Gesturing toward a newly planted and bark-covered bed on a sunny slope, Larry Bender said, “It had been a place where I just threw things. I just dug the whole thing up and cleaned it up.” What did he plant there? “Mainly rhodies; … read more

Most homeowners know that large-scale upgrades can potentially lower their monthly insurance premiums. But did you know there are DIY home improvement projects that can also save you a lot of money? By being proactive, you can boost your home’s value and improve … read more

Patsy Surh O’Connell’s life is filled with art. She has studied, taught and created art since she was a child, and has won so many awards for her artwork that she has lost count. As a 4-year-old in Korea, she started “scratching and … read more

Love local beer? How about enjoying the beer for a good cause? “Microbrews for Martha & Mary” returns for the second year, giving the local community an occasion to support Martha & Mary with a fun and festive event benefitting local seniors. Purchasing … read more

Every year for the past 26 years, artists who live in Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, Fox Island and South Kitsap have opened their studios once a year for the annual Open Studio Tour. OST (as the artists call it) provides a rare opportunity … read more

Model Tested: 2018 VW Golf R Engine:2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 292 horsepower, 280 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined Base Price: $40,885 As Tested: $41,735 Performance: Great turbocharged engine Good acceleration in Normal mode … read more

Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Ascent Premium Engine:2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4, 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $34,195 As Tested: $36,630 Performance: Legendary Subaru all weather performance Strong fuel economy for … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking Engine:1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combine Base Price: $23,325 As Tested: $25,710 Performance: Noticeable turbo lag Leisurely acceleration A lot of weight … read more

Model Tested: 2018 Subaru BRZ tS Engine:2.0-liter flat-4, 205 horsepower, 156 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined Base Price: $33,495 As Tested: $34,855 Performance: Easy revving engine, but could use more hp Horsepower peaks … read more