Christina T Henry

Christina T Henry is a freelance journalist reporting on local news from the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. Chris lives in Port Orchard and formerly wrote for the Kitsap Sun. Her beats have included education, local government and that quirky and capricious grab-bag we call community news. She enjoys our beautiful PNW trails, open water swimming and cycling.

Captain SeaHawk obliterates graduating seniors’ lunch debt at Peninsula High

Jun 26, 2023

Captain SeaHawk strikes again. In his quest to aid graduating seniors at Peninsula High School, Wallace Watts of Gig Harbor — known as Captain SeaHawk for his over-the-top fan persona — raised more than $3,000 earlier this month to obliterate lunch debt for the Class of 2023. Seniors must pay all fines and fees to

Grads take sentimental journey to their old elementary schools

Jun 16, 2023

Soon-to-be graduates from Peninsula High School gathered Wednesday in their green caps and gowns, peering around the front entryway of Minter Creek Elementary School. “Everything looks so small,” one in the group remarked. Moments later, the students would take a victory lap around the school where most of them spent their formative years. It’s a

“The Old Church” on Crescent Valley has a new owner

May 30, 2023

“The Old Church” on Crescent Valley Drive has sold. The property, with a history dating back to 1908, went on the market in early fall for a listing price of $175,000. The quaint, 1,250-square-foot building on a 4,000-square-foot lot garnered lots of interest but no takers. Until now. It sold for $160,000. The sale closed

Gig Harbor High students put their passion into action … and earn college credit

May 22, 2023

Gideon Eilers and his late grandfather used to listen to the Beach Boys before his death in 2020 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. “He grew up listening to the them, and it not only gave him comfort at that time, it would help him remember things,” said Eilers, a senior at Gig Harbor High School

Gig Harbor student helped pass bill to aid military families

May 17, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday signed into law a bill recognizing school districts that show commitment to military students and their families. House Bill 1346 creates a Purple Star designation for districts that demonstrate support for students whose lives and education are often disrupted by family deployments. Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr and school

Students learning mental health first aid

May 08, 2023

Editor’s note: This story deals with mental health issues, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, text HOME to 741741, the Crisis Text Line, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When someone is having a heart attack, most people know to call 911 and start CPR. But what

Peninsula High film students’ work showcased at the Uptown Galaxy

May 01, 2023

It’s a sunny day on a country road, as an old man riding a blue scooter greets the mail carrier and invites him to dinner. Three teens appear walking down the road, and the plot twists wretchedly. Just wait ‘til the postman takes a bite of Edith’s pot roast. “The Scoot-Scoot Man,” a horror short

Peninsula School District cuts target district office, deans

Apr 24, 2023

Peninsula School District on Friday shared details of positions eliminated or reduced because of $12 million in budget cuts for the upcoming year. The announcement revealed some teaching staff positions — including deans at some elementaries and high schools — will be among those affected, along with non-teaching support staff. In addition, the district office

‘The Old Church’ on Crescent Valley Drive for sale

Apr 10, 2023

The little roadside church on Crescent Valley Drive is a familiar landmark whose history dates back more than 100 years. Now it’s for sale, ready for its next chapter. Built in 1908, the church has seen two congregations come and go. During the latter portion of its life, three different owners used it as an

Peninsula School District issues layoff notices to 15 in non-teaching roles

Apr 07, 2023

Peninsula School District has given layoff notices to 15 employees in non-teaching positions. The district will cut the hours of 31 more as it trims $12 million from its 2023-24 budget. The district must cut payroll because enrollment remains lower than before the pandemic: 5% lower than in 2019. Also, grants that helped schools weather