🌱 Firefighters Need Help + Local Hospital Recognized + Cookies

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with the Friday edition of the Gig Harbor Daily.

I've got a few good local stories for you today. To start this digest, I've included a story I wrote (sorry if that's vain) about Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One. The fire department says it's stations - some of which are 30+ years old - are wearing down, and don't have the equipment they need to protect firefighters from cancer and other dangers. Plus, Gig Harbor's population is expanding and call times are up. As a result, they're considering some renovations and overhauls to local fire districts but, because those overhauls would likely need to be funded by a voter-approved property tax levy, they want to present their needs to the public at a pair of upcoming meetings.

Ive also included some good news from the Western State Hospital Association, which recognized Virginia Mason Franciscan Health as one of five hospital systems that adapted well to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia Mason's roster includes St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor.

On a lighter note, I've also included the News Tribune's review of the new Crumbl Cookies, which just opened in Gig Harbor. I previewed this earlier and am insanely jealous they got to go check it out.

Preamble aside, here is today's digest:

First, today's weather:

Rain early in the morning. High: 50 Low: 41.

Here are the top stories in Gig Harbor today:

1. Gig Harbor Fire Asks Public To Consider Funding New Facilities (Gig Harbor Patch)
2. 5 Western Washington Hospitals Recognized For COVID-19 Response (Seattle Patch)
3. League of Women Voters looks at local news landscape in Washington, possible impact on democracy (knkx.org)
4. City Of Gig Harbor: Planning & Building Committee Meeting (Press Release Desk )
5. Third suspect, considered ‘armed and dangerous,’ sought in death of Port Orchard man, investigators say (Tacoma News Tribune)
6. Crumbl Cookies opening in Gig Harbor offers tastes, sights, smells fresh daily (Tacoma News Tribune)

Today's Gig Harbor Daily is brought to you by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Gig Harbor!

Today in Gig Harbor:

• GHHS - RAF - Senior Night - Varsity Football vs River Ridge (7:00 PM)

Gig Harbor Patch Notebook

• Tom Taylor Family YMCA: "We want to hear from you! The Y is currently designing a new mobile app 📱 that provides access to comprehensive resources, programs, and relationships that foster wellness in various dimensions - emotionally, physically, financially, an..." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Charles Woodman

About me: Charles started as Field Editor for Patch in May 2020, covering western Washington. He is based in Seattle. In the past, he has written for various TV news stations in Seattle, Reno, Nevada and Fairbanks, Alaska. He has also worked as a music critic, weatherman, and soccer referee.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Gig Harbor Daily? Email me at charles.woodman@patch.com.