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Hey Kitsap County, hope your week’s off to a good start! Public safety overhaul, a “reverse time capsule” shoreline sculpture, ferry wifi pilot, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
What’s next for public safety: Port Orchard police are prioritizing staffing in 2026, with 28 officers and four openings. Chief Matt Brown plans new traffic and proactive units and a website dashboard highlighting crime hotspots — get all the details.
New chapter for city leadership: Bainbridge Island city manager Blair King retired Jan. 30, capping work on Ted Spearman Justice Center and street upgrades. Ellen Schroer is interim as the city picks a recruitment firm — read the full story.
Visualizing tomorrow’s shoreline: Bainbridge Island recently unveiled a “reverse time capsule” at a park, inviting residents to see king tide levels and future sea rise projections from artist Pete Welty and nonprofit EcoAdapt — learn what the sculpture shows.
Safety improvements under consideration: WSDOT will host an open house Wednesday, February 11 at Woodward Middle School to gather feedback on SR 305 and High School Road upgrades, including a possible roundabout — learn how to weigh in.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Maritime connectivity experiment ahead: Washington State Ferries will pilot free Wi-Fi at the Bremerton terminal and on the Chimacum from May to August 2026. The test will gauge feasibility, usage, support needs, and unfunded costs, which could reach $100,000 to $150,000, including connection range checks during sailings. See what’s being tested.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
A detour in wild waters: Local author Nora Nickum of Bainbridge Island celebrates gray whales in her new children’s book Twelve Daring Grays. Focused on the Sounders that pause to feed in the Salish Sea, it is available today in many Whidbey bookstores. Nickum is conservation VP at the Seattle Aquarium. Read about the new book.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Fix it, then play: Whether it’s a snapped string, a sticky key, or a last-minute clarinet crisis, Mainline Music handles repairs, rentals, lessons, and the accessories you need. Friendly, local pros who know their stuff, making it easy to keep the music going this week.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Broth that hugs back: When the gray hits, Thuy’s Vietnamese Cuisine turns it around with deeply comforting pho, bright herbs, and zero-MSG vibes. Expect slurpable broth, tender noodles, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan options… the kind that warm you up without weighing you down.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🌲 Red Pine Park Work Party – Winter 2026 @ Red Pine Park | Tuesday (2/10) at 10:00 AM – Trade your inbox for pruning shears and join the Park District’s horticulture crew and Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation every second Tuesday this winter. Tend the downtown homestead’s historic orchard, edible perennials, and heirloom plantings, and get fresh air, cardio, and neighborly gossip.
🌳 Pop-Up Class: Pruning Fruit Trees @ Bainbridge Gardens, Inc. | Wednesday (2/11) at 1:00 PM – Whether your backyard’s a mini orchard or just a brave pot on the deck, this quick pruning pop-up with Jenni McCain, CPH, will set you straight on cherries, peaches, apples, and pears. Fifteen minutes, real tips, and fruit trees are 25% off this month.
🎨 Pints for Pets: Paint Your Furry Valentine @ Western Red Brewing | Wednesday (2/11) at 5:00 PM – Western Red is serving pints while you paint your furry valentine, support Kitsap Humane Society, and pretend you remember color theory. Beginner friendly, forgiving, and $1 from every pint, cider, or wine goes to the animals. It sold out last year, snag a spot.
This weekend
🎤 Shaun Cassidy @ Admiral Theatre | Saturday (2/14) at 6:00 AM – Channel your inner Hardy Boy, Shaun Cassidy is back on stage with the charm, stories, and singalongs you secretly know by heart. Gather the friends who wore out their 45s, sip something decent, and enjoy a night of unabashed nostalgia that actually holds up.
🐚 Full STEAM Ahead: Sailor Valentines @ Puget Sound Navy Museum | Saturday (2/14) at 10:00 AM – Second Saturday is sailing in with a nautical STEAM craft, Sailor Valentines, a drop-in, all-ages, hands-on session that’s free, and refreshingly self-directed. Bring the kids, borrow their curiosity, and maybe your reading glasses. No on-site parking, just nearby street spots, lots, and garages.
❤ King and Queen of Hearts Gala @ Baymont by Wyndham Bremerton | Sunday (2/15) at 2:00 AM – This Valentine’s Gala turns the Baymont into Bremerton’s own ballroom, with dancing, cocktails, and a crown or two for the King and Queen of Hearts. Dress up, sip something bubbly, and enjoy grown-up romance, no ferry lines required.
🎱 Bingo for Local Nonprofits @ McCloud’s Grill House | Sunday (2/15) at 5:00 PM – Sunday calls for the sacred art of yelling BINGO at McCloud’s, where your dabber habit funds Kitsap nonprofits. Bring the crew, snag prizes, and tuck into proper comfort food, then bask in that rare combo of full belly, good company, and do-gooder glow.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Kitsap County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 49°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 8%
Mostly sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 46 in the afternoon. North wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North northeast wind around 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 49°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 49. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.
This house is wild
Vintage 3-bed, 1 full and 2 half-bath home in quiet West Bremerton features handmade carpentry and manicured landscaping. Water views span Dyes Inlet and the Warren Avenue Bridge. A gas fireplace and wood stove add warmth. The basement includes a workshop and extra room. Walk-in closets, a bonus rec room, main-level laundry, corner transit, and proximity to PSNS and ferries.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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