INDEPENDENT PORT ORCHARD
125 YEA
RS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 ✮ VOL. 124, NO. 33 ✮ WWW.PORTORCHARDINDEPENDENT.COM ✮ 50¢
Video, social media helps nab Pavilion vandalism suspects By BOB SMITH
rsmith@portorchardindependent.com
Two male suspects from Port Orchard have been charged with felony malicious mischief following their vandalism spree at the Port Orchard Pavilion Sept. 5. The two men, both in their early 20s, were arrested after a surveillance video showing them destroying outdoor tables and displays outside the pavilion was posted on social media, including Facebook. Pavilion manager Joni Sonneman told Port Orchard Police she posted the video online and later received a tip about the identity of one of the suspects. Police officers took that information and tracked the suspect at the Marina,
THROUGH THE TUNNEL OF HOPE
where he was arrested for vandalism. Detective Jason Glantz said the suspect also was wanted on a warrant for criminal trespass. Glantz said the suspect, who appeared in the video with a rat-tail hair cut, was without it when he was arrested. Later in the day, the second suspect, after seeing himself online, had his mother drive him to the police department, where he turned himself in to authorities. He was booked on felony vandalism. Thanks to social media, Glantz said, “it was pretty much wrapped up quickly. It was kind of nice.” The men were formally charged in Kitsap County Superior Court Sept. 8.
Port Orchard lets loose on its 125th birthday Opening ceremony speakers share fond memories of the city, South Kitsap By BOB SMITH
rsmith@portorchardindependent.com
Bob Smith / Independent
South Colby Elementary teachers Katie Amillion and Steve Kaio-Maddox join the Tunnel of Hope welcome line to high-five students on their first day of school Sept. 9. Story and photos on A3.
Changes abound within SKSD Students will see plenty of differences as school opens By CHRIS CHANCELLOR
cchancellor@soundpublishing.com
past, we had to protect that surface.” Two SKSD elementary schools, Hidden Creek and Mullenix Ridge, had leaky tile shingles replaced, while a third elementary, BurleyGlenwood, underwent a roof restoration. “I don’t know how many students will notice that, but staff will because we won’t have buckets all over the classrooms,” Reid said with a laugh. Reid also said more than 80 classrooms throughout the district had carpet replaced. “We really want to thank the voters on the recent levy, which enabled us to do the roofs and the carpeting,” she
A8
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SCHOOL, SEE A2
Kitsap Week. INSIDE
Obituaries
Change. That word encapsulates superintendent Michelle Reid’s tenure in the South Kitsap School District and again applies as students return to class this week. Students will encounter adjustments that are cosmetic and related to curriculum — or both. Perhaps none will be more noticeable than the new artificial football surface at
Kitsap Bank Stadium. Tom O’Brien, SKSD’s director of Facilities and Operations, said The Matrix synthetic turf system being installed provides “excellent footing, traction and shock absorption.” He also said the new field will be made up of an organic composition from environmentally friendly, chemical-free materials, including cork and coconut fibers. And the South Kitsap High School football team, which opened its season Sept. 4 against Central Kitsap, and boys and girls soccer teams won’t be the only beneficiaries. “Physical education classes will actually be able to use the field this year for the first time,” Reid said. “In the
Wolves win football opener. A14
Inserts: Fred Meyer, RiteAid, Office Depot, Best Buy, Staples, Wal-Mart, Valassis
125TH, SEE A2
The ultimate sacrifice. A4
Printed with recycled paper and environmentally friendly soybean oil-based ink.
The old lady wasn’t feeling her age last weekend, that’s for sure. From sunrise to sunset, Port Orchard was kicking back her heels as she celebrated her 125th anniversary Sept. 5 with events that carried on at the Waterfront and along Bay Street. Thousands of residents — and plenty of outsiders — took in the sounds, sights and tastes of Kitsap County’s seat of government. Many of the elected officials who conduct government business were seated in front of City Hall’s east entrance during opening ceremonies Saturday morning. Representatives from the 26th state legislative district were especially heartfelt in their comments about Port Orchard: “I have my second generation of family here — my children went to school here and now all of my grandchildren living in Port Orchard are attending elementary, junior high and South Kitsap High School this year,” said State Sen. Jan Angel. “That’s what makes community to me in Port Orchard. I am honored to serve as their senator.” State Rep. Michelle Caldier recalled that her area roots run deep here; her great-grandfather was the first postmaster of Kitsap County. “Here, we care about our families and others’ families,” she said.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Te neigh ed to both Coun strain Sh strain after Aug.