COVID dominates top stories of 2021
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Top stories of the year
JANUARY
Hackers were a concern on BI as businesses fell victim to fraud as more of them turned to online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The BI ethics board did not find any validity to complaints made against former Councilmember Kol Medina, who left to take a job in Walla Walla.
Sound Publishing, parent company of the Bainbridge Island Review, offered grants to local businesses to help them with advertising during troubling times of COVID.
Rasham Nassar was named new mayor of BI.
Historic rains caused the second sewage spill at Eagle Harbor in a week as the wastewater plant overflowed.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced plans for reopening businesses, under certain restrictions.
The Bainbridge Island School District began a pilot COVID-testing site.
Ridership on state Ferries dropped 40% due to COVID.
Landslides, downed trees on power lines and power outages caused by windy weather, wreaked havoc on BI.
BISD was looking for support for its upcoming Enrichment and Operations Levy, along with its Technology Levy.
BI narrowed its new city manager search to three.
The WIAA announced plans to start its Fall sports season in February, after months of delays due to COVID.
Also, after months of delays due to COVID, the BISD announced it was going to return to in-person learning the following Monday, however, students could still choose to do distance learning from home.
The public was concerned that two roundabouts scheduled to be built that summer would cause traffic woes due to construction.
A survey of the top money-makers among public servants in BI showed former city manager Morgan Smith at the top at $188,600 a year. The deputy city manager was second, city attorney and finance director tied for third and new police chief Joe Clark fifth.
BI’s climate change advisory committee gave tips on how the city can reduce its carbon imprint.
Kids repurpose old materials and turn it into art at a new business in BI.
Swedish announced it would close its primary clinic in the spring.
Bainbridge announced it would re-join the Olympic League for sports this year due to issues caused by COVID, including transportation woes.
The city and BI Parks agreed to work together to improve trails.
Students were physically back in school this week.
BI agrees to hire Blair King of Coronado as its new city manager.
Even funeral homes are becoming environmentally friendly using various techniques to lessen their carbon footprint on the outdoors.
The Sportsmen’s Club in BI was taking steps so people could use the facility safely during COVID.
A local landscaper was being environmentally friendly by using oyster shells.
While many things were shut down or scaled back during COVID, that wasn’t true at Wing Point golf on BI, which saw a record number of rounds played.
A cougar was killing livestock on BI.
FEBRUARY
The Bainbridge Island School District was divided about returning to school or sticking to online learning because of continuing concerns about COVID.
Puget Sound Energy again tried to show BI residents the need for a new “Missing Link” transmission line.
Island Music Guild started a fundraiser to “Save the Music” after months of issues related to COVID restrictions.
Islanders were concerned about having to go elsewhere for the COVID vaccine because enough of it wasn’t available here to meet the demand.
New Councilmember Brenda Fantroy-Johnson said it needs to get to the truth regarding the choice of the former Harrison Medical Center for a police-court facility.
Both BI school levies passed easily.
The Washington Newspapers Publishers Association was concerned that a vote for BI’s new city manager was taken in secret, which would be a violation of the state Open Meetings Act. However, city attorney Joe Levan argued it was a way to rank the candidates, not a final vote, therefore it was legal.
Councilmember Brenda Fantroy-Johnson, on the program “Courageous Conversations,” encouraged people to talk about race to make it more acceptable as an issue that could be openly and honestly discussed.
A public records request filed by the Bainbridge Island Review showed numerous emails sent to the city regarding concerns about a potential police-court facility at the former Harrison Medical Center building.
Businesses in BI were excited about Gov. Jay Inslee’s plan to reopen them in limited capacity as part of Phase 2.
A Kingston man was charged for being part of the riot at the U.S. Capitol the previous month.
BI museums were set to return to business in a limited capacity as part of the governor’s reopening plan.
The legislature was ready to pass a law that would help renters stay in their homes, but hurt landlords financially.
New city manager Blair King said it was his job to help the council work together.
David Kotz of BI is unique in that he does it all – from cutting down the trees to making his own finished wood furniture.
Bainbridge Performing Arts planned a remodel that will connect it better to the Town Square.
BI looked into providing hazard pay for frontline grocery workers.
MARCH
The BI Planning Commission, at least some of the members, were at odds with the city’s Design Standards Review Board regarding the proposed Wintergreen Townhomes project. Some said you “can’t have all the whistles and bells” if you want to have affordable housing because it would not make sense for developers.
BI police chief Joe Clark was worried some drug addicts would no longer receive the help they need because of law enforcement’s decision to stop arresting people for possession of drugs.
BI decided to put welcoming signs around town that emphasize “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”
An ultramarathon around BI isn’t about speed, but about strategy, race director Chris Heiden said.
A theater was part of new facilities set to open at Bainbridge High School.
After honoring health care workers for a year by ringing a church bell downtown at the same time every day, David Beemer decided to stop that on the one-year anniversary.
The Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network finally reopened after COVID closures.
Three Bainbridge High School students on the junior varsity volleyball team died in a car crash after one of the matches.
The idea of putting bike trails at a BI park brought a mountain-sized debate to town as enthusiasts battled environmentalists.
Experts in mental health share concepts in dealing with tragedy at BHS.
The family of one of the girls who died in the car crash started a scholarship as a memorial to their daughter.
A graduate of Bainbridge published a wedding guide on what to do during COVID.
BI looked into banning hotels downtown temporarily.
After a lengthy time off due to COVID, the BI saddle club was back in action again.
A BI business matched birth moms with adoptive parents online in a fashion similar to online dating.
APRIL
Looking ahead to Fall, the Bainbridge school district already was planning to return to in-person instruction.
Neighbors were concerned a proposed 82-unit apartment complex at Madison Avenue and Wyatt Way would be a detriment to their public park.
The police-court facility was put on hold until new city manager Blair King could review the entirety of the project.
Virtual visits to the doctor have become more common under COVID and are likely to continue afterward due to its many conveniences.
Clarence Moriwaki, president of the BI Japanese American community, compared internment during World War II to their recent mistreatment across the nation.
Meetings were taking place to discuss the future of Island Center.
A development moratorium ended on BI.
All residents age 16 and older became eligible for COVID vaccines.
The BI council denied the new Winslow Hotel amid concerns over its process.
Some businesses in BI actually were able to thrive during COVID because of changes they made to fit the situation.
It took a team effort to fight COVID on BI, with various groups working together on huge vaccination events.
Memorials were set for the girls who died in the accident last month.
The idea of a boardwalk on Eagle Harbor was discussed at a BI council meeting.
The hearing examiner validated an ethics complaint about former councilmember Kol Medina.
BI environmentalists Olaf Ribeiro and Charles Schmid were honored with their own days by the City Council.
Mayor Rasham Nassar’s fascinating background explains why she’s so passionate about so many issues Bainbridge Islanders care about.
BI council members were set to receive huge raises as it had been so long since that had happened, and the time needed to do the job had increased so much.
BI finally made some headway in working on a Housing Action Plan.
Goats were being used as an environmentally sensitive way to clear land for the Sakai Trail extension.
A local woman with cancer chooses death with dignity.
MAY
BI’s Design Review Board loves the remodeling plan of Bainbridge Performing Arts facility.
BI schools OK new race, equity policy.
BI’s online Ethics Board meeting heats up over race.
Mountain bike enthusiasts cut back their request for trails at a BI park, but opposition still is strong.
BI looks at property tax relief for developers interested in affordable housing.
Lights were proposed for soccer fields, but neighbors were against them, even though they would be directional and minimize sky pollution.
A $1 million donation solved the mountain bike trail issue. It would no longer be at a nature park, but next to Strawberry Hill Park, which contains numerous recreational facilities, such as a skate park, dog park, tennis court, ballfields, etc. The bike trail would be located next door, thanks to a 10-acre land donation.
Moving to Phase 3 in Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan meant facilities like a climbing business on BI could again have customers.
New city manager Blair King made his mark at his first City Council meeting, helping to move the event along. It was much shorter than previous meetings had been as a result.
Despite improved COVID numbers and fewer government restrictions, Bainbridge Rotary decided on keeping its auction virtual for a second-straight year. PAWS did the same thing.
During filing period Mayor Rasham Nassar picked up a challenger, as did Councilmember Joe Deets, while four filed for an open seat to be vacated by Councilmember Christy Carr.
The BI City Council had a major discussion on if too much money is spent on policing here, and not enough on social services. It was a discussion taking place across the country during a defund police movement.
Bainbridge schools superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen reflected on challenges of COVID and his hope for a return to normalcy.
BI awarded grants to 40 businesses to help them recover from COVID.
BI dogs were being used in a study to try to sniff out COVID.
Retro records and books were a hit at Backstreet Beat in BI.
JUNE
The Bainbridge schools superintendent called on the community to change its “culture of nope” to an “island of hope” to encourage more optimism during COVID.
Islanders celebrated Scotch Broom in a fun way with a parade.
Finally, the Kids Museum reopened following a long closure due to COVID.
Bainbridge school district wanted to keep athletics in the Olympic League next year to save on transportation costs and also to remain more competitive.
Some members of the Ethics Board wanted to keep their process more secretive.
BI looked at improving its wastewater treatment plant and charging a lodging tax.
BI Parks looked into buying the Bainbridge Athletic Center.
The BI City Council decided to make moves to ban straws and other plastic items that hurt the environment, prior to the state mandating it.
Major improvements were made at the KidsUp! playground.
Winners of the public art contest were announced in BI.
Work began on Eagle Harbor Drive’s new biking and walking paths.
BI ponders what to do with $7 million it receives in federal funding for COVID recovery.
The Class of 2021 graduates in person, but with many limitations due to COVID.
More details came out about buying the BAC. The price was much lower than a new facility at Sakai Park would have been. Some community members were upset anyway because the location is farther from town.
A minority report came out about Island Center, saying city government was too controlling in the process so it was not accurate of what the residents there wanted.
BI businesses convinced city government to scale back its plastics law some for the time being.
Bainbridge Community Foundation handed out $420,000 to local nonprofits to help them recover after COVID.
BI Parks votes to buy the BAC for $13 million.
BARN volunteers build tiny houses to help the homeless.
Molly McCabe of BI won a statewide Excellence in Remodeling Award from the Business Industry Association of Washington.
BHS was allowed to stay in Olympic League as principals overrule the schools’ athletic directors in voting.
BI Public Art Committee Something New program picked a duo who sculpts as its winner again.
JULY
Even in areas where they were legal, few people set off fireworks on the 4th of July due to dry conditions.
Islanders tried to keep cool during an extreme heatwave.
BI Planning Commission continued to discuss definition of Landmark Trees.
Barbecue grill started two-alarm house fire in BI.
BI’s Koura Trail finally opened to the public.
BI resident drew upon caregiving experience to write Alzheimer’s guide.
Despite early concerns, BISD COVID numbers were minimal
How does BI spell relief? Businesses open at 100% capacity.
BI Council discussed the affordable housing crisis.
Developer pushed for 31 unit affordable housing project near Walgreens.
BI Little League Majors capture district championship.
City manager was a victim of racism.
Heatwave kills 4 in Kitsap County.
County sought input on plan for aging and long-term care.
Kitsap considers tax for affordable housing.
2 take on mayor for council spot.
City’s purchase of BAC working out so far.
3 candidates challenge incumbent Deets for BI council seat.
‘Reflection’ sculpture bought by BI for $11,500.
BI guide helps Poulsbo climber propose on Mount Everest.
BPA gets $1.6 million for remodel.
Island Center density was a key issue for BI commission.
Commissioners urge BI council to protect houses from fire.
Uber-like app now available for BI Ride.
Neighbors battle over access road near Wilkes Elementary.
Local author publishes a book about assistance dogs.
BI council looks at PSE transmission line proposal.
State reaches 70% vaccination goal.
Ethics allegations made against 2 on BI council.
Efforts to stop BAC sale upset owner.
A BHS graduate was instrumental in the successful launch of Blue Origin New Shepard rocket.
Plug your ears, ferry walkway construction is going to be noisy.
AUGUST
Moriwaki, Deets and parks winning as mayor trails in primary election.
COVID, housing and budget discussed at BI school meeting.
Shoreline owners finally get chance to discuss management plan.
BI parks presents facts on BAC.
Almost 400 people registered for a pickleball tournament.
Neighbors objected to house planned near wetlands.
Use of force law concerns police departments.
Dinah Manoff, retired actress turned novelist, releases first book.
BAC’s name changed to the BI Recreation Center.
Drive-in, walk-in movies will run through August.
Island resident claims that the BI City Council was ill-informed about a neighborhood dispute over an access road near Wilkes Elementary.
‘Hunting Bigfoot’ movie premiers at Lynwood theater.
City Council voted ‘no’ on affordable housing, but allowed Madison Sidewalk Project to expand.
Many uneasy as BI schools start up.
BI Council decides not to disband Ethics Committee.
New ‘resimercial ’ consignment store opens in Winslow.
Final election results; Peltier edges Mandlekorm to win by 26 votes.
PSE explains issues with underground transmission lines.
Masks no longer required for outdoor sports this fall.
Kitsap expert urges community to wear masks in public indoors.
Inslee said get shots or lose job.
$7 million? ‘Wish we had $70 million’ to help deal with COVID, BI council members say.
Insurance experts warn consumers to be careful dealing with long-term care mandate.
City offers driving instructions on how to negotiate a roundabout.
Summer camp gives kids something to cheer about.
Athletes began prepping for school sports with COVID guidelines in place.
Make it yourself in the BARN.
SEPTEMBER
COVID cases climbed higher than ever.
BI students returned to in-person classes.
BHS water polo parents were faced with paying higher participation fees for club sport.
BISD school board approved a $59.6 million spending budget.
Mental health was a bigger concern than ever as schools started the new year.
BI parks officially opened the Public Recreation Center in BI.
BI activist helped women musicians out of Afghanistan.
Offering online classes and services during the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for Winslow Art Center.
Attorney spoke out about the many years of lip service BI has given to affordable housing.
A new south entrance trail to Gazzam Lake Preserve was completed by the park’s department’s Summer Trails Crew.
A BI doctor and nurse practitioner wrote a report objecting to the waste of the Pfizer vaccine, which could have been used to help many in developing countries.
The Sustainable Transportation Committee realized that dollars would go further if BI transportation projects were bundled.
BI School District saw student enrollment increase from last year.
Eight national champs came from the BI Pacific Fusion Premier Martial Arts team, which won 27 titles at the Taekwondo National Championships in Las Vegas.
BI delayed a decision on expanding the Madison Avenue Sidewalk Project.
BI mayor said video put together by city staff on police-court facility was ‘propaganda.’
COVID deaths were as high as ever in Kitsap County.
OCTOBER
Chris Smith challenged Brenda Fantroy-Johnson for BI council.
The BI Special Needs Foundation reopened Stephens House to help those with special needs.
Kitsap youths were hit hard by the Delta variant.
A shortage of Washington State Ferries crew led to numerous sailing cancellations.
Bainbridge Community Foundation Report showed BI vulnerabilities.
Washington State Redistricting Commission proposed legislative changes.
Tom Goodling and David Maron ran for position on BI parks board.
BI needed more information on PSE’s ‘Missing Link’.
BI council election heated up at debates and the biggest division was on the police station-courthouse issue.
2 newcomers, Jon Quitslund and Kent Scott, faced off for the South Ward council seat.
BI Planning and Community Development director Heather Wright left BI to fill a similar job in Poulsbo.
A $500 incentive was approved for Kitsap County employees who are fully vaccinated by the end of the year.
2 candidates faced off for BI fire commission post.
Neighbors made peace over access road.
BI Review and North Kitsap Herald won 22 WNPA awards.
BI schools were better off with COVID than others in Kitsap.
City Council prioritized safety over environmental values for the nonmotorized transportation plan for Eagle Harbor Drive.
WSF cut BI and Kingston service to one boat each due to staff shortages.
League of Women Voters debate featured rapid-fire answers.
BI city staff and community stakeholders drafted an ordinance on plastic and waste reduction.
The Fall Concert Series returned to the Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village.
BI Parks discussed ideas for major remodel of Strawberry Hill Park.
BHS band won the High Percussion Award for Division A schools at the Puget Sound Festival of Bands.
BI City Council and planning commission discussed an affordable housing project proposed by Bethany Lutheran Church.
The nonprofit Puget Sound Restoration began offering memberships to the Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm on BI to encourage community oyster farming.
Kitsap County’s Proposition 2 was on the ballot to improve 911 dispatch services.
The Sakai Trail work was completed for the Nov. 3 grand opening.
Halloween events took place around the island.
NOVEMBER
Parents criticized BI school district’s outdoor-mask policy.
BI elected new council members.
COVID rates begin to drop in Kitsap County.
BI Review begins mailing newspapers to readers to ensure timely and reliable service.
Fort Ward Stables renovation project clears hurdle toward completion of two-phase project for an educational facility, an architectural school and office space.
COVID rates continue to drop in Kitsap County.
Kids ages 5 to 11 are cleared for COVID vaccines.
COVID Pfizer pediatric vaccines were given at the Commodore Options school.
A man tried to steal an ATM at Fletcher Bay Mart.
BI Review reporter Mark Krulish ends four years covering sports in Kitsap County.
REAC complained about a lack of respect from the City Council regarding equity concerns.
BI celebrated the first anniversary of its Climate Action Plan.
A BHS grad and creator of a free app for college financing received a $980K grant from Bill Gates.
Bainbridge Community Foundation honored Bainbridge Community Pharmacy, Bainbridge Prepares, the city, BI Fire Department, Rotary Club of BI Senior Community Center and Island Volunteer Caregivers for vaccinating 82% of BI residents ages 12 and older, which was the highest rate in Kitsap County.
The Sakai Connector Trail officially opened to the public Nov. 4.
BARN volunteers helped a Poulsbo Middle School student make 1,000 cranes to complete his Eagle Scout project.
Four new startups braved COVID and opened for business in Winslow.
The BI City Council adopted a law to further reduce plastic waste from foodservice and lodging businesses.
The BI school district stopped requiring students in grades 7-12 to wear COVID protection masks outdoors.
Blakely Elementary School won an award for learning environment design.
BI couple gives $1 million for Kitsap Humane Society’s veterinary center.
Holiday events returned after COVID restrictions began to ease.
BI Metro Parks agrees to build the Lost Valley Trail, which will connect Winslow and Gazzam Lake Park.
Lynwood Theatre held a special screening of “A Match Made at Christmas,” a locally made rom-com featuring BI actress Shannon Dowling.
BI repaired the sliding slope at NE Yeomalt Drive.
DECEMBER
BI doesn’t just lack affordable housing, all housing inventory is low.
BI celebrates annual Tree Lighting event at Winslow Green.
Thanksgiving weekend shopping on the island was more like usual this year.
Scouting out Christmas trees on BI? They’re shorter this year.
Despite COVID, school district begins getting back to its traditions.
Bainbridge Performing Arts closed out 2021 with music and comedy at a new venue — Bainbridge Cinemas – while their old one is remodeled.
The 38th Annual Winter Studio Tour returned with 40 juried artists selling hand-crafted art at six local studios and community halls.
Kitsap County group opposes BI police expansion to Harrison Medical Center.
PSE picks the ‘Missing Link’ route line that will run from Murden Cove to Winslow.
KPHD urges public not to transmit COVID this holiday season.
BI resident carries on tradition of setting up holiday lighting display on Ferncliff Avenue for more than 50 years.
Parking continues to be a major concern for the Wintergreen Townhomes affordable housing project as hearing examiner reviewed documents and testimony before making a decision.
First Sundays Concerts returned for 17th season with eight in-person performances by classical and jazz artists at Waterfront Community Center.
BI considers increasing development fees that haven’t been raised in 15 years.
BI teacher was charged with vehicular assault following an accident that sent a Poulsbo man to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
The Kitsap Sports Hall of Fame inductees included 2001 Little League team from Bainbridge Island that advanced all the way to the World Series.
Jewish community celebrated Hanukkah on Bainbridge Island.
BI Operations and Maintenance team gears up for cold weather.
Kitsap County approves $7M for mental health programs.
Snow was the big news to end of the year as several inches fell, causing problems on the roads despite plowing and de-icing efforts by the city and county.
