July 24, 2024
ISSUE 30
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Pierce County Council frustrated with lack of progress on homeless site By Spencer Pauley The Center Square
Courtesy Rylea Foehl The Eatonville High School Cheer squad posed for a photo while at cheer camp. Back row from left: Madison McChesney, Kaydence Tatum, Coach Rylea Foehl, Trinity Woods. Front row from left: Bridget Laurent, Jenae Roulst, Lila Mahon, Alyssa Jacob’s. Squad members not at the camp: Peyton Linquist, Elizabeth Jacobsen and Makayla Wood.
Eatonville cheer squad triumphs at NCA Camp By Skip Smith
Contributing Writer
The Eatonville High School cheer team returned home after a whirlwind week of learning, growth, and triumph at the NCA Cheer & Leadership camp held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Led by Coach Rylea Foehl, the squad not only honed their technical skills but also emerged as true leaders throughout the five-day camp. “This camp was truly amazing
for these ladies,” Coach Foehl said. “We learned a tremendous amount of new material, from stunting techniques and choreography to valuable tips and tricks that will be instrumental if we decide to compete in the future.” While the technical aspects were important, the camp's emphasis on leadership resonated deeply with the Eatonville cheerleaders. “The bond these girls formed over the past five days was incredible to witness,” Foehl shared. “The word ‘leader’ is right there in
the title ‘cheerleader’ and these young women truly embodied that spirit.” The Eatonville squad wasn't just one of the few teams to receive a leadership award every single night of camp — a testament to their consistent display of kindness, helpfulness, respect, and positive attitudes — they dominated the spirit stick competition as well. They brought home the coveted stick a staggering four out of five nights, culminating in earning it permanently for their final day at camp. The team's dedication extended to their performances. Their hard work paid off in a big way as they secured three blue CHEER Page 4Æ
Frustrations are growing among Pierce County councilmembers after Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier’s office requested a shift of funding for a proposed $2.5 million homeless stability site. The county has struggled to find a low-barrier homeless stability site outside the City of Tacoma to increase homeless services to other parts of Pierce County. The site would provide emergency shelter with an emphasis on providing private space for guests. The Pierce County Finance Department briefed the county council on Monday about its proposed supplemental budget. The county has $86.1 million remaining in federal American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds to spend through 2026. Out of that $86.1 million, $36.9 million must be committed in accordance with programmatic requirements by the end of this year. The proposed $2.5 million homeless stability site is at risk of not fully utilizing its dedicated ARPA funds, according to the presentation. Last month, Pierce County councilmembers were looking to submit requests for proposals, but the latest presentation indicated that has yet to be done. Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell pointed out that the council was previously told that the notice of fund availability and request for proposals for the homeless stability site had been ready for some time but has not been put out yet. Chris Cooley, strategic advisor for the Pierce County Executive’s Office, said the request for proposals is around 85% drafted, but that the office is hesitant to put it out due to the supplemental budget being unclear on what funding for the project will look like going forward. This was not the response that councilmembers wanted to hear. Campbell and fellow County Councilmember Ryan Mello voiced HOMELESS Page 4Æ