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2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Volkswagen Atlas

By Larry Lark, contributor Volkswagen’s full-size Atlas SUV received a bold refresh for 2021, improving on the success of the outgoing model to set it… Continue reading

  • Jan 22, 2021
2021 Volkswagen Atlas. Courtesy photo
2021 Toyota Corolla XSE. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE

By Larry Lark, contributor Toyota’s venerable Corolla received a bumper-to-bumper, wheels-to-roof transformation last year, introducing the 12th generation of this compact sedan that dates back… Continue reading

  • Jan 22, 2021
2021 Toyota Corolla XSE. Courtesy photo
2021 Chevrolet Blazer. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

By Larry Lark, contributor When it comes to certain car models they seem to come, and go, and come again. That’s certainly the case with… Continue reading

  • Jan 18, 2021
2021 Chevrolet Blazer. Courtesy photo
2021 Lexus RX 350L. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Lexus RX 350L

By Larry Lark, contributor It’s always a good day when a Lexus lands in my driveway. The latest example was the 2021 RX 350L crossover… Continue reading

  • Jan 18, 2021
2021 Lexus RX 350L. Courtesy photo
The Cadillac CT4 is designed to appeal to a new generation of Cadillac buyers with its athletic design and astute driving dynamics. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2020 Cadillac CT4 Premium Luxury

By Larry Lark, contributor With apologies to Oldsmobile, “the 2020 CT4 Premium Luxury sports sedan is not your father’s Cadillac.” Smallish in size, the CT4… Continue reading

  • Jan 8, 2021
The Cadillac CT4 is designed to appeal to a new generation of Cadillac buyers with its athletic design and astute driving dynamics. Courtesy photo
2021 Mercedes E-350 luxury sedan. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Mercedes E-350 luxury sedan

By Larry Lark, contributor Mercedes-Benz occupies rarified air in the automobile pantheon. And the E-Class series is rarer still. With more than 14 million units… Continue reading

  • Jan 8, 2021
2021 Mercedes E-350 luxury sedan. Courtesy photo
2021 Ford F-150 Platinum. Courtesy photo

Car review: 2021 Ford F-150 Platinum

By Larry Lark, contributor It’s always a call to action when a Ford F-150 light duty pickup truck lands in my driveway. The latest iteration,… Continue reading

  • Jan 8, 2021
2021 Ford F-150 Platinum. Courtesy photo
Kent Valley Ice Centre, 6015 S. 240th St. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Valley Ice Centre
Kent Valley Ice Centre, 6015 S. 240th St. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Valley Ice Centre
COURTESY PHOTO, Allegro Performing Arts Academy

Dance studio owners want state to let them reopen for indoor classes | Update

Some instruction will be allowed starting Jan. 11 under new guidelines

COURTESY PHOTO, Allegro Performing Arts Academy
University of Montana senior Haley VonGoedert is preparing for a student teaching experience in the remote fishing village of Newhalen, Alaska. VonGoedert paired an elementary education major with wilderness and civilization studies. COURTESY PHOTO, University of Montana

Into the Wild: Covington woman to depart for remote Alaskan teaching experience

University of Montana student graduated from Kent-Meridian High

  • Dec 30, 2020
University of Montana senior Haley VonGoedert is preparing for a student teaching experience in the remote fishing village of Newhalen, Alaska. VonGoedert paired an elementary education major with wilderness and civilization studies. COURTESY PHOTO, University of Montana
A Dark-eyed Junco. Photo courtesy of RAS President Jay Galvin

Season’s tweetings: Christmas Bird Count returns

Rainier Audubon Society encompasses the South King County areas of Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Des Moines, Redondo, Renton and more while also extending out toward Mount Rainier.

A Dark-eyed Junco. Photo courtesy of RAS President Jay Galvin
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Wesley Schulz, music director and conductor, Auburn Symphony Orchestra. COURTESY PHOTO
Wesley Schulz, music director and conductor, Auburn Symphony Orchestra. COURTESY PHOTO
Eleanor Knight, 14, and her younger brother, Ivan, then, 9, horse around while waiting to surf a wave on the Class III Wenatchee River. Courtesy photo.

Kayaking kid conquers raging rapids

“Between Two Swims” captures family’s brave adventures on film.

Eleanor Knight, 14, and her younger brother, Ivan, then, 9, horse around while waiting to surf a wave on the Class III Wenatchee River. Courtesy photo.
Volunteers dropped off hundreds of toys Dec. 18 at Kent Lutheran Church from the annual Kent firefighters Toys of Joy drive to be distributed to children through the Kent Food Bank. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire

Toys for Joy drive in Kent to provide 500 children with gifts

Community donated more than $17,000 to buy toys

Volunteers dropped off hundreds of toys Dec. 18 at Kent Lutheran Church from the annual Kent firefighters Toys of Joy drive to be distributed to children through the Kent Food Bank. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Two children check out the Candy Cane Lane drive-thru event that was open Saturday, Dec. 12, at Hogan Park and outside the Kent Valley Ice Centre. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

Candy Cane Lane drive-thru event a hit in Kent

Children ask in Santa letters for things to be easier for their families during COVID-19

Two children check out the Candy Cane Lane drive-thru event that was open Saturday, Dec. 12, at Hogan Park and outside the Kent Valley Ice Centre. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Madison Woolery is one of three Kentridge High School students who earned top honors during the Jackson State University music department’s virtual Solo and Ensemble Contest. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District

Kentridge High students earn music honors at virtual national competition

Three are part of Key to Change string studio program

Madison Woolery is one of three Kentridge High School students who earned top honors during the Jackson State University music department’s virtual Solo and Ensemble Contest. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
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Blind Boys of Alabama livestream concert set for Dec. 23

City of Kent partners with group for holiday event

  • Dec 9, 2020
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Candy Cane Lane drive-thru set for Dec. 12 in Kent

Get free treats, see Santa

  • Dec 9, 2020
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Classic Eats Restaurant owner Tony Hayes distributing gift certificates to Highline School District staff. Hayes is one of many King County residents that have been giving back during this time of need in 2020. Courtesy photo/Tony Hayes.

Local fundraisers take on new meaning during pandemic

With these hardships have come stories of the power of community crowdfunding in our own backyards.

Classic Eats Restaurant owner Tony Hayes distributing gift certificates to Highline School District staff. Hayes is one of many King County residents that have been giving back during this time of need in 2020. Courtesy photo/Tony Hayes.