Submitted by Tom Riggs. Where did chili really start, and what exactly is it? Most Americans will argue that chili is what you make it. But for the true Texans among us, it has to be Texas Red Chili. No tomatoes. No beans. Just meat. Some chili lovers will balk at the idea that chili […]
Letter: Stop Spraying Dangerous Herbicides in Our Community
Submitted by Greg Alderete. Once again, the town of Steilacoom has chosen to spray Mirimichi Green Weed Control and Scythe herbicide—chemicals that are marketed as “natural” but are far from harmless. Let’s stop pretending that “green” labeling means these substances are safe. They are not. Mirimichi Green contains ammonium nonanoate, a corrosive substance that can […]
Letter: Standardized Stagnation: How Testing is Killing American Education
Submitted by Gregory Alderete. If you wanted to design a system to crush intellectual curiosity, stifle creativity, and reward mindless conformity, you’d invent standardized testing. And we did. What began as a well-intentioned effort to measure academic progress has metastasized into a rigid, joyless sorting mechanism that punishes nuance, discourages deep thinking, and reduces students […]
Letter: How Much Has the City of Tacoma Spent This Year?
Submitted by Morgan Alexander. According to information from the City of Tacoma, the city council has approved over $135,000,000 so far this year. While a bulk was spent on payroll ($67 million), other expenditures included: $3.5 million to the Rescue Mission, $1 million to Stronghold Armored for armored transport services, $2.5 million to Government Portfolio […]
Claremont Street Grind & Overlay
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Grind and 2-inch overlay of Claremont Street – Alameda Ave and 67th Ave W with 8 ADA ramps. Funded for design in 2024 and construction in 2025 – Engineer selected. The City of Fircrest Public Works Department has contracted Mile Resources, Inc. to complete the Claremont Street Grind & Overlay Project. Construction is expected to be […]
First 100 Days set a fast pace for Executive Mello and team
Today marks the 100th day of Executive Ryan Mello’s service in his new role at Pierce County. Prior to his election last November, Mello served as Chair of the Pierce County Council. “Our Forward Together agenda is all about building communities that are safe, welcoming and connected,” Mello said. “With the uncertainty of everything happening […]
Governor Signs Bill to Improve County Ferry Maintenance and Passes Legislature with Overwhelming Support
Washington lawmakers have passed legislation to help counties keep their ferries safe, reliable, and better maintained. House Bill 1054, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place), passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support in a 48-1 vote in the Senate and following unanimous approval in the House. Governor Ferguson has signed the bill highlighting that the efficiency […]
Obituary Notices – April 14, 2025
Mountain View Funeral Home: Roger C Garrett Jr.; Julius Julio Rodriguez. Fir Lane Memorial Park: Warren F. Tegge.
Spring Training at the Zoo
If you thought Spring Training was over, guess again! It’s still underway at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The animals and keepers at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater are preparing for their popular summer show. The show returns with a new theme this year, “Zoo’s Got Mail,” on May 3, and runs daily at 11:30 a.m. […]