Dispatch News 11-20-2024 by Pacific Publishing Company

Eatonville swimmers cap season with relay record

The Eatonville High School swim team concluded its season on a high note at the State Swimming and Diving Championships on Nov. 14-15, at the King County Aquatic Center, highlighted by a recordbreaking performance in the 400 freestyle relay finals.

Friday’s competition saw Eatonville’s Kaylee Bernt swimming in the 200 freestyle prelims, where her time of 2 minutes, 23.62 seconds was just shy of advancing her to the finals.

The 200 freestyle relay team achieved a season-best time of 1:54.90, but it wasn’t quite enough to move past the preliminaries.

RELAY RECORD

However, the highlight of the day came from the 400 freestyle relay team, which clocked in at 4:14.78, securing 14th place and a spot in Saturday’s finals.

In the finals on Saturday, Eatonville's 400 freestyle relay team of Nicole Tomyn, Annika Howard, Kaylee Bernt, and Gracie Forsman

County Council opposes new court caseload standards

The Washington State Supreme Court is considering changes to court rules that provide standards for public defense. Under the Washington State and United States Constitutions, those accused in criminal prosecutions have a right to an attorney at public expense for their defense.

The new standards propose: Lowering the maximum caseloads for public defense attorneys.

Currently, public defense attorneys can be assigned 150 felony cases or 300 misdemeanor cases annually. The new standards move away from a “per case” standard and instead set a ceiling on the number of “case credits” that can be assigned. Case credits are based on the type of criminal charge and the case's complexity.

Pierce County is using a model to estimate the staffing needs from these changes, and by 2028, the Pierce County Department of Assigned Council would need an additional 91.5 attorneys.

Setting minimum support staffing requirements for public defense attorneys and offices.

Using the same model, Pierce County estimates the Pierce County Department of Assigned Council will need an additional

92.5 support staff to meet the minimum requirements.

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and its Council on Public Defense (CPD) requested to amend current standards.

The Pierce County Council sent a letter to the Washington State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Oct. 30, formally requesting the high court not adopt these proposed public defense caseload standards, citing significant challenges in implementing the changes within the given timeframe.

According to the Council letter, the new caseload standards can lead to detrimental impacts on the criminal justice system and essential services across Pierce County, noting an immediate need to increase resources. County officials estimate a need for 28 additional full-time positions by 2025, costing between $9.8 and $11.6 million. By 2028, the staff requirement swells to 184 positions, pushing projected costs to between $34.6 and $42.6 million annually.

The Council acknowledged that current standards need revision, but without further research and preparation, adoption of the proposal is infeasible and detrimental. The Council recommends:

By Skip Smith Contributing writer

By The Tacoma Weekly

The council cites significant challenges in implementing the changes within the given timeframe.

ADOBE STOCK

SWIMMING, 4

Eatonville's school-record 400 freestyle relay team stopped for a photo during the WIAA State Swim and Dive Championships.

COURTESY ANDREA STAMMEN

Join us Sunday at Home Spun Ministries

Where church is the way it should be! 10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE

Alcohol Anonymous meetings offered Alcoholics 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

Graham-Kapowsin Community Council's Center at Evergreen on the Graham Hill has Ted Brown's Music on the first and third Thursday of the month at 12:30 p.m. in addition to Taichi at 10 a.m. and Exercise with Fay at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday for free.

Alanon help

Alanon is available to help people struggling with a loved one’s drinking. Call 425-8300314.

Learn about Friends Of Eatonville Library

GRAHAM, WA 98338 www.livingwordlutheranchurch.com (253) 846-1276

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

CATHOLIC CHURCH

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Reverend Dominic Chikankheni

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Reverend Dominic Chikankheni

253-875-6630 ext. 127

253-875-6630 ext.

229 Antonie Ave. N.

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.

229 Antonie Ave. N.

360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

229 Antonie Ave. N.

360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

229 Antonie Ave. N. 360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

360-832-6363 or 253-875-6630

Saturday Mass...........4:00 p.m.

Wednesday.................6:30 p.m.

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.

Saturday Mass...........4:00 p.m. Wednesday.................6:30 p.m.

Also, The Friends of the Eatonville Library Group is currently operating with only two members — in contrast to 10-13 members in the pre-Covid era. The group seeks members and volunteers. Contact Mike Eaton.

Savvy Senior: How to know if you’re getting osteoporosis

Dear Savvy Senior, Can a person in their early fifties have osteoporosis?

When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the doctor that treated me told me I might have osteoporosis.

Surprised Susan

Dear Susan, While osteoporosis is much more common in adults over age 60, it can strike younger people too. In fact, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation half of women and up to 25 percent of men in the U.S. over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Here’s what you should know.

Osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones is also called a “silent” disease because there are no warning signs until a fracture occurs. Around 10 million Americans over age 50 currently have osteoporosis, and an additional 44 million have osteopenia (lower than normal bone density) – 80 percent of whom are women.

Most people, by the time they reach their late 30s, gradually start losing some of their bone mass, but for women, the biggest decline happens in the five to seven years following menopause, when levels of estrogen, which helps to keep bone strong, plummets. Bone loss for men occurs much more gradually. However, by age 75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women.

To help you determine your risk of osteoporosis, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has a quick, online test you can take at RiskCheck.Osteoporosis. Foundation.

BONE CHECKUP

According to the BHOF all women over 65 and men over 70 should have a baseline dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan, which is a painless measurement of the calcium in your bones. But those at high risk should start around age 50. Factors that make a good case for early screening include having a family history of osteoporosis, a broken bone after age 50, vitamin D deficiency, a smoking habit, medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or previous or current use of medications that can weaken bones, like steroid prednisone and certain antidepressants.

Most bone density tests are covered by health insurance companies including Medicare, and are done in hospital radiology departments, private radiology practices and stand-alone clinics.

BONE-BUILDERS

If your bone scan finds

PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF EATONVILLE

that you have osteopenia but have a low to moderate 10year fracture risk, lifestyle measures are usually the best course of action. Three important things you can do to boost your bone health include:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D: Calcium helps keep bones strong, and vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. Women older than 50 and men over 70 need at least 1,200 mg of calcium per day ideally from foods like dairy, canned sardines, kale, and fortified orange juice. Adults over 50 need 870 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D each day, but that’s hard to get from food. Have your levels checked to see if you need a supplement.

• Exercise: Low impact weight-bearing exercises like walking, and strength training with light weights or resistant bands several times a week can actually help build bone strength, as well as improve balance and muscle strength.

On October 28, 2024 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2024-7. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, amending the Eatonville Municipal Code by adding new chapters 10.15 “Vehicle Habitation”, and 12.25 “Unauthorized Occupancy of Rights-of Way and/or Sidewalks”. Ordinance 2024-7 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published November 20, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On October 28, 2024 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2024-6. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, amending title 19 “Design Standards” of the Eatonville Municipal Code. Ordinance 2024-6 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published November 20, 2024

• Don’t smoke: Women who smoke a pack of cigarettes per day as adults have less dense bones at menopause.

OSTEOPOROSIS MEDS

If, however, your bone density test finds that you have osteoporosis your doctor will probably recommend medications. The first line of treatment is usually bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Binosto and Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel and Atelvia), and ibandronate (Boniva).

These oral or injectable drugs slow the breakdown of bone but won’t

build it back. For severe osteoporosis your doctor may instead prescribe an anabolic: teriparatide (Forteo), abaloparatide (Tymlos), or romosozumab (Evenity).

These are typically given as daily or monthly injections, and they increase the amount and strength of bones.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Staff Report

The public is invited to a meeting and open house about cleanup at Eatonville Landfill from 5-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Eatonville Community Center, 305 Center St. W in Eatonville. An open house will take place from 5-6:15 p.m. A presentation will take place from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. An open Q&A will take place following. There is also an upcoming comment period for this site. Ecology will accept comments between through Dec. 18 at 11:59 p.m. at https://tcp. ecology.commentinput. com/?id=TBQ4uAWjF.= The comment period is for public review of the Consent Decree, Draft Cleanup Action Plan, Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study, and State Environmental Policy Act Determination of Non-significance. These documents are available for review online at https://apps.ecology. wa.gov/cleanupsearch/ site/15271 by scrolling down to “Documents” and opening the drop-down menu.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION & SEPA DETERMINATION

NOTICE IS GIVEN in accordance with EMC 18.09A.070, that the town of Eatonville has received an application for a Plat and a SEPA Checklist for a project located at 425 Luscombe DR. N, Eatonville WA (parcel 0416141069) from Rick Adams, dated 08-162024. A determination of completeness was made September 26th, 2024. Copies of the application materials are available at Eatonville Town Hall, 201 Center Street West, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. The proposal requests approval of a land division (plat) creating 7 lots. A SEPA Determination of NonSignificance was issued November 12th, 2024, and Public comments on the application and/or SEPA Determination must be received via mail, P.O. Box 309, Eatonville, WA 98328 or submitted to the Town Clerk, 201 Center St W, within 14 Calendar days, no later than 5:00 p.m., November 26th, 2024. Any questions regarding the proposal may be directed to: Nick Moore, 201 Center Street W, PO Box 309, Eatonville, WA 98328, (360) 832-3361. Any person may comment on the project and/or receive a copy of the final decision. A decision on this application will be made within 120 days.

Nick Moore Town Planner

Published November 20, 2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE EATONVILLE TOWN COUNCIL on Monday, November 25, 2024

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Eatonville Town Council shall hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of soliciting public input on Ordinance 2024-11 an Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, adopting the Budget for the calendar year 2025. Public comment for the Public Hearing will be opened up during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. This meeting will be held in-person at the Eatonville Community Center, 305 Center St W. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7:00pm. You may also join via zoom: Meeting ID 537 233 9187 or by calling in at 253-215-8782. Passcode:98328

Published November 13, 2024 and November 20, 2024

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County Council salutes veterans

By Tacoma Weekly

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Pierce County Council took time to honor the brave people who have served our nation with courage and commitment, recognizing the deep bonds of trust, loyalty, and mutual support that characterize military service. The council issued a Veterans Day proclamation which was presented to VFW Washington State Commander Craig W. Dougherty and other service members.

One enduring example that exemplifies this is the phrase “I’ve got your six” – a saying that originated with American fighter pilots during World War I. In aerial combat, pilots used the positions of an analog clock to indicate direction, with 12 o’clock meaning straight ahead and 6 o’clock directly behind. A pilot’s “six” represented a vulnerable spot where an enemy might try to attack. By pledging to “have their six,” a wingman signaled they would stay vigilant, defending their partner against unseen threats. Today, the phrase is used in the military as a symbol of the loyalty and cooperation found in the military community, and in broad terms, it means, ‘I’ve got your back,” which goes beyond the battlefield and even the uniform. In the Veteran community, it’s used to acknowledge that Veterans look out for each other and continue having the backs of their

communities here at home.

Approximately 34,000 veterans receive disability compensation in Pierce County. According to 2023 Census Data, Pierce County is home to more than 105,000 veterans, or 11.4% of the County’s total population.

Of those, approximately 34,000 receive disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for servicerelated injuries, many of whom served in combat and are Purple Heart recipients.

Pierce County is home to one of the nation’s largest military installations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). It is also the only major Army base west of the Rocky Mountains, allowing for rapid deployment of troops and equipment to the Asia-Pacific region. This is further enhanced by its access to the Port of Tacoma for seabased transport.

Pierce County has a Veterans Advisory Board and a treatment court designed specifically for veterans. The Pierce County Council established the Pierce County Veterans Advisory Board (VAB) in 2016 to advise the County on the needs of local veterans, the resources available to local veterans, and programs that could benefit the needs of local veterans and their families.

You can watch the reading and presentation of the proclamation here: https://fb.watch/ vHWgEdSybD/ (proclamation begins at 14:02)

Economists: Proposed 2% capital gains tax could spur wealth exodus

By Spencer Pauley

Seattle officials worry that implementing a local capital gains tax would coax wealthy residents to change their home addresses.

Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore is proposing a local 2% capital gains excise tax that would be applicable to nonretirement financial gains over $250,000. However, the tax is based on where a taxpayer's permanent residence is located, which means residents with multiple Washington addresses can potentially avoid the tax altogether.

A memorandum from the Seattle Office of Economic and Revenue Forecasts explicitly states that some taxpayers may be motivated to move to other local jurisdictions. In turn, the long-term effect of the tax on economic activity in the city would likely be negative, according to the office. Washington’s own 7% capital gains tax on the sale or exchange of long-term capital assets targets some of the state’s wealthiest residents. The Center Square has previously reported on the loss of tax

revenue from Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos when he moved to Florida.

According to Ben Noble, head of the city council's central staff, a relatively large share of statewide capital gains revenues were paid by a relatively few number of individuals. In 2023, 816 taxpayers in Seattle paid the state capital gains tax. Out of the 816, the top 20% paid 85.7% of the state capital gains tax.

“Those individuals’ decisions could drive literally tens of millions of dollars of revenue in terms of its impact,” Noble said during the Select Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday.

If the tax is approved, Seattle residents subject to the tax would see a 6.5% to 9% increase in tax burden depending on the capital gains amount and the federal tax rate.

If a resident sells $1 million in stocks and the original basis for that stock was $700,000, now they realize a long-term gain of $300,000. A $262,000 standard reduction from that results in a net gain of $48,000. Apply the 2% tax rate

and that results in a $960 tax for the resident.

Retirement accounts, condemnations, livestock in the conduct of a farming and ranching business, timber, commercial fishing privileges, and goodwill from the sale of auto dealerships are exempt.

Real estate sales are also exempt. This means any person who may have bought a house and is selling it in 2026 would not be subject to the capital gains tax.

The Seattle Office of Economic and Revenue Forecasts anticipates the tax to generate a wide range of revenue: from $16 million to $51 million per year with potential moderate growth thereafter.

However, the city would not be able to fully utilize all of the generated revenue.

The Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services projects onetime system implementation costs of $1 million and ongoing costs of $1.2 million.

Out of the $1.2 million, $500,000 would go toward maintaining a taxpayer registration and payment system, and the other $700,000 would support staffing, including three new customer service representatives and two new tax auditors.

Moore said the tax proposal is a result of voters failing to approve Initiative 2109 to repeal the state's capital gains tax, and the tax being tested by the legal process.

“I think the fact that this revenue source has been tested both in terms of going through the legal process in the courts and upheld at the state level and then it was challenged in [Initiative 2109] – indicates to me that this is a solid form of additional revenue and that it has broad public support,” Moore said.

Seattle's capital gains excise tax would be imposed beginning Jan. 1, 2026, if approved by the full city council.

COURT

From page 1

• A Washington-Specific Study to create an informed framework for reform based on state-specific needs.

• Increased state funding for indigent defense to ease the financial burden on counties.

• Workforce expansion initiatives to address the shortage of public defense attorneys in the state.

• A realistic phased implementation plan to introduce changes gradually, with benchmarks to measure progress and the flexibility to adjust timelines as needed.

In Pierce County, public defense attorneys are county employees, with external attorneys stepping in when conflicts arise. Pierce County maintains competitive wages for these attorneys, aligns their pay scale with that of prosecuting attorneys, and ensures benefits comparable to all county employees. Pierce County currently manages caseloads and has been effective at attracting and retaining its public defense attorneys.

The new caseload standards would triple the County’s number of public defense attorneys.

Such an increase will strain the County’s General Fund - which supports a wide range of County services – and may lead to impacts on critical services.

“The Council's position underscores a commitment to enhancing indigent defense but insists that the proposed standards require additional planning, collaboration, and resources to avoid severe repercussions on essential services and overall public safety,” said Council Chair Ryan Mello (District 4).

SWIMMING

From page 1

delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 13th with a school-record time of 4:12.21— cutting two seconds off their previous best. This effort broke a six-year-old record set by Ashley Shelter, Jolee Thirtyacre, Andrea Litzenberger, and Claudia Stiers. Head Coach Andrea Stammen couldn't have been prouder of her team.

“That 400 free relay took off over 20 seconds in two weeks to pull off a new school record in the last race, of the last meet of the season,” Stammen said. “It was stressful, and loud — so loud — and crazy, exactly like a championship sport with everything on the line should be. I am so proud of my whole team, my heart might explode.”

Stammen also highlighted the immense dedication and support that defined this season.

“Everyone put in full effort every day to make themselves better for the team, both in-season and out of season,” she said. “The leadership and support each girl brings to the table is huge and makes our team stronger.”

The support extended beyond the pool deck, with the entire Eatonville swim community rallying behind the athletes. “For State, even though only eight could come down on deck, all 12 members of our team and their families traveled with us and banded together to cheer for our State swimmers,” Stammen added. “The fact that all of our girls and all of their families (not just the families of those swimming) came to both days of State says a lot about the closeness of our team. It shows the unwavering support they give to each other and the complete dedication they have to see each girl reach her goals and celebrate her success.”

Stammen reserved special praise for the four swimmers on the record-setting relay team. “They are phenomenal people as well as athletes,” she said. “With two individual school records by Kaylee and Gracie, they wanted to bring their teammates in on the record board with them.”

VFW Washington State Commander Craig W. Dougherty was among veterans accepting the council’s Veterans Day proclamation.

COURTESY TACOMA WEEKLY

The Center Square