EHS athletes ready for next level
By Skip Smith Staff Writer
At a high school known for its grit, heart, and small-town pride, a standout group of Eatonville High School athletes is proving that success on the field—or water or range—can lead to big things after graduation.
Nine graduates are heading off to compete in collegiate athletics, while one has already turned pro. From baseball diamonds to fishing boats, basketball courts to track vaults, these young competitors are chasing dreams that began on local fields and gyms and now stretch across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Two Cruisers are sticking with
baseball but heading in different directions. Brody Thirtyacre is taking his talents to Clackamas College, a program with a strong track record of developing next-level players. Known for his great pitching and consistent bat, Thirtyacre brings a work ethic and love for the game that made him a fixture in Eatonville's lineup.
On the other side of the state, Justen Koch will suit up for the Eastern Oregon University baseball team, stepping into the NAIA ranks. As a sure handed second baseman, Koch looks to help bolster an already strong Mountaineers line up.
Basketball continues to be a cornerstone of Eatonville's athletic
success, and this year’s trio of college-bound players proves why.
Lillian Bickford is heading to Lower Columbia College, where her size, strength, and basketball IQ make her a valuable addition to a program with a rich tradition. She anchored Eatonville’s frontcourt, earning praise for her rebounding and scoring ability.
Tia Schanbeck, known for her quick hands and aggressive defense, is headed to Pierce College. Coaches praised her as a glue player—the kind that locks in on defense, keeps intensity high, and does the gritty work that wins games.
Bailey Andersen will be headed to Grand Canyon University to
play on the school’s top-tier club team, equivalent to a varsity squad in both competition level and training intensity. GCU's club system is nationally competitive, and adding Andersen will no doubt improve the team even more.
Grace Field is heading to Pierce College to bring her solid infield play and softball instincts to the next level. Field’s intensity and leadership were pivotal in Eatonville's success in recent seasons.
Haley Courson, a dynamic midfielder with a tireless motor, is also enrolling at Pierce College to join its women’s soccer team. Known for controlling pace and delivering precise passes, Courson made a name for herself as a playmaker
and team-first competitor. Jaiden Sobczyk, meanwhile, is taking a less conventional—but increasingly competitive—route by joining the fishing team at Simpson University. Yes, collegiate fishing is real and growing fast, and Sobczyk’s success on regional circuits caught the attention of Simpson’s program. Precision, patience, and pattern recognition— skills Sobczyk has honed—will now help him reel in success on the college tour.
Ethan Carter is on a unique path. He’ll begin at Pierce College while continuing to train at PLU. After two years, Carter plans to
SPORTS, 5
Celebrate July 4 with festivities in Eatonville
Residents in Eatonville are gearing up to celebrate our nation's independence with the Eatonville Business Association annual Independence Day Celebration and Fire-
The festivities, taking place on July 3 and July 4, promise fun activities for all ages. The fireworks show will start at dusk on Thursday, July 3 at Eatonville Middle School.
Leading up to the fireworks display, activities at the school grounds will start at 5:30 p.m. and feature bounce houses, vendor booths, live entertainment, and food trucks. Parking at the school will be available for a donation, which supports event costs. Limited free street parking is also available, and organizers recommend carpooling.
The celebration continues Friday, July 4, with a festive Independence Day parade beginning at noon. The parade route is along Marshall Avenue.
EVENT INFORMATION: July 3: Fireworks and Celebration Activities begin at 5:30 p.m.
The fireworks show starts at dusk Paid on-campus parking and limited free street parking are available July 4: Parade Parade starts at noon Parade route: Marshall Avenue and Downtown Eatonville
Residents are encouraged to visit the event's website: https://eatonvillebusinessassociation.org/ or contact event organizers directly for more details.
works Show.
FIND IT FAST SERVICE DIRECTORY
Eatonville Cruisers Special Olympics team caps off 10th anniversary season
By Skip Smith
The Eatonville Cruisers Special Olympics team capped off their 10th anniversary season with a strong showing at the 2025 Special Olympics Washington State Spring Games, held June 20–22 at the University of Puget Sound.
This year’s games were especially meaningful, marking the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Washington and the first time the state event was hosted on the UPS campus in Tacoma. Ten Cruisers athletes competed in track and field events, collecting a total of 22 medals, including 11 gold,
6 silver, and 5 bronze, plus several top-five finishes.
The team joined hundreds of athletes from across the state for three days of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
Medal highlights:
■ Ayden Hildebrand dominated in all three of his events, winning gold in the 200m dash and mini javelin. He would also claim bronze in the 100m dash.
■ Sophia Roberts swept her events, taking home gold in the 50m dash, 100m walk, and softball throw.
■ Jason Pedersen earned gold in the 100m dash and silver in mini javelin.
■ Sarah Olmstead brought home gold in the 100m walk and mini javelin, and bronze in the 50m dash.
■ Jeremy Jamison won gold in the 200m walk and silver in the 100m dash.
■ Aaron Schmidt earned gold in the 200m walk and bronze in the 100m dash.
■ Leah Smiley earned silver in the 100m walk and softball throw, and bronze in the 50m dash.
■ Maya Frink earned gold in the 200m dash and silver in the 100m dash.
■ Trever Stacy brought home bronze in the 200m ATHLETES, 3
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.
DANIELLE STACY
The Eatonville Cruisers posed for a photo while at the Rainier's game for the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Spring State Games.
Savvy Senior: Who’s eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What do I need to do to get disability benefits from Social Security? I’m 60 years old and have a medical condition that doesn’t allow me to work at my job anymore, but I’ve read that getting disability benefits is very difficult.
Need Help
Dear Need, Getting Social Security Disability Insurance benefits when you’re unable to work can indeed be challenging.
Each year, approximately two million people apply for SSDI, but around two-thirds of them are denied, because most applicants fail to prove that they’re disabled and can’t work. Here are some steps you can take that can help improve your odds.
ARE YOU DISABLED?
The first thing you need to find out is if your health condition qualifies you for Social Security disability benefits.
You generally will be eligible only if you have a physical or mental impairment severe enough that it prevents you from working in your current, or past line of work, for at least a year. There is no such thing as a partial disability benefit.
If you’re fit enough to work part-time, and you’re earning more than $1,620 ($2,700 if you’re blind) a month on average in 2025, your application will be denied. But, if you’re not working or are working but earning below those limits, your application may be considered.
Your skills, education and work experience are factors too. Your application will be denied if your work history suggests that you could perform a less physically demanding job that your disability does not prevent you from doing.
To help you determine if you’re eligible, use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool at SSAbest.benefits.gov.
HOW TO APPLY
If you believe you have a claim, your next step is to gather up your personal, financial and medical information so you can be prepared and organized for the application process.
You can apply either online at SSA.gov/ disability or call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment to apply at your local Social Security office, or to set up an appointment for
ATHLETES
From page 2
walk and silver in mini javelin.
■ Christian Stacy competed in three events, placing fifth in both the 100m dash and mini javelin, and sixth in the 200m dash.
The weekend kicked off with an unforgettable opening ceremony at the Tacoma Rainiers game on Friday night. The Rainiers beat the Albuquerque Isotopes 14–10 with a season-high four home runs. The evening ended with fireworks, which many Cruisers stayed to enjoy despite cold temperatures that sent much of the crowd home early.
On Saturday night, athletes attended the annual Victory Dance, themed “The Golden Ball: A Journey through Time,” hosted by DJ Shane.
The Eatonville Cruisers had 14 athletes compete in the spring track season, with
someone to take your claim over the phone.
The whole process lasts about an hour. If you schedule an appointment, a “Disability Starter Kit” that will help you get ready for your interview will be mailed to you. If you apply online, the kit is available at SSA.gov/ disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.
It currently takes six to eight months from the initial application to receive either an award or denial of benefits. The only exception is if you have a chronic illness that qualifies you for a “compassionate allowance” (see SSA.gov/compassionateallowances), which fast tracks cases within weeks.
If Social Security denies your initial application, you can appeal the decision, and you’ll be happy to know that roughly half of all cases that go through a round or two of appeals end with benefits being awarded.
But the bad news is, with a huge backlog of people waiting, it can take another eight to 10 months or longer to appeal the decision, and another 15 months to get a hearing if reconsideration is denied.
GET HELP
You can hire a representative to help you with your Social Security disability claim. By law, representatives can charge only 25% of past-due benefits up to a maximum of $9,200 if they win your case.
It’s probably worth hiring someone at the start of the application process if your disability is something difficult to prove such as chronic pain.
If, however, your disability is obvious, it might be worth initially working without a representative to avoid paying the fee. You can always hire a representative later if your initial application and first appeal are denied.
To find a representative, check with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives or National Association of Disability Representatives. Or, if you’re low-income, contact the Legal Services Corporation for free assistance.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
10 qualifying for state. The program also benefits from dedicated student volunteers. This season, Emory Simpson and Katelyn Lindquist from Eatonville High School contributed their time to support athletes during practices and at the games. Four Eatonville athletes—Maya Frink, Jason Pedersen, Ayden Hildebrand, and Sarah Olmstead—are eligible for selection to represent Washington at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. Final team selections will be announced July 2.
The Eatonville Cruisers Special Olympics program runs year-round with seasonal sports including bowling (fall), basketball (winter), and track and field (spring). It is open to athletes ages 8 and older and welcomes high school and adult volunteers.
Summer kicks off with a Tacoma Blast
By Tacoma Weekly
One of the South Sound’s biggest Independence Day celebrations is returning to the Ruston Way waterfront — the 4th of July Tacoma Summer Blast. It will be a full day of live music, food, entertainment, craft vendors and, of course, spectacular fireworks over Puget Sound.
The event is spread across a long footprint, from Dune Peninsula to Cummings Park on Ruston Way, which will be closed to all vehicular traffic between Alder Street and N. 49th Street. Yacht Club Road will be closed between Ruston Way and Grand Loop, and N. Baltimore St. will be closed between Ruston Way and N. 49th St. This allows for everyone to move about freely.
Joe Brady, Deputy Director of Regional Parks & Attractions for Parks Tacoma, said people enjoying Summer Blast appreciate these street closures.
“That’s always a big hit. Kids can ride their bikes on Ruston Way and its wide open to folks for use,” he said. “My favorite part of Summer Blast is that it’s a safe, family friendly way to celebrate the 4th of July. It activates Point Ruston and the things that are happening there and it’s great to see the waterfront full of people having fun.”
Now in its third year, Summer Blast has been a learning process for Brady and everyone involved.
“We’ve learned a lot over the past couple years. We have more infrastructure in place like more temporary restrooms placed along the event footprint,” he said, “and we’ve been able to add a significant amount of parking to the site.”
Normally the community has parked outside of the event space and walked in, but Parks Tacoma now has access to about 350 more spaces to park cars right above the multipurpose lot at Point Defiance. As you come into Point Defiance via the main roundabout on Pearl Street, make a righthand turn and come down into the multipurpose lot.
The multipurpose lot will provide paid parking for $25 per vehicle and more paid parking is available at the Point Ruston parking garage. There will also be an overflow lot what will take a lot of pressure off the side streets during Summer Blast and help as traffic flows away from the site after the event is over.
Park near the boat launch and in all lots along Ruston Way south of Alder Street on a first-come, first-served basis. Got to parkstacoma. gov/summer-blast-traffic to learn more, and about Pierce Transit bus service that day.
Once inside the event space, more than 150 vendors will be on site – food vendors, artisan vendors, and commercial vendors, and information booths will be at both Cummings Park and Dune Peninsula.
Tacoma Summer Blast features three beer gardens, open to ages 21 and older only, and the Kids Zone at Cummings Park will feature entertainment created especially for kids – a bounce house, soccer, basketball and other interactive games; ice cream; makeand-take crafts; a family karaoke booth; and a special toddlers-only area with a bounce house and slide for the littlest guests.
The variety and quality of the live stage performances add a key element to Summer Blast, and much thought is put into choosing this line-up.
“The depth of musical talent on the stages at Cummings Park and Dune Peninsula is going to be a step above,” Brady said. “Folks will be really excited to see the different kinds of entertainment we’re putting on those two stages. That’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Cummings Park stage performers include DJ Sureal, Emily McVicker, Alex Rassmussen, Tekla Waterfield, and the Triple Treat Band.
Tamao George Yasutake, aka DJ Sureal, has DJed in Seattle for over 20 years. Inspired by his brother DJ Hardcut, and as a member of the Universal Zulu Nation, he has performed with some of hip-hop’s most important pioneers.
Wonder’s grip.”
Alex Rasmussen spans genres as a singer-songwriter, novelist, and poet. For this performance at Tacoma’s Summer Blast, he will be joined by virtuosic local fiddler Julie Baldridge.
Tekla Waterfield incorporates elements of folk, country, roots, rock and soul, creating a wide-ranging sound unified by dynamic vocals and point-of-view storytelling.
The seven-piece Triple Threat Band with their three lead female vocalists is loved for their wide variety of fun party music, old school and new R&B music.
On the Dune Peninsula stage, experience DJ Abbie Gobeli, Kate Dinsmore, Bigtooth, and event headliner Wild Rumours closing out the live music just before the fireworks begin.
Abbie Gobeli is an on-air host and DJ at KEXP 90.3 FM in Seattle where she presents her own show every Wednesday by day and by night spins vinyl and soundwaves a various Seattle venues.
Singer-songwriter Kate Dinsmore brings a modern pop sensibility to timeless lyrics and melodies. Bigtooth, known as Seattle’s “Dad Pop” band, is known for their rich harmonies, big guitar chords and lightning bolt rhythms where no influence is out of bounds.
Headliners Wild Rumours knows the music of Fleetwood Mac backward and forward from the height of the Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks era and add their own personal touches to the songs that still touch our lives.
The fireworks display starts at around 10 p.m. and can be seen from Dune Peninsula Park in the north, along the Ruston Way Waterfront, and stretching to Jack Hyde Park in the south so there is not a “bad seat” for this favorite part of Summer Blast.
Tacoma Summer Blast could not happen without its
To learn more or get involved, contact coaches Tina Schmidt at 253-677-2479 or Michelle Frink at 253-370-5372. SUMMER, 4
Free public parking is available at Point Defiance
Emily McVicker is a true one-woman musical force. She has been described as “a jukebox and versatile like a Swiss Army Knife, with tools ranging from Lorde’s swells to Amy Winehouse’s bops to
Stevie
The Tacoma Blast fireworks show starts at about 10 p.m. with the best views from Dune Peninsula Park to Jack Hyde Park.
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE
COURTESY PHOTO
Pierce County thanks jurors by proclamation
By Tacoma Weekly
Each June, the Pierce County Council declares the month of June as Juror Appreciation Month, and the proclamation was again brought at the council’s June 10 meeting.
Jury duty is a cornerstone of American democracy, guaranteeing one of the most fundamental rights: a fair trial by one’s peers. It requires everyday people to rearrange their lives, from work schedules to family obligations, to uphold justice in our community.
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Susan Adams was there to receive the proclamation. “We are honored to be able to honor our jurors not just in June by every month of the year,” she told the council. “We simply could not function, and our system of justice could not
function without the amazing volunteers from our community who come and serve as jurors.”
In 2024 alone, the Pierce County Superior Court issued more than 83,000 jury summonses, with nearly 16,000 residents responding to the call. The proclamation recognizes that community members must take time away from their families and businesses to serve as jurors each year, often putting their lives on hold for the duration of their jury service.
A notable highlight of the past year was the launch of a Paid Jury Duty Pilot Program, which raised juror compensation from $10 to $100 per day to reduce financial barriers and increase representation in jury pools.
This initiative, funded by a $1.5 million appropriation from the Washington State Legislature and supported by the Washington State Supreme Court Minority and Justice
Commission, aimed to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent citizens from fulfilling their civic obligations. More than 3,000 jurors participated in this historic initiative.
The Washington State Center for Court Research will conduct a comprehensive study comparing demographic data from the pilot to historical juror surveys, evaluating whether increased pay improved representation across income levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and other marginalized communities. This research, slated for completion in late 2025, will inform future legislative efforts to permanently modernize juror compensation.
In 2024, Pierce County Superior Court issued more than 83,000 jury summonses, with nearly 16,000 residents responding.
Summer concert series returns to Old Town
Musician, singer and songwrit -
er Kim Archer has always been a gift to Tacoma. She comes from a place of inclusion and community in her music and all that she does, and she’s bringing this same embrace to this year’s Old Town Summer Concert Series that she has produced and presented for the past 11 years.
The free series kicks off on Wednesday, July 2, at Old Town Park and returns every Wednesday through Aug. 27, 6:30-8:15 p.m. It makes for a great way to enjoy a family outing, time with friends, or even just to experience on your own because the atmosphere is inviting for all people to come as you are.
“We created it to foster community so that the community has something free every week that they could just go and do,” Archer said. “Everything is so busy and so expensive, especially if you have a family and you want to do something that’s family time and doesn’t cost a lot of money or take a lot of planning – where you can just jump in the car and go.”
The concert series is also good for Old Town overall, giving folks an opportunity to visit Tacoma’s birthplace and the shops and businesses there that many will discover for the first time.
As Archer said, “I’ve seen people make friends there and a couple people who met there and got married. All that is special and why we started it. It’s always cool when you create something bigger than you and that’s kind
SUMMER
From page 3
of the point – seeing the park full of people having a good time, kids running and playing, people spreading their blankets out and their picnics – forgetting about their day, their lives, or stresses for a little while to unwind and decompress.”
Featuring some of Tacoma’s best music acts, what began as a small local gathering now draws 350-plus attendees weekly, with peak nights exceeding 400.
The Old Town Summer Concert Series kicks off on July 2 with local favorite Champaign Sunday. The unique glam-folk of husband-and-wife team Jessi and Jared Fredeen brings upbeat, roller coaster style shows, firing off gypsy-punk rock songs alongside everything from intimate tear-jerkers to anthemic foot-stompers.
Folk rock powerhouse Amelia Day on July 9 will invite new fans to discover her carefree melodies, confessional lyricism and raw, heartfelt delivery blending folk, rock, jazz, pop, and funk.
On July 16, amped up acoustic female power-duo Megan & Heidi perform rock and blues infused classic and contemporary music. The Kim Archer Band takes the stage on July 23 with Archer; Steve Banks, drums; E Pruitt, bass; and Rene LeMesnager, electric guitar.
On July 30, the Playtonics and their original and beloved jazzy soul pop-songs will tell of love, relationship and politics through this group of intergenerational players.
Going into August, Kristen Marlo and Jeff Ross on Aug. 6
dedicated partners and sponsors. Summer Blast is presented by Emerald Queen Casino, and the City of Tacoma fireworks show is presented by Tacoma Venues & Events. Brady expressed much gratitude to the City of Ruston.
“Point Ruston has done a lot of good things for our community,” he said. “We’ve got really good coordination this year with the traffic management plan between the Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, and Ruston Police Department. I’ve spent a lot of time making sure those emergency responders are connected well and the City of Tacoma needs to be thanked for how much of a contribution they’ve put toward making sure this event is successful.”
These men and women will be working on the 4th of July holiday, so appreciation for them is well founded and for Parks Tacoma staff who
come together for a do not miss performance. Marlo is a classically trained vocalist, self-taught guitarist, accomplished composer and lyricist, and Ross remains a Tacoma staple with his own alternative-folk style.
Next up on Aug. 13, Rod Cook, another local staple who has worked as a professional musician for more than 40 years, showcases his stylistic versatility and soulful, melodic playing.
Erina McLaren performs her original music and contemporary covers on Aug. 20, and her young son Mason might be there to accompany her as well. The series wraps up on Aug. 27 with Guilded Lilly’s indie folk, blues and rock to make music that moves you.
“I’m really happy with the line-up this year – good variety, some really heavy hitters, a lot of women, mixed genres, people of color, gay people, straight people, elderly people, young people... I try to get a variety because that’s what people like to see, something different every week,” Archer said.
While the concert series charges no admission, Archer makes sure she takes care of the performers by running through the crowd with a five-gallon bucket for donations. She produces the concert series on a very tiny budget, so she turns to the crowd to pitch in a little bit. Archer takes no cut from this or from the performers’ merchandise sales – it’s all for the players.
“Music imprints our hearts – that’s what makes it unifying and special,” she said. “Even in
will also be working to make sure Summer Blast goes smoothly without a hitch.
Community volunteers are always welcome to help with a variety of tasks, from vendor load-in and load out to traffic control and staffing the information booths.
As Brady said, “The more we have, the more flexible we can be. If we have just one wave of volunteers, that doesn’t get us through the day but if we have enough for two or three different shifts, that always really helpful. Come down and help out for a couple hours then go enjoy the event at your leisure. It’s a great way to spend the day there.”
For detailed information on everything to do with Tacoma Summer Blast, visit parkstacoma. gov/event/summerblast and consult the official program guide inside this edition of the Tacoma Weekly and for download at TacomaWeekly. com.
the most troubling times, people can gather around a song – the first song at their wedding or a song they heard when someone they loved passed. It really marks time for us and that’s why music is lasting for us as people.”
About a year ago, Archer moved from Tacoma to Puerto Vallarta so now she splits her time between her two home
Bloodworks
Submitted
For Bloodworks Northwest’s ongoing “Give Blood. Rescue A Human” campaign, donors who give this summer are entered to win a variety of prizes, including:
■ A $3,000 digital Tango gift card
■ A three-night weekend getaway to a choice of Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Washington Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon, or Breakers in Long Beach, Washington
bases. While she’s here through the end of August, she lined up more than 20 gigs, some at private events but most at public venues including casinos and the farmers markets for which she has a particular fondness for playing. See her schedule at kimarcherband.com.
■ A two-night stay for your pet at the Sniff Dog Hotel in Portland and Beaverton, Oregon as part of the Give Blood. Rescue a Human campaign.
Donors of all blood types across Western Washington and Oregon, especially Type O donors, are encouraged to book appointments at:
Phone: 800-398-7888
Website: www.bloodworksnw.org
App: Text bwapp to 999-777 to download the Bloodworks App.
Judge Susan Adams was on hand to receive the proclamation.
PROVIDED TO THE QAM
Tacoma Weekly
Tacoma treasure Kim Archer is back in town to again produce the event.
JEANNIE WHOOPIEKITTY BAKER
Don’t spend the Fourth with the fire department … unless it’s dropping off treats
Every year, around this time, we get a little extra sparkle in our step — and a whole lot of sparkle in the sky. Independence Day means barbecue smoke, backyard playlists, and that one neighbor who still swears they only bought the small fireworks (sure, Dave) some legal, some ... questionably sourced from “my cousin in Puyallup.”
Dry grass, dense neighborhoods, and overconfident cousins with questionable bottle rockets can make for a dangerous combination. And no one wants to spend their holiday explaining to a fire crew that it was "just a little Roman candle."
So, before you strike a match this Fourth of July, let’s talk about how to keep your celebration safe, your eyebrows intact, and your fire station friends well-fed and not overwhelmed.
KNOW WHAT’S LEGAL (AND WHAT’S NOT)
Fireworks are legal in unincorporated Pierce County, including most of Eatonville — but only during specific hours, and with specific
rules. For example, they’re only allowed on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. (and yes, officials do keep track).
If you’re lighting anything off, make sure it’s: On your own property (with permission, if it’s not), Clear of dry brush or trees, Aimed far, far away from people, pets, fences, roofs, or power lines, and soak used fireworks before trashing them. Please—don’t let your 10-year-old light anything. Not even a punk. (You know what a punk is if you grew up in the ‘80s.)
Your bonfire doesn't count as a fireworks finale.
Also, don’t forget the pets. Dogs hate fireworks. Cats act chill but are absolutely judging your life choices. Secure animals indoors, crank up a fan or some music to drown out the noise, and double-check fences and gates beforehand. The Humane Society always sees a spike in lost pets around the Fourth — let’s not add yours to the list.
But here’s the best tip? Don’t light your own at all.
Eatonville’s got a professional fireworks display on the Third that’s totally free, safe, and
visible from all over town. It’s the big opening to the 4th of July festivities, and no one has to worry about burns, fines, or melted lawn chairs.
Prefer a traditional Fourth of July show? There are shows all around the Mount Rainier area — from Morton to Ashford to Orting — so wherever your plans take you, there's likely a professional display nearby.
CHECK SMOKE ALARMS — YOURS AND THEIRS
This is the perfect week to test your smoke detectors. While you’re at it, knock on your elderly neighbor’s door and offer to check theirs too. A few minutes could save a life.
WANT TO THANK A FIREFIGHTER?
Pierce County fire stations love community support—but they can’t accept homemade goodies from unknown sources. If it isn’t sealed, labeled, or from a known neighbor or business, they’re not allowed to eat it (and yes, they feel bad tossing your mystery cookies). If you’re looking to show some love, skip the
Eatonville School District public surplus sale notice
Calling all bargain hunters and school supporters.
The Eatonville School District is holding a Public Surplus Sale on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The sale is located at: 211 Rainier Ave N Eatonville, WA 98328
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open sale. Browse a wide variety of technology, curriculum, furniture, equipment, resources and more – all at fantastic prices.
Items including technology, buses, furniture and equipment and are sold as-is on-site without representations or warranties. All items will be sold on a first come, first served basis. The buyer is responsible for moving items prior to the conclusion of the sale.
BUS SURPLUS SALE NOTICE
Five buses will be included in the upcoming surplus sale.
Please note that these buses will be located at the Transportation Department, not at the main surplus sale site.
Interested buyers are welcome to view the buses on July 15 between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at:
410 Center St W, Eatonville, WA 98328
Please note: Only one of the five buses is operational.
We will accept cash, checks and cards. If using a card the customer will need to pay at the District Office (across the street).
Don't miss this chance to score exciting finds and support your local schools.
mystery banana bread and try one of these instead:
• Prepackaged snack baskets
• Coffee, energy drinks, or cold bottled beverages
• Catered lunches or pizza from a local restaurant
• A handwritten card from your kid (these are gold)
Also, don’t underestimate the power of waving when they drive by or chalking a thankyou outside the station. A little neighborhood cheer goes a long way.
LIGHT UP THE SKY, NOT 911 LINES
The Fourth is meant for flags, family, and hot dogs — not house fires. Let’s keep it safe, support our first responders, and give the fire station a peaceful evening off (unless you're bringing pizza — then by all means, stop by).
Happy Independence Day from all of us at The Dispatch — may your burgers be juicy, your playlists patriotic, and your fireworks … handled by professionals.
SPORTS From page 1
transfer to Pacific Lutheran University, where he’ll continue vaulting and pursue a degree.
While his classmates prepare for college seasons, Bodie Turner is skipping that step— because he’s already living the dream.
Turner, one of the top young archers in the country, has turned professional and is sponsored by Mathews, one of the top manufacturers in the sport. Precision, poise, and performance under pressure are his trademarks. Whether it's indoor target shooting or outdoor 3D competitions, Turner has already proved he belongs on the national stage.
For Eatonville High School, this graduating class is more than a list of names—it’s a legacy in motion. Athletic Director and coaches have praised the group not only for their skills but for the leadership, accountability, and character they brought to their teams and school culture.
“These kids show what Eatonville is all about,” said one coach. “They worked for every bit of this, and we’re proud to see them take the next step.”
As they scatter across campuses and competitions this fall, the Eatonville 12 carry more than jerseys and gear—they carry a shared history, a strong work ethic, and the kind of determination that turns potential into performance.
Locals remain skeptical of on-hold plan to breach lower Snake River dams
By Sue Lani Madsen
Center Square
For three decades, politics in the 5th Congressional District have been shaped by the many “what if” questions about removing four dams on the Lower Snake River. The Washington State Department of Transportation is the latest agency to jump into the Lower Snake River dam breaching debate at a time when federal agencies are getting out of the water.
The administration of President Donald Trump recently took action to halt efforts that could have led to the breaching of the lower Snake River dams in southeastern Washington.
A June 12 Executive Order signed by President Trump directed all
affected federal agencies to withdraw from a Memorandum of Understanding filed on Dec. 14, 2023, in the Columbia River System litigation, National Wildlife Federation v. National Marine Fisheries Service.
The Trump administration justified this by prioritizing energy reliability and cost, stating that the previous policy focused too much on climate change and fish populations at the expense of national energy needs.
The Lower Snake River Dams Transportation Study, initiated by the Washington State Legislature, aims to analyze how transportation systems – including highways, roads, freight and rail infrastructure – would change if the four lower
Snake River dams were removed
The Legislature included the WSDOT study in the 2025-27 transportation budget.
Six scenarios were displayed for public comment at a Monday open house in Colfax at the Whitman County Library. Based on stakeholder input, WSDOT may develop additional scenarios.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the four lower Snake River dams: Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite. These dams provide recreation opportunities, green baseload energy, irrigation, flood control and transportation.
Colfax is located in the vicinity of the Lower Snake River Dams and is directly impacted by the potential
consequences of breaching, especially with regard to agriculture and transportation.
For agriculture, the primary concern to be addressed by the WSDOT study is the loss of barges as a competitive option for moving grain into the export market.
Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, recalled an experience as a farmer when he served on the Washington Barley Commission in the 1990s.
“We took a tour up in northern Montana where freight prices doubled after the rail service pulled out, because then there was only one show in town, and that was truck,” he explained. “For the growers, that is always nagging at the back of my mind. Once you have a captive market, freight prices will go up. Having
both rail and barge keeps everyone in check.”
Several attendees at the open house were disappointed at the lack of detail on the cost of implementing the changes, especially the cost of upgrading existing local roads to handle trucks.
Whitman County Commissioner Art Swannack and others pointed out that some roads proposed to handle increasing truck traffic if the dams are breached are gravel or lack substructure for heavy loads.
Scenarios include both trucking and rail shipment as alternatives to barges.
Jim Mahugh, an engineer with WSDOT, said secondary impacts are not included in the transportation study.
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