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.

PenMet breaks ground on community recreation center

Aug 25, 2023

Parks district recognizes local legislators who acquired $1 million for the project during community groundbreaking celebration.

A small bridge crosses Donkey/North Creek in the property that the city hopes to purchase.

Conservation grants help add to city’s North Creek property

Aug 16, 2023

Conservation Futures money also will fund expansion of Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit on Fox Island and buy 60 acres next to Haley State Park on Key Peninsula.

City Senior Engineer Dean Zavack explains plans for Phase 2 and 3.

Sports complex study features several multi-sport fields

Aug 09, 2023

During an open house Tuesday, consultants and city staff unveiled five alternatives for Phases 2 and 3 that showed different field configurations for soccer, football, lacrosse and baseball/softball.

Feasibility studies for aquatics, senior centers nearing completion

Aug 03, 2023

Consultants are preparing draft reports. The PenMet board will review them in September and determine whether to proceed.

Highway 16 brush fire burns Rotary plantings

Jul 21, 2023

A wildfire in a field circled by the Wollochet Drive onramp damaged about 40% of the trees and shrubs Rotary Club members planted in February to enhance the Gig Harbor entrance.

Sketch of the front entrance to the PenMet community recreation center.

PenMet hires firm to build community recreation center

Jul 19, 2023

Besides approving the $20.7 million construction contract, the board moved to place a levy lid lift renewal on the November ballot and heard from supporters pushing to reinstate a fired employee.

Victims begin recoveries from back-to-back house fires

Jul 12, 2023

Gofundme accounts have been opened and people are uniting to help two women who recently lost their homes — and a father — to house fires.

Three vying for PenMet commissioner seat

Jul 12, 2023

Madelyn Hunter, Steven Nielson and Billy Sehmel are competing for two spots in the Nov. 7 general election.

Property values relatively unchanged after huge spike last year

Jun 27, 2023

Values rose 0.8% on the Gig Harbor Peninsula overall and dipped 0.8% within the city limits. The values will be used to calculate next year’s property taxes.

Firefighters monitor site of Highway 16 fire amid dry conditions

Jun 26, 2023

Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One spent Monday monitoring the site of a wildfire that spread along Highway 16 on Sunday, June 25, and threatened nearby buildings. The cause of the fire was not immediately available. One person was treated for smoke inhalation. A dog was badly burned and its owner is raising funds for