🌱 Historic Hall Crash + Wild Weather + White Christmas Hopes

Rise and shine, Gig Harbor! Hope you got your week off to a good start Monday!

For this Tuesday digest, the big story is definitely weather. Today should be pleasant enough, at least through the evening, but when night rolls around the National Weather Service says to expect winds gusting up to 30 mph— strong enough to knock down tree limbs and cut the power, so keep your candles handy.

I've also included a writeup from my fellow Patch Washington editor Lucas, who took a look at whether or not we might have a White Christmas this year (it's possible!).

Finally, I've included a story from the Tacoma News Tribune about Vaughn Library Hall. According to their report, renovation on the historic hall had just wrapped when a car crashed into the building last week, setting owners back after years of restoration. The News Tribune spoke with Key Peninsula Historical Society board member Barton Wolfe, who told reporters the board was "devastated" and estimated the damages would cost close to $10,000 to repair. As for the driver who cause the crash, they fled the scene, and the sheriff's department is investigating.

So, without further preamble, here are your stories:

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower in the p.m. High: 49 Low: 43.

Here are the top stories in Gig Harbor today:

1. Will Western Washington Have A White Christmas In 2021? (Patch)
2. Rain, Winds, Mountain Snow Incoming: Washington Weather Outlook (Patch)
3. 15 Magical Holiday Light Displays To Visit In The U.S. In 2021 (TravelAwaits)
4. Volunteers ‘numb’ after car crashes into historic hall days after restoration work (The News Tribune)

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Today in Gig Harbor:

• GHHS - Library - D&D/Magic/Game Club (2:15 PM)
• PHS- HOSA Advisor Meeting - Peninsula High School (6:00 PM)
• GHHS - Auditorium - GH Music Department "Jazz Night" (6:00 PM)
• PHS-Wrestling vs Kelso - Peninsula High School (6:00 PM)
• GHHS - Main/Commons - GH Football Banquet (6:15 PM)

From my notebook:

• Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One - Official Site: "Please give a big welcome to Perry Oldenburg, our new Assistant Chief of Administration and Finance! Chief Oldenburg started with us today. Chief Oldenburg worked for the Boise Fire Department for just under 30 years. His career started ..." (Facebook)
• Martyn G, Neighbor: "Hi we are new to the Gig Harbor area. Can anybody suggest a good local electrician.? We have had some work done to our home and the existing electrician seems to overcharge. We are just looking to pay a reasonable rate. Thank you Martyn" (Patch)
• Susan Melampy, Neighbor: "Does anyone have a pair of boxing glove they would like to part with. They can be in any condition as they are a gag gift." (Patch)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for another update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. 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? Contact me at charles.woodman@patch.com.