Julie Warrick Ammann

Julie Ammann is a freelance writer, photographer, and producer. Following her degree in architecture from the University of Washington, Julie discovered the power of storytelling. Her early career in national TV news (The Christian Science Monitor’s World Monitor TV, PBS NewsHour) and documentaries (PBS Frontline) would inform the journalist and creative storyteller she is today. Julie lives in Gig Harbor with her family, in a house of filmmakers and photographers. She doesn’t like scary movies, and she’s named after Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music). Her favorite film director and inspiration is Jane Campion.

Storm, tides made for a weird weather Wednesday

Dec 19, 2024

High winds swept through Western Washington on Wednesday, Dec. 18, as a Pacific storm system moved across the region. The National Weather Service recorded the highest wind gust at 90 mph on Crystal Mountain, near Mount Rainier. Tacoma recorded gusts of 60 mph.  Peninsula Light reported about 11,000 customers were without power across its service

Patterson’s Market back for 45th year

Dec 12, 2024

Patterson’s, evicted from its longtime home in 2022, is back for a second year at Anderson’s General Store.

Curated Gig Harbor blends luxury and local

Nov 27, 2024

Curated owner Tiffany Brooks began her career as a personal shopper’s assistant for Nieman Marcus, but she always wanted a brick-and-mortar store.

Gig Harbor’s Heritage Distilling goes public

Nov 22, 2024

Gig Harbor’s Heritage Distilling now trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CASK.

Raise your glass for local wines at Hidden Harbor Wine Library

Sep 12, 2024

Washington state wines take center stage at Gig Harbor’s newest wine venture, located in the historic Finholm neighborhood. The Hidden Harbor Wine Library’s best-kept secret is its selection of locally grown and produced wines, sourced from Washington’s agriculturally rich growing regions. Unlike many wine regions around the world, Washington state’s diverse climate allows for a

The 100-mile adventure on the Salish Sea

Jul 31, 2024

Over 65 boats arrived in Gig Harbor last week to participate in the annual Salish 100. Each summer, a fleet of small boats cruise from Olympia to Port Townsend, covering the length of the Puget Sound. The 100-mile journey is not a race but a chance for boaters to build community and celebrate their watercraft

Local women win $44,000 in Minerva Scholarships

Jul 30, 2024

Eight local women were acknowledged and awarded a combined total of $44,000 in scholarships last weekend by the Minerva Scholarship Fund. Established in 1991, the Minerva Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to women whose formal education has been interrupted, aiding them in completing their studies. Women residing or working within the boundaries of the Peninsula School

Butter Chicken brings the flavor of Punjab to Gig Harbor

Jul 22, 2024

Butter Chicken Indian Kitchen opened this spring on Harborview Drive. Customers give it rave reviews.

Business Spotlight | The barber behind the bookshelf

Jun 10, 2024

There’s a secret behind the bookshelf at One:11, the men’s apparel and accessories store in downtown Gig Harbor. The bookshelf isn’t (just) a shelf. It’s a hidden sliding door that opens to a barbershop. Once a storeroom filled with inventory, the barbershop is surprisingly large. Natural light streams through large windows waking up the vibrant

Play ball! Mariners open new training center in Port Orchard

Mar 18, 2024

Her father describes her as fearless. Carolina wears layers of protective padding, her face partially obscured by a catcher’s helmet. The sixth grader is passionate about fastpitch softball and “loves being a catcher,” says her dad, Chris Doughty. Over and over, Carolina dives for a ball thrown by her coach. Her dad’s eyes follow each