Key Peninsula News

In mid-May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tracked its highest-ever weekly CO2 levels in Earth’s atmosphere … more

José Alaniz | 8/31/22

Uncle Moose's Easy Étouffée

I don’t know why we called him Uncle Moose. He was my dad’s brother-in-law, his name was Murph, and he bore about as much resemblance to a moose as would a Methodist minister, which is … more

Katrina Herringbottom | 8/31/22

Photo by Asahel Curtis of the Purdy Bridge soon after it was completed in 1937.

The Fourth Purdy Bridge: A Design for the Ages

The first bridge over Henderson Bay between Purdy and the Wauna sandspit was built in 1892. Seemingly star-crossed almost from the outset, the structure required frequent repairs and had to be … more

Joseph Pentheroudakis, KP News | 7/27/22

KP Gardens: A Community That Grows Together, Blooms Together

Longbranch is ready to welcome a new community garden. What began as piece of land riddled with blackberry bushes, shrubs and trash has been developed into a budding garden for the community to … more

Lauren Trench, KP News | 7/27/22

What stroll through the vineyard is complete without wine?

Two Fox Winery Open for Business in Home

The former Trillium Creek Winery in Home has new owners. Tedra and Kyle Hett grew up in Kansas and moved to Tacoma in 2014. They met in the eighth grade and have been together for more than half … more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 7/27/22

Gavin Hendrickson, 16, feels for wheels.

Local Youth Does Local Good

Many people around the world picked up a hobby while in pandemic lockdown; anything from home improvement projects to a sudden interest in knitting. But future Peninsula High School junior Gavin … more

Grace Nesbit, KP News | 7/27/22

Land of Parasitic Plants and Surprisingly Hidden Beauty

Ever seen a groundcone? This summer two people have sent me snapshots of this strange plant. A groundcone looks about how it sounds, like a pine cone growing out of the ground, translucent yellow and … more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 7/27/22

Huckleberry Hand Pies, Anyone?

We have arrived at the time of year when the days are suddenly getting shorter, and the promise of fall is in the air. Before we say farewell to the summer of 2022 (short as it has been), let’s … more

Barbara Van Bogart | 7/27/22

Saving the Planet Isn’t Science Fiction

Kim Stanley Robinson’s 2020 novel presents a sobering but plausible time for us as our planet warms due to sunlight-trapping gases derived from the use of fossil fuels. While fiction, its … more

Richard Gelinas | 7/27/22

An emerging Sasquatch looks over the shoulder of Dan Whited at work.

Owls and Eagles and Bears — and Sasquatch, of course — Help to Brighten the Garden

Anyone exploring the byways of the Key Peninsula has seen them, and maybe even been startled. Wooden bear cubs clinging to a tree, an enormous eagle perched atop a roof peak, a life-sized Sasquatch … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 7/27/22

Hastkaka is a Swedish cake whose name literally means “hasty cake.”

Hastkaka and Drottningsylt: Not Just for Swedes Anymore

Summer offers us the chance to slow down a bit, spend a little more time in the garden, linger in the extended daylight hours. It’s a time to be outside with friends, to gather and converse. … more

Britta and Anna Brones | 6/29/22

'The Violence Project'

When it comes to murder and mass shootings, America is a freak among nations. Murder rates are highest in countries with the most income inequality, and the U.S. is high on that list with the likes … more

Vicki Biggs | 6/29/22

Don’t have space for your own garden? The KP does.

Keep Calm and Garden On! Yes, You Can Do It!

Before I started my garden, I was constantly daydreaming about starting my garden. I don’t know what sparked this mild obsession, but I assume one Pinterest post led to another and after a … more

Kamryn Minch, KP News | 6/29/22

Longtime KP UPS Driver Retires, Reflects and Builds

Greg Matson of Tacoma, 67, retired from the United Parcel Service June 10 after 43 years, 37 spent driving. Seventeen of those years were delivering packages on the Key Peninsula. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 6/29/22

Some first-time mountain bikers from Red Barn Youth Center on 360 Trails last fall.

Summer at the Red Barn Just Got More Fun

At the end of the school year, the big question for parents is: “How will my kid spend the summer?” The Red Barn Youth Center’s summer program may have an … more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 6/29/22

Under a downed tree, a footpath for deer and raccoons.

Where Eagles Gathered

This is a tale of two homes. They sit side by side above me, a low old house among big trees and a nearly finished new construction. I am here to watch the eagle show. The homes overlook one of … more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 6/29/22

The traffic island at SR-302 and KP Highway became a colorful oasis.

The Beautification of the Key Peninsula in Full Bloom

When driving along the Key Peninsula Highway through Key Center, pay attention to the litter-free roadside and notice the hanging baskets, large flower-filled pots and weeded beds along the road. The … more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 6/29/22

Sara Thompson thanks Rotary Club members June 17 for their donations to her favorite nonprofits.

Local Leader Wins Rotary Star Award for Years of KP Volunteering

The collective Rotary Clubs of Gig Harbor conferred the Rotary Star Award on Sara Thompson during a ceremony May 20 at Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor. more

Staff Report | 6/29/22

Can You Spot Every Phishing Scam?

Email-based phishing scams have been around almost as long as the internet. Bad actors regularly send malicious email messages disguised to look like they’re from a legitimate company. They … more

April Godwin, Special to the KP News | 6/29/22

A humpback whale lunge feeding in Case Inlet in June.

Whale Ho!

6/29/22