News Stories - Kitsap County

Court sides with Judge Carruthers in lawsuit against city

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Municipal Court Judge Kate Carruthers will have her hours and pay returned to their previous level after winning a lawsuit she filed last February against her employer, the City of Bainbridge Island.

UAC recommends utility remain with the city

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Winslow's residents saw a 34 percent drop in their water rates, and now they may be looking toward yet another reduction.

Civil Service Commission posts remain abandoned

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The city Council voted to dismiss an Ethics Board complaint and a petition for removal of two Civil Service Commission members during Wednesday’s council meeting, finally putting to rest an ongoing controversy with the commission.

Civil Service controversy reaches state level

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The Civil Service Commission’s hot potato has reached the state Attorney General’s Office, and Tim Ford, the state’s open government ombudsman, has tossed it right back into the lap of the city.

Port proponents believe new revenue is needed; others say no more taxes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The impetus leading to the potential creation of a Port of Bainbridge Island materialized from Washington State Ferries’ decision last year to rid itself of a decades-long encumbrance it had with the city.

Council resolves how to deal with recall petitions

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

It took nearly two hours of detailed discussion, but the City Council has approved a resolution to regulate a petition to recall a member of an independent commission such as the city’s Civil Service Commission.

Citizens, professionals craft plan B

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Contemplating disaster isn’t at the top of most people’s list of how to spend a Monday evening, but for the roughly 50 people who gathered at the Bainbridge Commons this week, the evening proved informative.

Ferry Special Report: Local lawmakers join together

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Just as the squeakiest political wheels often end up with the funding grease, those lawmakers shouting about the need for increased support for Washington State Ferries could end up wasting much of their breath.

Ferry Special Report: WSF plan motivates riders

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The newly formed “Citizens Write Plan C” group plans to bring its homegrown plan to the State Legislature in early March.

Ferry Special Report: Imagine no ferries

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

It’s not unusual for Kingston’s Rebecca Bilbao to take to the skies out of Sea-tac International for work. She crosses Puget Sound every day, and when her Seattle-based public relations job does take her elsewhere, she’s got a sure system for getting back.

SAFE Boats loses out — Coast Guard chooses Louisiana competitor for big buy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The Coast Guard has passed up SAFE Boats International, a Port Orchard firm, for a $180,100,000 contract to replace the force’s workhorse small boats.

Bremerton High graduate numbers on the rise — Parent involvement key

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Not one specific program or change can be pinpointed as helping more students to graduate high school in Bremerton. But numbers show an increase in graduation rate and there are many factors that have contributed to it.

For the love of baking — Charleston bakery owner is on 30 years of baking pink champagne cakes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

A woman walked into the bakery on Callow Avenue and burst into tears. She had moved away from Bremerton and had not been to McGavin’s Bakery in 25 years. To her, everything looked the same and she took a pink champagne cake to celebrate the reunion.

City to pay for bridge work it didn't approve — Former public works director approved work with a letter

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The Bremerton City Council Wednesday considered whether or not to pay $75,000 to the state for pedestrian improvements to the new Manette Bridge, which they say never received council approval.

Seabeck gun club trial continues into third week

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Entering the third week of Kitsap County’s nuisance case against the Kitsap Rifle and Revolver Club, witnesses continued to provide testimony in Pierce County Superior Court on what they believe the dangers of the shooting club’s operations are.

Art for the Cure in Silverdale

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Art for the Cure, a Breast Cancer Awareness event, is being presented by Advanced Medical Imaging and Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio in conjunction with an open house celebration at the new Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio in Silverdale on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Portland police arrest Port Orchard man suspected in Bremerton shooting

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Portland Police have arrested 20-year-old Alexander Nelson of Port Orchard, who allegedly shot a man in Bremerton on Tuesday during a drug deal gone awry.

State Route 3 rock stabilization work complete

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Hillside stabilization work that caused traffic delays on State Route 3 between Gorst and Bremerton the past two months has been completed.

City hears transportation comments — Six-year, $35m transportation 'wish list' includes Wheaton, Warren fixes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The Bremerton City Council is expected to hear public comments on the city’s Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan Wednesday during a planned hearing on the issue.

Students bring gun to Silverdale Elementary — Preteens arrested for weapons possesion, assault conspiracy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

A pair of 10-year-old students were arrested Tuesday at Silverdale Elementary School after a teacher discovered a handgun in a backpack.

Art for the Cure in Silverdale

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

Bremerton High graduate numbers on the rise — Parent involvement key

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

SAFE Boats loses out — Coast Guard chooses Louisiana competitor for big buy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:26 PDT

The Coast Guard has passed up SAFE Boats International, a Port Orchard firm, for a $180,100,000 contract to replace the force’s workhorse small boats.

City to pay for bridge work it didn't approve — Former public works director approved work with a letter

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

The Bremerton City Council Wednesday considered whether or not to pay $75,000 to the state for pedestrian improvements to the new Manette Bridge, which they say never received council approval.

Planning Commission OKs Central Kitsap Community Campus master plan

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

The Kitsap County Planning Commission Tuesday approved the design and master plan for the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

Seabeck gun club trial continues into third week

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

State to cut funding for CKSD mentor programs

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

A Central Kitsap School District program that connects elementary students with high school mentors will be cut from the 2012 state budget, according to officials.

Portland police arrest Port Orchard man suspected in Bremerton shooting

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Portland Police have arrested 20-year-old Alexander Nelson of Port Orchard, who allegedly shot a man in Bremerton on Tuesday during a drug deal gone awry.

State Route 3 rock stabilization work complete

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Hillside stabilization work that caused traffic delays on State Route 3 between Gorst and Bremerton the past two months has been completed.

City hears transportation comments — Six-year, $35m transportation 'wish list' includes Wheaton, Warren fixes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

The Bremerton City Council is expected to hear public comments on the city’s Six Year Transportation Improvement Plan Wednesday during a planned hearing on the issue.

Man burned, boat singed at Kingston Marina when kerosene heater catches fire

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

A man suffered burns and the cabin of his gill netter sustained significant damage when the crew's attempt to refuel a kerosene heater went awry at the Port of Kingston's guest dock late Thursday. Crews were dispatched just before 11 p.m. on Thursday following a report of a boat ablaze. Because of the large potential posed by marina fire, the incident initially drew a big response.

Best-selling author, leadership coach will share his insights at benefit for ShareNet

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Leadership and coaching expert John C. Maxwell has written more than 60 books, primarily focusing on leadership. His books have sold more than 19 million copies, with some on the New York Times Best Seller List and translations in more than 50 languages. He’s one of 25 authors and artists named to Amazon.com's 10th anniversary Hall of Fame. Every year, Maxwell conducts seminars for Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and organizations as diverse as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the National Football League. And now he’s coming to Kitsap County to share his insights, with all registration fees donated to ShareNet Food Bank in Kingston.

Kingston High School grad wins scholarship to Fashion Institute in L.A.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Paulyna Garcia Aceves, a 2011 Kingston High School graduate, won a full-year scholarship to the school for her fashion merchandising entry to the Prom Advice Scholarship Competition, held by the Fashion Institute.

Chimney fire spreads into attic; smoke alarm saves occupant

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

A working smoke alarm is credited with saving a local man’s life when it awakened him after fire broke out in his Kingston home. Despite the fact that the man had attempted to squelch the flames himself two times before calling firefighters, damage was limited to a small area, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Michele Laboda reported.

Forum tonight at 7 for Kingston Port Commission candidates

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Kingston Port Commission candidates Walt Elliott and Jerry Kirschner will answer the public’s questions at a candidates forum sponsored by the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce tonight at 7 in the Kingston Cove Yacht Club. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can write questions on index cards; the questions will be asked by the moderator during the forum. Each candidate will make a three-minute opening statement, will be given one and a half minutes to respond to each question, and will make a three-minute closing statement.

Missing North Kitsap woman found in neighbor's yard; condition 'satisfactory'

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

A ground search for an 82-year-old Hansville woman ended shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday when she was found sitting in a lawn chair in the back yard of an unoccupied home in the Driftwood Keys neighborhood, about 400 yards from her own house.

Kingston Port Commission says there's no SoundRunner ultimatum

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

The Port of Kingston is not considering shutting the SoundRunner passenger ferry service down for the season, according to commission chairman Marc Bissonnette. “We’re in it for the long haul now,” he said.

9 Kingston High School students honored at mall display unveiling

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Artwork by nine Kingston High School students are included in floor medallions unveiled Oct. 1 at Kitsap Mall.

Second solar project installed, third under way

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

KINGSTON — Washington Solar Incentives has completed a community solar project at Kingston High School.

Pope, casino plans presented

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

The Greater Hansville Area Advisory Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. After an update from Dennis Cziske on ferry fare changes, the council heard presentations from three speakers.

Former police clerk charged with second gun theft

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Kitsap County sheriff’s detectives, working in conjunction with Poulsbo police, have again arrested a former Poulsbo police evidence clerk and charged her with theft. The agencies announced Thursday that Amanda M. Dixon, 23, now of Kingston, was arrested Tuesday morning at the Kitsap County Courthouse where she was attending proceedings involving her boyfriend, identified as Jacob J. Bryant, 22. She was booked into the Kitsap County Jail on a charge of theft of a firearm. Bail was set at $50,000.

Viking Avenue looks ahead

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

POULSBO — Viking Avenue businesses are reviving the thoroughfare’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony this year in an endeavor to bring consumers and residents back to the once-busy district.

Conservancy has 18 months to raise funds

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

PORT GAMBLE — Cascade Land Conservancy has formed a “formidable” partnership with Pope Resources and several interested organizations to acquire 7,000 acres of Pope Resources land around Port Gamble for preservation. The conservancy has 18 months to identify its funding sources to buy 7,000 acres of forest land and 1.8 miles of shoreline from Olympic Property Group, Pope Resources’ real estate arm.

State takes over business license applications

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Beginning in mid-November, business owners will apply or renew all their licenses through the state Department of Revenue's business licensing service. The city council voted their final approval of the switch Wednesday.

Man burned, boat singed at Kingston Marina when kerosene heater catches fire

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Fundraising begins; conservancy and Pope Resources unveil option agreement on 7,000 acres in North Kitsap

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Cascade Land Conservancy has 18 months to raise money to buy some or all of Pope Resources’ 7,000 acres of North Kitsap forest and 1.8 miles of shoreline along Port Gamble Bay. The agreement between the conservancy and Pope Resources is being unveiled Wednesday afternoon at the Port Gamble Pavilion. Participants include Port Gamble S’Klallam Chairman Jeromy Sullivan; Suquamish Chairman Leonard Forsman; Kitsap County Commissioner Rob Gelder; Jon Rose, president of Olympic Property Group, Pope’s real estate arm; and leaders of the Cascade Land Conservancy and Great Peninsula Conservancy.

Bremerton sergeant is selected as new deputy police chief of Poulsbo

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

Poulsbo’s new deputy police chief was the best overall recruit in her class, the first female sergeant in her department’s history, and honored by the Red Cross for saving a life at a vehicle collision in 2010.

Budgets are among top issues at League of Women Voters forum

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

County commission, Poulsbo City Council and North Kitsap School Board candidates debated at Poulsbo City Hall with full turnout.

Poulsbo Port: Bockus and Rutledge

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

It's 'new energy' vs. 'experience' in Position 3 race. Jim Rutledge wants to serve the community he now calls home, and Arnold “Arnie” Bockus wants to continue the relationship between the port and the city.

Council increases park impact fees, cuts traffic fees

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:27 PDT

POULSBO — To keep up with its population growth projections, the Poulsbo City Council adjusted impact fee ordinances to offset the cost of park maintenance and transportation development.

Who will it be for Port Orchard's mayor?

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

Burglary suspect arrested after fleeing into swamp

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

A 28-year-old burglary suspect allegedly tried to evade Kitsap County sheriff’s deputies by crashing through underbrush and swimming into a swamp near SW Pine Road early Friday.

Worker injured in fall through roof opening at Myrhe's building

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

A worker was injured today when he fell through the roof of the Myrhe's Restaurant building on Bay Street.

Boats to build

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

Yacht-building business will relocate to Port Orchard's waterfront

Asphalt overlay projects to begin on several streets

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

Humane Society wants to change dog-licensing system

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

The Kitsap County Humane Society is pitching a proposal to the Kitsap County commissioners and local cities to drastically change the pet licensing system.

KAPO attorneys seek review of case by US Supreme Court

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

The legal group representing Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners has filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review its lawsuit over Kitsap County shoreline regulations.

Schools take pro-active approach to keep bullying out

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

Burley-Glenwood Elementary School was among several local schools that focused on that during "Character Counts" week

Time to choose

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

Road work will close Jackson Avenue near Lund overnight Thursday

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:57:28 PDT

A stretch of Jackson Avenue will be closed overnight Thursday as Kitsap County work crews install a sewer line and storm line across the road just north of the Lund Avenue intersection. The work will take place from 10 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday.