rebounding in Road Victory
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville Lady Cruisers experienced both heartbreak and resilience over a busy two game stretch last week, falling in a tight defensive battle Friday night before bouncing back with a gritty road win less than 24 hours later.
Eatonville opened the week Friday, Jan. 9, at Rainier Connect Arena with a strong start against Franklin Pierce, leaning on defensive pressure and early scoring to control the first half. The Cruisers raced out to a 6-0 run to open the game and
“Morgan Laird split a pair of free throws to put Eatonville up 39-38 with 51 seconds remaining.”
held the Cardinals scoreless until the final 1:30 of the first quarter. Jordyn Green scored five early points to push Eatonville to an 8-2 lead at the end of the opening period.
The defense remained disruptive in the second quarter, limiting Franklin Pierce to eight points while Eatonville added 15 of its own. Green continued her hot hand with eight more points, helping the Lady Cruisers take a 23-10 advantage into halftime.
That momentum slowed in the third quarter as turnovers began to creep in. After committing few mistakes in the first half, Eatonville turned the ball over eight times in the third, all of which led to Cardinal points. Franklin Pierce opened the quarter on a 6-0 run before Sadie Mettler stopped the surge with a pair
of free throws and Green knocked down a three pointer. The Cardinals closed the quarter on an 8-0 run, cutting the lead to seven. Eatonville entered the fourth quarter holding a 33-26 advantage.
Franklin Pierce continued to chip away in the final frame, opening on a 6-0 run to pull within one at 33-32. A Josie Lavergne basket briefly steadied the Cruisers, but the game tightened down the stretch. The score was tied at 36 with 1:12 remaining after a Cardinal basket. Mettler gave Eatonville the lead with two free throws, but Franklin Pierce’s Boston Chang answered with a runner to knot the game at 38 with a minute left.
Morgan Laird split a pair of free throws to put Eatonville up 39-38 with 51 seconds remaining. The Cardinals’ Zamiyah Redfeather responded by drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to give Franklin Pierce a 40-39 lead with 32 seconds to play. Eatonville had multiple chances in the closing moments, but turnovers proved costly. After a missed jumper and two timeouts, travelling calls erased late opportunities. Cardinal Tea Kioa hit one free throw with 4.7 seconds left to extend the Cardinal lead to 41-39, and despite a late steal, another turnover sealed the outcome.
Closing Out the Year with Gratitude
Greetings,
As we begin a new year, I want to pause and express my gratitude to the people of Pierce County for the resilience, care, and commitment you show one another, especially during moments of challenge.
Last month, our region faced historic flooding that tested communities across the county. Roads closed, rivers rose rapidly, and families were forced to make difficult decisions to stay safe. In those moments, I saw Pierce County at its best: first responders rescuing neighbors from flooded homes and vehicles, county staff coordinating emergency operations around the clock, and local, Tribal, and state partners working side by side to protect lives and property. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up to support one another.
That spirit of service continues this week as we recognize Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday, January 9. This is an opportunity to thank the deputies and law enforcement professionals who serve our communities with dedication and care, often under difficult circumstances. The Pierce County Council and Executive’s Office issued a proclamation at the January 6th council meeting recognizing their service and commitment to public safety, which you can read here. As we reflect on the year behind us, I’m also proud of the progress we made in December. From launching new tools to address the opioid crisis, to
investing in affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health through our newly adopted biennial budget. Pierce County continues to focus on both immediate needs and long-term stability.
I remain hopeful and energized by the partnerships that make this work possible—between community organizations, Tribal Nations, local governments, county staff, and most importantly, our residents. Thank you for your engagement, your compassion, and your belief in what we can accomplish when we move forward together.
Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, productive, and hopeful New Year.
Warmly,
Ryan N. Mello Pierce County Executive
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026: PIERCE COUNTY
HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Pierce County officials are moving forward on a range of public safety, health, and community initiatives as the county transitions into 2026.
County leaders briefly addressed last month’s severe weather, noting that a powerful atmospheric river caused flooding along the Puyallup, White, Carbon, and Nisqually rivers.
Eatonville junior Jordyn Green brings the ball up court against the Franklin Pierce Cardinals this past Friday evening. Green would finish the night with a double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Cruisers 41-39 loss.
LADY CRUISERS, 4
HEATHER QUIRIE
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Savvy Senior: When Do Most Americans Take Social Security?
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What are the most popular ages that people start taking their Social Security retirement benefits? I’m turning 62 later this year and trying to decide when to start taking my benefits.
—Born in 64
Dear 64,
You can sign up to begin your Social Security retirement benefits any time after age 62. However, your monthly payments will be larger for each month you delay claiming them up until age 70. This adds up to around 6 to 8 percent higher payments every year you delay.
To get a breakdown on exactly how much your claiming age affects your benefits, visit Social Security’s Retirement Age Calculator at SSA. gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html. This tool provides your full retirement age (FRA) – which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later – and shows how much your benefits will be reduced by taking early payments or increased by delaying them.
In the meantime, here’s a rundown of when people start receiving retirement benefits (according to the most recent SSA statistical data), and how signing up at each age impacts your payout.
Age 62: This is the earliest possible age you can sign up for Social Security. According to the SSA, in 2024, 23.3 percent of women and 22 percent of men signed up for Social Security at 62. But if you sign up at this age, you’ll get a 30 percent smaller Social Security payment if your FRA is 67.
Age 63: Age 63 is one of the least popular options for choosing to start Social Security benefits – 6.2 percent of men and 6.4 percent of women began claiming their benefits at this age in 2024. A worker with a FRA of 67 will get a 25 percent pay cut by signing up at this age.
Age 64: This is another relatively unpopular age to begin collecting Social Security benefits – just 6.5 percent of men and 7 percent of women started collecting at age 64. Social Security payments are reduced by 20 percent for those with a FRA of 67.
Age 65: In 2024, 15.3 percent of men and women decided to collect Social Security at age 65, which is also the enrollment age for Medicare. By starting at this age, you’ll see you monthly payments reduced by 13.3 percent if your FRA is 67.
Age 66: This is FRA for people born between 1943 and 1954, which has made this a very popular age to begin collecting. In 2024, 27 percent of men and 25.3 percent of women sign up for benefits at 66. But since your FRA is 67, you’ll get a 6.7 percent pay cut if you sign up here.
Age 67: People born in 1960 or later will be able to claim unreduced Social Security payments starting at this age. In 2024, 14.5 percent of men and 13 percent of women did this.
Age 68: In 2024, 12.5 percent of men and 12.3 percent of women delayed their Social Security benefits until age 68. Waiting one extra year beyond your FRA of 67 will increase your benefit by 8 percent.
Age 69: In 2024, 14.5 percent of men and 13.2 percent of women claimed their retirement benefits at 69, which increased their benefits by 16 percent.
Age 70 and older: Waiting to age 70 offers the biggest possible payout – a 24 percent increase over your FRA of 67. In 2024, 8.4 percent of women and 9.1 percent of men held out until this age.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act into
Notes from Eatonville Town Council Meeting January 12th, 2026
Staff Report
The Eatonville Town Council met Monday, January 12, to address a full agenda that included department updates, routine approvals, appointments to town boards and commissions, and several policy and planning actions that will guide town operations in the year ahead.
DEPARTMENT REPORT: SYSTEMS PERFORM WELL DURING HEAVY DECEMBER WEATHER
Town departments reported steady operations through December despite periods of heavy rain and winter conditions. Police staff maintained regular coverage, while water and wastewater systems continued to meet all regulatory standards during higher seasonal flows. Public works crews focused on storm response, infrastructure maintenance, and winter preparedness, with recent stormwater improvements performing as intended.
COUNCIL ADOPTS ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER POLICY
The council approved Resolution 2026-A, adopting a formal policy governing the use of electronic funds transfers. The policy establishes approval requirements, documentation standards, and internal controls for electronic payments such as payroll withholdings, grant payments, and banking fees, with oversight assigned to the finance department and mayor.
COUNCIL CONFIRMS PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
Resolution 2026-B confirmed Mayor Emily McFadden’s reappointment of Michael Roland to Position No. 1 on the Planning Commission. Roland will continue serving in the role, with a new term beginning February 15, 2026, and running through December 31, 2031.
The Planning Commission advises the town on land use, development, and long-range planning matters.
COUNCIL CONFIRMS POLICE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
The council approved Resolution 2026-C, confirming Mayor Emily McFadden’s reappointment of Joe Hagen to Position No. 1 on the Police Civil Service Commission. Hagen will continue serving in the role, with a term beginning January 13, 2026, and running through May 31, 2030.
The council also approved Resolution 2026-D, confirming Mayor McFadden’s appointment of James Gregory to Position No. 2 on the commission. Gregory was appointed to fill a vacant seat, with a term beginning January 13, 2026, and expiring May 31, 2028.
COUNCIL ADOPTS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ACTION PLAN
Resolution 2026-E was approved, adopting Eatonville’s Transportation Safety Action Plan and committing the town to
a Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries. The plan identifies safety strategies for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists and keeps Eatonville eligible for future transportation safety grant funding.
COUNCIL APPROVES SEPTIC VARIANCE FOR WILD ROSE SHORT PLAT
The council approved Resolution 2026-F, granting a variance to allow septic systems for a two-lot residential subdivision at 750 Wild Rose Street West. The approval requires future connection to the town’s sewer system when a line is extended nearby and includes conditions related to potential local improvement district formation.
COUNCIL REVIEWS UPDATED BUILDING AND SAFETY CODEs
The council held the first reading of Ordinance 2026-1, which updates Eatonville’s building and safety codes to align with the most current versions adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council. The ordinance adopts updated building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and energy codes, as required under state law. A second reading is expected at the January 26, 2026 meeting.
The meeting concluded with council comments and adjournment.
What Anyone Can Do to Honor the Memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
WATCH A FILM OR FILMS ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Historians may dispute the timeline, but the civil rights movement in the United States is generally considered to have taken place between 1954 and 1968. Many films, including dramas and documentaries, examine important individuals and moments during this pivotal period in American history. “Freedom Song” (2000), “Ghosts of Mississippi” (1996), “Malcolm X” (1992), and “Selma” (2014) are just a handful of the many films that shed light on the African American experience during the civil rights era.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE ERA
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential and inspirational figures of the twentieth century. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, King’s life, tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, is now celebrated annually across the United States and beyond on the anniversary of his birth.
Though Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life more than half a century ago, there is still much people can do to promote and secure the more equitable and just society he longed for. Honoring his memory and legacy is a good place to start, and the following are some ways to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
DISCUSS HIS LEGACY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
There’s much competing for people’s attention as the world finds itself nearing the end of the opening quarter of the twenty-first century. That can make it easy to overlook the efforts of influential individuals like King who helped the world become the place it is today. Parents and educators can utilize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a catalyst to open a dialogue with their children and students about King’s life and legacy. Highlight the injustices King fought against and emphasize his commitment to peace in the face of those challenges.
While King was front and center during the civil rights era, many other brave men and women risked their lives in an effort to combat segregation and discrimination. Any effort to more deeply understand the civil rights era and the issues that African Americans were fighting to overcome can ensure the struggle that ultimately cost King his life was not for naught. Countless books and documentary films offer invaluable insight into the civil rights era, making them a great resource for individuals who want to honor King and promote his message.
LISTEN
The simple act of listening can be a great way to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Sadly, many of the issues King fought against during his lifetime remain unresolved today. Individuals from all walks of life can honor King by listening to those who have taken on his mantle and continued the fight for a more just, equitable society.
Martin Luther King Jr. is honored each year in the United States on the anniversary of his birth. Individuals can honor his enduring legacy in various ways.
Cruisers Show Growth Despite Home Losses to Vashon and Franklin Pierce
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville Cruisers endured a challenging week at Rainier Connect Arena, dropping two home contests while showing signs of growth and resilience that Head Coach Josh Bennett believes will pay off as league play continues.
Eatonville opened the week Tuesday,
Eatonville with eight points in the quarter.
The Cruisers’ offense cooled off again in the final frame, managing only five points. Vashon closed the game on an 8-3 run to secure the 69-34 victory.
Samuel led Eatonville with 12 points and three steals. Herbrand finished with seven points and eight rebounds, while Jeremy Osborn added seven
Jan. 6, against Vashon at Eatonville High School and struggled to keep pace from the opening tip in a 69-34 loss.
The Cruisers had difficulty finding any offensive rhythm in the first quarter, managing just two points on a Jake Brannon bucket. Vashon closed the period with a decisive 15-0 run that put Eatonville in an early hole. The Pirates led 17-2 after one, controlling the glass by a 13-6 margin in the quarter.
Eatonville showed more life offensively in the second quarter, sparked by Ryder Herbrand, who scored seven points to lead the Cruisers. Despite the improved scoring, Vashon continued to apply pressure on both ends and outscored Eatonville 20-13 in the period. The Pirates carried a 37-15 lead into halftime, building a 22-point advantage.
Vashon opened the second half with a 6-0 run, but Eatonville answered with an 8-0 spurt of its own, briefly cutting into the deficit. The response showed flashes of competitiveness, though rebounding again proved problematic. Vashon pulled down 10 rebounds in the third quarter compared to just two for Eatonville, a disparity that helped the Pirates outscore the Cruisers 16-15 in the period. Vashon led 53-29 heading into the fourth. Amari Samuel paced
points and seven rebounds.
“We did not match their effort or intensity. That made for a really long night against them. Credit to Vashon they played hard and executed their sets we scouted heavily,” Bennett said.
“We talked after the game as a team and we all agreed we can give way better effort. The coaching staff knew the guys would bounce back and respond in a good way.”
That response came Friday, Jan. 9, when Eatonville hosted the first place Franklin Pierce Cardinals in a game that showcased both the Cruisers’ potential and areas still needing refinement in an 87-60 loss.
Before the opening tip, Franklin Pierce was assessed a technical foul for dunking during pregame warmups. Eatonville capitalized immediately as Samuel knocked down both free throws, giving the Cruisers a 2-0 lead before the game officially began.
Franklin Pierce answered with a 6-0 run to go ahead 6-4, and the teams traded baskets for much of the first quarter. Eatonville closed the period strongly with a 9-1 run, fueled by Samuel’s aggressive play. Samuel scored 13 points in the quarter, going to the free throw line six times and converting all six. Eatonville led 20-16 after one.
The Cruisers took care of the ball in the opening quarter, committing just two turnovers, but that changed in the second. Eatonville turned the ball over nine times in the period, leading to 10 Cardinal points. After matching baskets early, Franklin Pierce went on a 6-0 run midway through the quarter and closed the half with a 10-0 run. Eatonville trailed 38-28 at halftime. Ryder Herbrand led the Cruisers with four points in the quarter.
Eatonville came out of the locker room with renewed energy, opening the third quarter on a 10-0 run to tie the game at 38-38. The teams traded baskets for much of the period until Franklin Pierce seized momentum late. The Cardinals closed the quarter on a 15-2 run to take a 62-49 lead into the final period. Samuel scored 10 points in the quarter for Eatonville. Rebounding again played a role, as Franklin Pierce held a 10-4 edge on the boards in the period and outscored Eatonville 24-21.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Cardinals, who scored 25 points while holding Eatonville to 11, seven of which came from the free throw line. Franklin Pierce pulled away for the 87-60 win.
Samuel led all scorers with 29 points to go along with three rebounds and three blocks. Ryder Herbrand added 12 points and six rebounds.
Turnovers proved costly for the Cruisers, particularly in the second half when they committed 13 turnovers that led to 20 Franklin Pierce points. Eatonville finished with 23 turnovers compared to nine for the Cardinals. Rebounding was also an issue, as Franklin Pierce grabbed 35 boards to Eatonville’s 24.
“It was simply our effort and togetherness as a team that allowed us to play the way we did against them. I asked the guys after the game how it felt and they all agreed it was the most connected they have felt as a team,” Bennett said.
“Franklin Pierce is still a really really good team and their new Coach has done an amazing job with this group. We were tied 47-47 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter. We had them on the ropes for a while the game just got away from us a little in the fourth but that is ok. We showed what we are capable of when we are connected as a unit.
“This game was such a great learning experience that is going to pay dividends for the rest of league play.”
The Cruisers face a demanding road ahead. Eatonville travels Tuesday, Jan. 13, to Fife to take on the second-place Fife Trojans at McCrossin Court at 7 p.m., before returning home Friday, Jan. 16, to host the third-place Clover Park Warriors at 7 p.m.
The county activated its Emergency Operations Center, coordinated with local and state partners, distributed thousands of sandbags, and conducted more than 100 rescues.
Officials say the county has now shifted fully into recovery and assessment mode, and residents are encouraged to report property damage through the county’s flood damage reporting portal to support potential state and federal assistance.
OPIOID TASK FORCE LAUNCHES NEW RESOURCE HUB
In December, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department launched a new website for the TacomaPierce County Opioid Task Force, creating a centralized hub for prevention, treatment, recovery, and community coordination.
The Task Force is a partnership between Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, Elevate Health, and the Health Department. County data shows that between January 2021 and June 2023, more than 800 Pierce County residents died from drug overdoses, with the fastest increase among young adults ages 18 to 24.
The website includes a calendar of events, educational materials, and tools such as a statewide naloxone finder. It also outlines how opioid settlement funds are being used locally, including expanded treatment durations and new mobile treatment options aimed at improving access in rural communities.
COUNTY ADOPTS 2026–2027 BIENNIAL BUDGET
On Dec. 16, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello signed the county’s 2026–2027 biennial budget and Capital Facilities Plan, a $3.5 billion spending package shaped amid continued uncertainty in state and federal funding.
Key investments include expanded youth violence prevention and enrichment programs, continued recruitment and retention incentives for public safety staff, and additional staffing for the public defense system to meet state caseload standards. The budget also advances design and construction planning for new public safety and justice facilities.
Housing and homelessness response remain a major focus. Funding continues for shelter access hubs, coordinated entry services, and a Low-Income Housing Institute tiny home village planned for Spanaway. Since its launch in 2023, the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act has supported the creation of more than 1,300 affordable housing units countywide.
The budget also expands recovery-focused housing, funds a new medical respite program at the Crisis Recovery Center, and continues the Street Medicine program in partnership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND THERAPEUTIC COURT FUNDING APPROVED
Pierce County awarded more than $34 million in Behavioral Health and Therapeutic Courts Tax funding for the 2026–2027 biennium. The funding supports a wide range of services, including outpatient and communitybased treatment, peer recovery support, youth prevention and early intervention, and reentry programs for justiceinvolved adults.
Franklin Pierce secured the 41-39 win. Green led Eatonville with a doubledouble, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds while knocking down five three pointers. Laird, Mettler and Lavergne each scored six points, with Lavergne adding eight rebounds.
The Lady Cruisers regrouped quickly and hit the road Saturday, Jan. 10, to face R.A. Long, where effort and rebounding defined the night.
Turnovers again played a role early as Eatonville committed 12 first quarter turnovers, compared to just one for the Lumberjills. Avery Crowder scored Eatonville’s lone field goal in the opening period, while Delaney Livernash added a free throw. Lavergne was active on the glass with five rebounds, and Livernash added four, but Eatonville trailed 8-3 after one quarter. Ball security improved in the second quarter as the Cruisers turned it over just twice. After Mettler picked up her third foul early, Savanna Price stepped in and made an impact defensively by denying entry passes. Eatonville tied the game at 15 on
Green free throws, then took its first lead on a Lavergne free throw with 1:34 left in the half. Eatonville dominated the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds in the quarter to R.A. Long’s six. The Lady Cruisers closed the half on an 8-0 run and carried a 17-15 lead into the break, holding a commanding 31-17 rebounding advantage.
Turnovers resurfaced in the third quarter as Eatonville committed 10 more, allowing the Lumberjills to stay close. R.A. Long edged the Cruisers 12-11 in the period, but Eatonville maintained a slim 28-27 lead heading into the fourth.
Eatonville opened the final quarter with a 7-0 run to extend the lead to 35-29 before R.A. Long answered with a 7-0 surge of its own to reclaim the lead. Mettler tied the game with a free throw and later put the Cruisers ahead again with another from the line with 38 seconds remaining. After a Lumberjill turnover, Green was fouled and calmly sank both free throws to give Eatonville a 39-36 lead with 10 seconds to play. A missed three by R.A. Long sealed the outcome, as Crowder secured the rebound, was fouled, and ran out the clock after missing both attempts.
Eatonville earned the 39-36 victory.
The Lady Cruisers dominated the glass
throughout, outrebounding the Lumberjills 60-20. Josie Lavergne led Eatonville on the boards and finished one point shy of a double double with nine points and 16 rebounds. Delaney Livernash and Jordyn Green each added nine points, with Livernash also coming up just short of a double double after pulling down 10 rebounds. Green narrowly missed a double double as well, finishing with nine rebounds to go with her nine points. Eatonville finished 18 of 32 from the free throw line, while R.A. Long struggled at 1 of 15. The Lumberjills protected the ball better with 17 turnovers to Eatonville’s 35.
Coach Chelsea Caramandi said the weekend showed growth. “Friday was a tough lesson, but the girls responded Saturday with grit and poise. I’m proud of their trust in each other and commitment to getting better.”
The Lady Cruisers will look to build on the win when they host the Fife Trojans on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. Eatonville will then travel for a non-league game against W.F. West and will jump back into 2A SPSL action against Clover Park later in the week, with both road contests tipping at 7 p.m.
Between January 2024 and October 2025, county officials report that behavioral health sales tax funding supported services for more than 22,600 residents, with approximately two-thirds of those served under the age of 18.
Pierce County will conduct its annual Homeless Point-InTime Count on Jan. 29–30, 2026. Trained volunteers will help gather data used to guide local homelessness services and planning.
NEW TOOL AIMS TO PREVENT PROPERTY FRAUD
Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer recently launched Owner Alert, a free service that notifies property owners when documents such as deeds, liens, or powers of attorney are recorded in their name.
Officials say the alert system is designed to help residents identify potential real estate fraud early, allowing them to take action before serious financial harm occurs. The service requires only a name and email address to enroll.
FILM SERIES RETURNS FOR SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS
Pierce County’s annual film series for seniors and caregivers will return in 2026 at the Grand Cinema in Tacoma. The free series, presented by Aging and Disability Resources, opens Jan. 10 and continues through spring. Doors open at 9:40 a.m., with films beginning at 10 a.m. Registration opens one month before each screening.
HEATHER QUIRIE
Eatonville's Amari Samuel soars through the air as he scores two of his gamehigh 29 points in the Cruisers loss to Franklin Pierce this past Friday evening.
