News

Gig Harbor Now reporters chase down news that affects community residents, providing facts with context and perspective.

Gig Harbor development revenues dip, but finance director not worried

Apr 26, 2023 | By:

The city of Gig Harbor saw a sharp dip in development-related revenues like building permits in the first quarter of 2023. Building permit fee revenue is about $131,000 for the first quarter of 2023. It was over $400,000 in the first quarter of 2022, a 67 percent decline. The city also saw real estate excise

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Guest column: Can you be your own general contractor?

Apr 26, 2023 | By: Marlene Druker

Recently, when discussing budgeting for a residential addition and renovation project, I casually mentioned that general contractor profit and overhead is around 20 percent. My client asked the obvious follow-up: “If we are the general contractors, and do some of the work ourselves, can we save 20 percent?” Unfortunately, the math is not that simple.

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Letter to the editor: Community donated nearly 900 teddy bears

Apr 26, 2023 | By: Peninsula High Key Club

Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor’s Key Club members at Peninsula High School, would like to express their appreciation to the entire community for generous contributions of teddy bears and money towards the Operation Teddy Bear project. Key Club members wanted to collect 600 new or gently-used teddy bears and enough money to ship the bears

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Harbor Happenings: It’s time to get outside again

Apr 26, 2023 | By:

With warm, sunny weather in the forecast (at last!) outdoor activities are ramping up. PenMet Parks hosts a Beach Bonfire Bonanza for teens ages 12-18 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, at Sunrise Beach Park. The event includes games and sports before socializing and roasting marshmallows by the fire pit. Sunrise Beach

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Caldier returns to House Republican Caucus after leadership change

Apr 26, 2023 | By:

Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, returned to the House Republican Caucus this week after Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, stepped down as its leader.  Caldier left the caucus late last year, citing a conflict with its leadership. The conflict involved what Caldier said was insufficient accommodations to help her serve while experiencing vision loss. Wilcox served

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Wollochet road improvements among projects receiving state funds

Apr 25, 2023 | By:

State budgets also included money for PenMet’s community recreation center and restoration of Whiteman Cove on Key Peninsula.

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Gig Harbor businessman convicted for participating in Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Apr 24, 2023 | By:

A jury found David Charles Rhine guilty of four misdemeanors for entering the Capitol Building and walking the hallways for 22 minutes.

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Peninsula School District cuts target district office, deans

Apr 24, 2023 | By:

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

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The man behind Adam Tallman Nature Park

Apr 24, 2023 | By:

Giant lily pads and colorful duck sightings are all well and good, but I know what you’ve been thinking since reading my latest kid-venture story on Gig Harbor’s Adam Tallman Nature Park:

“Just who is this Adam Tallman fellow, anyway?” 

Don’t worry, I’ve got the answer. You didn’t think I’d leave ya hanging, did you?

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Sports Beat: Peninsula rallies past Gig Harbor, still unbeaten in league play

Apr 21, 2023 | By:

Gig Harbor and Peninsula both came into their fastpitch game on April 17 unbeaten in South Sound Conference play. Only the Seahawks could say that after the rivalry game, as they rallied for a 16-8 win. Gig Harbor (4-5, 4-1) jumped out to a early one run lead in the first inning against Peninsula (9-2,

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