Government | Key Peninsula News

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

Wolverton Write-in for Position 3

If chosen by the will of the citizens of the Key Peninsula, as a write-in candidate for fire commissioner position 3 with Pierce County Fire District No. 16, I, Hal Wolverton, vow to bring back … more

10/20/23

Ballots will be mailed Oct. 20. Drop boxes will open Oct. 20 and close Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 7.

Election Update: Former KPFD Chief Announces Write-in Candidacy for Fire Commission

Retired Key Peninsula Assistant Fire Chief Hal Wolverton registered with the Pierce County Auditor’s office as a write-in candidate Oct. 5 for fire commission position No. 3, opposing incumbent … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 10/10/23

Planning for Key Center Path Gets Health Department Funding

Preliminary planning is underway for a roadside path to connect Key Center and the Red Barn Youth Center at the corner of the Key Peninsula Highway and 84th Street NW, a distance of about 500 yards. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 9/27/23

Candidates seated from left to right: Kip Clinton, John Pat Kelly, Cambria Queen, Chuck West, Natalie Wimberley, Deanna Keller, Kristin Ang and Dave Bryant.

Election Candidates Answer KP Questions at Forum

The Key Peninsula Civic Center hosted candidates Sept. 12 for what has become a perennial KP election season tradition. Eight contenders participated in a 90-minute Q&A and reception to explain … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 9/27/23

Rep. Derek Kilmer visits residents of The Village at The Mustard Seed Project, for which he helped find funding.

‘A Story of Shocking Function’ — Derek Kilmer Works to Fix Congress

Ten years ago, then-state legislator Derek Kilmer considered running for Congress to replace the retiring Norm Dicks (D-6th), but he had some reservations. “I was conscious that if I was … more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 8/2/23

PC Fire Marshal: Fireworks Allowed Only July 4 (and New Year’s Eve)

The Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau wants the Key Peninsula to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July. Just don’t do them before or after. more

Staff Report | 6/28/23