Gig Harbor Now Staff

Senior sailor seeks to circle the globe — again

Feb 08, 2024

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

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

Feb 06, 2024

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.

State DOT explains why Wednesday’s Narrows Bridge repairs were an emergency

Feb 02, 2024

Emergency repairs to the old Tacoma Narrows Bridge backed up traffic to I-5 on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and left commuters wondering what the heck the state Department of Transportation was thinking. The agency explained its reasoning on Thursday. “We know a lot of people were frustrated. So what happened?” WSDOT wrote in a statement in

Gig Harbor Now and Then: Steel buckets and hard work put out 1923 fire

Jan 29, 2024

Gig Harbor Now and Then’s question from last time concerned a major fire at the north end of Gig Harbor in 1923 that destroyed several waterfront buildings. A group of unorganized volunteers saved all the structures on the opposite side of the road. Question: What firefighting equipment did the unorganized Gig Harbor volunteer fire fighters

Day Tripper: A day (or two) at the museums

Jan 24, 2024

It’s just a month or so since the busy holiday season ran its course. And, despite the fact that last week’s deep freeze and ice-covered roads are just a memory, it’s likely that a day trip may not be your first priority right now. Most of the time I’m more than willing to spend grey

Chapin Day | Turning 80 doesn’t seem as significant anymore

Jan 22, 2024

Each week,  a Sunday morning CBS television news magazine I frequently watch includes a brief segment of remembrance for notable deaths during the past week. Usually accompanied by photo portraits, brief summaries of the deceaseds’ significance, and muted elevator music, the feature can vary in length depending upon a tape editor’s judgment and how busy

Minerva Scholarship application cycle opens

Jan 22, 2024

The Minerva Scholarship Fund’s 2024-’25 application cycle is now open. The application deadline is March 31. Women who live or work within Peninsula School District boundaries, and who have experienced at least a one-year interruption in their education and intend to return to complete a degree or certification, are eligible to apply. Click here to

King tides cause little flooding in area

Jan 17, 2024

The 13.57-foot tide Wednesday spilled slightly into a Purdy shopping center parking lot, but didn’t rise quite high enough to do any damage.

Light snow, freezing rain possible Jan. 16 and 17

Jan 16, 2024

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather message for Western Washington from 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, through 1 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. Weather Service forecasters expect light snow and possible freezing rain in the area Tuesday evening. The message warns of accumulations of less than a half inch of snow and ice accumulation

Gig Harbor Now and Then: Harassment and bullying were behind this Midway School riddle

Jan 15, 2024

Partial digression resolution This week we’re starting off with our previous digression, where we asked two questions to which we did not have the answers. We have one now. It’s nice and appreciated that Lynn Kennard, a daughter of Proctor Peacock, took the time to confirm that the Harbor History Museum photo we linked to