Local News and Events from Kent, Washington
Spring is finally here! Thank goodness. I, for one, am tired of cold weather and rain. I’m ready for sunshine, spring flowers and warmer days. Happy First Day of Spring!
NEW–Rita’s Italian Ice is hosting a grand opening today – March 20
Rita’s Ice (12950 SE Kent-Kangley Rd., Kent, WA) is celebrating its Grand Opening today from noon to 9 PM. If you are among the first 50 to stop by, you could win free Italian ice for a year. They are also accepting donations for the Kent Food Bank. I have not visited yet, but I have a number of Kent friends who have, and they love it! Learn more here.
NEW–Kent Police arrest two youth for threatening a school bus driver
On Friday, Kent Police Department arrested two youth who have been accused of verbally threatening a school bus driver and displaying a hand gun. The young men were transported and booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center. Read the full story here.
NEW–College students to compete in Cyber Defense competition, March 24-26
Local college students, including students from Green River College and Highline College, will meet March 24-26 at Highline to test their cyber defense skills. This provides real-world practice and training to prepare students for the workforce. Teams from 14 colleges and universities throughout the Pacific Northwest will compete. Read the full story here.
NEW–Annual Kent Community Garden volunteer event, April 1
The Kent Community Garden needs your help providing easier access to fresh organic food and gorgeous summer blooms. Please join other volunteers on Saturday, April 1 (9 AM to noon) as we create paths between each garden plot using wood chips. This will directly benefit our gardeners, allowing them to get the most out of their plot all season long. Please bring work gloves. Register online here.
NEW–Seattle TBirds play Games 1 and 2 of playoffs this week
The Seattle Thunderbirds are playing at home Friday and Saturday in Games 1 and 2 of the WHL playoffs. Game 1 is Friday at 7:35 PM, and Game 2 is Saturday at 7:05 PM. Tickets are on sale now at SeattleThunderbirds.com.
NEW–Make sure your dogs and cats are licensed
Starting April 1, representatives of the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) will go door-to-door to encourage pet owners to license their pets. Owners with unlicensed pets will not issue citations, but will give a 30-day temporary license. The owners will then have 30 days to purchase a license ($30 for spayed and neutered animals, $60 for unspayed and unneutered animals). Read more here.
NEW–Adventure Run season is coming up
Whether you are a runner or a walker, you will love Adventure Runs, hosted by Road Runner Sports at Kent Station. They are monthly events, held on the third Thursday from April through October. The April event is now live on Facebook.
NEW–Kent PD to host hiring open house Friday
Thinking of becoming a police officer or know someone is? Plan to attend a hiring open house this Friday at the Kent Police/Fire Training Center (24525 116th Ave. SE, Kent) from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Spring into Art: Student Art Walk continues through March 24
Spring Into Art: the 23rd Annual Kent Student Art Walk continues through downtown Kent through Friday, March 24. Stroll through historic downtown Kent and Kent Station to see artwork from more than 550 Kent School District students and 29 schools. Learn more here.
March is Moolah for Schoola time at Kent Station
Visit participating merchants at Kent Station during the month of March for an opportunity to help raise money for Green River College scholarships. Since 2007, Kent Station has donated $52,500 which provided 39 scholarships for Kent area students. This year’s goal is $5,000. To participate, complete a postcard at participating merchants and be entered to win a grand prize of a $500 Kent Station gift card. Click here for details.
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke to give final ‘State of the City’ on April 5, 2017
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will update the business community and interested residents at the Kent Chamber of Commerce luncheon on April 5. This address will be Mayor Cooke’s final as Kent’s mayor. She is not seeking re-election this fall. Get the details here.
Upcoming spring events hosted by Kent Downtown Partnership
Join the Kent Downtown Partnership for these upcoming events:
April 29: Pampered Pet Walk
May 12: Downtown Breakfast Hour
May 19: Wine Walk
June 9: KDP Dinner Auction
Visit DowntownKentWA.com for more details or call KDP at 253-813-6976.
Upcoming Events
Mar. 20 First Day of Spring
Mar. 20 ShoWalk – Free Indoor Walking
Mar. 20 Rita’s Italian Ice Grand Opening
Mar. 20 Coffee, Cake and Islam at Dilettante
Mar. 20 Hello 4Cutlure Office Hours at Kent Library
Mar. 22 Kent School District – Late Start
Mar. 22 ShoWalk – Free Indoor Walking
Mar. 22 Coffee with the Chief
Mar. 22 Kigo Takeover Fundraiser for Relay for Life of Kent
Mar. 24 Kids’ Movie of the Month: The Lorax, Kent Library
Mar. 24 Kent Police Hiring Open House
Mar. 24 Seattle Thunderbirds, playoff Game 1
Mar. 24 Seattle Thunderbirds, playoff Game 2
