From Sept. 29 through Oct. 5, communities nationwide took part in the Week Without Driving, a challenge showing the daily realities faced by the nearly one-third of Americans who do not or cannot drive.

On Sept. 22, the Kitsap Board of County Commissioners signed a proclamation of support for the event, recognizing the importance of accessible and equitable transportation for all residents.

To support the Week Without Driving, Kitsap County Commissioners Walters and Root took time to commute to their Kitsap Transit meeting at Olympic College using only public transit and walking.

“It was a great experience getting to our meeting without driving,” said Walters. “You definitely have to plan your day around transit as it takes a lot longer.”

Looking for ways to reduce driving locally? Find information about transportation options at the Kitsap Transit website, talk to your employer about ride-share programs, check out park-and-ride lots, or connect with neighbors and friends to carpool to local events and activities.

Kitsap County’s Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC) advises the Board of County Commissioners on accessibility and inclusion. Residents interested in learning more about the ACAC or to apply to be on the committee can visit the ACAC website.

Kitsap County Commissioner Katie Walters also recently sat down with Ranae Beeker, the outreach coordinator for the Accessible Communities Advisory Committee. Check out their discussion on BKATs Commissioner's Corner: Accessible Trail. 

To learn more about the Week Without Driving, check out their website.

The Suquamish Tribe and Washington State Department of Transportation recently celebrated the completion of fish passage improvements at the Chico Creek Estuary, home to the area’s largest natural chum salmon run. The three-year project replaced two eight-foot culverts with a wide bridge, restoring natural creek flow and fish migration.

Special thanks to Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman, County Commissioner Katie Walters, Rob Purser, WSDOT officials Steve Roark and Kim Rydholm, Chief Kitsap Academy Song & Dance, and the Suquamish Tribe’s Traditional Food & Medicine Program for making the event a success. The salmon are expected to return in just a few weeks, a sight worth seeing.

You can celebrate the salmon’s return during the annual Kitsap Salmon Tours on Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features guided walks, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn from biologists and local environmental experts. For more information on Kitsap Salmon Tours 2025, visit kitsapsalmontours.org.

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) and Kitsap County celebrated the installation of a new fiber distribution node at the Turko Booster Station in Seabeck on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The project is part of a broader effort to expand high-speed internet access across the County.

Funded through $6.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars awarded to Kitsap County and supported by KPUD, the initiative includes construction of 21 new nodes. Each node can support thousands of home connections, helping lower costs and expand access to fiber-to-the-home service in rural communities.

Located at KPUD’s Seabeck Water System, the Turko site demonstrates how using existing facilities can extend federal funds and accelerate deployment. The project underscores the County’s commitment to a vibrant community, ensuring that all residents, including those in rural neighborhoods, benefit from modern broadband infrastructure.

The full project is expected to be completed in early 2026, bringing residents closer to reliable and affordable connectivity.

Learn more about KPUD Fiber Internet here.

The Greater Kitsap Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula for the 2025-2026 program year. The annual competition, now expanding nationwide in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and strengthen trust in others and institutions.

Students begin with a written essay and can advance to regional, state, and national live competitions. Finalists in Washington, D.C., will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a 529 education savings plan contribution of $100,000. Each state’s first-place winner may also earn a $5,000 donation for their school, thanks to the Fisher Global Foundation.

The essay portal opened Sept. 8 and closes Feb. 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to apply. Learn how it works at https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.

For details on entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.

Many childcare professionals get their start as babysitters. The American Red Cross helps the next generation do the same with babysitting certification courses for youth ages 11 to 16. Participants learn childcare basics, safety awareness, and emergency preparedness to become confident, responsible babysitters. Learn more and register at: Babysitting and Advanced Child Care Certification

The Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care is dedicated to supporting older adults, adults with disabilities, their families, and caregivers throughout Kitsap County. Their mission is to work independently and through community partnerships to promote the well-being and independence of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers so they can live safely at home.

The division offers a wide range of services at no cost to the community. Through the Aging and Disability Resource Network (ADRN), a dedicated team is available to answer questions by phone, email, or scheduled walk-in appointment, helping residents understand local resources and connect with the services they need.

Join us at the Silverdale Library Resource Fair, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, to visit with staff and learn more about our services. 

To learn more about services, sign up for newsletters, or register for the virtual presentation, please visit the Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care website

Join Read, Roam, Rules on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a guided two-mile walk through Silverdale’s wetlands. Learn how beavers shape local habitats, where they thrive, where challenges emerge, and how communities are working toward coexistence.

Rain or shine, we’ll be out exploring. Please dress for the weather!

Meet at Silverdale Rotary Gateway Park, 11601 Silverdale Way NW, and be part of the conversation about the balance between wildlife and people. The event is free and open to all.

RSVP now at kcowa.us/janejacobs.

Hosted by Kitsap County Community Development, Long Range Planning, and Natural Resources. Learn more at the Beaver Habitat Network Project website.

After the walk, keep the conversation going with a Book Club Workshop: Habitat & Ecosystem Solutions on Monday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Silverdale Library, located at 3650 NW Anderson Hill Rd.

Join Read, Roam, Rules and Kitsap Regional Library for a discussion of The Beaver Manifesto by Glynnis Hood. The book challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature and explore how a future Beaver Habitat Management Plan or other solutions could help us move forward together.

Come for the conversation, stay for the insights, and discover what makes habitat work for everyone. To get more information or to RSVP, click here.

The Silverdale Shines litter cleanup brought community members together to tackle trash along Silverdale Way, Silverdale Mall Boulevard, and Randall Way. Volunteers collected 13 bags of litter, clearing away big messes as well as plenty of micro-trash like cigarette butts.

Led by Shauntaya Parker, a student at the University of Washington, the clean-up event was part of her capstone project at the university.

“When coming up with a project idea it was very important to me that my project not only furthered my own education but also gave back to the County where I grew up,” said Parker. “With everything going on in the world, it is easy to feel powerless or unsure of how to make a positive impact. But I believe that even something as simple as gathering a few people and picking up trash for an hour or two can make a meaningful difference, not just for our physical and mental health, but for the well-being of our entire community. Community pride is a powerful motivator for participation in organized events like these."

The effort left downtown looking cleaner and brighter, and the event was filled with teamwork, community spirit, and pride in keeping Silverdale beautiful. A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated and helped make this cleanup a success!

Leadership Kitsap is proud to present its 20 Under 40 Awards, celebrating outstanding business and community leaders under 40 who are driving positive change across Kitsap County. The program highlights their achievements, amplifies their impact, and fosters a network that strengthens civic engagement, innovation, and economic growth.

Nominations close next Wednesday, Oct. 15, so submit yours soon. Honorees will be recognized at the awards ceremony in January 2026.

For more information about the program’s purpose, selection process, and event details, visit the Leadership Kitsap website.

District 3 residents needed to serve on County advisory groups

If you live in District 3, consider applying to serve on a Kitsap County advisory group! Share your experience and insights to help support our communities; create plans and strategies to accommodate growth and development; and implement programs that ensure and improve quality of life.

Advisory group members are appointed by County Commissioners and play an essential role in local government, serving as conduits between residents, businesses, communities, County staff, and Commissioners.

Learn more about County advisory groups and find position descriptions for current vacancies here.

Advisory groups with vacancies for Central Kitsap residents include:

• Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council (at-large position)
• Grant Recommendation Committees for Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnerships, and Community Investments in Affordable Housing
• Veterans Advisory Board (at-large position)
• Non-Motorized Facilities Community Advisory Committee

Questions? Contact Volunteer Services in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at volunteer@kitsap.gov.

Join us for the first Wednesday of the month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.

This is your opportunity to connect with local leaders, stay informed about County projects, and share your thoughts on issues that matter to you. The meeting is open to all community members, and public comment is encouraged.

Upcoming meetings include:

• Nov. 5: The Silverdale Sub Area Plan
• Dec. 3: County budget update
• Jan. 7: CKCC Board retreat, no presentation
• Feb. 4: HEART Team update

For more details and to view past presentations and my Commissioner Corner videos, click here.

With potential inclement weather on the way, make sure you are signed up for Kitsap Alert emergency notifications. Emergency alerts keep Kitsap residents updated on potential life-threatening dangers—from countywide winter storms to neighborhood gas leaks. Sign up for alerts for your address to receive timely notifications, whether you’re at home or away. Visit www.kcowa.us/alert now to sign up and learn more about KitsapALERT.

The Commissioners' Office public service counter is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For questions or appointments with the Commissioners, please email kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov or call 360.337.7080.

For County services and questions, or to report speeding in your neighborhood, email help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777.

Stay connected! Sign up to receive electronic notifications from Kitsap County.