Local News from iLoveKent for Monday, January 2
Happy New Year to all of our readers, followers and fans! We are excited to embark on a New Year together – our 10th – and we are still here because of you. This year we hope to continue to grow, add more quality content, and host regular events. We hope you’ll come along for the ride.
**iLoveKent to Host First Reader Meetup Sat., Jan. 7**
We are hosting our first reader meetup this Sat., Jan. 7. The event will be at Down Home Catering (211 First Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032) from 10 AM to Noon. We have a brief program planned, including some BIG NEWS for iLoveKent next year, followed by time to chat and get to know each other. Get more info. here or RSVP your attendance here.
Male Body Found in Clark Lake on New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, a male body was found in Clark Lake on 240th on the East Hill. Paramedics were not able to revive. His family has been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine the time of death and identify the man. Foul play is not suspected. Read more here.
Severe Weather Shelter to be open nights of Jan. 2-5.
With the cold temperatures in the weather forecast, the city of Kent has activated the Severe Weather Shelter at Kent Lutheran Church tonight through Thursday night. Volunteers and donations are both needed. Please share this info. Read our story for additional details.
City Offers Free Curbside Christmas Tree Pick-up Jan. 2-6, 2017
Christmas trees placed at the curb by 7 AM will be picked up for recycling on Kent residents’ normal garbage day the week of January 2. Be sure to strip off any tree decorations before putting it out on the curb. No flocked trees, please. If the tree is taller than 5 feet, please cut it into 3-foot sections and bundle with twine.
Boy Scout Troops to Recycle Christmas Trees on Jan. 7
Local Boy Scout troops will pick up and recycle undecorated Christmas trees on Sat., Jan. 7 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Trees should be placed at the curb by 8 AM Sat. morning. As an alternative, Kent residents can deliver their trees to the Service Club Ballfields at 14608 SE 288th St. on East Hill. Donations can be mailed to Christmas Tree Drive, P. O. Box 5094, Kent, WA 98064. The Kent Parks Dept. will use the trees to create mulch. Read more here.
Local Wellness Coach Launches ‘Set Me Free’ Online Weight Loss Program
Some of you know that I struggled with major health issues the last 3-4 months. Wellness coach Emmie Perez helped me identify the source of the problem and has helped me get well. She wants to help other Kent clients with her new ‘Set Me Free’ subscription-based, group online accountability and weight loss program. Read more about Emmie and her services here.
Sen. Joe Fain Invite Local Students to Submit Art for ‘Canvas-to-Capitol’
Sen. Joe Fain invites South King County elementary, middle and school students to participate in the ‘Canvas-to-Capitol’ student art program. Artwork can be submitted to Sen. Fain at his office in Olympia. Additional details are available here.
iLoveKent: 2016 Highlights and Top 15 Stories
We’ve said this many times, but it bears repeating: 2016 was a pivotal year for iLoveKent. Web traffic nearly doubled, readers continued to engage with us on social media, and we added more quality content, including feature stories. In this post, we share the year’s highlights as well as readers’ top 15 stories of the year.
Puget Sound RFA Shares Weather Warning & Safety Tips
“Baby, it’s cold outside.” To help us prepare for the cold weather and snow, Puget Sound RFA – formerly Kent RFA – offers safety tips including: tire changes, full gas tanks, power outage prep and more. Read their helpful tips here.
Kent4Health Posts Updated Indoor Walking Schedule
Because of other events at ShoWare Center in January, Kent4Health has adjusted its ShoWalk and wellness day schedule. We’ve posted the updated schedule available for viewing and downloading on iLoveKent.
Kent School District Hosts Tech Expo 2017 on Jan. 19
The popular Tech Expo returns to Kent on Thurs., Jan. 19 (6 – 8:30 PM) at ShoWare. This year’s theme: Inspiring Globally Competitive Learners. At last year’s event, more than 4,200 participants attended, along with 800 students and 154 teachers manning 102 booths! See a video recap of the 2016 Tech Expo here.
Home Heating Tips from PSE
Keeping your home warm this winter can be costly. Check out PSE’s Home Heating Tips in this video to stay warm while saving on your electric bill. For more winter energy savings tips from PSE, click here.
Things To Do in Kent, Washington: January 2017
Looking for meetings, activities and events in Kent? We’ve got you covered with our monthly “Things To Do in Kent, Washington” list. This month: our first reader meet-up, soccer, hockey, basketball tournaments, fundraisers, park clean-up and more. Get January event highlights here.
Denali Federal Credit Union Hosts Clothing Drive thru Jan. 31
Did you get new clothes for Christmas, or maybe you’re still in the holiday shopping mood? Needy families in Kent could use your help. That’s why Denali is hosting a clothing drive through the end of January. Read our post for drop-off locations.
Upcoming Events
01/02/17: No School – Kent School District – Winter Break
01/03/17: School Resumes
01/04/17: South King County Forum on Homelessness
01/07/17: iLoveKent Reader Meetup at Down Home Catering
01/11/17: Rock ‘n Roll Sing-along and Deli Bingo Fundraiser
01/16/17: Martin Luther King Day; No School
01/16/17: King Showcase: High School Basketball Tournament
01/19/17: Kent Schools’ Technology Expo
01/21/17: Seattle Festival Orchestra in Kent: Russian Masterworks
01/26/17: Kent Shootout: High School Basketball Tournament
01/27/16: You, Me, We
01/27/16: Kent Spotlight Series: The Peking Acrobats
