Local News and Events for Kent, Washington

This week is spring break for the Kent School District, the Seattle Thunderbirds enter round 2 of the WHL playoffs and Easter is this weekend, so this is a busy time in and around Kent. Here are some local news items and upcoming events to start off your week.

This edition of Sound Bites is sponsored by AAA Pest Control.

NEW–No school this week for KSD – Spring Break
Yes, spring is finally here and that means that the Kent School District is taking a break. This week is spring break week for the Kent School District, so school is not in session. Also, this week are a number of Easter festivities, so visit our Easter post for details.

NEW–6 days left to enter the iLoveKent Earth Day coloring contest
We are very excited about the response to our first Earth Day coloring contest. The contest is open to kids 12 and under. Completed coloring pages will be judged in three age groups and prizes will be awarded for each age group. Prizes include gift certificates for art lessons by our co-sponsor Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons, gift cards from Rita’s Italian ice, flowers to plant at home and more! Download the page here or pick it up at one of 6 downtown Kent locations: Kent Downtown Partnership, Rusty Raven Studio, Treasures, Create!, Moore than Rocks and Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons. All entries must be received by noon on Sat., April 15. More details here.

NEW–Seattle Thunderbirds take 2-0 lead in Round 2 of WHL playoffs
After sweeping the TriCity Americans, the Seattle Thunderbirds are playing the Everett Silvertips in Round 2 of the Western Conference Semifinal. Game 3 will be played at ShoWare Center tomorrow night. It will be their first home game since March 25. Get tickets here.

NEW–KSD to break ground on new Covington Elementary in May
On May 5, Kent School District will host a groundbreaking ceremony to break ground on Covington Elementary’s new location on 156th Avenue SE, next to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The design is the same as that of the new Panther Lake Elementary. The new school will have space for more than 600 students. Learn more here.

Living Well KentNEW–Living Well Kent to host Community Bazaar on May 13
Living Well Kent is hosting a Community Bazaar and Farmer’s Market on Sat., May 13 from 10 AM to 3 PM. There will be vendors from different cultures, communities and backgrounds selling their crafts. All are welcome. The ultimate goal of the project is to bring a Farmer’s Market to Kent’s East Hill to make healthy food more accessible. Learn more here.

NEW–KSD scouting school locations in the Kent Valley
In other KSD news, the district is considering six different sites for a new elementary school in the Kent Valley. Once a site and architect are chosen, it could take up to a year for the design. The goal for opening the new school is the 2020-21 school year.

NEW–Collectibles Sale – Benefit Sale & Dinner Auction
There will be a collectibles sale and dinner auction on Sat., April 22 benefiting Vine Maple Place, Eileen & Callie’s Place, KentHOPE, Union Gospel Mission, The Hug Machine, Young Life, Catalyst House and Willow’s Place. The collectibles sale will be from 1 to 5 PM at Real Life Church, 26201 180th Ave. SE, Covington, WA. The dinner auction is from 5:30 to 8 PM and tickets are $30 each. Contact Sally Goodgion at 253-852-0880 or [email protected] for details.

NEW–SKCAC to Host 7th Breakfast Fundraiser
SKCAC Industries and Employment Services is hosting its 7th annual breakfast fundraiser, “Celebrating Successes,” at the Kent Senior Center on Wed., June 7, 2017 (7 AM – 8:30 AM). Breakfast is complimentary. Donations are encouraged. Register to attend the breakfast here.

NEW–Next Coffee with the Chief is this Wed., April 12
Join Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas, his command staff and the neighborhood response team for the next Coffee with the Chief, scheduled for Wed., April 12 at 2 PM at Starbucks at the corner of 4th and Meeker in downtown Kent. Read more here.

NEW–Interurban Trail closed near S. 212th St.
Crews will be working on the Interurban Trail between S. 212th St. and W. James St. through late April for the installation of large-scale foundations for taller steel power transmission poles. Lanes may be temporarily restricted along S. 228th St.

Prescription drug take-back day set for April 29
If you have expired, unwanted or unused prescription medication, the Kent Police Dept. will accept your discards for appropriate disposal on Sat., April 29. You can drop off your items at the Kent Police Dept. from 10 AM to 2 PM at 232 Fourth Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032. Please be sure to remove any prescription labels with any personal identifying information (name, address, etc.)

Upcoming Events:

(Get event details and see additional events on our Google calendar.)

April 10 – 14          KSD Spring Break
April 10                 ShoWalk – Free Indoor Walking, sponsored by Kent4Health
April 11                 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
April 11                 Living Well Kent meeting
April 12                 ShoWalk – Free Indoor Walking, sponsored by Kent4Health
April 12                 Refugee & Immigrant Youth Advisory Council mtg.
April 12                 Dinner and Conversation: Syrian Refugees in Greece
April 13                 YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families
April 14                 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
April 15                 EARTH DAY COLORING CONTEST DEADLINE: NOON
April 15                 Green Kent Event: Park Orchard Park
April 15                 Easter Egg Hunt at Riverview Community Church
April 15                 Kent Station Easter Egg and Scavenger Hunt
April 15                 Easter Bonnet Tea

 

 

Dana Neuts

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