New Thrift Store opens in Eatonville

Posted on May 27, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

A new, full-scale thrift store opened in Eatonville last Friday. Sponsored by the Eatonville Family Agency (EFA), the store occupies the former Sears/Christensen Furniture site on the corner of Center Street and Mashel Avenue.

Called the “Center Street Junction Thrift Store,” it is stocked with a huge assortment of new and used clothing, household goods, toys, books, tools and furniture. It is open daily, except Tuesday and Wednesdays, from 11 am until 7 pm – and that including weekends!

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DB Cooper and the flap over Walter R. Reca – an interview with publisher Vern Jones

Posted on May 22, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

Vern Jones and his Principia Media publishing company have just released a book that claims to identify the iconic skyjacker DB Cooper. DB Cooper and Me: A Criminal, a Spy, My Best Friend, is a memoir penned by an 84-year old Floridian named Carl “Charley” Laurin, and it traces the alleged exploits of Detroit native, Walter R. “Peca” Reca.

Laurin claims that Reca is DB Cooper.

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Posted in DB Cooper | 10 Comments

New Suspect identified in DB Cooper case: Walter Beca

Posted on May 16, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

There is a new suspect in the DB Cooper case: Walter Reca

I have just received an email from Doug Perry at the Oregonian’s OregonLive website which included a press release from a organization called Principia Media. They, in turn, announced that they will have a press conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan tomorrow, May 17, to reveal the true identity of DB Cooper.

Principia Media has published a book from a man named Carl Laurin that describes his relationship to the individual known as DB Cooper. At the press conference Laurin will present tape recordings from Cooper and other Norjak evidence attesting to his claims. I have asked Julie Hurley, the media contact person at Principia Media, for an interview with Mr. Laurin, and I will be sharing a full report of that conversation in the near future. Principia Media will also be allowing me to examine some of the files that Laurin has established on his suspect.

Perry states in his recent OregonLive column that Laurin is a former airline pilot and fingers a deceased Army veteran, Walter Reca, as DB Cooper. Perry’s article can be read at: https://www.oregonlive.com/expo/erry-2018/05/ea93070d8f9316/the_real_db_cooper_revealed_ul.html

I just spoke with Ms. Hurley and she said the press conference will be live-streamed on Facebook.

Below is the press release from Principia Media: Continue reading →

Posted in DB Cooper | 3 Comments

Recent commentaries on DB Cooper from Mountain News readers passes 1,000 posts

Posted on May 8, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

One of the fascinating – and troubling – aspects of the Internet is the need many users have to gossip. The draw of social media is a unique facet of modern life, and the criticisms and back-stabbing in chat rooms and on social media, like Facebook or Twitter, are major forces shaping our world. The Mountain News is not immune to this phenomenon, especially regarding DB Cooper. Since November 2017, Cooper postings at the Mountain News have resulted in over a thousand comments. Many of them require monitoring, often leading to removal by yours truly in my capacity as editor. But a thousand posts is significant, and invites an examination of what is transpiring. Continue reading →

Posted in DB Cooper, Science and Technology | 796 Comments

Apology offered for a 2010 drive-by murder – from Jimi Blakeney to Lisa Melancon

Posted on April 8, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

The following is a touching and powerful correspondence that I received from a former client of mine, Olujimi Blakeney. In it, Olujimi, via his wife “Jay,” utilizes the pages of the Mountain News to offer a written apology to the woman he murdered during a drive-by shooting in Tacoma in 2010. Olujimi also asks the family of the deceased for their forgiveness. Continue reading →

Posted in Cops and courts, Culture, The Men of Honor of Unity House | 3 Comments

Into the land of used cars – a car shopper’s tale

Posted on April 3, 2018 by

By Bruce A. Smith

After living without a vehicle for the past seven years, my sister gave me $5,000 to buy a car. Of course, I’m grateful, but it’s also scary. I want to purchase the right vehicle and not get a junker, so I’m taking it slow and doing research. Here is what I’ve learned over the past two weeks. Continue reading →

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Pinwheels spin in Pierce County to raise awareness for child abuse prevention

Posted on March 30, 2018 by

Special to the Mountain News-WA from the Pierce County Juvenile Court:

Pinwheels, PC ampaign to end child abuse, 3. 30. 18

The Pierce County Juvenile Court is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign, where pinwheels will be planted across the Juvenile Court lawn and throughout Pierce County during the month of April.  The pinwheels symbolize the fun and carefree childhood that every child deserves.  Continue reading →

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