Bike crash
Bainbridge Island police are asking for any witnesses to come forward who may have seen a 15-year-old boy crash on his bicycle July 18.
The boy was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with serious injuries. The accident happened around 2 p.m. on Baker Hill Road near Listening Avenue.
Investigators are looking for two vehicles that were seen in the area around the time of the crash. The occupants may have information related to the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detective Eric Huska at 206-842-5211 or call 911 and ask to speak with an officer.
Suspicious death
A body was found after a brush fire was extinguished in Bremerton July 12.
Bremerton police Sgt. Beau Ayers said July 14 that an autopsy was done the previous day, and officials are waiting for the toxicology report. “It’s looking more like an accident than anything else,” he said, but added it’s still being considered “suspicious” because it’s not normal for someone to die in a tent. He did add that drug items were found in the remains of the fire.
At around 3:47 a.m., Bremerton police and fire departments responded to the blaze at the intersection of Cogean Avenue and Sheldon Boulevard. Police and the fire marshal will determine what started the fire and/or how the victim died, a BPD news release says. The identity of the victim will be confirmed by the medical examiner’s office, which will make next-of-kin notifications.
Rotary $825K
The Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island raised its most-amount ever—almost $825,000—at its recent auction.
The amount of the 63rd annual rummage sale was due in part fo over 2,200 volunteers, sponsors and donors, a BI chamber news release says.
Rotary uses the funds for community grants, large community projects, scholarships, international humanitarian projects and more.
All-Comers track
Kiwanis is again putting on the All-Comers Track Meet every Monday through Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Registration is free. All ages are invited.
The meet includes 50-meter, 100- and 400-meter runs, along with 50- and 100-meter hurdles. There’s a mile run for everyone, and also a 4 by 100-meter relay.
Adkins concert
Legendary country music artist Trace Adkins will perform at 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the 100th anniversary of the Kitsap Fair and Stampede in Bremerton.
Tickets range from $35 for general admission standing-room-only to $150 for a section near the front of the stage for the “Somewhere in America Tour” and are available at kitsapfair.strideevents.
Since his debut in 1996, Adkins has sold over 11 million albums. Among his 37 charted singles, 15 in the Top 10, are four No. 1’s (This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing; Ladies Love Country Boys; You’re Gonna Miss This; and Hillbilly Bone, along with other favorites like Just Fishin’, Every Light in the House is On and Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.
On Aug. 26, tribute bands Heart by Heart and Queen Nation, along with Spike and the Impalers, will perform. Tickets also start at $35 at kitsapfair.org.
Burn ban
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal is implementing a Stage 2 burn ban beginning July 12 that is expected to continue until fall.
“Kitsap County is about a month ahead of fire conditions we normally see during this time of year due to a drier than normal spring,” said David Lynam, the fire marshal. “Weather predictions call for normal or below precipitation and above normal temperatures over the next couple of months.”
All outdoor burning, including recreational fire, is prohibited. The ban includes recreational fires in the open – like those on beaches or bonfire locations; improved firepits in yards, parks or camping areas;and backyard or other outdoor fireplaces. Burning permits are suspended. Also banned is the use of charcoal or charcoal briquettes unless the use involves a barbecue or other appliances specific for the purpose and occurs over a non-combustible surface like concrete.
BI artist in Poulsbo
Melody Maleitzke of Bainbridge Island will be exhibiting her art at the Verksted Gallery in August.
Maleitzke works with decorative papers known as Washi Tape, to create 3-D effects. Washi is decorative paper masking tape – thin, durable, made of natural fibers like hemp and bamboo, and comes in thousands of colors and patterns.
Blending the whimsical with a zen-influenced “art of letting go” inspires her mixed media art. She said, “The ephemeral art changes with the lighting, the angle, and over time gives into the truth that nothing is permanent.”
Maleitzke has written and illustrated children’s books and comic books. Her creativity extends to costume design and won her a “Best Original Design” award at San Diego Comic-Con with her “Elytra/Beetle Woman.” She was also awarded an Individual Artist Grant from the Arts & Humanities Bainbridge in 2021.
Visit the gallery’s website: www.verkstedgallery.com for details.
Electric survey
The city is interested in hearing from residents and businesses about incentives to switch from gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric on Bainbridge Island.
There are two surveys available online through July 31: one for residents and one for local businesses that provide landscaping services on BI.
Go to www.bainbridgewa.gov/climateaction or contact asalamack@bainbridgewa.gov for a print copy of the survey.
New manager
Carl Borg has been named the new program manager of Kitsap County’s Department of Human Services Housing and Homelessness Division.
Borg has over 30 years of management experience with nonprofits like Boy Scouts; Big Brothers, Big Sisters; and the Tacoma Musical Playhouse, a county news release states. The last 15 years, he worked for United Way of Kitsap County, serving as president and chief executive officer for the past seven years. In partnership with the Kitsap Community Foundation, he was instrumental in creating Kitsap Strong and the Kitsap Great Give.
Borg earned a bachelor of science degree in microbiology, which gave him knowledge to draw from in United Way’s response during COVID, per the release. United Way and KCF together raised over $3 million to provide local nonprofits with funding before government support could be distributed.
He also worked closely with Kitsap Mental Health Services to help secure funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for development of Pendleton Place, a large permanent supportive housing apartment complex for adults with mental illness, addictions and other health conditions who were chronically homeless, providing a stable place to live while they receive treatment services and employment assistance.
