 | | Kitsap County Announces Stage One Burn Ban | 6/18/2026 | PORT ORCHARD, Wash. -
The Kitsap County Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association, announced the implementation of a Stage One ban on outdoor burning effective 8 a.m. Monday, June 22nd.
All burning permits are suspended, and outdoor burning other than cooking or recreational fires is prohibited until further notice. The ban is coordinated with Mason, Pierce, and King counties and is likely to remain in effect until late fall and the arrival of seasonal rainfall.
"Given the dry conditions, we're asking the community to exercise and abundance of caution," said Kitsap County Fire Marshal, David Lynam. "Even small outdoor fires can have outsized impacts during this time of year. Your cooperation helps protect our neighborhoods and first responders until conditions improve."
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Burn ban status page: https://kcowa.us/burnban Contact Information: Alicia Adler, Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Community Development
| | | | Chief of Corrections Penelope Sapp appointed Acting Sheriff upon Retirement of Sheriff John Gese to ensure Continuity of Sheriff’s Office Operations | 6/15/2026 |
(Port Orchard, WA) - The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners has appointed Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Chief of Corrections Penelope Sapp to serve as Acting Sheriff as of June 29, 2026 or upon the retirement of Sheriff John Gese. Voters will elect the next Kitsap County Sheriff during the November 2026 general election. Under Washington state law, the Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating three candidates to fill the sheriff vacancy until that time. The Board of Commissioners plans to appoint one of those three nominees to serve as interim sheriff for the remainder of the unexpired term until certification of the November 2026 election. While that statutory appointment process moves forward, however, the Board has named Chief Sapp as Acting Sheriff to support the daily operations of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. “We are confident in the constitutional process that is currently underway and look forward to receiving the Kitsap County Democratic Party’s nominees,” said Board Chair Oran Root. “Today’s action ensures continuity of leadership and support for our employees and the Sheriff’s Office during that transition. Chief Sapp will serve in an acting capacity until the interim sheriff is appointed.” Chief Sapp has served as Chief of Corrections since May 2021. Prior to that she served in various positions with KCSO since 2002. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University in 2007 and a Master's in Justice Administration from Norwich University in 2009. She is currently completing her dissertation for a Doctor of Philosophy in Law and Public Policy at Walden University. She was selected as "Corrections Officer of the Year" in 2004 and has received numerous awards, including a "Distinguished and Devoted Service Award" in 2017.
CONTACT: Erina Kong, Digital Communications Supervisor,
Board of County Commissioners Office, 360.337.4857
| | | | Givens Community Center to be listed for sale in summer of 2027 | 6/12/2026 | (Port Orchard, WA) - Kitsap County’s Board of Commissioners has considered various options for the Givens Community Center building in Port Orchard and plans to list the building for sale in the summer of 2027. The building is currently under a temporary certificate of occupancy due to not meeting certain code compliance requirements. The Givens building was built in 1940 and purchased by Kitsap County in 1992. The decision to sell the building was made after the County determined that rehabilitation is not financially feasible. Costs to bring the building to minimum compliance are estimated at $3.5 million, while full rehabilitation could run as high as $30 million. The Givens Community Center has historical significance to the community, with several long-term tenants. Kitsap County will identify space relocation options for internal services and provide the external tenants with time to relocate prior to listing the building for sale. “The Givens Community Center has served some of South Kitsap’s most cherished residents, including our retired senior community as well as our youngest neighbors, for over 30 years. The decision to sell the building was made after careful consideration of the County's ongoing budget constraints combined with the uncertain costs of restoring an 86-year-old structure,” said Commissioner Oran Root. "I'm committed to an open and transparent process that puts the people we serve first and ensures our essential services keep running smoothly.” Current tenants at the Givens Community Center include the OESD (Head Start preschool program), Discovery Montessori School, the Senior Center, and several Kitsap County internal services (Kitsap1, Kitsap Recovery Center, Information Services, Aging and Long-Term Care). The Department of Public Works will manage the sale of the Givens building and will execute a detailed relocation plan for the County’s internal services, which is expected to be completed later this year in anticipation of listing the property for sale in summer of 2027. ###
| | | | Kitsap County Board of Commissioners hopeful to see robust pool of candidates for next Sheriff | 6/12/2026 | CORRECTION: The email address is corrected to chair@kitsapdemocrats.org. The deadline is extended to Saturday, June 20, 5 p.m.
(Port Orchard, WA) - Earlier this week, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners initiated the constitutionally required process for appointment of an interim Sheriff. The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee has notified the Board that applications are being accepted until Monday, June 15 at 5 p.m. and can be requested by emailing Chair@kitsapdemocrats.com. The Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee is expected to then submit a list of three qualified candidates to the Board to make an appointment decision. The appointed Sheriff will serve out the remainder of the unexpired term through December 2026 created with the resignation of Sheriff John Gese on June 26, 2026. The Board is hopeful there will be a robust pool of qualified candidates and encourages interested applicants to reach out to the Democratic Party. Chair Oran Root commented, “Ensuring the highest standards of public safety is paramount for the Board of Commissioners; our community remains safe. We are deeply grateful to our dedicated county deputies for their professionalism and to our neighboring public safety agencies for their continued partnership. We are committed to a smooth and stable transition within the law that supports both the well-being of our community and the dedicated men and women of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. This appointment is our top priority. We will continue to conduct this process with the utmost integrity, expediency, diligence, and care.” The Washington State Constitution requires the Board of County Commissioners to appoint replacements for vacancies in any partisan county elected office within 60 days from the date of vacancy. The appointee must be a member of the same political party as the elected officer who previously held the seat. The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a series of interviews open to the public. The interview times and location will be announced once confirmation is received of a successful applicant pool. Voters will choose the next sheriff in the November general election. ### Contact Information: Kimberly Pleger, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, Board of County Commissioners Office, 360.277.6032
| | | | Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Respond to Announcement of Sheriff Gese's Retirement | 6/8/2026 | June 8, 2026 (Port Orchard, WA) -Earlier today, Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese announced his retirement effective June 26, 2026. Sheriff Gese also announced the departure of the Undersheriff, the Detective and Support Services Chief, the Patrol Chief, and the Finance Manager. The Board of County Commissioners takes today’s news of the upcoming Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) command staff transition very seriously. These decisions were all within the purview of the elected Sheriff. “First and foremost, the Board of County Commissioners cares very deeply about the well-being of the County’s public safety staff and prioritizes the public safety of our community,” said Board Chair Oran Root. In response to this surprising announcement, the Board took action today to reflect the urgency of this situation. The Board took the following steps: - Requested verification of resignations of the KCSO command staff members from the Sheriff.
- Requested succession plans from KCSO.
- Initiated the constitutionally required process for appointment of an interim Sheriff by contacting the Kitsap County Democratic Party. The office of County Sheriff is a partisan office currently held by a member of the Democratic Party.
The Board appreciates and trusts the professionalism and commitment of Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office staff and the strength of our partnerships with neighboring law enforcement agencies. ### Contact Information: Kimberly Pleger, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, Board of County Commissioners Office, 360.277.6032
| | | | Public Safety Funding Budget Community Meetings Scheduled June 17, 18 and 22 | 6/4/2026 | (Port Orchard, WA) - The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners invite you to an upcoming Community Meeting on the County Budget and Public Safety Funding. The Commissioners from the North, Central, and South Districts, Kitsap County Sheriff, and Prosecutor will share information about County budget shortfalls and funding options. There will also be time to answer questions about potential impacts to law enforcement, public safety, and other County services. At the meetings, you can expect to: - HEAR about the County budgeting process
- LEARN about the 2027 County budget and fiscal outlook
- SHARE feedback about the budget with your elected officials
- ASK questions about the budget and proposed sales and use tax to your elected officials
Wednesday, June 17 - 6:30 PM
North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters
26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston Thursday, June 18 - 6:30 PM
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Administration Building
5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale Monday, June 22 - 6:30 PM
Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Chambers
619 Division Street, Port Orchard
Doors open at 6 PM for all events. Learn about Kitsap County's budget at kcowa.us/budget.
Contact Information: Kimberly Pleger, Communications &
Community Engagement Manager, Office of the Board of County Commissioners,
360.337.5777
| | | | Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign returns with cargo net giveaways | 6/2/2026 | June 1, 2026 Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign returns with giveawaysThe Kitsap County Solid Waste Division is once again partnering with the statewide Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign to help residents properly secure cargo and prevent dangerous debris on local roads. Throughout June, we're giving away free cargo nets and ratchet straps, while supplies last. Unsecured vehicle loads remain a major safety issue across Washington. In 2025, unsecured loads contributed to 324 crashes and 13 injuries statewide. Debris falling from vehicles also accounts for nearly 40% of roadside litter. Locally, Kitsap 911 received 430 calls last year reporting debris on county roads, including tires, ladders, lumber, buckets, and loose equipment. Each item reported had the potential to cause a serious collision. Driving with an unsecured vehicle load is illegalWashington law requires vehicle loads to be properly secured. Fines for unsecured loads can range from $50 to $5,000, with higher penalties possible if debris causes injury, property damage, or a collision. Kitsap County waste facilities also charge a $10 unsecured load fee to customers arriving with improperly secured cargo. Since 2023, the County has collected more than $16,000 in unsecured load fees, which helps fund roadside litter cleanup efforts. Tips for securing your vehicle loadBefore driving, remember to: - Secure items with straps, nets, or tarps.
- Tie down large items directly to the vehicle or trailer.
- Cover loose or lightweight materials.
- Double-check your load before leaving.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle.
- Secure tools and equipment, not just garbage or recyclables.
Even short trips can become dangerous if cargo shifts or falls onto the roadway. “We’re encouraging everyone to take a few extra minutes to properly secure their vehicle and trailer loads before driving,” said Sarah Champ, coordinator of this year’s campaign. “Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, unsecured cargo can quickly become a serious safety hazard. Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure they don't hit the road without first securing their cargo properly.” Law enforcement patrols and education effortsState troopers will conduct emphasis patrols across Washington during three consecutive weekends in June. On June 5 and June 11, 2026, a Deputy with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office will provide education at Olympic View Transfer Station. Free cargo net and ratchet strap giveawaysDrivers can pick up free cargo-securing equipment at the following events while supplies last: Additionally, outreach staff will educate drivers at Kitsap County garbage and recycling facilities on select dates throughout June. Secure Your Load Day proclaimed in Kitsap CountyThe Kitsap Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed June 6, 2026, as Secure Your Load Day in Kitsap County to raise awareness about roadway safety and honor those impacted by unsecured vehicle loads. Throughout June and July, Kitsap County will share educational content and campaign resources using the hashtag #SecureYourLoadWA. See dangerous debris on the road?Call 911 if you see: - a dangerous unsecured load while driving.
- something fall off a vehicle that could cause a crash or injure someone.
| | | | Commissioner’s Corner Shares the Future Vision and Needs for the Courthouse | 3/6/2026 | PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – For decades, the Kitsap County Courthouse has been at the center of our judicial system – a place where decisions are made every day that affect families, businesses, and public safety. But behind the scenes, the building itself has been struggling to keep up with the demands of a modern justice system. In the latest Commissioner's Corner video, District 2 Commissioner Oran Root speaks with Acting Assistant Director Todd Parkington and Judge Melissa Hemstreet to find out why the courthouse needs more than another short-term fix; what's driving the decision to modernize it, and what these changes mean for the people who use the building every day. With close to 230,000 people visiting the courthouse every year, this 90-year regional public facility is critically important to county operations. Years of temporary fixes have kept it operational, and future plans will solve issues around safety, accessibility and capacity. Watch Commissioner's Corner: The full episode featuring Commissioner Root, Acting Assistant Director of Capital Facilities Todd Parkington, and Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Melissa Hemstreet is available anytime on BKAT's YouTube channel. For more information and to stay informed of progress on modernizing the Courthouse, visit the project webpage. Contacts: Kym Pleger, Communications Manager, Kitsap County Public Works
| | | | Board of County Commissioners Postpones Equestrian Facility Code to 2026 | 10/13/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners directed the Department of Community Development (DCD) today to separate the Equestrian Facility Code component from the rest of the Year of the Rural project. This decision allows the County and community to focus on other Year of the Rural topics during the 2025 public process while providing additional time for engagement, discussion, research, and refinement of the proposed Equestrian Facility Code. A reference to the future Equestrian Facility Code update will be added to the Rural and Resource Lands Chapter in 2025, recognizing the value of equestrian businesses to Kitsap County and the broader community, while also acknowledging the potential impacts of equestrian facilities on neighboring rural properties. Code work will continue, with potential adoption anticipated by mid-year 2026. As part of this transition, the County will evaluate additional opportunities for neighbors and community members to share feedback regarding higher levels of equestrian activities. For updates and future meeting information, please visit our Year of the Rural webpage. And, be sure to check out our Kitsap County Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update Story Map.
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