Laura Pierce

From left

ShoWare Center draws big crowds, bigger enthusiasm

Kent resident Ed Orlosky was in his element Friday afternoon. Sitting ringside at the ShoWare Center at Kent, munching on a hotdog, the Boeing retiree was happily awaiting the guests of honor at Kent’s newest sports franchise. The Seattle Thunderbirds.

From left

For Kent, ShoWare Center is more than just an ice rink

When the Thunderbirds won their first game on ShoWare ice Saturday, it wasn’t just a win for the team.It was a win for Kent.In fact,… Continue reading

Taking a stand in the face of tragedy

You may have read a particularly heinous story of child abuse in our pages and on our Web site today.It involves a 2-year-old Kent girl,… Continue reading

Finding hope for the holidays

Thanksgiving is tomorrow.For many of us, this year’s holiday has a hollow ring to it.This is supposed to be the day of celebrating a good… Continue reading

When strange things happen to good names

Whether you like the name or not, “ShoWare” is now part of the Kent landscape. The Kent City Council on Tuesday inked an agreement with ShoWare by VisionOne, Inc., for the California-based company to put its name on our nearly built arena.

Fighting the secrecy of domestic violence

The mood at the Kent Regional Library last month was upbeat, but touched the edge of somber.The participants filing into the library meeting room Oct.… Continue reading

Kent elections workers

A busy day at Kent polling office

It's election day, and across the nation, polling stations have been filling up, as well as mailboxes with absentee ballots. It was no different Tuesday afternoon at Kent Commons, where polling workers assisted a steady stream of voters, checking them in and handing them ballots.

Kent elections workers

Vandalism of KYSA soccer fields hurt a lot of kids

So, let me get this straight. You’re hanging out in Kent. You’ve got a big truck and you’re bored. What to do, what to do...

Earthquake rumbles Tuesday near Kent

An earthquake measuring 2.0 on the Richter scale rumbled near Kent Tuesday afternoon, but there wasn't any immediate damage to report. In fact, local officials weren't aware there had even been a tremor.

Event was reminder of small-town roots

It was a soft fall evening Friday in downtown Kent. It was the kind of night that just invited being outside.

Jamie Watson stands Friday with her prized paint horse

Relay for Life takes on horsey twist in Kent

For years cancer activists have raised millions of dollars and national awareness through Relay for Life events.

Jamie Watson stands Friday with her prized paint horse
Seattle Thunderbirds Captain Thomas Hickey

Thunderbirds are go in Kent!

The Seattle Thunderbirds are prepping now for their big move to the Kent Events Center later this year.

Seattle Thunderbirds Captain Thomas Hickey
Along with their host friends

More than a little in common: Exchange trip opens new world to local students

It was a typical day in a typical junior high school. The students gathered around a piano in the music room were full of noise and energy. The tune on the piano was accompanied by giggling and laughter, and kids shoved good naturedly at one another.

Along with their host friends
Kentlake High School student Trinity Smith practices her calligraphy during a cultural-exchange trip this month to Japan.

Youth ambassador program a year-long effort

On paper, a recent trip to Japan by a delegation of local students was only 10 days.

Kentlake High School student Trinity Smith practices her calligraphy during a cultural-exchange trip this month to Japan.

Japan trip took on personal meaning

Most people who write for newspapers dread being part of their stories.

Americans don’t need to win it all

I’m probably like a lot of people this week, spending a few spare minutes each night, tuning into the Olympics.

Any Chung

Kent, Auburn embark on international relations

South King County might not seem like a major crossroads for international relations.

Any Chung
Mill Creek Middle School teacher James Frame acknowledges the work of his students at their first-ever mock Congressional hearings June 9 at the school.

Congressional contest put Mill Creek Middle School students through their paces

On a warm June evening when most of their classmates were out in the sunshine, a group of students was hunkered down at a table, contemplating the finer points of a document that most adults don’t think about on a daily basis.

Mill Creek Middle School teacher James Frame acknowledges the work of his students at their first-ever mock Congressional hearings June 9 at the school.