Briefs

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 29, 2020

COVID BI testing site?

The city of Bainbridge Island is researching the feasibility of a COVID-19 testing site this fall.

Based on feedback from community partners and residents, it is evident that testing is still not widely available unless an individual is symptomatic. There are other reasons why individuals may need to be tested (asymptomatic but had contact with a COVID positive individual, needing a negative test to return to work, required for travel, etc.).

Emergency Management coordinator Anne LeSage is assessing the costs and staffing to operate the site and will present a proposal to the City Council Oct. 13.

BI schools

Bainbridge Island School District leaders plan to give an update and answer questions at an online Zoom meeting Oct. 6 at 5 p.m.

Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen and school board leaders president Lynn Smith and vice president Christina Hulet will provide the update and answer questions. To attend go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87117248155

Tax notices

Kitsap County residential and commercial property taxpayers are receiving property value notifications.

About 95,440 property taxpayers throughout the county are receiving “Change of value” notices. The notices are based on property values as of Jan. 1, 2020 or new construction as of July 31, 2020. The assessor is required by state law to appraise property at 100% of market value. The valuations are used to calculate property tax obligations payable in 2021.

Taxpayers can check their values and characteristics in the “Parcel Details” feature on the Assessor’s website at www.kitsapgov.com/assessor. Sales trends are available on the website, as well as information regarding various property tax exemption programs.

The assessor’s office remains closed to the public; however, staff is available to answer questions. Leave a message at 360-337-7160.

Free movie popcorn

Bainbridge Cinema is giving away free popcorn from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 3-4.

Drinks, candy and snacks will be sold at regular prices.

They are doing this because they’ve missed their customers the past six months.

Bainbridge Cinemas supports the national CinemaSafe campaign where employees are temperature checked and everyone wears a mask There will be social distancing, extra cleaning and hand sanitizer available.

They will also accept any donations for the Save Our Cinema campaign.

Free park day

Washington State Parks invites visitors to enjoy a state park for free on Oct. 10 in recognition of World Mental Health Day.

This is the 10^th of 12 free days in 2020 when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day-use visits to a park. This free day replaces the second of two free days postponed due to COVID-19 related park closures last spring.

Washington State Parks chose World Mental Health Day to acknowledge the deepening mental health crisis worldwide.

The remaining 2020 State Parks free days are: Nov. 11, Veterans Day; and Nov. 27 — Autumn free day.

Lands open back up

Due to improved weather conditions and lower industrial fire precaution levels observed, Rayonier has decided to open some access to its lands, a news release from its headquarters in Poulsbo says.

The general public will be limited only to historic Pope Resources and ORM Timber Funds forestlands in Washington state.

Hunting and recreation enthusiasts, along with other license and permit holders, will be able to use Rayonier lands in all counties statewide.