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The smallest of North American chickadees, this chestnut-backed chickadee is one of two species commonly sighted here.

What to Watch for This Month in the Skies, Trees and Waters

Venus has phases, like the moon. Our neighbor planet is putting on a show these days, high in the western sky, the first point of light to appear as sunset fades. On June 4 it will reach its greatest … more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 5/31/23

Simple Brownies and Other Chocolatey Things That Are Good to You but Not for You

Brownies. It’s hard to remember a time when the thought of biting into one didn’t make my mouth water. Personally, I like mine dense and fudgy. Nuts are nice, but totally optional. My mom … more

Sara Thompson | 5/31/23

Reading William L. Shirer, or Why I Miss the 20th Century

Maybe you miss it too. Or maybe you just missed it, or missed most of it. Not that it was all lollipops and moonbeams. There was plenty of horrible stuff. But looking back, a lot of important things … more

Jack Dunne | 5/31/23

Middle school principals tend to focus more on working with families, teachers and staff, while the assistant principal is more student-oriented. But Grunberg, who said he spent the last year building relationships with all parties, still plans to be student-focused.

Luke Grunberg Named New KP Middle School Principal

For the first time in a long time, Key Peninsula Middle School will have a new principal at the helm. The Peninsula School District announced in April that KPMS Assistant Principal Luke Grunberg … more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 5/31/23

Registered voters will be receiving ballots for the Aug. 1 primary election beginning Friday, July 14 according to the Pierce County Auditor's Office.

Candidates File for Local Posts in Aug. 1 Primary Election

Nine candidates filed to run for positions in three local races for the Aug. 1 primary election affecting the Key Peninsula. The winners will move on to the general election Nov. 7. One spot on … more

Staff Report | 5/31/23

The Peninsula High School reader board says it all.

Peninsula Hawks Scholarship Fund Awards Another Record Amount to PHS Seniors

One hundred and fifty-one graduating Peninsula High School seniors received $411,490 in scholarships at the Peninsula Hawks Scholarship Fund award ceremony May 24 held at PHS, up from 131 students … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 5/31/23

The Legislative Building sits in the foreground at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.

Fresh Perspectives and Funding Follow 26th District Legislators Home

The 2023 Washington State legislative session welcomed in-person politics back to Olympia for the first time since 2020, when the legislature adjourned days before statewide COVID-19 restrictions … more

Lisa Bryan, KP News | 5/31/23

At least somebody is thrilled to see “the poop truck” in action.

First Cycle of Septic System Inspection Program Concludes in June

In 2021 homeowners on the Key Peninsula began receiving letters informing them they were required to have their septic systems inspected. The two-year process to notify all homeowners in the … more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 5/31/23

Penrose State Park Reopens for Day Use, Camping to Follow in August

Penrose State Park on the west side of the Key Peninsula near Home reopened for day use only May 15 after being closed to the public Jan. 16 for extensive repairs to its septic system. The campground … more

Staff Report | 5/31/23

Budget Cuts: Elementary Schools Prepare for a Future With Less

Declining enrollment across the Peninsula School District and a $12 million deficit for the 2023-24 school year are to blame for eliminating five dean of student positions at area elementary schools, … more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 5/31/23

“She’s a horse girl and a Key Pen farm kid in the most stereotypical sense ... When I saw that look in her eye, I just knew.”

Harmony on Horseback: Local Teen Competes for Spot on U.S. Equestrian Team

It seems like a circus act, but it’s in a barn. It looks like gymnastics, but there’s no mat. It feels like figure skating, but it’s on dirt. It’s kind of like dancing, but … more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 5/31/23

Mary McGriff with her husband Tony at their home in Vaughn.

The Heart of a Survivor: Blood, Courage, Triumph

Mary McGriff looks like she may blow over in the breeze. The 5 foot-2 inch, 100-pound 60-year-old Vaughn resident walks slowly because of a bad hip. Her shoulder movement is a little stiff and her … more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 5/31/23

Ted Ralston and Joanna Gormly at Brighton Jetty in Adelaide, Australia, January 2019.

Trial Begins for Vaughn Couple Murdered in 2020

Jury selection began May 1 in the trial of Ezra Ralston and Sean Higgins for the murders of Ted Ralston, 71, and Joanna Gormly, 73, in their Vaughn home in 2020. Testimony began May 11. The trial is … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 5/31/23

A view of Burley Lagoon during an outgoing tide as viewed from SR 302 along the Purdy Spit.

Public Weighs in on Burley Lagoon Geoduck Farming

More than 100 people gathered May 22 for the first opportunity to speak publicly about a Taylor Shellfish Co. application to convert part of its current oyster and clam bed farms in Burley Lagoon to … more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 5/31/23

Jacob, 6, found that keeping his eye on the ball is the hardest thing to do when it’s your birthday.

Out & About June 2023

5/31/23

Anthropocene Haiku

Graphic notes on local life more

José Alaniz | 5/31/23

Homecoming

If I was indoctrinated into anything during my years of public school, it was the right to a long summer vacation. I remember the countdown to the last day each school year with the … more

Lisa Bryan, Executive Editor | 5/31/23

Letter from Ukraine

I have been in Ukraine all but 11 weeks since March 2022, most of it volunteering for K9 Rescue International. I’ve rescued and evacuated animals. Brought food to the hungry. Traveled through … more

5/31/23

A Farewell to High School

I always wanted to be in high school. The Disney Channel glorified high school life and I couldn’t wait until that was me. The life of a high schooler is a roller coaster ride, there are … more

Grace Nesbit | 5/31/23

A Word to Our Graduates

These are momentous days in our household. This spring four of us are graduating — from grad school, from college, and the two youngest from Peninsula High School. I have mixed feelings about … more

Dan Whitmarsh | 5/31/23