Hello Central Kitsap!
August has been a very busy month, filled with several major milestones. After a lengthy process, on August 23 the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners appointed State Representative Drew Hansen to fill the 23rd Legislative District State Senator vacancy. Later that day, I participated in the ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Kitsap County Fair's 100th season. Thank you to the Kitsap Fair and Stampede Board and volunteers for an amazing five days!
In mid-August I had the pleasure of interviewing Cary Bozeman for his final episode of Leadership Kitsap's Conversation with a Community Leader. For the past four years, Cary has hosted this program in collaboration with BKAT and has provided us with unique insights into leaders making a difference in Kitsap County. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch my interview and learn more about Cary's amazing journey. You can access the video here and learn more about his career and contributions here.
Towards the end of the month, I had the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art hospital in Silverdale. I meet with various leaders from St. Michaels Medical Center and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Building on their $540 million investment, the next phase of development will meet the growing needs of the Kitsap community and provide a range of facilities to ensure the appropriate level of care to all.
Click here to learn about the investments being made in Silverdale, Bremerton, and the ways in which SMMC is supporting other health care and social service agencies in Kitsap County.
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Congratulations were in order at Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue's opening of the Olympic View Community Fire Station #52 on August 19! It was fun to join our community in the washing and push-in ceremony. We look forward to opening North Perry Fire Station #45 next!
Click here for station construction updates. Bond: Facility Updates – Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue (ckfr.org)
As we wrap up the summer season, I am wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. I look forward to sharing more of my activities with all of you, and I always welcome your comments and suggestions.
Katie
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Kitsap County Fair - 100 Years Strong
What a joy to celebrate 100 years of community at the 100th Kitsap Fair and Stampede! I enjoyed participating in the ribbon cutting, opening of the miniature horse barn, awarding a ribbon for the best pie, attending the rodeo, and ending with an amazing concert.
As a member of Kitsap Transit's governing Board, I'm proud of the innovative ways in which we have been able to support the community as WSF has struggled. A recent Opinion by David Nelson of the Kitsap Sun shines a bright light on our local ferries, which continue to offer a reliable and enjoyable experience for commuters and visitors.
I'm excited to be a part of bringing a unique opportunity to experience ferry travel from Silverdale over Labor Day weekend. It's your chance to ride on the historic Carlisle II from the Port of Silverdale dock in Old Town Silverdale to the Kitsap Transit dock in Bremerton. The Greater Kitsap Chamber is hosting the free trips to coincide with the Bremerton Blackberry Festival, which is presented by the Bremerton Rotary Foundation.
In addition to the milestones mentioned earlier, I enjoyed a variety of other community events over the past few weeks. This included the Crosby Days Logging Festival in Seabeck and the Wings over Washington Air Show at the Bremerton Airport. This was the first aerial air show at Bremerton National Airport in over 30 years and was a huge success. I also attended two first time fundraising events, one for St. Vincent de Paul-Bremerton's Friend-raiser and the other supporting the Voices of the Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN). I attended a community production of The Music Man at the beautiful new Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center, and I watched in awe as Public Works' contractor executed specialty work to line the pipeline under SR3 with Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP). This is a high-tech method of lining the pipe without having to dig it up. Quite the experience!
Comprehensive Plan Update
Kitsap County staff has been working diligently over the past few months to assess potential updates to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan goals, policies, and strategies. This has included determining any gaps in the current Plan created by recent changes to Puget Sound Regional Council’s VISION 2050 and Countywide Planning Policies, and the significant shifts in housing requirements under the Growth Management Act.
With draft documents expected to be released this Fall, Kitsap County is holding two virtual workshops (August 30 and September 14 at 6 pm) to act as a refresher on the Plan’s update process and challenges, and to discuss key additions or revisions being proposed to close any gaps identified. Each meeting will focus on various elements within the Plan, including Housing, Economic Development, Land Use, Environment, Climate Change, and Transportation.
Please visit the project website at kcowa.us/compplan (links on right hand side of project page under Upcoming Events) for more information about how to join these meetings.
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Kitsap County Public Works – Stormwater Division is partnering with the Kitsap Regional Library to bring the popular StoryWalk® to Kitsap County stormwater parks this fall.
Beginning September 1, enjoy an interactive story with your family as you stroll through the pages of "The Lodge that Beaver Built" by Randi Sonenshine while exploring the ecosystem supported by our beaver buddies. Begin your walk at the Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park, open from dawn 'till dusk. (Parking is by the Dog Park/Skate Park, the StoryWalk is along the Clear Creek Trail heading south.) As you stroll down the park’s pathway, signs will guide you in various activities.
Looking for even more beaver activities, join Kitsap County's Stormwater team for the Fall 2023 Nature and Beaver Walk at Clear Creek. Walk the Trail and learn about the stream restoration, native plants, and beavers...their life cycle, habits, the benefits they provide and the challenges they create. Walks are held on September 12 OR September 14 from 6:30 - 8 pm. Information and registration can be found here.
Still haven't gotten enough beavers? Join Kitsap Regional Library and Kitsap County Stormwater for a Beaver Believer Storytime at Clear Creek on Tuesday, September 19, 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Meet at the Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park, 11601 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale. Learn about beavers and their role in local ecosystems. Stick around after dusk to possibly see beavers in action.
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Monthly Meetings of the Community
- If you are 50+ years young, the Silverdale Senior Center members invite you to join them at their monthly meeting. The group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. Meetings are held in the Community Room at the Kitsap Mall, located next to the entrance of Dick's Sporting Goods store.
- Join the Central Kitsap Community Council at their September meeting, held 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 6 at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue headquarters station. On the agenda will be a discussion with staff from the Kitsap County Public Works Sewer Utility. We will also hear from CKFR Medical Officer, Alex McCracken, who will share information on the CARES program. For more information on the Council, including meeting dates, agendas, and membership, visit the CKCC webpage.
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Connect with the County
The Commissioners' Office public service counter is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions or appointments, please email kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov or call 360.337.7080.
For County service or questions email help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777.
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