Fife Free Press - Current Stories

Fife business owner wins statewide award

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:43:59 -0700

The U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 2013 Washington state Minority Small Business Champion of the Year is Dana Pittman, president of Sustainable Floors, Inc., doing business as Sustainable Interiors, in Fife. Founded in 2005, Sustainable Interiors is a commercial interiors contractor specializing in federal and state government and commercial contracting.

"I am honored to receive the SBA 2013 Washington state Minority Small Business Champion of the Year award," Pittman said.

The SBA Seattle District Office honors Pittman for her commitment to support the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners, devoting her own personal time to network and outreach with other minority businesses. Sustainable Floors, Inc., is a member of SBA's 8 (a) Business Development Program, which helps small and disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace and gain access to federal and private procurement markets.

"Pittman is the epitome of a dedicated advocate for minority small business owners," said SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings.

She joined the state Capital Projects Advisory Review Board Small Business Task Force, which is focused on developing recommendations on how capital projects and construction industries can open up opportunities for minority and African American-owned small businesses. As the taskforce vice chair, Pittman's efforts resulted in the passage of a bill in the Legislature that created new language for state job order contracting procedures. "These changes provide a level playing field for all companies looking to do business with Washington state," Pittman said.

Recently, Pittman accepted a position as president of the board for the Entrepreneurial Institute of Washington, a nonprofit organization that strives to create equality for all small businesses. "This allows small businesses to develop a resilient base of job-creating entrepreneurs in Washington state," she said.

From amongst her peers, the SBA Seattle District Office has chosen Pittman as the best minority small business champion who continues to find new ways to give back to her community.

"We love to see Dana Pittman's passion, perseverance and have really enjoyed getting to know such an amazing person," said SBA Seattle District Office Director Nancy Porzio.

Pittman and other state SBA award recipients were recognized for their achievements at the 2013 SBA Small Business Awards Gala on May 9 at the Museum of Flight.

Community-minded couple starts new business

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:42:57 -0700

Milton residents Terry and Jeanette Koubele are realizing their longtime dream of owning their own business and making a true difference in the community. The couple recently opened a ProTect Painters professional painting franchise specializing in exterior and interior residential and commercial painting projects.

Their new business, the second franchise operation in the state, is working hard to provide local businesses and homeowners with teams of fully insured and licensed painting professionals. With the mantra that 'no job is too big or too small,' ProTect Painters sets itself apart by providing dependable, professional service at all times.

"I am on site every day of a project, talking with customers and team leaders to make sure everything is going well," Terry Koubele said.

Customers have already touted the company's dependability and professionalism. "We may not always have the lowest price, but we always provide great quality service," he added.

As a national company, the support provided by Protect Painters headquarters is substantial, and painters only use the highest quality paint such as Behr, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.

As the company continues to grow, Koubele hopes its impact on the community will grow stronger, as well. He plans to develop a referral program that would benefit local high school athletic programs. Any student who refers a new customer to ProTect Painters may be helping their school more than they know. "This program has been successful in other areas, and we're looking forward to starting the program here," he said. "It is our goal to become a bigger player in the community. We got into business on our own so we could get out there and get involved in the community."

For more information about the company, visit http://www.protectpainters.com.

Fife welcomes new reserve officer

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:37:56 -0700

Officer Alex Matveyenko was born in Russia and had the privilege to move to America at the age of 9 years old. He attended Puyallup High School and played soccer. After graduation he enrolled in the U.S. Army and became a military police officer, and his first duty station was in Germany. He was deployed to Iraq from 2006‐2008, and in 2009 he transferred to Army CID at Fort Lewis. He was later hired by the department of defense as a counterintelligence specialist and worked in Afghanistan.

Upon returning home, he started working for the Department of Homeland Security as a Federal Security Officer at the federal buildings in Seattle, where he is currently working full‐time as he pursues his career as a full‐time Police Officer at Fife. He enjoys snowboarding, running, and camping. Please join us in welcoming to new Reserve Officer Alex Matveyenko!

‘A Day in the Life of a City of Fife Employee’

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:33:29 -0700

If your day begins with someone saying "All Rise for the Honorable Judge", you either had a rough night or you just might be Tony Peterson, Lead Clerk for the Fife Municipal Court.

Tony has a very important and structured job within the Court, which includes controlling the timing of events, recording all dockets, and inputting all case information into a court order. A minor mistake can mean a guilty person walks free, and thankfully Tony is very good at his job.

Tony has served Fife Municipal Court for over 11 years, with a gradually increasing work‐load. He now supervises all clerks and dabbles in accounting. Being in court day after day might seem disheartening, but it is actually quite the opposite. "I love seeing someone turn (his or her) life around after receiving a DUI or similar infraction. The youth that come through are usually the most affected and make the most positive changes," Tony said.

Most students don't understand that getting a Minor in Possession

charge can actually keep you from getting scholarships and loans. Tony explained that learning these lessons early can make a big impact on a person's future, hopefully for the better.

Coming to Fife this Summer - FIFE FARMER’S MARKET

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:30:02 -0700

The City of Fife is pleased to announce the creation of the Fife Farmer's Market!

WHEN: Every Wednesday June 26 through August 28

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Fife City Hall/Centennial Park 5411 23rd St E

WHAT: Fresh Food Prepared Food Arts & Crafts More...

The Fife Farmer's Market will bring our commu‐ nity together, bring people to Fife, celebrate our City's unique characteristics, and provide healthy options for our citizens and visitors.

Calling All Vendors!

Fife has a unique market of 9,800 citizens and a daytime working population of over 25,000! Fife has a huge need and demand for fresh produce and other items, and we believe this Farmer's Market will be the answer. There is a limit of 33 vendors, and spots will fill fast; vendors are selected by the Market Management, based on quality, originality, locality, seasonal versus daily, and compatibility with the exist‐ ing market mix and mission statement. Agricultural products are given priority over other product catego‐ ries, striving for the following composition:

· Fresh Farm Products, 50% – Grown or produced in Washington State, or surrounding counties, by the seller.

· Processed goods, prepared foods and processed foods, 20% – Made from raw products/ingredients, the majority of which are grown and produced by the seller, who is personally doing the cooking, canning, baking, preserving, etc.

· Handcrafted items, 20% – All craft products should be handcrafted in Washington state.

· Other, 10%

Vendor Space Information

Each accepted vendor will be allocated a 10'x10' outdoor space; additional space can be purchased for an additional fee. Vendors are responsible for provid‐ ing their own tent, table, chairs and display materials. We ask that all vendors make a commitment to stay at the market for its entirety, (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), and only break down booths at the conclusion of the mar‐ ket. Parking space is limited; please plan on parking in the Fife High School – staff parking lot. The parking at City Hall is solely for attendees. No weather related refunds will be given.

Letters to the Editor: Bob Ecklund

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:18:32 -0700

Dear Editor,

For youth development. To me, it is more than just three words – it is a mission in which "Y" members and supporters play an important role. A mission we could not accomplish without you.

At the Y, we believe all children and teens have great potential. Youth build skills and confidence as they explore new interests and passions through leadership and academic enrichment programs such as childcare, Late Nite and Youth and Government. The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they will carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Youth are gaining confidence from learning to swim and building positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Each day we work to make sure that every child has an opportunity to envision and pursue the best possible future. We could not make this a reality without your support.

During our Strong Kids fundraising campaign you helped us raise more than

$2 million to support youth and programming at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

Thank you. You give young children a safe, enriching place to go before and after school. Your support provides youth a chance to explore and grow at YMCA Camp Seymour. It is your donation that helps teens learn values and positive behaviors at YMCA Late Nite each weekend.

Each of you help countless children realize their potential. You make a difference. Together, we can support our children, strengthen our community and build bright futures.

Bob Ecklund

President and CEO

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

Letters tot the Editor: U.S. Representative Adam Smith

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:16:56 -0700

Dear Editor,

Based on the intelligence that we have, it appears that the Bashar Assad regime has used chemical weapons against the Syrian people. If true, this is a sad and worrisome development in an ongoing humanitarian crisis. We must work with our partners in the region and the international community to confirm beyond a doubt that chemical weapons were in fact used and, if so, determine who used them and when. The seriousness of the situation dictates a thorough and thoughtful approach.

If it turns out that chemical weapons were used, it would be the latest atrocity committed by the Assad regime. The civil war in Syria is an enormous humanitarian catastrophe caused by a brutal and desperate regime. But as we consider option to respond to this atrocity, I am not convinced that military action is appropriate at this time. There is no evidence that United States military action will achieve anything, except cost American lives and treasure. As we respond, we must remember the lessons we have learned from the war in Iraq.

We should work with the international community, as well as our allies in the region, to consider the best options to remove Assad from power and promote a regime that has the support of the Syrian people. However, we should be under no illusions that this will be easy. It will not. We must exercise extreme caution, and we must not assume that the United States military can resolve this civil war.

The Syrian people deserve the right to live free of tyranny and oppression and the United States must continue to be a force for good in the world. I encourage the administration to take the time necessary to confirm what has taken place and to develop an appropriate response.

U.S. Representative Adam Smith

(D-Bellevue)

Letters to the Editor: Pat Sheehy

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:15:46 -0700

Dear Editor,

I was recently cited for a red light infraction at the intersection of Valley Avenue and 70th Avenue for failing to come to a complete stop before making a free right turn. I was turning off Valley Avenue to go north on 70th Avenue. While looking at the pictures online, it appears that the first picture may have been taken before I had crossed the stop bar and before I had technically committed any wrong. If that is true, this red light camera would be illegal under Revised Code of Washington 46.63.170(d), which states "Automated traffic safety cameras may only take pictures of the vehicle and vehicle license plate and only while an infraction is occurring..."

I am personally planning on paying my ticket and moving on as it is not worth it for me personally to fight, but I thought the public should be aware and may wish to investigate this matter further.

Pat Sheehy

Federal Way

Guest Editorial: What happens in Seattle should stay in Seattle

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:11:23 -0700

There is an old saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Well, what happens in Seattle should stay in Seattle.

Seattle officials had a bad idea a couple of years ago, and now some state lawmakers want to expand that bad idea statewide. The bad idea is Seattle's paid sick leave policy applies to any business with five or more employees, even if that business is not located in Seattle.

Approved in 2011, the controversial ordinance states that, if one or more of your employees spends more than 240 hours a year – or about 10 percent of their time – in Seattle on business, you must pay them pro-rated benefits, even if your company is located in Everett, New York or Milan, Italy.

To ensure they comply with the law, employers must keep track of every minute their employees are within the city limits of Seattle, delivering flowers, picking up packages, making sales calls or attending a conference or training seminar.

To comply, employers must follow a few simple rules. They must track the hours of "occasional basis" employees to: determine if the employee meets the 240 hours; track the employee's accrual and use of covered leave; "occasional basis" employees, once covered by the ordinance, remain covered for the current and following calendar year. Covered leave may only be used in Seattle (or for time the employee is scheduled to perform work in Seattle). Employers must provide to "occasional basis" employees conspicuous and accessible physical or electronic notice of the entitlement to paid sick/safe time, the amount and terms of use, the prohibition of retaliation against employees who request or use paid sick/safe time, and each employee's right to file a complaint if paid sick/safe time is denied or if the employee is retaliated against. Employers must retain records of employee time in Seattle, accrued paid sick/safe days, and used sick/safe days for a minimum period of two years.

Just reading the rules is confusing enough. Imagine trying to comply with them.

One wonders why, if this was such a good idea, the Seattle ordinance allows labor unions to request waivers to exempt their employees?

To determine if a policy makes sense, try this simple exercise: transplant the policy to another environment. What if your landlord charged you a different amount of rent each month based on how much time you, your spouse and your kids spent in each room of your house?

Chances are you would think your landlord had a screw loose.

Seattle officials see nothing wrong with their policy, but one wonders how they would feel if another city turned the tables. Imagine their reaction if a neighboring city passed an ordinance exempting Seattle companies from their paid leave obligations while their employees were working in that neighboring city.

Seattle officials would likely see such a policy as an outrageous intrusion. Exactly.

Fortunately, the legislation to expand Seattle's overreaching paid sick leave policy statewide did not make it to a vote.

However, a bill to restrict such policies passed the state Senate. Senate Bill 5726, known as the "city limits" bill, would prevent cities or counties from applying paid sick leave policies unless the employer is physically located in the jurisdiction and covered employees work there at least 85 percent of the time.

The measure passed the Senate March 22 but did not survive the cutoff in the House.

Lawmakers should take up this common sense limitation again next year or, better yet, reconsider it in the special session. After all, what happens in Seattle should stay in Seattle.

Don Brunell is president of the Association of Washington Business.

Editorial: Light rail should run to the east

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:09:18 -0700

Imagine a local company that has an annual impact of payroll and project spending of $430 million, including $3 million in charitable donations to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Emergency Food Network and Toys For Tots.

Imagine this company is the largest non-healthcare employer, with 3,500 local workers on its payroll. It issues more paychecks than Pierce County government and the City of Tacoma. It writes more than double the paychecks of Walmart and is set for another expansion to build on its payroll.

Its payroll is more than three times what Russell Investments had locally when the investment giant opted to move its headquarters to Seattle in 2009. That is an important fact since the Tacoma officials and their business-boosting partners had cobbled together a deal to keep the firm in Tacoma that would have saved Russell some $140 million in taxes, fees and infrastructure costs over 20 years. The offer was not enough. But it showed a willingness of city and business officials to front money and resources to promote business activity by a local business.

The lack of discussions to promote the economic activities of a business three times Russell's size, however, is curious. That business that dwarfs Russell's payroll is the Puyallup Tribe and its business arms.

Tacoma City Council has endorsed a plan that would expand the Link light rail from the Theater District Station up the Stadium Way hill to Martin Luther King Jr. Way and end at South 19th Street at a cost of $ 133 million. An alternate route, which was backed by the business stakeholders group that included tribal officials, would have run the rails north from Tacoma Dome Station to Portland Avenue on one end and from the Theater District Station to MLK and 6th Avenue on the other for the same price.

The city-backed route is championed as an economic booster of Hilltop, which is apparently overflowing with would-be riders willing to pay $2 to $4 to take a light rail train downtown. The trip would still likely cost Hilltop residents even if they do not take the Link, since the project still needs $50 million in "local partnership" funding – likely through property tax hikes, but no one is talking about it.

The alternate route to Portland Avenue, however, would link Salishan with the rest of the Tacoma, something the city has long wanted at no cost to property owners. The tribe has access to federal funding earmarked for transportation projects that benefit Native American tribes that could be used to fully fund the "local partnership." Tribal officials have also said it would open its parking lots at its Emerald Queen Casino for Link riders to events at Tacoma Dome and the Greater Tacoma Trade Convention Center, which lack parking spaces.

As the tribe also has its other Emerald Queen in Fife, a route to Portland Avenue would make an extension across the Puyallup River a definite possibility in the future.

The response to the offer, however, has largely been that the tribe should simply pay for the tracks if it wants rail service to run along its property, regardless of the "side benefits" the city would get.

Wow, city officials have proven that they are willing to aid businesses when they are owned by white guys, but they have fallen silent, and even hostile, when the businesses are operated by Native Americans, regardless of their size and impact to Tacoma.

Regardless of the final link route, the tribe's casino operations will grow and become more of a regional attraction. The real question is if Tacoma wants to tap into that economic engine by endorsing a route that would not cost taxpayers any "local partnership" fees, or will it run a track to nowhere.

Share comments about this editorial at http://www.fifefreepress.com or http://www.mesignal.net.

How will your workplace garden grow?

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:01:16 -0700

The space behind the vast Tacoma Weekly strong-hold on Pacific Highway was, we admit, on the seedy side.

Long before our thriving enterprise moved in last summer, some fine citizen ditched, literally, a sofa in the drainage canal behind the building. Last year, the surface water maintenance crew working the slope under Interstate-5 found it and, casting accusing looks at blameless journalists, hauled it out and set it by a cluster of derelict newspaper paper racks.

There was another box back there, wooden and bent on becoming one with the morning glory, horsetail and nasty grass around it.

We were not alone. Our neighbors to the north had laid out an obsolete wall cupboard next to the platform on which they stored pallets, wood and a pickup canopy. They invited recyclers to make free with the materials, and, to this community's credit, a good deal of the stuff has been taken to new uses.

Still, our semi-industrial back yard was graceless, the kind of place that attracts dicey elements. I have, with my own eyes, seen Steve Dunkelberger, Ed Curran, Ernest Jasmin, even Matt Nagle, hanging out there on "jibber jabber" breaks.

I imagined something lovelier, healthier. I imagined cherry tomatoes and lettuce for lunch, squash to share with a food bank, pumpkins and watermelons for their air of celebration.

I imagined catching up with the rest of Tacoma.

Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland collaborated with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and environmental groups to hold our first Garden Summit three years ago. At it, she challenged Tacomans to build and tend more community gardens per capita than any other city in the nation. The city and county had been inventorying scraps of their under-used property, so organizer and horticulturist Kristen McIvor had sites to offer them. Franklin Pierce School District took the opportunity to revive agriculture with the New Pathways program at The Farm at Waller Road and 96th Street East.

Tacomans thought before they leapt and did the organizing to build seven successful gardens that first year. Each matches the sense of the neighborhood.

Now there are scores of official and unofficial community gardens. MetroParks, The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Pierce County, Tacoma Housing Authority, Catholic Community Services, multiple school districts, senior homes and churches are growing beets and friendships. Individuals are turning their front yards into proof that food and flowers can get along at least as well as cats and dogs. They're transforming their parking strips into planting strips.

I love this story and wanted our workplace to be part of this happy Tacoma trend.

So one drizzly forenoon, I ambushed my colleagues and channeled Judy Garland in that movie where she and Mickey Rooney point to an old barn and say to all their eager friends, "Hey, gang, let's put on a show!"

"What do you say we build a garden here?" I asked

with an optimistic uptick at the end of the sentence. No response. Well, there was a response, but not a verbal one. I had, apparently, confirmed all their suspicions about the balance of my mind. You could see it in their eyes.

So I countered with reality:

"We could ask at Walt's if we can have the old cupboard for the raised bed. That paper box with the two plastic windows, the recycler won't take it because the plastic is too hard. But it would be a greenhouse if we laid it on its back. We could use the crummy wooden box for compost. We could order up some TAGRO potting soil. There's a faucet on the back of the building. We could maybe get a chain saw and cut that sofa into small pieces and put it in the garbage a slice at a time."

That got their attention. Dunkleberger narrowed his eyes. "Can we have cherry tomatoes, too?" he asked. Judy Garland revived. "Yes! Yes! We can! We can use found items for

the containers, and I'll order and shovel the TAGRO, so it can be 100 percent local, I'll supply the seeds and buy everybody a pair of Dollar Tree gloves and bring in an old hose, and you can do the watering if you want to."

Walt's manager said we could take what we liked from the back.

Tacoma Weekly's circulation manager, Colleen McDonald saved us cardboard from the delivery pallet, and I found a deal on landscape fabric.

Our publisher agreed to a plan to run a summerlong Workplace Garden challenge with spotlights, tips and, yes, prizes.

We were set.

We whacked the weeds, laid cardboard and plant fabric over them. We hauled our boxes into place and laid wood chips around them for ambiance.

Biosolid Distribution Operator Donald Boe delivered our three cubic yards of TAGRO, and let Ed push the button to dump it.

"People are always happy to see me," he admitted. "The kids get a kick out of letting them dump out the truck."

The people who've ordered it get a kick out of knowing that TAGRO not only grows the best stuff, but it far exceeds all regulations in terms of purity and safety.

Donald got a kick out making the delivery to our collection of repurposed raised beds.

We hope you'll get a kick out of reading about the other workplace gardens popping up in our ever fairer city.

Fife students head to California for scholastic challenge

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:45:33 -0700

As summertime approaches and Fife students wait for the last day of school (June 18) with anticipation, some of them will be wrapping up the year representing their respective schools at one final scholastic challenge.

From June 25-July 1, eight students – two from Columbia Junior High and six from Fife High School – and their advisors will be participating in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) national conference in Anaheim, Calif. After having earned their place at nationals by winning top honors at FBLA state competitions in Spokane this past April, these eight students are going in to nationals confident that they will make their schools proud.

At nationals, all eight scholars will face off against "the cream of the crop" – students from across the country who also earned their spot on the awards stage at their own state competitions. "They'll be competing against somewhere around 60-80 teams," said Fife High FBLA advisor Laura Hilzendeger.

Considering the wins at state, spirits are high for nationals.

"This was our best showing at a Washington State FBLA conference in our past 12 years," Hilzendeger said, noting that she does not remember having that many of her students onstage at once at the state awards ceremony. In addition to the many students that placed in the top five in their competitions, the Fife High FBLA chapter as a whole won awards in numerous categories for FBLA's Peninsula Region including first place in Largest Local Chapter Membership, Largest Professional Membership (for which the chapter also took the state award) and Largest Percentage of Professional Membership. Fife High senior Chantelle LaMarr won a place among Who's Who in FBLA for the Peninsula Region and was named Outstanding Chapter Member.

The Fife High FBLA contingent going to nationals will include seniors LaMarr and Jesse Raetz; junior Autumn Storholt; and sophomores Olivia Treece, Katie Breland and Kelly Oberbillig. Their FBLA advisor Hilzendeger and Christiann Thomas will be going as well.

"Taking three sophomores is really huge to me," Hilzendeger said. "Once you get that taste for nationals you want to go back. When you get the nod to go, it's such an honor for yourself, your school, your state – it's just very exciting." It also helps the students prepare for their junior year in FBLA as well.

Raising money for the trip to Anaheim is now a top priority. In addition to the chapter asking local businesses for sponsorships, Treece has organized a fundraising "restaurant takeover" event to be held on May 21 at BJ's Restaurant in Puyallup's South Hill Mall. From 4-10 p.m., diners that present a special flyer to their server will get 15 percent of their food bill donated to the Fife High FBLA. Get a flyer from any of the chapter members, or download as many as you would like from the Fife Schools website at http://www.fifeschools.com (click on "Schools" and choose Fife High School).

The junior high students and their FBLA chapter won a nice share of awards at state as well such as the Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit. Ali Raetz won for Outstanding Member, and Hannah won Outstanding Local Chapter Advisor of the Year for 2013.

(See sidebar for the full list of individual student awards won at state for both Columbia Junior High and Fife High School.)

Columbia Junior High's FBLA team has an even bigger challenge because they will be going up against older high school students at nationals like they did at state.

Keith Hannah is Columbia's FBLA advisor. "Even though we're a junior high, we chose not to compete middle-level," he said. "We're competing at high school level, so these kids are competing all the way up against seniors."

Hannah is referring to ninth graders Addy Paris and Carlie Kilcup.

"I always figure that for a first-year chapter, we won't have someone going to nationals but every year so far I've been surprised to have national qualifiers," he said. "They say that only less than 2 percent of all FBLA students ever make it to nationals, so for them to make it as freshmen, that's a pretty huge accomplishment."

It was Paris' and Kilcup's second-place win in the Business Presentation competition at state that qualified them for nationals (and they were just one point behind the first-place team). Between now and the national conference they will refine what they presented at state – a PowerPoint presentation and seven-minute speech focused on the topic of proper business luncheon etiquette.

Both girls said they enjoyed their experience at the state conference, especially how polite and friendly everyone was. "It was really fun," Kilcup said. "You never had to open a door; all the guys there are good people. Everyone is really cool."

Both are also looking forward to their trip to Anaheim, and are excited about making their first visit to Disneyland and taking Hollywood tours while there, just as the Fife High FBLA team will do.

MAKE-A-WISH

Before heading to nationals, Paris, Kilcup and the rest of Columbia's FBLA chapter will be busy raising money to help a little girl with cancer see her wish come true.

Fife School District's annual district-wide art show happens May 23 inside the Columbia Junior High School library, and outside the Columbia FBLA group will be holding a 5K fun run/walk for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While the art show always attracts a big crowd of students, families, friends and folks in the community who come to view the amazing breadth of art made by Fife's K-12 students, this event will also offer the perfect opportunity for the students to raise money for 5-year-old Ava of Lynnwood.

"Adopted" by the Columbia FBLA through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, young Ava has cancer. Her wish is to go to Disneyland to meet all the Disney princesses, so the FBLA has set a goal to raise $2,500 for Ava's family to get her there. Donations of any amount are being gratefully accepted now through a donation website at http://tinyurl.com/a9htuzm. A tax receipt will be automatically generated. Donations can also be sent to Columbia Jr. High, 2901 54th St. E., Fife, WA 98424.

Those who wish to participate in the fun run can visit the Columbia Junior High website at http://www.FifeSchools.com (click on "Schools" and choose Columbia Jr. High) for an online registration form, or sign up the day of the race. The 5K route is approximately 3.1 miles and will encompass the junior high school grounds and across the street through Dacca Park. All levels of runners/walkers are welcome. The course is fully paved and wheelchair accessible. First aid will also be available. Check-in is at 5 p.m.; race time is 6 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer to help with the 5K fun run/walk, contact Melissa Brownell at mbrownell@fife.k12.wa.us or Keith Hannah at khannah@fife.k12.wa.us.

Plans for Brookville Garden Park adjust over time

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:33:37 -0700

City officials envision Brookville Gardens Park as someday being the crown jewel of Fife's park system. The 15-acre parcel along Valley Avenue will be developed in the near future. Fife City Council examined the topic during its May 7 study session.

In 2001 the city conducted a survey on its park system. It showed a need for open space, wildlife habitat, multi-use trails, playgrounds, athletic facilities and various programs for youth to senior citizens.

The parcel had an appraised value of $1,760,000. The city purchased it for $1,425,000 from the Yotsuuye family, which received a credit for the difference between the appraised and sale values. To date the city has spent $662,000 on design work.

There have been changes since the original concept for the park was created in 2007. Among these are increasing the comfort level of visitors with ample bathrooms and picnic spaces.

Weaknesses were identified in that original concept. The parking lot encroached into the wetland buffer, the existing building is in the buffer and there were three crossings of Wapato Creek. And it was determined the park lacked elements that defined its special characteristics.

Local architectural firm BCRA was brought in to do a master plan for the park. Among the changes they proposed was relocating remnant native berry vines and adding interpretive signs to explain the unique qualities of the park.

New features added during this design phase include restrooms at the play areas and two types of picnic shelters. Themed play areas were envisioned, based on the presence of trains in Fife. A centerpiece would be in the form of a shipping container.

Other features are permeable paving, bio-filtration rain gardens, green roofs, solar panels and native landscape plantings.

A revised plan in 2011 called for close to four acres of open space, three picnic areas for groups of various sizes, a fish hatchery, a perimeter trail and connection to a regional bike trail. Also, a decision was made not to have a maintenance and operation yard at the park, due to its impact on land available for mitigation.

Wapato Creek would be altered to have a length of 1,600 feet, or twice as long as currently. Flood storage capacity would increase by 400 percent.

The council was presented with several alternatives. One would delete a play structure, picnic shelter and plantings near the railroad tracks, to save $383,000. Another would delete planter walls and replace with berms, to save $164,000. A third would delete poured in place pavers and replace with standard concrete, to save $71,000. A fourth would delete embedded rail and replace with flat bar, to cut costs by $33,000.

Another would replace rubber play tiles with wood chips, to save $295,000. Several council members expressed support for keeping the rubber tiles and planters.

As designed the project would cost $7.5 million to complete. If all the alternatives were chosen, the cost would be pared down to $6.5 million.

Hedden teacher shaves head for a cause

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:31:27 -0700

Hedden Elementary students have always exceeded fundraising goals during the school's annual Jump Rope for Heart program. But after becoming the No. 2 school in the state in fundraising last year – out of 150 participating schools – physical education teacher and program coordinator Matt Sinnes knew he had to somehow up the ante this year. And what better fundraising incentive is there for a young student than the opportunity to shave a teacher's head? This incentive more than paid off for the American Heart Association, which received $12,643 from Hedden Elementary's fundraising efforts.

"I thought that if we can raise $1 more than last year and I have to shave my head to do it, I will," he laughed. "In the back of my mind, I thought there's no way they'll raise that much money."

But raise money they did – the students beat last year's record by more than $450, and on May 15 five lucky students had the opportunity to shave Sinnes' head in front of the entire school.

"We've never had a coordinator do something like this," said Karen Hake, youth market director for the American Heart Association. "We are so grateful to have a teacher like Matt who is not only focused on physical activity, but also on community service."

Since Hedden Elementary opened in 2002, the school has raised more than $68,936.97 for the American Heart Association. "This program has been a staple here pretty much since it opened," Sinnes said. "We all just want to make a difference in some way here, and this is my way of trying to give back. Our students really feel that way, too, so it's very cool to see everyone come together for such a great cause. And if it means we can raise a few more dollars for a good cause, I'd shave my head every year."

Program provides grim evidence of dangers of drunk driving

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:35:33 -0700

On May 2 and 3, juniors and seniors at Fife High School participated in an intense activity that delivered a warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. It was Every 15 Minutes, a national educational program that uses a staged traffic collision, videos and visits from the Grim Reaper to remind youth of what can happen when they mix alcohol with driving.

Fife Police Department coordinated the mock crash, which was staged in the football stadium on May 2. At 1 p.m. a 9-1-1 call reporting a crash rang out over a sound system to signify the start of the simulated incident. The scenario was a two-car, head-on crash caused by an inebriated teenager driver. It resulted in one person trapped in a car.

Tacoma Fire Department was on hand, along with Airlift Northwest and Pierce County Medical Examiner's office. Firefighters removed a door of a car to free the person trapped inside. One person was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital, another died at the scene and another person was arrested for driving under the influence.

The following day students completed the school day with a follow up and closure activity. The timing was important, as the school had its prom on May 4. And graduation is approaching for seniors. This is another event that is sometimes marred by the negative consequences of underage drinking.

Milton Police catch criminal wanted in string of nearby burglaries

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:40:58 -0700

A criminal wanted in several nearby cities is behind bars thanks to collaboration between the Milton and Federal Way police departments. On May 6 at about 5 p.m., Milton officers were contacted by Federal Way with information about a person wanted on several felony warrants possibly hiding in a Milton storage facility on Pacific Highway.

"We had a game plan set up and thought it would be a piece of cake," said Milton Police Chief Bill Rhoads. "Then things went sideways."

As the officers approached the storage facility, the alleged suspect, driving a stolen vehicle, stepped on the gas and drove directly toward the police cruisers, ultimately driving over the rear of a Federal Way cruiser. As the suspect peeled out onto the highway, he collided with a civilian vehicle, spinning his truck across five lanes of traffic before coming to a stop. After attempting to flee on foot, the suspect was ultimately apprehended.

"The best part of that day is that no one was hurt," Rhoads said. "It's always good to catch guys like him and put him in jail, especially when agencies work together like this. It makes a difference."

After obtaining a search warrant for the suspect's storage unit, police recovered items stolen in burglaries and theft cases from numerous cities including Milton, Fife, Sumner, Kent, Auburn, Maple Valley and Federal Way. The items recovered are valued at well over $40,000, not including the stolen truck, worth more than $35,000.

Police Blotter

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:15:33 -0700
Edgewood Police Department reported the following incidents:
Edgewood officers were in search of a material witness who was needed to testify in court on a residential-burglary case. The witness was found in Auburn and arrested for an unrelated outstanding felony warrant.

Two neighbors got into an altercation with one of them calling the police. The caller made threats about wanting to assault the other neighbor. He was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct. Alcohol may have played a role.

A vehicle was seen speeding on Jovita Boulevard. The officer noted that the license plate was expired. When he contacted the driver, he found that the driver had his license suspended due to a drunken driving charge. The driver was also required to have an interlock device on his vehicle. The driver was arrested for driving while license is suspended, driving without an interlock device and was given infractions for not having insurance, for speeding and for having expired vehicle tabs.

A female was seen in the middle of Meridian Avenue attempting to stop vehicular traffic. As cars approached, she pounded on the cars. She ran into the front of one vehicle and then attempted to hit the driver with a large flashlight. As the driver attempted to escape, she smashed the rear window of his vehicle. An immediate search for her was to no avail. She was located and arrested the following day.

Deputy Scott Wheeler received a certificate recognizing his 20 years of service to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. He has worked in Edgewood for the past five years.
Fife Police Department reported the following incidents on its blog at:
http://www.fifepolicedepartment.blogspot.com

This week is National Police Week. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Every day this week, the department has honored those who have made that sacrifice with a different event.

The Safe Street Of The Week in Fife was 5th Avenue East from Taylor Way to Pacific Highway. The posted speed limit is 35 mph.

On April 30, Fife police officers were dispatched to a robbery at a sporting goods company in the 4600 block of 20th Street East. Two suspects entered the store and one of them walked out without paying for two pairs of works pants that he had tucked under his arm. When employees contacted the suspect outside, he fled on foot. Store security personnel chased the suspect and when they caught up to him, he pulled out a knife and pointed it at them. The suspect threw the stolen items at the security officers and tried again to get away, but they were able to detain him until police officers arrived. The second suspect was seen entering a vehicle and driving away from the scene. The detained suspect admitted that he came to the store to steal the work pants and claimed that the second suspect offered him $20 for each pair of stolen pants he could take. He was booked into the Pierce County Jail. Fife detectives are following up on leads to locate the second suspect.
Milton Police Department reported the following incidents in its Passdown.
There were 78 criminal cases the first week of May with 12 arrests and 78 criminal cases, with 19 arrests the previous week.

An officer responded to a call to the Daffodil Motel when one of the residents was proving problematic. One customer was found to have a warrant. A female was arrested and turned over to Fife.

Milton officers aided Fife police who were dispatched to a Fife apartment that led to one male and one female being taken into custody in regards to an Amber Alert out of Montana.

A Tacoma teenager was arrested following a report of a stolen car from Surprise Lake Village Apartments.

A car spun gravel in a parking lot at the baseball fields along Porter Way, breaking out a rear window of a vehicle.

An officer contacted a suspicious male walking down Taylor Way and later arrested him on a confirmed felony warrant and for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Someone broke into a vehicle along 15th Avenue and removed the in-dash radio as well as damaged the dashboard.

An officer stopped a male for walking on the wrong side of the road along Pacific Highway and later learned the male had numerous felony warrants and was in possession of forged checks and illegal items.

Milton officers assisted Edgewood police with an incident along 110th Avenue involving a subject who threatened another person with a gun. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Milton police received a phone call from US Bank to report fraudulent activity on the city-issued credit card. The fraud investigator told Milton officers the card was canceled. A fraud report would be mailed after an investigation.

A resident of Surprise Lake Village Apartments was having a bonfire party that got out of hand. The owner of the apartment went and got a firearm, pushed his wife out of the way, loaded the rifle and then shot one round out of an open sliding glass door. No one was injured. Officers evacuated one apartment, cleared another apartment and took the suspect into custody.

Two suspects are being investigated for reportedly robbing a pizza delivery person at gunpoint.

Arts & Entertainment: Jazz and Blues Festival May 25

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:06:10 -0700

On May 25, the 11th annual Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival will bring some of the best regional players to the Swiss Pub and Harmon Pub & Brewery in downtown Tacoma and Stonegate Pizza on South Tacoma Way.

"What (the festival) means to me, and I think the other guys, is just keeping this music visible, keeping it relevant and letting lots of people realize there's all kinds of great jazz and blues happening around here," said Rich Wetzel, who books the festival with South Sound Blues Association president Gary Grape.

For this year's festival, the blues stage will be set up at the Harmon Pub, with music starting at 12:30 p.m. The big band stage will go from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Swiss, and the evening stage will showcase Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra - performing with special guest trumpet player, Mike Vax - starting at 8 p.m. at the Stonegate.

Vax – a native of San Francisco – is known for playing with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band and the U.S. Navy Show Band. "Every major entertainer you can think of – Mel Torme, all these people – he's played with," Wetzel said. "The last few years, he's been the bandleader of the Stan Kenton Alumni Band."

Vax will also give a trumpet clinic with the Tacoma Community College Jazz Band at 7:30 p.m. on May 21 at the TCC Student Center. The event is free and open to trumpet players and aspiring jazz musicians of all ages.

The blues headliner this year is keyboard player Arthur Migliazza, who will headline the Harmon from 5 to 6 p.m. Migliazza started playing piano at age 9 and his playing was influenced by listening to the likes of Otis Spann, Champion Jack Dupree and Professor Longhair.

Before he relocated to the Northwest, Migliazza was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame and was a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2010.

"He's just a phenomenal keyboard player, boogie-woogie style blues," Grape said. "I've never heard anybody play as good as this guy can. When you watch or hear him play, you're just amazed at how fast his fingers fly around the keyboard."

Here's the Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival schedule, with more information available at http://www.tacomajazzandblues.org:

Blues stage at Harmon Pub & Brewery, 1938 Pacific Ave., Tacoma (admission is free and open to all ages): Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields (12:30 p.m.); The Cody Rentas Band (2 p.m.); Maia Santell and House Blend (3:30 p.m.); Arthur Migliazza (5 p.m.)

Big band stage at the Swiss Restaurant & Pub, 1904 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma (admission is free and open to all ages): Johnny Lewis Big Band (1 p.m); Roadside Attracton (3:30 p.m.)

Evening stage at Stonegate Pizza & Rum Bar, 5419 South Tacoma Way (there is a $5 cover charge and patrons must be 21 or older to enter): Rich Wetzel's Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra with special guest Mike Vax (8 p.m.)

Superintendent announces his resignation

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:27:39 -0700

The Fife Schools community received some sad news last week when Superintendent Dr. Steve McCammon announced his resignation. June 30 will be his last official day at Fife before he's off to Louisville, Ky. with wife (and Discovery Primary School office manager) Jill McCammon to take a position at the nationally renowned educational non-profit Schlechty Center.

Wiping away tears, McCammon told the Fife Free Press that the time simply has come for him to move onward and upward in both his career and in his family life, but it's not easy for him to leave.

"It's a natural next step for me," he said. "It's time to get home. I've been away for 25 years. My folks aren't getting any younger and I have a great big extended family out there that is very excited about me coming home.

"And the beautiful thing is I have an incredible opportunity to do work that I am passionate about. I've been blessed to be able to consult over the years with the center to where I can honestly say I'm leaving this family and I feel like I'm joining a family there that I already know and feel a part of."

McCammon announced his resignation in a public letter issued on May 3. (Read the full letter at http://www.fifeschools.com.) He wrote:

"I have some bittersweet news to share with you all. After seventeen years of leadership in the district and having enjoyed the high honor of serving for the past twelve years as your superintendent, I have announced to the school board today in private conversations my decision to move on to the next exciting challenge in my career. I have accepted a senior level position at the Schlechty Center for Leadership in School Reform effective July 1, 2013.

"I have been struggling with this decision for quite some time now, and quite frankly, the role that they have for me is simply a perfect fit and too alluring to turn down this time around. This opportunity will allow for me to work toward helping build leadership networks around the nation and to consult with schools and school districts on a national level. This is a perfect step for me in my career, and while Fife is a very difficult place to leave, I feel compelled to move toward the opportunity, which also affords for me a desire to move home to the great Midwest."

Now the process is underway to find the new superintendent. In a letter to the staff at Fife Schools, Board President Bob Scheidt and the board membership pledged to make the transition as smooth as possible.

"It's a natural next step for me. It's time to get home." - Dr. Steve McCammon Fife Schools Superintendant

"We want you to know that we are committed to maintaining the same direction and focus at Fife Schools during this transition period. No matter who succeeds Dr. McCammon as superintendent, we are going to press forward with our vision of continuously improving our schools, giving our students and educators the best opportunities to succeed, continuing our work with the Schlechty Center and creating a collection of the finest schools our state has to offer."

Scheidt told the Fife Free Press that a new superintendent would be in place by early June so that he/she can meet and work with McCammon before his last day on the job. "We've already started interviewing within the district," Scheidt said, which is likely where McCammon's successor will come from rather than doing a national search. Hiring from within will also ensure that Fife's Standard Bearer work continues uninterrupted.

"One thing I'm thankful for is that we have a good, strong board with five excellent board members," Scheidt said. "We want to keep things moving forward."

Deputy Superintendent Jeff Short said that McCammon is leaving the district well prepared to continue the vision that started years ago.

"He has left us with a great vision as our moral and intellectual leader. He's helped communicate that vision with our entire faculty – all of our staff, from bus drivers, custodians and groundskeepers, all the way to teachers and administrators. He's given us the vision and purpose for educating our youth."

"The school board, in our Standard Bearer work, has established the direction we want to go in as a district and we want to maintain that direction. We have all the arrows pointing in the same direction."

Before he leaves, McCammon has agreed to the school board's request that he bargain a new teachers contract for Fife Schools, which is currently underway. This seems the perfect "final farewell" for McCammon; a hallmark of his legacy at Fife Schools is the solid collaboration and trust he worked to successfully build with the teachers union. "They (school board) said we want you to bargain this contract with full faith and confidence because you have the trust in this district. And so, I'm bargaining the contract and we're going to get it done because the trust and collaboration are on that table," McCammon said.

Columbia Junior High School math teacher Kirk Dodge is vice-president of the teachers union and president elect, which will start after this school year. He said that thanks to McCammon, the contract would be completed quickly, which is unusual because other districts don't have the level of trust that Fife does. "It's usually kind of a battle, without everybody being happy, and we get ours done in a couple of days," Dodge said. "He's a man of his word and very transparent with his negotiations, and he's realistic about what is needed by his teachers for them to be good teachers.

"He won't tell somebody one thing and then tell someone something else. That's really refreshing – we've not always had that at this district."

Columbia Junior High Principal Jeff Nelson has been with the district for 29 years. "As someone who's been around for a while, one of the things I told my staff was that he will leave us a better district than we were when he started," Nelson said.

Dodge and Nelson said McCammon would be sorely missed. "He's a great leader and visionary that has brought this district into greatness," Dodge said. "He picked us up when we were in the longest teacher strike in state history. He brought us up from the bottom of the ocean and that's all due to him. He will be missed."

Nelson agreed. "I'm going to miss my friend. God bless Steve and Jill and (their son) Kyle. We will miss you. Thank you for your leadership and support over the years."

A PROUD LEGACY

Marjorie Dickson is a Fife resident, parent of a Fife student, a longtime Fife Schools classroom volunteer and PTA member.

"During the last 12 years of my steady involvement in the school district, spanning all schools, involvement in most parent groups, and advocating for the needs of students, I have personally witnessed Dr. McCammon being a steady source of guidance and professionalism," she said.

"I remember being concerned many years ago about the amount of students in my son's first grade class in September. Someone mentioned to me that Dr. McCammon was aware and would make changes as needed. Sure enough, in October another first grade class was added with the hire of another teacher and the class size was reduced. This was one of many experiences as a parent in developing trust in a leader who has a commitment to the youngest in the school district and has a strong intellectual background to place resources where they can be used to the greatest potential."

For McCammon it is indeed a bittersweet decision to leave the district to which he has given his heart and soul all these years. The saving grace is that he is leaving knowing that he has taken the district to new heights of excellence, particularly in leading Fife Schools to be the national model for the Standard Bearer Network created by Dr. Phil Schlechty that McCammon fully instituted as the core business of the Fife Schools system. In fact, McCammon was poised to leave the district 12 years ago to work at the center, but he stayed at Fife when then-superintendent Bob Corley announced his resignation in 2000. McCammon was assistant superintendent at the time he accepted the offer to take Corley's position. As new superintendent, McCammon's top directive from the school board was to continue the Standard Bearer work that had just started under Corley.

"The board said to me, 'Steve, one of your major tasks is to make us a national model of this work because it's the right work to do. It doesn't focus on test scores; it focuses on the right things.' They said, 'Don't get the big head because it's less about you right now. We like it that the work is finally about the right things – not about the adults, it's about the kids and the work they do and that feels good.'

"I did what the board asked me to do," McCammon said. "Now, I'm leaving and we are the national model for this work. We took this work and we transformed our school district. We protected our classrooms from budget cuts I think better than anybody; our class sizes are among the lowest in the South Sound, especially at elementary; we are one of the few district that don't have pay for play; we didn't cut any academic programs through all those millions of dollars of budget cuts. We put our money where our mouth was."

Over the years, representatives from nearly a dozen schools districts across the country have visited Fife to discover the true rewards of "The Fife Way," which in this case refers to the Standard Bearer Network. Fife's WOW (Working on the Work) Refrigerator and Walls That Teach that McCammon created are in scores of schools across the country.

Instituting Standard Bearer best practices transformed the district's K-12 system from the students, teachers and principals all the way to administration. Elaine Smith is WOW coordinator for Fife Schools. "WOW has given me a framework for how schools should work that matches my fundamental beliefs regarding how students learn best," Smith said. "As a teacher it allowed me to design work that both met the needs of my students and that they would find engaging and worthwhile. It gave me opportunities to collaborate with my colleagues, and provided me with many leadership opportunities.

"Because of our district's commitment to this work I was afforded the opportunity to apply for the role I currently hold. I can't thank Dr. McCammon enough for choosing me to help build the capacity for teachers to design engaging work for their students."

Smith said she's excited for the future of Fife Schools given the solid foundation McCammon built.

"Although transition is never easy, I have complete trust that our school board will hire someone to continue Dr. McCammon's legacy and our work will go on. Our district's focus is clear and there is such a phenomenal team of leaders in place it will be fun to see what new heights we can attain."

The focus and tone of Fife School Board meetings transformed under McCammon. Rather than be a forum for parent complaints or concerns to be aired, board meetings became a showcase for student learning.

"If I've been here 12 years and we have had 12 school board meetings a year, I've presided over 144 school board meetings," McCammon said. "Out of those, I think we've had three meetings where we had a real issue or a real parent concern brought to the table. That doesn't mean we don't have issues. It means we have good people doing good work. Because we haven't had people storming the gates with complaints, our school board meetings have become a forum where parents come to see the really good work kids are doing."

McCammon's legacy will live on at the classroom level in numerous ways. He said he is very proud of creating a funding source for Fife's technology curriculum via the four-year technology levies that the district has consistently stretched to six years.

The running track at Surprise Lake Middle School represents another of McCammon's major accomplishment for Fife Schools and one that the whole community thoroughly enjoys. "I am so proud of our field at SLMS and what a great community asset that has become," he said.

The construction of Columbia Junior High School and its state-of-the-art performing arts center is another source of pride for the superintendent.

"As I go on and do my other work, I'll know that my name is on a little placard at Columbia Junior High School. I was the superintendent who built that school," he said. He even got a chance to perform on that very stage in student plays like "Little Orphan Annie," "Grease" and "Wizard of Oz." He laughed when he recalled these times.

"Where else other than Fife can a high school principal, and then later superintendent, play Teen Angel?" he said of his role in "Grease." "It was very special to get to be on the stage in two musicals with my own son Kyle. Who gets to do that? The sad part is I know I'll never have that again. That's hard. This is an incredibly unique community. I've been blessed."

A BRIGHT FUTURE

By the time McCammon officially leaves on June 30, he will have helped install the new superintendent and a new union contract will be complete. Long-range budget projections look good as well. The district is poised to receive more than $1 million from the state next year, so the new superintendent will not have the kinds of tough budget cuts to deal with as McCammon did through the years. In addition, the district will benefit from having a school board that McCammon says is the best yet.

"I can say as a superintendent that…this board believes in our work more than any board I've ever had," he said.

He also praised Fife Schools leadership overall. "Everybody who's in leadership in this district in any capacity, I placed there with great care and trust and they're still there. It's a wonderful team. We've created deep collaboration and trust, seriously. It's not just words."

While McCammon has never been one to put too much stock in test scores to determine student achievement, the graduating seniors who were kindergarteners when McCammon became superintendent earned some of the highest assessment scores in the South Sound. "I feel great about that collective legacy we have all built even with the dramatically changing demographics we have faced," he said.

For the residents of Fife, Milton and Edgewood, McCammon is leaving them with a school district that he helped grow into a closely-knit community – the focal point of three cities that otherwise wouldn't have such a unifying force. "I've never been to a place where there was a greater community feel. I do think the reason Fife, Milton and Edgewood feel like a community is only because of the school district. I hope people understand how blessed they are."

Well wishes for the superintendent have been pouring in to the district offices, as those who have known McCammon come to terms with his departure. Dickson said she would miss the dynamic duo of Steve and Jill McCammon.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. McCammon and best of luck to him on the national stage for education reform and his wife Jill who has been a great presence at Discovery Primary and will be missed greatly. It is rare to find a great couple committed to giving to others and an entire community so genuinely in their life's work. They both will be sincerely missed and they both deserve the best life has to offer in their new adventure."

"You have inspired a community and we will forever be grateful for all you have led us to do here," Smith said. "Fife Public Schools is richer for having known you and I personally am very grateful to have called you my boss and my friend."

Scheidt said he's happy knowing McCammon would be in the midst of his family again. "That's what's most important.

"He's been a visionary leader who took on the tough challenges. There are some very difficult decisions to be made as superintendent, and Steve took them head-on. I have nothing but good things to say about what he did. It's important to realize how much he is loved in this community."

News Briefs

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:32:04 -0700

RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER

Help support the Fife Milton Edgewood Relay for Life on May 20 during a fundraiser at Edgemont Park featuring a delicious barbecue, raffle, softball games and much more. The event takes place from 12-4 p.m. at Edgemont Park, located at 11001 24th St. E. This year's Fife Milton Edgewood Relay For Life takes place at Fife High School June 22-23. For more information, visit http://www.relayforlifeoffifemiltonedgewood.org.

GUILTY PLEAS IN SPORTCO BURGLARY

Three men pleaded guilty on May 6 to charges related to theft of guns from a Fife sporting goods store in 2011. David Bunta pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, trafficking in stolen property and conspiracy to commit trafficking in stolen property for his role in the break-in at Sportco. Pierce County Superior Court Judge James Orlando sentenced him to nine years in prison. David J. Garcia pleaded guilty to trafficking in stolen property and conspiracy. He was sentenced to a year in jail. Sovannarith Soeung pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. He was sentenced to a year and one day in prison. A fourth man charged in the case, Soeun Sun, is on trial facing 45 felony counts.

Prosecutors claimed Sun and Bunta broke into the store late at night, smashed open display cases and ran off with 39 handguns and two rifles. Witnesses told authorities that Sun tried to sell many of the guns. One was used in a robbery in Wenatchee.

KWA HIRING 100 CAREGIVERS IN PIERCE COUNTY

Korean Women's Association (KWA) is partnering with Home Depot, Work Source, Work Force Central and American Medical Rental & Supply to present the KWA Hiring Fair 2013 on Wednesday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Work Force Central, located at 3650 S. Cedar St. Tacoma, WA 98409.

More than 100 caregiver positions are available and need to be filled immediately. "This is an awesome opportunity to provide much needed jobs in Pierce County," said Pete Ansara, executive director of KWA.

This event's focus is not only finding quality caregivers, but to show interested parties what a day in the life of a caregiver looks like. There will be stations set up for attendees to participate in practice activities that would occur in a home-care situation. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about this hands-on position to help determine if this job is a good fit. All medical equipment is provided by American Medical Rental & Supply.

KWA will have onsite hiring confirmation for qualified candidates. Attendees should bring: three references (at least one employer), job history with contact information, Washington State driver's license and proof of car insurance (attendees name listed).

Pierce County is still experiencing a 10.4 percent unemployment rate with 41,080 out of work; KWA's desire is to increase the number of employed residents in Pierce County.

RALLY FOR LEONARD PELTIER

The Northwest regional march for Leonard Peltier and Mother Earth will take place at noon on May 18. The march begins at noon at Portland Avenue Park in Tacoma, with a rally to start at 1 p.m. at the federal courthouse at 1717 Pacific Ave. Deeahop Conway, a member of Puyallup Tribe and the Tacoma chapter of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee, will given welcoming remarks. Arthur J. Miller, Northwest regional organizer with LPDOC, will provide an update on Leonard Peltier's legal status. Arthur

Keynote speaker will be Ramona Bennett, a Puyallup Tribal member and long-time friend of Leonard Peltier. Other supporters and relatives of Leonard Peltier are also scheduled to speak.

BLOOMING BOXES AT PORT

April showers bring May flowers. At the Port of Tacoma's administration building, they also help control stormwater pollution while blooming with color. In time for Earth Day, port staff spent their lunch break planting four downspout treatment boxes to keep pollutants from flowing into Commencement Bay.

Anita Fichthorn, the port's water quality project manager, designed the boxes to filter the heavy metals picked up by rainwater coming off the roof. The boxes were engineered and built by port facilities development and maintenance staff, using materials readily available at local hardware and building supply stores. The boxes – nicknamed Coho, Steelhead, Chum and King – cost about $600 each to build. They mimic the natural environment to filter pollutants. Nestled in a bioretention soil mix of sand and compost that controls the flow of water, the plants take up zinc and other pollutants to use during photosynthesis.

"The boxes play a key role in our efforts to control heavy metal releases from our industrial properties," Fichthorn said. "They also help us comply with the terms of our stormwater permit."

The boxes were tested last year at Pierce County Terminal and the Port's maintenance facility. Those pilot boxes removed 99 percent of metals, particularly zinc and copper.

MCCARTHY TO LEAD REGIONAL GROUP

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy has been elected president of Puget Sound Regional Council, which coordinates growth planning in a thriving four-county region. McCarthy was elected on Thursday, April 25, during the PSRC's annual General Assembly. Redmond Mayor John Marchione was elected vice president. The president typically serves for two years.

"The PSRC plays a vital role in knitting all of the communities of central Puget Sound together and planning for our future," McCarthy said. "Over the next year we will be focused on improvements to our transportation system, boosting job growth and ensuring the region continues to grow in ways that reflect our shared Northwest values."

COUNTY COUNCIL TAKES GOVERNMENT ON THE ROAD

Pierce County Council will hold an upcoming meeting in Parkland as part of its practice of taking government on the road. The council, which normally meets Tuesdays in its chambers in the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma, holds at least one meeting a year in each of the seven council districts, as required by the Pierce County Charter. The May 28 meeting will be at 5 p.m. at Garfield Community Room, Pacific Lutheran University, 208 Garfield St. S. The meeting will be hosted by District 6 Councilmember Doug Richardson.

CASA VOLUNTEERS HONORED

Pierce County Juvenile Court hosted its annual themed volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 20 to recognize court appointed special advocates (CASAs) for the work they do for our county's most vulnerable children. In addition, seven CASAs were honored for outstanding contributions. CASAs are trained volunteers who speak up for abused and neglected children in the court system.

Judges, commissioners and legislators greeted CASA volunteers as they entered the event through a telephone booth (revealing CASA superhero identities by donning capes and masks). Retired Justice Bobbe Bridge, CEO and president of Center for Children & Youth Justice, was the keynote speaker. Super CASAs Karen Worstell, Gabrielle Smith, Vanessa Marin, Emily Taylor, Cindy Scott and Sue Mayer were recognized for their special super powers of being steadfast and strong advocates. CASA of the Year Mary Bartley is a tireless volunteer. In addition to her strong advocacy of the children, Bartley is also a steward of the CASA program. She is very active in CASA recruitment and retention efforts and has worked hours with staff and other volunteers to improve the CASA program.

Pierce County's program celebrates 30 years of existence this year. The program began in 1983 with three CASAs and has grown to 230 volunteers who currently advocate for nearly 600 children.

The goal is to provide a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in the Pierce County Juvenile Court system. More than 660 children do not have a CASA, so the need for more volunteers is high. The program continually recruits individuals interested in becoming CASAs and needs individuals who are thorough, logical, reliable and have five to 10 hours per month available to volunteer. Training is provided five times throughout the year. For more information, contact Carrie Appling at (253) 798-3837 or capplin@co.pierce.wa.us.

CITIZEN-SOLDIER OF THE YEAR

Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber of Commerce recently presented its 2013 Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award to Washington Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Stephen Ryan. He is a non-commissioned officer who has served Washington Army National Guard with distinction for more than 12 years. He is highly regarded in the maintenance community as one of the best practitioners of the Standard Army Maintenance System Enhanced (SAMS-E). Ryan has performed flawlessly in any position he has held throughout his illustrious career. His off-duty work with the 951st Maintenance Company's Family Readiness Program is a tribute to his dedication to his unit and fellow soldiers. He continues to volunteer and give his personal time to the men and women of the 951st as a leader and mentor of our citizen Soldiers.

For the last six years SSG Ryan has volunteered numerous hours with Pierce County Friends and Athletes, one of the larger independent Special Olympics programs in the state. The organization provides spiritual, social, educational and athletic opportunities for developmentally disabled youth and adults in an inclusive environment where activities are designed to be share with loving, non-disabled friends. He has assisted with the bowling and track and field events in preparation for Washington State Special Olympics.

Ryan is the head usher at Lakewood New Hope Community Church, where he spent a year as a board member. He has been a leader in small group study as well as an active participant in the men's ministry. Ryan and his wife, Cathy, assist members of their church with the care of a child with Down syndrome and a young man with multiple mental conditions.

In October 2011, after Pierce County Shuttle suspended its handicap rides to Joint Base Lewis/McChord, Ryan began giving rides to a wheelchair-bound employee of Waller Hall. Without Ryan's help, the employee would not have a way to get to and from work.

Annexation into East Pierce approved by voters

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:10:05 -0700

In a special election, voters in Milton and those who live in the East Pierce Fire and Rescue District overwhelmingly approved a measure to officially annex Milton into the district.

Early results indicate that 85 percent of Milton voters support the annexation, with 798 votes in favor and 138 against.

Among voters living in the East Pierce Fire and Rescue District, 86 percent approve the measure, with 8,968 votes in favor and 1,432 cast in opposition.

"I truly believe that the reason we received such a strong show of support is because of the exceptional work our personnel provide every day throughout the district," said East Pierce Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson. "We sincerely appreciate the voters confidence in us."

He also expressed his appreciation of the City of Milton's leadership for their efforts in helping to provide efficient and effective fire and emergency medical services to the citizens and businesses of their municipality.

The annexation will be complete on Jan. 1, 2014, when East Pierce and Rescue's boundaries will be officially adjusted to include Milton. The district has been providing these services to the residents of Milton through an operational agreement since early 2011. Due to the agreement, Thorson said he expects a smooth transition. Formalizing the relationship through annexation gives Milton residents a voice in setting tax rates and voting for fire commissioners. The only other change Milton residents will notice is that they will pay for fire and emergency medical services directly to the district instead of paying the city, which then pays the district. Thorson noted that the annexation will not impact either rates or levels of service for existing East Pierce residents or businesses.

East Pierce Fire & Rescue would adjust its boundaries to include the City of Milton, taking complete responsibility for emergency medical services within city limits on both sides of the Pierce-King county line.

Milton residents will contribute to the final year of a maintenance and operation levy that was previously approved in the district. Next year Milton resident will pay the same 43 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value as East Pierce residents now pay.

Mill Ridge Village food drive becomes communitywide event

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:08:52 -0700

What began as a fun, but slightly competitive, food drive with Mill Ridge Village staff and residents quickly turned into a community-wide event that blew Edgewood's FISH Food Bank's goals right out of the water. The food bank was set on participating in the Feinstein Challenge, a $1 million grant giveaway that donates money to food banks based on their own ability to collect donations – but it needed help. When Mill Ridge Village Program Director Lois Jasmer received a notice asking for community-wide participation in the food drive, she was ready to do what it takes to help make a difference.

"I just tried to think of what we can do as an organization to get people involved," Jasmer said. "We have a great, competitive staff, and residents, so I decided to divide everyone into four teams, gave them a color and said 'go for it.'"

What followed was a bit of friendly heckling, maybe the occasional prank that left an employee's office covered in colored crepe paper, and a slew of donations. Donations came in from residents, as well as their family members. "I had a resident bring me $100 from one of their children today," Jasmer said. "I'm just very touched by how generous people are, especially considering the economy today."

The retirement community held spirit days, encouraging residents and employees to wear their team colors. One of the teams even went so far as to take over the Milton community reader board, with a "Go Team Red!" message flashing for the whole community to see.

Local businesses also supported their team of choice, with Rite Aid holding a food drive for Jasmer's team. The local Albertsons even held their own food drive to benefit Mill Ridge Village teams.

The final totals are now in, with the green team collecting 2,245 pounds; the orange team came in at 3,114 pounds; the blue team came in at 1,421 pounds, and the red team collected 3,288 pounds. That is a grand total of 10,068 pounds of food collected during this two-month period. In total Edgewood Community FISH Food Bank collected 45,406 pounds of food during the Feinstein Challenge.

"It makes me feel so good about living here because people are so generous and kind," said Food Bank Coordinator Kate Wright. "The economy is recovering, but we are not necessarily seeing that in the food banks. It is a blessing to have all these donations."

Although the Feinstein food drive challenge is now over, the FISH Food Bank is always accepting donations. It is located at 3607 122nd Ave. E. in Edgewood. For more information on how to donate, visit http://www.fishfoodbanks.org.

Local Boy Scout saves a life at Milton grocery store

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:04:02 -0700

Safeway produce clerk Austin Bergstrom knew something was wrong with regular customer Penny Maier.

"She was not acting right, so I kept an eye on her," he said. When he saw her collapse, he realized he was the only employee in the area. Fortunately, he knew what to do.

As a Boy Scout, Bergstrom, 17, had been trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He ran to the customer service desk and told them to call 911. Returning to Maier, he began CPR as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

On March 19, Maier had a chance to formally thank Bergstrom for saving her life that day. At a packed meeting of the East Pierce Fire and Rescue Board of Fire Commissioners, Maier hugged Bergstrom and called him "my angel."

"God wanted him there for me. It still gives me the chills to think of it," she told the commissioners and an audience that included Bergstrom's family, most of his Boy Scout troop and the emergency responders who were first to arrive on scene that day.

During the meeting, East Pierce Fire Chief Jerry E. Thorson presented Bergstrom with a Good Samaritan Award for his courage and composure under pressure.

"Your actions and ability to recognize an emergency, instruct others to call 911 and perform quality CPR, allowed emergency responders to make the most out of a difficult situation," Thorson said of Bergstrom.

"Your selfless actions in providing comfort and life-saving medical assistance to a critically-ill patient in cardiac arrest reflect the true meaning of being a good Samaritan.

Often, cardiac arrest survivability depends on citizens who know what to do in an emergency. Safeway Store Manager Kevin Jones notes that the people around Maier told Bergstrom not to touch her, suggesting he wait for help to arrive.

"But he knew enough to ignore them," he remarked.

Bergstrom agrees. "I knew time was of the essence," he said.

According to East Pierce Battalion Chief Jeff Moore, for every one minute of delay in starting CPR on someone in cardiac arrest, the chance of survival falls by 10 percent.

"Bystander CPR doubles a victim's chance of survival," Moore said.

Fortunately for Maier, Bergstrom did everything right.

To help ensure that the public is trained in CPR, East Pierce Fire and Rescue teaches CPR training and certification classes to more than 2,000 people annually, including 1,500 eighth and 10th-grade students throughout the district. This effort has resulted in a 50 percent bystander CPR rate for witnessed collapses.

"It is a remarkable rate compared to the rest of the country," Moore said. "In our area, a citizen trained in CPR responds to a person who collapses in cardiac arrest five out of 10 times."

Bergstrom said the experience has been life changing for him. He plans to graduate as a junior from Todd Beamer High School this year, and then attend college to become a firefighter. But first he will finish his Eagle Scout project. He expects to be presented with his Eagle Scout badge soon.

What of his job at Safeway? "I am hoping for a promotion."

East Pierce Fire and Rescue offers American Heart Association-approved CPR and first aid classes twice a month. People who wish to learn CPR – but do not need a certification card for work – can take a free, one-hour hands-only CPR course. It focuses on essential life-saving CPR skills for adult victims and recognition of heart attack and strokes.

Both classes are offered at the East Pierce Fire and Rescue headquarters station in Bonney Lake. A free, hands-only CPR class can be scheduled for groups in the district, such as homeowners associations, church groups, or businesses that can assemble 10 or more citizens.

For more information about CPR classes, contact East Pierce Fire and Rescue at (253) 863-1800, during business hours or go to the fire department's website at http://www.eastpiercefire.org.

Arts & Entertainment: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:52 -0700

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of William Shakespeare's funniest and most-staged plays, even after all these centuries. Now, Fife drama students will perform this comedy of errors and it is guaranteed to get lots of laughs.

Complete with song and dance numbers, witty quips and Elvis, this version is like no other, thanks to Fife's brilliant drama team of Dave and Teresa Hockman. While maintaining the foundation of Shakespeare's classic story, the Hockmans have modernized things a bit in some very unique ways – like incorporating a bit of Justin Timberlake's song "SexyBack" and other wacky bits that make Fife's version genuinely funny. The Hockmans also chose to stage the play in modern English instead of the Elizabethan dialog of Shakespeare's time.

Then there are the student actors. As stars of the show, they are definitely up for the challenge. Throughout rehearsals they have worked hard to learn their lines and the choreography (thanks to choreographer Hayley Rathburn), and if it looks like they are having fun onstage, it is because they are. Once a student actor in Fife plays herself, Rathburn has since graduated Fife High School and now teaches drama. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has been "a dream" to stage, she said.

"This one is interesting because (Dave Hockman) writes a lot of different styles of songs and in this one there's Elvis-sounding songs, because there's an Elvis-like character, and there is classical, ballerina type stuff… It's been fun from a dance standpoint because there are so many different styles of songs.

"It's so funny. This is a really great show."

The storyline of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is not easy to condense into a short-and-sweet summary here in this article, but seeing it play out onstage makes for a great story that is full of absurd twists and turns. Basically, it is about young lovers who run off to the woods and encounter mischievous magic fairies that play tricks on them, like turning the head of one poor character into that of a donkey (or "ass"). Farcical romantic mix-ups ensue with hilarious consequences.

Co-director Dave Hockman put it this way: "It's really a lot of nonsense. Everybody who wants to get married gets goofed up in the middle but get back together in the end and it's all fine."

Around 50 students are taking part in staging "A Midsummer Night's Dream," which allows for two different casts of actors so that as many as possible can participate. For numerous young actors in the play, this will be their last one before they graduate Fife High School this June.

"It's bittersweet for sure," said senior Arika Matoba. "It's odd because usually we'll talk about next season when we'll do this or that play, or the next one that's coming up."

Senior Luis Llamas, who plays the character Bottom in Cast I, said he is going to miss the joy acting brings to him. "For me, these plays have been an outlet for me to be someone I'm not," he said.

Thankfully, there is a whole new group of emerging thespians to continue staging Fife High School plays, as the eighth- and ninth-graders in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" are poised to start taking lead roles in future plays. This is why the Hockmans invite participation from junior high students. "We always like to do that, to bring along the next crew," he said.

Perfect for the whole family, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" plays for two weekends at the Columbia Junior High Performing Arts Center: May 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.; and May 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. Be sure to get some goodies at the concession stand, as these funds help Fife's drama program continue to bring quality theater experiences to youth and families.

Fife stumbles against Steilacoom

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:58:34 -0700

The Fife boys soccer team knew it was going to be extremely difficult to duplicate last year's success. Comparisons to last year's state title winners are more than unfair, considering that midfielder Edgar Garcia and all-league goalkeeper Ulises Zepeda are the only returning starters from that squad. Despite experiencing early success that has them in the hunt for another playoff spot, the Trojans season hit a speed bump in a 2-0 loss to Steilacoom on April 26 at Surprise Lake Middle School.

"This is just a very young group of guys, a regular high school group," said Trojans head coach Tony Crudo. "To compare them to a team where basically every single player was the best player in the state is probably not realistic. The worst part for the kids is, because they're so young, as each game goes on they get beat up more and more."

Garcia was the catalyst for the Trojans in the first half, taking what would end up being Fife's best chance at a goal when his free kick from 20 yards out hit the crossbar and was cleared by the Sentinels. Steilacoom controlled possession much of the opening period, threatening on several occasions only to be thwarted by the aggressive play of Zepeda in goal. Fife forward Mack Smith – the SPSL 2A leading scorer – had a chance to get the Trojans on the board off a throw-in just seconds before halftime, but his shot was deflected out by the keeper.

Fife continued to be frustrated early in the second half, as Smith pulled down a long chip but sent a shot well over the crossbar in the 51st minute and Garcia followed nine minutes later by sending a header just right of goal off a corner kick. Steilacoom finally got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute when Jacob Cabana drove in a ball after the Trojans were unable to clear a threating cross. Brandon Wissmer made it 2-0 four minutes later, making a nice cut right at the top of the box and driving the ball past a diving Zepeda.

Despite the frustrating result, the Trojans sat in third in the SPSL 2A at 7-4. With three league matches remaining, Fife would earn another trip to the postseason should they stay in that position.

"Our view was if we can somehow get to the playoffs, then anything can happen because our young guys have a week to rest," Crudo said. "That's our goal is just to survive…get to the playoffs and hopefully sneak in a (win) in the district playoffs and make it to state."

The Trojans wrap up the regular season with matches at Steilacoom on May 2 at 7 p.m. and at Sumner on May 3 at 7 p.m.

Fife City council

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:53:17 -0700

Subject to change. Please check the city's website, http://www.cityoffife.org for most current agenda.

May 7, 2013 – Special Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

• Brookville Gardens Community Park

May 14, 2013 – Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.)

• Executive Session – Potential Litigation, Personnel & Real Estate

• Presentations

– 2013 1st Quarter Financial Status Report

– National Law Enforcement Month

• Ordinances

– No. 1833 – Sign Code Amendment – Passage

• Resolutions

– No. 1550 – South Sound 911 Agreement

Interlocal Funding

– No. * – Sprint (90 day) License Extension

– No. * – Purchase of Water Easement

– No. * – Appointment to Vacant Council Liaison Positions

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda for Monday, May 6, 7:00 p.m.

• New Business

– Ashley Park/Port Landing

– Mobile Food Trucks

• Old Business

– City Center Plan

Become a Candidate for Fife City Council

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:46:14 -0700

There are four seats on the Fife City Council open for the 2013 election. If you are interested in running for City Council, the next necessary step is to file for candidacy with Pierce County during Filing Week, which is May 13‐17, 2013.

Here are several online resources to help you in your bid to be elected, which can also be found on the City's website, www.cityoffife.org:

• Link to Pierce County's Election page: File to be a candidate May 13‐17

• Download a guide on getting into office

• Get tips from the Association of Washington Cities on how to be elected

PARKS BOARD VACANCY

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:44:16 -0700

The City of Fife is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Citizen Advisory Board, in accordance with FMC 2.76. The board works to advise department staff on policy and administrative issues regarding facilities, activities, budgets and fees. This is a 3-year, volunteer position.

Interested residents can download an application from the City of Fife website at http://www.cityoffife.org, or can pick one up at City Hall or the Community Center.

Fife Police Department Press Release

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:43:13 -0700

On 4/30/2013 at approximately 1600 hrs., Fife Police were dispatched to a robbery at a sporting goods company in the 4600 block of 20th St E. Two suspects entered the store and one of them walked out without paying for two pairs of works pants he had tucked under his arm. When employees contacted the suspect outside, he fled on foot away from the store. Store security personnel chased the suspect and when they caught up to him, he pulled out a knife and pointed it at them. The suspect threw the stolen items at the security officers and tried again to get away, but they were able to detain him until police officers arrived. The second suspect was seen entering a vehicle and driving away from the scene.

The detained suspect admitted that he came to the store to steal the work pants and claimed that the second suspect offered him $20 for each pair of stolen pants he could take. He was booked into the Pierce County Jail for 1st degree robbery.

Fife Detectives are following up on leads to locate the second suspect.

Parks Appreciation Day & Arbor Day Events

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:37:53 -0700

The City of Fife extends sin‐ cere thanks to the many volunteers that gave of their time and sup‐ ported Parks Appreciation Day on April 20, 2013. Volunteers from all around our community, including the Fife City Council, Parks Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) Board, Tree Commission, local civic groups, residents, and King Aquatics Club came out to help beautify our community. And special thanks to resident John Fitz for providing meat for the barbecue to feed the hungry volunteers, and to Starbucks for the great coffee!

Efforts were focused on Fountain Memorial Park and Colburn Park and included weeding, pruning, planting flowers, and installing new soft surface material under the play equipment at Colburn Park. The Colburn Family also donated a bicycle rack that was installed adjacent to the Fife Swim Center – thank you to the Colburns! Recognition also goes to REI as the corporate sponsor of this countywide event.

Arbor Day was also observed on April 20, with the PRCS and Public Works Departments teaming up on a tree planting project at Wedge Park. Five‐hundred willow saplings were planted along the shores of Wapato Creek as part of an overall habitat restoration effort, helping the City receive its Tree City USA award! Our appreciation goes out to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Fife City Council, and the Fife Tree Commission for their participation in this event.