State Senate candidate
State Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Gig Harbor) of the 26th District announced Dec. 6 that she will be running next year for State Senate in the the same district.
Caldier has served the 26th District, which includes Bremerton and Port Orchard, as a representative since 2014 and was reelected for another term in November. Following Emily Randall’s election to the U.S. Congress, a special election will be held in November 2025 to fill the remainder of her Senate term.
“It has been an honor to serve my neighbors in the state house over the past ten years,” Caldier said in a news release. “I am running for the State Senate to bring balance back to our state.”
Caldier graduated from Central Kitsap High School and received an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Olympic College. At the University of Washington, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology as well as a Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
KPHD reaccredited
The Kitsap Public Health District has achieved reaccreditation from the national Public Health Accreditation Board, which affirms it commitment to quality public health in the county.
The district submitted more than 300 pieces of documentation to demonstrate its competence in more than 50 measures representing all aspects of its public health work. PHAB conducted a two-day site visit before awarding the five year reaccreditation.
KPHD board chair Dr. Tara Sell said, “Kitsap County residents should feel proud that their local public health agency achieves the highest national standards and confident in the agency’s work to ensure quality public health outcomes.”
Litter award
Kitsap County commissioners recognized Clean Kitsap for its work in keeping local roadways clean and litter-free.
The county’s team, supervised by Caitlin Newman of the Public Works Department, removed more than 258,000 pounds of litter and illegally dumped waste from January through September – equivalent to the weight of a Boeing 737. The team and their volunteers covered approximately 2,500 miles of road shoulder, roughly the distance from Seattle to Houston.
What sets the Clean Kitsap team apart is their community engagement approach. Beyond direct cleanup efforts, they coordinate a successful volunteer program and collaborate across departments and jurisdictions to address larger cleanup projects. Their responsive customer service has earned praise from residents, with cleanup requests often addressed within hours. “Without them, Kitsap County wouldn’t be such a beautiful place to live, work, and play,” Newman said.
Skull found
Kitsap County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the discovery of a human skull in the 400 block of Nichols Avenue near Bremerton Dec. 3.
There is no evidence of a crime in connection with the discovery, and there is no threat to the public. The skull is being sent to the University of Washington for examination to help determine its origin. It may have been used for medical or teaching purposes, KCSO says.
Donate via OCFA
Since 1960, One Call for All has been helping local nonprofits raise unrestricted funds at no cost to them.
The effort has grown from collecting $16,000 for a small group of organizations by going door-to-door to raising over $2 million annually for 120 agencies via the Red Envelope Campaign.
Named after the red envelopes that are mailed Bainbridge Island-wide every October, the campaign asks for donations to favorite organizations. 100% of donations go to the organization – OCFA does not charge any fees, said Lisa Timmins, OCFA executive director.
Road work
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 17 through Dec. 19, contractor crews working for the state Department of Transportation will set girders on a new bridge over Sam Snyder Creek, located near Totten Road/Lemolo Shore Drive in Poulsbo.
There will be traffic stops of up to 30 minutes at a time, WSDOT says. Girders will be set at approximately 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
In between girder settings, traffic will be open in both directions. The contractor may take a lane if needed in case of an unforeseen challenge with the work. The work is happening during the daytime for the safety of crews, per WSDOT.
Mayor meeting
Bainbridge Island Mayor Joe Deets is having office hours Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at CUPS Espresso, 123 Bjune Drive SE in Winslow. Everyone is welcome to meet with him to talk about city business.
