Key Peninsula News

Congratulations

Thank you for your wonderful reporting. I’ve lived here just shy of 17 years –– you’ve come a long way since 2004. It’s been fun to see the constant improvements. … more

2/24/21

Inspired

A belated thank you to Lisa, Ted and the staff for all your talents creating such an incredible newspaper. Living on the fringe of Key Pen on Social Security, hanging on to my cottage on an acre of … more

2/24/21

Looking For Middle Ground

A year has passed since the first mention of the novel coronavirus in a KP News staff meeting. The whole world has changed since. The stress and fatigue from living during the pandemic comes in … more

Lisa Bryan, Executive Editor | 1/27/21

Lost Valentine

I was maybe 15 when I asked this gorgeous 17-year-old girl out on a date. I had no business doing that, but back then I had an abundance of courage and not much sense. I don’t remember how I … more

Ted Olinger | 1/27/21

All About Eva

“Run, Eva!” I tell her in an excited voice once we’re safely inside the gate and I’ve taken off her leash. “Eva, run!” And off she goes, zero to warp speed in … more

Joseph Pentheroudakis | 1/27/21

Mahaut

Last October found me in Indiana. My wife and I traveled there to say our final goodbyes to my dad, who was dying of mesothelioma. I returned in December for his funeral. Because of COVID-19, it was … more

Rob Vajko | 1/27/21

New Hard Times

One year ago I was on a sunny beach in Mexico with friends, enjoying the relaxed pace of small-town life, swimming in the ocean, sampling the local food and soaking up the sun. It was marvelous in … more

Vicki Husted Biggs | 1/27/21

Thank You KP News

Congratulations on the success of your recent well-deserved awards. We really appreciate your clearly written and thought-provoking articles. Thank you and keep these good articles … more

1/27/21

Getting Vaccinated While Black

I am a Black social worker who lives on the Key Peninsula. My primary occupation is as a psychiatric social worker at Western State Hospital in the Center for Forensics. I was given the … more

1/27/21

By Any Other Name

Too bad there isn’t a superlative form for “unique.” If the grammar police let me say “unique-est,” I’d wear it out describing the KP. From above, the Key … more

Dan Clouse | 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

Re-history

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

Be Kind. Be Patient. Be Safe.

The 2020 election was a mixed bag for Key Peninsula voters of all persuasions. We all got something but none of us got everything we wanted. more

Lisa Bryan, Executive Editor | 12/2/20

A Christmas Memory

It’s the early 1990s and we’ve gathered for dinner at Grandma’s house. Adults are talking in the kitchen while the teenagers lounge in the back room, debating whether there’s a Walkman amongst the presents under the tree. Somewhere, there’s a record player spinning carols by Andy Williams. more

Dan Whitmarsh | 12/2/20

Pandemic Distractions

As I entered the early stages of restless boredom, our modern conveniences conspired to provide distraction. Minor amusements were provided by the DIY restoration of the coffee grinder, a favorite chainsaw, the TV remote, a sewing machine and other malfunctioning amenities. more

Carolyn Wiley | 12/2/20

A Hatful of Gold —The Medicine Creek Treaty

Runners spread throughout southern Puget Sound, inviting headmen from the villages on the Nisqually and Puyallup Rivers, the Key Peninsula and the southern inlets, during this rainy season 166 years ago. more

Lynn Larson | 12/2/20