Local part of Trident protest

Peace activists, including Rev. Gilberto Perez of Bainbridge Island, blocked the entrance to the Trident

nuclear submarine base at Bangor in the 75th remembrance of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings Aug. 10.

Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo news release says 25 protestors in all participated.

PSE providing aid for customers

As a provider for an essential service, Puget Sound Energy is providing relief for its customers and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since April, PSE’s Crisis Affected Customer Assistance Program (CACAP) has been able to assist more than 10,000 customers with the distribution of $6 million in energy credits, according to a news release.

CACAP provides bill payment assistance to customers who after March 1 have lost their job, had their hours decreased, or are unable to work due to COVID-19. Customers may receive up to $1,000 credit on their energy bill. PSE will continue to accept new applications through September 1 for the remaining $5 million available of the $11 million funds.

In addition to CACAP, the PSE HELP program also provides bill assistance to income-eligible customers, the release states. There is still over $8.7 million available and customers can qualify for both CACAP and PSE HELP if they meet the requirements.

“This has been a challenging time for our customers and our communities, and we are looking at all the ways we can help,” said PSE Vice President of Customer Operations and Communications Andy Wappler. “Our hope is that through these programs, our customers will find financial relief without worrying about their electricity, heat or hot water.”

Outside of funding programs, PSE is working with customers on changing bill due dates, setting up payment plans and waiving late fees. Learn more at www.pse.com/covidhelp.

Forensic hired in Kitsap County

Dr. Lindsey Harle has started work as Kitsap County’s first staff forensic pathologist in the coroner’s office.

Harle comes from Pan Pacific Pathologists in Hawaii. She attended medical school in Galveston, Texas, and completed her pathology residency at the University of Hawaii. She completed her Forensic Pathology Fellowship training at the Denver Medical Examiner’s Office. She and her family have relocated to Poulsbo from Hilo, Hawaii.

The addition improves determining cause and manner of death and also assisting other departments with expert advice and testimony, a news release says.

Coroner Jeff Wallis noted this is a key step in converting the Coroner’s Office from being elected to a professionally qualified medical examiner.

Helpline House helps students

Students in need will get a bundle of support Aug. 17-28 through school supplies from Helpline House.

The program equips students with new markers, pencils, copy paper and kid-sized face-coverings for home or hybrid learning.

Parents or guardians of local students may pick up a Tools for School bag curbside at Helpline House.

“This new program offers a few basic supplies with the added comfort of community support as students in need start their first day of school during these trying times,” volunteer and program manager Ellen Murphy said.

No appointment or paperwork is required.

Since the sudden closure of schools last March, the Kids’ Pantry bags of kid-friendly foods went from school break distribution to weekly curbside pickup to meet the needs of more than 300 children, some households needing assistance for the first time. Helpline House’s COVID-19 response modified the Food Bank’s grocery store style model to the curbside distribution of canned and fresh foods.

Any community member is welcome; no registration is required, noon to 4 p.m., weekdays, except Wednesdays.

Prepacked food bank grocery delivery is available by our partners, call Island Volunteer Caregivers at 206-842-4441. Remote Social Services work continues to provide financial assistance for students in need of education-related registration, graduation and enrichment program fees. Call 206-842-7621 or email helpline@helplinehouse.org with any questions or schedule a free phone or video conference with a case manager.

Helpline House’s annual Project Backpack is still in the works as everyone waits to see what the school year brings; stay tuned through HelplineHouse.org.

$5K scholarships for local man

Alec Stauffer of Bainbridge Island was granted $5,000 in scholarships from the California Water Service Group 2020 Scholarship Program.

This seventh-annual program has announced it is granting 12 scholarships to students living in Cal Water’s service areas, including Washington, for a total of $80,000, intended for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Stauffer plans to study kinesiology and psychology at the University of Wyoming.