Good morning, Kitsap County! In today’s edition: USS Nimitz decommissioning, a chunky blanket workshop, read to a dog, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

End of a naval icon: USS Nimitz is set for decommissioning in May 2026 after returning to Bremerton. HII will handle defueling under a contract modification, with a final voyage to Norfolk ahead — read the full story.

Chunky Beginner & Cable Knitted Blanket Workshop @ Western Red Brewing | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – Make a 40×60 chunky cable knit throw at Western Red, beginner friendly. Brenda takes you from finger knitting to a proper cable stitch, and you pick the color. Small class, sips, and the rare craft you can wrap around yourself before you head home — see the event listing.

Investing to influence fintech: Kitsap Credit Union became the first in Washington to use a new law for equity investments, backing an Oregon AI firm and gaining influence over tools it relies on — read the full story.

Restoring tidal flow: Kitsap County awarded a $9.3 million contract to replace Harper Estuary’s culvert with a bridge. Work will begin June 2026 and finish January 2027, adding pedestrian access and stormwater upgrades — see what’s planned and when.

Burrito fix, solved: Craving something hefty and fun? Taqueros – Taste of Mexico rolls satisfying, no-nonsense burritos, from carnitas and carne asada to the California Hot Cheetos number, plus a make-it-yours salsa bar so you can dial the heat up or down to match your mood.

Tradition carried through generations: Seattle artist Dylan Sanid created a 22-foot totem pole for the McKee family in Port Orchard, guided by his father, David Boxley. The eagle-themed work took nearly a year — explore the symbolism and process.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🌱 Bike Park Planting @ Strawberry Hill Bike Park | Monday (1/12) at 2:00 PM – Rescheduled and ready to dig, Strawberry Hill Bike Park needs 275 native plants and some locals. Join Parks and Parks & Trails Foundation, Rotary-backed, tools provided, bring water, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, rain or shine, unless the wind throws a tantrum.

🍷 Artvana Holiday Paint & Sip @ Crane’s Castle Brewing | Wednesday (1/14) at 6:00 PM – If your seasonal craft skills peak at gift tags, come upgrade them at Artvana’s holiday paint and sip at Cranes Castle, the family-friendly favorite in the heart of Bremerton. Think cozy vibes, guided painting, wine for you, cocoa for the kids, and zero glitter fallout.

🐶 Read to a Dog @ Bainbridge Island | Thursday (1/15) at 3:30 PM – If your kid or grandkid could use a confidence boost, skip the red pen and let them read to a therapy dog at the library. No eye rolls, just wagging tails, patient ears, and that soothing library hush. Low pressure, high cute, actual progress.

🌶 Community Chili Cook-off @ West Sound Academy – The Commons | Thursday (1/15) at 5:30 PM – West Sound Academy’s 2nd annual Chili Cook-off is bubbling with hometown bragging rights, smoky pots, and plenty of taste-testing. Bring a spoon, an appetite, and your spiciest opinions. Want in on the action? Cooks can sign up once registration drops.

🐱 Animal Education Series: Kitten Development and Care @ Poulsbo Parks and Recreation | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – Your crash course in kittenhood, courtesy of the Kitsap Humane Society Foster Team, in Kitsap. Learn to tell a bottle baby from a tiny parkour artist, tackle basic care, and handle orphaned kittens. Great for the foster-curious or the cat-adjacent, and yes, it’s free.

⛄ Snowman Wooden Sled @ Eleven Winery | Friday (1/16) at 5:30 PM – If your winter decor needs an upgrade, paint an 18-inch wooden sled at Eleven Winery, snowman and bird pals included, glass in hand, and no experience required. Pre-registration is a must, reserve by Tuesday, January 13, and yes, they mean it, no credits, no refunds.

💃 Swing, Waltz & More @ Bainbridge Island Rowing | Friday (1/16) at 7:00 PM – Trade your fleece for dancing shoes, and spin through Lindy, waltz, and whatever the DJ throws on. There’s a no-pressure beginner lesson to keep toes out of danger, and it benefits the Bainbridge Rowing scholarship fund. Suggested donation is $20 adults, $10 students.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Kitsap County report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 47°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 80%

Rain after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 6 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 41. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 46°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 88%

Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 46. South southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Most popular house this week

In Agate Point, this 3,040 square foot, 4 bed, 2.5 bath home on 1.55 acres mixes modern and rustic. Vaulted ceilings with wood planks and beams meet picture windows that bathe the main floor in light. The kitchen features white cabinets, quartz counters, stainless appliances, and an oversized five seat island. The main level includes a primary suite and a dedicated office.

Updated in 2021, the home leaves a few projects to personalize. An attached two car garage adds convenience. A quick drive to the Seattle ferry and Bainbridge Island’s celebrated downtown dining, shopping, and coastal charm, it delivers an easy blend of island calm and commuter access.

Take a peek inside →