Trio arrested in bomb scare
Three Bainbridge girls were arrested Thursday for making a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of students and staff at Woodward Middle School.
The threat came on the heels of a similar incident last week at Bainbridge High School that canceled class there. No explosives were found at either school.
“We certainly regret the inconvenience this incident caused,” said Woodward Principal Mary Alice O’Neill, in a letter to parents. “But please take this opportunity to have a discussion with your child to be sure they understand that making a bomb threat, even in jest, can be a criminal offense.”
– Chad Schuster
Pleasant Beach home burns
The flames were visible from Point White, but residents of a Pleasant Beach Drive home weren’t the first to know their roof was on fire Tuesday night.
They escaped harm, but their 3,500-square-foot home was destroyed after the thermostat for an electric heater caught fire in an upstairs office.
Bainbridge firefighters arrived at the home around 8 p.m. after receiving several calls from Point White residents who saw something ablaze at Pleasant Beach.
Tyrrell said two residents were inside when the fire began, but weren’t the first to call the fire department.
In all, 40 firefighters, including some from Poulsbo, battled the blaze into the early hours Wednesday.
One firefighter was taken to Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton and later released. No one else was injured.
Residents were taken in by neighbors, many of whom gathered to offer help and support.
– Chad Schuster
Council OKs budget, finally
What’s true with birthday cards is true with city budgets. They’re both better late than never.
The City Council passed the full $48.8 million budget Wednesday evening, capping over four months of deliberations, additions, deletions and veto threats.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a budget,” said City Administrator Mary Jo Briggs immediately after the council unanimously approved 2007’s financial plan.
The meeting was sparsely attended, with the mayor and two councilors absent, but the three audience members in the gallery contributed to the round of applause.
“We made it,” Councilman Bill Knobloch added.
The council had planned to pass the budget in December, but conflicting visions between the council and executive department – and within the council itself – delayed the process.
While officials were relieved at the budget’s culmination, at least one is getting no rest.
“I’m literally sitting down right now and starting on the next one,” Finance Director Elray Konkel said on Thursday.
– Tristan Baurick
Land Trust close to deal
An island family has offered a $100,000 challenge grant to the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the Kallgren neighborhood.
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, will donate $100,000 towards the purchase of the 5-acre Olson parcel, if the Bainbridge community can raise the additional $125,000 needed to complete the purchase.
The Land Trust holds an option agreement to purchase the property for $375,000, $105,000 less than the appraised value. The option expires on March 31.
“We have only eight weeks to complete this purchase,” said Ken Bennett, Bainbridge Island Land Trust board president. “This property is an important piece of the island-wide trail network and will provide green space in the north end of the island where it is scarce. It’s a great benefit to the entire Island”
The 5-acre parcel abuts the Ted Olson Nature Preserve, a 10-acre park on North Madison Avenue. Also known as the Olson Property, the 5-acre piece is owned by Ted Olson’s nieces and other relatives.
The addition of the Olson Property would provide trail access from North Madison through to Kallgren Road. The route is popular with walkers and bicyclists as well as children attending Wilkes School.
When the purchase is completed, the area will be the largest local park east of SR-305.
Contributions can be made by calling BILT at 842-1216.
