Stories,photos,videos,specialsections,printissues,eeditions,packages,magazines,maps,polls,charts

Changing of the Guard at KP Community Council

Chuck West of Lakebay, who served three previous terms as president, was again elected president of the Key Peninsula Community Council by a vote of its seated 2021 directors during its regular meeting Dec. 9 via Zoom. more

Staff Report | 12/30/20

The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration

I had no idea. I have been an avid student of American history both before my arrival in this country and while living here and I still had no idea. I prided myself on the breadth of my … more

Maureen Reilly | 12/30/20

Another “normal” school day for Oliver DeShon, age 5, who attends pre-kindergarten at Evergreen Elementary. Oliver doesn’t know what school was like before COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives as County Virus Rates Climb

The first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were administered to hospital staff in Seattle Dec. 15. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 12/30/20

Dramatic End to Attempted County Health Dept. Takeover

A Pierce County Council attempt to terminate the 48-year-old agreement governing the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and place it under its own control came to an abrupt end Dec 15. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 12/30/20

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Our longtime friends walked the country mile between us to deliver good cheer and connect on Christmas Eve. Nestled inside the small gift bag they brought was the crown jewel of northwest summers … more

Lisa Bryan, Executive Editor | 12/30/20

Many hands make light work as FB4K volunteers sort, pack and load food into waiting cars.

Backpacks for Kids Steps Up in Time of Need

Food Backpacks 4 Kids, now just over a decade old, transformed during the pandemic. In a matter of months, the organization more than doubled the amount of food going to families. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 12/30/20

My First Swastika

I spent the best part of my 1960s childhood in a beach town outside L.A. We lived in a platted neighborhood that sloped down to the water, but it wasn’t fully developed. The road to the freeway … more

Ted Olinger | 12/30/20

Between Worlds

Like many families across the country, dogs hold a significant place in our family dynamic. Since before I was born, we’ve always had at least one dog in our pack. We’ve had a number … more

Caleb Galbreath | 12/30/20

Eureka

One afternoon back in the late ’70s, my husband Bill and I were resting on a little bench that used to be situated inside the Panda House at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Through the big … more

Phyllis Henry | 12/30/20

Plague Parenting, Part III – Insomnia and Kitty Games

“Stop getting out of bed,” I tell Violet every night around 9 p.m. “You need to go to sleep so you’ll feel good and have power for your day tomorrow.” I tell her to … more

Krisa Bruemmer | 12/30/20

Naming the New Bridge

The State Route 302 improvement project over Minter Creek is nearly finished. Most work is on winter suspension. It’s been suggested that the KP community formally name the replacement … more

12/30/20

Rebecca Jo Radonich Olsen

Rebecca “Becky” Jo Radonich Olsen, 67, of Longbranch, died Nov. 23. She was born May 25, 1953, at Tacoma General Hospital to parents Richard L. Radonich and Marjorie A. Rickert Radonich. … more

12/30/20

Shirley Jean Rickert Olson

Shirley Jean Rickert Olson was born to Minnie and George Rickert of Longbranch April 28, 1927, and died peacefully Dec. 4, at the age of 93. She lived her entire life on the Key Peninsula, which she … more

12/30/20

Kathryn Louise Zimmerman

Kathryn Louise Zimmerman, 70, of Gig Harbor died peacefully Nov. 8. The daughter of Gordon and Gloria MacDonald, Kathy was born in Seattle March 26, 1950, the eldest of five children. Kathy was … more

12/30/20

Judith Louise Weber

Judith Louise Weber died Oct. 2, after a long battle with heart and lung problems. Known to her family and friends as Judy, her quick wit and humor were second to none. Her deep love for them was … more

12/30/20

COVID-19 testing includes the very youngest of Peninsula students.

COVID-19 Testing Puts PSD in Groundbreaking Role

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department launched a COVID-19 pilot testing program at three school districts in the county in December, including Peninsula, White River and Eatonville. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 12/30/20

An oyster farm on Burley Lagoon in 2018 during a king tide.

King Tides Coming: How You Can Capture Them

The University of Washington Sea Grant Program has again issued a call for the public to take photographs of the year’s highest tides on Puget Sound and the outer coast. more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 12/30/20

Naturalist Notebook

Wildlife of the Key Peninsula more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 12/30/20

Miracle of Seeds

By January gardens are put to rest. Beds are cleared, mulch is spread. In the comfort of winter life spent indoors, people begin to dream and plan for the coming spring. It is a time to cozy up with what, for an avid gardener, may be better than a good novel. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 12/30/20

Fruitcakes We Have Heard on High

It was late one Christmas Eve and I was sharing a piano bench with some guy I thought was my husband. He was playing away and the assembled company, back when company could assemble, were all singing … more

Katrina Herringbottom | 12/30/20