Local News and Events for Kent, Washington
The biggest news this week was, of course, election news. On Friday, Mayor-Elect Dana Ralph declared victory over opponent Jim Berrios. Two new Kent City Councilmembers (Satwinder Kaur and Toni Troutner) were elected, and Brenda Fincher retained her seat. In the contest Kent School Board race, Denise Daniels beat Bryon Madsen. Regardless of who won or lost, we can be proud of all of our candidates for wanting to serve our community, and for running their campaigns with dignity and respect. Neighboring cities had a lot less friendly elections. I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to seeing the election signs come down.
Have a great week, everyone! Thanks for reading.
Dana Neuts, Publisher
NEW–King County Elections reports results as of Nov. 10, 2017
As of 4:26 p.m. last Friday, here are the winners in the Kent races. Results will not be certified until later this month. Get full King County Election results here.
Kent Mayor: Dana Ralph
Kent City Council, position 2: Satwinder Kaur
Kent City Council, position 4: Toni Troutner
Kent City Council, position 6: Brenda Fincher, incumbent
Kent School District, Director District No. 4: Denise Daniels
Kent School District, Director District No. 5: Maya Vengadasalam (unopposed)
City of Kent Municipal Court, Judge 1: Karli Kristine Jorgenson (unopposed)
City of Kent Municipal Court, Judge 2: Glenn M. Phillips
REMINDER–Only one week left in Torklift Central’s Turkey Challenge
With only two weeks left to go, Torklift Central is encouraging individuals and businesses to get their donations in! So far, participants have donated more than 800 non-perishable food times and $3,000 in donations. The goal is to donate $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food. So far, 71 different groups and companies have joined the challenge. Learn more about how you can help hungry Kent families here.
NEW–Dollar Tree Partners with Operation Homefront for the Holidays
Operation Homefront and Seattle area Dollar Tree stores are partnering to make holidays brighter for military families with Operation Homefront’s annual holiday toy drive. For the eleventh straight year, Dollar Tree customers can buy toys for military children, easing the financial burden of the holidays on military families. Dollar Tree stores will have collection boxes available for customers to put their purchased toys. Operation Homefront volunteers will deliver the toys at holiday events across the country and through on-base family readiness groups. Dollar Tree and its customers have been working together to provide toys for military families since 2006. Read more here.
REMINDER–Free Indoor Walking at accesso ShoWare starts TODAY!
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–4th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 16, 2017
On Thursday, November 16, the Kent Parks Community Center is partnering with Youth W.A.V. and G.E.M. to host the 4th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This free meal will feature traditional dishes along with international food from throughout Kent’s diverse community. The event is at KPCC, inside the Kent Phoenix Academy Gym, 11000 SE 264th St., Kent, WA 98030) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, particularly families with youth ages 13 to 19. Sign up to bring or donate a dish. Contact Brian Steward at [email protected] or 253-856-5035 to sign up or for more information.
REMINDER–Feast for Change: Annual Fundraiser, Nov. 16, 2017
Project Feast is hosting its annual fundraiser on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Machine House Brewery in Georgetown. Tickets are $50 + tax which includes food, an Ubuntu Street Mocktail and swag bag. Executive Chef Lisa Nakamura and Sous Chef Iryna Mykhalchuck have paired a delicious international menu featuring traditional foods from Syria, Iraq, Ethiopia, Ukraine and beyond. Buy tickets online here.
NEW–Community invited to Rededication of Kent Police Department Building
On November 30, 2017 at 11:30 a.m., the City of Kent will rededicate the Kent Police Department building in the name of former Kent Police Chief Robert E. Lee who served as the city police chief from 1948 to June 1966 and as a city councilmember from 1968 to 1972. The ceremony will take place at the Kent Police Department at 220 Fourth Ave. South in downtown Kent. Read more here.
REMINDER–Registration is open for Kent’s 35th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run
The City of Kent has opened registration for its 35th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk. There will be a 10K run and a 5K run walk, so the event is open to people of different abilities. The event is Saturday, December 9, 2017 and will start and finish at Hogan Park at Russell Road. The early entrance fee is $10, or $25 with a technical T-shirt before December 2. Week of race entrance fees are $20, or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Learn more about the Christmas Rush Fun Run here.
Other stories you might have missed:
November 2017: Things To Do in Kent, Washington
Kent Emergency Management Division Secures Grant to Save Lives with AEDs
Twelve Days of Goodness 2017 with NFL Legends
City of Kent Seeks Volunteers for Bicycle Advisory Board
Event Highlights for the Week of Nov. 13-19, 2017
Nov. 13 Kent4Health Free Indoor Walking
Nov. 14 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Prince Albert Raiders
Nov. 15 Kent4Health Free Indoor Walking
Nov. 16 Feast for Change: Project Feast Fundraiser
Nov. 16 Third Thursday Art Night
Nov. 16 4th Annual Community Thanksgiving
Nov. 17 Kids’ Movie of the Month: The LEGO Batman Movie
Nov. 17 Tacoma Stars vs. Turlock Express
Nov. 18 Annual Arbor Day Celebration
Nov. 18 Holiday Craft Bazaar – Scenic Hill Elementary
Nov. 18 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
