Local News and Events for Kent, Washington
Hi, Kent friends.
I hope you stayed warm and dry this weekend. For me, it was a good weekend to catch up on work, clean and organize for the week ahead. I also voted and dropped my ballot in the mail. I am hoping for a little sunshine this week, but to be honest, the rain doesn’t bother me a bit…ask me again in a few months, and I might have a different opinion, but right now, I don’t mind it.
Have a super week!
~ Dana Neuts, publisher
REMINDER–Beyond High School College & Career Fair, Oct. 25, 2017
This Wednesday evening, Kentridge High School (12430 SE 208th St., Kent, WA 98031) is hosting the school district’s annual Beyond High School College & Career Fair. Between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, students and their parents can meet representatives from colleges, universities, employers and organizations like the Kent Community Foundation to learn more about their options after high school. In addition, there will be financial aid workshops and sessions by state schools. Get all the details here.
NEW–KYFS Fundraiser – One Thing Experience, Oct. 28, 2017
Today is the last day to register for Kent Youth & Family Service’s biggest fundraiser of the year – The One Thing Experience. This fun-filled evening includes costumes, conversation, dinner, entertainment and an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Kent community. Click here for more information.
NEW–Two injured after shootout in Lowe’s parking lot
Two suspects were injured in a shootout Friday evening in the Lowe’s parking lot on Pacific Highway. According to KIRO 7, the shootout occurred during an ATF operation that was coordinated with local and federal law enforcement. Read more on KIRO 7 here.
NEW–Severe Weather Shelter training Nov. 8, 2017
From November through March, the City of Kent opens a Severe Weather Shelter in life-threatening conditions. The shelter is located at Kent Lutheran Church and staffed by volunteers and one employee from Catholic Community Services. To prepare for the season ahead, there will be a volunteer gathering on Wed., Nov. 8 (6:30 to 8 p.m.) for awareness and training. Click here for more information about the Severe Weather Shelter.
NEW–Free Indoor Walking at accesso ShoWare starts Nov. 13, 2017
Don’t let the rainy weather interrupt your daily walking routine! Take part in free indoor walks at accesso ShoWare Center, Mondays and Wednesdays, November 13, 217 through June 27, 2018, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free indoor walking is open to all ages and modalities, and there are two levels of walking and stairs for extra cardio. In addition, Kent4Health hosts monthly health screenings. Dates are subject to change based on accesso ShoWare’s schedule. Check the community calendar at KentWA.gov for changes.
NEW–Halloween trick-or-treating and costume contest at Kent Station
Halloween is next week, and that means lots of fun fall activities for families across the city. Kent Station is hosting its annual trick-or-treating event and costume contest on Tuesday, October 31 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The costume contest will be on the stage next to Coldstone Creamery from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be announced starting at 6:45 p.m. Must be present to win. Trick-or-treating starts at 4:30 p.m. and goes while supplies last. Get more details here.
REMINDER–Next Coffee with the Chief is Wed., Oct. 25
This Wednesday is the next Coffee with the Chief at Starbucks (425 W. Meeker St., Kent, WA 98032) at 8 AM. This is a good opportunity to meet Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas, his command staff, patrol officers and others to ask your questions about Kent crime. RSVP on Facebook.
NEW–Girl on the Road with Cartoonist Noel Franklin, Sat., Oct. 28
In 2016, Seattle cartoonist and former Kent student Noel Franklin received an Art Projects grant from 4Culture for her graphic memoir-in-progress, Girl On The Road. The story is based on Franklin’s friendship with fellow WWU art student, Deborah Penne.They travelled together frequently and moved to Chicago after graduation.The development of their friendship is traced through road trips, a shared aversion to settling down, and then the impact of losing Deborah when she died due to the mechanical failure that led to the crash of Alaska Flight 261. Hear Noel speak at the Kent Library this Sat., Oct. 28 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
NEW–Voter guides and ballots are in the mail
King County Elections and the Secretary of State have mailed voter guides and ballots. All ballots must be signed and mailed by Election Day, November 7, or dropped off at a ballot box by 8 p.m. on November 7. Read our post for additional details – including ballot box locations and resources from King County elections.
REMINDER–Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Oct. 28, 2017
The Kent Police Department is hosting its next Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sat., Oct. 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Kent Police Department. This is a safe way to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication. Read our post for details.
NEW–We have ad space available!
Several of our seasonal advertisers have rotated out, and we are looking for new advertisers to fill the space. Our advertising rates are affordable for businesses of all sizes, and our ads will get you in front of your target audience – Kent readers! Click here for advertising rates and or email us to place your ad today!
REMINDER–Prepare for fall rains and storms
The rainy season is upon us which can mean high winds, lots of rain, localized flooding, landslides and possible power outages. Prepare your family with an emergency kit (food, water, flashlight, NOAA weather radio, etc.) and our list of local resources.
NEW–Kent School Board selects Ross Hardy to fill District One seat
Last week the Kent School District announced the selection of Ross Hardy to fill the District One seat on the Kent School Board. Hardy will be sworn in Wed., Oct. 27. The seat was left vacant by Russ Hanscom who resigned from the school board this summer. Hanscom is running for Kent City Council. Read more about Hardy here.
REMINDER–Torklift Central kicks off annual Turkey Challenge, Oct. 12
This week Torklift Central kicks off its annual Kent Turkey Challenge to collect food and raise money for hungry Kent families. The goal this year is to raise $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food for the Kent Food Bank. Learn more about the Kent Turkey Challenge and how your or your business can participate here.
Other articles you might have missed:
- Detectives ask for public’s help identifying home invasion robbery suspects
- October is flood awareness month
- 2017 Fall activity round-up
- Kent Creates seeks entries for Holiday Traditions exhibit
- DAWN – Bringing Domestic Abuse out of the darkness
Event Highlights This Week
[For details, visit our Oct. 2017 ‘Things To Do’ list or our Google calendar.]
Oct. 25 Coffee with the Chief
Oct. 25 Sugar Skulls Art Workshop
Oct. 25 Beyond High School College and Career Fair
Oct. 27 Trunk or Treat
Oct. 27 Kids’ Movie of the Month: Monsters Inc.
Oct. 27 Tacoma Stars vs. Milwaukee Wave
Oct. 28 6th Annual Green Kent Day
Oct. 28 KSD School Bus Drivers’ Craft Bazaar
Oct. 28 Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Oct. 28 Girl on the Road with Noel Franklin
Oct. 28 Reber Ranch Howl & Prowl 2017
Oct. 28 KYFS One Thing Experience Gala
Oct. 29 Green Kent Event
