Stories for People
Wilson promoted to Director of Client Services
Posted by | CommentsJames B. (J.B.) Wilson VII has been promoted to Director of Client Services by University Place’s Cornerstone Financial Strategies. A business graduate of University of Puget Sound, Wilson has been with Cornerstone since 2007. Cornerstone offers financial planning and securities through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.
Tarriers looking for first 3A title
Posted by | CommentsCharles Wright Academy’s Knowledge Bowl teams turned in dominating performances at the recent Tacoma Invitational and Puget Sound Regional Competition and the Tarriers have earned the chance to compete for the school’s third consecutive state championship in Richland on Saturday, March 27. CWA not only won the regional competition decisively and qualified for state as the #1 seed, but did so competing for the first time two divisions above schools its own size. In the final rounds of these two competitions, CWA defeated Stadium High School, Bellarmine Prep and Federal Way Public Academy.
“CWA’s consistently excellent performance is testimony not only to the school’s outstanding academics, but especially to the talent and work ethic of its students,” said Coach John Lemma. “Charles Wright is always the school to beat.”
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Forecast for March 5-7
Posted by | CommentsWell everyone the sun is here for a couple more days! Friday we are looking at similar conditions of what it was like today, partly sunny with a high of 56 and a low of 36. Saturday we will be seeing almost completely clear skies with a high of 59 and a low of 38. So a good day before the rain returns on Sunday, so enjoy everyone!
Tony Propp is a senior at Lakes High School. He is planning to attend The University of Oklahoma after graduation and is currently a National Weather Service (Skywarn) Storm spotter. He is also a member of the Lakes High School Swim Team. He has a storm chasing team called Mesochase which chases here in the Northwest as well as the Plains of northern Texas, through Oklahoma into Kansas.
John Babcock, 109
Posted by | CommentsStory and Photos by Phil Raschke
It was with sad heart that the Mount Rainier Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) learned their friend World War I veteran John “Jack” Babcock passed away February 18 at his home in Spokane, WA. Jack developed a case of came pneumonia a few days earlier and was not able to recover. However, the morning he passed away he awoke in good spirits and enjoyed his favorite breakfast…oatmeal and a glass of buttermilk.
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Steilacoom’s Lynch named Student of the Month
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Shannon Lynch, a Steilacoom High School senior, was recently recognized as the Rotary Club of Lakewood’s Student of the Month. Rotarian Bob Peterson, a retired Clover Park teacher and principal, made the presentation at the regular Friday noon meeting.
Nominated by Steilacoom High School Principal Jan McKrimmons, Lynch sports a 3.88 GPA. She serves as president of the Senior Class, captain of the cheer squad and serves as Pacific Region summer school liaison for Junior Statesmen of America. She’s not firmly decided on where to attend college but is strongly considering Georgetown University.
The Rotary Club of Lakewood recognizes a student each month from Clover Park and Steilacoom School Districts. A teacher from each district is also recognized each month by the club which has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Greg Horn is currently serving as president of the 125-member organization.
Long lines, lots of ambition
Posted by | CommentsLakewood, WA – At 4:30 a.m. Monday, Carolyn Nartnik and Jennifer Jessie were at Clover Park Technical College hoping to get into their programs. They were not alone and they were not the first in line.

Carolyn Nartnik (left) and Jennifer Jessie arrived at 4:30 a.m. to register. Open registration began Monday, March 1 starting at 7:00 a.m.
Although they knew the wait would be more than three hours, both say they wanted to arrive early to get in and get the classes they need for their chosen programs. “I’m coming to Clover Park to enroll in the Health Unit Coordinator Program,” said Carolyn Nartnik (left). “I want to get into my program, so I got here really early.”
Both are military spouses and want to get an education before they move again. “I chose to come here because of the Human Services program and the location of the college,” said Jennifer Jessie, “We’re stationed here for almost two years,” Jessie said.
“The demand from individuals who are seeking an opportunity to retrain for their future is unparalleled,” said Lori Banaszak, Vice President for Instruction. “Clover Park is doing everything it can to meet this need and yet it is not enough,” said Banaszak.

Maryann Dick is coming to Clover Park from WSU. She wants to be closer to home and have smaller class sizes.
Last in line is Maryann Dick, who showed up about 7:00 a.m. She expects to wait for hours before signing up for the Culinary Arts program.
“My sister is a student here in the Medical Assistant program and I decided I needed to be closer to home,” said Dick, who recently left Washington State University. “I like smaller class sizes that are more focused,” said Dick.
“Every college in the state is facing this situation and it is critical that a solution be found to fund additional training slots and financial assistance for those who are trying to improve their lives. The road to recovery is found through a highly skilled workforce and with appropriate funding the two-year colleges will provide the pathway to a brighter future,” Banaszak said.
Little Church welcomes Rev. James Kim
Posted by | CommentsSubmitted by Ken Upton, Elder
The Little Church on the Prairie recently welcomed Rev. James Kim as new pastor and Head of Staff. Since former pastor, Dr. Charles H. Carlson, who served the church for seventeen years, accepted a pastoral position in Champagne, Illinois, Little Church has been led by interim ministers Dr. Mark S. White and Pastor Cheryl McClanahan for the past four years.
Pastor James, a Seattle native, graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from Pepperdine University and a M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary. He most recently served at Trinity Presbyterian Church in The Colony, a suburb of Dallas, Texas. An active participant with the Presbyterian Church USA, he also serves on national-level committees and is President-Elect of Presbyterians for Renewal. Read More→
Hudtloff students honor MLK
Posted by | CommentsThe City of Lakewood Arts Commission worked closely with the City’s Youth Council in the presentation of the Martin Luther King Day celebration event in January. A new element in this year’s event was a Literary Arts Competition focusing on the subject, “Martin Luther King, Jr., The Man.” Hudtloff Middle School students submitted thoughtful, insightful essays for review by Commission members, and four students received top honors. Clara Cole received first prize for her essay entitled “His Dream Is Now My Reality.” Wayne Smuskiewicz was awarded second prize and Stephan Davis and James McKay tied for third prize. Twenty-one other students received certificates of participation. The Lakewood Arts Commission hopes to make the literary competition an annual part of the MLK Day Celebration and looks forward to even more student participation.
Steilacoom Dance heading back to Hawaii
Posted by | CommentsFor the 25th consecutive year, Mary Petersen and Steve Behr of the Steilacoom Dance Company, will be featured on their outreach presentations to the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Kauai and Oahu. Planned for mid-April, this year’s theme, Diversity of the Dance, includes tap dancing, flamenco, cha/cha, Sswing, Tango and even a beautiful Hawaiian dance number. An array of original costumes complement each presentation. The team is looking forward once again to sharing and receiving the aloha spirit of respect and having fun.
The Steilacoom Dance Company has continued to provide distinctive and original programs throughout the Puget Sound. For additional information, please call 253-588-5767 or 686-9797 or email: letsdancenow123@comcast.net or wellnessworksnw@comcast.net.
Shackelford, Christensen named educators of the month
Posted by | CommentsA teacher from the Clover Park School District and one from the Steilacoom Historical School District were recognized recently as Educator of the Month by the Lakewood Rotary Club.
Rotarian and former Clover Park principal Bob Peterson recognized Cozette Shackelford as the Clover Park School District’s Educator of the month and Leann Christensen for the same honor from the Steilacoom Historical School District.
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Elizabeth Poinsett: 99 and counting
Posted by | CommentsBy Becky Huber, President
Lakewood Historical Society
The halls of Thornewood Castle rang with laughter, lively conversation and music on Wednesday night as a host of family and friends celebrated Elizabeth Poinsett’s 99th birthday. I’m sure this was a momentous event for the Lakewood landmark that has hosted countless celebrations in its one hundred year history. Current owners, Wayne and Deanna Robinson, have lovingly restored and decorated the estate to its original condition, operating it as a bed and breakfast and hosting special occasions such as this one.
Generous measures of hugs and kisses were freely dispensed to “Betty” as she greeted her numerous well wishers. She “held court” attired in a royal purple pantsuit and wearing an exotic orchid corsage and a pink flashing “Birthday Girl” tiara. After everyone was assembled a digital photo slide show was presented highlighting her life ending with the singing of “Happy Birthday”. Cake and punch were served by Snuffin’s Catering. Entertainment followed with a lively rendition of the hula to the music of “Pearly Shells” with Elizabeth at the center of the group, reminiscent of her trips to Hawaii. Read More→
Family of Sgt. Adam J. Ray releases statement
Posted by | CommentsJoint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. – Jim and Donna Ray, parents of Sgt. Adam J. Ray, release the following statement for news media use:
“On Tuesday February 9, 2010 we received news that our Son, Sgt Adam James Ray had been killed while serving in Afghanistan. Information on exactly what happened is not known to us at this time. The Army is doing an investigation. We have been told that Adam was clearing a culvert so that his Unit could pass safely when they were hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)… Adam later died from his injuries. We find some comfort in knowing that one of Adams very best friends, Sgt. David Jones, was with him until the very end and tells us that Adam continued to crack jokes and laugh with them.
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