The Kent Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify and locate a suspect in a sexual assault that occurred early Sunday afternoon on Kent’s West Hill. A press release distributed by the police department this morning states that the assault occurred at Dollar Tree on Pacific Highway (23406 Pacific Highway South) where a man allegedly exposed himself and was touching his genitals in front of a six-year-old girl. The store surveillance cameras released this image.

Description:  White adult male, between 18 and 25, dark hair, 5′ 7″ tall, medium build.

Kent Detective Melanie Frazier said, “We want to ensure the public is aware of this incident, and that this case is a top priority for our investigators. Perpetrators like this do not belong in our community.”

Anyone with information about the suspect should call 9-1-1 or the Kent Police Department tip line at 253-856-5808.

Kent high school seniors will graduate on Saturday, June 15 during ceremonies at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Here’s the schedule:

Kentridge High School, 9 a.m.

Kent-Meridian High School, 12:30 p.m.

Kentwood High School, 3:30 p.m.

Kentlake High School, 7:00 p.m.

Contact individual schools for additional details, including ticket information.

Congratulations to our local grads!

Kent Farmer’s Market:  June 1 – Sept. 28, 2013

The Farmer’s Market returns to Kent on Sat., June 1. Sponsored by the Kent Lions’ Club, the market is held each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm in the Town Square Plaza Park at 2nd and Harrison Streets. The market includes fresh produce from local farmers, fresh cut flowers and herbs, arts and craft vendors, food booths and more.

For more information, contact the Kent Lions Club at 253-852-5466.

Coming soon:  Kent Cornucopia Days, July 11-14, 2013. Visit KCDays.com for more info.

Join American Sign Language (ASL) students from three Kent high schools – Kent-Meridian, Kentridge and Kentwood – as they interpret, choreograph and perform at this year’s “Feel the Music” event.

This year’s event is scheduled for May 31-June 1 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7/adults and $4/students with ASB and can be purchased at the event. Doors open at 6 p.m. Performances begin at 7 p.m.

And the list continues, this time with some help from iLoveKent.net fans and followers who shared their ideas on Facebook.

Photo by Jeff Heiss

May 1:  The Scrapbook Nook

May 2:  Kent Volunteers

May 3:  Carpinito Brothers

May 4:  Reber Ranch

May 5:  Lake Meridian Park

May 6:  Alison Carchedi, former PE teacher for the Kent School District and now the owner of Sweet Themes Bakery

May 7:  Communities in Schools Kent for mentoring children to ensure academic success.

May 8:  Fans like YOU!

May 9:  Baby animals in Kent – foals and calves and alpacas, oh my!

May 10:  Summer-like Friday afternoons – love our spring weather this year!

May 11:  Weekend breakfasts at Maggie’s on Meeker – so many yummy dishes to choose from.

May 12:  Pagoda at International Sister Cities Park at Smith and Railroad

May 13:  Suise Creek Cemetery

May 14:  Kent Transit Center

May 15:  Lilacs at Suise Creek Cemetery

May 16:  Fun Runs hosted by the City of Kent:  Christmas Rush Fun Run and Kent Cornucopia Days Fun Run

May 17:  Service Club Ballfields

May 18:  Old Fishing Hole

May 19:  Great Wall Mall – wonderful restaurants, shops, an Asian market and more

May 20:  Douglass Youth Development Golf Program, a non-profit that enriches the lives of underprivileged kids through golf instruction and life coaching

May 21:  Kent International Festival, a beautiful celebration of the many cultures that can be found in Kent, Washington

May 22:  Kent Farmer’s Market, opens June 1, 9 am to 2 pm, fresh produce, flowers, organic herbs, handcrafted items and more

• Classic Car and Motorcycle Show – NO ENTRY FEES
• RV Tour and Scavenger Hunt
• Stuff the RV Fundraiser for American Troops*
• Propane sale ($2.19/gallon)
• Seal Tech Inspection Seminar
• Product Raffles
• Free Lunch
• Free Goodie Bags
• Dinghy Towing Seminar
• Cash prizes for winners of the the car show

*Stuff the RV:  This event is a local fundraiser to collect donations to send care packages to troops stationed overseas. For each donation you bring, you’ll receive a raffle ticket.

Items needed:  non-perishable food, hygiene products, letters of encouragement and support, books, magazines and games

KENT, Wash., May 1, 2013–Marti Reeder of John L. Scott was named “Best Realtor” in the Kent Reporter’s 2013 “Best of Kent” contest. This is the fifth time Reeder has received the award, having previously won in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Nominees for the honor were selected by Kent Reporter readers in the newspaper’s annual contest. In addition to selecting their favorite realtor, readers chose their favorite Kent officials, volunteers, restaurants, shops and other businesses.

The 2013 “Best Realtor” award comes on the heels of 2012 awards Reeder received for her work at John L. Scott in Kent-Covington, including awards for Top Sales Resale for the first and second quarters, Top Producer for the second quarter, Top Lister Resale for the third and fourth quarters, and Top Producer for the fourth quarter. She also received John L. Scott’s highest honor at year’s end, the President’s Elite Award, for the last four out of five years.

“At a time when Realtors have to stay on top of market shifts and trends, it is particularly rewarding to know that my clients appreciate my dedication and that my community supports me,” Reeder said. “It makes the long hours and sacrifices worthwhile. It’s truly an honor to represent my clients in their biggest financial decision.”                                                                             

As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder helps individuals and families buy and sell homes throughout the greater Seattle area. In addition, the “Best of Kent” realtor focuses on educating consumers on the value of home ownership and ensuring that they understand changes in the real estate and mortgage industries and how they are personally impacted.

“Right now inventory is low, so this is a great time for home owners who are considering selling. They are more likely to get their asking price, so sellers are in a better position to make a move,” Reeder explained. “Spring and summer are traditionally strong in the real estate market, so I encourage home owners to list their homes now, while competition is limited.”

For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com or call 253-859-8500 (office) or 206-391-0388 (cell). You can also learn more about Reeder or view her latest listings at http://johnlscott.com/martireeder.

As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder is a full-time, full-service real estate broker, serving the Puget Sound region. She has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections, construction and real estate. In 2012, Reeder helped almost 40 families buy or sell new homes. She is also a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Accredited Seller’s Representative (ASR), and she specializes in staging & marketing her listings as well as helping buyers whether, first-time, downsizing or upsizing. In 2010 and 2011, she was awarded the Five Star Real Estate Professional Award from Seattle Magazine.

Breakfast for the Kids:  May 23

Join local leaders and volunteers to raise money for youth in the Kent School District at the annual Communities In Schools breakfast.

Thurs., May 23, 2013
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Kent Phoenix Academy
11000 SE 264th St.
Kent, WA  98030
FREE, Donations are encouraged.

REGISTER HERE

Communities in Schools of Kent

Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest dropout organization. In over 200 communities across 27 states, we work closely with schools, social services, businesses and volunteers to get young people the things they need to learn and grow: after-school help and family services to stabilize the home. Without these basic supports, kids in need or at-risk are far less likely to succeed and grow into productive adults.

Getting kids what they need – when they need it.

CIS of Kent services students in 14 Kent schools.  During the last school year, CIS of Kent provided services to 3,880 students through programs like its Elementary Mentoring Program, hosted at 12 Kent elementary schools, and the Kent Performance Learning Center at Kent Phoenix Academy, a non-traditional high school program designed for students who have ability but are not succeeding within the traditional schools setting.

Proven, Evidence-based Strategy

Recent third-party findings confirm: Of the many organizations working to improve student outcomes, Communities In Schools, through coordination of services, is proven to be more effective, and results in higher graduation rates, and higher percentages of students reaching proficiency in math and reading.

http://www.kent.ciswa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Communities-In-Schools-of-Kent/269096273112662

Treat your mom this Mother’s Day with afternoon tea at Sweet Themes Bakery (317 W. Meeker St.) in downtown Kent. The bakery will open on Sun., May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m., so moms and their guests can enjoy a lovely afternoon with savory snacks (quiches, tea sandwiches, croissants), sweet treats (chocolate dipped strawberries, fruit tartlets, sugar cookies), and an assortment of refreshing beverages including Harney & Sons teas, lavender lemonade and cucumber and mint-infused water.

$35 adults, $25 for kids 12 and under

Space is limited, so reservations are required. Call 253-981-4999 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 9 am – 5 pm and Sat. 9 am – 2 pm) to reserve your spot today!

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Kent Reporter’s “Best of Kent” contest. 

Attorney/Law Firm:  Hanis Irvine Prothero, PLLC

Bartender:  Chris at Mama Stortini’s and Brian at Duke’s Chowder House

Financial Advisor:  Kevin P. Hasslinger, Edward Jones

Insurance Agent:  Duane Weber Insurance

Pet Groomer:  Adorable Dogs

Realtor:  Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Travel Agent:  Sally Goodgion, Catalyst Travel

Veterinarian:  Dr. McMonigle, McMonigle Veterinary Hospital

Waiter-Waitress:  Michelle Lowery at Maggie’s on Meeker

Asian Cuisine:  Pho 7 Simmering Soup and China Star

Bakery:  Wild Wheat Bakery Cafe

BBQ:  BBQ Pete’s

Bar/Happy Hour:  Mama Stortini’s

Breakfast:  Maggie’s on Meeker

Coffee Shop:  Maggie’s on Meeker

Family Restaurant:  Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House

Fine Dining:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Hamburgers:  Red Robin

Indian Cuisine:  Curry & Kabab

Italian Cuisine:  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant

Lunch:  Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House and Applebee’s

Mexican Cuisine:  Azteca and Mexico Lindo

Pizza:  Can Am Pizza

Automotive Care:  East Hill Tire Factory and East Hill Auto Service

Bank/Credit Union:  BECU

Catering:  Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House

Hair Salon:  Blanc ‘n Schwartz Salon

Mortgage Services:  Cindi Cameron, 1st Rate Mortgage

Nail Salon:  Nails by Design

Painter/Contractor:  Jeff Heiss Painting

Small-Large Appliance Store:  Super Sew & Vac

Bookstore:  Children’s Bookshop & Teaching Supplies

Clothing/Shoe Store:  Coldwater Creek

Consignment/Thrift Store:  Goodwill

Flower Shop:  Bella home & garden

Furniture/Home Decor:  Bella home & garden

Gift Store:  Kelly’s Gift Boutique

Grocery/Convenient Store:  Kent Grocery Outlet

Jewelry Store:  Bonaci Fine Jewelers

Pet Store:  Reber Ranch

Plant Nursery:  Carpinito Brothers

Winery/Wine Shop:  Reds Wine Bar

Community Volunteers:  Barbara Smith and Bill Westcott

Police Officer/Firefighter:  Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas

Public Official:  Mayor Suzette Cooke

Teacher:  Krysta Berrios, Horizon Elementary

Favorite Family Destination:  Kent Station

Chiropractor:  Dr. Gary Blackburn, D.C., Rebound Chiropractic

Dentist:  Dr. Sue Hollinsworth, DDS

Eye Doctor:  Clearvue Vision Center

Healthcare Facility:  Family Care of Kent and Kent MultiCare

Massage Therapist:  Tina Russeff, Easthill Massage

Physician:  Bob Smithing and Dr. Hilton A. Chen, MD

Senior Living Facility:  Arbor Village and Farrington Court

Skin Care/Cosmetics:  Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Spa Services:  Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

The Rotary Club of Kent is dreaming big this spring with its annual fundraiser gala. This year’s event will be held Sat., Apr. 27, 5 to 9 p.m., at ShoWare Center.

With more than 400 guests expected, the Rotary Club of Kent hopes to raise big bucks to help the community through a variety of programs, including providing KSD third graders with dictionaries and this year’s Funded Item: V.E.T. Fund to support education for U.S. veterans. 

Tickets for the event are $75/each or you can donate online. For more info., visit the Rotary Club of Kent online.

Part of the gala will include a Live Auction with these items available for bid:

• 10-day cruise for 2 in an outside cabin on Holland America to almost everywhere they go
• 7-day African photo safari
• A car from Bowen-Scarff Ford Lincoln
• 7-day stays in condos in Hawaii, San Diego and Palm Springs
• $2,000 towards a stay at a fishing lodge in Alaska
• Dinners, wine tasting events and baskets galore!
• A suite at a Seattle Thunderbirds game
• Work crews
• Gift certificates to local shops and region experiences
• …and about 300 more items!

In addition, there will be three silent auctions, raffles for two selections of 50 bottles of wine and other prizes.

After a winter hiatus, Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas reports that the city’s bike patrols will be back on the streets May 1. There will be four officers and a supervisor, scheduled to be on the street seven days a week. Focuses will be on the downtown transit center, shopping areas and parks including Town Square Plaza, Kaibara Park and the gazebo. The bike unit will also be available to deploy to other areas of Kent, as needed.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke said in an April 15 press release, “I’m very happy our police are again providing this valuable service to residents, businesses and visitors. It’s just in time for the better weather and increased use of outdoor spaces.”

[Photo by Dana E. Neuts for iLoveKent.net]

Apr. 1:  Oreo – Better than a cookie, this calf at Lazy Larry’s Ranch is the cutest black and white cow I’ve ever laid eyes on. He makes me smile every time I see him.

Apr. 2:  City of Kent Police Department – As a parent and a member of the Kent community, I appreciate all that the Kent PD does for our city, but also their quick response when dealing with the threat on Kentwood High School last week.

Apr. 3:  Public Art – The City of Kent and its parks have a nice array of public art on display throughout the city. It’s a fun change of pace to see all of the many artists that have touched our lives over the years.

Apr. 4:  The RAM at Kent Station is one of my favorite hangouts. I love the good food, friendly servers and the casual atmosphere.

Apr. 5:  Our Kent Parks system is outstanding. Throughout the city, you can find a park within walking distance. Pet parks, people parks, playgrounds, lakes and more! We’re lucky to live in a city with such easily accessible and well-maintained amenities.

Apr. 6:  Kent cares about recycling. It’s important to me that we lighten our carbon footprint for future generations and the city of Kent does that through a variety of recycling programs and events.

Apr. 7:  Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., offers a number of programs and activities for Kent seniors, but it is also open to the community for events on a regular basis. It’s centrally located, well kept and family friendly. Thanks to the City of Kent and the Kent Senior Center staff and volunteers for providing this resource for our community.

Apr. 8:  Earthworks Gem Design Studio:  This locally owned store has the most beautiful and unique pieces.

Apr. 9:  No Excuses University at Scenic Hill Elementary

Apr. 10:  Great location:  Kent is located equidistant from Tacoma and Seattle.

Apr. 11:  Joselito Castillo and South Sound Dance Force

Apr. 12:  Home Depot

Apr. 13:  Perk Up Place:

Apr. 14:  Mad Hatter Antiques & Collectibles: I just learned they’ve closed. I’m very sad about this — loved this place!

Apr. 15:  Mini Golf at Kent Valley Ice Center:  Affordable family fun!

Apr. 16:  Amante Pizza & Pasta in the valley has the best pizza this side of the Mississippi.

Apr. 17:  Chipotle is a great place for fresh, healthy food with a little zip.

Apr. 18:  Victoria Andrews, queen of Kent Parks, is an unsung hero for all of her hard work and dedication to the parks and its volunteers.

Apr. 19:  Springtime in Kent is breathtakingly beautiful – flowers in bloom, trees budding, majestic mountain views.

Apr. 20:  Town Square Plaza is a fun, family-friendly gathering place which serves as a hub for city events.

Apr. 21:  The Rotary Clubs of Kent do a great job of outreach, providing dictionaries to third graders, supporting local veterans and other causes.

Apr. 22:  Hearing the trains in and around Kent reminds me of home.

Apr. 23:  ASL Teacher Barbara Key of Kentwood High School has been a mentor and an inspiration to my daughter. Thank, Mrs. Key, for all you do.

Apr. 24:  Kent Youth & Family Services is a hard-working, dedicated nonprofit serving youth in South King County.

Apr. 25:  The entrance to Kentwood High School in the springtime is beautiful with the flowering trees lining the parking lot and Mt. Rainier as the school’s backdrop.

Apr. 26:  Kent is a pet-friendly city with lots of parks and open spaces for us to enjoy with our four legged friends.

Apr. 27:  The Green River Trail is a beautiful way to explore our city.

Apr. 28:

Apr. 29:

Apr. 30:

Pamela J. Mitchell, 58, was last seen on Sun., March 31. She signed herself out of Benson Heights Rehabilitation Center, 22410 Benson Rd., SE in Kent. She has not returned. She is a white female, stands 5’9″ tall, weights 170 pounds and has light brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a dress and sandals.

Mitchell is dependent on medication and she suffers from mental and physical disabilities. She doesn’t have friends or family in the area, and does not have any money or a cell phone with her.

If you’ve seen Pamela Mitchell, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Update — Kainani Talaga returned home safely Tuesday evening.

Continuing our lists from January and February, our March 2013 list will include 31 more reasons that I Love Kent. Follow the series on our iLoveKent.net Facebook page, where we post a new reason to love Kent daily. Please comment, add your own suggestions and tell us what you love about Kent!

 Mar. 1:  Kent People – People like Mike Hanis and Merle and Marti Reeder make Kent a fun, friendly place to live.

Mar. 2:  Farm animals – We have a lot of variety in Kent — llamas, alpacas, cows, chickens, goats and more.

Mar. 3:  Allegro Performing Arts Academy – This local dance academy has such a wide variety of dance classes available to people of all ages. I also love that Allegro is active in the community, coming up with events like Kent’s Got Talent.

Mar. 4:  Curran Law Firm – In addition to being a sponsor of iLoveKent.net, attorneys at the firm are very active in the community, including Greg Haffner who serves as the Kent Rotary president this year.

Mar. 5:  Jack Becvar, our city’s historian, is one of my favorite Kent residents. He has a wealth of historical information about Kent, and he and his wife Mary Lou truly love our city.

Mar. 6:  Mayor Suzette Cooke – Regardless of your politics, Mayor Cooke is an enthusiastic, friendly and approachable leader.

Mar. 7:  Annual “Fun for Funds” Dinner Auction – Each year the Children’s Therapy Center and its Dynamic Partners host their annual “Fun for Funds” dinner auction to raise money to help children with special needs and their families.

Mar. 8:  Seattle Thunderbirds – It is so much fun having a WHL hockey team right here in Kent. It is fun family entertainment and the hockey players are not only talented but friendly and humble. [See my story on the mentoring program at Neely O'Brien Elementary.]

Mar. 9:  Lazy Larry’s Ranch – Located on 132nd, I watch the cows daily from my office window. What a delight to see these huge creatures romping around the pasture!

Mar. 10:  Shindig Martini Bar - This classy bar in downtown Kent is a nice break from the usual sports bar. The martini selection is excellent, and happy hour makes these otherwise pricey drinks affordable.

Mar. 11:  Regional Justice Center – This full-service municipal building was beautifully designed, housing our local courts as well as services like CASA, marriage applications and more.

Mar. 12:  Wilson Playfields – Beautiful athletic complex on Kent’s East Hill, ideal for soccer and track events.

Mar. 13:  Lake Meridian – It may be small, but it is ours. With views of Mt. Rainier, this calm, quiet lake is a nice departure from the hustle & bustle of our busy lives.

Mar. 14:  Kent TV 21 – Want to know what’s going on in Kent? You can find it on Kent TV 21. The city’s own TV channel features programs regarding local events like the Kent International Festival as well as streaming Kent City Council meetings live.

Mar. 15:  Small Business Development Center at Green River College – For business owners on a budget, the SBDC is a useful resource for starting and growing a business in Kent.

Mar. 16:  McLendon Hardware – It may not be a big box store, but it has just about everything you could want. I love the garden section!

Mar. 17:  Kent Station Easter Egg Hunt – Easter Egg Hunts at Kent Station have become a new Kent tradition. Free family fun.

Mar. 18:  Soos Creek Trail – Located between Kent and Covington, Soos Creek Trail provides miles of paved trails for walking or running, and every once in awhile, you’ll see a horse on the path.

Mar. 19:  Children’s Bookshop – This downtown store is a good resource for teaching supplies as well as educational books, toys and games for kids.

Mar. 20:  Stefano Langone of American Idol fame is a graduate of Kentwood High School.

Mar. 21:  Kaibara Park, downtown Kent

Mar. 22:  Coldstone Creamery

Mar. 23:  Arbor 360 Skate Park

Mar. 24:  Petco is where Jelly Bean shops for her favorite food – Solid Gold Wee Bits and treats we don’t get at Mud Bay.

Mar. 25:  Fig & Feather – a fun home decor and gift store on W. Meeker St. in downtown Kent

Mar. 26:  Planned Parenthood – I’m glad we have affordable health care and family planning options close to home.

Mar. 27:  Spiro’s Greek Island on First Ave. South has great food in a fun atmosphere right in downtown Kent.

Mar. 28:  Historic homes on Scenic Hill keep a thread of Kent’s past running through the city.

Mar. 29:  Shari’s Pies. Do I really need to explain this one?

Mar. 30:  Sue Froyd, owner of AAA Pest Control and Maggie’s on Meeker, is a wonderful, generous woman.

Mar. 31:  Kent Covenant Church opens its doors regularly to community events.