Government | Key Peninsula News

Pierce County election workers Skylar Cole (back) and Buck Buchanan remove ballots from the Lake Kathryn ballot box Aug. 5. Election workers collected 1,831 ballots from the Lake Kathryn location during the Primary Election, making it the 28th (out of 51) most used drop box in Pierce County. There were 5,785 ballots collected, in total, from the KP during the 18-day voting window for the Primary Election in August.

Your Vote Counts — Pierce County is Making Sure of It

Pierce County has strict protocols in place for getting your ballot from the ballot box or mail delivery to the tabulation room. more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 10/2/24

This bridge along the trail leads from Gateway Park to 360 Trails.

After 20 Years of Growth, Key Pen Parks Plans for the Future

KP Parks will develop a plan to evaluate its properties, amenities, and necessary improvements over the next decade. more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 10/2/24

KPFD Answers Questions on Real Estate Buys at Second Town Hall

The KP fire commissioners and fire chief held a special board meeting to address real estate buys and the upcoming levy. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 10/2/24

Rep. Kelly Chambers (R-25th LD) Ready for More After Legislature

Kelly Chambers is hoping to extend her experience in the legislature to the county level. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 10/2/24

County Council Chair Ryan Mello (D-4th) Ready for the Top Job

Pierce County Council Chair Ryan Mello is running to replace Bruce Dammeier as the Pierce County Executive. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 10/2/24

New Health Department Director Visits the KP

Chantell Harmon Reed met with community members at the Key Center Library Aug. 14. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 9/30/24

Pierce County Comprehensive Plan Update Nears Completion

The Key Peninsula Land Use Advisory Commission met to review changes in its Community Plan. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 9/26/24

KPFD Commissioners to Host Town Hall Meeting

The KP Fire District 16 Board of Commissioners will host a town hall event to show how two properties fit into their strategic plan. more

Staff Report | 8/28/24

The fire commissioners and staff with community members at the July 10 meeting.

Fire Commissioners Discuss Key Center Properties in Town Hall

The KPFD board of commissioners answered questions about its 2021 property purchases before the August 6 maintenance and operations levy vote. more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 7/31/24

Pierce County Voter Pamphlets Delayed for Multiple Communities

Communities across Pierce County were affected by a vendor error that caused a delay in the receipt of Voters Pamphlets ahead of the primary election. more

Staff Report | 7/31/24

Candidates onstage at the Key Peninsula Civic Center.

Congressional Candidates Speak Out at Key Peninsula Forum

Five candidates for Congress described their experiences and plans while answering questions at a Key Peninsula Civic Center forum June 28 before a crowd of about 150. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 7/18/24

Elli and Blake Lechner opened Serve Nutrition in Key Center in November 2023.

Local Businesses Say They Hit the Wall in Permitting Process

"The health department doesn’t take into consideration what your business model is and your usage. It feels very discriminatory for a small business in a rural unincorporated area that can barely get other services" more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 6/26/24

KP Fire Citizen Academy participant Dee Starr, center, in June, backed up by Volunteer FF Garrett Cranford, left, and Battalion Chief Bill Sawaya. The academy is a two-day course introducing residents to basic aspects of being a first responder.

KPFD Faces Mixed Support For August M&O Levy Renewal Vote

Key Peninsula Fire District 16 will ask voters Aug. 6 to renew its Maintenance and Operations Levy, an $800,000-a-year ballot measure in place since 2012. more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 6/26/24

Election Correction and Update

The Key Peninsula News May edition article omitted details about candidates for elections in the 26th Legislative District. Additional candidates have also declared their intent to run since the May edition was published. more

5/29/24

New and Familiar Candidates Join Contest for 26th LD Election

Former state representative Jesse Young (R-Gig Harbor) and newcomer Josh Smith (I-Gig Harbor) announced candidacies to compete in the 26th Legislative District for positions 1 and 2 respectively. more

Staff Report | 5/1/24

Fluctuating millage rate for the KP over the last eight years, according to the Pierce County Assessor Treasurer’s Office.

Rates Down, Bills Up, Levies Mostly Steady

It’s that time of the year again. While tax rates are lower on the Key Peninsula, the price is higher. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 3/27/24

The one-car rollover accident blocked KP Highway NW in both directions for 45 minutes.

Alleged DUI Accident Blocks KP Highway During Commute

A rollover car accident at approximately 5:15 p.m. March 5 blocked the Key Peninsula Highway in both directions just north of Key Center for 45 minutes, leading to substantial traffic at a busy hour. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 3/27/24

Key Peninsula Fire Commissioner Frank Grubaugh.

Longest-Serving KPFD Commissioner Frank Grubaugh Resigns

Key Peninsula Fire Board Commissioner Frank Grubaugh, 78, announced his resignation effective immediately at the end of the commissioners meeting March 12. more

Eddie Macsalka, KP News | 3/13/24

One and Done for Rep. Spencer Hutchins (26th LD)

Rep. Spencer Hutchins (R-Gig Harbor) announced his decision not to seek a second term serving the 26th LD in the state House of Representatives in a press release Feb. 6. more

Staff Report | 2/28/24

Adison Richards Makes Second Run for State House for the 26th LD

Attorney Adison Richards (D-Bremerton) launched his campaign in December 2023 and began fundraising to win the seat he lost to Rep. Spencer Hutchins (R-Gig Harbor) by less than 1% of the vote. more

Staff Report | 2/28/24