REPORTER
KITSAP WEEK: STAYING YOUNG WITH A SONG IN THIS EDITION
CENTRAL KITSAP
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015 | Vol. 30, No. 19 | WWW.CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM | 50¢
Harrison Medical and Regence expect to sign contract soon BY RICHARD D. OXLEY AND CHRIS TUCKER CTUCKER@CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM
BREMERTON — In the wake of last year’s failed negotiations on medical reimbursements, Regence BlueShield and Harrison Medical Center have returned to the table and are expected to finalize a new contract soon. The agreement would place thousands of Regence customers back
Contract negotiations are expected to conclude soon. Check for an updated story online at www.centralkitsapreporter.com in-network with Harrison, meaning lower medical costs for patients. “We are sort of on the goal line right now,” said Scott Thompson of CHI Franciscan Health, with which Harrison Medical Center is affiliated. “Hopefully it will be done soon,” he said.
CKF&R will ask voters to continue 50-cent levy BY CHRIS TUCKER CTUCKER@CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM
The Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 9 to ask voters to continue to support an emergency medical services levy. The levy would pay for emergency medical services such as personnel costs, training, equipment, structures and vehicles needed for providing emergency care. CKF&R pointed out the the levy is not a new tax, but a renewal of a currently existing tax. The current EMS levy was approved by 74 percent of voters in 2009. An election will be held within the district on April 28 on the matter. The continuation of the levy would be in
the form of a regular property tax in the sum of 50 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation each year for six consecutive years. The cost to a homeowner with a median valued home in Central Kitsap of $240,000 would be $120 per year. The levy requires a simple majority to pass. CKF&R stated that if the levy were to fail then they would have to re-evaluate their budget and their priorities. Money collected during 2015 from the EMS levy constitutes 21 percent or $3.4 million dollars of the district’s operating budget. The EMS levy puts a comprehensive emergency medical program in place, but it does not cover the cost of ambulance transport, typically SEE LEVY, A13
The negotiations would bring members of Regence BlueShield insurance programs back into network with Harrison, equating to lower medical costs for patients. “We are in discussion and hope to come to an agreement soon,” said Jennifer Morgan, spokesperson
for Regence BlueShield. “With this conversation happening, Harrison could be back in network for those members.” Harrison has been considered outof-network for Regence customers since contract negotiations broke down in August, both companies citing disagreements over rates. “Harrison hasn’t been an in-network provider since Aug. 22,” Morgan said. “The agreement that they requested, reimbursement rates were
not inline with what was reasonable. We are always working for members to keep things affordable.” She added, “Regence remains committed to providing our members with the best possible service at an affordable cost and that’s what these negotiations are about.” Thompson also said that the discussions are about keeping costs affordable.
Silverdale RadioShack set to close by March 31
PREPPING FOR SUMMER WORK
BY CHRIS TUCKER CTUCKER@CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM
Chris Tucker / staff photo
A construction crew works to install power poles on Bucklin Hill Road that will provide the necessary power for bridge work there this summer beginning July 1. At that time Bucklin Hill Road will close and remain closed for about a year. For more information about the Bucklin Hill project visit www.bucklinhill.com.
Babies to benefit with March of Dimes fundraiser BY CHRIS TUCKER
CTUCKER@CENTRALKITSAPREPORTER.COM
In Washington, more than 8,700 babies are born too soon each year. Premature babies often spend weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit fighting for life, and often have lasting disabilities due to being born before they’re ready. March of Dimes is the champion for all babies, those born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive. Moms can rely on March of Dimes for everything they need to know about having a healthy baby before, during and after pregnancy. “Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality,” said Jackie Koopman, community director for March of Dimes.
SEE REGENCE, A13
She was one of several people gathered at Harrison Medical Center’s Silverdale campus on Feb. 10 during a “kick-off” for the fundraising season. She said the goal is to raise $100,000 in Kitsap County to pay for community programs, research and for supporting parents. Individuals, teams of family members or teams sponsored by corporations can contribute. Chelsea Larsen of Poulsbo also attended the meeting. She brought her 6-year-old son, Emory, along with her. “We come every year because Emory and his twin brother were born at 25 weeks,” Larsen said. A three-mile walk will take place May 2 at SEE BABIES, A13
Chris Tucker / staff photo
Brenda Stice, Chelsea Larsen, Emory Larsen and Claudine Smith, from left, look at March for Babies informational material during at Harrison Medical Center on Feb. 10.
SILVERDALE - The signs at the Kitsap Mall RadioShack hint at the news. “Clearance blowout!” “All sales final,” they read. The company-owned Silverdale RadioShack is set to close by March 31, as RadioShack Corp. sells up to 2,100 of its 4,100 stores across the country as a result of Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Items at the Kitsap Mall RadioShack will be priced 30 to 60 percent off. Even the display shelving will be up for sale. The store had been a presence at the mall since 1986. None of the store’s four employees will be let go as a result of the closure, however, but instead will be reassigned a source said. The Bremerton RadioShack is not on the list of stores to be closed. According to RadioShack Corp.’s website, 25 stores on the “potential store closure list” are in Washington state at the following locations: Bellevue, Bonney Lake, Everett, Federal Way, Kennewick, Lacey (two stores), Lynnwood, Olympia, Puyallup (two stores), Renton, Seattle (two stores), Silverdale, Spokane (three stores), TacoSEE RADIOSHACK, A13
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