Local News for Kent, Washington

It’s finally April, and I hope that means we are a little closer to sunshine. I, for one, am ready to get outside and enjoy some of the cool parks and outdoor activities available in Kent.In the meantime, here’s a round-up of local news for Kent, Washington.

A big thank you to AAA Pest Control for sponsoring this week’s edition of Sound Bites. Advertisers and sponsors make it possible for us to continue our work in the Kent community. Want to see your ad here too? Email us at [email protected].

NEW–iLoveKent and Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons host Earth Day coloring contest
We have partnered with Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons to host our first Earth Day coloring contest, open to kids 12 and under, in three different age groups. Visit our Earth Day coloring contest page to download the image, or pick it up at participating downtown businesses. We want to thank all of the local businesses who are helping including Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons, Kent Downtown Partnership, Rusty Raven Studio, Create, Constantine, Moore than Rocks and Treasures. Get all the details here.

NEW–Spring Clean-up in Kent, April 3-14
Clean out the clutter in your garage, basement, attic or wherever and set it out with your trash during Spring Clean-Up Week. On your Yard Waste Day, you can set up to 10 32-gallon or equivalent containers (bags, cans, etc.) of yard waste for no extra cost. Refer to your Republic Service schedule if you aren’t sure when your Yard Waste Day (it is the opposite week of your recycling day).

NEW–Will we get a Dick’s Drive-In in Kent?
After receiving 106,000 of 178,000 votes, Dick’s Drive-In said it will bring a restaurant to South King County. But where? According to Puget Sound Business Journal, a site has not yet been determined, but Kent is a possibility. PSBJ is conducting a reader’s poll to see where readers would like to see it go. Click here to access the online poll. Have a specific location in mind? Dick’s suggests you email them at [email protected].

REMINDER–RASKC’s door-to-door pet licensing starts April 1
April is here, and that means that Regional Animal Services of King County will be going door-to-door to make sure all dogs and cats are licensed. Canvassers will not issue citations, but pet owners will have 30 days to license their pets or be subject to a steep fine. Read more here.

NEW–Letter to the editor from KDP Exec. Director Barb Smith re train crossings
If you live, work or drive through downtown Kent, you’ve no doubt been inconvenienced by faulty crossing arms. Unfortunately, because the railroads are under federal authority, the City of Kent can do little about the problem, except provide notifications when there’s a problem. Barb Smith, Executive Director for Kent Downtown Partnership, has seen safety issues as well as businesses who have lost revenue as a result. You can help by complaining directly to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (800-832-5425) and the Federal Railroad Authority (800-724-5998). Read Barb’s letter here.

NEW–Green Kent events in April
Our Kent Parks are one of the many things I love about Kent. If you’d like to help support the Kent Parks, consider volunteering at one of their upcoming Green Kent events. April events include April 15 (Park Orchard Park), April 22 (Celebrate Earth Day at Clark Lake Park), and April 30 (Clark Lake Park). All events are from 9 AM to noon, rain or shine. Click here to learn more and register.

NEW–More scholarship opportunities for Kent high school students
Here are three additional scholarship opportunities for Kent high school students:
– Denali Federal Credit Union, 3 – $5,000 scholarships available, deadline April 3
– Greater Kent Historical Society, 1 – $2,000 scholarship available, deadline May 1
– Kent Sunrise Rotary, 4 – $750 vocational scholarships available, deadline April 10

NEW–Congrats to Seattle Thunderbirds for first-round playoff sweep!
We are so proud that the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds call Kent home. We are even prouder that they swept the Tri-City Americans in the first round of the WHL playoffs. In round 2, they will play either the Everett Silvertips or the Victoria Royals, depending on which team wins their best-of-seven playoff round. Congrats to our TBirds! Read more on their win here.

NEW–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.)

NEW–KDP to host Annual Pampered Pet Walk on April 29
On Saturday, April 29, Kent Downtown Partnership is hosting its annual pampered pet walk in downtown Kent. This fun, free event is 1 to 3 PM, starting at Down Home Catering (211 First Ave. South, Kent, WA 98032) and ending at Kherson Park (corner of 2nd and Gowe St.). There will be prizes for best costume (small, medium and large pets) and best trick contest. Learn more here.

REMINDER–Kent customers will see a garbage rate increase in April
Effective April 1, Kent residential and business customers will see a slight increase in garbage rates. The city’s contract with Republic Services allows for annual rate adjusments for inflation. Read more here.

NEW–Volunteers needed for Kent Has Talent
Last year the Kent Community Foundation hosted an all-ages talent show in November as a fundraiser. The event was hosted by KISS FM’s Bender and it was a huge hit! To repeat the event this year, KCF needs volunteers to help with planning, securing sponsorships, marketing and more. If you are interested in helping, email the foundation at [email protected].

NEW–Two new features by Michelle Gehlman-Teeter for iLoveKent
– National History Day at South Puget Sound Regionals
– Create, a Place for Artists

Upcoming Events:

Apr. 3     Free Indoor Walking – ShoWare Center, hosted by Kent4Health
Apr. 3     Coffee, Cake and Islam
Apr. 4     Kent City Council Meeting
Apr. 5     Free Indoor Walking – ShoWare Center, hosted by Kent4Health
Apr. 5     Relay for Life of Kent: Dinner & Dessert Fundraiser
Apr. 7     Flashlight Egg Hunt
Apr. 7     Newsboys Love Riot Tour
Apr. 8-9 Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society Show & Sale
Apr. 8     Reber Ranch Egg Hunt for Kids and Dogs
Apr. 8     Special Needs Egg Hunt
Apr. 9     Seahawks 12K at The Landing, Renton