*In national and world news, the planet seems to be coming unhinged… Europe recorded its most intense heatwave ever last month while the death toll is reaching 2,000 in the aftermath of twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Also deadly flash floods in Kentucky and Tennessee are followed by advance warnings of a heat dome headed for much of the eastern United States over the Fourth of July holiday weekend while the country celebrates its 250th birthday. Meanwhile, in Kitsap…
THE KITSAP PUBLIC HEALTH DISTRICT issued a no contact advisory for the south end of Liberty Bay after approximately 17,000 gallons of raw sewage was spilled near Keyport last month. The incident, reportedly caused by a ruptured sewer line on June 20, is the largest spill on Liberty Bay since approximately 130,000 gallons were leaked from Keyport when a Navy drilling operation struck an underground pipe, prompting no-contact and shellfish harvesting advisory for all of Liberty Bay in December 2024. The current no contact order remained in place thru June 25, while the shellfish harvesting advisory remains in place thru July 9. And in other shellfish harvesting advisory news, an unprecedented amount of beaches throughout the Hood Canal region, including the world famous Hama Hama oyster farm, into Admiralty Inlet and along a stretches of Port Gamble and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, remain closed to harvesting of all species after lethal levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning were reported last month. The condition is not caused by human pollution. It is caused by a naturally occurring toxin filtered by bivalves which risks life threatening illness for humans if ingested. Check current status of Liberty Bay and other local advisories thru the Kitsap Public Health District and check the current status of statewide shellfish harvesting thru the Washington State Department of Health.
THE KITSAP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS recently hosted three town halls to hear public input as the county grapples with how to deal with a nearly $10 million budget gap forecast for 2027. The gap is reportedly due to rising labor costs, and increases in public safety and judicial services budgets while county revenues struggle to keep up with growing expenses. The county reports $39M in reserves however projections expect expenses to increase 7% between 2026 and 2027, while revenues are only expected to grow at 2% to 3%. The commissioners are weighing two primary options to deal with the shortfall and percentage projections. They currently include a one-tenth of 1% sales tax increase and a potential workforce reduction of between 45 and 60 positions. Regular county commissioners’ meetings: 5:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month & 10 a.m. the fourth Monday of the month. More at kitsap.gov
IN OTHER EXPENSE VS REVENUE NEWS: Western Red Brewing closed its doors for good last month with a final party June 30. The downtown Poulsbo brewery, established August 2017, was a family-owned-and-operated business focused not only on crafting beer but creating a community third space and participating in greater community events. As a final farewell, the brewery is donating some of its remaining beer for the Soroptomists International of Greater North Kitsap’s Big Ol’ Barn Dance, a fundraiser to benefit girls and women through scholarships and grants, Aug. 1 at Apple Tree Cove Farm in Kingston. More about the brewery at westernredbrewing.com
MEANWHILE IN BREMERTON, the downtown sandwich shop Cafe Alara, which has had a tumultuous run at its former location, announced that it has found a new space on Pacific Ave and is rounding the corner toward re-opening. Stay tuned on socials @cafealara
IN LAST, LAST MONTH’S NEWS: While paid parking in downtown Poulsbo was approved by the city council in a contentious decision in May, a local downtown bookseller reports that parking is still free. Time limit parking enforcement has been in effect since November 2025. Paid parking implementation is expected Aug. 1. Meanwhile… Poulsbo’s getting a new book store this month… this one with a wine bar. Verse & Vine grand opening is July 3. And in last month’s news… More chances to catch World Cup games at the Bremerton Fan Zone in July, including the Bronze Final match at 2 p.m., July 18 in the middle of a rock show, featuring nine local bands who share a practice space on the same block. And… Also… Plus… Bremerton Zine Fest is partnering with the West Sound Film Festival this year, also on Quincy Square, Aug. 7-9. <3smokestack
