Liberty Bay Books will host international Norwegian crime novelist Jo Nesbo at a special appearance presentation and book signing on March 21, 12:30 p.m. at the Sons of Norway, 18891 Front St. NE in Poulsbo; when Nesbo will present his newest novel “The Devil’s Star.” read more »

Parametrix of Auburn is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 44th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for managing the replacement of the Hood Canal Bridge in Kitsap County.

ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based business association representing approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States. read more »

Jeff Foster, designated broker at Advantage GMAC Real Estate in Moses Lake, has been elected 2010 chairman of the board of directors for Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Other new officers of the MLS governing body include Doug Davis, vice chairman; Diedre Haines, treasurer; Bobbie Petrone Chipman, secretary; and Matt Deasy, immediate past chairman. read more »

Amy Igloi-Matsuno, owner of the Amy’s on the Bay Restaurant on the Port Orchard waterfront, has been named by Governor Christine Gregoire to fill a vacancy on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee. This nine-member committee is tasked with making recommendations to the Transportation Commission on toll rates. The toll rates adopted become part of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and require hearings both initially and each time they change.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this position,” said Igloi-Matsuno, 29. “I’ve had grave concerns about the amount of the tolls, the state’s desire to increase them, and the impact of those increases on economic development in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, on the Key Peninsula as well as on the efforts of the Port of Bremerton.” read more »

Earth Day celebrates 40 years. Kitsap County Solid Waste Division is sponsoring the 18th annual Earth Day Awards, presented to individual citizens, organizations and businesses for their innovative environmental programs or projects. Nominations are sought for exemplary environmental leadership in sustainability, waste reduction, recycling and hazardous waste management. Outstanding achievers make a difference in their choices and lead the way as they make others aware of environmental issues. read more »

The Kitsap County Bremerton Athletic Roundtable (KCBAR) is honoring Winter Olympian Bree Schaaf, a native of Bremerton who placed fifth in the bobsled at the Vancouver Games.

The KCBAR will hold a celebration for the Olympic High grad on Wednesday, March 10, at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club. The event is open to the public and starts with a 6 p.m. social hour. The dinner program starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 ($15 for KCBAR members) and $5 for youth under 14 and includes dinner. read more »

Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) recently welcomed Dominique Cantwell, who took over as the organization’s new managing director. The BPA Board conducted an extensive search, and Board President Omie Kerr said, “We interviewed several intriguing candidates, but Dominique emerged as the clear choice…she’s the perfect fit for us at this crucial time.” Cantwell combines extensive board development training, over ten years of experience in political and non-profit fund raising, and fourteen years of performing in school and community theaters. read more »

Rep. Jan Angel recently welcomed Port Orchard Rotary Club’s Bill Evans and Barbora (Bara) Debefova’ to the state Capitol in Olympia.

Debefoba’ (center) is an 18-year-old foreign exchange student from Kromeriz, Czech Republic. She is the 26th student the Port Orchard Rotary Club has hosted from various countries throughout the world.

“I had the pleasure of being introduced to Bara at my Rotary meeting and I invited her to visit Olympia. I enjoyed showing her read more »