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Brief Update: Animal Control
First Meeting with "New" Council
Turn-out Remarkable


                                                                                                                                                                    (photo by Bob Walter)

    This sign greeted people as they entered the council meeting January 11. Ribbons were designed and made by Bob Walter, who also made the sign. A good number of citizens were more than happy to take a ribbon and wear it at the meeting. There was a lot of "color" in the audience of over 50 concerned area residents who attended the first meeting of the year.

Hot Issue Tabled Until January 25...

   by Dixie A. Walter
      My View
     January 12, 2010

     Over 50 concerned citizens attended the January 11 meeting of the Eatonville Town Council in a show of solidarity to keep animal control local. This the largest audience seen at a council meeting in recent memory, which underlines the fact people in the area do not consider this a subject to be taken lightly, or rushed into by a determined administration. Resolution 2010-B dealing with animal control (AC) was tabled until the next meeting, Monday, January 25, at the Community Center. One reason given was so the Pierce County contract could be gone over and tweaked. Meaning the issue is not resolved yet.
    Many individuals in the audience spoke, on the record, in favor of keeping this vital program in town. It's a successful department which works very well and  is desperately needed in our community. Many times the room burst into applause to support speakers. This is something else that only rarely happens.
    Even more rare is the audience applauding council members. Yet applaud they did. Jim Valentine and Bob Schaub earned support for their comments, and feelings, about keeping animal control. The men were adamant about the issue.
    Brenden Pierce later took the mic and said he had been rather neutral about the situation; however, upon listening to all the comments, and seeing so many people who felt so strongly about animal control, Pierce told us he was inclined not to go with a Pierce County Animal Control (PCAC) contract, and keep the department in the community. Pierce added that one of the things he likes about Eatonville is that "it's not Pierce County." Pierce also got a round of applause for his statements.
    It was pointed out by several citizens that money couldn't be the issue as a large number of area folks have volunteered to help fix the kennel. The Dispatch has committed to raising $20,000 to repair the kennels and maintain the animal control van. The kennels aren't in the dire condition described during the last meeting of 2009 on December 14. You can see for yourself at Eatonville Kennel.  A question asked but not answered, "Why has nothing been done in the past to repair the kennels?"
    A group of staff from Pack Forest with the University of Washington's Conservation Canines also attended the meeting, the first time any of them had experienced our small town's government in action. These kind people offered to help work on the town kennels.
    Some of us heard about this generous offer after the meeting. These men and women have expertise with kennels. Bob Schaub, Mike Jeffries and Judith East all thanked them for offering to help out. These young men and women are highly qualified in kennel construction and maintenance. Their knowledge and offer to help is deeply appreciated. 

Only One Person Spoke Pro-County, Sort Of

                                                                                                  Read More

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Teaching Strategies...

      January 10, 2010

    Presented by Washington Education Association Thursday, January 14th, 4 - 8 p.m. at the Eatonville High School Library. This training opportunity is free and provided by  Eatonville School District and Special Education Advisory Group. Clock Hours will be provided for Educators. 

    This training is recommended for Educators, Parents & Caregivers. Child care is available at no cost. Registration required. To register please contact Cristin Blaskowitz, ESD Special Services Director at 360.879.1800 or email Cristin_Blaskowitz@eatonville.wednet.edu  
    A SEAG meeting will follow the training at 8 - 8:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.  For more info contact  Tina Schmidt, SEAG Chair at 360.832.4400.
 

Chamber News:

Chamber Events Meeting

          The Eatonville Chamber event committee is holding its regular meeting on Thursday Jan. 14th at 7:30 a.m. at the Holly  
         Hut.  Anyone who is interested in the events we are planning is welcome and encouraged to attend.

         On the agenda are as follows:
  • Event brochure.  A draft copy will be available to view.  We will discuss changes to be made, get a finalized list of events, and look at ways to offset printing costs.  So far, we have over twenty local events, some old, some new, scheduled in 2010 .  Our goal is to have this available and distributed within the next two months.
  • Upcoming events this spring.  We are looking for volunteers to help out.
  • Dinner Auction.  This event is scheduled for May 1, 2010.  This is going to be the major Chamber fund raiser for the year.  We have a lot of work to do before then, and our goal is to raise 18-20 thousand dollars.   We need your help!  Volunteers are needed to help with everything from obtaining auction items, to clean-up after it's over.

     

Board Elections at January Luncheon, January 21...

      January 13, 2010

 
     The Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce will elect officers for 2010 and those interested in being on the board of directors may nominate themselves and other members can nominate those running for the board.
     Also on the agenda for the Thursday, January 21 luncheon will be a short presentation by Census organizer for the area, Renee Vasquez. The Census has far reaching implications for our area. Linda Arment will share a discussion on a dental care program for children in the Eatonville School District whose families are challenged by dental costs.
    The $8 luncheon, provided by Mountain View Cafe, starts at 11:30 a.m. at Mill Village Motel. All those attending will share introductions; networking, before, during and after the luncheon is a Chamber standard. With this notice, the Chamber introduces our new email. The previous email was having some problems. The new email, eatonville.wa.chamber@gmail.com, is one way to respond to this notice with your reservation. The other is by leaving a message at the Chamber message phone at 360.832.4000. Reservations are an important way to keep Chamber costs down.
     This meeting will also be a great time to start or renew your membership in the Greater Eatonville Chamber of Commerce. Applications will be available. A forged plant hanger from TLC Forge will be raffled off at the end of the meeting.

 

Preliminary Council Agenda    Monday, January 11, 2010 - 7 p.m.
 Animal Control on Chopping Block
 $617,871.80 Owed - New Attorney Firm to be Hired
See Entire Agenda at Council Agenda 2010

      January 10, 2010

     Preliminary agendas are subject to last minute changes. Council meetings are held in the Community Center, 305 Center Street West. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m. Council members are: Bobbi Allison; Gordon Bowman; Brenden Pierce; Bob Schaub and Jim Valentine. Mike Schaub is town treasurer, an elected position.

    Consent Agenda: Approve minutes from December 14, 2009 meeting.
                                                 Payroll - 22165 through 22209  -  $ 99,516.73
                                                 Claims - 22113 through 22164  -  $ 87,153.10
                                                 Claims - 27879 through27896  -   $223,376.10
                                                 Claims - 27898 through 27980 -   $194,463.05
                                                 Claim   - 27835                             -   $  13,365.82 
                                                                                                              $617,871.80
 

"Card Train of Hope and Love" for Heacock Family...


                                                                                                        (courtesy photo)

       College student Richelle Heacock was severely injured in a car accident January 4. She is at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. She is paralyzed from the waist down and is beginning arduous and long-term therapy. According to the Caring Bridge Web site sponsored by Harborview there have been 10,425 family and friends who have visited Richelle's pages. There is a guestbook on the site, a journal detailing her injuries, treatment and progress and photographs which include photos of the smashed car. The link to her site can be found below.

"Heal by Helping...

       from Marlayne Elliff
      January 10, 2009

     The Heacock's live in Ashford, and are graduates from Eatonville High School. I just read the last journal from her parents. I can remember how much a card means and uplifts parents and patient in this trying time. It would be great to cover Richelle's wall with the many blessings of good cheer, hope and smiles from all the people whom the Heacock family knows, and those the family doesn't know.
    I can also remember how a card with a surprise in it helped with the burden of expense...coffee cards, meals cards, gas money...this is a time that the family needs to be uplifted and carried... as I remember just one less thing to worry about.
   The stress is over whelming and the worry too much to express. This is a way the community can heal by helping.
   Call this The Card Train of Hope and Love...to wrap the Heacock family in many blessings. Also the Caring Bridge has a great web site and a way to help the family CaringBridge / richelleheacock / My Story.
    Hope this helps. My card goes in the mail tomorrow morning with something special enclosed for the family..

    Miss Richelle Heacock(Patient)
    c/o Harborview Medical Center
    325 Ninth Avenue
    Seattle,WA 98104

   (Publisher's Note: For more about how to help the Heacock family please see Heacock Family)

 Obituary:

Laura Anne Carlson
December 28, 1963 - January 1, 2010

Laura with her beloved dog Penny

          Laura A. Carlson 12/28/63 - 1/3/10 Laura was taken from us much too soon. Her heart and her enthusiasm for life will be missed. Laura was born at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico while her father was stationed there. She moved to Washington in 1966 and lived in the Tacoma area the rest of her life. She graduated in 1982 from Curtis High School. She was well known for her abilities in sewing, knitting, and other crafts. Laura was very active in Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. She was predeceased by her mother, Donna White. She is survived by, her husband of 20 years, Michael. daughter Jennifer, father Gordon White, sisters Paulette (Steve) Van Cleve and Linda (Bryan) Workman all of Eatonville, brother Gordon Jr. of Richland, nephews Kyle Gourley, David and Jon Van Cleve, and nieces Allie and Kym Workman. A memorial to celebrate her life will be held Sunday, January 17, at 2 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church.

Tom Campbell is a Sponsor of Humane Care for Outside Dogs

      January 10, 2010

     January is "Unchain a Dog" month. Representative Tom Campbell (R) says, "I have a bill, HB 2387,  that would help stop this cruel treatment of dogs in Washington State:
      It is an awful practice leaving dogs out in cold, heat and wet conditions.  It is particularly interesting that chained dogs are more likely to bite kids and cause injuries." The bill is also sponsored by Maralyn Chase (D), and Shery Appleton (D).

    Read the bill  HB 2387-Humane Treatment

 

Richelle Heacock Injured, Family Needs Eatonville's Big Heart...


                                                                                                                       (courtesy photo)

      College student Richelle was severely injured during a one car accident on her way to a benefit in Eatonville for the family of fallen Sheriff's Deputy Kent Mundell. Prognosis currently is that she will remain paralyzed from the waist down. Her parents are Deputy John Heacock and Peggy.

      Richelle Heacock is having a rough go of it presently and she will have a rough go for a long time. A group has formed to assist the Heacock family. Their big project is gather volunteers to remodel the Heacock family home to accommodate a wheelchair and other changes which will now be needed in her parents home.
      You can keep up-to-date, sign the guestbook and learn how grateful the family is for all the prays and support at this Web site CaringBridge / richelleheacock / Welcome. The site is sponsored by Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle where Richelle remains hospitalized.
      A necessarily hasty planned meeting was held Friday evening in Eatonville. If you couldn't attend to offer your services and want to help, in any way, please contact  heacockfund@gmail.com. For more information about the family and what is needed please see Heacock Family

  Superintendent Search
  Update...

      by Bob Walter
      January 6, 2010

  Tuesday evening, January 5th, the Eatonville School Board met with consultant Dr. Al Cohen of  McPherson and Jacobsen Executive Recruitment and Development, as part of the selection process for a new superintendent to replace Ray Arment, who is retiring. All members of the school board were in attendance. Two people were in the audience. one was High School Principal Garth Steedman, the other this reporter.
     Dr. Cohen reviewed the upcoming timeline in the selection process, including a meeting in executive session the week of February 15. Finalist interviews will be held on February 25, and the board intends to offer the position to the top candidate the week of March 15.The board won't decide whether to conduct in-person semi-finalist interviews, or move directly to finalist interviews, until after reviewing the number, qualifications and references of the applicants. Dr. Cohen described the final selection as a two-step process: offering the position followed by negotiating a contract.
   The Tuesday meeting lasted only 15 minutes before adjourning for an executive session, where the board and Dr. Cohen were to discuss the interview criteria, establishing expenses for the interview process such as travel and lodging, and contract parameters.
 

Jebinos Benefit Raises $13,000
for Mundell Family...

     January 5, 2009: It's reported that over 700 people attended Jebinos benefit for the family of Deputy Kent Mundell. Deputy Mundell mortally wounded December 21, 2009 during a shoot-out at close quarters in a home on Tanwax Lake. He was shot by a drunken, repeat offender and died December 28 after life support was removed.
     Deputy Mundell was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and put on life support. According to two friends of the Mundell family the deputy had " no brain activity" when admitted to the hospital's trauma center. He was shot multiple times but managed to fatally hit the shooter, David Crable, before collapsing from his lethal wounds. Deputy Mundell was with the Mountain Detachment of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.  
    The Mountain Detachment's office is about three miles from Eatonville near Barney's Mini-Mart. He was well-known and well-loved by those who knew him. The Memorial Services for the fallen deputy sheriff will take place most of today. The Eatonville Police and Fire Departments are represented and Mayor Ray Harper planned to attend.
    During the December 21 gunfight Sheriff's Deputy Sergeant Nick Huasner was seriously wounded in the neck. Sergeant Huasner's injury was not life-threatening. However, the bullet barely missed killing or paralyzing for life. He's a long time resident of Eatonville and is also with the Mountain Detachment. It's a small detachment and the deputies are a close-knit group.
    Hausner was airlifted to Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis and released Christmas Eve. Before returning home to Eatonville the sergeant visited his friend in Seattle. Hausner attended the benefit January 4, he is till wearing a bandage covering his wound. Hausner is also scheduled to be an Honorary Pallbearer during today's memorial service.
    The shooter's 16-year-old daughter is being credited with saving Hausner's life, and likely the lives of the other three people in the home. When he was shot the man and woman who lived in the house pulled him to safety in different room. The shooter's daughter reportedly jumped her dad, while bullets were flying, and tried to struggle the gun away from him.
    Although the death of Deputy Mundell is a appalling tragedy, an even worst case scenario would have been the shooter living long enough to kill Sergeant Hausner and the others who were trying to help the deputies. The others included his brother, the brother's girlfriend along with his teenaged daughter.
    Deputy Mundell was 44 and would have celebrated 10 years with the sheriff's department this month. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lisa, daughter Kristin and son Austin. See his obituary below.
   The benefit for Mundell's family saw long lines and Channel 13 coverage. A number of people gave a donation and left because they couldn't get into the restaurant for the dinner and entertainment.
  
  
   To find out about other benefits and donations for the Mundell family please see Donations for Deputy Mundell Memorial
 

   

 Second Tia Chi Class to Start Tuesday, January 12
Taught by Tai Chi Master Edwin Ravina - Tai Chi  is for all ages and teaches how to "improve health, balance and well-being"
For more information please see Tai Chi 2

A New Year, A New Era - the Winds of Change Blow in Town
Voters Optimistic Town will Take New Direction...


                                                                                                                                                                   (photo by Bob Walter)

     December 31, 2009: Ray Harper's new administration ushers in a new epoch in Eatonville. The moment of the change of leadership is shown as Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist gives the oath of office to Harper December 30 in the town hall court room. Harper was elected  mayor in November winning the election over his opponent, Councilmember Brenden Pierce, with 452 votes over Pierce's 277 votes. Harper replaces former Mayor Tom Smallwood who served one four-year term.
    Harper was on the town council previously from 2002-2005 and acted as mayor pro-tem for three months. He was also a member of the planning commission in 2007. While on the council Harper was chair of the Skateboard Committee. He Has lived in Eatonville with his wife, Patti, and two sons since 1992. Prior to moving into town the Harpers lived in the area for a number of years just outside the town limits. Harper has been employed at Boeing for 26 years and is a veteran, having served from 1975 to 1978 in the Army 101st Airborne Division.
    Mark Lindquist was sworn in as Pierce County Prosecutor September 1, 2009 after the Pierce County Council voted unanimously to appoint him to fill out the term of retired prosecutor Gerald Horne who was in the position for nine years. Lindquist was Chief Criminal Deputy and has worked with the office for 14 years. He has tried an extensive variety of cases from child abuse, murder, rape, domestic violence and the Tacoma Mall Shooter. In his earlier days he tried cases in a number of smaller communities, including Eatonville. Lindquist now oversees a staff of about 230 and a budget of approximately $26 million. He lives in Tacoma with wife Chelsea. Lindquist is related to popular former governor of the state, Dan Evans. He will run for Pierce County Prosecutor in 2010.
    In 2003 Lindquist along with prosecutor Sunni Ko tried the case of then Eatonville resident Lance Burch who stood accused of molesting his two young granddaughters. Lindquist and Ko won the case against Burch after a second trial. While in Eatonville last week Lindquist told ENN, and Mayor Harper's wife, that Burch will spend the rest of his life in prison. For more about this case please see Burch Trial.
    Watch a brief video of the short, but happy, ceremony as the the reins of power were handed over to "new blood." Oath of Office December 30, 2009
 

Bob Schaub Sworn in as Council Member...


                                                                                                                                                                         (photo by Bob Walter)

     Although the atmosphere in the court house was cheerful with a lot of laughter and smiling faces, the oath of office taken by the men was done very seriously. Bob Schaub is sworn in by Lindquist after Mayor Harper. Schaub is a retired educator with a Master's in education. He worked for the Eatonville School District for decades before retiring.
     Schaub served two terms on the town council previously and also acted as Mayor Pro-Tem during that time. Until December he was chair of the planning commission. Very active in community projects, and events, Schaub has served on the parks committee, was president of the Youth Connection and also a very active member of the Centennial Committee.
    Before the swearing in ceremony Schaub spent the morning working on one of his latest projects, a new welcome sign at Nevitt Park. In October he unveiled the beautiful new sign at Smallwood Park, another of his projects. Schaub enjoys volunteering and helping people who need assistance. He has headed up town clean-up and beautification programs, helped paint houses for people in needs and numerous other important programs.
    Schaub said he was "excited" to begin his newest term on the council. In the past he has, on the record, taken the previous council, and mayor, to task over various budgetary issues and, more recently, over the decision to cut animal control from the town. Running unopposed Schaub was supported by 488 voters and replaces the highly controversial Bruce Rath on the council.
    Gordon Bowman, the other new member of the council, was sworn in during the November 23 council meeting by Town Attorney Ed Hudson. Bowman ran against Brian Gacke, brother-in-law to Brenden Pierce, and received 494 votes while Gacke received 207. Bowman replaced Rich Adams who moved out of town.
    Eatonville citizens mandated a change from the status quo of the past eight years and put their faith in the newest members of the council. The remaining members of the past council are Jim Valentine and Bobbi Allison who each have another two years to serve.