Hey there, Gig Harbor! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 24th National Fine Art Show and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Alix B.!
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
• Birches in Gig Harbor Home Depot parking lot turn dead and ghostly, in time for Halloween (gigharbornow.org) — Dozens of birch trees in the Gig Harbor Home Depot parking lot are dead or dying, and the city has approved removing all 42 and replacing them with hardier maples. Experts blame a bronze birch borer infestation worsened by heat and drought, and they're urging Gig Harbor property owners to avoid planting susceptible birch varieties or to invest in extra watering and arborist care for existing trees.
• City utility customers may face more rate increases (gigharbornow.org) — Gig Harbor utility customers could see more water and sewer rate hikes as the city confronts a looming water shortage, costly new wells, and possible $100 million wastewater plant upgrades. Officials warn that without outside funding, residents may shoulder major increases and even face a building moratorium, while some neighbors already report shockingly high summer water bills under the new tiered system.
• The Story of the KP Highway, Part II (keypennews.org) — A century ago, traveling between Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula meant muddy tracks, stuck drawbridges, and hours-long drives that sometimes ended in ditches. This second installment traces how state-backed "permanent highways" transformed that rough route into the Gig Harbor–Longbranch Highway, paving the way—literally—for today's Wauna Curves and easier access across Henderson Bay.
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Ok Gig Harbor! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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