Ed Friedrich

Ed Friedrich is a longtime local journalist and Gig Harbor resident. He worked 35 years at the Kitsap Sun as a sportswriter, copy editor, page designer, news reporter, news editor and rubber band shooter. A South Kitsap native, Ed first moved to Gig Harbor while a student at the University of Puget Sound in the late 1970s and has witnessed a new community grow from old roots during the ensuing half century. He is a creek freak, weather geek, scanner addict, and digs kayaking and saltwater swimming at his Key Peninsula cabin.

Eastbound Highway 16 to close over two nights near Purdy on Feb. 23, Feb. 24

Feb 21, 2024

Both eastbound and one westbound lane of Highway 16 will be closed near Purdy over the weekend for placement of support beams for a new bridge. The lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, to 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; and 9 p.m. Saturday to 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. The eastbound

Foundation’s campus plan centralizes seniors, preschoolers, events

Feb 19, 2024

Pierce County is reviewing the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation’s proposal to build a senior center, community center and preschool on Point Fosdick Drive site.

Kopachuck State Park improvements finally forthcoming

Feb 13, 2024

A renovated Kopachuck State Park, at long last, will begin to emerge this spring. Fourteen years in the works, construction is slated to commence in late April. All permits have been approved. Drawings are finished. Bids will be sought by the end of February. Groundbreaking would follow. “I’m very excited to get out to bid

PenMet Parks’ new pricing policy generates debate

Feb 08, 2024

Under the change that takes effect for spring programs, those outside PenMet boundaries must pay 20% more and wait a week to register.

Impact fees delayed but en route to PenMet Parks

Jan 31, 2024

Pierce needed to change some code wording to allow properties not owned by the county to receive funds. PenMet is budgeted to get the $472,000 that was pegged for 2023, plus $300,000 in each of 2024 and 2025.

County reaches, then scraps impact fee deal with PenMet Parks

Jan 22, 2024

The interlocal agreement would have shared $472,000 with the local parks district for 2023, plus more going forward.

Idle incubator largely responsible for absent chum run

Jan 16, 2024

Because of a salmon virus, locals who operate a remote site incubator on North Creek couldn’t get eggs to supplement the few fish the stream produces naturally.

Billy Sehmel sworn in, following dad’s PenMet footsteps

Jan 10, 2024

Billy Sehmel, who grew at the site of what’s now PenMet’s Sehmel Homestead Park, becomes a park district commissioner like father Bill Sr. before him.

State legislators discuss priorities for short session

Jan 04, 2024

Sen. Emily Randall and Reps. Michelle Caldier and Spencer Hutchins spoke during the annual legislative sendoff at TCC-Gig Harbor.

State grants boost Gig Harbor road projects

Dec 26, 2023

The state Transportation Improvement Board awarded $1.1 million to help fund a stoplight at Wagner Way and Wollochet Drive, and is contributing $1.5 million to a shared-use path along Burnham Drive.