Daily Archives: April 29, 2009

Jet spews fuel over Bainbridge

Fuel jettisoned from an ailing Boeing 777 rained down on Bainbridge Wednesday afternoon.

Residents reported smelling the fuel in Winslow and the south end of the island.

“(The odor) was overpowering for some people,” Firefighter Chris Schmit told the Kitsap Sun. “We had multiple calls, but we were unable to locate any liquid fuel on the ground.”

Read environmental reporter Christopher Dunagan’s report here.

See KOMO News’ video (below) of the jet spraying fuel and making an emergency landing. No one was injured.

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Kitsap Sun backs BI’s mayor form of government

The Sun’s editorial board urged Bainbridge voters to stick with the city’s existing form of government.

According to the board, City Hall’s problems are rooted in personalities, the economy and divergent agendas rather than the city’s system of government.

“In our view the current situation is at the heart a personality conflict among elected officials and, at times, interest groups on the island. Conflicts are exacerbated now by a falling economy and incredibly unstable city budget. But relationship problems aren’t enough to justify a complete overhaul of government.”

Read the full editorial here.

Islanders will vote on May 19 on whether to eliminate the city’s elected mayor position and replace it with a hired manager under the authority of the City Council.

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Police blotter: “You’ll see it in the Kitsap Sun”


During five visits to City Hall in one day, an elderly man – who was apparently frustrated about a development project he was working on – made unsettling comments about his guns and whether or not City Hall had police protection. When city staff asked him what he was talking about, the man replied: “You’ll see it in the Kitsap Sun.”

I’ve been scanning the headlines, but have yet to see our coverage of the angry man’s exploits. Stay tuned.

Also this week, Bainbridge police make good with a new “zero tolerance” policy on that hallowed Bainbridge tradition – Paint Night. The BIPD busted a crew of nighttime painters who were planning to decorate the high school water tower.

Continue reading →

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Islanders challenged to cut energy use by 4 percent

An effort is afoot to encourage islanders to reduce their energy consumption by 4 percent. The reduction would likely offset the need for a proposed Puget Sound Energy substation.

“Is it a challenge? Yes,” City Councilwoman Hilary Franz said. “But there are a number of things lining up that make me think we can do it.”

Read Kitsap Sun environmental reporter Christopher Dunagan’s coverage of the island’s energy reduction challenge here.

A meeting to discuss the idea is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Bainbridge Commons, 370 Brien Drive.

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