Eatonville Middle School has new direction for athletics
A new league and new programs highlight upcoming changes
By Skip Smith WriterEatonville Middle School is undergoing exciting changes as it prepares to join a new league and expand its athletic offerings.
The decision to make these significant alterations was driven by two primary factors: increasing concerns within the current league and a desire to strengthen the dedication to middle school athletics within the school district. With this strategic move, EMS aims to provide enhanced opportunities for student-athletes and join a middle school athletic league that provides much for the community’s competitive spirit.
The transformation was set in motion when two schools, Keithley Middle School and Ford Middle School, announced their departure from the Seamount League. This departure would have resulted in a substantially smaller league, making it less competitive and engaging for EMS. Furthermore, three additional schools — Yelm, Ridgeline, and Pioneer — also sought alternative possibilities.
Although EMS explored the option of joining forces with these schools, it ultimately proved unfeasible due to numerous challenges.
The decision to pursue a change allowed EMS to break away from the Seamount League and avoid potentially being one of only four remaining teams. Unfortunately, the other three schools that initially sought new leagues were unable to secure a change, as well, and will remain in the Seamount League.
I-5 TO RURAL
By joining the Plateau Middle School League, EMS is now shifting its geographic focus away from “I-5 schools” to rural schools like Sumner, Bonney Lake, Enumclaw, and Orting.
IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
Washingtonians overwhelmingly support lower gas taxes, survey says
By Glenn Minnis The Center SquareNearly three out of four residents favor lowering the state’s 49.4 cents per gallon gas tax, according to a new Washington State Spring 2023 Priorities Survey.
The survey of 600 registered voters was conducted from June 5 through June 7 in conjunction with Echelon Insights, an Alexandria, Va.-based research institute. It found that 71% of respondents felt the gas tax is too high and that state officials should be working to lower the overall cost of living in Washington.
That contrasts with 16% of voters who indicated they thought the gas tax should be higher as a way of generating revenue for the state and fighting climate change.
The Plateau Middle School League currently comprises the following schools:
• Columbia/Surprise Lake Middle School: 875 students (Fife School District; junior high and middle school split)
• Orting: 660 (Orting)
• Glacier: 970 (White River)
• Lakeridge: 723 (SumnerBonney Lake)
• Mountain View: 865 (SumnerBonney Lake)
• Sumner: 704 (Sumner-Bonney Lake)
• Thunder Mountain: 493 (Enumclaw)
• Enumclaw: 489 (Enumclaw)
• Keithley: 824 (Franklin Pierce; current SMSL)
• Ford: 966 (Franklin Pierce; current SMSL)
• Eatonville: 425 (Eatonville; current SMSL)
The league change also prompted EMS to introduce boys soccer and baseball to its athletic program. The new league plays some of their sports in different seasons, as well. Football and cross country will now be in the spring, while baseball and track will be played in the fall. That decision by Plateau League
teams was fueled by the increasing scarcity of officials in some sports, which has posed a significant challenge for schools across Washington. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have reported that the ratio of officials to athletes in Washington is at its lowest point on record. This shortage significantly affects various sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling.
SHORTAGE OF OFFICIALS
EMS encountered the impact of the officials’ shortage firsthand when the end-of-season wrestling tournament, hosted by Eatonville, had to be canceled with only two days’ notice due to a lack of qualified referees. The middle school was able to salvage a tournament, although very much reduced in attendance by Seamount League schools.
Although the addition of boys’ soccer and baseball at EMS does not directly address the issues faced in wrestling, their season
The survey also asked about the perception of gas prices in Washington compared to other states, with 79% of respondents saying they believed they pay more for gas. Only 14% believed the prices were about the same.
At the time of the survey, Washington had the third-highest gas prices in the nation, which was mentioned in a poll question.
Since then, gas prices in the Evergreen State have become the highest in the nation, with some experts linking that to Washington’s new carbon-pricing program launched this year that charges businesses for the greenhouse gases they emit. The first two quarterly auctions have brought in more than $850 million.
Respondents were asked if they believed the carbon tax resulted in higher gas prices, with 60% answering affirmatively, 21% saying they were unsure and 19% believing it didn’t increase prices.
Beyond energy, the survey asked a variety of issues, including homelessness, crime and policing.
Researchers found that more than half of those polled – 53% – thought the state is now on the wrong track. More than one in three people – 37% – said that if given the opportunity they would move out of Washington.
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
Christ Episcopal Church 210 5th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98371 253-848-2323 www.episcopallup.com Sunday
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE EATONVILLE TOWN COUNCIL on Monday, July 10, 2023
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Eatonville Town Council shall hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of soliciting public input on the Draft Capital Improvement Plan. This meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting. Public comments 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, July 10, 2023 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: July 5, 2023
statute. The sale will be made without warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on 8/4/2023. The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by 7/24/2023, (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time before 7/24/2023 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Paragraph III, together with any subsequent payments, late charges, advances, costs and fees thereafter due, is/are cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers or certifi ed checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the 7/24/2023 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower, or Grantor or any Guarantors or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust and curing all other defaults. VI. A written Notice of Default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Borrower(s) and Grantor(s) at the following address(es): Name Address
Bret L. Hermes 6209 Knoble Rd E Spanaway Washington 98387 Bret L. Hermes 9714 192nd St E Snohomish, WA 98296
Bret L. Hermes PO Box 4001 Spanaway, WA 98387 Harold J. Smith 6209 Knoble Rd E Spanaway Washington 98387 Harold J. Smith PO Box 4001 Spanaway, WA 98387
Unknown Spouse and/or Domestic Partner of Bret L Hermes 6209 Knoble Rd E Spanaway Washington 98387 by both fi rst class and certifi ed mail on 2/15/2023, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and on 2/15/2023 the Borrower and Grantor were personally served, if applicable, with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Granter of all their interest in the above described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale. X. Notice To Occupants Or Tenants - The purchaser at the trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the grantor under the Deed of Trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the Deed of Trust, including
occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. If you are a servicemember or a dependent of a servicemember, you may be entitled to certain protections under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and any comparable state laws regarding the risk of foreclosure. If you believe you may be entitled to these protections, please contact our offi ce immediately. Additional disclaimers provided by the Trustee: If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the noteholders rights against the real property only. Service of Process should be sent to: Michelle Ghidotti, Esq., c/o Gary Krohn, Reg. Agent, 144 Railroad Avenue, Suite 236, Edmonds, WA 98020-4100 and faxed to (949) 427-2732. If there are any questions regarding this Notice, please contact (206) 331-3280. Sale Information Can Be Obtained Online At www.auction.com For Automated Sales Information Please Call: (800) 7936107 This Is An Attempt To Collect A Debt And Any Information Obtained Will Be Used For That Purpose Dated: 3-30-2023 Michelle Ghidotti, Esq. 144 Railroad Avenue, Suite 236 Edmonds, WA 98020-4100 Phone: (206) 331-3280 Fax: (949) 427-2732 /s/ Michelle R. Ghidotti, Esq., as Trustee A notary public or other office completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document, to which this certifi cate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document. State of California ) )ss County of Orange ) On 3/30/2023 before me, Merna Wessa, Notary Public personally appeared, Michelle R. Ghidotti-Gonsalves,
alignment is a product with the widespread challenges in securing o cials for various sports.
Under the revamped athletic program, football will be moved to the spring season, while track will shi to the fall. Baseball, a new addition to Eatonville Middle School, will be played in the fall, and boys soccer, also new to EMS, will be part of the Winter 1 season, spanning from November through January.
ese season swaps have been implemented by numerous leagues to address concerns surrounding o cials and eld/facility availability.
EMS was already scheduled to make a similar season switch as part of the Seamount League before its league change.
Jay Cash, the athletic director at Eatonville Middle School, expressed enthusiasm about the changes and the addition of baseball and boys soccer. He highlighted the positive impact that middle school athletics can have on students’ lives, particularly during challenging pre-teen years. According to Cash, participating in sports o ers various bene ts,
Bridgit Lee (Knox) Reichel
August 10, 1968 ‒ June 18, 2023
Bridgit Lee (Knox) Reichel was born on August 10,1968 in Everett, Washington and passed away on June 18, 2023. She is survived by her husband of 31 years Dave Reichel, her son John Reichel and his wife Hannah Wikan Reichel, her daughter Megan Reichel and her husband Dylan Hindley, her father John Taylor and her sister Catherine Taylor of Las Vegas, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Growing up in Seattle, it was here she met the educator that spurred her to consider an education career. She pursued this vocation with a passion, graduating from Stadium High School in Tacoma and from Washington State University with her degree in Education and endorsements in math, science, and elementary education.
With faith in the Lord firmly in her heart, she first taught at East Olympia Elementary and then in South Korea for the DOD school system. After taking a break to raise John and Megan, she started at Purdy Elementary in Gig Harbor where she stayed for many years, including several as an Assistant Principal, and as the Assistant Director of Curriculum. After earning her principal’s endorsement, she became the Principal of Vinland Elementary School in Poulsbo. After moving to Texas to be closer to her kids and serving as an elementary principal in Hutto, Texas, she followed Dave to Yellowstone National Park where she lived the last year of her life hiking and exploring the Park, while working remotely for Teton Science School, At the time of her passing, Dave and Bridgit were a week away from moving back to Washington where she had accepted another Principal position.
Known as a tremendous educator with a passion for children and the staff under her, the positive encouragement she was known for was personified by her smile and caring heart. She will be forever missed by her family as her love and encouragement she gave them was ever present. She had a love for the outdoors, wildlife, hiking, and crafting, particularly cross-stitching. She had an adventuresome personality and her and Dave pursued these adventures across the US and the world.
Her Celebration of Life is at Christ The Rock Church in Port Orchard on July 22 at 1 pm. Her family invites all who knew her to come and remember this tremendous woman.
including regular exercise, learning to work with others, and improved academic performance through academic standards required for participation.
Research supports the link between physical activity and academic achievement. A study conducted by the University of Kansas revealed that studentathletes had higher GPAs and a 10% higher high school graduation rates compared to non-athletes. Although the exact mechanisms behind this correlation are not entirely clear, increased blood ow to the brain and the presence of coaches who foster a sense of accountability and care for students might play roles.
ADDING SPORTS
In a survey conducted during the 2021-22 school year, 89 students at Eatonville Middle School expressed interest in playing baseball. e students independently created a self-directed petition, demonstrating their passion and commitment to participating in baseball and soccer at EMS, guided by EMS coaches and mentored by Eatonville High School coaches. e District Coaches
union has been pivotal in supporting the students’ aspirations and advocating for the necessary support and resources.
Addressing questions concerning Title IX compliance, Eatonville Middle School currently o ers two boys-only and four girls-only sports. However, with the introduction of co-ed o erings, the number of sports available to girls exceeds those available to boys. is ensures that the middle school remains well within the guidelines established by Washington state and federal requirements and guidelines.
As Eatonville Middle School embraces these changes and enters a new league, it is poised to provide an enriched athletic experience for its students. By expanding its sports program and o ering opportunities in baseball and boys soccer, EMS aims to empower its student-athletes both on and o the eld. rough the support of dedicated coaches, the cooperation of the District Coaches union and the commitment of o cials, Eatonville Middle School is excited to embark on this new chapter in its athletic journey.
October 1, 1942 ‒ January 7, 2023
James Robert Brown (Grandpa, Papa Jim) passed on 01/07/2023 at the age of 80.
Born in Tacoma 10/01/1942 he lived the last 32 years in Eatonville. He liked to hunt, fish, spoil grandkids and feed all the critters that wandered his property.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Brenda Brown. Son’s; Crit (Mindy) & Bobby (Audra), Grandchildren; Kenzie (Jake), Kylee, Bobby JR, Rylinn, Bailey and great granddaughter Penelope. Also, his brother Bob Brown and sister Pamela Block.
Preceded in death by his parents James & Elizabeth, stepmom Dorothy and Best Buddy Ever, Bingo the Basset Hound.
Remembrances may be made to the National Rifle Association or St Judes.
A memorial kegger will be held in his honor on 7/15/2023.
If you would like to attend, please call Bobby 253-312-7188 or Crit 253-223-4810
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
