Today's Reminder

Here is a reminder not only of our history when Ruston had our own school, but of the joy of childhood. The photographer must have been pretty silly to elicit so many giggles...

Billy Larson

It seems like we are loosing so much of our collective memory over the last year... Billy Larson was one of Ruston's fixtures for many years. We first met Bill when we moved to town and he lived next door. He worked at the smelter and spent as much time at Ruston Inn as home. His constant smile and warm welcome made the neighborhood shine.

A celebration of Billy's life will be held at Ruston Inn at 2:30 pm on January 8th. The obituary is in today's TNT here....

Community In The Big City

This article in the Tacoma Weekly was interesting... it opens with a discussion of small town connections in Tacoma despite the large size of the city and heralds the sense of community that brings. The discussion has a familiar ring to it. You can read the full article here...

Merry Christmas

I'm not much of a photographer and my phone is not much of a camera, but we enjoyed watching the moon rise over Zoo Lights last week. We are privileged to live here, surrounded by such beauty. And we are blessed to be able to call Ruston home. Merry Christmas to my friends and neighbors. I'm glad we all share this special place...

Funeral Today

I'm late getting this notice up, but longtime residents Bub and Pinky Herbert passed away last week, one day apart. Both attended elementary school here (Pinky at Ruston, Bub at Holy Rosary). Pinky's maiden name was Adams. She was the daughter of Ruston's longtime clerk Rose Adams. Funeral services will be this morning at 11 am at Holy Cross, 5510 N. 44th.

Although I've never met Bub or Pinky, I wish their family peace as they say goodbye.

Meeting Monday

The Ruston council will begin the holiday week with a meeting where they adopt the budget for the new year and address several increases in utility rates. There is also the first reading on taxation of social card games.

All the background material is available on the town's web site here... The meeting starts at 7 pm, stop by at provide your input!

Zoo Admission Half Price!

Commencement Condos In Recievership

Paul Wagemann of the Commencement Group confirmed today that the Commencement condo project is in receivership. The situation is still "fluid" as to what type of receivership and things are still being worked through.

Mr. Wagemann wished things had gone well, but he felt they did everything they could to make the project a success. Some things are out of their control. "But we are where we are," he noted and hoped that Ruston officials would work with them in good faith through this process. He felt working together would give the best chance for a good outcome for everyone.

Storm Damage?

Ruston Police Chief Jeremy Kunkel sent this announcement for any homeowners or businesses that may have damage from the heavy rains this weekend:

Pierce County Emergency Operations Center is collecting damage information from homeowners and business owners affected by this weekend's flooding. Residents and business owners in Pierce County that suffered damage should call the Department of Emergency Management at 866-798-6363 (toll free). Callers should have the following information available:

• Name and address of the affected property
• Type of insurance (homeowners)
• A description of damage, even if uninsured
• A personal estimate of uninsured losses
• Estimates of the fair market value of the damaged home or business. It is not necessary at this point for property owners to have a contractor's estimate.

The findings from this assessment will be used by the Governor to request a possible disaster declaration and federal disaster assistance from the President. This process could take up to a couple of weeks or more. Federal disaster assistance, if and when it becomes available, only covers uninsured losses.

Among the immediate steps that individuals and families impacted by the floods should take include:

• Call your insurance agent to check on your coverage.
• Keep detailed records of all clean-up and repair costs, including photographs.
• When the time comes to make repairs, be aware of local permit requirements and do a thorough check of potential contractors.

Santa had a great visit to Ruston yesterday. The fire fighters stayed busy after he left hanging Christmas lights on town hall. Then Santa returned in time for the tree lighting at 5 pm. It was a great day that brought smiles to many.

One of the volunteer fire fighters has created a photo-share site. I've shared just a few photos in the last post, but you can see all the great shots here... and even add some more shots of your own. Thanks Lauren!

2010-12-12

Click here to view these pictures larger

Town Tree Lighting Tomorrow - Saturday

The word didn't out so please let your neighbors know. Ruston will have its official tree lighting ceremony tomorrow night, Saturday, December 11th at 5 pm. Santa will still be here for the tree lighting too! So if you can't make it earlier in the day, bring your camera.

Gather in front of Don's Market at 51st and Winnifred for hot cider and music before the big tree comes alive. Hope you can join us!

Santa Visits Tomorrow!

Santa will make his famous ride through town tomorrow on the fire engine with lights and sirens, then hang out to meet the kiddos and hand out treats. Stop in at Town Hall (5219 N. Winnifred) tomorrow between 12 noon and 2 pm to join the fun. Bring your camera and smiles!

Donations This Week

Time to clear out your closets to make room for all the new gifts on the Christmas horizon.

The Ruston-Point Defiance Business District is sponsoring a Goodwill donation truck, which Fuse restaurant has generously agreed to host in their parking lot at 5037 N. Pearl Street. The truck is manned from 8 am until 5 pm this week. If there is enough interest, they will stick around another week.

There are lots more happening with our local businesses... The district is considering sponsoring a shredding party next spring. And the Fuse lot hosted the Cascade Bloodmobile last week, along with the first First Friday for our business district. It was a slow start, but the plan is to continue next month. Shops will be open late until 8 pm on Friday, January 7th. Participating businesses will have red balloons out front and give-a-ways.

In the meantime, shop local and help support our neighbors!

Happy Birthday Bear!

Eagle Fight

Ruston was the site of what wildlife experts say is a common occurrence - two male bald eagles fighting. Although bald eagles are seen often in the skies over Ruston, this time the action landed on the ground. The fight began mid-air and ended up in a local driveway last night. Ruston police chief Jeremy Kunkel said he never expected to get a call like this one.

Kunkel said the call came out about 5 pm and he arrived to find two eagles on the ground with the eagles locked. Each eagle had one of their talons holding the other's talon and the other claw buried in the chest of other bird. They refused to let go and remained quiet on the ground until animal control arrived.

At that point they started fighting again, but neither would let go of the other. Kunkel reports the fighting was intense with what sounded like bones being broken. It was only after being placed in the cage inside the animal control van (with the door open) that the two eagles separated. One flew off and the other was taken to Point Defiance Park and released.

There were no obvious injuries on either bird. One neighbor was concerned that our 4-minute power outage shortly after the first eagle flew off might be related, but there is no sign that either Ruston guest stuck around.

Just another day in the life of the Ruston police - and something to keep the neighbors talking for a few days.

Meeting Tonight

Here is the agenda for the meeting tonight. All the background information is available on the town's web page here... (including minutes from the last few meetings if you want to catch up on the news).

The meeting tonight includes a public hearing to discuss possible revenue sources for the upcoming year and overall budget discussion (budget materials available here...) Stop in and give your input!

Miracle Mali

Our cute neighbor, Mali the tiger cub, has made a miracle comeback from the brink of death. She makes her first public appearance this weekend since her heart stopped beating two weeks ago. You can purchase your tickets to visit Mali and stay for Zoo Lights at a discount.

More details are available at the zoo's web site here... along with lots of other good news.

First First Friday

Ruston businesses are hosting their first ever First Friday today. Local shops will stay open late and most will be handing out holiday treats to shoppers. You can kick off the shopping with trading a pint for a pint donation to the Bloodmobile at the Fuse parking lot. A pint of blood earns a pint of beer at the Fuse.

Be sure to start your holiday shopping close to home today!

Upcoming Events

We have a couple of happenings in town this weekend. Our first First Friday will be held tomorrow, December 3rd. We will have an added opportunity to give blood at the Bloodmobile in the FUSE parking lot. Remember a donation of a pint will get you a free pint (see more here).

Second, Ladies Workout Express is hosting their annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 4th. Details on both events are on the flyers below. Enjoy!