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Music, activities fill downtown Saturday
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Cody Wright from Milford, Utah, got a mouth full of mud and a zero score after falling off Strawberry Delight in the Saddle Bronc Riding competition Wednesday night at the Kitsap County Stampede. The fair runs through Sunday.
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▼ Matthes, Garrido advance in SK commissioner race; Dalton, Danielson in judicial contest. By CHARLIE BERMANT Staff Writer
Expectations were turned on their head in two Kitsap County political contests during Tuesday night’s primary election, as the perceived front-runners came in third and were disqualified in their respective races. Republican Tim Matthes drew the most votes in the South Kitsap commissioner’s race, followed by Democrat Charlotte Garrido. Monty Mahan, who was the first to declare for the seat and earned the endorsement of local mayors, came in third (See related story, page A3). JEANETTE DALTON
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SEE UPSETS, PAGE A2
‘Squatter’s deal’ leads to felony charges SEE SCHOOL, PAGE A2
and pension rates along with inflation as issues. In addition to the money saved on custodians, Patton said the district will dip into its reserve fund for $1.72 million. She said that’s not all bad because the district saved more than it anticipated in its last fiscal year, which ends Aug. 31. Patton said they also will save through not filling other vacant positions in the district, and through cutting expenses on supplies. The board unanimously adopted the budget. Patton warned in previous meetings that the “hard decisions” likely won’t end
Custodians won’t be replaced, $1.72 million will be taken from reserve fund.
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By CHRIS CHANCELLOR
Staff Writer
The South Kitsap School District is a little closer to closing its $2.9 million deficit for the upcoming school year. Terri Patton, assistant superintendent for business and support services, said at Wednesday’s school board meeting that the district won’t replace five full-time custodians who left the district after the last school year. She said that will save the district $250,000. Patton said the deficit stems from unforeseen circumstances when the district presented its last levy to voters in 2004. She cited escalating teacher salaries
chasing it last spring. City Development Director James Weaver confirmed that Keehn received a conditional-use permit to operate a onechair hair salon out of her home, which he described as “pretty innocuous” and something that doesn’t typically reach “the level of intensive use,” as far as impacts on the neighborhood are concerned. However, since November of 2007, Cronan has filed multiple complaints with the city regarding traffic, noise and other
Both sides report feeling harassed in rift over home business. shot in three of her home’s windows. Cronan, who lives on the 200 block of Flower Meadows Street in Port Orchard, said she believed the attack was part of an ongoing dispute with Keehn, whom she alleges has been running a hair salon out of her home without a business license and in defiance of a city “stop-work” order. Keehn, 30, said she filed for permission from the city of Port Orchard to operate a hair salon out of her home on the 2300 block of Flower Avenue soon after pur-
activities she reported as stemming from Keehn’s attempts to operate a business out of her home. Weaver said following an April 11 hearing with the city’s Hearing Examiner, certain conditions were placed on Keehn’s permit to mitigate Cronan’s concerns before she would be allowed to operate her business. “(Keehn) has addressed all but one of those conditions, with the last being the letter from the (Kitsap County) Health Department,” Weaver said, explaining that Keehn’s current sewer facilities are SEE NEIGHBORS, PAGE A2
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Neighbor denies pellet gun shooting
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By JUSTINE FREDERIKSEN
Staff Writer
Tensions between two Port Orchard neighbors that erupted after one attempted to open a home business last year led both women to head down to the Kitsap County Courthouse Monday and file restraining orders against each other. Shelia Cronan, 49, said she filed a restraining order against Amber Keehn after returning home from a camping trip Aug. 17 and discovering pellets had been
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A convicted felon, who was arrested last week after discovered squatting in a South Kitsap home, was charged Dec. 2 in Kitsap County District Court. Douglas Keith Card, 44, Port Orchard, was charged with one count of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of first-degree possession of stolen property. He was also wanted on three outstanding warrants of arrest. Card was arrested Nov. 27 and is in the Kitsap County Jail. His total bail is more than $337,000. KCSO spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson said the Special Investigations Unit developed information that a man was squatting in a vacant house on Bayview Drive SE. Wilson said the home had been unoccupied for several years and that neighbors confirmed that a photograph of the subject — wanted on three outstanding warrants — was the same person that moved into the vacant house. Neighbors also confirmed that two vehicles — a black-colored Honda car and an older model truck — were driven by the man. On Nov. 26, deputies and detectives set containment around the home and the occupants were alerted to police presence. Charging papers stated Card attempted to flee out a rear door, but was met by the containment detail. He turned and ran back inside. “After several verbal announcements were made the man left the house and surrendered,” Wilson said. “Sheriff’s personnel then conducted a security sweep to ensure no one else was inside.” Wilson said while investigators were conducting a search of the home, they noticed something unusual — the vacant house contained all new furnishings. Investigators began researching recent
SEE SQUATTER, A12
Four-year-old Mallory Berreman prepares to give Santa Claus a kiss during the Breakfast With Santa held Saturday at the Port Orchard Eagles Hall. The event helps support the Fathoms o’Fun Festival Scholarship Program.
al event to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation will begin with festivities at 11 a.m. at the Port Orchard City Hall. The event is being held in conjunction with the Festival of Chimes and Lights. “Last year it was really rainy and windy,”
More than 1,300 people came out last year to participate in the second annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Port Orchard last year — despite rainy and windy conditions. But this year — depending on the weather — event coordinator Shelia Cline is looking possibly at an even a bigger crowd. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the third annuThis year’s Festival of Chimes and Lights should be bigger and better — thanks to more live music and activities. Saturday marks the 15th year for the annual event in downtown Port Orchard, which includes the third annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk, the lighting of the Christmas tree, playing of the chimes and, of course, the
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Festival of Chimes and Lights kicks off 15th year in downtown
SEE FESTIVAL, A12
More than 1,300 runners, walkers expected at Jingle Bell fundraising event arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. “It’s going to be a real fun event with lots of activities,” said Cindy Lucarelli, event chair. “We’ve added more music and more activities for this year’s event; plus, we have extended the event down to the waterfront.” Lucarelli said activities at Marina Park will include choirs singing and churches selling food and refreshments. Lucarelli feels there are more groups participating in this year’s event. “We have more organizations and volunteers involved this year more than ever before,” she said. “With more people downtown and more store owners keeping their
2013-14 SOUTH KITSAP BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
INSIDE Homeowners voice concerns on eminent domain A10 LOCAL Fundraiser to help with student’s trip to Europe A9 SPORTS SK girls’ season gets off to rough start at home A31
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