|
Rise and shine, Kitsap County!
Before we get into today’s email… I’m excited to share that we quietly launched BaseLocal Business last week, and 400+ businesses have already signed up 🥹 If you own or manage a local business and want to see what the platform’s all about, you can sign up for free in less than five minutes (if you haven’t already).
We launched the platform to make it easier for the community to connect with local businesses in a meaningful way that benefits everyone… and so far it’s going great.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here and helping us make this newsletter better every day.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
A turning point for carriers: USS Nimitz has returned to Bremerton, marking the end of its service. Set for decommissioning as Ford-class carriers take over, with USS John F. Kennedy delayed until 2027, raising concerns — see what’s next for carriers.
Honoring a local visionary: Port Orchard dedicated its Utilities Shop to businessman and developer Warren “Red” Lumsden, honoring his contributions. Mayor Robert Putaansuu dedicated the building at the former RV & Associates site — learn about his legacy.
Citywide policy shifts ahead: Bainbridge Island’s 2026 rules are rolling out, including new ADU plans, Winslow affordable housing standards, updated records practices, and changes for restaurants, such as ending the 25-cent disposable cup fee — see what’s changing in 2026.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its 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.
*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:
|
🫶 We got your back
Public art meets rising seas: A new reverse time capsule at Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island marks sea level changes, with a base at today’s king tide height, a granite bench at projected midcentury levels, and a basalt column. Created by EcoAdapt with community partners. A celebration will take place Jan. 21. Read the full story.
Fresh lash fix: If your mascara’s working overtime, Beauty in the Blink does classic, hybrid, and volume sets with precise detail that keeps mornings easy and selfies kind. Locally owned in Bremerton with 12+ years of experience, expect soft, flattering lashes so your coffee can be the only drama.
Heads up, locals: Whether you’re replacing a rain-beaten cap or leaning into beanie season, Millstream Bainbridge Island stocks Bainbridge-branded lids, cozy knits, and outdoorsy styles, easy to grab before the ferry or after coffee. A low-key fix for bad hair days and spontaneous hikes.
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).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
|
📆 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.
🤝 Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service 2026 @ Blakely Harbor Park | Monday (1/19) at 10:00 AM – Give MLK Day some elbow grease at Blakely Harbor Park, once the site of the world’s largest mill. Plant natives, mulch young plants, evict ivy and blackberry. Tools, guidance, and hot drinks provided, and you can quit pretending your gym membership is getting used.
🏡 Build your own Faerie, Gnome, or Hobbit House @ Locker61 | Tuesday (1/20) at 5:30 PM – Whether your recycling bin is overflowing or your inner hobbit needs real estate, this two-part workshop at Locker61 has you building a faerie, gnome, or hobbit house from everyday stuff, guided by artist Diane Johnson-Kithcart. Two sessions, both required, with glue, twigs, and bragging rights.
🎨 Artvana Kids & Family Sip & Paint @ Crane’s Castle Brewing | Wednesday (1/21) at 6:00 PM – Round up the kids and your questionable art skills, then head to Cranes Castle in Bremerton for a family-friendly sip and paint. You sip, they slurp juice, everyone makes a masterpiece-ish, and nobody judges. Artvana brings easygoing guidance, supplies, and the fun.
🍷 Ambassador Vineyard Wine Dinner @ Crabtree Kitchen + Bar | Thursday (1/22) at 5:30 PM – Trade your usual weeknight pour for a five-course wine dinner where Allison and Darci walk you through Ambassador’s estate wines, Washington style. Thoughtful pairings, seasonal dishes, and just enough insight to impress your friends, not bore your palate. Come hungry, leave smug.
🐱 Cats & Mats Kitty Yoga @ Ziggy’s Cat Lounge | Friday (1/23) at 5:30 PM – Your downward dog is about to meet its match at Kitty Yoga, back after a hiatus with only 13 tickets left. Bring a mat, or grab one of the few extras, first come, first served, and expect gentle stretches, purring distractions, and smug feline supervision.
🍲 Chili and Soup Cookoff @ First Christian Church of Port Orchard | Friday (1/23) at 5:30 PM – If your winter needs a little kick, the annual Chili and Soup Cookoff is bringing the heat at Sidney Commons. Enter your best pot for prizes and bragging rights, or just taste for free, cheer on the locals, and compare spice tolerance, dignity intact.
🎵 Ordinary Days @ Enoch City Arts | Friday (1/23) at 7:30 PM – Ordinary Days is serving up an honest, funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps, which explains a lot. Follow four young New Yorkers as moments add up, coffee meets chaos, and the soundtrack is all heart, humor, and missed connections.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Kitsap County report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 50, with temperatures falling to around 46 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind around 2 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. North northeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. North northeast wind around 3 mph.
This house is wild
On a fully fenced and gated 0.81 acre lot, this steel built retreat pairs serious privacy with quick access to downtown Silverdale, St. Michael Medical Center, local military bases, and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The main home delivers nearly 1,800 square feet of durable steel construction, designed for strength, efficiency, and low maintenance. All appliances and TVs stay, so the setup feels effortless from day one.
A detached 24×36 shop is underway and planned for finished living space, suited to a workshop, hobby studio, or potential ADU. Building materials and tools convey, turning momentum into opportunity. Privacy, convenience, and future potential show up in equal measure.
Take a peek inside →
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
