Model Tested: 2018 Kia Niro PHEV EX Premium Engine:1.6-liter I-4 gas engine + 60 hp electric motor, 139-horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 105-mpg electric + gasoline, 46-mpg gasoline only Base Price: $34,500 As Tested: $35,575 … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Toyota C-HR XLE Premium Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 144-horsepower, 139 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined Base Price: $24,350 As Tested: $26,375 Performance: OK acceleration from modest 144 horsepower Impressive fuel economy—our best was … read more

For a shrub that looks like it belongs in the tropics, Fatsias are surprisingly hardy in our region. The plant provides spectacular foliar effects to the West Sound garden, whether it is a plain green-leaf species or one of the variegated cultivars. It’s … read more

For many students, now is the time when their college lists have started to take shape. They’ve (hopefully) gotten ahead with their college essays, and now they’re sorting out one of the final pieces of the application puzzle: deadlines. After dedicating so much … read more

In the middle of Bainbridge Island, there is an unusual garden gem. “This started out as a permaculture project, but mostly I just have a lot of fun with trees,” says Mark Shaffer. In 1978, Shaffer and his wife, Susan, purchased 1908 farmhouse … read more

I was skeptical when I first tried it, but after one taste, I was hooked. Chili is a classic fall food that is often served when the weather turns colder. Instead of being outside on the deck, we start to spend Sunday afternoons … read more

Kitsap residents can now recycle their used cooking oil for free at the South Kitsap Recycling and Garbage Facility in Olalla. This is the fourth cooking oil recycling station in the county. Why is it important to recycle used cooking oil? Cooking oil … read more

The Key Peninsula’s two flagship annual events, Farm Tour and Fiber Arts Show, are returning on Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last year, more than 1,100 people from 46 different ZIP codes were reported at one tour location alone. Expect a … read more

Jim Sund may be a familiar name or face to many around West Sound, but especially in North Kitsap. The retired owner of North Kitsap Auto Rebuild in Poulsbo, Sund is a longtime community volunteer who’s been serving on the boards of several … read more