Local News and Events for Kent, Washington

Happy Monday, everyone! Fall is definitely here. The leaves are changing colors, the weather is crisp and cool, and the rain will soon be here. Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of the gorgeous weather this weekend for some fun, fall activities. After attending the Kent Food Bank’s annual fundraising breakfast Friday, I enjoyed a quiet weekend after a busy week of working for the City of Kent as a temporary communications consultant. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed learning about our city at work.

I hope you have a great week!

~ Dana

NEW–Third Thursday Art Night is this week!
This Thursday, Oct. 19 (4 PM – 7 PM) is Third Thursday Art Night. This month’s host is Susan Bagrationoff at Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons (218 W. Meeker St., Kent, WA 98032). In addition, participants can visit other downtown art venues including Create and Rusty Raven Studio. More details here!

NEW–Prescription Drug Take Back Day
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–Annual Fall Recycling Event this Saturday at Hogan Park
This Saturday, Oct. 21, the City of Kent is hosting a free recycling event at Hogan Park at Russell Road (24400 Russell Rd., Kent, WA 98032) where you can dispose of those hard or costly-to-recycle items, including appliances, toilets, tires, batteries, sinks, cardboard, electronics, reusable household goods and more. Get details here.

NEW–It’s Operation Safe Driver Week, Oct 15-21, 2017
This week the Washington State Patrol troopers and Commercial Vehicle Division officers will attempt to combat unsafe driving habits with extra patrols across the state. During the emphasis patrol, troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers will be on the lookout for drivers of commercial vehicles and cars that are exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving, failing to use a seatbelt, improper lange change, etc. Learn more here.

REMINDER–Watch iLoveKent mayoral and Kent City Council candidate debates
If you weren’t able to attend the debates we hosted last month, Kent TV21 recorded them for us. They are part of their regular broadcast line-up, and they are also available on demand at Vimeo and on iLoveKent. Click here to watch the Kent Mayoral and Kent City Council Candidate Debates on iLoveKent.

NEW–Next Coffee with the Chief next Wednesday
Also next 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.

REMINDER–Beyond High School College & Career Fair, Oct. 25
Next 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–iLoveKent 10-year anniversary celebration rescheduled for Dec. 8
Due to unexpected circumstances, our 10-year anniversary celebration was canceled last week. I’m sorry for any confusion or concern. We have rescheduled it for Fri., Dec. 8 at Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons (218 W. Meeker St., Kent, WA 98032) from 6 PM to 8 PM. I hope you’ll join us!

REMINDER–King Co. Sheriff’s Office wear pink badges through October
This month the King Co. Sheriff’s Office is honoring breast cancer awareness month with pink badges and label pins. Deputies could buy customized badges and pins to wear in October. More than 500 pins and 305 badges were ordered, raising more than $8,000 for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Read more about it 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.