INDEPENDENT PORT ORCHARD
125 YEA
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 ✮ VOL. 124, NO. 34 ✮ WWW.PORTORCHARDINDEPENDENT.COM ✮ 50¢
WAITING FOR EXPANDED SKATEPARK
Cheaper housing, better lifestyle Explosive housing costs in Seattle is sparking interest in Kitsap County’s real-estate market By BOB SMITH
rsmith@portorchardindependent.com
Are South Kitsap and Port Orchard on the cusp of becoming a viable alternative for King County residents being priced out of their housing market? According to Mike Eliason, executive director of the Kitsap County Association of Realtors, the county already is an option. In fact, he says, a “huge percentage” of Kitsap residents now commute into Seattle. And, he expects that trend to grow. With middle-income families in Seattle and King County scrambling to buy from a diminishing number of available homes, often competing for properties that get
multiple offers, buyers have begun to take a look at Kitsap County as a potential nesting place. “It’s a growing trend,” Eliason said. “And you can understand why. There was one instance where a house in King County had 32 written offers. It’s just unreal. With the price appreciation in King County, you get to that elasticity where a certain percentage of home buyers either can’t afford to buy or realize they can get more for their money by moving into neighboring areas.” After exhausting their search in King County, many buyers start looking HOMES, SEE A4
Fire up the barbecue Bob Smith / Independent
South Kitsap Skate Park ready for expansion Hudson Feher of Port Orchard (above) rolls along the pathways of the skatepark at South Kitsap Regional Park. Feher, a 13-year skateboarding veteran, says he’s looking forward to the start of construction at the end of this year to expand the skatepark. The two-year-old facility’s phase 2 work will add more ramps and sections of steps to the popular skatepark. The $700,000 project will take place during the park’s off-season period.
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Hog Fest debuts Sunday at Waterfront
I
f you’re of the swine variety, your best bet is to head out of town about now. But if you’re a fan of barbecued ribs, pulled pork or brisket, start squealing and head to the Port Orchard Waterfront Sunday, Sept. 20. The city’s inaugural barbecue competition, Hog Fest 2015, will debut beginning at 10 a.m. The event is sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association and will feature professional and amateur teams of the region’s best meat preparers. Clancy Donlin, the event’s organizer, said the pros will feature delectables made from four different meats: pork butt or shoulder for pulled pork dishes, brisket beef, chicken thighs with the bone left in, and St. Louis-style spare ribs. Kitsap Weekly’s cover story on Hog Fest covers all the details.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Kitsap Week.
Wolves crosscountry team preview. A14
Cody Wright from Milford, Utah, got a mo Saddle Bronc Riding competition Wednesd
Inside
A Section Editorial Robert Meadows Scene & Heard Sports Legal Notices Mary Colborn Obituaries
Does every kid deserve a trophy? A7
A4 A4 A5 A6 A7 A7 A8
Inserts: Fred Meyer, RiteAid, Office Depot, Best Buy, Staples, Wal-Mart, Valassis Printed with recycled paper and environmentally friendly soybean oil-based ink.