Cruisers Fall to Fife, 48-20, as Playoff Hopes Begin to Fade
By Skip Smith
In a game that carried major postseason implications, the Eatonville Cruisers couldn’t find enough answers to slow down the high-powered Fife Trojans, falling 48–20 Friday night at Trojan Memorial Stadium.
The loss dealt a major blow to Eatonville’s playoff hopes, as the Cruisers entered the contest needing a win to stay in contention for the fourth and final district playoff berth.
Fife (now 3–3, 3-1 league) struck early and often, using a balanced mix of speed and misdirection to keep Eatonville’s defense off bal-
“Fife (now 3–3, 3-1 league) struck early and often”
ance. After winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, the Trojans wasted no time once they got the ball. On their first possession, Fife broke loose on a 42-yard reverse run to take a 7–0 lead with 9:25 left in the opening quarter.
Eatonville’s offense struggled to find rhythm early, punting after a quick three-and-out on its opening series. The Cruisers’ best chance to answer in the first quarter came on their second drive, when they marched deep into Trojan territory. But a 30-yard field goal
attempt was blocked and returned to the Eatonville 22-yard line — setting up another Fife touchdown just moments later. The Trojans punched it in from 3 yards out to extend the lead to 14–0 with 33 seconds left in the first quarter.
The deficit grew midway through the second when Fife connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 21–0.
Eatonville (3–3, 2-2 league) finally broke through when quarterback Cole Fowler found Jacob Simons deep downfield for a 47-yard touchdown strike, cutting the margin to 21–7 with 6:19 left in the half.
Fife responded quickly with a 19-yard touchdown run, though Eatonville blocked the extra point to keep the score at 27–7. The Cruisers showed some life before halftime, as Fowler connected with Amari Samuel in the corner of the end zone on a 28-yard scoring pass to pull within 27–13 just before intermission.
But Fife’s offense kept rolling in the second half, putting the game out of reach with two more unanswered touchdowns. A 33yard touchdown reception early in the third quarter extended the lead to 34–13, followed by a 39-yard rushing score midway through the frame.
Eatonville’s Connor McIlrath gave the Cruisers a brief spark with a 20-yard touchdown run to make it 41–20 with 4:23 left in the third, but Fife answered on its very next
possession with a 40-yard scoring run to cap the night’s offensive explosion.
Despite a late fumble recovery by the Eatonville defense early in the fourth quarter, the Cruisers couldn’t capitalize, and both teams
Eatonville Runners Post Strong Times at 2A SPSL League Meet
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville High School cross country team delivered a series of standout performances Wednesday afternoon at thWe 2A South Puget Sound League meet, held on the rugged, forested trails of Camp Arnold. Both the boys’ and girls’ squads showed strong improvement as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason.
with a solid 7th place finish with a personal best time of 11:40, while sophomore Blayne Cabana rounded out the team’s in 16th with a time of 12:52, also marking a new career best.
went scoreless the rest of the way. It was a frustrating night for an Eatonville team that showed flashes of big-play ability but struggled to sustain drives and contain the Trojans’ ground game.
Eatonville will look to regroup
next weekend when they host the Washington Patriots (2-4, 2-2 league) at Franklin Pierce Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18 at noon for Senior Day.
Graham-Kapowsin Senior Center Keeps Community Connected and Active
The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council Senior Center continues to be a hub of friendship, fitness, and fun for local older adults, offering a full schedule of weekly activities designed to support both body and mind.
On the boys’ side, sophomore Gabriel Kolsrud led the Cruisers with a personal record of 11 minutes, 24 seconds, earning him a 4th place, the top team finish. Senior Colton Rush was close behind in 5th, clocking 11:31, also a personal best. Junior Titus Lowe continued Eatonville’s scoring run
In the girls’ race, senior Grace Coonrod once again set the pace for Eatonville, cruising to a time of 12:31, her fastest mark of the season to notch a first place finish. Junior Hannah Bieker followed right behind her in second with her best time if her career with a time of 13:32, with freshman Jenny Lowe crossing in 14:36 in a breakout career best performance. Sophomore Audrey Mullins posted a career best 15:36.40, while senior Alice Alexander recorded her best time with a 19:41. Seniors Savanna Price and Madi Sarpy completed the Cruiser lineup in 21:39 and 22:18, respectively, each setting personal records.
The Cruisers will wrap up their regular season at the Tacoma Twilight meet at the University of Puget Sound on Thursday, Oct. 16 before heading into the SPSL League Championships on Oct 25
Operating under the umbrella of the Graham-Kapowsin Community Council, the center serves residents from across the area, drawing seniors from Graham, Kapowsin, Eatonville, and surrounding communities. With two locations—Evergreen Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Benston Hall on Wednesdays—participants have plenty of opportunities to stay involved throughout the week. Each site is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing a welcoming space for exercise, social connection, and lifelong learning.
Among the most popular offerings is Tai Chi, held twice weekly, which promotes balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. The gentle movements make it accessible for people of all fitness levels. For those looking for a little more pep in their step, Senior Exercise sessions blend stretching and light aerobics to help participants stay mobile and energized.
At midday, attendees gather for lunch catered by D&D’s Grill and other local restaurants—a time for good food and conversation. Meals are available for $7 for members and $10 for non-members, and the rotating menu can be found online at
www.g-kcc.org. Seniors are asked to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance by calling or texting 253-921-2914, ensuring there’s a plate ready for everyone who joins.
Afternoons bring a variety of social and enrichment activities. The Social Time hour from 12:15 to 1:40 p.m. features crafts, games, and group projects, offering a chance for creativity and connection. Once a month, the center hosts Karaoke—always a crowd-pleaser—as well as a History Social Hour, where participants explore local and world history through stories, photos, and discussion.
Membership is affordable and flexible at $30 per year or $15 for six months, with barter options available for those who wish to contribute their time or skills instead. Volunteers are a vital part of the operation, helping with transportation for seniors who need rides, assisting with administrative or IT tasks, and leading group activities. Senior Center organizers emphasize that the programs aren’t just about staying busy—they’re about staying connected. Many participants say the weekly gatherings have become a cornerstone of their social lives, giving them a sense of community and belonging that’s especially important for those living alone or new to the area. The center welcomes new members and volunteers year-round. Anyone interested in joining or lending a hand can email gkccouncil@gmail.com, call 253-921-2914, or visit www.g-kcc.org for schedules and details.
Staff Report
Eatonville's Jacob Simon runs a route against Fife this past Friday night. Simons hauled in a 47 yard Cole Fowler pass
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Savvy Senior: Can You Get a Lump Sum Social Security Payment?
by Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve read that the Social Security Administration offers a lump-sum payment to new retirees who need some extra cash. I haven’t yet filed for my retirement benefits and would like to find out if this is true. What can you tell me?
—Born In 1958
Dear 1958,
There is indeed a little-known Social Security claiming strategy that’s been around for many years that can provide retirees a lump-sum benefit, but you need to be past your full retirement age to be eligible, and there are financial drawbacks you need to be aware of too.
First, let’s review the basics. Remember that while workers can begin drawing their Social Security retirement benefits anytime between ages 62 and 70, full retirement age is 66 and 8 months for those born in 1958, but it rises in two-month increments every birth year to age 67 for those born in 1960 and later.
At full retirement age, you are entitled to 100 percent of your benefits. But if you claim earlier, your benefits will be reduced by 5 to 6.66 percent every year you start before your full retirement age. While if you delay taking your benefits beyond your full retirement age, you’ll get 8 percent more each year until age 70.
LUMP SUM OPTION
If you are past full retirement age, and have not yet filed for your benefits, the Social Security Administration offers a retroactive lump-sum payment that’s worth six months of benefits.
Here’s how it works. Let’s say for example that you were planning to delay taking your Social Security benefits past your full retirement age of 66 and 8 months, but you changed your mind at 67 and two months. You could then claim a lump-sum payment equal to those six months of benefits. So, for instance, if your full retirement age benefit was $2,500 per month, you would be entitled to a $15,000 lump sum payment.
“You may need to consider Uncle Sam.”
If you decided at age 67 that you wanted to file retroactively, you’d get only four months’ worth of benefits in your lump sum, because SSA rules prohibit you from claiming benefits that pre-date your full retirement age.
DRAWBACKS
The downside to this strategy is that once you accept a lump-sum payment, you’ll lose the delayed retirement credits you’ve accrued, and your future monthly retirement benefit will be reduced to reflect the amount you already received. It will also affect your future survivor benefit to your spouse or other eligible family members after you die.
You may also need to consider Uncle Sam. Depending on your income, Social Security benefits may be taxable, and a lump-sum payment could boost the amount of benefits that are taxed.
The federal government taxes up to 50 percent of Social Security benefits at ordinary income tax rates if your combined income – defined as adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest income plus half of your Social Security benefits – exceeds $25,000, and up to 85 percent of benefits are taxable if combined income exceeds $34,000. For married couples, the comparable income thresholds for taxing benefits are $32,000 and $44,000.
To help you calculate this, see IRS Publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits” at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf, or call 800829-3676 and ask them to mail you a copy.
In addition, if the lump-sum payment of retroactive Social Security benefits boosts your yearly income over $106,000 (or $212,000 for married couples filing jointly), it will increase your future Medicare premiums too. See Medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11579medicare-costs.pdf for details.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Cruisers Show Grit and Growth in Hard-Fought Battle Against Fife
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville Cruiser girls’ soccer team showed just how far they’ve come this season in a determined and hard-fought 3–0 loss to the powerhouse Fife Trojans on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Fife High School.
Facing one of the top teams in the league, Eatonville (1-6, 1-4 league) entered the match with renewed energy and focus, eager to prove that their earlier 8–0 defeat to the Trojans was a thing of the past. From the opening whistle, the Cruisers demonstrated marked improvement across the field — especially on defense and in goal — showing grit, teamwork, and resilience against a deep and talented Fife squad now sitting at 9-1 overall and 8-0 in league play.
Eatonville goalkeeper Savannah McCandless delivered a stellar performance between the posts, turning away a barrage of Fife shots throughout the first half. Her quick reflexes, aggressive positioning, and fearless play kept the Trojans frustrated, and the Cruisers within striking distance. McCandless recorded 14 saves in the first 40 minutes alone, limiting Fife to just two goals before halftime.
In the second half, Eatonville continued to show growth and confidence. The Cruisers found more rhythm in their passing game, holding their own in the midfield and pushing the pace to create several offensive chances. Their persistence led to a handful of quality looks on goal, forcing the Fife defense to stay alert.
Despite the strong effort, the Trojans managed to add one final goal late in the match to seal the 3–0 win. McCandless closed out her night with another 12 saves in the second half, bringing her total to 26 on the evening — one of the best single-game performances of the season for Eatonville.
The result may not have gone in the Cruisers’ favor, but the improvement was unmistakable. The team’s organization, hustle, and heart were evident throughout the match, signaling a turning point as they move into the final stretch of the season.
Eatonville will look to snap a three-game skid when they return home to host the Washington Patriots on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. The Cruisers will then hit the road the following night, traveling to Lakewood to take on the Clover Park Timberwolves at Harry Lang Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
Eatonville Girls Swim Team Tops Clover Park in Emotional “Pink Out” Meet
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville High School girls swim team kept its winning streak alive Thursday, cruising past Clover Park 110–46 in a 2A SPSL meet that was about far more than just the scoreboard.
Clover Park hosted the Cruisers for its annual “Pink Out” meet, an event dedicated to honoring cancer fighters and survivors.
Eatonville head coach Andrea Stammen said the evening’s atmosphere was both emotional and inspiring.
“They did a wonderful job honoring not only their own cancer fighters, but ours as well,” Stammen said. “Each race was dedicated to specific individuals. It was touching as well as motivating.”
That motivation showed in the pool, where Eatonville swimmers recorded personal records in nearly every event. Senior Nicole Tomyn led the way with a standout performance, dropping an impressive 2.71 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle, earning a new district qualifying time.
Senior Annika Howard also turned in a big swim, cutting 1.79 seconds off her 100 butterfly to strengthen her district standing. Fellow senior Charlotte Stumph continued her season-long surge, taking 5.85 seconds off her 500 freestyle, bringing her total
improvement in the event to nearly 27 seconds this year.
“Spirits were high, and the girls really fed off that energy,” Stammen said. “Seeing so many PRs across all events was exciting — it shows how hard they’ve been working.”
The Cruisers swept the relay events, starting with a win in the 200 medley relay (Tomyn, freshman Grace King, freshman Riley Frey, and freshman Clara Forsman) and ending with a victory in the 400 freestyle relay (Stumph, junior Lily Hays, Tomyn, and Howard).
Other event winners for Eatonville included:
• 200 freestyle: Charlotte Stumph (SR)
• 200 individual medley: Grace King (FR)
• 100 butterfly: Annika Howard (SR)
• 100 freestyle: Nicole Tomyn (SR)
• 500 freestyle: Charlotte Stumph (SR)
• 200 freestyle relay: Frey, Stumph, Forsman, Howard
• 100 backstroke: Nicole Tomyn (SR) With the victory, Eatonville improved its momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The Cruisers will wrap up their road schedule next Thursday at Steilacoom before returning home for their second annual “Queen of the Woods” meet on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Eatonville Boys Tennis Splits Week’s Matches, Dominates Washington Before Falling to Steilacoom
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville Cruiser boy’s tennis team delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season Tuesday before facing a tough setback the following night.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Cruisers powered past Washington High School 4-1, securing a statement win that showcased how far the squad has come since the start of the season. Head coach Maryann Baker praised her players for their growth and resilience after previously losing to Washington earlier this fall.
“We are extremely proud of the
team and the accomplishment of winning this match against Washington,” Baker said. “When we played and lost to them in the beginning of the season, it was evident that there were many areas in need of improvement. Better consistency, a variety of shots, and maintaining a balance of patience and aggressiveness were all areas of growth.”
The improvements showed across the lineup. No. 1 singles player Jacob Golding turned in a commanding performance, defeating one of the league’s top players 6-1, 6-3. Carl Lucas followed with an unrelenting sweep at No. 2 singles, blanking his opponent
6-0, 6-0.
In doubles play, Jackson Rockey and Ethan Stogsdill battled through a tense first-set tiebreaker to take down Washington’s top pair 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. At No. 3 doubles, Holden Hetland and Will Fulmer closed out their match in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, while Steven Haas and Blake Pool added another doubles win, 6-4, 6-3, giving Eatonville a decisive team victory.
With the win, Eatonville pushed itself toward the top of league standings, a feat that reflected months of steady improvement and teamwork.
Just one night later, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Cruisers hit
the road to face Steilacoom, where they fell just short in a 3-2 loss. Despite the setback, several individual performances stood out.
Once again, Golding led the way, taking down Steilacoom’s Elias Yi in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. His sharp play and poise at the baseline set the tone early.
“Jacob made very few unforced errors and played with confidence,” Baker said.
In doubles action, Rockey and Stogsdill continued their strong week with another standout performance. After dropping the opening set, the pair stormed back to dominate the next two, outplaying and outsmarting Steilacoom’s
top doubles team for a 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 victory.
Other results included Lucas falling 1-6, 5-7 at No. 2 singles, Haas and Pool dropping their No. 2 doubles match 1-6, 3-6, and Hetland with Nate Diamond losing 2-6, 1-6 at No. 3 doubles. Despite the narrow loss, Baker said the match highlighted Eatonville’s growing consistency and mental toughness.
The Cruisers will close out their regular season next week with two road matches: a Wednesday trip to face the Clover Park Timberwolves on Oct. 15, followed by a Friday matchup at Fife against the Trojans on Oct. 17.
HEATHER
QUIRIE
ANDREA STAMMEN
Eatonville keeper Savannah McCandless stops a shot on goal in a match from earlier in the season. McCandless had one of her best performances of the season against Fife.
The Eatonville Cruiser girls swim team poses with their coaches during Clover Park’s annual “Pink Out” meet, which honored breast cancer fighters and survivors. The Cruisers came away with a dominant win in the 2A SPSL match up.
County Conducting Three Surveys for Community
Pierce County is committed to involving residents in shaping policies, programs, and plans that impact daily life and the county’s future. Several surveys have been posted online inviting public feedback to ensure community voices are heard on important issues such as shoreline protection, ferry services, and hazard preparedness. By participating, residents can help the county make informed, equitable, and sustainable decisions that benefit everyone for years to come.
The Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires all local jurisdictions, including Pierce County, to maintain a Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP provides a framework for how shorelines are used and protected, balancing ecological preservation with cultural, economic, and social interests. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining the longterm health, accessibility, and economic vitality of the county’s waterfront areas. Looking ahead, the SMA mandates that Pierce County begin planning for the impacts of sea level rise by 2029. To prepare, the county is developing a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to identify shoreline assets most at risk and to propose strategies for their protection. Community input will help guide this work, ensuring that future plans reflect both local knowledge and shared priorities. Residents are encouraged to take part by completing the survey at tinyurl.com/jawvw44n. The results will inform how the county invests in infrastructure, habitat protection, and emergency planning to safeguard people, property, and natural resources.
Now that the 2025 peak ferry season has concluded, Pierce County is evaluating changes made to this year’s peak season schedule. Feedback from riders will help
the county understand how schedule adjustments affected service, ridership, and community convenience. The insights gathered will be used to determine whether a similar schedule should be adopted for 2026 and to improve long-term ferry operations.
The full 2025 ferry schedule, including peak season details, can be viewed at piercecountywa.gov/FerrySchedule. Residents can share their experiences and suggestions by completing the survey available at tinyurl.
com/6a664pcu. Regular participation from ferry users ensures that future schedules reflect the real-world needs of commuters, businesses, and visitors who depend on this vital transportation link.
The Pierce County Department of Emergency Management is updating the 2025 Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural risks and strategies to reduce their impact. From mountains to rivers and shorelines, the county’s beautiful landscapes also bring exposure to hazards
Pierce County Jail Staffing Shortages Push Overtime to Record Highs
By Spencer Pauley
Center Square
Nearly 20% of the commissioned staff at the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office’s Corrections Bureau remains vacant, causing overtime usage to continue to rise in 2025.
Out of 245 full-time positions budgeted for the department tasked with managing the custody, control and care of persons confined in county jail, 39 vacancies remain, which represents nearly 20% of commissioned staff.
As a result of the staffing shortage at the Corrections Bureau, overtime usage is continuing to increase. In 2025, the average number of overtime hours per month is 7,546 through August. That is a 55.7% increase from 2024’s monthly average of 4,487 hours.
Corrections Bureau Chief Doug
Watkins presented the latest staffing statistics to the Public Safety Committee meeting on Monday.
He pointed to mandatory overtime requirements, which he referred to as a “necessary evil.” Law enforcement agencies, including the Corrections Bureau, are required to maintain a certain number of officers at a time to ensure patrols are at a proper level.
While vacancies continue to be an issue for the Corrections Bureau, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has hired 23 new corrections deputies while losing 18 so far in 2025. If the trend continues, this will be the first year the sheriff’s department has had a net positive in hires dating back to 2020. Since 2020, there have been 137 hires compared to 168 separations.
Watkins said the county’s current incentives are competitive enough to boost hiring. New entry-level hires
are offered a $10,000 hiring incentive, while lateral hires can receive a $25,000 incentive.
However, incentives being offered by other law enforcement agencies in the Puget Sound region are a mitigating factor as well. For instance, lateral hires at the Seattle Police Department are eligible for a $50,000 hiring incentive. Kirk said it’s hard to compete against an incentive that deputies may see as a down-payment on a home.
“I can think of two deputies just this year who went to a different facility and they’ve been here for a couple years – there was an incentive [for them to leave],” Watkins said during the Public Safety Committee meeting.
“So it’s hard to argue against it, but –it’s still an issue.”
Future separations are expected for the Corrections Bureau as 42% of staff are 50 years or older.
such as floods, landslides, windstorms, and earthquakes. Through the Hazards Survey at tinyurl. com/2uzpcn3z, residents can share which hazards concern them most, what values should guide mitigation planning, and how local government can improve its ability to protect people and property. This feedback will directly influence how Pierce County prepares for emergencies, strengthens community resilience, and safeguards its diverse landscapes for future generations.
5 Tips for Washingtonians Choosing Health Benefits for 2026
By Carmen Cooper CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Washington
As Washingtonians evaluate their health plan options during open enrollment season, a recent survey found that 43% of Americans regret a health decision they’ve made because of misleading information — and 1 in 5 admit that content creators without medical credentials have influenced their health choices.
Looking regionally, America’s Health Rankings reports that 6.3% of Washington residents remain uninsured, below the national average of 7.9%. To understand your coverage options and enrollment period, refer to this guidance as open enrollment begins this fall.
Enrollment timing: For people with coverage from their employer, open enrollment typically happens during a two- or three-week period between September and December.
For those eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 each year.
For Washingtonians shopping for individual plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, open enrollment starts on Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 15.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PLAN:
1. Start early. Compare plan benefits, services and costs—including updates to your current coverage. Look beyond premiums to understand outof-pocket costs like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Make sure you understand the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Visit MedicareEducation.com for answers on eligibility, plan choices, costs and prescription coverage.
2. Demystify the Language. Health care terms can be confusing. Resources like the JustPlainClear.com glossary can help you make informed decisions.
Medicare Made Clear breaks down the basics and complexities of Medicare in a way that’s easy to understand.
3. Avoid surprise expenses. Confirm your doctor is in-network and make sure your medications are covered— even if you’re not switching plans. Consider network pharmacies or home delivery for savings.
Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover prescriptions. A Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage can help manage medication expenses.
4. Prioritize mental health. Review what each plan offers, such as inperson and virtual visits, 24/7 support lines and digital selfcare tools.
Look for Medicare plans that include virtual mental health care with a $0 copay
5. Go digital for convenience. If you prefer care from home, choose a plan with 24/7 virtual visits. Digital tools can help simplify provider searches and cost comparisons, with many apps bringing wellness visits and maternal care into one place.
Older adults are embracing digital tools. Health plan apps can help with claims, rewards, and prescription refills.
There’s a lot of health information online, but not all of it is accurate. Here are three ways to help protect yourself from misleading claims:
• Check the source: Is the advice from a doctor or a trusted health group? Does it cite research?
• Watch for red flags: Be cautious of posts that promise quick fixes, use fear tactics, or push products without explaining risks.
• Double-check before you act: If something sounds extreme or too good to be true, ask your doctor or look it up on a reputable health site.
Check out Get the Facts to help clear up the confusion and to see the facts about how the health care system works.
Pierce County is evaluating changes made to this year’s peak season ferry schedule.
The
Land Transfer to Increase Affordable Housing
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources has unanimously approved transferring roughly half an acre of state trust land in Tacoma to Pierce County for future affordable housing development. Zoned for residential use, the parcels will be transformed into new housing opportunities aimed at addressing the region’s growing affordability crisis. The Board approved the transfer during its regular meeting on Oct. 7.
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove praised the move as part of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR)
broader effort to use public lands for multiple community benefits.
“We continue to innovate and diversify how our lands generate revenue for education and community services,” Upthegrove said. “Public lands should serve a variety of publwic benefits, especially as they transition to other uses. I’m excited to help the Pierce County Community Development Corporation use this property to address our housing shortage.”
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello highlighted the strong collaboration between the
Surge in Phone Scams Impersonating Deputies
Seniors Advised to Be Especially Vigilant
Staff Report
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a rise in phone scams where callers pretend to be deputies or law enforcement agents. Scammers claim you’ve missed jury duty, have a warrant, or must appear in court — then demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or apps.
HOW THE SCAMS WORK
“These are scams,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We will never call you to request payment or personal information.”
Because these scams often target older adults, the Sheriff’s Office urges residents and families to stay informed and share this warning.
Scammers make their calls seem real and pressure victims to act fast:
• Caller-ID Spoofing: The call may appear to come from the Sheriff’s Office.
• Real Names Used: Scammers cite real deputies or badge numbers.
• Threats and Urgency: “Pay now or be arrested.”
• Odd Payment Requests: Gift cards, wire transfers, Venmo, Zelle, or crypto.
• Long Calls: Designed to confuse and frighten.
Even if a caller knows your name or address, it doesn’t mean they’re legitimate
RED FLAGS FOR SENIORS
Watch for these signs:
• The caller insists you must act immediately
• You’re told to buy gift cards or send digital payments.
• The caller won’t let you hang up or verify the story.
• You’re asked for personal or banking info
• They promise to “help recover” lost money — for a fee.
Older adults lost billions to scams last year. Awareness is your best defense.
WHAT TO DO
1. Hang up immediately.
2. Verify independently — use official numbers, not ones they give you.
7. Talk to someone you trust before sending money.
8. Block and report:
• Pierce County Sheriff’s Office
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
• FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
WHY IT MATTERS
Once money is sent via gift card or app, it’s nearly impossible to recover Scammers count on fear, confusion, and isolation — especially among seniors. Reporting these crimes helps protect others.
county and DNR.
“This land transfer marks another important milestone in our continued partnership with DNR,” he said. “By working together, we’re turning underused public land into a foundation for long-term community stability. The property is zoned to allow for higher densities and supports up to 24 homes, making this more than a piece of land – it’s an opportunity to provide homes that working families in Pierce County can afford.”
Mello added that the county is grateful for DNR’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Pierce County Community Development Corporation to bring the project to fruition.
The parcel is valued at $200,000 and proceeds from the transfer will be deposited into DNR’s Land Bank, which is used to acquire new properties for trust beneficiaries. Each year, DNR manages more than $250 million in revenue from state trust lands, supporting schools, colleges, and essential local services across Washington. This income is generated through sustainable forest management, agriculture, clean energy initiatives, and commercial real estate leases.
– can purchase these lands at fair market value. Proceeds from these transactions fund the purchase of replacement properties elsewhere in the state, ensuring continued support for Washington’s public institutions and communities.
Under state law, DNR is authorized to directly transfer trust lands to tribes and local governments. Eligible entities – such as counties, cities, school districts, or port districts
Learn more about the work of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources at dnr.wa.gov.
Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs Extended
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Pierce County Council voted to extend the sunset date of the Commission on Refugee and Immigrant Affairs, reaffirming its role as an important voice in county government.
Originally set to expire at the end of 2025, the council has now extended the commission’s “sunset date” through Dec. 31, 2032. This action ensures that the commission’s work will continue to help Pierce County honor its commitment to inclusive communities and recognize the contributions of our refugee and immigrant neighbors to the county’s vibrancy.
Extending the sunset date until the end of 2032 also ensures the commission’s work will give members time to analyze and apply data from the 2030 U.S. Census. That information will provide a clearer picture of the county’s changing demographics and the needs of its refugee and immigrant communities, helping ensure that recommendations and policies reflect the most current population trends and service priorities.
First created in 2021, the commission advises the council on issues affecting refugees and immigrants, helping to bridge language and cultural barriers while strengthening connections between residents and local government. The commission works alongside community partners to support access to housing, employment, education, and other tools of self-reliance.
This decision builds on past actions: creating the commission in 2021 with the passage of Ordinance No. 2021-86; establishing a Countywide Equity Index through Resolution No. R2021-108s, now used to evaluate ordinances and resolutions; setting the standard for Welcoming Afghan refugees in 2021 with the adoption of Resolution No. R2021-154; standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in 2022 with the adoption of Resolution No. R2022-38, adopted shortly after the invasion began; and in 2025, the council reaffirmed its support of
the Ukrainian people by issuing a joint proclamation honoring Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
Alongside these actions, Pierce County Human Services, coordinated by Grant Coordinator Trish Crocker, leveraged Washington Department of Commerce grants and rallied volunteers to meet the basic needs of newly arriving Ukrainian families, helping to create a sense of belonging during resettlement.
“The council’s commitment to being a welcoming community also includes ensuring fair access to services, building relationships across differences, and affirming that all people, whether native-born, newly naturalized, on a visa, or seeking refuge, are valued members of our county,” said Rosie Ayala, Pierce County Councilmember (District 4). “Extending the sunset of the commission fits into a long line of bipartisan support that puts words to action through a democratic process.”
Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove praised the land transfer to Pierce County.
Pierce County Councilmember Rosie Ayala praised the extension.
