submitted by Ron Carter, Communications Chair

Kingston residents, North Kitsap residents, and Olympic Peninsula visitors and residents will soon notice a major change at the intersection of Highway 104 and Lindvog Road in Kingston.  Ground was broken Wednesday, Oct 25, for an electronic community reader-board on the southeast corner of that intersection.  Although it has taken nearly ten years to bring the project to fruition, those behind the project believe the effort has been worth it.  Kingston Rotary Club’s Jon Sole, the sign’s driving force, saw that with the advancement of technology there was an opportunity to build a sign to announce community events, welcome visitors, and serve as a “community water cooler.”   Kingston’s Rotary Club took on the project, spearheaded by Sole and former Rotary Club President, Clint Boxman.  They enlisted community partners to get behind the project including Port of Kingston, Kingston Citizens Advisory Council, and Kingston Chamber of Commerce.  According to Sole, “this is a clear example of what can be done by building partnerships in a great place like Kingston.”

About half of the sign’s total cost of $40k is being supported by the Port of Kingston, which will operate it and provide maintenance and insurance.  The sign will be for community use.  It will not be commercial or political. 

The site has been cleared pro-bono by Steve Kelly Construction.  Community leader Dave Wetter handled the excavation.  Hanson Sign Co. is the contractor.  County Commissioner Rob Gelder has been an ongoing supporter and has assisted in matters involving Kitsap County.