Marsha Hart

Marsha Hart is a journalist who holds degrees in Communication and Psychology from East Tennessee State University. She moved to the area after working for several weekly and daily newspapers, including the Sacramento Bee. She has worked as a reporter and editor covering news, sports, real estate, and features. She enjoys a good book, a scenic hike, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Gig Harbor author shares experience and advice in ‘Dementia Home Care’ book

Oct 16, 2023

Life was seemingly going along just fine for Tracy Cram Perkins. She was working, married, living her life in Gig Harbor. Then her mother got sick. Not long after, Perkins received a panicked phone call from her younger sister, saying their father could no longer care for their mother. Her mother had cancer, but was

Suicide prevention coalition works to remove stigma around mental health

Sep 21, 2023

Editor’s note: This story deals with mental health issues, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Suicide has been on the rise since the hands of time clicked over to a new millennium, but the risk increased during the pandemic. Between 2021 and 2022,

Domestic violence: Navigating the legal system

Sep 14, 2023

Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in our four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Previous stories include: One woman’s story of escaping an abusive relationship Inside the Crystal Judson Center, a clearinghouse for helping abuse victims Other resources available for survivors, catering to specific communities Warning: This

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

Sep 07, 2023

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

Domestic Violence: Crystal Judson Center, created in the wake of a tragedy, offers hope to victims

Aug 31, 2023

Editor’s Note: This is the second 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 Other resources available to help people escape abusive relationships How the Gig Harbor Police Department handles these cases, and resources for navigating the

Domestic violence: One woman’s story of escaping an abusive partner

Aug 24, 2023

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Subsequent stories include: Inside the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center Other resources available to help people escape abusive relationships How the Gig Harbor Police Department handles these cases, and resources for navigating the legal

Business Spotlight: Perfectly Preemie provides outfits for the tiniest humans

Jul 24, 2023

Dressing a newborn in their first outfit is a milestone experience for new parents. But when the newborn is premature, that first outfit is really special. Cressie Baerg, owner of the Gig Harbor business Perfectly Preemie, has been making that memorable moment happen for parents of premature babies all over the country. The company, which

More Peninsula students earn varsity community service letters than ever before

Jun 26, 2023

A record number of high school students in the Peninsula School District earned varsity letters in community service this school year. Sixty-four students spent a minimum of 100 hours helping others in various ways throughout the county. In years past, the requirement for receiving a varsity letter was 145 hours per school year. But, after

Hugh McMillan gave a damn, and so should you

Jun 19, 2023

If we live long enough, some of us will have the chance to reinvent ourselves, and live several lives before we die. Hugh McMillan was one of those people. Most of those who attended his memorial service on June 18 knew him as the energetic old guy with a camera, who loved to talk and push

Work could begin soon on three Habitat for Humanity homes off Canterwood

Jun 13, 2023

In 2010, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity bought 1.2 acres of land near St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor. The nonprofit planned to build affordable housing for local families on the plot off Canterwood Boulevard. The project has been largely at a standstill until this year due to budget issues, said Sherrana Kildun, chief philanthropy