Dispatch 04082026

Free Dementia Education and Support for Caregivers

Many older adults worry about memory loss—both for themselves and their loved ones. While forgetfulness doesn’t always indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, awareness is key. Each year, about 500,000 people receive a dementia diagnosis, leaving many caregivers and loved ones unprepared for the challenges ahead.

Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) is hosting a series of free seminars on dementia starting April 7, called “Oh My Gosh, Now What?” The discussions will help individuals, caregivers, and families understand the disease, manage behaviors, financial planning for care, and more.

Starting next month, the following seminars will be offered in person on Tuesdays from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at The Mustard Seed Project, 9016 154th Ave. Ct. NW, in Key Center:

• April 7 - Understanding dementia and its warning signs

• April 14 - How the disease progresses and what to expect

• April 21 - Starting the conversation and coping with the diagnosis

• April 28 - Managing moods and behaviors

• May 5 - Legal and financial planning for care

• May 12 - Finding support and local resources

“A dementia diagnosis often feels like stepping into the unknown, leaving families with more questions than answers,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of ADR. “This series will replace that uncertainty with a clear roadmap. By providing families and caregivers with expert guidance on everything from behavioral changes to legal planning, we ensure that no one in our community has to navigate the complexities of memory loss alone. Awareness is the first step toward confidence and better care.”

These events are free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. Participants will hear from Jessica Girard and Kris Dowling, expert case managers with ADR, and leave with practical guidance for navigating memory loss. This educational series is offered twice a year, in the spring and fall, in rotating locations across the county.

Araujo’s Hat Trick Leads Cruisers in High-Energy Clash with Orting

Eatonville’s Gui Vilaverde Araujo splits two Steilacoom defenders as he pushes the ball upfield. Araujo scored once against the Sentinels in a losing effort, however he recorder a hat trick in the Cruisers 4-3 win over Orting earlier in the week.

By Skip Smith

The Eatonville Cruisers soccer team endured a demanding three-match stretch last week, showing flashes of attacking quality and resilience despite mixed results.

Eatonville opened the week with a 3-0 loss to Franklin Pierce on Tuesday, March 31. The Cruisers struggled to generate offense. They bounced back Thursday, April 2, with an impressive performance against

Orting in a high-scoring, hard-fought match.

The Cruisers struck quickly, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Gui Vilaverde Araujo finished a well-worked play off an assist from Nathan Christensen. Orting answered with a penalty in the 12th minute to even the score, but Eatonville maintained composure and controlled stretches of possession.

Araujo found the net again in the 25th minute, this time assisted by Tony Backlund, to restore the lead. Goalkeeper Cypress

Pacatte played a key role in the first half, recording five saves to keep Eatonville in front. Orting equalized shortly after halftime in the 48th minute, but the Cruisers responded immediately. In the 50th minute, Ben Bernt scored on a header off a precise assist from Christensen. Araujo completed his hat trick just one minute later, again set up by Christensen, extending the lead.

Eatonville Boys Track Top Steilacoom as Pound Delivers Double Win

By Skip Smith

Eatonville’s boys track and field team earned a 75-57 victory over Steilacoom on Wednesday, while the girls fell 84-51 in 2A SPSL action at Steilacoom High School.

The Cruiser boys used a well-rounded performance and continued improvement across the roster to secure the team win,

highlighted by multiple event victories and a number of personal best efforts. Rogue Pound recorded two first-place finishes for Eatonville to lead the way.

Jacob Simons opened the meet with a win in the 100 meters in 11.53. In the 200, Steven Haas took first in 23.70, while Oscar Lopez-Diaz placed sixth but showed consistency after a strong showing the week prior. Lopez-Diaz later returned to win the 400 meters in 55.19, improving on his secondplace finish from the previous meet. Phillip Buchholz added a fifth-place finish in the event.

In the hurdles, Pound remained one of Eatonville’s top performers, winning the 110 hurdles in 17.50. The 300 hurdles saw a series of breakthrough performances as Landon Austin took second with a personal best 46.51, Pound placed fourth with

FIND IT FAST SERVICE DIRECTORY

Savvy Senior: Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. —Looking to Save

Dear Looking,

You’re asking a smart question. Many seniors pay far more for smartphone service than they actually use. If most of your phone activity is calls, texts, email, and light web browsing, there’s usually no need to spend $40 or more a month. The good news: plenty of low-cost carriers now cater to light users who want reliable service without the extra cost.

The cheapest plans today mostly come from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – smaller carriers that lease coverage from major networks like T Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Because they don’t run their own towers, MVNOs can offer basic service for a fraction of the cost of major carriers, while still providing nationwide coverage. Here are some of the best options available now.

Here are the best options available now

CHEAPEST WIRELESS PLANS

According to Consumer Reports, Mint Mobile is a top value among low-cost smartphone plans. For $15 per month, you get unlimited talk and text plus 5 gigabytes (GB) of data. The catch: you pay for a full year upfront – $180 plus taxes – but for seniors comfortable paying annually, it’s a smart way to lock in savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network and works with most unlocked phones.

If you want a similar plan without the upfront commitment, T-Mobile Connect is worth a look. For about $15 per month, you get the same 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text, with no contract and the flexibility to switch plans month to month. It’s an easy, low-commitment option on the same reliable T-Mobile network.

For seniors who barely use their phone, Ultra Mobile’s PayGo plan is the absolute cheapest option right now. At just $3 per month plus fees, it includes 100 minutes, 100 texts, and 100 MB of data, with extra usage costing only a few cents per minute, text, or MB. It’s ideal for anyone who mainly needs a phone for emergencies, and it also runs on T-Mobile’s reliable network.

Tello is another flexible option, with plans starting at $8 per month for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2 GB of data. You can easily add more minutes or data in small, inexpensive increments, making it ideal for seniors who want control over their costs.

Finally, US Mobile offers a plan starting at $10 per month (paid annually) for unlimited talk and text plus 4 GB of data. Simple, affordable, and straightforward, it’s a solid choice for seniors who want coverage without extra bells and whistles.

LIFELINE PROGRAM

If your budget is especially tight, be sure to check into the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service.

You may qualify if you receive benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension. You may also qualify based on income alone if your household income is below 135 percent of the federal poverty level – currently $21,546 for one person or $29,214 for two.

To learn more or apply, visit lifelinesupport.org. If approved, you can choose from participating providers in your area, and in some cases even apply the discount to service you already have, if your provider participates.

Before switching plans, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. A quick compatibility check on the provider’s website can help ensure a smooth transition and keep your savings on track.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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Arbor Health-Morton Hospital Emergency Department Rated in Top 25% with National Award

For the second-year running, Arbor Health—Morton Hospital’s Emergency Department has been recognized with the Excellence in Healthcare Award for scoring in the top 25 percent nationally for overall quality of care. This four-star award was presented by PRC, a nationally recognized organization as a leader in the healthcare intelligence space. PRC supports over 2,800 healthcare organizations across all 50 states.

The Excellence in Healthcare Award recognizes organizations and individuals who achieve excellence throughout the year based on surveys of their patients. For emergency departments, this designation is based on the percentage of patients who responded “Excellent” to the Overall Quality of Care survey question.

“We are honored that our patients have again recognized the exceptional care offered in our Emergency Department,” Arbor Health CEO Eric “Max” Neal said. “This recognition highlights not only the skill of our clinicians, but also

the genuine compassion and personal attention our team strives to provide every individual who walks through our doors.”

Joe M. Inguanzo, Ph.D., President and CEO of PRC also had kind words for the East Lewis County emergency department. “It is an honor to recognize Arbor Health with this Excellence in Healthcare Award for their deserving work. It takes true dedication and determination to achieve this level of excellence in healthcare. Arbor Health has shown their commitment to making their healthcare facility a better place to work, a better place to practice medicine, and a better place for patients to be treated.”

Lewis County Hospital District No. 1 is the parent organization of Arbor Health, the East Lewis County-based health group. The organization includes Morton Hospital, the Rapid Care Clinic and the Specialty Clinic in Morton as well as the Morton, Mossyrock, Randle and Packwood primary care clinics.

Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective

Feature Impact

Recycling is a simple way households can reduce waste and help protect natural resources. While many communities offer curbside recycling programs, some people still wonder if they’re doing it correctly or if they’re missing opportunities to recycle more. To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make recycling part of your everyday routine.

KNOW WHAT YOUR LOCAL PROGRAM ACCEPTS

Recycling rules vary depending on your city or waste management provider. Most curbside programs include items like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and plastics, but others – such as glass – may require drop-off recycling. Review

your community guidelines so recyclables don’t accidentally end up in the regular trash.

CREATE A SIMPLE SORTING SYSTEM

Set up clearly labeled bins – separated for paper, plastics and metals – in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, garage or laundry room.

RINSE BEFORE YOU RECYCLE

Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and may cause entire batches of materials to be rejected during the recycling process. Quickly rinsing yogurt cups, jars or soup cans of leftover residue helps keep recycling streams clean and more likely to be processed properly.

BREAK DOWN BOXES

Cardboard boxes are among the most commonly recycled household materials. Flattening boxes before placing them in the recycling bin saves space and allows collection trucks to hold more.

COMPOST FOOD SCRAPS

Not everything belongs in the recycling bin, particularly food waste. Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces. Finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds or houseplants, turning kitchen waste into a valuable resource.

Find more ideas for making recycling a natural part of your household routine at eLivingtoday.com.

Superintendent Brower Newsletter – April 2026

Students,

The very best part of my job— hands down—is spending time with our incredible students, whether in the classroom or cheering them on at events beyond the school day. Our students are intelligent, creative, dedicated, determined, friendly, and witty. They remind me every day why I entered this profession 41 years ago and what continues to keep me engaged, hopeful, and energized.

On several occasions, our track, field, and stadium construction crews have shared how impressed they are with our students—their manners, their behavior, and the pride they demonstrate. I couldn’t agree more. Eatonville students are second to none and represent our district and community exceptionally well.

OUR STRATEGIC PLAN & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

I also deeply value the connections I make with our parents, staff, and community members. Our Eatonville School District staff remain steadfast in their commitment to student academic success and well-being, as outlined in our strategic plan. Every day, they provide outstanding educational experiences, ensuring that each student is both supported and challenged.

“Recently, our school community came together for a wonderful Raising the Bar Family Night.”

Recently, our school community came together for a wonderful Raising the Bar Family Night. Families had the opportunity to learn more about gradelevel expectations and ways to support learning at home. Events like this are a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when schools and families work together.

Thank you to our community partners—South Sound 911, NAMI, and Bridges—for joining us and sharing valuable resources. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Ramesh Kumar and his team for generously providing a taco bar dinner that made the evening even more enjoyable for everyone.

TRACK, FIELD, AND STADIUM UPDATES

Our Eatonville community has always placed a high value on its students, families, and traditions. I am thrilled to share that we are nearing completion of our new track, field, and stadium!

Yesterday, we received exciting news that our district has been appropriated an additional $310,000 in capital funds from the legislature to support the construction of the south and west retaining walls at our stadium.

A special thank you to State Senator Jim McCune and State Representatives Matt Marshall and Andrew Barkis for their advocacy and continued support of Eatonville schools.

This investment builds on previous legislative appropriations of $800,000 in capital funds awarded last year for stadium improvements and $300,000 the year prior to replace our stadium restrooms. We are grateful for these ongoing partnerships that help us enhance our facilities for students, families, and our entire community.

Thanks to the support of our voters, who approved a six-year capital projects levy in February 2024 (covering 2025–2030), this long-overdue

improvement is becoming a reality. Promises made, promises kept.

In addition, we recognized the need for a new stadium—an enhancement not included in the original levy. Through the dedicated efforts of our ESD staff in securing grant funding, along with support from our 2nd Legislative District legislators, the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation, generous donors, and valued partners, we were able to make this vision a reality.

While our previous stadium served Eatonville well since 1937, it was time for replacement. The new facility will significantly improve safety and ensure ADA accessibility for our entire community for generations to come.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

At our Community Day on May 2 of last year, we celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking. Since then, progress has been remarkable:

• August 19: Excavation began

• September 22: Stadium demolition started

• December 10: First turf installation

• January 28: Initial stadium supports installed

These milestones represent just a portion of the tremendous work completed in a short seven-month span. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible.

RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY INVITATION – YOU’RE INVITED!

To kick off this year’s Community Day Celebration, I warmly invite you to attend our ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 1, at 12:00 p.m. in the new stadium.

Yes—you’ll be able to sit in the new stadium as we celebrate this incredible achievement and thank the many individuals who made it possible. We look forward to celebrating this special moment with you.

Following the ceremony, please join us in the high school auditorium for the May Day Coronation, followed by the Community Day Street Fair along Mashell Avenue and Carter Street. Enjoy family-friendly fun, food, and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening until 6:30 p.m.

CONGRATULATIONS

For the first time in Eatonville history, we have a Daffodil Queen—congratulations to Annika Howard!

We are also incredibly proud of our Eatonville High School Knowledge Bowl Team for placing third in the state this year. There are many more student accomplishments worth celebrating—please visit our social media pages to learn more.

GRATITUDE

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students and staff. Together, we are creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where every student can thrive and prepare for a successful future.

We are Eatonville Strong!

Smith Fans 11 as Cruisers Win Fourth Straight Cruisers Fall Short Despite 13-Hit Effort at Tenino

Eatonville’s Ben Smith delivers a pitch against Foss in a game from earlier in the season. Smith dominated Clover Park this past week at the plate and on the mound, pitching five shutout innings while striking out 11 and then going a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate to help the lead the Cruisers to their 4th straight win.

By Skip Smith

The Eatonville Cruisers continued their strong early-season run Tuesday, riding a dominant allaround performance from Ben Smith to a 12-0 victory over Clover Park.

The win pushes Eatonville’s streak to four straight games, as the Cruisers continue to build momentum behind a combination of power at the plate, aggressive base running, and shutdown pitching.

Smith led the way in every phase.

The right-hander was nearly untouchable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and walking two. He set the tone early and never let Clover Park find any rhythm at the plate.

At the same time, Smith delivered a perfect day offensively. He went 4 for 4, collecting singles in the first, second, third, and fourth innings while driving in key runs to help break the game open.

“Eatonville wasted little time taking control.”

Eatonville wasted little time taking control.

The Cruisers erupted in the top of the second inning, sending a steady stream of hitters to the plate in a seven-run outburst. Lj Osborn drew a bases-loaded walk to start the scoring, followed by an RBI single from Scout Horan. Smith added a two-run single, Ryder Herbrand brought in another run with a base hit, and a pair of defensive miscues allowed two more runs to cross the plate.

By Skip Smith

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers came up short in their lone game of the week, falling 7-4 to Tenino on Tuesday, March 31, despite another strong offensive outing and a 13-hit performance.

Eatonville once again showed it can generate offense in bunches, led by Kenney, who turned in a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate with four singles. The Cruisers matched Tenino in hits but were unable to fully capitalize on scoring chances against a steady pitching performance from the home team.

Tenino struck first in the opening inning and built its early advantage in the third. A combination of a walk, a sacrifice situation and a groundout helped extend the lead, giving the home team enough separation to withstand Eatonville’s late push.

Lavergne took the loss in the circle for the Cruisers, working four innings and allowing six runs, four earned, on seven hits with one strikeout and three walks. Eatonville’s defense remained sharp behind her, finishing the game without committing an error.

BOYS TRACK, FROM 1

the 1600 in 5:09.00. Titus Lowe added a fifth-place finish in the 1600, building on his strong distance performances from the previous meet.

Offensively, the Cruisers continued to show depth throughout the lineup. Tozier, Kenney, Laird and Allen each drove in one run, while Chapman and Lavergne each recorded multiple hits. Eatonville finished with 13 hits but struggled to string together enough timely hits to bring runners home in key moments.

The game was part of a stretch that saw the Cruisers continue to produce offensively, coming off a split the previous week that included a narrow 9-8 loss to Orting and a dominant 16-1 win over Clover Park. Eatonville’s offensive consistency has been a bright spot early in the season, even as results have been mixed.

The Cruisers were scheduled to return to action Wednesday against Washington, but the game was postponed due to rain. A Friday matchup against Foss was later canceled due to a forfeit.

Eatonville will look to get back on track with a road trip to Fife on Tuesday, April 7, followed by another league contest at Franklin Pierce on Wednesday.

By the end of the inning, Eatonville had built a commanding lead.

The Cruisers continued to apply pressure in the third. Smith stayed hot with another RBI single, and Santiago Ruvalcaba followed with a two-run double to extend the advantage even further.

Eatonville finished with 11 hits and showed patience throughout the lineup, drawing six walks. Colston Bruun and Coleson Simpson each reached base twice via walks, helping keep innings alive and create scoring opportunities.

The Cruisers remained aggressive on the base paths, swiping six bases and consistently putting pressure on the defense.

Defensively, Eatonville was once again flawless. The Cruisers did not commit an error, continuing a trend that has been key during their winning streak. Ruvalcaba led the defensive effort with 11 chances in the field, anchoring a clean performance behind Smith’s dominant outing.

The victory continues a stretch of complete performances for Eatonville, which has now outscored its opponents by a wide margin during its four-game surge. After breaking out offensively in wins over Foss and Lakes last week, the Cruisers carried that same approach into Tuesday’s matchup.

Eatonville was scheduled to host Clover Park later in the week, but the game was rained out.

The Cruisers will look to keep their momentum rolling as they turn their attention to a two-game set against Fife. Eatonville will travel to face the Trojans on Monday, April 6, in a 7 p.m. game under the lights before returning home Tuesday for a 4 p.m. first pitch.

The field events once again proved to be a strength for the Cruisers. Adam Ames led the discus with a winning throw of 124 feet, 9 inches. Mason Kinley, Dale Swaner, Ian Mitchell and Curtis Wright completed a sweep of the top five, continuing a trend from the previous meet where Eatonville dominated the event.

In the shot put, Mitchell, Kinley, Swaner and Brett Hutchings placed second through fifth, providing valuable team points. Several athletes throughout the throwing group recorded season bests or personal bests, reflecting steady improvement.

Jarin Ragazzo delivered one of the day’s top performances with a win in the javelin at 143-6, a significant improvement from his third-place finish the week before. Dale Swaner also recorded a personal best in the event.

In the jumps, Pound captured the long jump with a personal best 19-9 after winning the event the previous week. Steven Haas followed with a personal best 18-8 to take second. Connor Austin and Abdul Musa also posted personal bests in the event.

ARAJOU, FROM 1

Orting added a goal in the 62nd minute, but Pacatte and the Eatonville defense held firm.

Pacatte finished with six more saves in the second half as the Cruisers secured a strong result behind clinical finishing and steady goalkeeping.

Eatonville returned to action Friday, April 3, facing Steilacoom in a high-energy contest that ended in a loss.

Steilacoom took control early with a penalty in the ninth minute and added a second goal on a free kick. The Cruisers settled in and began to move the ball effectively, with Pacatte making four key saves in the first half to keep the match within reach.

Steilacoom extended its lead early in the second half, but Eatonville answered in the

Landon Austin added another win in the triple jump at 28-6. In the high jump, David McClain cleared a personal best 5-10 to take first, while Oscar Anderson and Hayes Sherrard rounded out the top three. In the pole vault, Haas won with a season best 10-6, while Teagan Croppi and Connor Austin each cleared personal bests of 9-0 to tie for second. Carter Dietsche added a personal best in the event as well.

Eatonville also picked up key points in the relays, finishing second in both the 4x100 and 4x400.

On the girls side, the Cruisers were led by continued progress across several events. Building off her two wins the previous week, Hannah Bieker again paced the distance group, while teammates showed improvement with multiple personal best efforts. The throwing and jumping groups also contributed valuable points, continuing to develop early in the season.

Despite falling short in the team score, Eatonville’s girls showed steady growth and a number of individual improvements, setting the stage for the remainder of the league schedule.

Eatonville will now enjoy a short break for spring break before returning to action Wednesday, April 15, when the Cruisers travel to Fife for another 2A SPSL matchup.

48th minute when Bernt finished a strong run with a goal off an assist from Araujo. The Sentinels responded with goals in the 53rd and 59th minutes to pull away. Eatonville continued to fight. In the 68th minute, Araujo scored on a strike assisted by Connor McIlraith, highlighting the team’s attacking ability. Steilacoom added another goal in the 73rd minute to close out the scoring.

Pacatte recorded eight additional saves in the second half, finishing with a standout performance despite the result.

The Cruisers will look to regroup in a busy week ahead with four matches scheduled. Eatonville travels to Fife on Tuesday, and then faces Lakes on Wednesday. The team returns home Thursday to host Washington and will close the week at home against Foss.

Pharmaceutical Giants Sue WA Over New Drug Pricing Law

By Jake Goldstein-Street Washington State Standard

The contentious legislation deals with a federal program that gives discounted medications to safety-net health care providers. Drug companies say they stand to lose millions of dollars a year.

The lawsuits came the same day Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5981. The law passed the Senate along party lines with Democrats in support, and with some Republican votes in the House. It takes effect in June.

Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are at odds over the legislation, making it one of the most hotly contested bills of the 2026 legislative session. The law seeks to add transparency to the federal 340B drug pricing program and to stop drug manufacturers from restricting who can dispense their medication.

While obscure to many outside of the health care arena, billions of dollars worth of pharmaceutical drugs flow to patients under the federal 340B program each year, and the way it is set up helps to bolster the finances of some hospitals.

Established in 1992, the program requires drug manufacturers to give certain safety-net providers, like those in rural areas or those that disproportionately serve low-income patients, hefty discounts on outpatient drugs. Those providers can then bill insurers for the prescriptions at higher market rates.

The idea is to help these hospitals and clinics to generate revenue so they can expand their care for low-income and uninsured patients.

At the Moses Lake Community Health Center, for example, the program helps cover the cost of care for patients with chronic diseases and supports mental health services, the center’s CEO wrote in a letter to the governor last week, urging him to sign the bill.

SPARRING OVER THE PROGRAM DATES BACK YEARS

Advocates say preserving the 340B program is now more important as hospitals and clinics prepare for deep cuts to Medicaid included in the “big, beautiful bill” Republicans in Congress passed last year.

Many providers contract with outside pharmacies to distribute medicine to patients, since they don’t have in-house pharmacies.

This aspect of the 340B program has grown rapidly in recent years. And after the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, many more providers qualified to participate

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On January 26, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-1. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, repealing and reenacting Eatonville Municipal Code Section 16.08.010 and adopting the most current editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Fire Code, and Washington State Energy Code, as adopted by the State Building Code Council. Ordinance 2026-1 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-3. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, approving a rezone for the real property consisting of parcel number 0416231053 and amending the Eatonville Zoning Map by changing the zoning classification for the property from mixed use (MU) to General Commercial (C2). Ordinance 2026-3 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-4. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment affecting parcel number 0416231053, amending the future land use map from mixed use to general commercial. Ordinance 20264 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-5. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, approving a rezone of parcel numbers 0416231011 and 0416231054, amending the zoning map from mixed use (MU) to single family low density (SF1). Ordinance 2026-5 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall. Published April 8, 2026

in 340B. In 2024, these hospitals and clinics bought $81.4 billion in outpatient drugs under the federal program, up from $44 billion just three years earlier.

Manufacturers have long argued that hospitals and pharmacies are using 340B revenue to pad their profits instead of passing on savings to patients, and that they’re stretching the bounds of the program to maximize those profits. They’ve tried to restrict the practice of using pharmacies under contract to distribute their drugs, as they see pharmacies as key to abusing the program.

In recent years, numerous states have passed laws to prohibit drug manufacturers from limiting the use of contract pharmacies in the 340B program.

This is what Washington’s new law aims to do. The attorney general could enforce violations of the law, and hospitals and clinics could bring litigation themselves, as well.

It also wouldn’t allow manufacturers to require providers or pharmacies to provide data as a condition for acquiring their medication.

Companies could use that data to see if pharmacies are diverting drugs away from the patients they were meant for, or if entities are getting duplicate discounts through 340B and Medicaid.

Both the companies and providers need to submit data to the state, though.

“This will allow the state to have more insight into improving the program to ensure it supports providers while, most importantly, protecting consumers,” Ferguson said as he signed the legislation.

DRUG COMPANIES SAY THEY’LL LOSE MILLIONS

AbbVie claims the law will cost it “tens of millions of dollars in unrecoverable discounts.” The company’s lawsuit says its 340B discounts run around 60% of market value and bring some drug costs down to just pennies.

Novartis similarly says the law will result in “unrecoverable financial harms.”

“If Novartis is forced to comply with the law, it will lose millions of dollars annually by providing additional 340B discounts not required by federal law, as well as the administrative costs of compliance,” the company’s lawsuit reads.

“If Novartis does not comply - or even if the State ever takes the position that Novartis has not fully complied - Novartis must expend significant resources defending itself or its employees, on top of financial penalties that may be imposed,” it adds.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-6. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, approving a zoning map amendment removing the public use open space overlay. Ordinance 2026-6 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-7. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, approving a comprehensive plan amendment affecting parcel number 0416231011, amending the future land use map from mixed use to public use. Ordinance 2026-7 may be found on the Town’s website at www.eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF EATONVILLE

On March 23, 2026 the Eatonville Town Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-8. An Ordinance of the Town of Eatonville, Washington, amending Eatonville Municipal Code Chapter 18.02 “Definitions” and 18.08 “General and Supplementary Provisions”. Ordinance 2026-8 may be found on the Town’s website at www. eatonville-wa.gov or at Town Hall.

Published April 8, 2026

NOTICE OF SEPA MITIGATED DETERMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANCE

NOTICE IS GIVEN in accordance with EMC-18.04.140, the town of Eatonville has received an application for a new six-plex to be built at 850 Eatonville Hwy W. A determination of completeness was made on March 18, 2026, and a SEPA Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance was made on March 30, 2026. 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. Written comments on the application must be received via mail, P.O. Box 309, Eatonville, WA 98328 or submitted to the Town Planner, 201 Center St W, no later than 5:00 p.m., April 19, 2026. 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.

AbbVie argues the law has “cascading constitutional infirmities.” Novartis says it “cannot coexist with federal law” as it goes against the goals of Congress in establishing the program.

Federal appellate courts have upheld similar laws in Arkansas and Mississippi.

The federal government has also told manufacturers that policies they’ve implemented to restrict pharmacies violate federal law. In the cases of AbbVie and Novartis, those policies were to only allow providers to use third-party pharmacies within 40 miles of them. Several pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis, responded with lawsuits. Federal appellate courts have sided with the manufacturers in those cases.

After signing the legislation this week, Ferguson, a Democrat, said he understood pharmaceutical companies may want to explore litigation against Washington.

“We do a careful job of reviewing everything about bills before I sign them, the policy side, but also the legal side,” he told reporters. “We have conversations with legal folks to make sure that what we’re signing, that we feel comfortable and confident we can defend it. And this is no different.”

A spokesperson for Attorney General Nick Brown said Thursday his office was reviewing the filings. The state hasn’t formally responded in court to the lawsuits. Both companies are seeking an initial court order temporarily blocking the law while the litigation is pending. Neither has been set for a court hearing.

AbbVie is perhaps best known for manufacturing Humira and Skyrizi to treat autoimmune diseases. Novartis makes Entresto to treat heart failure and Cosentyx for psoriasis.

Town of Eatonville 201 Center Street W Eatonville, WA 98328

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the Town of Eatonville for construction of the Community Center Generator Design project. Work to be performed includes: the provision and installation of a generator and Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). The work includes all equipment, materials, and labor to install the generator and ATS including, generator, ATS, generator equipment pad; main service switchboard; electrical; and surface and building restoration.

Bid proposals will be received only at, 201 Center Street W, Eatonville, WA 98328 by 2:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026, at which time they will be opened, read, and tabulated publicly. Proposals received after the time fixed for opening will not be considered. Free-of-charge access to project bid documents is provided to Prime Bidders, Subcontractors, and Vendors by going to www. bxwa.com and clicking on “Posted Projects”, “Public Works”, and “Town of Eatonville”. This online plan room provides Bidders with fully usable online documents with the ability to: download, view, print, order full/partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources, and a free online digitizer/take-off tool. It is recommended that Bidders “Register” in order to receive automatic e-mail notification of future addenda and to place themselves on the “Self-Registered Bidders List”. Bidders that do not register will not be automatically notified of addenda and will need to periodically check the on-line plan room for addenda issued on this project. Contact Builders Exchange of Washington at (425) 258-1303, should you require assistance with access or registration.

A voluntary pre-bid walkthrough of the project will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The walkthrough will meet at the Community Center site (305 Center Street West., Eatonville, WA 98328).

An informational copy of the contract documents is on file for inspection at the Town of Eatonville. Direct questions regarding the contract documents to Mark Braaksma, RH2 Engineering, Inc., (360) 510-4350, mbraaksma@rh2.com.

The Town of Eatonville hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into, pursuant to this advertisement, minority and women’s business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to the invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award. The Town of Eatonville is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All work performed on the project will be subject to state prevailing wage rates.

Each bid proposal shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check, postal money order, or surety bond in an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the amount of such bid proposal. Make checks payable to the Town of Eatonville. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance and payment bond within the time stated in the Specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to the Town of Eatonville.

The Town of Eatonville reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive irregularities in the bid or the bidding. No bidder may withdraw their proposal after the hours set for the opening thereof, or before award of contract, unless said award is delayed for a period exceeding 60 calendar days.

This project is funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. CDBG requirements and provisions must be met by the general contractors and all of the subcontractors. Wage determination included in Appendix A. This project is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Section 3 contractors are encouraged to submit bids.

PUBLISHED: Publish

Puyallup Fairgrounds Spring Event Roundup

As spring returns to the South Sound, the Puyallup Fairgrounds are once again filling their calendar with a mix of family-friendly attractions, specialty shows, and seasonal showcases. From classic fair traditions to niche markets and outdoor living inspiration, this year’s lineup offers something for nearly every interest.

Kicking things off, the Spring Fair runs across two weekends,

April 10–12 and April 17–19. This annual event signals the start of fair season, bringing together carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and a wide variety of food vendors. With both indoor and outdoor attractions, it offers a full-scale fair experience in a condensed spring format.

Following the fair, Rock the Roller Coaster takes place April 18, adding a burst of high-energy excitement to the lineup. The event centers on thrill rides and entertainment, creating a

more fast-paced, ride-focused experience for visitors looking for something a little more adrenaline-driven.

On April 24–25, The Great Junk Hunt transforms the fairgrounds into a vintage and handmade marketplace. Featuring more than 150 vendors, the event showcases antiques, repurposed goods, and artisan décor, along with food, drinks, and live music that round out the experience.

The calendar then shifts toward travel and outdoor living with the Puyallup RV Show, running April 30 through May 3. With hundreds of recreational vehicles on display, the show provides an opportunity to explore a wide range of models, compare features, and connect with industry experts, whether you’re planning your first trip or upgrading your setup.

Closing out this stretch of events, the Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale will take place May 2–3. A favorite among local gardeners, the sale offers a wide selection of regionally grown plants along with expert advice, making it an ideal stop for anyone preparing their garden for the growing season.

Together, these events highlight the versatility of the Puyallup Fairgrounds as a spring destination. Whether you’re drawn to classic fair fun, hands-on shopping, or seasonal inspiration, the coming weeks offer a strong start to the year’s event calendar.

Pierce County Plans Full Month of Family-Friendly April Events

Staff Report

Pierce County is offering a variety of familyfriendly events in April, with activities ranging from a nighttime 5K and spring park gathering to bingo, an Earth Day celebration and a community bike swap.

The month begins with the Glow Run 5K on April 11 at the Environmental Services Building. Check-in starts at 6 p.m. and the run begins at 7 p.m. Organizers say participants will light up the night while making their way around the park, with a vibrant route designed to create a fun evening atmosphere. Runners will receive a piece of glow gear while supplies last, and the event will continue until about 9:30 p.m. with an electric dance party. The run is open to all ages and costs $30 through April 5 or $35 at the event. Because the race is held at dusk and is not timed, participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp.

On April 14, families can head to Cross Park for a Park Pop-Up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, themed “Hop Into Spring,” will include hidden bunnies along the Naches Trail, with prizes for those who find them, along with bunny-themed games and crafts. The event is free and open to all ages.

The county’s Family Bingo Night is set for April 17 at the Environmental Services Building. Doors open at 6 p.m., with activities running from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This month’s bingo night carries an outer space theme and promises family-friendly games, prizes donated by local businesses and an on-site food truck with dinner available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person, while children age 3 and younger get in free.

On April 18, Pierce County will host an Earth Day Celebration at Meridian Habitat Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event is being hosted by Pierce County Parks and Pierce County Planning & Public Works. Organizers say the celebration will offer demonstrations, engaging nature activities and games suitable

for all ages, giving families a chance to spend time outdoors while learning more about the environment.

The month wraps up with the Pierce County Bike Swap on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tacoma Community College. The event is expected to draw riders and community members interested in bikes, gear and active transportation. Together, the events offer several ways for families to get outside, connect with others and enjoy community activities throughout April.