The Suburban Times » Steilacoom

Watch for the new light

Ben Sclair — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:32:30 +0000

The light at the intersection of the Steilacoom-DuPont Highway and East Dr are now functional. That's a big change for that stretch of road, so watch out.

Modifications to Steilacoom School District Snow Make-up Plan

russell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:15:16 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District announces that school days missed due to inclement weather will be made up on March 9, March 23, May 25 and June 15, 2012. Friday, March 9, was a previously scheduled non-student day for professional development. Students will now attend school that day. The District appreciates the partnership of the Steilacoom Education Association in scheduling the make-up days.

Ham’s living Memorial

Nancy Covert — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:51:26 +0000

By Nancy Covert

Even when it’s not raining it’s possible to find a rainbow overhead. This rainbow, however, is located inside, over the Children’s Corner at the Steilacoom Branch of Pierce County Library. Steilacoom Library is the oldest public library in the state, established in 1858—and one of Pierce County Library’s many branches.
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Steilacoom High sophomore serves as page for Sen. Mike Carrell

russell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:01:21 +0000

Katie Howard, a sophomore at Steilacoom High School, participated in the Senate Page Program last week during the fourth week of the 2012 session. Howard was sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell (R- Lakewood).
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Go green, Go goats

russell — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

The most recent visitors to Steilacoom High School spend all of their time outside the classroom. Approximately 30 goats and 10 sheep have been hired from Goat Trimmers to assist in eradicating the blackberry bushes that border the high school athletic fields. Bruce Parker, Supervisor of Maintenance and Facilities for Steilacoom School District, stated that this non-chemical approach to weed control, continues the practice of the district in attempting to use environmentally friendly resources when available.

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Traffic up at The Suburban Times website

Ben Sclair — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:38:26 +0000

Thank you.

Twenty-six percent more visitors (9,419 v. 7,467) visited www.thesubtimes.com in January 2012 compared with January 2011. Those 26% more visitors viewed 42% more pages (24,533 v. 17,270) once at the site. Comparing complete year (2011 to 2010), the numbers are also quite impressive. 44% more visitors (106.144 v. 73,396) viewed 33% more pages (244,434 v. 183,709). Check out our site statistics for your yourself. If you'd like to reach this growing audience with an consistent (and affordable) advertising, check out our rates or call Stephen Neufeld (253-318-7013) for more information.

Steilacoom Town Council agenda for Feb. 7

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:56:44 +0000

Meeting will be held at Steilacoom Town Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

Call to Order and Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

C. Consent Agenda

Minutes of January 17, 2012
Approval of Payroll Checks #43892 - #43912 in the amount $134,099.84
Approval of Claims Checks #69765 - #69805 in the amount of $34,880.52 and Claims Checks #69846-#69938 in the amount of $395,105.68 and Manual Check #69845 in the amount of $25.60
Colbert Infrared Scope of Services (AB 2450)
Appointment of Bill Miner to Planning Commission (AB 2451)

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Latest edition of Steilacoom school district Community Connection now available

russell — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:35:57 +0000

This edition of the school district's newsletter includes articles about award winning cheerleaders, wrestlers, DECA students and more. Get the newsletter here. Past newsletters are available for download here.

Steilacoom’s weekly update, Feb. 6

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:55:08 +0000

By Paul Loveless, Town Administrator, Town of Steilacoom

Administration:
Upcoming Meetings:
Council Meeting – February 7, 2012 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall.
Planning Commission – February 13, 2012 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall.
Preservation and Review Board – February 22, 2012 at 6:30 PM at Town Hall.
Civil Service Board – February 8, 2012 at 5:00 PM at the Town Hall.

Council Future Agenda “Look-Ahead” Issues:
Copies of the Agenda and staff reports are available at all Town facilities once published. The
Agenda and Council meeting minutes are posted to the Town’s official website.
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Library Board to discuss libraries weathering recent storm and other issues

russell — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:07:01 +0000

At its February meeting the Pierce County Library System’s Board of Trustees will talk about a topic that has been paramount for the region—the recent storm. Specifically they will hear how the Library System served customers during the recent snow and ice storm. In addition the Board will get an update about borrowing statistics from people who live outside the Library’s service area, as well as discuss other issues. The Board of Trustees will meet at the Library’s Processing and Administrative Center, 3005 112^th St. E., in Tacoma, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

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Saltar’s Point Elementary students tour Steilacoom Museum

Nancy Covert — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:29:36 +0000

By Nancy Covert

How did the Apple Squeeze become a Steilacoom tradition? What does “Steilacoom” mean?

More than 200 Saltar’s Point Elementary School Fourth Grade students learned the answers to those questions and more when they toured the Steilacoom Historical Museum this past week.

The annual student class tour to visit the Museum’s properties: the Museum, the Wagon Shop and the Orr Home, took place during the last week of January and first week of February. Docents from the Museum’s Education Committee shared their knowledge about Mr. Orr’s shop, and other parts of the community’s history.

The students’ collective reaction to the displays and activities—such as making butter—“what an amazing place!”

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Tacoma Nature Center and Tahoma Audubon February events

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:16:31 +0000

Bird Walk
All ages welcome, free
Find out which of our avian friends call the Adriana Hess Wetland Park their home on a guided walk through the park. No registration needed. Call 253-565-9278 for more information.
February 13 noon – 1:30pm

Tahoma Audubon Just for Kids
Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $9 per student
Young homeschoolers and other children begin science and nature exploration through games, walks, and crafts. Register two days prior to the session.
This class is held at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place.
February 1 10:30am – noon Who’s Who
February 15 10:30am – noon Animal Families
February 29 10:30am – noon Bunches & Groups

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Steilacoom’s weekly update, Jan. 31

russell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:11:52 +0000

By Paul Loveless, Town Administrator, Town of Steilacoom

Steilacoom Historical School District announces make-up days

russell — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:55:08 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District announced the make-up schedule for the four days missed due to inclement weather. Two snow makeup school days were built into the 2011-12 school calendar. January 17 will be made up on March 23 and January 18 will be made up on May 25, 2012. January 19 will be made up on June 15 and January 20 on June 18, 2012. June 18 will be an early release half day.

Public survey on qualifications for Steilacoom High principal

russell — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:54:56 +0000

Steilacoom Historical School District is seeking public input to assist the district in the search for a Principal for Steilacoom High School. Your input will be a critical component of the screening team’s deliberation and Superintendent’s final recommendation.

It is the District’s intention to seek the best balance between work experiences, education and preparation, personal qualities, role expectations of the principal, and the ability to respond to the community’s educational needs.

The results of the survey will be compiled and individual responses will be confidential. Input will be accepted until January 31, 2012.

Please access the survey here!

What to do with extra garbage, recycling and storm debris

russell — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:46:46 +0000

Last week’s storm affected almost everyone’s trash and recycling collection and many of you are wondering when to set out your containers.

American Disposal, DM Disposal, and Murrey’s Disposal, Lakewood Refuse, LeMay Enterprises, and Pierce County Refuse

For no additional charge, the company will accept twice your normal amount of garbage and recycling on your next regularly scheduled pick up day. If this requires you to use an additional container, please make sure you label it “Garbage” or “Recycling”. Drivers will be on the lookout for these extra containers.

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Happy Birthday Eric

Ben Sclair — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:28:18 +0000

What's happening in Steilacoom's Parks and Pathways

Nancy Covert — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:42:20 +0000

by Nancy Covert

Steilacoom's Public Works crew has its plate very full clearing storm debris from streets and public areas, reports Councilmember Nancy Henderson, who keeps an eye (and more) on the status of local parks. Parks have been quite affected by falling branches, and in some cases, trees.

A huge THANK YOU to those who have already been out clearing trails on their own. First Street pathway was quickly cleared by surrounding neighbors who just pitched in and made it happen.

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Victimizing deployed soldiers’ families would bring stiffer penalties

russell — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:27:31 +0000

Criminals who knowingly strike at the families of service members who are absent on tours of duty would face extra-long sentences under a bill by state Rep. Troy Kelley that was heard Tuesday by a House committee.

“This bill holds accountable those who prey on our service members,” Kelley said.

The bill (HB 2548) would add the deployment factor to the current list of aggravating circumstances that allow judges to exceed sentencing guidelines when imposing punishment on convicted criminals. That list now includes such circumstances as cruelty, crimes against vulnerable or homeless victims, sex crimes or repeated abuse of a victim.

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Children to create art after school at Steilacoom Pierce County Library

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:18:23 +0000

Children ages 6 and up will participate in free art events at Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd.

Art After School will meet on the following Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Feb. 1
March 7
April 4
May 2

Young artists will make a craft to take home. Friends of Steilacoom Library sponsor these free events and will provide supplies.

From the (Steilacoom) Mayor's Desk

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:49:47 +0000

The audit of the Town by the State of Washington was recently completed. Steilacoom is only audited every two years because of our lengthy track record of sound financial management. In the 139 page report, the details again verify that the Town of Steilacoom accounts for funds correctly and expends funds per budgets and Council action. Simply put, it is a clean audit. My compliments to Mr. Paul Loveless and staff plus Council for once again attaining the trust needed in financial management.

I am writing this article as the snow falls mid-January. Town staff has placed salt brine on the roads prior to snow, used our truck plows to clear snow, and have now sanded selected streets per our snow plan. We are prepared as the heavy snow looms ahead. Thanks to road crew leader Ken Cox for very good planning.
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Steilacoom’s weekly update, Jan. 23

russell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:29:08 +0000

WINTER STORM EVENT

The last week saw a significant winter storm impact the Northwest in general including Steilacoom. Crews spent the week preparing for and reacting to emerging situations. The highlights include:

Street Restrictions:

As of Friday morning, Steilacoom Boulevard through the tunnel of trees is closed due to low hanging branches and falling debris.
Balch Street between Rainier Street and Lafayette Street is also closed due to icy conditions.

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Snow Pics!

russell — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:20:00 +0000

Several readers sent in photos of what their world looked like covered in snow and ice this week. Enjoy!

We made great use of all that snow we had...this is our 'Eski-Pino' Igloo we built on Jan 18th. We started sometime after 7am and finished by bout 2:30. It was an all day build but as you can see was worth it. We named it Eski-Pino because.. I am an Alaskan Native and my hubby is Filipino so we call our kids ESKI-PINOS. Donna & Alex Ruff

Here's a couple of photos we wanted to share, while dreaming of Florida sunshine. Ruth & Lynn

Clover Park Technical College frozen over. Kevin Rupprecht

Herre is an icy one. Alan Billingsley

Water skiing snowman on Steilacoom Lake dock. Photo by cub reporter Gregory Horn

Denny Heck to Kickoff Campaign in Pierce and Thurston Counties

russell — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:34:29 +0000

Denny Heck will hold two kickoff events in Pierce and Thurston Counties this upcoming weekend. Heck will speak at both events and discuss his background, his views on the current Congress and his plans to help create jobs and grow the economy.

Pierce County Gives Congress Heck will occur at 2 PM on Sunday, January 22^nd at the Lakewood Senior Activity Center located at 9112 Lakewood Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98499. Heck will be introduced by State Representative Tami Green and Lyle Quasim, the President of Bates Technical College. The event will be emceed by retired State Representative Dawn Morrell.

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Denny Heck Named One of the Top Democratic Candidates in the Nation

russell — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:19:30 +0000

Earlier today the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the organization charged with electing Democrats to the United States House of Representatives, named Denny Heck one of the first members of the Red-to-Blue Program.

The DCCC’s Red-to-Blue Program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support. Candidates for the program are chosen based on proven success at meeting and surpassing fundraising, organizing, and infrastructure goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they are problem-solvers who will protect the middle class when elected to Congress.

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Kiwanis of Steilacoom hosts annual benefit

Nancy Covert — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:44:08 +0000

By Nancy Covert

Looking for a way to combat Winter Cabin Fever, have an enjoyable evening this month, and support a community service organization?

Then circle Friday, Jan. 27 on the calendar. That’s the date for Kiwanis of Steilacoom’s annual Winter Winefest Fundraiser. The yearly benefit is set for 6-9 p.m. at Clover Park Technical College’s McGavick Center, Bldg. 23 on the college’s campus at 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW.

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Carrell asks for more detail on questionable DOC purchases

russell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:41:24 +0000

Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood, is asking the state Department of Corrections for a more detailed explanation regarding several purchases made at the end of the previous budget year. Specifically, Carrell wants to know why a number of what he feels were unnecessary purchases were made at a time when state government is short on funds.

“Late last year I sent an e-mail request to all employees at the department asking for their input on how the state can better streamline its correctional operations,” Carrell said. “I received more than 500 responses, and one of the most intriguing had to do with these last-minute purchases made at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center.”

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Sen. Mike Carrell sponsors Deelyn Cheng

russell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:38:39 +0000

Deelyn Cheng worked as a page for Sen. Mike Carrell and other senators last week in Olympia.

Deelyn Cheng, a sophomore at Steilacoom High School, participated last week in the Senate Page Program at the state Capitol during the first week of the 2012 session. Cheng was sponsored by Sen. Mike Carrell (R-Lakewood).

The Senate Page Program is an opportunity for Washington students to get first-hand experience working in the Legislature. Pages get a variety of experiences in their week-long stay in Olympia, including running errands, delivering mail, and paging in the Senate Chamber. Pages are also taught about parliamentary procedure and the legislative process. Cheng was one of 18 students chosen to participate last week.
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Carrell child-abuse reporting bill takes first step toward becoming law

russell — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:16:29 +0000

The Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee heard public testimony today on a bill which would require people in supervisory positions who receive reports of child abuse or neglect to forward them to law enforcement within 48 hours.

Senate Bill 5971, sponsored by 28th District state Sen. Mike Carrell, came about after Carrell learned of alleged sexual abuse of children by a former Penn State University coach.

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Highway signs up, lights next

Ben Sclair — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:05:38 +0000

At this intersection of the Steilacoom-DuPont Highway and East Drive, light poles are up with large street signs. Lights to come.