Government | Key Peninsula News

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

State House Investigation Spurs Second Probe as Rep. Michelle Caldier Appeals the First

The Washington State House of Representatives released the report of its investigation into complaints of demeaning, intimidating and bullying behavior by Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-26th). more

Lisa Bryan, KP News | 1/31/24

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

Four Candidates Announce Runs to Replace Rep. Derek Kilmer

After 10 years in Congress, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-6th) announced Nov. 9 that he would not seek re-election. Three Democrats and one Republican have announced campaigns to succeed him. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 12/27/23

Whiteman Cove with YMCA camp canoers. The causeway on right will be breached and bridged.

Whiteman Cove Restoration to Begin in 2024

Restoration of salmon habitat at Whiteman Cove is set to begin in 2024, following a $6.9 million appropriation in the state capital budget. more

Chris Rurik, KP News | 11/2/23

Tina McKail won first place for her “standout feature image” in “Evergreen Elementary Girls on the Run” (June 2022), her fourth award overall for her photography in KP News.

KP News Wins Record-breaking 25 Statewide Awards

Key Peninsula News staff and contributors shattered their own record Oct. 7 by earning 25 awards at the statewide Washington Newspaper Publishers Association 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. more

Staff Report | 11/2/23

Holiday shopping could get easier for some KP residents.

Pierce County Funds a Free Holiday Weekend Shuttle for the KP

Thanks largely to efforts by Pierce County Councilmember Robyn Denson (D-7th, Gig Harbor), Key Peninsula residents will be able to take a holiday weekend shuttle between the Longbranch Improvement … more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 11/2/23

Fire Commissioner, Position 3 Race

I appreciated John Pat Kelly’s letter to the editor regarding the current KP fire commissioner position 3 election where he expressed his disappointment that I am running unopposed … more

10/20/23

Fire Commissioners on the Ballot

I encourage all voters to cast their ballots for two very deserving candidates for fire commissioner positions. Shawn Jensen, position No. 3, has been a fire commissioner for the past seven … more

10/20/23