Local News from Kent, Washington

NEW–39-year-old Sikh man shot in apparent hate crime
Friday night a 39-year-old Sikh man was shot in the arm in his driveway by an unknown assailant in an apparent hate crime. Kent Police are investigating and have contacted the FBI and other local law enforcement agencies. Read more here.

NEW–Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s ‘Student Loan Bill of Rights’ passes house
Last Wednesday AG Bob Ferguson’s Student Loan Bill of Rights legislation, House Bill 1440, passed the Washington House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bill establishes baseline standards for student loan services. For more information, including the text of the bill, visit the AG’s student loan resources online.

Kent News: Kent, Washington was ranked the 10th most diverse city in America in 2017.NEW–Kent, Washington is named the 10th most diverse U.S. city
According to Wallet Hub, Kent is the 10th most diverse city in America based on ethnicity and race, language and birthplace. Last year we were ranked 18th. The next closest Washington city is Renton at 24th, followed by Federal Way at 34th. Click here for more information.

NEW–Kent Realtor Marti Reeder named Chairman’s Circle Award winner for 2016
Kent Realtor Marti Reeder received the Chairman’s Circle Award for 2016 from John L. Scott. This is her third year for the honor. In addition, she was the top producer in the Covington-Kent-Maple Valley John L. Scott office for 2016. Congratulations, Marti!
(Note: Marti is an advertiser.)

NEW–It is Moolah for Schoolah time at Kent Station!
Kent Station is hosting its annual Moolah for Schoolah fundraiser to raise money for college scholarships to Green River College. The event kicked off March 1 and will run through the end of the month. Visit KentStation.com to see how you can participate.

Kent Kids’ Arts Day is Sat., Mar. 11
Celebrate National Youth Arts Month by bringing your child or children to Kent Kids’ Arts Day on Sat., Mar. 11 at Kent Commons. This year will be the 29th year for the event, and it gives children the opportunity to do a wide variety of hands-on art projects. Admission is $10 per child. Adults and children age 2 and under are free. Click here for more info.

Daylight Saving Time ends in Kent Sun., Nov. 6, 2016.Daylight Saving Time is March 12
It is almost time to spring ahead! Daylight Saving Time is March 12, so we will set our clocks ahead one hour. [I know, I know — I don’t like it either, but I do look forward to longer days!]

NEW–Mar. 15 is deadline to apply for Kent Community Foundation scholarships
Kent high school seniors and parents, the Kent Community Foundation has college scholarships available, but the deadline to apply is March 15. Get scholarship qualifications, applications and other details here.
(Note: iLoveKent publisher Dana Neuts is serving as KCF president for 2017.)

NEW–Highline College is hosting a free job fair on Wed., Mar. 15
Nearly 50 employers including FedEx, Comcast and IKEA will be represented at a free job fair at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington on Wed., Mar. 15. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Employers will be hiring full-time, part-time and temporary employees. Click here for more information.

NEW–City of Kent to host Spring Recycling Collection Event on Sat., Mar. 18
King County residents are invited to bring their difficult-to-recycle items to this free recycling collection event. The event will take place on Sat., March 18 (9 AM – 3 PM) at Hogan Park on Russell Road. Click here for details, including a list of items that will be accepted.

NEW–Next Coffee with the Chief is scheduled for Mar. 22
Meet Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas and members of his staff and bring your questions about crime and safety along. Chief Thomas will answer those questions and give an update on what’s going on in Kent. The event will be held at the Eastside substation on 104th behind Taco Time. The address and other details can be found here.

Support iLoveKent.net with a one-time donation.NEW–Thank you to advertisers, sponsors and readers for your support!
We depend on our advertisers, sponsors and readers to help support community journalism and our operation. Thank you to all who have contributed to our work. Donations are easy to make online. You can make a one-time gift or sign up for recurring monthly contributions (which can be canceled at any time). Click here if you’d like to make a donation now. Every dollar helps. Thank you!

NEW–US News & World Report ranks Washington State as the 5th best US state
Washington state was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 5th best state in the nation, based on a variety of factors, ranking 2nd for infrastructure, 7th for education, 8th for government and 9th for health care. See the full report here.

Kent, Washington Event: Coffee with the Chief, Jan. 18NEW–KYFS Executive Director to hold a coffee meeting with community Mar. 17
Mike Heinish, executive director of Kent Youth & Family Services, is hosting a coffee meeting March 17 (9:30 to 11:30 AM) at Sweet Themes Bakery (317 W. Meeker St., Kent, WA) to talk to members of the community about issues on youth development, opportunities for South King County and the future of Kent Youth and Family Services. Learn more here. (edited 3/5/17 to include date, time and location)

Upcoming Events

Mar. 7          Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs
Mar. 7          Kent City Council meeting
Mar. 10        Kent School District – No School
Mar. 10        Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Led Zeppelin I & II
Mar. 10        Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
Mar. 11        Kent Kids’ Art Day
Mar. 11        SB50 – A Grand World Tour
Mar. 12        Daylight Saving Time – spring ahead!
Mar. 13-24   Kent Student Art Exhibit
Mar. 16        Kent Student Art Exhibit Opening Night Reception
Mar. 17        Coffee with the Executive Director of Kent Youth & Family Services
Mar. 17        St. Patrick’s Day
Mar. 17        The Rock & Worship Show
Mar. 17        Kahulanui – Hawaiian Big Bad Swing

Dana Neuts

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