Reporter Central Kitsap
CELEBRATING Black History Month at Olympic High School Page 8
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 | Vol. 29, No. 20 | WWW.CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM | 50¢
Love is in the air...
BY SERAINE PAGE SPAGE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
Although today’s holiday has a strong focus on chocolates, dozens of roses and candlelight dinners, that isn’t the only perspective worth considering. While mushy cards and engagements are nice, it is also a perfect time to think of the root of true love and its meaning. There’s no better source to ask for honest opinions than a child. Kids from Clear Creek Elementary School in Silverdale answer simply and sweetly on how to show love in its best light. Their charming answers remind us why it isn’t a bad thing to have a day dedicated to love. We asked each of the kids, “How do you show someone you love them?” Here’s what they had to say:
“I would give my mom and dad a little bear holding a little bag of chocolates with candies in them. I would probably give my brother a Valentine’s Day card.” ~Kathryn De Armond, 6, at right
“Having family come together usually not watching T.V. — looking at each other’s faces and we usually play games together.” ~Isabel Fleck, 10, above
“Show that you care. You can give them a homemade card or a hug.” ~Brooke Keeley, 9, above
“I would maybe do an art project or something.” ~Ryan Collins, 9, at left
“You take them out for dinner and give them flowers.” ~Charlize Katz, 9, at right
SEE MORE KIDS ON PAGE 13
CK voters approve school levy BY SERAINE PAGE SPAGE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
The Central Kitsap School Maintenance and Operations (M & O) levy has passed in a mail-in election Tuesday. For Central Kitsap School District voters, the M & O renewal levy supports day-to-day operations.
“I’m pretty elated,” said Central Kitsap Superintendent Hazel Bauman. “It’s always nerve wracking especially when you’re new and you know the community doesn’t really know you yet and you’re trying to establish a sense of competence and momentum.” Of those who voted, 57
percent voted in favor of the levy. In opposition, voters brought in 43 percent of the vote. In total, 7,610 voters turned in ‘yes’ ballots. Against the measure were 5,739 voters, according to unofficial results for the special election. The levy is 20 percent of the budget for Central Kitsap School District.
On an average home assessed at $245,000, the rate per $1,000 will be $3.43 starting in 2015. In 2016, the rate will be $3.41 per $1,000 of assessed value. The existing rate is $3.23. Levy funds for Central Kitsap will provide $20.8 SEE LEVY, A13
Sheriff says he won’t run again BY KEVAN MOORE KMOORE@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer announced this week that he plans to retire at the end of the year and will not seek re-election to another term. Boyer said that some recent health issues played a role in his decision. “Fortunately, medical professionals have ruled out any serious issues affecting my wellbeing,” he said. “While another term as sheriff would be possible, this has prompted me to reflect on the future and consider some new adventures. Although this may slow me down a bit, I consider this another challenge.” Noting that he would be 68 years old at the end of another term if he ran again, Boyer said, “the wise men know when and the foolish wait too long” to retire. He also joked that, “I’d like to be remembered for something other than those silly (baseball-style) cards I hand out.” Boyer said he wasn’t really sure if his retirement rates as news or not. “I would of preferred to just ride off into the sunset like Matt Dillon or Roy Rogers or something,” he said. After first being elected in 1998, Boyer has been the sheriff in Kitsap County for 15 years. Overall, his law enforcement career spans 34 years. Prior to his first election, he served in the Washington State Patrol for 27 years as a trooper, detective, sergeant and as a Lieutenant and Commander. Boyer declined to speculate about who may run to replace him, but said he is prepared to make an endorsement at some point. Boyer said two low points during his career as sheriff were when two deputies
File photo
Sheriff Steve Boyer were shot at the Walmart in Port Orchard and a third came to their aid in 2011, and the night that Trooper Tony Radulescu, 44, was killed alongside State Route 16 after making a traffic stop. On the brighter side, Boyer said the sheriff ’s office has come a long way during his 15-year run and he is especially proud of the men and women he served with. “For the amount of resources we have, we don’t take a backseat to anybody in terms of the quality of service,” he said. “My job has always been to push them to the next plateau. One of the things that I am most proud of is I tried to create a culture where we are a part of the community and solving problems in a way where it’s more than, ‘Just the facts, ma’am.’ “ When it comes to all the new tools and gadgets that have emerged in the last 15 years — from tazers, computers in patrol cars and other advances — Boyer said his deputies’ roles have remained fundamental. “Policing is still a people business,” he said. “You can have all the tech in the world, but if you don’t have people that care and are engaged with the commuSEE BOYER, A13