New Business Opening

The News Tribune is reporting that a popular wine shop in Olympia is moving to Ruston by next summer. Olympic Wine Merchant will find a new name and open somewhere in town by mid-year. The article does not mention an exact location, but I'll post more details as soon as possible. Finally, good news for our local economy!

Secondhand Hound Closing

One of Ruston's unique and beloved little stores is closing its doors at the end of January. Secondhand Hound made this announcement today:

We have some GOOD NEWS and some BAD NEWS. The good news is that life has recently presented us with some unique opportunities that we are excited to pursue! The bad news is that in order to make things happen, we will be closing the store at the end of January.

This is of course bittersweet for us because we have had a blast with this little place! The fantastic people we have met because of it definitely makes it a hard decision. We still plan to keep an online presence, posting cool stuff we find and dogs needing forever homes. We will be at the summer festivals too! We will also still be available to help you find good deals on dog stuff - (I can't quite give up the bargain hunting, it is in my blood!!)

This has been such a wild ride and we are bummed to close this chapter, but we are also excited to jump into the next adventure! Thank you to everyone who has supported us, we could not have gone 4 years without you!!

Be sure to stop by the shop on N. 51st just up from Winnifred Street and say goodbye!

Council Meeting Tonight

 More regulations on tap for our elected leaders to approve, naming the judge and communication round out the year for Ruston. The minutes from the previous meeting are below, complete with a call to increase the mayor's salary, hire a city manager and pounding sand. All the information for tonight's meeting are available here...

Point Ruston Construction Expanding

The News Tribune is reporting (here) that the next construction phase at Point Ruston is getting ready to kick off. Work begins in the next week or so near the Waterwalk playground and continues thru mid-2015. This phase will include work within the Ruston boundary eventually, covering most of the area from the Copperline building to the northern edge of the property.

Newest Ruston Road Opened - Then Closed

The newest road in the Point Ruston development at Baltimore and 51st Street was open for a few days last month and then closed again by Ruston officials. Despite repeated requests for the reasons justifying another road closure, city leaders have remained silent. Baltimore Street faced a similar process where the road was completed by Point Ruston, opened and then closed again by Ruston, closure that lasted another year (details here).

The minutes for the November 19th council meeting include a mention by the mayor that the road was closed because "permits had not been issued." The mystery surrounding the closure remains and no word on when Ruston will open the road.

Tree Lighting Saturday

It's time to bundle up the kids, grab the camera and head to the center of town Saturday night. Ruston will officially light the outdoor tree at 51st and Winnifred at 7pm this Saturday, December 7th. Maybe we will even ring in the season with a little snow this year!

Season of Giving

 

It's time to help stuff some local stockings. The Ruston Fire Department is once again sponsoring a food and toy drive. Elderly neighbors need clothes and blankets as well. Local families will be given preference with any remaining items donated to charity. Email requests for local families in need to rustonfire@rustonwa.org.

Non-perishable food items and toys can be left at Town Hall (5117 N. Winnifred) before December 14th. Or the fire department will pick up clearly marked items from front porches on the 14th after 1pm. Santa arrives at Town Hall that same day from 10am til noon, so mark the calendars!

Safety Reminder

This reminder from our Ruston Police:

***SAFETY REMINDER*** Do not let anyone you do not know into your house and always follow universal safety precautions.

We have had a couple of reports of a female asking residents to see things in their yard (decorations, yard art, etc.) and then asking to go in the house to use the restroom. The person then leaves and says she forgot something inside and asks to go back in. No one that we know of so far has allowed her back in the second time and nothing has been stolen or reported missing so far but we think its important to always ask questions and never let someone in your home that you do not know and trust.

Some of the criminal element uses a ruse similar to this to case your homes and to see if there is anything inside that they want to come back and steal. We want to ensure everyone has a happy holidays and do not want to see any one become a victim.

Gratitude

 

As we gather around the turkey tomorrow with grateful hearts, it's a good time reflect on what a wonderful community Ruston is. One poignant reminder of our blessings and this generous town was the Second Helping Bowl Sale held last Sunday.

The event has raised almost $3,200 so far to help feed the hungry in Pierce County. Bowls were made and donated by local potters, primarily from Ruston. The event supplements the Empty Bowls fundraiser for Emergency Food Network and is traditionally held the day after the larger event.

There are a few bowls left, so contact Ginger Kryger at (253) 752-3041 if you want a perfect holiday gift.

Enjoy the feast tomorrow neighbors, knowing that many local families will be feasting with you thanks to your generosity. Happy Thanksgiving!

Even Better Zoolights

Zoolights promises new and improved displays this year (News Tribune article here). Doors open Friday at 5pm. Discount tickets available here. It's a great way to ring in the holiday season - walk down and enjoy!

Local Shop on Evening Magazine

Ruston's own Secondhand Hound was featured on KING 5's Evening Magazine last night in their Thrifting Thursday segment. The story highlighted the store's low cost, friendly service and support that owners give to pet rescue and adoption. Way to go Angie and Joel! Check out the story here... And be sure to stop by their store on N. 51st Street.

Latest Election Numbers

Below are the election results as of Tuesday, November 19th. These numbers are not likely to change before the election is certified later this month.

Mayor

• 209 - Bruce Hopkins (93.3%)
• 15 - Write In (6.7%)

Position 1

• 196 - Lyle Hardin (95.61%)
• 9 - Write In (4.39%)

Position 2

• 95 - Holland Cohen (37.25%)
• 158 - Deb Kristovich (61.96%)
• 2 - Write In (.78%)

Position 4

• 179 - Jane Krock Hunt (93.33%)
• 13 - Write In (6.77%)

Position 5

• 175 - Bruce Judd (94.59%)
• 10 - Write In (5.41%)

Catch Up

In case you have been wondering what our elected officials have been doing, here are the meeting minutes from the last few council meetings:

 

Council Meeting Tonight

On tap for tonight is continued discussion on next year's budget, purchase of street lights for both Baltimore and Pearl Streets and final adoption of a new sign code. There is debate between the mayor and the attorney about the need to enter into a full contract to purchase the street lights. The meeting starts at 7pm in the Joyce Community Center (5219 N. Shirley Street). The background material for the meeting is available here...

Beautiful Hand Crafted Bowls Help Feed The Hungry

Ruston’s Second Helping Bowl Sale To Benefit Emergency Food Network

Hand-crafted Bowls To Feed The Hungry

Sunday, November 24^th

12pm to 4pm

Mary Joyce Community Center

5219 N. Shirley Street, Ruston, WA

Ruston artists are once again hosting a “second helping” the day after the local Empty Bowls event to help feed the hungry here in Pierce County.  The fundraiser is now in its 8^th year, which features handmade bowls by Ruston artists and friends. The event will be held at the Mary Joyce Community Center in Ruston this year.

These beautiful creations will be available on Sunday, November 24^th from Noon until 4pm. Each bowl sells for only $10 – with a few larger bowls available at $30 to $50. Each $10 bowl sold provides $120 worth of food. Proceeds go directly to the Emergency Food Network.

Every year, thousands of Pierce County residents face hunger. Emergency Food Network supports almost 70 feeding programs that serve over 15 million meals annually. The public can help meet this great need on November 24^th in Ruston and take home gorgeous pottery at the same time – a double win!

Questions:

Ginger Kryger                                                                                                                 

(253) 752-3041                                                                                                                     

Judy Grams

(253) 759-3544

www.rustonwa.org