Community

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

Xitco brothers quietly stake claim in downtown Gig Harbor

Sep 11, 2023 | By:

A pair of brothers from a prominent Tacoma business family has bought up properties with big development potential in downtown Gig Harbor. Their purchases include a historic waterfront building between the Tides Tavern and the new 7 Seas taproom near the Old Ferry Landing. Another incorporates more than three-quarters of an acre in the commercial

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Rent increases followed new owners’ purchases of downtown buildings

Sep 11, 2023 | By:

For some tenants in John and Luke Xitco’s downtown Gig Harbor properties, the brothers’ arrival as landlords meant rent hikes. In several cases, the businesses left or plan to leave due to the increases. The Gallery Row cooperative art gallery has operated out of 3102 Harborview Drive for 22 years. After the Xitcos, through their

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Gig Harbor’s defense dominates in win over Bonney Lake

Sep 09, 2023 | By:

The Gig Harbor Tides football team (1-1) pulled away from the Bonney Lake Lions (1-1) in the second half of a 34-12 victory at Roy Anderson Field on Friday, Sept. 8. The Tides got an inspired effort from their defense, a few explosive offensive plays and a clutch performance from sophomore back-up quarterback Koi Calhoun.

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Grocery merger, sale could impact Gig Harbor shoppers

Sep 08, 2023 | By:

A proposed merger between two major national grocery chains could affect how some Gig Harbor shoppers get their food.  Kroger announced plans to acquire Albertsons in October 2022. Federal regulatory agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, are reviewing the $24.6 billion deal.  On Friday, Sept. 8, Kroger announced that if

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Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation brings hope to traumatized vets, first responders

Sep 08, 2023 | By: Susan Whitney

At the time of his death, Leslie Mayne’s son was a 27-year-old Army veteran.  Her son, Kyle Farr, was suicidal in November 2008, and was admitted to a VA hospital in Maryland. Some months later, still struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as a traumatic brain injury, he was discharged from the hospital.

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Parks district replaces Phase 1 rec center contractor

Sep 07, 2023 | By:

PenMet fired fired Grenlar Construction, saying it was far past the deadline. The company claimed the job is finished except for a couple tasks being held up by the parks district.

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Domestic violence: Resources available for survivors, including help for specific communities

Sep 07, 2023 | By:

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Other stories include:  One woman’s story of escaping an abusive relationship Inside the Crystal Judson Center, a clearinghouse for helping abuse victims How the Gig Harbor Police Department handles these cases, and resources for

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Proposed policy would govern what flags fly in what months at city’s Civic Center

Sep 07, 2023 | By:

The Gig Harbor City Council will discuss revisions to the city’s flag display policy during a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11. Council members and city staff want to know what city residents think of the proposed policy. The policy states that the Pride flag will be flown outside the Civic Center on Grandview

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Peninsula schools make course correction on teaching reading

Sep 06, 2023 | By:

One of Peninsula School District’s goals is for all students to be functional readers by the time they complete third grade. Achieving that goal would require 100% to meet grade level standards in English language arts on state assessments by 2026. District officials note that children who have not learned to read by third grade

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Veteran, two Thunderbirds headed to Port Townsend for festival

Sep 06, 2023 | By: Chapin Day

A short but jaunty maritime parade of historic vessels slipped out of Gig Harbor against the tide at dawn Wednesday, Sept. 6, embarking on an eight-hour voyage north to Port Townsend. The 1926, 65-foot restored purse seiner Veteran towed two 26-foot Thunderbird sailboats. The two are scheduled for display Sept. 8 through 10 at the

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