Scott France - The Jefferson County Beacon

Anne and Dick Schneider in their greenhouse.

local-news

Local School Gardens get $20,000 Grant for Infrastructure

School gardens in the Quilcene, Chimacum, and Port Townsend school districts will share the money.

The Port Townsend Paper Company, a gray metal building with a smoke stack and a water tower to the right.

local-news

What is Port Townsend Without the Paper Mill?

PT’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of the mill. Can the town survive without it, and if so, what kind of environmental legacy will it leave behind?

A map of both the Port Townsend water and Jefferson County PUD Service Area.

local-news

City Council Launches Water Rate Model Discussion

Council addresses rate structure equity as large capital expenditures loom in an inflationary environment.

local-news

An Investigation into the Paper Mill’s Operations Reveals Subpar Operational Behavior and Concerning Effects on Ecological and Human Health

Our investigation reveals a nationally notable pattern of environmental violations

Two padlocked food waste bins in a gated wooden corral.

local-news

Where Does Our Stuff Go? Tracing Jefferson County's Recycling Stream

We sift through the shifts in our local recycling and food waste system.

The city of Port Townsend's main water supply, Lords Lake, through chain link and barbed wire.

local-news

Managing a City Water System Amidst a Confluence of External Forces

Climate change, a partnership with an Out-of-State-Owned Port Townsend Paper Mill and a long, aging pipeline present formidable challenges to providing affordable, safe drinking water.

local-news

Welcome to the Beacon’s Official 2026 Primary Voters’ Guide

An in-depth analysis of local candidates, propositions and measures

The under flooring and beginning of wood framing for the new Farmstand kitchen.

local-news

Chimacum Farmstand Owners Plan New Kitchen at Former Farm’s Reach Site, Despite Permit Delays

The new food hub will offer opportunities to order locally grown and prepared meals.

Mary Purdy, left, and Keith Hitchcock toast beverages.

Arts & Culture

A New Kind of Cheers: Port Townsend Couple Launches Vivid Sip Club

Pop-up speakeasy with a twist climbs onto the emerging nonalcoholic beverage trend.

Rachel May and Sarah Fisher planting birch trees in rich dirt at Mountain View Dog Park

Mountain View Commons

Upgraded Digs for Dogs (and Dog Owners) Coming To Mountain View Dog Park

New trees and shelter are intended to make for a more pleasant experience.

Founder/Owners holding out glasses of cider in front of casks of cider

Finnriver

Finnriver Stays True to its “Absurd” Mission Through Bumpy Times

Jefferson County’s favorite tipple strives to provide interconnectedness and joy, but the business side is more complicated.

Books

Local Bookstores Show Their Faith in Port Townsend Readers

Imprint Bookshop, William James Bookseller and Winter Texts are all heralding a new golden literary age for Jefferson County.

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