Agreement reached in Bainbridge vadalism case | Around the Island

Published 5:54 pm Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Agreement reached in vadalism case

Two Bainbridge High School graduates charged with vandalizing police cars in June have entered into Kitsap County’s felony diversion program, according to Chris Casad of the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office.

Casad said Samuel Bice, 18, and Colin Bowman, 18, have been ordered to pay restitution, serve community service and stay on good behavior for one year, as an alternative to facing trial.

Bice and Bowman had each been charged with three counts of felony malicious mischief relating to a June 11 vandalism spree in which eight police cars parked at the Winslow Way station were splashed in paint and five had tires slashed. A vehicle driven by Bainbridge Police Chief Matt Haney was also vandalized at his home.

Since then Bice and Bowman have each paid roughly $9,000 in restitution to help pay for vehicle and parking lot repair, Casad said. Further restitution could be required.

Both have also offered apologies to the department, Bainbridge Deputy Police Chief Mark Duncan said.

As part of the diversion agreement, Bice and Bowman will each complete 100 hours of community service and make frequent reports to an officer.

“It’s a lot like being on parole,” Casad said.

If either is involved with a crime or breaks with the agreement, the felony charges would be brought back before a judge, who would decide the case based on police reports, Casad said.

Casad said the county uses the diversion program in cases involving non-violent crimes and first-time offenders.

– Tad Sooter

‘Big One’ hits BIHM

The Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is shaking things up with their latest exhibit.

The display, entitled “The Big One: Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest,” explains the geological processes that cause Northwest earthquakes; the ways earthquakes are detected and measured; and the hazards they present.

“It provides an in-depth look at the history of earthquakes in Puget Sound area,” museum curator Lorraine Scott said. “It is certainly a topic that is interesting to people.”

The exhibit ties into local history with information on seismic observations made by meteorologist Riley Hoskinson, who lived on the island in the late 1800s. It also touches on the major fault line that runs east to west across the south end of the island.

“People might be interested to know if they live near that major fault line,” Scott said. “People can learn a lot about the natural history of where they are living and how they can be better prepared.”

The traveling exhibit is on loan from the Burke museum. Its opening on Friday was attended by almost 50 people; another 40 people visited the museum over the weekend. The Big One will be on display through the end of December.

“It tells you why and how earthquakes happen in the Northwest,” Bainbridge Island Historical Society executive director Hank Helm said. “It is not a matter of if, but when.”

– Sean Roach

Don’t stress, Just Know

As part of its 2008-2009 Conversation Series, Bainbrige Island’s Just Know Coalition presents “I’m Stressin’ Out Here… – How to reduce stress and anxiety using mindfulness techniques.”

The workshop, to be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at Woodward Middle School, puts a timely focus on mind and body tools that teens, tweens and their families can employ to take the edge off in their daily lives. Gina Biegel, a nationally regarded specialist in stress reduction and teens, will facilitate.

The workshop is free to teens ages 12 to 18. Parents and other adults are welcome, with a $10 suggested donation. Non-perishable food items for Helpline House are also appreciated.

Details and optional pre-registration are at www.justknow.org; also keep an eye out for the annual Just Know Fall Forum, to be held Nov. 22.