Local News from iLoveKent for Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.

As one of the fastest growing cities in America, Kent, Washington is a busy place, growing and changing every day. Here we’ve tried to capture some of the latest Kent news for you, including fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, fun community activities, election news and more. #kentnews #kentevents

Crime Report: Real Estate Agent caught stealing prescription medicationNEW–Real Estate Agent Caught Stealing Medication from Homeowner.
Last week Aaron Peterson, a real estate broker for Windermere, was charged with burglary for stealing prescription painkillers from Renton homeowner Doug Wright. The agent told the homeowners he was showing the Renton home to a prospective buyer, but instead, he was caught on camera stealing the prescription drugs. According to KOMO News, Peterson has been terminated from Windermere. Peterson was arrested, charged and released. He will be arraigned on Nov. 23.

NEW–Voters Approve Sound Transit 3 to Expand Transit throughout Puget Sound.
In the November election, 57.79% of voters voted in favor of Sound Transit 3, Proposition 1, to expand light rail service to Everett, Tacoma, downtown Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Ballard and West Seattle; bus rapid transit on I-405; and Sounder south expansions. Click here to learn more.

Kent Events: Recycling & Collection EventFall Curbside Clean-up in Kent This Week: Nov. 14-18
If you are a Republic Services customer in the Kent city limits, then your Yard Waste Day this week is your Fall Curbside Clean-up Day. On that day, you can put up to 10 32-gallon containers of yard waste or garbage at your curb for pick-up at no additional cost. Click here for more information on recycling or food and yard waste in Kent.

NEW–ParentMap Names Lake Meridian Park One of the Best Rainy-Day Parks
Lake Meridian Park (14800 SE 272nd St., Kent) has been named by ParentMap magazine as one of the Seattle area’s best rainy-day parks and playgrounds. With its pirate-themed playground, Kent kids can play on the geometric net climber, a rock-climbing structure, swings and rope climber. Click here for the original article (park 9 of 12).

NEW–Teams Search Tukwila Area for Evidence of Green River Killer Victims
On Saturday, detectives from the King County Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crime Units and members of King County Search and Rescue conducted an evidence search on South 178th Street, near I-5, south and west of Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, looking for remains of possible victims of the Green River killer, Gary Ridgway. Read more here.

Kent4Health Kicks Off Free Indoor Walking Nov. 14!
Stay fit and fab during the cold, rainy winter months. Kent4Health is hosting ShoWalk, free indoor walking, most Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 AM to 11 AM, Nov. 14 through May 31. Click here for details and a downloadable schedule.

Kent Event: Fundraiser for Communities in Schools KentNEW–Communities in Schools Kent to Host Fundraiser at Duke’s, Nov. 15.
Support Communities in Schools – Kent this Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Duke’s Chowder House at Kent Station. On that day, 50% of increased sales and a majority of proceeds from featured drinks will be donated to CISK. Reservations recommended for parties of 6 or more.

Kent City Council meeting on November 15.
Did you know that Kent City Council meetings are streamed live on Comcast Cable TV21 and at KentTV21.com? They are typically held the first and third Tuesdays of each month with a few exceptions. Click here for the city council calendar, agenda, minutes and past meeting videos. Click here to watch the Nov. 1, 2016 Kent City Council meeting.

Kent Event: Kent Has Talent, hosted by Kent Community FoundationKent Has Talent is Nov. 18. Do you have tickets?
Kent Community Foundation is hosting its first major fundraiser – Kent Has Talent – an all-ages talent show – this Friday, November 18 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $20, plus a nominal service fee. All proceeds benefit Kent Community Foundation’s work in supporting cultural arts and education in Kent. Buy tickets online now[Disclaimer: Publisher Dana Neuts serves on the board of Kent Community Foundation, and iLoveKent.net is an event sponsor as a Friend of Kent Community Foundation.]

Volunteers Need to Plant Trees for Arbor Day, Nov. 19
City of Kent needs volunteers or all ages and abilities to plant trees at Clark Lake Park on Sat., Nov. 19, 9 AM to Noon, Rain or Shine. Though Arbor Day is in April, Kent Parks plants trees in the fall when they have the best chance to establish and thrive. Click here for more details and to register.

19189797-wineNEW–REDS Wine Bar to Host Launch Party Nov. 19.
REDS Wine Bar (321 Ramsay Way, Kent Station) is hosting a relaunch party on Sat., Nov. 19 (5 PM – 11 PM). The evening will include a brand new menu, premier wine tasting, beer and wine specials, live music and an art demo. Ten percent of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Kent Youth and Family Services.

NEW–Meridian-Kent Kiwanis Host Casino Night Fundraiser Nov. 19.
Meridian-Kent Kiwanis is hosting its 14th annual Casino Night on Sat., Nov. 19 (6 PM – 10:30 PM) at the Kent Senior Center (600 E. Smith St.). Tickets are $10 each and include an hour of champagne and hors d’oevres and silent auction. Guests can also purchase scrip to play games of blackjack, roulette and craps and turn in their winnings at the end of the night for a chance to win prizes.

City of Kent seeks volunteers for boards, commissionsCity of Kent Seeks Volunteers for Boards & Commissions
The City of Kent is seeking volunteers for the Arts Commission, Bicycle Advisory Board, Human Services Commission, Land Use and Planning Board, and Parks and Recreation. Applications are due by Fri., Dec. 9 at 5 PM. See our post for details.

Upcoming Kent Events:

Nov. 14: 3rd Annual Shop with a Cop Dinner
Nov. 15: Kent City Council meeting
Nov. 18: Kent Has Talent
Nov. 19: Meridian-Kent Kiwanis Casino Night Fundraiser
Nov. 19: REDS Relaunch Party
Nov. 22-27: Spreading MODness, KYFS Fundraiser at MOD Pizza in Kent
Nov. 24: Thanksgiving
Nov. 24-25: Thanksgiving Holiday Break (No School)
Nov. 26: Holiday Sip ‘n Shop to Celebrate Small Business Saturday
Dec. 2-3: Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar
Dec. 3: Kent Winterfest
Dec. 10: Christmas Rush 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk

Dana Neuts

I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, marketing pro and the publisher of iLoveKent.net.