Property tax statements out

Property tax statements are being sent out by the county treasurer’s office this week, and islanders will see a bigger bill.

Voters on Bainbridge Island approved a capital facility bond and a technology levy last year, which shows up on the property tax statement as a 63 percent increase from what was collected for similar purposes in 2006, county officials said.

Residents in other Kitsap areas will also see tax hikes. The largest levy increase this year will be seen by taxpayers within Port of Bremerton boundaries, where a new development district was formed resulting in a 150 percent hike in the district’s property tax collection.

Furrytale Farm saved

Furrytale Farm, last week just days from foreclosure, will remain open after all, following a torrent of last minute donations.

“We saved the farm,” said Executive Director Suzannah Sloan. “I can’t believe how wonderful people were.”

The eight-acre animal shelter on Lovgreen Road is home to 40 animals who might otherwise be euthanized. Sloan had raised $35,000 as of last Tuesday, but still needed $10,000 more by the end of the week, lest the farm be shut down. She met that goal, and then some, following newspaper and television coverage that spurred donors. She plans to sit down with financial experts to come up with a permanent funding solution.

“I’ll never let this happen again,” she said.

Tune up for Chilly Hilly

For the 35th year in a row, bicyclists of all ages will line up Feb. 25 to participate in the Chilly Hilly.

The annual bike ride circumnavigates a 33-mile route of Bainbridge. Started in 1972, the ride has grown in riders ever since.

Last year, 4,200 riders from 19 states participated, making Chilly Hilly “One Of Four Classic Rides” according to Bicycling Magazine.

The ride, sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club, starts at the B.I.Cycle at 8 a.m. or on the ferry coming in from Seattle. The course will go around the entire island.

Ten Bainbridge charities, including the Fort Ward Neighborhood Association, Bainbridge Rope Skippers, Bainbridge Youth Services, Bainbridge Help Line House and the Bainbridge Island Girl Scouts will help as volunteers for the race.

There will also be free baked goods and hot cider offered at a mid-ride stop and a chili feed at the Finish Line Festival to benefit the Fort Ward association.

The registration fee is $22 for riders starting in Seattle and $17 for riders starting in Winslow.

Riders can register through www.cascade.org through Feb. 20. Call 522-3222.