The Key Peninsula has changed in countless ways over the decades and stayed the same in others. From pandemic-era learning and full-time fire coverage to community fairs, volunteer heroes, and bargain VHS rentals, these headlines from past August editions of the Key Peninsula News (and its predecessor, the Key Peninsula Newsletter) offer a snapshot of local life through the years.
Dive deeper into all these stories, and explore every issue dating back to October 1975 on our searchable archives at www.keypennews.org/eeditions.
School Year Starts Online – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Peninsula School Board voted 4-1 to open schools without students to start the 2020-21 school year.
Firehouse Goes Full-Time in Longbranch – The Key Peninsula Fire District assigned two career firefighter/EMTs to the Longbranch Fire Station 24 hours a day. Up until then, volunteers had responded from the station across the street from the Longbranch Improvement Club. Volunteers also started to respond out of the Key Center fire station for the first time in recent memory.
Cadets Set Sail at PHS – The Peninsula School District received Navy approval to launch a National Defense Cadet Corps program at Peninsula High School starting in 2021. The junior officer program will teach naval science, leadership, and service, with retired military instructors and a curriculum supplied by the Navy. The program will start with 50-100 students and may eventually transition to a full NJROTC unit.
Grant Boosts Gateway Park Plans – Key Pen Parks secured a $500,000 state matching grant for phase one development of Gateway Park, including restrooms, parking, and a new playground. The unexpected award accelerates planning and construction efforts, with community volunteers invited to help design the play space.
Summer Lunches Fill the Gap – Food Backpacks 4 Kids provided free summer meals for children at the KP Civic Center, helping families who rely on school lunches during the year. The program served 25-35 kids per day with hot meals, games, and transportation, with growing community support and expansion through a new van and crockpot meal kits.
Ohana Luau Brings Island Vibes to KP – The first-ever Ohana Luau and parade turned Key Center into a Hawaiian celebration, complete with music, dancing, food, games, and a classic car show. Hosted by the Key Peninsula Civic Center, the event aimed to become an annual tradition and fundraiser.
Volksmarch Tradition Marches On –Despite the low turnout, the 26th annual Key Peninsula Lions Volksmarch brought walkers from across the region to explore scenic trails at 360 Trails. Local Boy Scouts helped organize and clean up the route, continuing a decades-long summer tradition.
Fair Unites the Peninsula – The Key Peninsula Community Fair returned with chainsaw carving, carnival rides, live music, and pie-eating contests. The fair, hosted by a coalition of local organizations, brought together volunteers from across the community to celebrate rural life and showcase local talent.
Meth Awareness Takes Hold – One year after its formation, the KP Crime Task Force launched new outreach efforts, including Teens Empowered Against Meth (TEAM), a Peninsula High School student group advocating for meth education and prevention. The task force also proposed a “Community Cares” support center to help those battling addiction.
Palmer Lake Turns the Tide – Once plagued by crime and blight, the Palmer Lake neighborhood is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Residents formed patrols, built community amenities, and reignited civic pride, becoming a model for neighborhood revitalization on the Key Peninsula.
Culvert Project Clears the Way – A major restoration effort led by the South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group began replacing blocked culverts on Minter Creek. The project aims to improve fish passage for native salmon and relies on public-private partnerships and volunteer support to complete the work.
Pioneer Day Celebration – Eleanor and Henry Stock served as grand marshals of the annual Pioneer Day celebration, with the parade winding through Key Center and ending in festivities at the KP Civic Center.
Recognizing a Teen Volunteer – Melissa Boyer, an eighth grader at KPMS, was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year by the Washington VFW Auxiliary for logging 138 hours of service, much of it with the Campfire Girls.
Lasso Up a Bike – The annual Bicycle Rodeo at the Key Center Fire Station taught kids traffic safety and bike handling through obstacle courses. For $6, participants received a safety check, helmet, and a Polaroid, thanks to KPFD, State Farm, and Cub Scout Pack 222.
Pioneer Day Parade Picks Pair – Wally and Sally Cornman were named grand marshals for this year’s Pioneer Day parade, honoring their legacy and longtime contributions to the Key Peninsula community.
House for Sale - Some Assembly Required – A 948-square-foot rambler, valued at $70,000, was auctioned off in the KP Civic Center gym to benefit the KPCC. The catch? The winning bidder had to move the house within 60 days, at an estimated cost of $15,000.
Ladies Night at the KPCC – The West Coast Males brought their 21+ revue back to the Key Peninsula Civic Center for the third time, with $10 tickets available at local businesses and a reliably lively crowd.
A Most Marvelous Muster – Firefighters from around the Northwest gathered at Volunteer Park for KPFD’s annual muster, showcasing skills and competing with vintage firefighting gear in a summer favorite event.
Having a Ball – The Key Peninsula Fire District celebrated its 25th anniversary with what was called the “biggest and best firefighters' ball ever” at the KP Civic Center. Dancing lasted past midnight. The Huckleberry Inn and Home Port restaurants agreed to stay open for post-party breakfasts.
Movie Magic Deals – KC Corral’s Movie Magic offered $29.95 yearly or $59.95 lifetime memberships, saving customers $1 per rental. New releases ran $2 on weekdays and $2.95 on weekends, giving KP residents a reason to stock up on VHS.
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