Author Archives: brucesmith49

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

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 … Continue reading

Posted in DB Cooper, Science and Technology | 1,568 Comments

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

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 … Continue reading

Posted in Cops and courts, Culture | 4 Comments

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

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 … Continue reading

Posted in Business, Culture, Puyallup, Yelm News | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in Culture, Health | Leave a comment

Great TV comes to Netflix: “Occupied,” and “Nobel”

By Bruce A. Smith For those who like well-written dramatic TV series with excellent production values, I recommend two recent additions at Netflix: “Occupied,” and “Nobel.” Both are made by Norwegian TV outfits, and both are sub-titled. But English is … Continue reading

Posted in Book reviews, Culture, Entertainment, Environment, Nature, Politics, Resistance and Justice, Weather | Leave a comment

WSDA to conduct Gypsy Moth spraying in parts of Graham

By Bruce A. Smith The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has announced that it will conduct a pesticide spraying program in selected neighborhoods in northern Graham to control a Gypsy Moth (GM) infestation. The spraying will commence in late … Continue reading

Posted in Back East, Bethel News, Environment, Health, Nature, Self Reliance | 11 Comments

Wauwepex – a tale of a scout camp and a young man – from “Stories from the Journey”

By Bruce A. Smith Wauwepex was the Boy Scout camp that saved my life growing up. Or at least my soul. It was a place I loved – and still do – but it was also a place where I … Continue reading

Posted in Back East, Stories from the Jounrey | 100 Comments

GKCC to host 15th Annual EXPO

Special to the Mountain News: The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council is hosting its 15th Annual EXPO in support of the dozens of community programs it administers, most notably a food service for children in the Bethel School District. As in years … Continue reading

Posted in Bethel News, Graham News, Kapowsin | Leave a comment

Local Dems to hold first-ever Spaghetti Feed in support of 8th CD Candidates

Special to the Mountain News: Next weekend on Sunday, February 18 at the Elk Plain Grange in Spanaway, local Democrats are hosting the party’s first fundraising spaghetti feed in recent memory. The driving force is their push to “Flip the … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Leave a comment

Stories from the Journey launches at YouTube

By Bruce A. Smith I am proud to announce the launch of my “Stories from the Journey” channel at YouTube. The first selection posted is titled: The Home Run, and it explores the deeper issues encountered after I hit a … Continue reading

Posted in Campfire Tales, Stories from my Life, Stories from the Jounrey | 4 Comments