Cruiser tennis edge Trojans, move into first place
By Skip Smith
Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Cruiser girls tennis team continued their hot streak last week, going 3-0 and climbing into first place in the league standings with crucial wins over Clover Park, Fife, and Franklin Pierce.
The Cruisers kicked off the week Tuesday with a dominant 5-0 sweep on the road against Clover Park. Eatonville didn’t drop a single set across five matches. At No. 1 singles, Bailey Andersen cruised to a 6-2, 6-0 win, while Megan Blake impressed at No. 2 singles, handling a tough opponent with a 6-3, 6-1 victory. On the doubles courts, the pairings of Lillian Bickford and Alayna Meyer (6-1, 6-0), Tia Schanbeck and Tierney Amaral (6-0, 6-2), and Jennavieve Smith and Kate Marsh (6-1, 6-0) each rolled to straight-set wins.
Thursday brought the week’s most intense challenge — a first-place showdown at Fife. Andersen again set the tone, winning her No. 1 singles match decisively, 6-1, 6-0. However, Eatonville found themselves in an early hole after losses at No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles. Bickford and Meyer fell in a hard-fought 6-7, 4-6 match, while Amelia Ferreira battled through three sets at No. 2 singles before falling 3-6, 6-3, 4-6.
Schanbeck and Amaral kept Eatonville’s hopes alive at No. 2 doubles, coming back from a first-set tiebreak loss to win the second set 6-3. A forfeit by Fife sealed that match in the Cruisers' favor, tying the team match at 2-2 and setting up a decisive final court. Megan Blake and Isabel Volk answered the call at No. 3 doubles. After dropping the first set 3-6, the pair fought back to take the second set 6-3 and clinched the overall team victory with another 6-3 win in the third set.
Eatonville closed out the week Friday with another 5-0 sweep, this time over Franklin Pierce. Andersen capped her unbeaten week with a 6-3, 7-6 win at No. 1 singles, while Ferreira rebounded from Thursday’s loss
TENNIS,
4
COMMUNITY DAY IS FRIDAY
What does it mean to live in Eatonville? Tucked between rolling hills and whispering pines, the town can feel like something out of a storybook. Locals wave to each other calling out by name, and time seems to move just a little slower here. In spring, the scent of lilacs fills the air; along with echoes of crowds cheering at baseball games. Kids ride bikes without a care, and front porches are places for conversation, not just decoration. There’s a deep-rooted sense of belonging, as if everyone is part of a larger, quiet harmony. Visitors often say they came for
a weekend and stayed for the peace. What makes it truly special isn’t just how it looks—but how it makes you feel like you’ve finally come home.
Community Day also known as May Day, is one of those special traditions that testify of the exceptionally rare gem that Eatonville has always been. It began in 1913 with a few students and community members that saw the young town needed some cleaning. Faced with piles of rubbish scattered around town and some buildings needing repair, the community decided it was time to act. The town leaders and families came together to make their community better. Roads
were cleaned. Buildings were fixed. Yards were pruned and Eatonville was made happier. To celebrate their new and improved community, they came up with May Day. There were picnics, games, folk music, royalty courts for the kids and so much more. From that year forward, Eatonville made Community Day a tradition.
This year on the first Friday of May, celebrates the 109th annual Community Day.
The 97th May Day queen will be crowned and the celebration will commence. The Community Day celebration will start at the high school at 1:30 p.m. King Dylan Sullivan, will crown his
queen; Tessa Veeser for all to see. All of the students from Eatonville school district will get a chance to showcase their talents at the feet of the 2025 Community Day Royal Court. Once the coronation has finished, there will be a royal procession announced by the high school band that leads over to the Eatonville Street fair! This fair will provide a full afternoon of entertainment for families and friends to enjoy.
There will be food, music, scavenger hunts, friends, crafts, vendors and so much more! Please come enjoy and partake in the storybook event called Community Day!
Economist: Washington's property tax cap is holding state back
By Spencer Pauley The Center Square
An economist says removing Washington’s 1% property tax cap could help ease projected budget shortfalls at both the state and local levels.
Washington faces a projected budget shortfall of up to $15 billion that has led Democrats to consider progressive tax revenues in order to fill the gap.
Local governments are also feeling the pressure. Seattle, for example, now expects $241.5 million less in general fund revenue through 2026 than previously forecast.
In response, state Democrats are considering a wealth tax on financial assets, as well as expanded capital gains and estate taxes.
At the city level, Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says she is exploring new progressive tax options to avoid cuts to programs and staff.
Rinck cited University of Washington Economics Professor Jacob Vigdor for why she is exploring ways to tax high-income residents.
However, Vigdor advises local governments to focus on property taxes in most cases.
“Property is literally nailed down so there's
not a worry that it will walk away if you try to tax it,” Vigdor told The Center Square in an email.
According to Vigdor, Washington’s tax system is regressive due to a lack of an income tax and low property tax rates.
“Among those states without income taxes, some (e.g. Alaska and Wyoming) make a lot of money off of oil and gas royalties. Others (e.g., New Hampshire and Texas) have relatively high property taxes,” Vigdor said. “Property taxes are less progressive than income taxes but not as regressive as the sales tax. We are incredibly dependent on the sales tax.”
Local governments in Washington have been limited to increasing property taxes
The Community Day Committee
King Dylan Sullivan and Queen Tessa Veeser.
COURTESY
Alcohol Anonymous meetings offered Alcoholics Anonymous is available for people who have a problem with alcohol. Meetings begin at noon Wednesdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the American Legion Hall/ Lions Club, 123 Rainier Ave. N.
Bingo April 22
Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center is having afternoon Bingo on Tuesday, April 22 from 12:30-2pm at Evergreen Hall 10118 249th St. E. Graham. Come join the fun with prizes. $10 fundraiser donation.
Community council
Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center at Benston Hall has a new class called Flex & Flow on Wednesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. Also, Taichi is from 2-3 p.m. Both are free for members and $4 for non-members.
Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center is starting a new art class from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Benston Hall. Gather to pain and draw. Cost is $10. Bring your own supplies to reduce the fee. Contact Malogorzata Hajler at studio@mhajler.com for more information.
Alanon help
Alanon is available to help people struggling with a loved one’s drinking. Call 425-8300314.
Learn about Friends Of Eatonville Library
The Friends of the Eatonville Library operates as a fundraising group to assist the Eatonville community. Primarily, it does so by accepting books and other donations and conducting book sales during the year. All of the funds are used to supplement the various library programs that enrich the local community.
To learn more about the group, contact Mike Eaton at 253-310–7709 or reach him in person at the library any Friday. There is no obligation. Application forms to join the organization are available at the library.
By Tim Clouser The Center Square
For the first time in over a decade, families that hunt and fish to put food on the table will see the price of that license increase on July 1 — a 38% “inflationary adjustment” — raising the average cost by more than $16.
The Washington State Legislature gave its final approval on Wednesday after House Democrats passed Senate Bill 5583 off the floor without any amendments. Supporters argue that the hike is necessary to preserve the state's natural landscape, but critics point the blame at Democrat spending.
Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, proposed the 38% jump amid a $16 billion shortfall. The majority turned to tax increases to fill the gap, hoping to avoid cuts that Republicans favor to keep the cost of living down.
Representing the largest, most rural district, Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, said the “sticker shock” from the first increase since 2011 could make it harder for people to feed their families.
“My district is unique,” Abell testified on the House floor. “For many of my constituents, hunting and fishing is not just a form of cultural activity or an activity you do for fun or for a hobby. It’s a matter of subsistence. It’s a matter of putting food on the table for the family members.”
Democrats rejected amendments that would have phased in the increase by 2029, maintained the current prices for low-income individuals, eliminated future surcharges, increased bag limits, granted free licenses to veterans and allocated a portion of the revenue to wildlife studies.
According to the final bill report, the average increase across the eight types of licenses will cost $16.34. The most significant change is to the package with tags for deer, elk, bear and
cougar, which currently costs residents $85 but will rise to $117.30 in July 2025, a $32.30 jump.
A combination fishing license, valid for saltwater and freshwater fishing, currently costs $45.50 and will soon increase to $62.49, a $17.29 difference. Conservation Northwest, a nonprofit that restores native habitats, says SB 5583 addresses a “compounding challenge.” “Costs have outpaced revenues for too long,” CNW Communications Manager Andrea Wolf told The Center Square. “At the same time, this underscores the urgent need for more stable, diversified funding to support an agency that serves all Washingtonians.”
Wolf said the fees will hit some families harder and reaffirmed a commitment to working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify a way to reduce the burden in the future.
Senior citizens, or individuals at least 70 years old, will pay reduced rates under SB 5583. Liias included a provision that offers them a 66% discount. Under that rate, seniors would pay $39.88 for the standard big game combination package and $21.39 for the combination fishing license.
The Senate passed SB 5583 last month with a 25-24 vote that saw five Democrats break from the majority to vote with Republicans against the 38% increase. Seven others from the majority also voted with House Republicans against it on Wednesday, passing by a 51-46 floor vote.
Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac, said Republicans aren’t alone; her family also hunts and fishes.
“Over 31 million people since 2020 have enjoyed these activities,” Gregerson said, “but inflation does continue to go up. These fees have not gone up. It is time to do that. We are in a budget crisis, and we do need to tighten our belts and be responsible, and this is part of that.”
Cruiser baseball struggles against Franklin Pierce
By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Varsity Cruisers struggled to find momentum this week, falling 12-0 on Tuesday and 8-5 on Wednesday in a tough twogame set against Franklin Pierce.
On Tuesday, the Cruisers fell behind early as Franklin Pierce jumped out with a six-run first inning, taking advantage of walks, a hit batter, and a key single. A passed ball also contributed to the early deficit. The Cruisers couldn’t recover as Franklin Pierce tacked on six more runs in the fifth inning, using a mix of hits, walks,
and aggressive base running to pull away.
Eatonville managed three hits
Cruiser soccer falls to Clover Park, Franklin Pierce
By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Cruisers boy’s soccer team endured a tough week on the pitch, suffering two defeats in recent matchups. On Tuesday, April 22, the Cruisers traveled to face the Clover Park Timberwolves in a tightly contested battle. Eatonville took an early 1-0 lead into the half thanks to a Clover Park miscue. Timberwolves goalkeeper mishandled a pass back from a teammate under pressure from Cruiser forward Nate Goode, allowing the ball to roll into the net.
Clover Park responded with an equalizer with 24 minutes remaining in the match, leveling the score at 1-1. The Timberwolves then seized the lead just six minutes later, finding the back of the net to go ahead 2-1 with 18 minutes left to play.
Eatonville showed resilience as Goode scored his own goal with just under 16 minutes remaining, knotting the score at 2-2. However, Clover Park ultimately secured the victory, scoring the decisive goal with eight minutes left on the clock, handing the Cruisers a 3-2 loss.
Looking to bounce back from the Clover Park defeat and avenge a previous 5-0 home loss to Franklin Pierce, the Cruisers hit the road again on Thursday, April 24, to take on the Franklin Pierce Cardinals. Unfortunately for Eatonville, they faced a similar outcome. The Cardinals proved to be a formidable opponent, delivering an 8-0 shutout to the visiting Cruisers.
Eatonville will aim to finish their season strong next week. They are scheduled to host their rivals, the Orting Cardinals, on Tuesday, April 30, for Senior Night. The Cruisers will then conclude their week and the season with a road match against the Steilacoom Sentinels on Thursday, May 1.
in the loss, with Colton Herbrand leading the way by collecting two of them in three at-bats. On the
mound, Eatonville pitchers battled but were unable to slow down the Franklin Pierce offense.
Wednesday’s rematch saw Eatonville mount a stronger challenge, but the Cruisers still came up short, 8-5. Franklin Pierce again struck early, scoring twice in the first inning on a pair of groundouts. In the second inning, the Cruisers’ defense faltered, leading to five runs despite only one hit being surrendered.
Brody Thirtyacre started on the mound for Eatonville and pitched 1 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs — only two earned — while
striking out two and walking four. Ben Smith came on in relief and was a bright spot, pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up only three hits and one unearned run, striking out six.
At the plate, Santiago Ruvalcaba led Eatonville with two RBIs, going 1-for-2. Thirtyacre, Aaron Tozier, Michael Laird, and Michael Stogsdill also added a hit each, with Thirtyacre swiping two bases to spark the offense.
The Cruisers hosted the Foss Falcons on Monday. They played at the Washington Patriots on Tuesday. Today, they the Patriots.
Lady Cruisers look to end losing streak
By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville Cruisers fastpitch team faced a trio of tough league matchups this past week, resulting in three losses. Despite some offensive highlights and defensive efforts, the Cruisers were unable to secure a victory.
On Monday, the Cruisers fell to Franklin Pierce 17-6. Despite the loss, Eatonville showed some fight at the plate. Zoe Burns went 1-for-2 and drove in two runs for the Cruisers. Josie Lavergne also had a strong offensive showing, leading the team with two hits in three at-bats. The Cruisers’ defense managed to turn one double play in the contest. Morgan Laird started in the circle for Eatonville, pitching four innings and recording five strikeouts.
The following day, Tuesday, the Cruisers again faced Franklin Pierce, this time falling 6-0. Eatonville’s offense was limited to just two hits in the game, one each
from Amy Tozier and Kaitlyn Kenney. Josie Lavergne took the pitching duties for the Cruisers, going the distance and striking out five batters.
On Thursday, the Cruisers hosted Fife and suffered a 13-3 defeat. Lila Downey led the Eatonville offense, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and driving in one run.
Josie Lavergne continued to be a consistent hitter for the Cruisers, collecting
two hits in three at-bats. The Eatonville defense recorded two double plays in the game.
Looking ahead, the Lady Cruisers will aim to break their losing streak with two road games next week. They are scheduled to travel to Washington High School on Tuesday, April 29, to face the Patriots, followed by a trip to Steilacoom on Thursday, May 1, to take on the Sentinels.
PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF EATONVILLE
On March 24, 2025 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 20252. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, amending Eatonville Municipal Code Chapter 18.05 “Off Street Parking and Loading Requirements”. Ordinance 20252 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.
Published April 30, 2025.
Eatonville’s Lila Downey, shown here in a game earlier in the season, had a perfect day at the plate against Fife, despite the Cruiser loss. Downey went 3-3 and scored a run.
COURTESY HEATHER QUIRIE
Carter breaks pole vault record again
By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
The Eatonville High School track and field teams delivered a dominant performance against the Foss Falcons at Mt. Tahoma High School on April 23 with both the boys’ and girls’ teams emerging victorious. The Cruisers tallied an impressive 24 firstplace finishes and celebrated 56 personal bests across all events.
Senior Ethan Carter once again stole the spotlight for the boys, shattering his own school record in the pole vault. He cleared a remarkable 15-feet, 8-inches, eclipsing his previous school best by three inches.
In the sprints, senior Ky Nation led an Eatonville sweep in the 100 meters, clocking in at 11.12 seconds. Sophomore Jacob Simons followed in second place (11.33), and senior Riley Hill secured third with a personal best of 11.45 seconds. Freshman Gabe Kolsrud demonstrated his versatility and endurance, winning both the 800 meters in a personal record of 2:18.33 and the 1600 meters in another personal best of 4:54.40. Junior Corey Dempsey also had a strong showing in the distance events, taking first in the 3200 meters with a personal best time of 11:21.74 and finishing second in the 1600 meters (4:58.82, personal record).
The boys’ relay teams also contributed to the victory. The 4x100 meter team, comprised of Hill, Nation, Simons, and Lashawn Beaver, crossed the finish line first. The 4x400 meter relay
squad, consisting of Joey Callon, Oscar Lopez-Diaz, Nash Sherrard, and Phillip Buchholz, also claimed the top spot.
In the field events for the boys, sophomore Jacob Simons secured another first-place finish in the shot put with a personal best throw of 42 feet. Freshman Mason Kinley won the discus with a personal best distance of 113 feet, 10 inches. Sophomore Rogue Pound dominated the javelin, throwing a personal best of 149 feet. Pound also placed first in the long jump (16 feet, 9.5 inches).
The girls’ team also showcased their talent and depth. Senior Sienna Henkel led the way in the 400 meters, securing first place with a personal best time of 1:09.68. In the relay events, the 4x200 meter team of Kalli Olson, Ciana Hover, Jenae Roulst, and Kelani Monserrate earned a firstplace finish, as did the 4x400 meter relay team of Henkel, Miley King, Monserrate, and Ruth Lightfoot.
Senior Ashley Peterson led the girls in the shot put, taking first place with a personal best throw of 28 feet, 0.5 inches. Sophomore Madison McChesney-Berube won the discus with a personal best mark of 79 feet, 7 inches. Junior Caelyn Schneider took first in the javelin with a throw of 83 feet, 1 inch, also a personal best.
The Eatonville Cruisers will look to continue their success when they host the Steilacoom Sentinels for their next meet on Wednesday, April 30.
Savvy Senior: How to choose a volunteer vacation
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about volunteer vacation programs?
I’m a healthy, 60-year-old, single woman, and am interested in doing some solo traveling, but would like to tie it with something meaningful.
Purposeful Traveler
Dear Traveler, If you’re looking to do more on your next vacation than relax in the sun or go sightseeing, volunteer vacations – also known as voluntourism – which combine travel and volunteer work, are a great alternative for solo travelers and have become increasingly popular among older adults.
VOLUNTEER VACATIONS
There are many organizations today that offer short-term volunteer vacation projects in the U.S. and abroad, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months. Common program themes include teaching English, working with children and teens, building and repairing homes and schools, and assisting with community or environmental projects.
From page 1
by 1% every year since 2002. Leaders have called the cap “arbitrary” and have demanded the law be changed in order to shore up needed revenues amid budget woes across the state.
Vigdor explains that average property taxes in King County – the state’s most populated county – run about $6,785, or 0.84% of assessed value.
“If we taxed property at the same rate as Travis County, TX (home to Austin) local governments would have 84% more property tax revenue to work with,” Vigdor said. “The low property tax/no income tax combo is just really rough.”
Democrats in the state Senate were able to advance a revised version of Senate Bill 5798, which would remove the existing 1% cap on property taxes, out of executive session with a do-pass recommendation last week. Whether it advances any further remains to be seen.
If that bill ultimately fails, Vigdor noted that other options local governments can consider include expanding business or payroll taxes, but added that these get more problematic when adopted by a small jurisdiction as the incentive to relocate is stronger.
The plan to raise the cap on property tax rates does seem to be in danger of collapsing. House Bill 2049 originally would have upped the cap on property taxes, but has since been revised to remove the sections on the growth limit. The bill now focuses mainly on education funding and revised guidelines for districts seeking to collect revenue from voter-approved local levies.
As for progressive taxes at a local level, Vigdor believes there is significant concern about businesses moving to other jurisdictions in order to avoid a new tax. But these businesses are not able to do so as easily at a state level.
HOW TO CHOOSE
WHERE TO LOOK
While there are many organizations that offer volunteer vacations, here are some good options to look into.
■ Global Volunteers (globalvolunteers.org): A pioneer in global travel, this group tackles hunger, poverty and educational needs. It offers a variety of one, two and three-week service programs in 12 countries, including the U.S.
In addition, volunteer vacations also give travelers the opportunity to experience the culture more fully and connect with the local people –much different than your run-ofthe-mill sightseeing vacation. Most volunteer vacation groups accept singles, couples and families and you don’t need to speak a foreign language. Costs usually range from around $1,000 to $3,000 per week, not including transportation to the country your site is in. Fees typically cover pre-trip orientation information, room and board, on-site training, ground transportation once you get there, the services of a project leader, and a contribution to the local community that covers material and services related to the project. And, if the organization running your trip is a nonprofit, the cost of your trip, including airfare, is probably tax-deductible.
■ Earthwatch Institute (earthwatch.org): With an emphasis in environmental conservation and research, they offer dozens of one and two-week expeditions in countries all over the world.
■ Conservation VIP (conservationvip.org): Provides environmental conservation volunteer projects to seven destinations abroad and three in the U.S.
■ Biosphere Expeditions (biosphere-expeditions.org): Offers wildlife conservation expeditions in six countries.
■ Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org): Offers international house-building trips through its Global Village Program in 16 countries.
■ Natucate (natucate.com): With a focus on nature and species conservation, they offer oneto-12-week trips in 32 different countries.
■ •American Hiking Society (americanhiking.org): Targeting hikers and backpackers they offer weekend and week-long volunteer vacations in the U.S. that focus on building and maintaining trails.
■ International Volunteer HQ (volunteerhq.org): Offers a wide variety of one-to-24-week volunteer service projects in dozens of countries.
With so many different volunteer vacations to choose from, selecting one can be difficult. To help you decide, you need to think specifically about what you want. For example: Where you want to go and for how long? What types of work are you interested in doing? What kind of living situation and accommodations do you want? Do you want to volunteer alone or with a group? Do you want a rural or urban placement? Also consider your age and health. Are you up to the task, or do you have any special needs that will need to be met?
Once you figure out what you want and spot a few volunteer vacations that interest you, ask the organization to send you information that describes the accommodations, the fees and what they cover including their refund policy, the work schedule and work details, and anything else you have questions about. Also, get a list of previous volunteers and call them.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
“It's a very different conversation to discuss progressive revenue at the state versus city level because a business can relocate and keep its workforce, or a worker can relocate and keep their job," he said. "Up and moving to Idaho is a different proposition.”
TENNIS
From page 1
with a strong 7-6, 6-3 victory at No. 2 singles. The Cruisers were equally dominant in doubles play. Bickford and Meyer outlasted their opponents in a three-set battle, winning 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 at No. 1 doubles. Schanbeck and Amaral stayed sharp with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 2 doubles, and Blake and Volk breezed to a 6-0, 6-1 win at No. 3.
With the undefeated week, the Cruisers improved to 9-3 overall and 8-1 in league play, moving into first place with just three matches remaining in the regular season.
“The girls have really put it together since Spring Break,” Eatonville head coach Alex Christiansen said. “This was a tough week of matches and I'm proud that the girls came to play.” Eatonville will look to close out the regular season strong, starting with a road matchup against Foss on Tuesday, April 29. They return home to face Steilacoom on Wednesday and wrap up the season against Washington on Thursday.
Eatonville’s Ethan Carter breaks his own school record with a vault of 15-feet 8-inches in the Cruisers league meet against Foss
COURTESY GEOFF OLSON
diate progress in Construction to receive eligible funding.
Notes: For information on obtaining bid documents, visit the City of Puyallup’s Notice to Contractors website at https:// www.cityofpuyallup.org/bids or visit www. QuestCDN.com and use QuestCDN Job No. 8960946.
Owner: City of Puyallup, 333 South Meridian, 4th Floor, Puyallup WA 98371
Contact: Craig Moore, Project Manager Parametrix, CMoore@parametrix.com
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
The City of Puyallup in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commits to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, in all of its programs activities. This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing Dan Vessels, Jr. at DVessels@ PuyallupWA.gov or by calling (253) 4353641.
The City of Puyallup in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,78 Stat. 252,42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award. Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch April 30 & May 7, 2025
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of THOMAS EUGENE WELLS, Deceased. NO. 254-02500-1 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: April 23, 2025 Personal Representative: Jenifer Wells Attorney for Personal Representative: Kristina C. Udall, WSBA #20086 Address for Mailing: PO Box 16346 Seattle, Washington 98116 Address for Service: 588 Bell Street, Unit 904 Seattle, WA 98121 Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch April 23, 30 & May 7, 2025
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR PIERCE COUNTY TIM ROISUM, Plaintiff, v. 2000 GLOBAL MOBIL HOME, SERIAL NUMBER GW0R23N24320, LOCATED AT 1301 128TH ST E TACOMA, WA 98445, SHARON L WELCH, KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION KEY LOAN CENTER, AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS HAVING AN INTEREST IN THAT CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY, Defendants. Case No.: 252-07193-1 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION The State of Washington to the said: 2000 GLOBAL MOBIL HOME, SERIAL NUMBER GW0R23N24320, LOCATED AT 1301 128TH ST E TACOMA, WA 98445, SHARON L WELCH, AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN CLAIMANTS HAVING AN INTEREST IN THAT CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 26th day of March, 2025, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff TIM ROISUM and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff ROI LAW FIRM, PLLC, at his (or their) office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. This case is a Quiet Title action involving the 2000 GLOBAL MOBIL HOME, SERIAL NUMBER GW0R23N24320, PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX PARCEL NUMBER 5555512392, LOCATED 1301 128TH ST E TACOMA, WA 98445. Dated this 21st day of March, 2025. ROI LAW FIRM, PLLC By: /s/ Anthony McGrath Anthony McGrath, WSBA #54368 Seth Goodstein, WSBA #45091 Ramita Bains, WSBA #63082 ROI Law Firm, PLLC 1302 North I Street, Ste. C Tacoma, WA 98403 Telephone: 253-7531530 Fax: 253-753-1532 Attorneys for Plaintiff Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025
Pierce County Elections recognized for excellence
By The Tacoma Weekly
Pierce County Elections has been recognized for excellence in election administration with a national Clearinghouse Award for Innovation and New Tools in Election Security and Technology.
Also known as the “Clearies,” the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) presents the awards program annually to celebrate the hard work of election offices across the country. Now in its ninth year, this year’s Clearie Awards honored programs that took place during the 2024 presidential election year with a record-breaking number of entries.
Pierce County’s awardwinning program, Securing Democracy’s Inbox, was one of 53 programs recognized in the category of Innovation and New Tools in Election Security and Technology.
This initiative enhances cybersecurity by isolating and securing email attachment handling, protecting the system from threats through a coordinated blend of technology and procedure.
In addition, the EAC honored Pierce County Elections with an Honorable Mention for its Signature Solutions program. Created in partnership with
the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County, this targeted door-to-door canvassing effort addressed signature verification challenges, leading to increased ballot acceptance rates, greater voter participation, and valuable insights into voter outreach strategies.
“Elections in Pierce County rank as some of the safest in the nation,” said Pierce County Auditor Linda
Farmer. “Our team is constantly innovating, constantly looking at ways to improve. The Clearies shine a national spotlight on that great work.”
EAC Chairman Donald Palmer, Vice Chair Thomas Hicks, and Commissioners Christy McCormick and Ben Hovland praised the 2024 Clearie winners.
“This year’s Clearinghouse
Award-winning programs truly shined amid the high voter turnout in 2024,” they said in a joint statement. “They are examples of the outstanding work election officials did to support tens of millions of voters during the presidential election. After nearly a decade, the Clearinghouse Awards continue to grow with a record number of entries received this year.”
County executive creates Community Needs Grant
By The Tacoma Weekly
The Pierce County Council has passed legislation to create the Community Needs Grant program to provide up to $5 million every two years for grants that support projects and services that improve the quality of life of Pierce County residents.
The ordinance was proposed by Executive Ryan Mello, as part of his Forward Together work to build communities that feel safe, welcoming and connected. It passed 7-0 with unanimous, bipartisan support.
“In the face of so much uncertainty related to federal and state funding, this program provides a useful tool for county leaders to address emerging issues and opportunities,” Mello said. “Small grants make a tremendous difference in our communities. Creating a permanent program in our County Code ensures that we can continue addressing unmet or urgent needs. I’m grateful to the Council for sharing our vision of Pierce County as a place we are proud to call home.”
The fund will provide up to $3 million for grants for projects and services related to housing affordability, homelessness and stable housing, public safety, behavioral health, youth and young adults, economic advancement, infrastructure, and sustainability. Grants are capped at $75,000
for a single calendar year or $150,000 for the county’s twoyear fiscal biennium. Each council member will be able to direct a proportionate share of available funds. Up to $2 million may be used for property acquisitions or capital projects.
In his remarks during the council meeting, Eric Blegen, executive director of the Mustard Seed Project, testified about how
his organization created the only assisted living and memory care facility on the Key Peninsula, in part because of funding from Pierce County. He noted that cost increases during the construction process doomed the project as it neared completion, but the funding allocated by the council led to a care facility that now serves 32 elders who can remain in their community and stay connected
with loved ones nearby. The grant fund will be managed by the County’s Finance Director, and funds may only be spent after appropriation and approval of the Pierce County Council.
Recipients of funding must be non-profit organizations or public entities that are located or currently doing business in Pierce County.
Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer has done much to improve the system.
County funding made The Mustard Seed Project of Key Peninsula facility possible.
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