Fireworks complaints
Even though fireworks can be a nuisance and are illegal in parts of Kitsap County, some law enforcement agencies will not be responding to complaints that pose no imminent threat to life or property.
Do not dial 9-1-1 unless it’s a true emergency, such as: someone is injured or a fire is started by fireworks or if someone is assaulting someone with a firework, or attempting to start a fire with one.
On Bainbridge Island, call police directly at 206-842-5211 if the complaint is July 1-4 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Poulsbo, Suquamish, Port Gamble, Bremerton and Port Orchard police and the county sheriff’s office will not respond to non-emergency fireworks calls, but people can report them at www.kitsap911.org/fireworks through July 7. If not between the hours previously listed, those in BI should also report non-emergency fireworks at that site.
Check local agency websites to see if fireworks are legal in your area and what dates and times.
Meet Deets
Mayor Joe Deets is having open office hours June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at CUPS Espresso on 123 Bjune Drive SE in Winslow.
High school stadium closed
The Bainbridge High School stadium will be closed until Aug. 19 for renovations.
The synthetic turf will be replaced, and the stadium track will be resurfaced to include new lanes and numbering.
Ample signage and security will be in place, and stadium reservations will not be accepted during this period.
In addition, there will be no public access to the turf field or the track until the renovations are completed.
Musicians wanted
The 22nd Bainbridge Island Studio Tour is looking for musicians and songwriters for their event Aug 12-14.
Sign up through Aug. 8.
Volunteer amateurs and professionals are welcome. Details are on the tour website, www.BIStudioTour.com, including an easy sign-up list.
The tour is held at island studios. With space in the artist’s gardens, musicians can share their music in one-hour time slots.
City doesn’t respond
American United in Washington, DC, recently sent another letter to the Bainbridge Island City Council regarding separation of church and state.
It’s concerned the city is contemplating using a state law it considers unconstitutional in an affordable housing project regarding Bethany Lutheran Church. The city hadn’t responded to a similar letter sent in late April, even though it had requested one within 30 days.
Councilmember Jon Quitslund was the only one to reply, and he relayed that the city attorney did not see a problem, although neither offered any legal analysis. American United emphasized again that passing an ordinance that singles out religious groups to provide a benefit that no one else receives is unconstitutional.
“You are constitutionally obligated to refuse to implement the state statute or implement it in a manner that provides the same benefits to religious and nonreligious groups on an equal basis. If we do not hear from you within fourteen days, we will be forced to consider further action,” the letter concludes.
