POSSIBLE ARSON FIRE
Firefighters responded to a house fire at 1050 S. 86th St. in the early morning hours of Jan. 27. Five occupants of the home were able to escape safely and there were no reported injuries. The fire caused an estimated $65,000 in damage to the structure and contents. Fire investigators originally suspected arson as the cause of the blaze, but upon further investigation the cause has not been determined.
FIVE FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNIZED
Tacoma Fire Department recently presented five firefighters with medal of valor awards. The department's highest award, this is given to firefighters who demonstrate bravery above and beyond the call of duty. The were given as a result of a 2009 house fire in which crews rescued two occupants out of a bedroom window and another down a narrow stairway with intense fire threatening the escape route. The awards were bestowed up Battalion Chief Ben Flesher, Lieutenant Alex White, Lieutenant Casey Novak, Lieutenant Richard Turley and paramedic/firefighter Paul Purdy.
FREE TAX ASSISTANCE
Tacoma Goodwill will offer free tax assistance during the annual KeyBank Super Refund Saturday on Feb. 4 and every Tuesday and Thursday until April 17. The Feb. 4 event takes place at Milgard Work Opportunity Center, located at 714 27th Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are requested and can be made by contacting Kim Houg at (253) 573-6698 or khoug@tacomagoodwill.org. Childcare will be available. The service will also be offered on Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1106 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling (253) 593-2111. Those seeking help should bring W-2 forms, Social Security cards for each dependant, 1099 forms, unemployment forms, proof of childcare payments, photo identification, last year's tax return and bank account routing numbers. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the service will be offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CUBS MOVE TO FLORIDA
Sumalee and Sabah, two of the clouded leopard cubs at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, have moved to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden. The two were paired for future breeding.
"While we are sad to say goodbye, we are excited that more people will have the opportunity to see these rare and beautiful cats," said Karen Goodrowe Beck, the zoo's general curator. "And we hope these cubs will grow up to have cubs of their own.
URBAN STUDIES FORUM
The University of Washington-Tacoma will hold a forum on urban industrial futures on Feb. 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at William Philip Hall. It will have a panel of UWT urban studies faculty, local residents, students and staff who will discuss future development in Tacoma. Other panelists include professor Joan Fitzgerald from Northeastern University and Dean Amhaus, CEO of Milwaukee Water Council
The conversations will examine how to balance industrial and post-industrial development strategies. It is free and open to the public but registration is required. Free breakfast and lunch will be served. To register visit catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/bjaiteh/152640.
ICE RINK OPENING A BIG HIT
More than 400 skaters of all ages and abilities tried out Sprinker Recreation Center's new-and-improved ice rink on Jan. 28, which opened to the public after an eight-month renovation. County Executive Pat McCarthy cut the ribbon by driving the Zamboni ice resurfacer through it, heralding the start of a new era at the 35-year-old rink, which was threatened with closure in 2010.
The $6.5 million renovation includes a new roof, rink and refrigeration equipment, heating system, dehumidifying system and lighting.
Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony included Council Chair Joyce McDonald (District 2), Councilmember Tim Farrell (District 4) and Ben Agosto, who won the silver medal in ice dancing with longtime partner Tanith Belbin at the 2006 Olympics. It was the United States' first Olympic medal in ice dancing in 30 years. Agosto, who now lives in Lacey, told the crowd he grew up skating at a community rink like Sprinker.
The ice rink is part of a large complex at Sprinker Recreation Center that includes indoor tennis and racquetball courts as well as ballfields, a skateboard park, meeting rooms and more. The rink is scheduled to host an ice show called "Reflections on Ice - Celebration, The Next Generation." This professionally choreographed figure skating show by the Lakewood Winter Club will be held Feb. 10-12. Tickets and information are available at www.co.pierce.wa.us.
MERRITT RUNNING FOR HOUSE
North End resident Jim Merritt has announced he will run for position 2 in the 27th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. A well-known architect who owns a firm, Merritt ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2009. "I feel that my 30 years of private sector experience will provide expertise much needed in the House," he said. "We must strive for enhanced community involving both sides of the aisle.
MUCKLESHOOT TRIBE GIFTS COLLEGE
The Muckleshoot Tribe has awarded a $5,000 gift to Clover Park Technical College Foundation. The money will be used to continue to build our Emergency Assistance Endowment.
"We are grateful for the Muckleshoot Tribe's donation," said Executive Director Dr. Debbie Ranniger. "The money will be used to fund our emergency assistance endowment – a fund that helps students stay in school by offering critical and timely assistance."
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has long understood the importance of being proactive in meeting the needs of its community. The Muckleshoot Charity Fund has placed high priority in awarding grants to organizations throughout the region that address the unique local and regional issues facing the population.
Most Muckleshoot Charity Fund awards range from $1,500 to $5,000, allowing many agencies to benefit from the funds available. Applications for larger awards are on an invitation only basis. Profits from the Muckleshoot Casino are the sole source of funding for the Muckleshoot Charity Fund grants.
