The fate of Puyallup’s red-light cameras isn’t settled, but at least one City Council member who had doubts about the program now says he’s been won over.

“I wanted to study (the program) to find out wherein lies the myths, fact and fiction,” Councilman Steve Vermillion said during a council study session Tuesday night.

Vermillion’s own research into photo enforcement and information provided by the Puyallup Police Department eased his concerns, and “I’m a supporter now,” he said.

Some other council members also said during and after the session that they support …

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From the catch-up file:

The sun showed up, and so did people.

Last weekend’s Spring Fair in Puyallup drew 126,165 over four days, the annual event’s second-highest attendance since it debuted in 1990.

It missed beating 2010′s all-time high by 829 people.

A smaller version of the 17-day Puyallup Fair in September, the Spring Fair featured the familiar rides, games and treats. There also were some new attractions: a NASCAR simulator and a hands-on rock music exhibit.

“We are always looking for new attractions and activities that win interest (from) all members of the family,” said Kent Hojem, the …

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Ever wonder what a naturalist does?

You can find out today at a Parks Appreciation Day event at DeCoursey Park in Puyallup.

Scientists and naturalists studying the park’s pond will be on hand. Participants will be able to learn about the ecosystem and participate in activities such as planting and park clean-up.

If you’re planning to stop by, bring your garden tools and gloves.

The event is 9 a.m. to noon. The …

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and 73 Washington communities are using Town Hall meetings to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to prevent underage drinking.

A youth-led event, “It’s Only Fun If You Remember It,” is scheduled for 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. April  27 at Mel Korum YMCA, 302 43rd Ave. S.E., Puyallup. It is sponsored by Trauma Trust of Tacoma. For more information, e-mail kim.nygard@multicare.org.

Other organizations listed as awareness month participants include Safe Streets of Tacoma (contact: mwilson@safest.org) and Orting Standing Together on Prevention. (contact: heather@ortingstop.com.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, underage drinking cost the …

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The Puyallup Police Department sent two of its top officers to Joint Base Lewis-McChord this week to work with military police who are deploying to Afghanistan.

Puyallup’s deputy chief, Bryan Jeter, and Capt. Scott Engle worked with members of the 42^nd Military Police Brigade, according to information from the city.

They were asked to provide tips on applying police training to real situations, the city said.

The city of 37,000 people in eastern Pierce County works with the base as a community connector, providing support to the 2nd Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

City spokeswoman Glenda Carino said the program …

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Puyallup may put the brakes on red-light cameras.

The City Council on Tuesday was set to consider a five-year extension of the city’s contract with its camera vendor. But council members instead opted for a 30-day extension and called for a study session to talk more about whether to keep, modify or do away with the city’s photo enforcement program.

The study session will be held next month.

Some council members said they oppose red-light cameras, which critics sometimes say merely are cash cows rather than safety tools.

But some council members also were wary of making a decision about …

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Kids can read with a Daffodil Festival princess Saturday at libraries in Tacoma, Puyallup and throughout Pierce County.

Here’s the schedule:

• 11 a.m. at the following libraries: Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, Tillicum, University Place, Sumner, Parkland/Spanaway, Summit, Fife, Puyallup, Fern Hill and downtown Tacoma.

• 1 p.m. at the following libraries: Key Center, Buckley, Dupont, Eatonville, Orting, Kobetich, Steilacoom, Lakewood, South Hill, Edgewood/Milton, Moore  and South Tacoma.

• 3 p.m. at the following library branches: Wheelock, Mottet and Swasey.

The princesses will read stories, talk with the kids, pose for photos and hand out special gifts. …

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Puyallup schools Superintendent Tony Apostle is set to unveil his draft 2012-13 budget Thursday at a School Board study session.

Three community budget forums will follow later this month.

The state budget still is being worked out, but Puyallup officials are preparing for more than $7 million in cuts for 2012-13.

The study session is 9 a.m. at the Education Service Center, or ESC, 302 Second St. SE, in downtown Puyallup.

The draft budget will be posted on the district’s website Thursday.

The community forums are:

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. March 12 at the ESC.
  

• 6-8

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