Top Puyallup Events Of 2017 Include Bridge Sale, Infant Death

PUYALLUP, WA - Puyallup has had a busy 2017. Dozens of memorable events happened this year, some funny, some tragic. As 2018 approaches, let's take a look back at some of the more memorable moments from over the last year.

Here are some of the biggest news events that happened in Puyallup this year:

Puyallup Bridge Giveaway

If you think you can have the Meridian Street Bridge free of charge, well, we've got a bridge to sell you. The Washington State Department of Transportation is ready to give the bridge away to a "governmental or responsible private entity." But said entity must agree to maintain the 80-year-old bridge in perpetuity.
The Meridian Street Bridge, built in 1925, was replaced in 2015, and is sitting in storage at a WSDOT facility near Puyallup. The bridge is not only historically significant, but it's also somewhat of an engineering marvel. Before 2015, it was the longest "Warren truss" -style bridge in the state highway system.

Teen Dies In Fall Of Meridian Bridge

Sadly, a teen died after falling off the North Meridian bridge in July. Police believe Jordan Gish, 16, tried to jump across a gap between the north and southbound lanes, but ended up falling about 30 feet onto a sandbar along the Puyallup River.

Car Tab Sticker Shock

$1,500 to renew your car tabs? This spring, many drivers around Puget Sound were shocked to get very high car tab bills, mostly due to a tax increase related to the Sound Transit 3 package. This story was the most commented on of 2017.

Misty Copsey Case Refreshed

On the 25th anniversary of her disappearance in September, Puyallup police used social media to generate new interest in the Misty Copsey case. Police tweeted Copsey's story from the moment she left her house to hang out at the state fair to when she tried to catch a bus home.

Infant's Blanket Death Story Goes National

The story of a Puyallup mother whose 7-month-old son died after getting caught in a blanket made headlines around the world in July. Jordan DeRosier felt compelled to open up to the world about the death after vaccine-deniers began spreading a rumor that her son, Sloan, had died after a booster shot. DeRosier went on Facebook to correct the accusers, and to spread the word about the dangers of leaving infants sleeping with blankets.

UPS Driver Mauled In Puyallup

UPS driver Kevin Backlund, 59, was mauled by pit bulls while making a delivery in Puyallup on Sept. 13. He was badly injured and was rescued by a firefighter who rammed his SUV through a gate and pulled Backlund in through a window.

Bob Ferguson Sues Donald Trump

One of Donald Trump's most controversial moves came early in his presidency. He issued a sweeping travel ban on people coming to the U.S. from majority-Muslim countries, even if they already lived in the U.S. Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued and successfully blocked the travel ban. It was the first of many lawsuits Ferguson would file against the Trump administration in 2017.

Seafair Pirate Assault At Daffodil Parade

A Seafair pirate was kicked out of the organization after he allegedly kissed several women during the Daffodil Parade. Police described the pirate as "overzealous" and said he ran up to two women and kissed them on the cheek. Then, he allegedly planted a "long, passionate mouth kiss" on another woman, police said.

What's That Smell?

A septic tank truck overturned along Levee Road in July, spilling its contents all over the place. Puyallup police were photographed at the scene dealing with the stinky situation as best as possible (no one was injured in the crash).

Did we miss a story? Email neal.mcnamara@patch.com and let us know what your top Puyallup story of 2017 was.

Images courtesy Puyallup Police, Jordan DeRosier, Neal McNamara, state of Washington