Community

Gig Harbor Now reporters cover community events and efforts that benefit and entertain the community.

Free legal pop-ups debut this week in Gig Harbor

Feb 12, 2024 | By:

Legal advice may not, at first, seem as fundamental a human need as food or medical care. But Bob Vollbracht, volunteer leader of the Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Housing-Homeless Coalition, has seen the profound benefit of free legal services to low-income clients shaken by situations such as domestic violence, child custody disputes or looming evictions.

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Newly formed nonprofit wants to adopt school district’s KGHP

Feb 12, 2024 | By:

A small group of radio enthusiasts has offered to assume management of KGHP-FM, the 36-year-old radio station that Peninsula School District is looking to rehome. A gap remains, however, between the newly-formed nonprofit’s vision for the station and the district’s plans. In a “next steps” meeting Thursday, Feb. 8, that drew more than 30 attendees,

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Two in Tow & On the Go | ‘Manhunt,’ bonfire and more DeMolay memories (Part II)

Feb 10, 2024 | By:

I first visited Fox Island’s Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park in 2021, when the kids and I were still the seeking out the Puget Sound’s elusive “real sand” beach after moving here from California. At the time, I’d never heard of the word “DeMolay” before. But I figured it was the last name of a local

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Former officer at Gig Harbor prison charged with inappropriate relationship

Feb 09, 2024 | By:

Pierce County prosecutors charged a former corrections officer at the Women’s Correctional Center for Women in Gig Harbor with engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.  Prosecutors charged Danielle Alexandra Lucas, 32, with first degree custodial sexual misconduct on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The News Tribune newspaper of Tacoma first reported the charge.  Charging documents

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Two in Tow & On the Go | The history of the DeMolay club behind this PenMet park (Part I)

Feb 09, 2024 | By:

The sandspit is a slice of Washington geography that’s truly special around here — and unlike any place we’ve ever been. But, did you know this nature preserve also has a uniquely interesting social history filled with mystery and intrigue? Namely, in its past relationship to … a secret society. Have I got you hooked yet? Read on.

Have I go

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Sports Beat | Gig Harbor cheer squad second in state

Feb 08, 2024 | By:

The Gig Harbor cheerleaders missed winning back-to-back state championships by just one point on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the 2024 WIAA State Cheerleading Championships at Battle Ground High School near Vancouver. The Tides finished second in the Class 3A Game Day Small division, which is certainly an outstanding achievement considering the Tides lost half of

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PenMet Parks’ new pricing policy generates debate

Feb 08, 2024 | By:

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

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Senior sailor seeks to circle the globe — again

Feb 08, 2024 | By: Chapin Day

Sailor Jack van Ommen turns 87 on Feb. 28. A former resident, he lists Gig Harbor as his home port, although he hasn’t been around here much in recent years and probably won’t be here for his birthday. He’s sailed around the world in two 30-foot sailboats, finishing just after turning 80. He wants to

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Harbor Happenings: More than 200 get a Night to Shine this week

Feb 07, 2024 | By:

More than 200 people with special needs will be treated like royalty with an evening of dancing, food, karaoke, limo rides and more at the annual Night to Shine celebration at the Tom Taylor YMCA on Friday, Feb. 9. The free, prom-like fun starts at 5 p.m. with an on-site hair-and-makeup-styling salon, flower corsages for

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Rep. Hutchins not pursuing re-election in 26th District

Feb 06, 2024 | By:

State Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor, announced in a press release Tuesday that the government post is cutting into his ability to provide for his family.

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