Local News from iLoveKent for Monday, Feb. 13

Here are highlights of Kent, Washington news and events.

Two protest rallies held in Kent Saturday
On Saturday, two different groups held protests in Kent. The first, St. Stephen Respect Life Committee, protested at Planned Parenthood on East Hill. Downtown, a larger group led by Seattle Clinic Defense held a counter-protest. Both protests were peaceful. Michelle Gehlman-Teeter covered the event for iLoveKent. See pictures and video here.

Kent Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run
Saturday evening a hit-and-run collision on Pacific Highway left one dead and two injured. After the suspect ran a red light striking the second car, the suspect fled on foot. Kent Police are investigating. The suspect’s identity was not known at the time the police issued a press release Saturday night. Read more here.

Relay of Life of Kent starts off 2017 fundraising with 2 successful events
Led by a committee of about 30 volunteers, Relay for Life of Kent is off to a strong start to fundraising for 2017. The group held its annual kickoff event on Groundhog Day at Kent Station. The day was cold but the vibe in the air was warm. They held a second fundraiser at the Seattle Thunderbirds game on Friday, Feb. 10, raising more than $2,500. Read more here.

Kent Downtown Partnership reveals winning names in Name the Penguin contest
Downtown Kent’s latest residents – Daddy and Son Penguin – have been named, thanks to dozens of entries submitted by Kent residents. The winning names, selected by KDP’s Board of Directors, are Titus (Daddy) and Hops (Son), honoring part of Kent’s history.

Water Lilies by Alice KaresCreate Your Own Art at ‘Be Artful’
At this year’s ‘Be Artful’ fundraiser, attendees will get the opportunity to create two unique works of art, led by local artists Wen Qian Chua, Alices Kares and Miranda Ward. In addition to creating their own paintings, guests will enjoy signature bites, a silent auction and live music by Root5, a local Americana band. All proceeds benefit Interurban Center of the Arts, a nonprofit that supports art docent programs in local elementary schools. Tickets are $25 for one person or $40 for two, so bring a friend. Meet the artists here.

Tacoma Stars to host Kent Business Night on Feb. 24
Join the fun as the KDP Raptors take on the Kent Asteroids prior to the Tacoma Stars game on Fri., Feb. 24. Tickets are $11 each and include a pregame social, the local business scrimmage and the Stars’ game against the Chicago Mustangs. Suites are available for fans, groups and companies. Learn more here.

Puget Sound RFA warns of flood dangers
As winter storms bring heavy wind and rain, Puget Sound RFA warns of possible flood dangers. They are offer safety tips to keep you and your family safe at home and on the road. Though the storms are over for now, it is good to review these tips for the next storm. Get safety tips here.

Park rental season is open!
Park rental season opened on February 6, so if you are planning an outdoor event this year, book your favorite picnic shelter early. They will fill up fast. Click here for a complete list of parks and parks’ facilities.

Kent Community Garden registration opens Feb. 22
For returning gardeners, Kent Community Garden registrations begin Feb. 22. For new gardeners, registrations begin on Mar. 8. Sign up at the Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent, WA) or by calling 253-856-5000.

Fall City Hop Shed, Washington, 2007, photo by 4Culture staff.

4Culture is offering grants for arts, heritage and preservation projects
4Culture is now accepting grant applications to support individual and group projects for arts, heritage and historic preservation. The grant program is open to King County residents who are artists, part of an art group, local historians, or owners of historic properties. Get more details, including application deadlines, here.

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Upcoming Events

Feb. 14        Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14        Leave a Legacy of Love Workshop – Kent Senior Center
Feb. 14        Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Red Deer Rebels
Feb. 15        Kent Youth – Let’s Talk About It
Feb. 16        Third Thursday Art Night at We Create (216 W. Gowe St.)
Feb. 17        KDP’s Downtown Breakfast Hour
Feb. 17        Harlem Globetrotters
Feb. 18-19   Greater Seattle Paper and Postcard Show
Feb. 18        Forgotten Dogs Rescue at Mud Bay Kent
Feb. 18        Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Portland Winterhawks
Feb. 18        Kent International Festival Meet & Treat Social
Feb. 20-24   Kent School District – No School – President’s Break

For more February Kent area activities and events, click here.

Dana Neuts

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