Check out the Courier Herald’s most popular web stories from the past year! Below are the most-read headlines from 2014.
10) Sumner High School fundraiser helps local coach
Sumner soccer coash Darren Painter was diagnosed with cancer in June 2013, a form of melanoma skin cancer that has a high fatality rate. The Sumner High School ASB Benefit Night Talent Show and Dinner Auction raised money and donated 100 percent of the funds to Painter and his family.
9) Fire commissioners discuss budget options with public
After the second time the East Pierce Fire and Rescue levy failed in November, the fire commissioners held several meetings to discuss this momentous occasion. The commissioners announced that public education services will have to be cut to manage the loss of levy money, and staffing levels would also shrink.
8) Russell Wilson, Kasey Kahne join forces for charity rally
Superbowl champion Russell Wilson and Enumclaw resident and NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne hosted a charity event called The Drive to raise awareness for the Boys and Girl’s club of King County.
6) Bank robbery suspect in custody
The Sound Credit Union bank was robbed last September by a 79-year-old. The suspect was apprehended near the bank shortly afterwards.
5) Bonney Lake baseball player finishes season, drafted by Red Sox
Bonney Lake baseball player Michael Gretler was drafted by the Boston Red Sox last June, one of seven players from Washington but the only one from his area. The professional baseball team will continue to follow him as he plays at Oregon State for his college career.
4) Buckley Teens’ wish granted
Paeyton Pearson, born with the genetic condition 1P36 Deletion Syndrome, received his wish of being able to go outside on his own power and enjoy a therapeutic soak in his family’s new hot tub through the Make A Wish Foundation.
3) Facing the fire and conquering my fears
Former Courier Herald reporter Theresa De Lay went through the Fire Ops 101 training last May to get a realistic sense of what firefighters do when responding to emergencies. Het training included going up fire ladders, EMT training while in a moving vehicle, and rescuing mannequins from crushed vehicles and smokey buildings.
2) Bonney Lake man charged with human trafficking
Ricky Lee Grundy Jr. was charged with human trafficking, child prostitution and child rape earlier this year. The investigation into Grundy involved the combined effort of 19 different law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Washington State Patrol and Homeland Security.
1) Father sentenced to 16 years for placing baby in freezer
A Tacoma father put his baby daughter into the freezer in order to take a nap, the Pierce County Prosecutor reported. The infant suffered a broken arm and leg, blisters and a head injury, and her body temperature was 85 degrees, but has since fully recovered.
