The Kitsap County Fire Marshal,inconjunctionwith theKitsapCountyFireChiefs’ Association,announcedthat aphaseoneoutdoorburning banisineffectthroughoutall of Kitsap County. Local fire danger is projected to increase dramaticallyandofficialsare imposingthebaninaneffort to limit the most common cause of wildfires – outdoor burning–andurgethepublic to exercise extreme caution with all ignition sources, per a news release. Under a phase one ban, outdoor burning permits are temporarily suspended, and no outdoor burning is allowed except for recreational or cooking fires in developed fire pits or portable outdoor fireplaces. A “recreational” fire is defined as follows:Solely for recreational or cooking purposes.
Built in a designated fire pit space.
No larger than 3 feet in diameter.
Containing seasoned firewood or charcoal briquettes only.
By Mark Storer
Orchard Independent
37 years ago, eight stone sculptors got together in Washington to share their knowledge, work on their stone carvings and “talk shop” about what they do. Every year since that July day in 1988, stone carvers have gathered to build on, grow and share that community. This year, more than 100 members of the Northwest Stone Sculptors Association, as well as several guest artists, are gathering at Pilgrim Firs Camp in Port Orchard in record numbers this week to create, share, and grow again for the annual Washington Stone Carving Symposium.
The group has been gathering at Pilgrim Firs for about 10 years now. Before that, they were gathered at a camp in Marysville that has since sold. “It’s become a kind of magical place for us,” said Cyra Jane, the director of this year’s symposium, of Pilgrim Firs. “We did a big search to find a place where we could convene, and we found this beautiful place.
It’s become a home for us, and our group has grown to about 100 people,” she said.
On an open field, rows of canvas tents and easyups provide work spaces for dozens of artists as electrical power and pneumatic lines, air compressors and generators neatly line the area.
“The advent of power tools certainly changed stone carving significantly,” said Jane. “But hammer and chisel still work great for most types of stones, even the harder stones. A lot of people still really enjoy that process, as it’s much more intimate. Every carving is a conversation between the sculptor and the stone,” she said.
Jane has been the director of the annual symposium for 10 years and works a great deal with marble, though she won’t be doing as much carving at the symposium since her duties as director keep her from doing so. Still, she is working on a piece that is a sculpture of a woman modeled as a windup doll.
“It’s not a cheap hobby or art form,” said Jane, who pointed out that
the large number of sculpting tools, as well as diamond blades, pneumatic drills and other things add up. “It’s an art form that discovers you, especially as people choose which stone they’d like to work with.”
Julianne Kohn lives on the Key Peninsula and is a jade carver and part of the association. “I’ve been carving stone since 1998,” Kohn said. She’ll work this week in an area set up specifically for carving jade, which features tools and equipment owned both by the association and by individual carvers, allowing carvers to use what they need. “Most people here have their own studios, and bring some of their own equipment.”
Shane Jewell has been carving stone for about 30
Port Orchard Mayor Rob Putaansuu shared detailed updates on the city’s biggest infrastructure, housing, and parks projects during a recent June community presentation and follow-up interview July 3.
At the top of the list is the nearly completed marina pump station, a critical sewer lift station located on the waterfront downtown. The project is expected to wrap in the next 60 to 90 days.
“That project will be completed and all of the sewer in the entire city flows to that point and then is pushed to the treatment plant in Annapolis,” Putaansuu said. “The facility that we’re replacing only had 15 minutes of storage capacity; it didn’t have an on-site generator either.”
The new station is three stories underground, with one hour of storage capacity and an on-site
Located in a space well clear of vegetation and at least 25 feet from buildings, fences, or anything that might burn.
Attended at all times by an alert adult with immediate access to a shovel and a water source.
“Officials hope that the burn ban will limit potential incidents in Kitsap County. The ban will remain in place until significant and sustained rainfall improves conditions,” the release states. Violation of a ban on outdoorburningmaysubject propertyownersandresponsible parties to citations and civil penalties, including the cost of fire suppression.
years, making a living at it, doing everything from signs and memorials to headstones and markers as well as sculptures of art. As he speaks,he’scarvingadragon sculpture out of a large piece of siltstone that he got for free from a worksite not far from his home in Olympia. “I very seldom buy rock. For what I do, there’s enough stone around that I can find and use for sculptures.” Jewell said that he probably won’t use too many
generator. “Now we’ve got generators that will kick on automatically, and if something happens to that generator, you’ve got an hour to bring the portable generator down.”
Next in line for downtown is a $10 million street reconstruction project, set to begin construction in 2026.
“We’ll have the design completed by the end of the year,” he said. “We’re raising the street a foot and a half taller from Robert Geiger, which is where City Hall is, to Frederick Street.”
The project includes new sewer and water lines, underground power, new sidewalks, a landscaped median, and street trees. It also sets the foundation for two major developments: the new Kitsap Bank headquarters and a community center that will house a new Kitsap Regional Library branch and event space.
“We will be ready to go on the community center in 2027,”
Putaansuu said. “The ground floor is a new Kitsap Regional Library branch to replace the one we have downtown, and the second floor is event space—weddings, fundraisers, the Rotary Club does their crab feed every year over in Bremerton because we don’t have a facility big enough in Port Orchard.”
Between the two buildings will be the Orchard Street Plaza, a permanent public gathering space.
“I see this as a permanent home for our farmers market, a place where we can have many of our festivals and events, not all be having them in a parking lot, displacing all of our parking.”
A presentation on the community center and plaza design is scheduled for July 15 before the City Council.
The city is also moving forward with the Bay Street pedestrian pathway, intended to connect downtown to the Annapolis ferry dock. Because of rising construction costs, the project has been
broken into three phases.
“The first segment will get us from West Bay to Mitchell Point,” Putaansuu said. “We are likely two or three years out before we would go to construction on that first segment.”
In the meantime, five overwater homes purchased by the city will be removed.
“We just received the specifications to go out to bid from the design team…and I would say within the next month we will be out to bid for the removal,” he said. “Those homes should be removed this summer.”
Port Orchard is also investing in safer streets for students. A recent project added sidewalks and bike lanes near Cedar Heights Middle School, and similar improvements are planned this summer from Berry Lake Road to Ruby Creek, including crosswalks in front of Sidney Glen Elementary.
PO Council approves Transportation Impact Fee increase
By Britney Fletcher-West Port Orchard Independent
The Port Orchard City Council voted to move forward with a proposed 27% increase to its Transportation Impact Fee, following a public hearing at its July 8 meeting.
The updated fee structure,basedontheJune2025 TIF study, aims to ensure new development continues to fund its proportionate share of growth-related infrastructure.
The revised fee schedule raises the Peak PM Trip rate from $6,288.31 to $7,977, increasing the single-family dwelling fee from $6,225.43
to $7,498. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect July 28 to give city staff time to implement the changes.
City Councilmember Eric Worden voiced concern over the affordability of living in Port Orchard as fees and rates continue to rise.
“I really think we are pricing our people out of the city,” Worden said. “Affordablehousingisn’taffordable housing — what they are building out there, we are just increasing it more and more. Somewhere we need to find a way that everyone can contribute to it, not just the brand new homes and peopletryingtobuyhomes.”
Worden added that while
he did not plan to vote against the ordinance, he hoped the council would consider the long-term impacts on the community.
“Everytimewedothis,it’s tough to buy a home here,” he said. “It’s really making it unaffordable to live in the city of Port Orchard.”
At-Large Councilmember John Morrissey also expressed discomfort but ultimately supported the ordinance.
“This is a troubling topic forme,”Morrisseysaid.“We can’t change the process — that is set by the state. We had to cut a lot of projects off that list.”
Morrissey pointed to population growth as a
majorpressurepoint,noting Port Orchard is among the fastest-growing cities in Washington.
“Our city is going to continue to be unaffordable,butpeoplecontinueto move here and we continue to need to provide the infrastructure,” he said. “While I don’t like anything about whatwearegoingtodo,Ido plan to move forward with voting yes.”
The council adopted two resolutions related to the Port Orchard library roof replacement. One authorizes a reimbursement agreement with the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation,andtheotherapproves a contract with Coastline
Roofing and Construction, Inc. for the project. The city-owned library building at 87 Sidney Avenue will receive a new flat roof at a total cost of $39,442.19. Under the agreement, the Library Foundation will reimburse the city for 50% of that cost — $19,721.10 — including sales tax and approved change orders.
Public Works director
Dennis Ryan said the city has been eager to address the repair in anticipation of the library’s future relocation to the new community event center. He also provided updates on the city’s utility projects, including progress on the
downtown marina pump station. “As of last week, we are officially pumping the sewage waste through the pump station,” Ryan said. “We’ve gone through our windowoffivetosevendays to make sure we didn’t have anybugs,andbypassequipment will start to be disassembled this week.”
The project is expected to wrap up early this fall.
“Our main priority is to start shrinking that site and making more parking available for visitors downtown,” he said, adding that the generator is now operationalandapublictourmay bescheduledoncethesiteis more visitor-friendly.
SNAP benefits to be reduced following Trump’s passage of bill
By Joshua Kornfeld
Port Orchard Independent
Following the passage of the Republican One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law July 4 by President Donald Trump, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson announced cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Ferguson estimated one million Washingtonians who receive SNAP assistance will see reduced benefits, and more than 130,000 Washingtonians could lose their benefits, per a press release.
“This bill takes food from our most vulnerable Washingtonians to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy,” Ferguson said. “This bill is only beautiful to billionaires.”
The state would be left
with an additional $87.8 million in administrative costs associated with the program, and also would increase Washington’s cost share of benefits to more than $100 million, Ferguson said.
“According to United States Department of Agriculture estimates, each dollar from the SNAP program produces more than $1.50 in economic activity at grocery stores, farmers markets and more,” per the release. SNAP benefits are provided by the state Department of Social and Health Services with guidelines and regulations set by the U.S. Congress and USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
AsofMay,DSHSestimated 24,862 Kitsap residents,
including 7,374 children, received benefits through the Basic Food Program, a state program combining the SNAP program and the state-funded Food Assistance Program for legal immigrants. Ferguson shared the following statement with Kitsap News Group.
“President Trump’s cruel bill will literally take food away from thousands of Washington children to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. For many families, they’re already working to stretch every dollar. Hunger impacts kids’ performance in school, their health and their physical development. These cuts will adversely impact a generation of kids into the future.”
Ferguson’s office said they are reviewing the bill to determine effective dates with some provisions set to go into effect immediately, while others go into effect later in the year, as well as in October 2027.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) shared her disapproval and concerns regarding the new law.
“Republicans are not giving up on taking dinner off the table, taking school lunch off kids trays so they can shovel tax cuts at billionaires and wealthy corporations, and it is worth underscoring the new red tape in their bill is even targeted at some of our most vulnerable families, because it expands work requirements to apply to seniors and parents with kids in school,” Murray said.
JOSHUA KORNFELD/KITSAP NEWS GROUP SNAP benefits are accepted at the Bainbridge Island Safeway.
Arts & Entertainment
Quincy Square officially opens in Bremerton after years in the making
By Mike De Felice Port Orchard Independent
QuincySquare–anentertainment venue ten years in the making - formally opened in downtown Bremerton last weekend, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony,top-ratedNorthwestlivemusic,andanarray of food vendors.
The $5.5-million revitalization project is aimed at transforming 4th Street into a vibrant arts and entertainment mecca, which will attract local residents and additionaltouriststothecity.
Acclaimed record producer andcomposerQuincyJones is the namesake of the project, who spent his youth in Bremerton.
The well-attended twoday grand opening was put on by the Downtown Bremerton Association in partnership with the city of Bremerton.
Attendees strolled over giant piano keys embedded in the street; the black and white keys are said to be large enough to be seen from space. People also viewed a colorful mural commemoratingJones.Kidfriendly,interactivemusical instruments were scattered throughout Quincy Square, including a xylophone, chimes, and percussion instruments.
Powerhouse soul singer Grace Love and noted jazz vocalist Eugenie Jones, both Northwest artists, performed at the square’s new outdoor bandstand.
The permanent stage will be a dedicated space for community performances, openmicsandotherartistic events, per officials.
The Roxy Theatre glistened at the celebration.
TheArtDecovenue,considered to be the main stage of Quincy Square, was the site of a pre-grand opening tribute concert June 28, titled “For the Love of Quincy” and attended by 20 family members of Jones.
A colorful mural honoring Jones was a backdrop to the debut of Quincy Square. The wall painting, located at the northwest corner of 4th Street and Washington Avenue, is said to be inspired by Jones’ distinctive scarves. The mural spotlights Jones and notable artists he worked with, including Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Several esteemed localBlackpioneersarealso featured.
A series of Black Night Market booths were set up at the event, where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) vendors offered products and food.
“We are turning a new page for the future of downtown Bremerton,” said Jessica Combs, executive director of the Downtown BremertonAssociation.“It’s spaceslikethisthatarereally acatalystforrevitalizingour sleepy town of Bremerton and shining a bright light on it.”
Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler said the longawaited kickoff of Quincy Square is a testament to the efforts of many.
“It’s the culmination of yearsofcommunity,governmentandleadershipgroups working together, working through challenges, like the pandemicandsupplychain issues, to get to this point. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish when we work together, have a clear vision andawilltogetthingsdone. It’s a phenomenal feeling,” he said.
Wheeler envisions the public plaza being a platform for a wide array of events.
“It’ll be an outdoor entertainmentvenuedesignedfor peopletocometogether.The focusofcertaineventsmight be food, dance, literary, and some might be visual arts, like sculptures and painting. Obviously, music will probably always be part of the showcase,” he said.
In addition to providing entertainment to Kitsap Peninsula residents, Wheeler said the plaza will be an economic driver for Bremerton by attracting more tourists to the city.
“The one-of-a-kind outdoor performing arts venue will be transformational. It will be a draw.
People will want to come heretoseetheart,toexperiencetheentertainment,and be part of it. This will be on their travel itineraries when coming to Seattle. I foresee (Quincy Square) being like Seattle,aglobaldestination,” the mayor said.
There is consideration being given to closing the festival street on weekends to make the square pedestrian-friendly, Combs said. She hopes to see the space activated year-round.
“I’ve had several conversations to do really cool and creative activations in Quincy Square, including bringing back the Bremerton beer festival and collaborating with organizations in the community like the West Sound Film Festival,” she said.
With Bremerton being an officialfanzoneoftheWorld Cup next year, Combs said shewantstobringtheWorld Cup experience to downtown Bremerton. Financing for the plaza came from $2.5 million of federal funding, $1.75 million from the state and over $800,000 from the city.
The Bremerton Rotary Club raised$100,000toconstruct a bandstand outside the Roxy.
Honoring Jones
Fourth Street was rebrandedasQuincySquare tohonorJones,theGrammy Award-winning musician. He was also an arranger and producer who worked with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin and pop icons Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. Jones planned to attend the venue’s opening, but he passedawaylastNovember. In 1943, Jones’ family
came to Kitsap County so his father could work at the shipyard. They lived in “Sinclair Heights,” a segregated housing project located in what is now West Hills. During his early years, Jonesplayedtubaandtrumpet at Coontz Junior High in Bremerton. Appearing on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Jones recounted how,duringhismischievous youth here, he was introduced to the piano.
At age 11, he and some pals broke into the local
National Guard Armory to gobble down lemon meringue pies and ice cream. After eating the sweets, the boys got into a food fight. Eventually, Jones walked into an office and sawapianoforthefirsttime. When he touched the keyboard, Jones told Colbert, “Every cell in my bodysaidthisiswhatyou’re going to do the rest of your life.”
The 91-year-old legend went on to produce the record-setting Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album and direct the popular “We Are the World” single. Jones racked up 80 Grammy Award nominations and 28 Grammys. A finishing tribute to music icon will come
later in the summer when a bronze sculpture of Jones is unveiled on 4th Street.
The recently refurbished Roxy Theatre is located in the center of Quincy Square in downtown Bremerton.
MIKE DE FELICE/KITSAP NEWS GROUP PHOTOS
Quincy Jones, namesake of Quincy Square, highlights a colorful wall mural on the city parking garage at 4th Street and Washington Avenue.
Finn Lauderdale, 4, of Bremerton (left) jams with Ian Davis, 5, of Kingston on a streetside xylophone.
By Mark Storer
Editor’s note: All candidatesweresenttwoquestions to respond to. Those who didn’t respond to inquiries werequotedfromtheirstatements in the Kitsap County voterspamphlet.
The race for Bremerton School Board director position 5 features Ben Anderson,whocurrentlyholdsthe seatafterbeingappointedin February, running against two career educators, Mary C.Devery,whotaughtfor42 years all within the Bremerton School District, and Linda Osborn Simpson, a former Boys and Girls Club educator.
The top two vote-getters fortheprimaryelectionAug. 5willmoveontothegeneral election in November.
Ben Anderson: AndersongraduatedfromBremerton High School and was accepted into the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he obtained a BachelorofScienceinNaval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He served 10 years of active duty in the Coast Guard, attaining the rank of Commander, and did another 10 years in the reserves. He is currently the CEOofArtAndersonAssociates, an engineering firm in downtown Bremerton.
He is involved in the Bremerton community working as a volunteer with the Bremerton School District, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Olympic College/ WSU Engineering Advisory Board and others.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school
board director? (response fromvoterspamphlet)
A) “I am committed to fostering greater communication and transparency between the district and our community. This includesprovidingcomprehensive updates on educational progress, celebrating student achievements that extend beyond state testing, and proactively addressing the challenges ahead. I will champion early and inclusive discussions with all affected parties to ensure decisions genuinely benefit our students.”
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?(responsefromvoters pamphlet)
A)“MyrootsinBremerton run deep. As a lifelong resident and proud BHS graduate, my commitment to this community was further shaped by my service in the US Coast Guard. Upon returning home, I immediately found ways to give back through community service and volunteering. With three children currently thriving at each level within the Bremerton School District, my drive to serve on the school board is personal. I am deeply invested in the education and development of every child in our community – they are our future. This passion for service is fueled by a desire to enhance educational outcomes and expand opportunities for all Bremerton children.”
Mary C. Devery: Devery is a teacher with 42 years of experience in Bremerton. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s Degree
in Technology. Devery is a longtime supporter of Bremerton schools as well as the community through mentorship programs, Kitsap County Foster Care and an advocate for youth within the community.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school boarddirector?
A) “The top priority is to help put systems in place that students can learn, teacherscanteach,andtheir administrators can support them.Wecreatedastrategic planthatstudents,teachers, community members, and administration created. We need to implement it. We need to have total transparency in our systems as well. We need to give our students opportunities that willchangetheirlives.Ihave dedicatedmyentire42-year career to the students and families of the Bremerton School District. I know this community, I know our schools, and I believe deeply in the potential of every student. We need to address the attendance problem, the high school dropout rate, and involve teachersinthisprocess.Not giving teachers more work
in Bremerton School Board race
to do, but listening to their needs and listening to our students’ needs, I believe I will be able to assist in this process.”
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
“Thereasonvotersshould choose me is because I have something different to offer. I am a Bremerton student, parent, and teacher. I have taught in Bremerton for over 40 years. I have given my life to Bremerton students, and I want to help students, parents, teachers, and administrators make sure all Bremerton students learn and are given opportunities that will help their future because they deserve it. I will bring to the board a teacher’s voice—focused on studentlearning,equity,and responsible stewardship of publicresources.Iwilllisten with respect, collaborate thoughtfully, and lead with heart. I am the voice for the students,parents,andteachers.Ihopethevotersgiveme this opportunity, and I will passionately work to make a difference.Iwillbethevoice for the voiceless.”
Linda Osborn Simpson: A Navy Reserve veteran and Washington state
credentialed teacher, Simpson became disabled when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University ofCalifornia,SantaCruzand a Master’s in Elementary EducationfromOldDominion University, and worked as an educator for the Boys and Girls Club. Simpson and her husband Michael, an Army Veteran who now works at the Navy Shipyard, raised two boys and went through the Bremerton School District.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school boarddirector?
A) “One of our top priorities must be understanding why student achievement at Bremerton High School is falling short. According to the OSPI 2023–24 Report Card,only30.1%ofstudents meet grade-level standards in science, 26.1% in math, and 52.9% in English LanguageArts.Thesefigures are a clear call to action. We must provide students with aneducationthatmotivates, supports,andconnectsthem to their future.
As the parent of two well-adjusted, happy, and successful autistic young
adults who attended Bremerton schools from age three through graduation (2016 and 2020), I have seenfirsthandhowatailored approach—like the Individualized Education Program (IEP)—can be transformative. The IEP process, which sets personalized goals and tracks progress over time, was instrumental in helping my children thrive. It’s time to reimagine education not as a conveyor belt but as a guided journey—one that values every student and supports them in building a future they can be excited about.”
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
A) “An effective school board director must have a deep understanding of the diverse citizens they serve. My qualifications are groundednotonlyineducation and leadership but in lived experience within the Bremerton community.
As an engaged parent of two special needs children who attended Bremerton schoolsfromearlychildhood through graduation, I’ve navigated the system firsthand and advocated for the needs of exceptional learners. As a minority veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves and the spouse of an Army soldier—often parenting solo while my husband was deployed to Iraq for nearly six years—I understand the unique challenges military families face.
Compassionate persistence, individualized support, and communityrooted leadership—guides everythingIhopetobringto our school board.”
By Mark Storer
Editor’s note: All candidatesweresenttwoquestions to respond to. Those who didn’t respond to inquiries werequotedfromtheirstatements in the Kitsap County voterspamphlet.
Chris Warthen, Jenny Farley and Shannon Turner will face off in the primary election Aug. 5 for Bremerton School District’s director position 4, with all three candidates bringing a number of different experiences. The top two vote-getters will move on to the general election in November.
Incumbent Alyson Rotter is not seeking re-election.
Shannon Turner: Turner is an Army Veteran and served during Operation Desert Storm. After his service, he decided to stay in Washington state and Kitsap County. For 10 years, he has served on a number of boards, including Kitsap Community Resources and Parent Policy Council.
GraduatingfromOlympic College with an Associate’s Degree,Turnerworkedasan executive legislative assistant for 23rd District Rep. Tarra Simmons and former Rep. Sherry Appleton, and servedalsoashercampaign manager.Heisacommunity development administrator for Peninsula Community Health Services and serves on numerous local boards.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school boarddirector?
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
A) “What sets me apart from the other candidates is my experiences and vast knowledge that I bring as a veteran and a former Washington state House of Representatives legislative assistant for the late Sherry Appleton and our current State Rep. Tarra Simmons. The most important thing is I am a black male father who has ties to the Bremertoncommunitythatgoback 10-15 years. I currently have four kids in the Bremerton Schoolsystemand3ofthem have IEPs (special needs). I was student body president for Olympic College for 2 termsandhadabudgetof$5 millionthatIhadtooversee.
A) “I represent the Eastside of Bremerton that has not been represented for a long period of time. I have long-established relationships with our local, state and congressional representatives that can be helpful, especially since we are looking at budget cuts that will have an effect on our communities and especially our low-income communities. I have been engaged with our community for years and try to be thatvoicethatstandsbeside andwalkswithourcommunity members. I strive to ensure that I listen to what our community needs and what those community voices are saying, especially when it comes to the kids. I am a veteran whose life has been dedicated to serving and protecting others and this is an honor for me to have this opportunity to serve my community.”
My experiences allow me to bring a fresh new perspective to the school board.”
Jenny Farley: Farley works at the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton and has worked in trade management, project management and financial management for 26 years. She graduated from Bremerton High School herself in 1997 and played basketball as a student athlete for Olympic College, from which she obtained an Associate’s Degree in 2002. She is also a 2003 Rigger Apprentice graduate from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard program.
Farley became a mentor for the AVID program this past year and worked with freshmen at BHS and said she loved working with the kids. She’s also volunteered as a youth soccer coach and a Washington state Traffic Safety Council Speaker.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school boarddirector?
“Having grown up here and having so many ties to the community, I really love the thought of giving back
to the school district that I was a part of. The BremertonSchoolDistrictdefinitely needs some improvements in its academic achievements, especially in reading and math. I’m curious how we got where we are and I want to do the work it takestogetusbacktowhere we used to be. When I was in high school, our girls basketball team had the highest scholastic G.P.A. in the state. That’s quite the achievement, and I want to see us be like that again. It’s doable, and how can I help us achieve that?”
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?
A) “I think having all the leadership experience that I have in the public sector, with some very complex jobs and managing multimilliondollarbudgetsatthe shipyard,andusingtaxpayer money, is useful in the community. I understand thatbeingagoodstewardof their money and the ethics behindthatisimportant.I’m prettytransparent,andthat’s important in building trust.
I’m someone who went through the Bremerton
SchoolsystemandI’vegota lot of ties to the community and want to support this community. I’ve seen some ofthestrugglesthatourkids face. There’s a lot of homelessness in our community, and also a lot of people who doquitewellandhowdowe make sure we’re seeing all of the students and meeting them where they need us? My true colors are to be as inclusive as possible and be a safe space for everybody.”
ChrisWarthen: ADepartment of Defense civilian employee since 2003, Warthen has worked at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Bremerton, and others as a manageracrossprojectsand departments.
Warthen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Southern Illinois University in 2001 and has been active in the Bremerton Parks, where he served asaboardmemberforthree years as well as the North Sound Youth Soccer Association and the Kitsap Alliance Football Club, where he served as president from 2019 to 2022.
Q) What would be your top priorities as a school
board director? (response fromvoterspamphlet)
A) : “I care deeply about my family and community, whichiswhyI’mrunningfor a position on the Bremerton School Board. Bremerton has been my home for 30 years. I’ve worked, raised my family, and seen the impact of a strong public school system. Both of my daughters, one currently at BHS and the other a recent graduate, have thrived thanks to the dedication of our educators and staff. As a servant leader, I strive to treateveryonewithcareand respect.”
Q) Why should voters choose you over your opponents?(responsefromvoters pamphlet)
“Leadership means putting the community’s needs first and listening to all perspectives. When challenges arise, I lean in. Solving problems together is how we strengthen our community. Bremerton schools are good, and with collaboration, they can be even better. My goal is to keep education focused on what matters most: our kids. A great education opens doors. Bremerton schools offer that opportunity to all students, especially when we all lean in. A communityisonlyasstrong as those who invest in it. From raising my daughters here to serving on local boards, I’ve seen Bremerton’s heart and resilience. Electing me to the school board is a vote for continued servant leadership and a deeper commitment to Bremerton’s future.”
C. DeveryLinda Osborn Simpson
Chris Warthen
“That area of the city doesn’thavegoodsidewalks andwe’vegotagradeschool there,” Putaansuu said. “So we’re gonna make significant improvements.”
At Givens Park, the city is rehabilitatingthebasketball court into a dual-purpose futsal and basketball court and resurfacing tennis courts for tennis and pickleball.
Bethel Phase One is currently under design and includes two new roundabouts—at Blueberry and Salmonberry—and a complete street redesign.
“Bike lanes, sidewalks, street trees, utility improvements… and we should be under construction on that project in 2027 also,” the mayor said.
A future double-lane roundabout at Bethel and
Lund is also planned.
“That’ll be our next project after Bethel Phase One.”
Putaansuu also highlighted the emergence of “missing middle” housing in the McCormick area.
“Cottage-style homes, detached garages with ADUsabovethem.It’sanew producttypeinourcommunity,” he said. “We haven’t seen it constructed in years past.”
To further encourage accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the city and county partnered to provide four pre-approvedADUbuilding plans to residents for free.
“You can save someone tens of thousands of dollars in the design process,” he said. “You can walk in and pay your permit fees and go to work constructing an ADU immediately.”
When asked which project he’s most excited about, Putaansuu didn’t hesitate.
“Oh, the community center,” he said.
Carving
power tools for the dragon he’s making. “I’m happiest when I’m working it this way,” he said of his hammer and chisel.
Maximilian Crothers is workingonapieceofhoneycombcalcitethatwillfeature ocean spray patterns as well as a kind of ammonite fossil pattern. “I’ve probably carved 20 or 30 pieces of honeycomb calcite,” said Crothers. “I’ve been carving rock for seven years. I first startedandboughtthetools, made like seven pieces and carved them, brought them into the local crystal shop and asked if they wanted to buy them and they did.” Crothers, who lives in Port Angeles, said he’s been hooked ever since. “It’s such an opportunity to be abletocomehereandfocus for eight days straight. Life
doesn’t usually allow you an opportunity to do that much, so I’m grateful.”
Janesaidthatthecommunity of carvers all working together is deeply inspiring. “It’s generally a pretty solitary thing we do, and coming together really provides such good energy and allows us to really build on what we want to do.”
The sculptors will spend this week working on creations, communing with the camp’s surroundings and each other. On July 19 from noon until 4:00 p.m., they’ll hold an exhibition of their carvings, allowing the public in to see and even purchase some of the creations.Theexhibitionwill feature over 100 creations, andtherewillbeabarbecue lunch for purchase. Admission is free.
For more information on the free exhibition of stone carving,goto:https://carvestone.org/2025-washingtonstone-carving-symposium
The publicmeetingwillbe anopenhousesession withinformationalposterstationsstaffed by Navyrepresentatives.
Forfurtherinformationabout the DraftEISand thepublic meeting,pleasecontactMs. Julianne Leinenveberwiththe NavyRegion Northwest PublicAffairs Officeat julianne.e.leinenveber.civ@us.navy.mil or 360-867-8525 S u b m i t C o m m e n t s :
Shane Jewell of Olympia carves a dragon from siltstone with hammer and chisel.
Legal Notices
Thirty (30) days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020 (3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobateassets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION:July4,2025 /s/ Eric Olson ERICDEXTEROLSON PersonalRepresentative SHERRARD McGONAGLE TIZZANO & LIND, P.S. /s/By: Heidi J. Abrams By: Heidi J. Abrams, WSBA#22319
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Address for Mailing or Service: 19717 Front StreetNE POBox400 Poulsbo,WA98370 POI1016061 7/4/25,7/11/25,7/18/25
Legal Notices IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KITSAP IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: STEVEN ARNOLD HIGBEE, Deceased. No. 25-4-00692-18 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS
RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below have been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and
11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobateassets.
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION:July18,2025 PERSONAL REPRESSENTATIVE: DUSTINM.HIGBEE
ATTORNEYS FOR THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE:JEFFREYCOX ADDRESS FOR MAILINGORSERVICE: 600 Kitsap St, Suite 202 Port Orchard, WA 98366 June27,2025 /s/JeffreyCox JEFFREYCOX, WSBA#16249 Attorney for Estate and PersonalRepresentative POI1015996 7/18/25,7/25/25,8/1/25 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING
In the Matter of the Estate of Fredaline Frank Healy, Deceased. No. 25-4-04575-4 KNT Probate Notice to Creditors (RCW 11.40.030)
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the
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claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) 30 days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobateassets. Date of First Publication: July18,2025
Personal Representative: Frances Renee Healy
AttorneyforPersonal Representative: P. Stephen Aita, WSBA #26118
AddressforMailingor Service: Law Offices of P.StephenAita,PLLC 3010 Harborview Drive, Suite301 GigHarbor,WA9833 POI1016363 7/18/25,7/25/25,8/1/25
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KITSAP IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL T. HARSHBARGER, Deceased. NO. 24-4-01158-18 AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Legal Notices
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both Decedent’s probate and non-probateassets. Date of Filing Notice to Creditors withClerkoftheCourt: June12,2025 DateofFirstPublication in the Port Orchard Independent inKitsapCounty,WA: July11,2025 Personal Representative: Bryan A. Wichert
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AttorneysforPersonal Representative: Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman&Cure,PSC Address for Mailing for Service: 4110 Kitsap Way,Suite200 Bremerton, WA 98312-2401 POI1016191 7/11/25, 7/18/25, 7/25/25 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KITSAP COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: ANTHONY W. GAYVORONSKI, Deceased. NO. 25-4-00559-18 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The personal represen-
