Maple Valley sailor serves in Hawaii and more community news

Maple Valley sailor serves in Hawaii

Seaman Davis Rinker, 2016 Tahoma graduate, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer, USS Halsey, according to a media release.

Rinker is an interior communications electrician on the destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He is responsible for making sure the alarms and the phones on the ship work, the release stated.

Remodeled Walmart ribbon cutting

The newly remodeled Covington Walmart opened April 26 with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new improvements include interactive displays in the electronic department, new pharmacy checkout and wellness consultation room, new store signage and a fresh coat of exterior paint, pickup kiosks and an expanded baby and craft sections, according to a media release.

The release added in celebration of the grand reopening Walmart donated $5,000 in grants to Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley Rotary and the Covington Police Department.

Monthly meeting notice

The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council will hold its monthly meeting from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, May 7 at the Maple Valley Fire Station, 22300 SE 231st Street.

Guest speakers at this month’s meeting include State Department of Ecology’s Madeline Wall and Amy White who will discuss the Reserve Silica Site cleanup program and Larry Baumgart from the Maple Valley Farmer’s Market.

For more information visit www.gmvuac.org.

Students help with Earth Day celebration

On April 27 more than 30 students from Jenkins Creek Elementary and the Muckleshoot Tribe participated in the city of Covington’s annual tree planting event for Earth Day.

The event also featured representatives from Mid Sound Fisheries and Green River College, a media release stated.

This year, three new trees were planted — a big leaf maple, an Oregon ash and an Oregon white oak tree.

Applications now accepted for parade

The Maple Valley Days Parade is June 9 at 10 a.m. and applications are now being accepted.

You can apply online at www.maplevalleydays.com. For more information visit their website or email parade@maplevalleydays.com.

Art and plant show this weekend

The Black Diamond Arts Alliance and the Laurel Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star are hosting an art show and plant sale Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 at the Gomer Evens Masonic Center in Black Diamond.

Local artists will display their work and art will also be available for sale. Local musician Steve Israel will also be there to provide entertainment to attendees.

The event will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 32523 3rd Ave.

Got news?

Email community news and notes entires to editor Sarah Brenden at sbrenden@soundpublishing.com.