Steve Hunter, Kent Reporter Journalist Profile

Articles

Kent School District names 12 Employees of the Year

3 days ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

The Kent School District recently announced its 2024-2025 Employees of the Year, commended for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the district’s mission. A brief look at each Employee of the Year:Information technology• Cathy Gingras, application analyst III, Data Services: Joined the district almost 29 years ago. In 2009-2010, she achieved the role she excels in now as the IT senior applications analyst.
Kent International Festival brings cultures together | Photos

3 days ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph had a simple yet strong description of the 17th annual Kent International Festival on Saturday, May 31 at the accesso ShoWare Center. “Kent International Festival is such an amazing example of the beauty that is Kent,” Ralph said in a Facebook post. “Cultures from all over the world coming together to celebrate and share.”Ralph also thanked the organizers.
Two Federal Way men, Kent man indicted for drug trafficking

4 days ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

Two Federal Way men and a Kent man were among 14 people indicted in late May for drug trafficking in Seattle’s International District and homeless encampments. Eleven were taken into custody May 29 in coordinated arrests as law enforcement executed 16 search warrants in Federal Way, Kent, Vancouver, Everett, Pacific, Tukwila, Issaquah, Seattle, Woodlake (California) and Beaverton (Oregon), according to a Monday, June 2 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release.
Kent-based Blue Origin successfully completes 12th human spaceflight

4 days ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

Kent-based Blue Origin on May 31 successfully completed its 12th human spaceflight and the 32nd flight for the New Shepard program. The crew included Aymette Medina Jorge, K-12 STEM teacher; Dr. Gretchen Green, radiologist turned explorer; Jaime Alemán, former Panamanian ambassador to the United States; Jesse Williams, businessman; Mark Rocket, aerospace executive; and Paul Jeris, entrepreneur.
Graduations to fill ShoWare Center in Kent during June

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

It’s that time of year again when graduations will fill up the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent during the month of June. Kent school’s will have ceremonies on Saturday, June 14 at the city-owned arena, 625 W.
Kent School District students to get free supplies next year

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

All Kent School District students will receive free core school supplies for the 2025-2026 school year, which starts Aug. 27. “This effort is about removing barriers and ensuring every child, in every classroom, has what they need to learn,” said Superintendent Israel Vela said in a May 30 district press release.
Six Congressional members demand answers about Kent ICE raid

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

Six Democratic U.S. representatives from Western Washington are demanding answers about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Kent. The six wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons and IRS Acting Commissioner Michael Faulkender to express deep concern over the May 20 immigration enforcement raid in Kent and to demand immediate answers regarding the nature of the raid and individuals detained.
Kent Police Blotter: May 12-24

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

A sampling of Kent Police incidents May 12-24:May 12• Jewelry theft: 5:59 p.m., patrol responded to a report of theft at the Hong Kong Market, 300 E. Meeker St. The victim was seated in their vehicle while their spouse shopped. A nearby vehicle was parked, and individuals approached the victim, offering jewelry. Several items were placed around the victim’s neck, and one was removed. During an attempt to retain their property, a necklace was broken. The suspects then left the area.
Judge sentences former Kent man to 10 years for drug dealing

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

A federal judge sentenced a 38-year-old Mexican citizen, who previously resided in Kent, to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking. Ramon Duarte Garcia received the sentence Wednesday, May 28 in U.S. District Court in Seattle, according to a May 28 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release. Duarte Garcia was arrested in June 2024, following a drug investigation lasting nearly four years.
Kent still 6th largest city in the state with 136,588 people

1 week ago | kentreporter.com | Steve Hunter

Kent remains the sixth largest city in Washington state with a 2024 population of 136,588, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Ranking ahead of Kent are Seattle, 780,955; Spokane, 230,609; Tacoma, 228,202; Vancouver, 198,992; and Bellevue, 154,377, according to a May 15 Census Bureau press release and population chart. Kent’s population increased from 135,048 in 2023 and 134,806 in 2022. The city had populations of 136,593 in 2021 and 136,608 in 2020.