The Jefferson County Beacon (Page 2)

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

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

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

Hereditary Makah Chief Walter McQuillen with Mayor Amy Howard and Director of Finance Jodi Adams in the background.

Residents Pack Budget Workshop on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The city sought community input on the developing 2027 budget.

Dove House Advocacy Services entrance, glass doors on the corner of a gray and orange building.

Dove House Advocacy Services Closes Free Clothing Closet Due to Funding Cuts

While high-level funding cuts force the Dove House team to make hard decisions, they may lead to positive opportunities for services.

David Ballif smiling for the photo at his desk in front of his computer.

Economic Development Council Director is Stepping Down Early Next Year

David Ballif reflects on his tenure with EDC Team Jefferson.

A mail ballot verifier.

Election Integrity Concerns Reach Jefferson County, but Local Voting Procedures Remain Unchanged

Federal efforts to change voting rules, obtain voter data and reduce election-security resources raise questions for voters ahead of the November election.

Street view of the Dundee Hill development, a green duplex to the left and a yellow duplex to the right with a path down the middle and sign in the foreground.

Five Permanently Affordable Homes Ready for Owners

Five Permanently Affordable Homes Ready for Owners.

Jefferson County Courthouse. A large red brick and stone building with two towers and a clock tower up over the left side.

Superior Criminal Court, October 9, 2026: A Week of Preliminary Appearances and Arraignments

Jefferson County’s most common crime is domestic violence, a common issue in rural areas.

Port Townsend Mayor Amy Howard and artist Jesse Joshua Watson snip the ribbon in front of the Seamus Sims Skate Park murals, with beautiful fall trees and sun in the background.

Community Celebrates Art and Skating

Watson’s sweeping murals color the concrete walls.

Aran Galligan, left, and longtime friend Stephanie Moran standing next to The Creative ReUse sandwich board to the right with the Kivley Center behind them.

Art Supplies and Community Interface at The Creative Reuse

Port Hadlock shop is all second-hand, all donated.

A used car salesman at Honest Johns: "Now this little baby seats up to 5 people we call it the Port Townsend 5-Plex."

Legge's Ledger

Artist Chuck Legge weighs in on 5-plexes.

Scott Rogers pondering with Indian Island in the background.

I Was Thinking . . . What Kind of Community Are We Asking People to Lead?

Why do our leaders keep leaving?

A collage of different fall pumpkins with a black background.

Chlorophyll Corner: Pumpkins and the Future of Fall

Pumpkins feel abundant and eternal, but climate change could threaten these heralds of fall.

Letter to the Editor: Donate Your Disbursement

Letters

Letter to the Editor: Donate Your Disbursement

Paulette writes about donating to Jefferson County Public Health.

Letter to the Editor: Former Dove House Closet

Letters

Letter to the Editor: Former Dove House Closet

Greta writes about the closing clothing closet.

Last Week in WTF: October 5-8

Last Week in WTF: October 5-8

Republished from WTF Just Happened Today, a daily newsletter breaking down national news.

Debate underlines deep divisions on what WA voters should do about income tax

Washington State Standard

Debate underlines deep divisions on what WA voters should do about income tax

Will Democrats lower the threshold? Will the rich leave? The debate over the ballot measure to repeal the tax is fueled by hypotheticals.

The Kennewick and Salish ferries docked side by side at the Port Townsend Ferry Dock.

Local News

Ferries Canceled as WSF Engineers Call Out Sick Amidst Contract Talks

A new contract was due October 1 between MEBA and the state.

AHPT President John Watts giving public comment to City Council in the city council chambers.

Local News

Port Townsend Council Keeps Moratorium on 5-6 Plex Permits, Eyes Budget Priorities

After the public hearing, staff and council discussed budget balancing prior to community workshop meeting.

Looking north over the Twana Bridge which is tan cement with rails but no sidewalk, a yellow warning sign for pedestrians and bicyclists in the fore and green scenery in the background.

Local News

Linger Longer Bridge Project Nears Completion

A 25-year vision comes to life with collaboration.

Jefferson County Courthouse. A large red brick and stone building with two towers and a clock tower up over the left side.

Local News

Superior Criminal Court October 2, 2026: Exceptional Sentencing and Warrants Issued

With consecutive warrants ordered, it’s worth questioning bail bond culture.

Holly J. Hughes and John Pierce in front of Empty Bowl Press published books at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs book fair in Seattle in 2023.

Arts & Culture

An Empty Bowl Party Filled with Poetry and Community

Saturday’s event includes a walk with the poet laureate.

Haru (Rinko Kikuchi) is dancing with Fedir (Alberto Guerra), left, and Luis (Alejandro Edda).

Arts & Culture

Big Screen Views: Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!

Trilingual film moves through bliss and sorrow.

The millionaire mascot from Monopoly running away with a bag of money with the number 645 on it saying: You could always eat your dog. To the left a poor kid and his dog.

Editorial Cartoon

Legge’s Ledger

Artist Chuck Legge weighs in on Initiative 645 on the upcoming ballot.

A clear bottle of Villa Wolf 2025 Pinot Noir Rosé in front of a colorfully patterned fabric background.

Columns

What Carolyn Pours: A Rosé with a German Accent

Villa Wolf 2025 Pinot Noir Rosé.

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