Noise response Feb. 8 — Ace Hardware employees heard a loud thump on the store’s roof, then saw smoke coming from the heating vents in the store. The employees called 9-1-1, then evacuated the store. Firefighters used a ladder to access the roof and found a 4-inch slab of ice that measured 2 feet by 3 feet that had formed on the rooftop air conditioning unit. The smoke was actually steam that had been released from the unit after it came in contact with the ice. Power was turned off to the air conditioning unit, and the store was reopened.

It hasn’t seen a single candle on its first birthday cake, but St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor already has cast quite a glow of light in the health care industry. The hospital has been chosen to receive the “Excellence through Insight Award” from HealthStream Research.

The flames that ripped through a Gig Harbor family-owned restaurant last week may have been set intentionally, causing at least $350,000 in damage.

It was standing-room-only at the Gig Harbor Civic Center last week during a public meeting that focused on proposed toll rates on the New Narrows bridge.

Larry Gilhuly recently told the Gig Harbor City Council a story about when the United States Golf Association toured Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place in 2008 to decide whether or not it would be suitable for hosting the U.S. Open.

The calendar may only say February, but that only leaves Pierce County Council member Terry Lee with about 10 months to do as much as he can before term limits will end his eight-year run as a voice on county matters.

The Peninsula School District released enrollment projections for its 2010-11 school year last week and discussed impacts to its budget.

I hardly ever miss the annual Peninsula School District Choral Festival. I’m elated I attended last week’s. Best ever! The grand finale found 471 student voices clustered together as they represented two of our high schools, all four middle schools and all eight elementary schools in an excitingly explosive outpouring of “Sleigh Ride.”

Last month, we introduced Gig Harbor artist Joan Teed, her husband Allen, and their Hylas 49 sloop, “Moonstruck.” Teed documented their 3 1/2-year voyage to the Mediterranean through pen and paintbrush. Here, their voyage continues:

The Mustard Seed Project will host its monthly community forum with a focus on community creative thinking.

The environment has always been something Pat Lantz has held close to her heart. Since she was a child, the former state Representative had an affinity for exploring beaches, hiking scenic Washington sites and bicycling.

First-time homebuyers may qualify to purchase a home with no down payment through a local program.

“TIME PROFESSIONAL SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE RENEWAL NOTICE.” It came in the mail today. The problem is, I don’t subscribe to Time, and I haven’t for about 15 years.

Although the Judson Street Café closed its doors in Gig Harbor last week, the Rexall Pharmacy portion of the building, which shared space with the café, is still in business.

State Sen. Derek Kilmer and Rep. Larry Seaquist invite 26th District residents to attend one of three town hall meetings on Saturday for a discussion about this year’s legislative session.