Lead extends

About 3,500 more ballots were counted Nov. 17 in Kitsap County, but Republican Spencer Hutchins increased his lead from 597 to 766 in the closest race here. He is leading Democrat Adison Richards for state representative in the 26th District.

Richards led on Election Night, Nov. 8, and a couple days later by 260 votes, but Hutchins took the lead Nov. 12 by 369 votes. After the Nov. 15 count, Hutchins’ lead dropped by 103 votes. But now it’s back up. There are still 5,500 votes left to be counted in the county. Of course not all include that race. And more counties than just Kitsap vote in the race.

Of 187,026 registered voters in Kitsap County, 63.5% voted, or 118,874. The election will be certified in the county Nov. 29 and by the state Dec. 8.

Meanwhile, South Kitsap Fire & Rescue Prop. 1 was losing 48.5 percent to 51.5 percent. It would increase the levy from $1.21 to $1.50 per $1,000 valuation to meet more demands and higher costs.

Help disabled

A virtual Disability Community Town Hall for those interested in helping improve the lives of people who have disabilities in Port Orchard will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

Call Emily Heike at 360-890-3776 to register.

The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment is putting on the event to hear concerns regarding housing, transportation, services, employment and other issues affecting people with disabilities, their families and their advocates.

The committee will share top concerns with local elected officials, services providers and leaders in the community to prioritize and strategize. The outreach only occurs in two communities each year.

New commissioner

Joey Soller is set to be appointed the North Kitsap representative on the Planning Commission.

County Commissioner Robert Gelder made the recommendation, which will go to the full board Dec. 12.

Soller has been involved in the real estate industry since 1995, a managing broker specializing in commercial real estate with KW Commercial. Her team runs the residential sector of Force 10 Property Group. She’s also involved in community service and numerous industry groups.

Town hall meeting

A District 6 Town Hall meeting on the Bremerton 1 App will take place Dec. 12 from 4-6 p.m. at the Family Pancake House at 3900 Kitsap Way.

The event takes place the second Monday of every month.

At this meeting, Hillary Hamilton and Chris Smith of Bremerton Public Works Department will explain how to tell City Hall about any unsafe condition, litter in the alley or graffiti on your fence.

City Councilmember Anna Mockler puts on the event to hear the public’s hopes and concerns.

Commercial fire

Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue was dispatched around 10:23 p.m. Nov. 11 for a commercial fire at The Hub Byron Street in Old Town Silverdale.

Upon arrival, smoke was discovered in the structure. The building is two stories with an apartment upstairs. Fire was found inside, near the kitchen and brewery equipment and was quickly brought under control. The single occupant of the upstairs apartment was safely outside.

The Kitsap County fire marshal is investigating. Mutual aid was provided by Bremerton Fire and Navy Region Northwest.

Get $350

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is offering $350 for people who recycle their old wood-burning stoves and inserts because of the pollution they cause.

For details go to pscleanair.gov