Redistricting Battle + WA Election Lawsuit + COVID-19 In Schools

Happy Thursday, Gig Harbor! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

One of the big stories today in Pierce County was courtesy The News Tribune, who found that local schools had already reported several hundred COVID-19 cases in students and staff — even though it's only been a handful of days since the school year began.

Fortunately for parents with students in the Peninsula School District, that hasn't been as big of a concern for Gig Harbor. Unlike the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, which has already logged over 100 cases in students alone, the Peninsula School District says its only had around 17 students with COVID in the last two weeks, 21 since school started Sept. 7, and none of the students caught the disease while on school premises.

Learn more about COVID-19 in Gig Harbor schools with the Peninsula School District's COVID-19 data dashboard.

Here's a look at what else is happening in Gig Harbor and Pierce County:

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First, today's weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 71 Low: 51.

Here are the top stories in Gig Harbor today:

1. Redistricting commissioners have less than two months to hash out major differences (Washington State Wire)
2. Pierce Council Votes To Limit Fireworks To July 4, New Years Eve (Gig Harbor Patch)
3. Federal employee who downloaded pornography while working aboard NOAA research vessel sentenced to two years (OregonLive)
4. MAGA Candidate Joins WA Election Audit Lawsuits Claiming Votes Were 'Flipped' in Three Counties in 2020 (HillReporter.com)
5. PSD : Notice Of PSD Board Of Directors Business Meeting – 9/23/21 (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Gig Harbor:

• 2021 Film Festival - Gig Harbor Film Festival (8:00 AM)
• PHS- Girls Swim vs Central Kitsap - Peninsula High School (3:30 PM)
• GHHS - Turf #1 - GH Girls Soccer GAME vs CKHS; V@7, JV@5 (5:00 PM)
• PHS-Girls Soccer vs Yelm - Peninsula High School (5:45 PM)

Gig Harbor Patch Notebook

• Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One: "Please remember that while Pierce County has lifted their safety burn ban, our district still has burning restrictions in place. Residential yard debris burning is not allowed in our service area between June 16th and October 14th.
• Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce: "Stinson Avenue Road Closure - September 27-October 31. See map and post below for details and detour routes."
• Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce: "Join us tomorrow, September 23rd from 7:30-8:30am to hear Joe Brockert, co-owner of Dunagan Brewing Co. share about the history of Dunagan Brewing, talk about why an Irish pub is not just a restaurant or bar.

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• Absolute Beginner Japanese for 8-12 year olds (September 28)
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That's it for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update. If you're liking 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 GigHarbor@Patch.com.