August 19, 2026
ISSUE 34
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Update: Mount Rainier Closures Follow Week of Smoke Concerns NPS PHOTO BY EMILY BROUWER
Four Honored with 2026 EHS Award of Distinction Submitted
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he EHS Award of Distinction Committee is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its prestigious Award of Distinction; an honor that celebrates graduates whose lives and accomplishments exemplify excellence, service, and inspiration. In recognition that Eatonville High School plays a vital role in shaping graduates who go on to make meaningful contributions to society, this award honors those who have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership, humanitarianism, service, or philanthropy, going well beyond what is typically expected and providing a beacon of inspiration for current and future students. These distinguished individuals serve as powerful role models, positively impacting others through their achievements and setting a high standard for generations to come. This year’s honorees Kyle Litzenberger, J.D. (Class of 2011), Dr. Peter Karlin (Class of 2000), David Baublits (Class of 1973) and Dr. Michelle Christensen (Class of 1999) have each distinguished themselves through extraordinary contributions to their fields, their communities, and the world around them. Kyle Litzenberger, J.D. Class of 2011, has built a distinguished career dedicated to justice, public service, and community leadership. As an attorney, he has advocated for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking while also serving his hometown through the Eatonville Town Council, youth mentorship, and numerous community organizations. His commitment to integrity, leadership, and service continues to make a meaningful difference both locally and beyond. Dr. Peter Karlin, Class of 2000, returned home after earning his medical degree from the University of
AWARDS, 4
The meadow along the Silver Forest Trail at Sunrise. Mount Rainier and Burroughs.
Staff Report
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ount Rainier National Park’s northeast corner remains closed as crews continue responding to the Grand Park 2 Fire, shifting the local wildfire story from last week’s smokerelated air-quality concerns to an active fire affecting access to some of the park’s most popular summer destinations. Last week, Dispatch coverage focused on wildfire smoke drifting into the Mount Rainier area from major fires burning elsewhere in Washington. The National Park Service’s Ohanapecosh monitor recorded a NowCast Air Quality Index of 179 on Aug. 4, in the “Unhealthy” range. Readings remained unhealthy Aug. 5 and early Aug. 6 before improving steadily; by noon Aug. 10, the Ohanapecosh reading had fallen to 33, in the “Good” range. That report noted the Ohanapecosh sensor is in the southeastern corner of the park and should not be treated as a measurement for Eatonville or all of South Pierce County. It did, however, show how severe smoke had become around the mountain during the first week of August. The current concern is different. The Grand Park 2 Fire is burning inside Mount Rainier National Park about three miles north of the Sunrise Visitor Center. The fire was reported around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and was estimated at more than 300 acres and 0% contained in the National Park Service’s Aug. 9 update. Firefighters were working to suppress the fire and protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources. As of the park’s latest posted alerts, Sunrise and White River remain closed
until further notice because of the fire. Sunrise Road and White River Road are closed, along with all trails originating from those roads that travel into the northeast area of the park. Trails in the Grand Park area are also closed until further notice. The closure affects both vehicle access and multiple trailheads. The park’s trail conditions page says Sunrise Road and White River Road are closed because of the Grand Park 2 Fire, and that all trails from those roads and all trails in the Grand Park area remain closed until further notice. Listed closures include Grand Park Trail, Huckleberry Creek Trail, Lake Eleanor Trail, Mount Fremont Trail and portions of Northern Loop Trail, among others. Some White River-area routes are listed as open only by longer backcountry access, not from the usual road-access trailheads.
The closure affects both vehicle access and multiple trailheads. The park notes there is no vehicle access to the Sunrise or White River Campground trailheads while the closure remains in effect. The fire response is continuing. In its Aug. 9 update, the National Park Service said engines, crews and aircraft were responding, with additional wildland firefighting resources ordered. Fire behavior was described as moderate, with tree torching, spotting and creeping. Conditions included warm temperatures, low humidity and wind, and officials warned conditions could change at any time. The park closure comes as fire restrictions are also tightening outside the park. Pierce County moved to a Stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated areas effective Monday, Aug. 17. The Pierce County Fire Marshal, in coordination with local fire chiefs, cited worsening dry conditions, ongoing drought and increased wildfire risk across the region. Stage 2 prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated Pierce County, including recreational burn pits,
backyard fire pits and fireplaces, land-clearing fires and yard-debris burning. Barbecues that use gas, wood or charcoal are still allowed when used safely on a noncombustible surface. Violations may result in citations and fines, and people responsible for illegal fires may be billed for the full cost of emergency response if fire crews are called. Residents of incorporated cities and towns should check with their local jurisdiction for burn requirements. That is another change from last week’s report, which said unincorporated Pierce County was under a Stage 1 fire-safety burn ban that had been in effect since June 1. Stage 1 prohibited land-clearing fires and yard-debris burning, but recreational fires could vary depending on state, municipal, fire-district or land-management rules. Mount Rainier National Park had already been under a parkwide fire ban since June 26. That ban prohibits campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes or fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbecue grills, including in developed campgrounds. Portable stoves and similar devices using bottled or liquefied fuel are allowed if they can be turned off. For residents and visitors, the practical difference from last week is significant. Last week’s public guidance centered on smoke: check current conditions, limit strenuous outdoor activity when smoke is present, keep windows closed and reduce exposure to fine-particle pollution. This week, smoke is only part of the concern. Visitors also need to check park alerts before traveling toward Sunrise, White River or Grand Park, because roads and trails remain closed while the Grand Park 2 Fire continues. Residents in unincorporated Pierce County also face stricter outdoor burning rules as fire danger increases across the region. The air-quality readings reported last week improved quickly. The fire has not ended. Until officials lift the closures, the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park remains an active fire area, not a normal summer recreation destination.