Eatonville School District wraps up school year
As we close out another inspiring school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. The strength of our Eatonville School District lies in the people who make up this vibrant community—our students, families, staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we’ve accomplished great things, and today I’m honored to reflect on just a few of the highlights that define this incredible year.
RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION—A NEW STANDARD
Fifteen months. Zero canceled bus routes. Thanks to the unwavering leadership of Transportation Director Bonnie McNicol and her incredible team, we’ve maintained consistent, reliable transportation—something not many districts can say post-pandemic. Their dedication keeps our students safe and on time. Next time you see one of our drivers, give them a well-deserved thank you!
YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOTE. REAL RESULTS.
Thanks to voter-approved levies in February 2023, we’ve seen tangible improvements:
Academic excellence: Our students are wrapping up Smarter Balanced Assessments, and we’re confident results will reflect the hard work and strong instruction they’ve received.
Track & Field progress: Final approvals are nearly in hand, and we’re ready to break ground on our long-overdue track and synthetic field upgrade.
Stadium updates: Through creative partnerships and outside funding, we’re replacing our 1937 stadium—without additional cost to taxpayers. This includes energyefficient lighting, a new scoreboard, and renovated restrooms.
A GROUNDBREAKING MOMENT IN EVERY SENSE
In one of the year’s most unforgettable moments, we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for our new Community Use Track, Synthetic Field, and Stadium. I was honored to deliver the following words at the event: “We’re breaking ground on a vision—a
4
Tacoma Rainiers hire Triple-A baseball’s first female broadcaster
By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
TACOMA, Wash. — For the first time in over 26 years, fans will hear a different voice calling the action as the play-by-play announcer for the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. This hire also marks a historic moment as Rylee Pay becomes the first female broadcaster in Triple-A.
“It [being the first female Triple-A broadcaster] is certainly something that I understand the magnitude of, but for me, working in baseball is just what I love to do," Pay said. "My love for the game is what drove me to want to pursue a career in sports, so I hope others know that there is always a place for them in this game if they truly love it and work hard."
During the off-season, the Rainiers announced they had hired Pay as the club’s new voice following longtime broadcaster Mike Curto’s retirement. Curto’s departure opened the door for Pay, who previously spent time with Double-A.
“I recently spent the last two seasons with the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox), where I was a play-by-play broadcaster and media
relations assistant. I loved my time there, but the purpose of the assistant position is to hopefully go and take on your own broadcast department one day,” said Pay.
Pay continued, “I saw this position become available after Mike Curto announced his retirement and jumped on the opportunity to apply. Being from the West Coast, I had heard great things about this organization, so I was very lucky to get this position after a series of interviews.”
Since arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Pay has enjoyed both the South Sound area and being part of the Mariners organization.
“I love being a part of the Mariners system and getting to watch such a talented group of players every day," Pay said. "This farm system is one of the best in baseball, which is very exciting to watch. One of my favorite parts about working in baseball is getting to see the progression of a team over the season, so even in the first few weeks of this season, it has been
interesting to see this group evolve. It is such a great opportunity to work in Triple-A and see the talent of these players who are close to the big leagues or already have big league experience.”
Pay also shared what makes Tacoma a great place to work.
“Tacoma has been great to me. The people are so friendly and welcoming. I have enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery, being close to the water, and trying out all of the great restaurants in the area,” she said.
For the next generation of aspiring broadcasters, Pay has some advice.
“Get as much experience as you can in internships, learning a variety of skills that not only make you a better broadcaster but also a better teammate in your office. Say yes to challenges and establish a good support system that you can rely on in the industry,” Pay said.
You can listen to Pay and the Rainiers online at www.wertacoma.com/broadcast.
Rylee Pay is the first female broadcaster in Triple-A.
ANDY HELWIG/RAINIERS
Jay Brower
FIND IT FAST SERVICE DIRECTORY
By The Tacoma Weekly
Pierce County has received the Excellence in County Planning Award from Futurewise, a statewide organization that encourages healthy, equitable, opportunity-rich communities that protect valuable resources through wise land use policies and practices.
The award recognizes the County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, a major milestone in shaping the region’s future for the next 20 years. Futurewise selected Pierce County based on its innovative approach to land use, regional coordination, and alignment with Washington State’s Growth Management Act.
The Comprehensive Plan, adopted earlier this year, was led by the Long-Range Planning Division in the Planning and Public Works Department and the Pierce County Council, with extensive collaboration from departments and divisions across the County. The plan sets a bold course for growth management, environmental protection, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic development.
“This award reflects years of hard work, collaboration and vision among our staff and community,” said County Executive Ryan Mello. “This plan provides an essential foundation for all our efforts to build communities that are safe, welcoming and connected. It touches on everything from childcare and safe roads to more housing and open spaces, so we can make sure Pierce County is a place people are proud to call home.”
Highlights from the plan include accommodating up to 250,000 new homes in urban areas, expanding housing choices, supporting affordability and prioritizing neighborhoods that are more walkable and designed with people and the planet in mind; conserving up
to 100,000 acres of natural lands, increasing urban tree canopy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030; advancing multimodal transportation, active travel options, and implementing Vision Zero principles that help us all arrive home safely; and investing in historically underserved communities and increasing access to essential services like childcare and high-speed internet in rural areas.
The plan also strengthens protections for cultural and environmental resources while supporting responsible economic development and infrastructure investments.
The Pierce County Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year policy document that addresses growth in the unincorporated areas of Pierce County. It is the foundation for several community plans and capital facilities planning, which must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s policy framework.
To learn more about Pierce County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan and the ongoing work to implement it, visit PierceCountyWA.gov/ CompPlan.
Anonymous meetings
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.
Community council
Annual subscription price is $26 per year. To subscribe to the Dispatch, or to report a delivery problem, call 206 461 1300 ext. 2 or email the circulation department at ppccirc@pacificpublishingcompany.com
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.
Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Evergreen Center at 10118 249th St.E. is hosting a Fun BINGO Afternoon Fundraiser to benefit the seniors 12:30-2 June 5 & every 1st Thursday through 2025. Suggested donation is $10. 253 921 2814
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.
Executive Ryan Mello (second from left) and council member Robyn Denson (next to Mello) were there to receive the award.
COURTESY TACOMA WEEKLY
Savvy Senior: Gravesite care when you can’t get there
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any services that offer gravesite cleaning and care? I recently visited my parent’s cemetery gravesite over Memorial Day weekend and found that their headstones were overtaken by weeds and moss and need to be cleaned. I live in a different state and can’t get back very often. Who can I call on to help me with this?
Long-Distance Linda
Dear Linda, Depending on where your parents are buried, there are a hodgepodge of places you can turn to for gravesite grooming, decorating and special care when you can’t get there. Here’s what you should know.
GRAVESITE CARE
It’s important to know that as a general rule, most cemeteries, like the one your parents are buried in, only provide basic grounds maintenance like mowing the grass and trash pickup. Special gravesite care and headstone cleaning is almost always up to the family. But for families who live a distance from their loved one’s burial place and can’t get back very often, what options are available?
A good place to start is to contact the cemetery staff where your parents are buried to see if they offer any special gravesite cleaning services or know of anyone who does. If not, try reaching out to some local funeral homes in the area to see if they can help or refer you.
If you don’t have any luck there, another option is to hire a gravesite care provider on your own. These are small or individually run businesses that provide services like plot maintenance including grass trimming and weeding, headstone cleaning and restoration, flower and wreath deliveries and more. And so you know the work was completed or the flowers were delivered, many companies will take pictures of the gravesite and e-mail or text them to you.
There are literally hundreds of small businesses that provide gravesite care services in local communities or regions across the country. To find them, do a simple Google or Bing internet search, and type in something like “grave care services” or “cemetery headstone cleaning” plus your city or state. Or use an AI tool like Chat GPT or Gemini to do a search.
You can also seek help by contacting the local memorial society or funeral consumer alliance program near your parent’s gravesite – see Funerals.org/find-an-affiliate for contact information. These are volunteer groups
that offer a wide range of information on local funeral and cremation providers, cemeteries and more.
The cost for most gravesite care services can range anywhere from $50 to over $250 for headstone cleaning and memorial restoration (depending on the job size), $50 to $200 for flower and wreath deliveries, and $30 to $80 for plot grooming. Special discounts for multiple gravesite services and visits may also exist.
FLORAL SERVICES
If you’re interested in decorating your parent’s gravesite next Memorial Day with fresh cut flowers or live plants, another option is to call a local florist to see if they can make a delivery directly to their grave site.
Many florists will accommodate this request if you provide them the cemetery location and plot number, but you may not get a photo verifying the delivery.
Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Arbor Health – Morton Hospital receives two excellence in healthcare awards
Arbor Health—Morton Hospital’s Physical Therapy and Emergency departments were recently recognized with Excellence in Healthcare Awards. The awards were presented by PRC, a nationallyrecognized organization which supports over 2,800 healthcare organizations across all 50 states and is a leader in the healthcare intelligence space.
The Excellence in Healthcare Awards recognize organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year based on surveys of their patients.
In this case, Arbor Health’s physical therapy department received the five-star award, and the emergency department received the four-star award.
“I am incredibly proud of
Why this flavor will be on your plate in 2025
By StatePoint
Aji Amarillo, which translates to “yellow Chile pepper,” is grown in Peru and is native to South America.
Long considered a staple ingredient in Peruvian cuisine, this moderate-heat pepper with fruity notes reminiscent of passionfruit and mango is going to spice things up in kitchens worldwide in the year ahead.
That’s according to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 25th edition, a wellresearched annual report exploring the culinary trends shaping the future of flavor in homes, restaurants and grocery stores.
“Our Flavor of the Year, Aji Amarillo, lends itself to amplifying both sweet and tangy flavors and adds dimension to smoked or charred items,” says Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef and senior manager, Culinary Development, U.S. Consumer at McCormick.
“The Aji Amarillo Seasoning is a delicious, sweet and spicy blend that enhances any dish including seafood, poultry, sauces, salsas and more.”
With foodies today increasingly craving flavors that offer both sweet and spicy elements — nearly one-tenth of U.S. restaurants have “sweet and spicy”
menu items, according to Datassential — the predicted popularity of Aji Amarillo aligns perfectly with the “swicy” trend.
To bring this delicious complexity into your own kitchen, try this recipe for Queso Fundido from McCormick — a rich, molten blend of melty cheese, it’s the perfect match for the tropical flavors, smoke, and moderate heat of Aji Amarillo Seasoning:
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
■ 1 tablespoon oil
■ 1 medium onion, finely diced
■ 2 cloves garlic, minced
■ 4 teaspoons McCormick
Aji Amarillo seasoning, divided
■ 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Mexican chorizo
■ 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese, divided
■ 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, divided
■ 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
■ 1 1/2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat oil in medium cast-iron skillet
our Physical Therapy and Emergency Departments for being honored with the Excellence in Healthcare Awards by PRC,” CEO Robert Mach said in a prepared statement. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional care our teams provide to our patients every day. Achieving a fivestar award for our Physical Therapy Department and a four-star award for our Emergency Department reflects the high standards we strive for and the trust our community places in us. We will continue to uphold these standards and work tirelessly to deliver the best possible care to our patients. Congratulations to all involved!”
Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of PRC also had kind words for the East Lewis County medical
group. “It is an honor to recognize Arbor Health with these Excellence in Healthcare Awards for their deserving work,”. “It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare. Arbor Health has shown their commitment to making their healthcare facilities a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for patients to be treated.” Lewis County Hospital District No. 1 is the parent organization of Arbor Health, the East Lewis County-based health group. The organization includes Morton Hospital, the Rapid Care Clinic and the Specialty Clinic in Morton as well as the Morton, Mossyrock, Randle and Packwood primary care clinics.
on medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook and stir until deep golden brown and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet; mix with 3 teaspoons of the Aji Amarillo seasoning.
2. Place 1-1/2 cups Oaxaca cheese and 1/2 cup Cotija cheese in skillet. Layer
with the onion mixture and cooked chorizo, top with remaining cheese.
3. Bake until the cheese is bubbling, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon Aji Amarillo seasoning. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Staff Report
From left: CEO Robert Mach, Rehabilitation Services Director Edwin Meelhuysen, Emergency Department Director Vincent Ball, MD, and Quality Manager Julie Johnson.
COURTESY
and community pride. Together, we are literally and figuratively building the future.”
From skydiver Rosie Thun soaring overhead to 100-year-old alum Betty Laffaw standing proud beside us, it was a day that beautifully celebrated our past, present, and future.
STRATEGIC PLAN—GUIDED BY YOU
This year marked the full implementation of our community-driven Strategic Plan, co-authored by over 1,500 students, parents, staff, and residents. This plan guides every decision — big and small — and focuses on ensuring every student achieves success. Thank you to the staff who bring this vision to life daily and to the families and volunteers who partner with us in support of student learning.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES:
CHILDCARE AT OUR SCHOOLS
After hearing from families, we partnered with Champions to provide on-site childcare at our elementary schools. This optional service, designed around your needs, will continue in the upcoming school year. It’s one more way we’re listening — and responding.
TUTORING AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Thanks to community partnerships, we launched free tutoring programs at every school, available before, during, and after school. These efforts are already helping students reach new academic heights—and we’re excited to continue this support next year.
BUILDING LASTING PARTNERSHIPS
From local businesses to regional leaders and Washington State agencies, Eatonville is attracting support like never before. These
Juanita Marie Hammond passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Fayetteville, North Carolina, after a courageous battle against cancer. She was 63.
Born April 2, 1962, in Philadelphia, Juanita spent much of her life in Eatonville, Washington, a place she proudly called home for 35 years. Known for her quiet strength and dry wit, Juanita was a shy child who grew into an outspoken, passionate woman. She touched countless lives through her warmth, determination, and humor.
Juanita found great purpose and joy in her work at GSI, working for Mount Rainier National Park. Starting her career in bookkeeping, she went on to serve in various supervisory roles over the years. She was deeply respected by colleagues and friends alike, always leading with integrity, empathy, and a contagious love for nature and the people around her.
Music was a lifelong companion to Juanita. Whether belting out Freebird or quietly humming Amazing Grace, her eclectic taste reflected a soul both free-spirited and deeply grounded.
She is survived by her daughter Serena Reeves, son-in-law JB Reeves, granddaughter Kipper Starkel, and grandson Jordan Reeves; her son Christopher Schof, daughter-in-law Amy Schof, grandson Andrew Schof,
partnerships have brought:
■ Academic programs
■ Infrastructure improvements
■ Future-ready initiatives like responsible AI integration
■ Expanded extracurricular opportunities Together, we are preparing students not just for graduation—but for a thriving future.
ENGAGED VOICES, INFORMED DECISIONS
Through regular community forums, you’ve helped shape policies on transportation, facility upgrades, AI in education, school funding, and more. Your insights and presence matter. Thank you for standing up, speaking out, and staying involved.
LOOKING AHEAD
The future is bright in Eatonville. With your continued involvement and our shared commitment to excellence, we’re not just moving forward — we’re setting the pace for what a community-centered, student-focused district can accomplish.
We will continue to create schools where every student is known, valued, and supported. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, every child deserves — and will receive — our very best.
THANK YOU, EATONVILLE
Thank you for your passion, your participation, and your belief in the power of public education. Let’s carry the energy of this year into a well-deserved summer — and return in the fall ready to aim even higher. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and restful summer break.
We are Eatonville Strong!
With gratitude, Superintendent Brower Eatonville School District
In Loving Memoryof Juanita Marie Hammond
grandson Nolan Schof, and granddaughter Mila Schof; her mother Rita Wicks; her longtime friend Michael Schof; her sister Brenda Merrill and her brother-in-law Alan Merrill; and her niece Jessica Waters. She was followed in death closely by her niece, Crystal Waters, who adored her “Aunt Nini.” She is preceded in death by her father Stanley Wicks and her brother Jimmy Waters. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service or burial. Instead, family and friends
WA
trade groups seek federal intervention to block state gas ban
By Carleen Johnson The Center Square
Eight Washington state trade organizations, led by the Building Industry Association of Washington, are hoping their recent appeal to the federal government will stop what they regard as state overreach in energy policy.
On May 27, the eight trade organizations sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi asking the U.S. Department of Justice to protect against states implementing gas bans that violate the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
The letter specifically calls on the DOJ to act on President Donald Trump’s April 8 executive order removing impediments to domestic energy production by enforcing federal law and preventing states from enacting harmful gas bans.
“In early April, President Trump issued an executive order regarding energy and asked the Department of Justice to look at state policies that they consider to be an overreach, or to be out of compliance with existing federal law,” BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane said. “We certainly believe there's a number of those examples here in Washington state, whether it's the state building code council with their energy code or with the natural gas ban passed by the Legislature.”
Lane was referencing the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, which promotes using heat pumps for both space and water heating, replacing traditional fossil fuel and electric resistance systems. He also referenced Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1589, which allows Puget Sound Energy to end gas service to customers, forcing them to convert to electricity.
Lane told The Center Square that several other organizations and contractors signed the letter.
Lane said BIAW is confident that Washington’s energy code and associated costs, as well as the de facto gas ban and associated costs, fit the definition of imposing unnecessary costs on consumers, which is what Trump’s executive order targeted.
In November 2024, Washington voters approved Initiative 2066 to block the state's efforts to phase out natural gas.
In March, King County Superior Court Judge Sandra Widlan ruled that I-2066 violated the single-subject rule and subject and title requirements and invalidated it.
As reported by The Center Square, BIAW recently asked the Washington Supreme Court to take direct review of a Widlan’s ruling.
Lane said the setback in the King County ruling was expected and would not deter BIAW.
“We're fighting this however we can,” he said. “The increased costs associated with implementing the energy codes will never be paid off in terms of energy savings to consumers who purchase those homes. Then, of course, by cutting off natural gas and forcing consumers to convert to all electric and all the costs associated with that, it’s a lot, and we're not giving up.”
Widlan did not enter her oral ruling against I-2066 into the official court record until May 9, 49 days after the ruling and one day after The Center Square noted the lengthy delay, which BIAW contends was intentional to prevent filing an appeal request with the state Supreme Court.
“That was part of our frustration, and we think it was intentional to keep us from getting on their [state Supreme Court] docket before June,” Lane said. “So now we have to wait until September. We likely won't hear exactly what the date will be of the hearing until sometime this summer.”
are invited to honor her remarkable life by sharing their favorite stories and memories of Juanita so that her legacy may live on in the joy she brought to others.
If you feel moved to make a charitable donation in Juanita’s name, the family welcomes you to contribute to a cause that speaks to your heart, in her spirit of generosity and kindness. She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.
“The Associated General Contractors, the Food Industry Association, and a number of others sent the letter to the attorney general asking the Department of Justice to take a look at those policies and laws passed in Washington and consider putting Washington on their list of states that they target in their inquiry,” he said.
He explained that Trump’s executive order gave the Department of Justice 60 days to report to the president.
“So, I think that is sometime next week to produce a report back that outlines those state and local policies that they feel are out of compliance, and that they're going to target with action,” Lane explained. “We gave them a list of what we felt like were the most egregious in the state of Washington that drive up costs for families here and threaten individual energy security.”
Lane said the state’s highest court can decline the direct appeal, but he doesn’t believe that will happen.
“Given the history of these appeals and the issues involved, it would be very unusual, and we don't expect at all that they will decline to hear it,” he reasoned.
“We think we're one of the most egregious states and certainly should be high on their priority list.”
The Center Square contacted the State Building Code Council for comment on the letter to the DOJ, but did not receive a response.
Other trade organizations that signed the letter: Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington; Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific chapter; Northwest Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association; NW Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association; and the Washington Air Conditioning Contractors Association.
ADOBE STOCK
Fish passage enhancement report
By The Tacoma Weekly
Pierce County is making significant strides in restoring vital salmon habitats through its Fish Passage Removal Program. The initiative focuses on eliminating barriers like outdated culverts and bridges that impede fish migration, which supports the recovery of salmon populations essential to the region's ecosystem and cultural heritage.
The Pierce County Council's Economic & Infrastructure Development Committee, or EIDC, received an annual report on the initiative at its Tuesday, May 27, committee meeting. Planning & Public Works Staff shared that the county has 854 culverts that it manages, and of that, 557 are identified fish passage barriers by
the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife.
The Fish Passage Barrier
Removal Program aims to identify and prioritize these fish passage barriers across the county in an effort reopen access to upstream habitats critical for spawning and rearing of salmon and other native fish species. This effort aligns with broader environmental goals, including improving water quality and enhancing biodiversity.
In the past few years, the council has led two critical updates to this program. The first update was a shift in focus to a holistic watershed approach, ensuring Pierce County doesn’t spend limited resources removing one barrier, just for fish to run into another one up stream.
Countdown on for big bloom
Ever since May 5, something wonderful has been going on with one of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s plants on display. It was on that day when lead horticulturist Bryon Jones noticed that one of the agaves was showing signs of flowering, such a rare botanical event that the media was notified to come out and witness it.
“I was getting ready to give a tour to a school group and I looked over and I could see that it had changed,” Jones said about that day of discovery. “Right in the middle, it looked like a little alien or something coming out.”
Since that time, the agave’s stalk has been growing skyward. It’s now at approximately 10 feet tall and it could grow even taller. It’s a very sturdy, solid stalk requiring no staking to hold it up. Within the next week or two, its blooming process will begin with branches emerging from the stalk that will then erupt like fireworks in red-orange buds bearing bright yellow blossoms.
“This type of plant tends to have the most colorful blooms so we’re super excited to see if that’s going to happen,” Jones said. “When it does, I will not be surprised that the hummingbirds that have been visiting some of our other plants suddenly realize all the nectar in the flowers.”
Afterward, the plant will turn brown and die, making this a one-time-only event and an extremely rare sight in the Pacific Northwest.
“After it blooms, the flowers should have seeds and they’ll blow out, land on the ground and with moisture, the little seedlings would come,” Jones said. “The stalk and plant will stay here and
at some point, we’ll remove it so it doesn’t fall over but other than that, it would be the end.”
It won’t be a final farewell, however. Around the base of the agave are little offshoots, or “pups,” that are identical clones of the plant. These will stay and if all goes well, they too will be sending up flowering stalks two decades from now, give or take a year or two. More agaves are planted in the same area and at varying ages of growth so they too may one day put on their floral show.
It has taken around 20 years for the plant – technically called agave parryi truncata – to move into this stage for the first and only time of its life. Jones was there when it was put into the ground. It was about the size of a softball and acquired from a home in the Lakewood area. Once transplanted at the zoo, requirements for its care have been minimal.
“Fortunately, the agave doesn’t take as much work being a desert type plant,” Jones said. “We almost mimic what ancient cavillations use. They would put rocks down to help conserve moisture in the ground so that when rainfall comes, you don’t have to do so much supplemental watering.”
The plant is given nutrients when needed but other than that, its keepers let it be.
Jones said that its species and variety is native to Mexico but agave parryi is found in mountainous areas throughout the desert southwest, particularly in Arizona and into New Mexico. How it manages to thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate is due to its natural habitat being similar enough such that the plant is as much at home
here as there.
As Jones explained, “It can grow here because of a couple things. It is a high elevation agave, what they might call a ‘mountain agave,’ so it comes from higher elevations in the desert. When you’re in places like Arizona, it’s thousands of feet above sea level and it gets cold. As long as the agave can handle the cold and we put it in landscape like we did where it’s elevated and its roots don’t stay always wet, you can make it grow successfully for 20 years.
“In fact, a lot of people will grow these agaves in their backyard, and you don’t see them as often and that’s what’s special – here at the zoo, you get the opportunity to see one doing its thing after 20 years.”
It was inevitable that someone would ask a question that was surely on the minds of others: Can you make tequila from it?
“The question always!” Jones laughed. “This isn’t the right type of agave. There are so many dozens of types of agaves and it’s a different type that you would use for that just like there’s
a type of agave that has a lot more fiber inside it.”
The agave’s value to humans goes back to ancient civilizations that figured out how to glean parts of the plant for many uses. The stalk can be made into wind and string instruments. Its fibrous and spiny “leaves” at its base are full of fiber strands that can be woven by hand into twine.
“When you see twine all wound up into rolls, there are agaves that actually contribute to that industry,” Jones said. “There’s even stories where the leaves were used for roofing.”
The agave has medicinal properties used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including wound healing, digestive issues, and inflammation. The sap, juice, and other parts of the plant have been used to treat conditions like constipation, indigestion, and skin irritations. Agave also has antiinflammatory and antiseptic properties, which contribute to its use in wound care and pain relief.
Some types of agaves, including this one blooming at the zoo, are edible. If all
The second update was a focus on improving coordination with the state, other local jurisdictions, and the tribes to maximize funding opportunities and again ensuring Pierce County isn’t t fixing one problem, just for fish to encounter another one upstream.
By systematically removing barriers to fish passage, Pierce County is aiding in the recovery of salmon populations while contributing to the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. For more information, visit the Fish Passage Barrier Removal Program at piercecountywa. gov/7898/Salmon-Recovery-Planning-and-Projects to keep up with new and ongoing projects.
the leaves are taken off, the center core – the cabeza –can be roasted and eaten. Its high sugar content, which is primarily fructose, is a natural sweetener and it also contains some vitamins and minerals, as well as phytonutrients.
“What the team and I enjoy is connecting the plants to people and animals – the whole interconnection part of it,” Jones said. “The plants let us tell stories that are essential parts of the ecosystem in the wild. This agave right now is helping tell the story of what all agaves do.”
Jones and the entire horticultural team are thoroughly enjoying this time, especially Jones whose many years at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium have led up to this major experience.
“Of all the plants in the zoo, my horticultural team can tell you that this particular plant has been my baby for the last 17-plus years so
I’m watching it do its last big thing,” he said. “I’ve never actually had a plant that in the end I’m going to be a little bit sad to see it go. This plant has been that one that I’ve watched and I’ve talked about, stood behind it telling stories about agaves, so it’s kind of bittersweet but super cool to have that plant around for all the years I’ve been here at the zoo.” Stop by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium to see the agave developing. It’s a happy coincidence that the agave event is happening the same time as Parks Tacoma’s Flower & Garden Festival – Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, at Point Defiance Park. Jones will be the keynote speaker on Sunday, bringing information on dry gardening in the Northwest to reduce water use to help with sustainability and your water bill.
Learn more at parkstacoma.gov/ptdflowergardenfest.
By The Tacoma Weekly
A focus has been on eliminating habitat barriers like this culvert at Purdy Creek.
Zoo lead horticulturist Bryon Jones expects this agave to bloom within the next week or so.
Jones snapped this photo of the agave when it started showing signs of blooming.
COURTESY
COURTESYPHOTOS
On the 3rd day of June, 2025, the City Council of the City of Puyallup passed Ordinance No. 3320. A summary of the content of said Ordinance, consisting of the title, is provided as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON, GRANTING EZEE FIBER AND ITS AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AUTHORITY AND NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, OPERATE, REPLACE, AND REPAIR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IN, ACROSS, OVER, ALONG, UNDER, THROUGH AND BELOW CERTAIN DESIGNATED PUBLIC RIGHTS-OFWAY IN THE CITY OF PUYALLUP; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DAN VESSELS JR. CITY CLERK
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: June 4, 2025 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: June 3, 2025
PUBLISHED: June 11, 2025Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 16, 2025
ORDINANCE NO.: 3320
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 3321
City of Puyallup, Washington On the 3rd day of June, 2025, the City Council of the City of Puyallup passed Ordinance No. 3321. A summary of the content of said Ordinance, consisting of the title, is provided as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON, GRANTING ZAYO GROUP, LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, THE RIGHT, PRIVILEGE, AUTHORITY AND NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN, OPERATE, REPLACE, AND REPAIR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IN, ACROSS, OVER, ALONG, UNDER, THROUGH AND BELOW CERTAIN DESIGNATED PUBLIC RIGHTS-OFWAY IN THE CITY OF PUYALLUP; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DAN VESSELS JR. CITY CLERK FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: June 4, 2025 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: June 3, 2025 PUBLISHED: June 11, 2025Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch EFFECTIVE DATE: June 16, 2025 ORDINANCE NO.: 3321
Superior Court of Washington, County of Pierce In re: Petitioner/s (person/s who started this case): Anthony Bass And Respondent/s (other party/ parties): Rachel Riley No. 24-3-01512-3 Summons Served by Publication (SMPB) Summons Served by Publication To (other party’s name/s): Rachel Riley I have started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is: Divorce You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published: June 11, 2025. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: • No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and • The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. Fill out a Response on this form (check the Response that matches the Petition): [x] FL Divorce 211, Response to Petition about a Marriage. 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Superior Court Clerk, Pierce County 930 Tacoma Avenue South Tacoma, WA 98402 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. Person filing this Summons or his/her lawyer fills out below: /s/ Anthony Bass Date 6/3/2025 I agree to accept legal papers for this case at (check one): Email (if applicable): Jesusistheway253@gmail. com [x] the following address (this does not have to be your home address): 10617 15th Ave Ct. South Tacoma, WA 98444 (If this address changes before the case ends, you must notify all parties and the court in writing. You may use the Notice of Address Change form (FL All Family 120). You must also update your Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001) if this case involves parentage or child support.) Note: You and the other party/ies may agree to accept legal papers by email under Superior Court Civil Rule 5 and local court rules. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the state of Washington. Published in the Tacoma Weekly & Dispatch June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9 & 16, 2025
Fort Nisqually Clerk’s House being replaced
By The Tacoma Weekly
In 1935, the Clerk’s House at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum was built. Now, 90 years later, it will be demolished to make way for a new Clerk’s House building designed to enhance the museum’s historical immersion for visitors and provide a more effective operations base to support staff and the Fort’s nearly 200 volunteers.
Over the years, the house received several patchwork additions and modifications, negatively impacting its historical integrity and leading to increased maintenance and operational costs. An assessment performed in 2018 determined that the external walls and internal structures were compromised and needed replacement.
The project started on May 27 and is expected to take nine months to complete. A grand opening celebration is slated for summer of next year. The new construction will provide climate-controlled workspace and storage to maintain the museum’s clothing collections, tools and program supplies. Staff and volunteers will have access to a break room with a small kitchen, restrooms with showers and dressing rooms for men and women, as well as a staging area for events.
The nearly $2 million project is being funded by the 2014 voterapproved bond funding and a Washington State Heritage Capital Project grant.
“This capital improvement project will provide an upgraded facility allowing our staff and volunteers to better engage with our community and the diverse regional audience who come to Fort Nisqually to learn about our past and find ways to incorporate this learning into their future,” said Jim Lauderdale, the
museum supervisor.
The proposed replacement is modeled on the 19th century Hudson Bay Company’s Montgomery House, the original Fort Nisqually structure that the Clerk’s House was modeled after in the 1930s. The scope of work includes an historically accurate reconstruction of a 2,750 sq. ft. building. Additional site work includes site grading, drainage, stormwater, and site restoration.
In addition to improving operating space for the Fort’s volunteer interpreters, the exterior will enhance the visitor experience. While the building is not open to the public, the designs for the visible exterior were created using references from the original Fort Nisqually’s historical documents, better reflecting the Clerk’s House to descriptions of the original 1800’s structure.
“We are excited to bring this new addition to Fort Nisqually to honor the historical significance of the Clerk’s House and its place at the museum, and most importantly, providing a facility to care for the volunteers who bring the museum to life,” said Joe Brady, deputy director of regional parks and attractions.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum will remain open during
construction with no impact to programming. Visitors can expect to see opaque fencing on the grounds and will be able to hear project construction during normal hours of operation Monday to Friday.
While construction is underway, visitors traveling to the museum by vehicle will have to enter Point Defiance Park through the Mildred Street entrance due to road closures stemming from the construction of Loop Trail near the Pearl Street entrance. The Loop Trail project will improve visitor safety by separating and buffering pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic. Utilizing existing sections of roadway, this project will improve both vehicular and non-motorized circulation. The Loop Trail project will address safety needs that were identified as a community priority during the 2015 update to the Point Defiance Master Plan.
In 2036, Fort Nisqually will celebrate its bicentennial, marking 200 years after the Hudson’s Bay Company arrived at the mouth of Sequalitchew Creek and construction began on what was to be the first European settlement on Puget Sound. A plan has been developed
to celebrate the museum’s work and set a new vision in time for Fort Nisqually’s bicentennial, providing recommendations that move the museum toward a rich educational and history-based experience. Learn more at parkstacoma.gov/project/ fort-nisqually-improvements.
DINE WE MUST
On Friday, June 27, the third annual Dine We Must dinner will be held on the Fort Nisqually lawn from 6-9 p.m. Inspired by the spirit of fine Victorian dining, this farmto-table meal will reflect the wise words of influential British author, columnist and chef Isabelle Beaton who put it best in the 1800s when she said, “Dine we must, and we may as well dine elegantly as well as wholesomely.”
Historic interpreters in full dress and character will welcome arriving guests to 1855 with an invitation to view the Fort’s historic buildings, enjoy appetizers and beverages, and socialize with one another. The menu for dinner features northwest cuisine prepared by Table 47, accompanied by live music from the Fort’s music guild and a surprise visit from Richard and Emma Thornhill.
Richard Thornhill was a cook at Fort Nisqually in the 1850s and both he and Emma were known for their colorful personalities and demeanors. The evening concludes with a sampling of desserts made in the Fort’s period-accurate kitchen by the Fort’s wonderfully talented volunteers.
Purchase tickets online at FortNisqually.org. Dress is upscale PNW to cocktail attire and living history clothing is always welcome at the Fort. Dress for the weather and walking on uneven surfaces.
$80 million or bust: Wilkeson teeters on ghost town if cut off from Mt. Rainier
By Tim Clouser The Center Square
Proposals to restore access to one of Mount Rainier National Park’s four entrances could cost the state at least $80 million and nearly a decade for workers to complete.
The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the Fairfax Bridge on April 22. The 103-year-old bridge leads to the park’s northwest entrance, crossing the Carbon River Canyon to an area where around 30 residents live. They now have to drive another hour to get to town.
Wilkeson is one of the closest stops to eat and fuel up, so hundreds of thousands of tourists pass through the historic mining town every year. Friends of the Carbon Canyon, a group that helps maintain and raise awareness about the area, says rerouting the bridge will devastate the local economy.
“It’s over an hour if we call 911,” said Jill Cartwright, a group member from across the bridge. “Carbonado and Wilkeson are volunteer fire departments, and they’re going to be the first ones that would be
coming through, but we wouldn’t expect any help for over an hour, if that.”
WSDOT unveiled seven “alternatives” to the closure on Wednesday. The cheapest would be demolishing the historic bridge and extending a permanent closure, which would take about three years to complete. Once the state receives funding, it could cost upwards of $50 million.
Maintaining the bridge is the state’s responsibility, but the structure sits behind others on a long backlog of work after decades of the Legislature underfunding maintenance. If WSDOT closed the bridge permanently, residents worry Wilkeson will become another dead-end ghost town.
The remains of other mining communities sit underneath the bridge, serving as a reminder of what could happen if tourists don’t have a reason to stop in Wilkeson. The second option would be to rebuild the bridge at the same spot, taking six years and at least $80 million to $130 million to finish.
Each option relies on estimated
costs today. If the Legislature takes a decade to secure funding, and a timeline hasn’t been established yet, the costs will include ten years of inflation.
“This study is funded through $1.5 million in state funding,” according to the WSDOT planning study. “No funding has been identified for right-of-way, design or construction.”
The next two options would be demolishing the existing bridge and realigning the road just north or south to rebuild a new crossing. Based on current estimates, both alternatives would cost upwards of $100 million and take about six years to build once funding is secured.
The last three alternatives involve rerouting the bridge. The first would reroute the road above Wilkeson in Carbonado, requiring around 5 miles of new road and a bridge. That route would cost $465 million to $785 million and take about five years to complete.
The next option, and least favorable for the surrounding communities, would be to reroute
the road from the Orting area, bypassing Wilkeson and Carbonado altogether. That would cost $440 million to $735 million, requiring 11 miles of new highway but no bridge, and take seven years to complete.
The last option would be to reroute the road from Wilkeson, requiring 12 miles of new road and a bridge. That plan would cost $375 million to $610 million and take about six years to complete.
WSDOT will host an open house so residents can weigh in on June 2 in Carbonado and June 11 in Wilkeson. It’s also accepting online feedback through June 17. However, it will be years, potentially more than a decade, until residents and tourists have a new way across the canyon.
Wilkeson officials told The Center Square that they prefer realigning the road north or south of the existing bridge due to the associated costs. They said those options demonstrate a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and offer the least environmental impact while restoring access to the region.
This rendering shows that the new house will be modeled on the 19th century Hudson Bay Company’s Montgomery House.
COURTESY