AI policy
In Bainbridge Island city manager Blair King’s weekly report, he says he is being overwhelmed with issues related to artificial intelligence.
“I don’t know of any other workplace issue that has generated so much conversation in so short of time,” he says, adding he’s received invitations to register for numerous AI educational sessions.
King says he does think AI will change the way City Hall works. He says he expects a policy in about a month. City workers are being surveyed to see how they would like to use it. AI will be a helpful tool for searching the city’s website, and it can improve customer service by allowing AI avatars to interact with the public in multiple languages, he says. He adds AI won’t replace people anytime soon.
However, “We will also need to be especially careful with AI and confidential information. If AI is used in written documents, it needs to be credited as a source.”
Resource fair
Celebrate Oktoberfest with the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center’s Resource Fair Oct. 13 from 2-5 p.m.
Learn about transportation services, emergency preparation, housing, PAWS, Bainbridge Prepares and more. Beer is $1. The Resource Fair will take place at the Senior Community Center at 370 Brien Dr. SE. For details email Jeannette Franks at jfranks1@comcast.net
BARN writers
In spring of 2025, the Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network will publish its first ANNUAL COLLECTION produced by the BARN’s Writer’s Studio.
It’s the brainchild of Kassia Sing, a long-time member of BARN. When Sing placed third in the 2023 Pacific Northwest Writers’ Association Short Story contest, she was filled with gratitude for the BARN and its Writer’s Studio and wanted to share the “goodness.” She’s been joined by Emily Smiley, Molly Tallon and Kathleen O’Brien in leading the effort to produce the collection.
For $10, any BARN member (any studio) or person who’s taken a BARN class between September 2023 and Dec. 31, 2024 is eligible to submit works, including short story, memoir, novel excerpts and poetry. To participate, you “register” in the Writers Studio Class listings, just as you would for any class, at which point you’ll get more information about submitting your writing, including word length, etc. Go to the BARN website to register.
Dental patent
Dr. Helena Soomer Lincoln, founder of TruBridge™ and owner/operator of Fairy Tale Dental on Bainbridge Island, has received a “Notice of Allowance” from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for her innovative coronal-only full-arch dental replacement system.
This patented system presents a revolutionary alternative to dentures, offering a full-arch bridge without the use of artificial gums, a business news release says. Lincoln’s breakthrough technology provides a much-needed solution for the 41 million Americans living without teeth, who until now, had dentures as their primary option. Lincoln’s approach harnesses the body’s natural healing capabilities, preserving the alveolar bone and offering patients a permanent, fixed restoration that feels as natural as their original smile. Lincoln plans to bring this cutting-edge technology to patients locally and on a national scale.
Historic gala
The Turn Back Time Gala to benefit the Bainbridge History Museum will take place Oct. 19 at the Stan Pocock Rowing Center at Waterfront Park.
Eat, drink and dance the night away with an open bar, upscale school-day food favorites and 1980s music. For tickets go to www.simpletix.com/e/turn-back-time-gala-tickets
Parks suit
Four Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District commissioners have appealed to the state Supreme Court a recall petition filed by Adam Hunt of BI in May of 2023.
The commissioners say the recall petitions were filed in bad faith. The filing by Jay Kinney, attorney and a parks commissioner, says Hunt filed the recalls because commissioners did not respond fast enough in building a pool and fieldhouse on BI. The suit says Hunt later said he would end the recall if parks made progress on those two projects. Kinney says it’s “dangerous” if someone can bring a recall to force a government body to take specific action.
Instead, they hired defense counsel on the charge. Hunt later decided to dismiss the charges and issued an apology. The district asked the court to award it defense costs. The court decided in favor of Hunt. The district appealed. The court of appeals agreed.
The district is asking for Supreme Court intervention, giving precedent court cases that limit recalls so public officials are not harassed on “frivolous charges or mere insinuations.” The suit says the decision could increase recall efforts statewide because it allows frivolous suits to create political leverage, which it says is “inexcusable.”
Free concert
A Dueling Violins concert featuring Ranger and the “Re-Arrangers” with Tim Wetmiller will take place from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Arts.
Fly fishing
Bainbridge Island Fly Fishers will have a public meeting and program Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Seabold Hall featuring Patrick Kilby, the flies category manager at RIO Products.
Correction
Drew Hansen has taught part-time at the UW law school. And Byrd favors a change in the state Constitution that would prevent lawmakers from mandating medical interventions. A story in last week’s paper was incorrect.
BI police log
9-29: trespassing, 100 block Wyatt Way NE; motor vehicle theft, 6600 block NE Bayview Boulevard; domestic violence, 6300 block Blakely Avenue NE; fraud, 200 block Winslow Way E.
9-30: verbal domestic, 13000 block Phelps Road NE; malicious mischieft, 200 block Wyatt Way NE; harassment, 14800 block Highway 305.
10-2: burglary, 200 block Weaver Road; domestic violence, 6000 block NE Tolo Road; theft, 200 block NE High School Road.
10-3: theft, 200 block Camelia Loop NE; burglary, 10000 block NE Roberts Road; adult sex offense, no address given.
10-4: domestic violence, 9000 block NE Kono Road; vehicle prowl, 300 block Ferncliff Avenue NE; vehicle prowl, 600 block Tiffany Meadows Drive NE; harassment, 200 block Knechtel Way NE; vehicle prowl, 600 block Landmark Court NE; malicious mischief, 600 block NE Landmark Court.
