News Briefs

Coroner releases 2024 death statistics

Mason County Coroner Jaime Taylor has released the death review for 2024.

Mason County had 237 deaths reported to the coroner's office, up from 228 in 2013.

There were 70 accidental deaths, according to the report, an increase of five compared to 2024.

Those accidental deaths include 14 traffic fatalities, two drownings, eight falls, two carbon monoxide poisonings, one hypothermia, two asphyxia, one acute alcohol poisoning and 40 drug overdoses including 25 involving fentanyl, the report states.

Drug overdoses have remained consistent at 40 for the past three years. In 2023, 26 overdoses involved fentanyl and in 2022, 28 involved fentanyl.

There were 14 suicides, two homicides, one undetermined death and 150 natural deaths in 2024, according to the report.

Suicides numbers were 13 in 2023 and 16 in 2022.

Serious collision near Belfair McDonald's

An alleged drunken driver caused a collision on state Route 3 in front of the McDonald's in Belfair on Saturday, sending a Bremerton motorcyclist to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle via Life Flight.

John Skelton, 69, of Tahuya, was arrested for DUI and vehicular assault, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Skelton failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign on Ridgepoint Boulevard. and was struck by Bremerton resident Jack Hair, 67, who was on a Harley-Davidson traveling north on state Route 3.

Hair then hit a third vehicle that was southbound, according to a WSP news release.

All three vehicles were totaled, the release states.

Bank will give $450,000 to nonprofits

Kitsap Bank announced it will donate nearly $450,000 this year to more than 100 nonprofits in Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, Mason, Pierce and King counties.

The money comes from the bank's Community Connections program, according to a news release.

"At Kitsap Bank, we believe that growth begins at home. We are dedicated to supporting our neighbors and making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve," Chief Executive Officer Steve Politakis said in the release.

The organizations receiving funds include groups advancing education and youth initiatives, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, economic and business development, and efforts to address homelessness and food insecurity, according to the bank.

"Our local nonprofits play a vital role in making our community a vibrant and thriving place to live and work. We are honored to support their missions and see the incredible impact they have on the lives of our neighbors and friends," Politakis said.

Kitsap Bank has "invested" over $2 million in the community through sponsorships, donations and volunteer activities in the past five years, according to the release.

Mason County's Allyn Community Association, Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, The HUB Center for Seniors, Grapeview Community Association and the North Mason Chamber of Commerce will receive donations from the bank, Marketing Coordinator Kylie Balstad told the Journal in an email.