Local News from iLoveKent for Monday, Dec. 19

Kent, Washington is a busy place with lots of news, events and activities. Here are some of the week’s highlights, in case you missed them. We wish you, your families and friends a very Happy Holiday season! Here’s to a happy, healthy, peaceful New Year!

–EDITED 12/19/06 to include last night’s shooting in Kent, images and story about Kent Severe Weather Shelter–

NEW–Kent Police Investigate Shooting in Kent, Leaving 2 Dead and 1 Injured
Kent Police responded to a shooting in Kent last night that left one 24-year-old man and one 24-year-old woman dead and a woman in her 40s with a gunshot wound in her leg. Read the full story here.

Kent Event: Please join us for iLoveKent's first reader meetup on Sat., Jan. 7, 2017.NEW–iLoveKent Plans First Reader Meetup for Jan. 7
Thanks to support from readers, advertisers and sponsors, iLoveKent is finishing the year strong, and we are busy planning for a BIG year in 2017. To kick things off, we want to meet some of our readers face-to-face, hear what type of information is important to you and what you’d like to see more of. Get the details, including a link to RSVP here.

NEW–Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide from iLoveKent Readers
Are you putting off your holiday shopping until the last possible moment? Or maybe you still have a few extra gifts or stocking stuffers to pick up. You are in luck! We asked our readers for suggestions for last-minute gift ideas for items that can be purchased right here in Kent. See who and what they recommended here.

NEW–Kent School District on Winter Break
Today is the first day of Winter Break for the Kent School District. Students will return to class on Tuesday, January 3. Get the school’s full calendar here.

Kent News: Kent City Council Approves $581.6 Million Biennial BudgetNEW–Kent City Council Adopts $581.6 Million Biennial Budget
At last week’s Kent City Council meeting, the council approved a $581.6 million budget for 2017-18. This includes a $189.9 million allocation to the General Fund, $76.2 million to Special Revenue Funds and $63.9 million for capital improvements. No citywide programs are slated to be cut, but investments in public safety, streets and parks are a priority for the next two years. Read the full story here.

NEW–Torklift Central Thanks the Community for Donations
Torklift Central writes a letter to the community to thank them for helping them exceed their goals for their 6th annual turkey challenge. Together the community raised $30,243 and 8,651 pounds of food. Read owner Jack Kay’s letter here.

NEW–Kent Lutheran Church to Bring 54-Rank Pipe Organ to Kent
In our most recent feature, contributor Michelle Gehlman-Teeter shares the story of the Kent Grand Organ Project, a labor of love that will bring a 54-rank pipe organ to Kent. The organ isn’t new though. It will be a restored organ that was originally built in 1878 in Salem, Massachusetts. Learn more about the project here.

ph-student-parking-lot-12_11_2016-6_18_58-pm-2NEW–Kent PTSA Clothing Bank Bins Robbed Last Weekend
Last Sunday the Kent PTSA Clothing Bank Bins at the Kent Phoenix Academy were robbed. The thieves took all of the weekend’s donations, leaving the bins empty when school staff arrived Monday morning. Visit our story to see photos of the thieves. Please contact the Kent Police Department if you know anything about this terrible crime.

NEW–Learn More about the Meet Me on Meeker Concept
The city’s economic development team is working on a concept called Meet Me on Meeker that would rebuild and redesign commercial corridors on Meeker Street between Hwy. 516 and downtown Kent to better support future development. The city is asking for public input. Read more about the plan here.

snowflakeNEW–The City’s Snow and Ice Response Plan
There is no doubt that winter has come early this year. The City of Kent is ready. Read their Snow and Ice Response Plan to find out how the city plans to handle the snow, ice and cold weather, including sanding priorities and anti-icing routes. Learn more here.

NEW–Kent Severe Weather Shelter Served 145 Guests Last Week
Last week the Severe Weather Shelter at Kent Lutheran Church served 43 guests last Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday and 42 last night. A big thank you to donors and volunteers who donated food, gloves, coats, socks, sleeping bags, blankets, hand warmers and their time. The City of Kent will activate the shelter when temperatures fall below 32 degrees for more than 24 consecutive hours. Learn more about the Severe Weather Shelter here.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 19 – Jan. 2: No School for the Kent School District; Holiday Break.
Dec. 19: Free Indoor Walking at ShoWare Center
Dec. 21: Free Indoor Walking at ShoWare Center
Dec. 23: Kids’ Movie of the Month: Elf at the Kent Library
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve
Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Dec. 26: Boxing Day, Government offices and USPS closed
Dec. 27: Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs
Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve
Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
Jan. 2: Government offices and USPS closed

Dana Neuts

I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, marketing pro and the publisher of iLoveKent.net.