Local News and Events for Kent, Washington

I hope you had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather we had this weekend. What a refreshing change from the rain! It looks like the beginning of the week will be just as nice. Though I work inside, it will still be a great change of pace to see that sunshine. I am ready for summer already. Have a wonderful week!

~ Dana Neuts, publisher
NEW–Relay for Life Kent is June 2-3, 2017
Relay for Life of Kent is coming up! The event, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, will be held at French Field (10200 SE 256th St., Kent, WA) next to Kent-Meridian High School. The event starts at 6 PM and goes all night with activities like luminarias throughout the night. Learn more here.

Kent International Festival comes to Kent June 3
Join thousands of residents and visitors at ShoWare Center on Saturday, June 3 for the annual Kent International Festival, a celebration of cultural diversity. The festival opens with a World Wide Walk at 9:30 AM, followed by a day of ethnic food, events and entertainment throughout the day, including a World Dance Party from 5 pm to 6 pm and a Festival Finale Concert from 6 pm to 8 pm. Admission to the festival is free. Learn more about this popular event here.

NEW–Kent Farmer’s Market starts June 3, 2017
You know it’s almost summer when the Kent Farmer’s Market returns for the season. Hosted by the Kent Lions Club, the open air Kent Farmer’s Market is held each Saturday from June 3 through September 23, 2017, with the exception of July 15 for Kent Cornucopia Days, at 2nd and Smith.

NEW–Kent Police Department plans upcoming events
The Kent Police Department will be busy (well, busier) with two events next week. On Tues., May 30, the department will host Neighborhood Block Watch 101 at Kent City Council Chambers. This edition will feature a Spanish-speaking officer. The following day, Wed., May 31, Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas will host Coffee with the Chief at Create!

County officials warn against water dangers.NEW–King County officials warn against water dangers in warm weather
Get more statistics and water safety tips hereIn 2016, 22 people died in King County in preventable drowning incidents, including 11 in open water (e.g., rivers, lakes, ponds, Puget Sound). Protect yourself and your family from cold water present in King County lakes, rivers, ponds and the Puget Sound, even in warmer weather.

NEW–Kent Police issue new verified response protocol for commercial alarms
Did you know that 99% of commercial alarms are false alarms, using up valuable police resources? In Kent last year, there were more than 3,000 commercial alarms. To better allocate resources, the Kent Police Department has issued a revised verified response protocol for commercial alarms. Learn more about it here.

Murder Suspect, Billy D. Williams, sought by King County Sheriff's Detectives.NEW–Suspect sought in White Center homicide
Have you seen this man? King County Sheriff’s detectives are asking for the public’s help to find this man, Billy D. William, of Oregon for questioning in the murder of a Seattle resident in White Center on May 7. William is a black male, age 30, 5’8″ with a medium build. If you have information about William’s whereabouts, contact the police by calling 9-1-1 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Read more here.

Fireworks are now illegal in Kent
From the city’s ‘Scene’ newsletter, May 2017: The sale, the possession, and the discharge of any fireworks is prohibited in the city of Kent and can result in a $250 fine and confiscation of the fireworks. The one exception is public fireworks displays that have a permit…like the one planned on the Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian. Kent police will be out in full force to educate and enforce the new law.

NEW–Former sergeant fired for dishonesty sues King County Sheriff’s Office
Former King County Sergeant Andrea Alexander, fired for dishonest in November 2013, is suing the King County Sheriff’s Office for discrimination and retaliation. Alexander was fired to accepting specialty pay for nine months that she was not entitled to. Read the story here.

Kent Travel AdvisoriesStay on top of Kent traffic and construction
Now that construction season is in full swing, we’ve brought back our Kent Traffic Alerts and Construction Projects page to keep you up to date on construction traffic affecting Kent drivers. We’ll do our best to keep your page up to date, but if you see something missing or a mistake, please let us know. View the page here.

Upcoming Events:

May 22            Kent4Health ShoWalk
May 22            Coffee, Cake and Islam
May 23            Road Runner Sports & Kigo Kitchen Night
May 25            Public Works Week Celebration
May 25            VisFest
May 26            Kids’ Movie of the Month: The BFG
May 27            Save the Frogs Eco-Fest
May 27            Kent Kids Build
May 29            Memorial Day – No School

Dana Neuts

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