Every year is full of big stories on Bainbridge Island and 2024 was no different.

January on Bainbridge started with the Historic Preservation Commission blasting the City Council for not preserving the old police station. The public was just as unhappy about the school district talking about closing schools due to a budget shortfall. On a more positive note, the BI Review newspaper put out a historic edition celebrating its 100th anniversary.

In February, it was announced that the high school was dropping in size classification from 3A to 2A. Also, the City Council made moves to control online comments at meetings. BISD decided not to close any schools, and its levies passed, while the city’s dog park was set to open. The City Council sought a partner to develop affordable housing at the old police station site.

The City Council decided to support electrification at the ferry terminal in March. The city gave out little green buckets to encourage removal of organic waste from garbage.

In April, the parks district talked about widening and deepening its main pool at the Aquatic Center, although that was voted down later in the year. The entire historic commission resigned over continued issues over lack of respect from the city. A huge public meeting showed extreme views both ways on if the city should be involved in an affordable housing project at the old police station site. An effort was made to do more with middle school sports so students would be better prepared once they reach high school. Deaths at the jail were a concern for the sheriff.

A months-long debate about a proposed crematorium that eventually was denied started in May, and a study showed high school seniors drink too much, but students’ mental health was improving after the COVID pandemic. BISD said it would avoid staff layoffs, while neighbors in Rolling Bay talked at a public meeting about how to improve roads for walkers and cyclists. Turning off Winslow Way to get to the ferry was no longer allowed, while BISD made an effort to reduce absenteeism in schools.

There was discussion of a funding district being formed to pay for improvements to the lack of health care in Kitsap County. There was also a battle between pickleball players and astronomers about lights at Battle Point Park. Graduation at BHS had a different spin as these students dealt the most with the confusion of the pandemic.

In July, law enforcement agencies across the county announced that crime statistics were messed up because of a computer system change. The issue was later cleared up. Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, a nonprofit that had been around for 76 years, announced that due to financial problems it would likely have to close. The community responded so that did not happen.

A new aircraft carrier with 2,800 sailors was welcomed in the county. After long delays in City Council-desired transportation projects, funds were found from the vehicle license fee increase to pay for a study to prioritize them. A program at the jail was working to help inmates learn skills so they could succeed once they leave and not have to return.

In September, draft environmental impact statement maps showed where population growth could best occur on BI. The Superfund site on BI at Eagle Harbor received funding to help with the long-awaited cleanup. City manager Blair King said that spending needs to be doubled to keep up the city’s roads as they keep deteriorating. And schools in the county were looking at ways to reduce distractions caused by student cell-phone use.

Shootings don’t happen often involving BI, but there was one in October as a man was shot by his girlfriend’s estranged husband at the Kitsap fairgrounds. A Suquamish tribe totem was erected at the Sound to Olympics Trail on BI. The city was surprised to find out the state was planning to build a roundabout at High School Road at Highway 305. And drug-sniffing dogs were being used to find contraband in the jail to keep inmates safe.

In November, the city started working on a law to end sign clutter in Winslow. Despite Donald Trump winning the presidential election, Democrats were the big winners in the state and county. Efforts were being made to bring folks from Seattle to the county during the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament. Despite continued financial problems, BISD extended the contract of its superintendent.

In the final month of the year, the City Council seemed to be leaning toward building taller buildings AND building outside of Winslow to deal with future growth in population. The state announced an effort to level the playing field for transgender athletes in high school. One person was working to help all agencies in the county reduce the number of stolen vehicles, and it was working as repeat offenders were being caught. Many patients were concerned about their healthcare as there was a rift in contract negotiations between Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and United Healthcare. And the City Council was still miffed about the roundabout at High School Road and Highway 305 when they were more interested in the one previously planned at Day Road.

Steve Powell is editor of the Bainbridge Island Review. His column appears periodically.