Long before American ports became a major part of a burgeoning transportation industry — and before roads became as common as Northwest rain — Puget Sound was a bustling maritime throughway. The gateway to Puget Sound for all the ships too large to … read more

In recent years, Gig Harbor has become a sought-after destination for retirees, lured by the beautiful views; friendly, small town atmosphere; quality of life; and an ever-growing choice of amenities. And a new ranking confirms the city as a hot location — SmartAsset, … read more

From late summer into early fall, the wild bird population reaches its highest numbers for the year. This year’s young account for the increase. The population boom coincides with nature’s fall abundance. Many birds, including this year’s young, won’t survive the winter. Their … read more

There are many reasons why a home could need a door makeover. Entry doors, like other major components of the home, can wear out over time and need to be replaced. Additionally, homeowners may “inherit” a door on a home they’ve recently purchased … read more

Everywhere we go these days, we see people looking at their phones, their tablets, their laptops, their e-readers. Electronically generated information and entertainment are part of our daily lives. We love the convenience of it and the portability. And yet, in the West … read more

Roxanne Bryson’s inspiring and motivating leadership style is behind the success of the Holly Ridge Center. A servant-leader who puts others first, she has a passion for ensuring that children and adults with different disabilities receive the support they need to live to … read more

This beautiful wineglass wherry was built by Vaughn resident Frank Garratt and his friend, Buzz Bowman, of Annapolis, MD. The two high school friends decided to do a project together when they retired. The 14-foot, two-station, classic rowing skiff was designed by Pygmy … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas, 201 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—36/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $34,890 As Tested: $35,810 Performance: Strong, lively engine Excellent fuel economy We got 40.0 and 37.8 … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—30/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $29,470 As Tested: $33,840 Performance: An excellent mix of pep and frugality We came very close … read more