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INSIDE | Levee work to close a portion of Green River Trail [3]
FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2014
Sports | New coach looks for Royals to improve on the diamond [12]
Kent approves marketing slogan of Bringing the World Home BY STEVE HUNTER shunter@kentreporter.com
The city of Kent’s getting ready to market itself as a destination for new businesses, residents and tourists with a slogan of Bringing the World Home. The tagline also includes a
multi-colored logo featuring eight letter K’s on their side to form a circle. It’s all part of a campaign to bring more economic development and tourists to Kent. “It speaks to hometown feel but also to a city interacting with the world in commerce with interna-
tional companies that call Kent home and our diverse population that call Kent home,” said Ben Wolters, city economic and community development director. “The tagline really speaks to that.” Kent will soon launch its first website designed for visitors based on the logo and slogan.
“You will see it in terms of advertising, marketing to businesses and the region at large to reinforce a message of the positive momentum and attributes of Kent as we work to grow a quality community,” Wolters said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Send your comments on Kent’s new marking slogan to submissions@kentreporter. com.
[ more SLOGAN page 4 ]
City Council decides to sell par 3 golf course But Parks Director Jeff Watling told the council at its workshop that a golf The Kent City Council management company unanimously agreed on could not solve Riverbend’s Tuesday night to major issues of $2.6 try to sell the city’s million debt, capital par 3 golf course to investments of at a developer for a least $6 million and potential housing operating efficienand retail project. cies to eliminate anJust a month nual losses of about ago the council $300,000 per year. directed city staff “It absolutely to seek proposals Higgins makes me sick from golf manageto my stomach,” ment companies said Councilman Dennis about what they might do Higgins on moving ahead to turn the Riverbend Golf to sell the par 3. “But I’m Complex into a moneynot going to trade police maker. The complex also or street repairs for a golf features an 18-hole course, course that is supposed driving range and mer[ more PAR 3 page 4 ] chandise shop. BY STEVE HUNTER
shunter@kentreporter.com
WET, FOR OPENERS Kent Little League officially opened its season with ceremonies at the Ryan Brunner Fields last Saturday. While rain washed out play on the diamonds, families, players and coaches ushered in the new season the traditional way – snapping individual and team photos and enjoying other activities. Above, Marcus McIntyre takes a swing at one of the open booths. Emma Knowles, right, smiles for her father Isaac’s camera. For more information and team schedules, visit www.kentll.org. ROSS COYLE, Kent Reporter
Court of Appeals affirms city’s authority to ban medical marijuana businesses BY STEVE HUNTER
School district seeks public input on where to put new funds BY ROSS COYLE rcoyle@kentreporter.com
The Kent School District Board began preliminary discussions on hearings for use of new funds gained through the school district’s voterapproved levies at its March 26 meeting and discussed further ideas in a special session April 2.
The board is considering several options for public input after its special session. The board will distribute a survey to school councils, faculty and principals on April 14 and follow the survey up for public comment on April 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. “We’re excited about all these opportunities we’ve got for the public to really influence where these resourc-
es are going to go,” said school board director Russ Hanscom. Arts and sports programs have attracted many vocal supporters, but Hanscom has been quick to note that it’s important to look at more than just activities. “I’m looking for some better ideas [ more FUNDS page 4 ]
shunter@kentreporter.com
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke celebrated the state Court of Appeals decision to affirm the city’s authority to prohibit medical marijuana collective gardens from operating in the city. “We got the word from the court on their decision and we won,” Cooke said at the City Council meeting
on Tuesday night. John Worthington, of Renton, one of the plaintiffs who sued the city in 2012 after the council voted 4-3 to ban medical marijuana collective gardens, said he would appeal the ruling. “I’m going to ask them to modify the ruling to distinguish between commercial and noncommercial,” [ more RULING page 3 ]