The Jefferson County Beacon (Page 2)

Latest

Land capacity map of available land for development. Partially/under-utilized portions include multiple combined lots for one single-family home.

Affordable Hometown Port Townsend’s Appeal Hearing on the City of Port Townsend’s Comprehensive Plan

GMHB hearing held July 7, 2026; Board decision expected August 19, 2026.

City staff observe as the City Council reviews and prioritizes proposed items around a U-shaped table facing a screen.

City Council Retreat Prioritizes Housing and Infrastructure for 2027 Budget

After an all-day workshop meeting, City Council and staff narrow down potential projects for the following year.

A tended garden with a path and tents and tarps in the background.

Emergency Encampment Sweep Underscores Urgent Need for Housing Solutions

A collaborative approach balances safety, health and compassion for vulnerable community members.

East Jefferson Fire Rescue actively controlling the residential structure fire in Towne Point. Seen is a smoldering single story house behind a fence.

Wind-Fueled Fire Destroys Towne Point Home, Displaces Residents

Swift response from East Jefferson Fire Rescue and partner organizations prevents blaze from spreading to neighboring structures; no injuries reported.

Jefferson County Superior Courtroom from the gallery looking diagonally towards the jury box and out the windows.

Superior Criminal Court, July 10, 2026: Accountability and the Impacts of Poverty

Those below the poverty line are more likely to experience the criminal legal system.

George Marie, right, with her mother Phyllis Owen standing in front of the popcorn counter at the Rose.

Owners of the Rose and Starlight Room Consider Changes, Closures Due to Financial Concerns

With attendance numbers down across independent cinemas everywhere, Rose owners think outside the ticketbox to save the cinema.

Author Lindy West Talks Driving Herself Sane and Internet Pearl Clutching at Port Townsend Reading

The Jefferson County author elicited laughs and admiration while reading from her latest book, Adult Braces.

An illustration of a girl flying with a raven.

Concerts in the Barn Showcases Local History in Grand Finale This Weekend

“Amy’s Journey” premiers this weekend, combining music and illustrations with the power of curiosity to make a delightful show for all ages.

A close up of a branch of a Monkey Puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana.

Chlorophyll Corner: Monkey Puzzle Trees and the Memory of a World Fair

These trees are gifts that remind us of our connection with cultures around the world.

Broom-making in a group, a circle of participants take part in making their own brooms under the instruction of Dan Hawkins.

Art and Life at Northwind: Broom-making, For the Art of It

Art and craft workshops set at Fort Worden.

Letter to the Editor: Food Bank Successes are Worth Celebrating, Too

I recently dropped in for a presentation about developments at the Jefferson County Food Bank Association (JCFBA), held as the latest in a Food for Thought series of programs presented by the Quimper Grange. I am very glad that I did. of you, I have followed developments and occasional controversies

Letter to the Editor: Yes for Prop 1

Holy cow! We might lose our Parks and Rec in Jefferson County. What does this mean? Believe it or not, there are 23 County parks, 19 recreation programs (for kids and adults), 6 playgrounds, 18 water access points, and trails. There are 6 community centers that provide meeting/activity space,

The Daily Yonder

Vermont, Other States Test ‘Gentle Infill’ as One Potential Tool to Tackle Housing Shortages

With not enough housing to meet growing demand and the economic pressures it puts on rural and other communities, some states are testing solutions designed to expedite construction on empty lots in between existing houses.

Washington State Standard

Trial begins in WA suit against Albertsons over opioid epidemic liability

The state has brought in more than $1.3 billion to address the opioid crisis from drug manufacturers and distributors in other cases.

WTF Just Happened This Week

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

Fun Fact: Did you know that rideshare companies (i.e., Uber and Lyft) are allowed — and have been allowed — to operate in Port Townsend?

local-news

Port Townsend City Council Tackles Rideshare, Evan’s Vista Update and Emergency Management in Wide-Ranging Meeting

Finalist for skatepark mural and transportation plan approved, and planning for managerial transition.

Groundbreaking ceremony on July 1, attendees looking on during a speech with an excavating tractor in the background.

local-news

Caswell-Brown Congregate Shelter Marks New Chapter Amidst Urgent Community Need

The groundbreaking ceremony takes place one week after a forest encampment fire.

Jefferson County Courthouse, a large red brick building with a clock tower on the right side.

local-news

America and Juries—Sexual Assault Trial July 3, 2026

Part Four of the child sexual assault series—Juries and Memory.

2023 Areté from Iris Vineyards in Oregon’s the Willamette Valley.

Arts & Culture

What Carolyn Pours: Areté Brings A Little Sparkle To Any Occasion

Make it a celebration with this pinot noir derived white sparkling wine!

Pt. Wilson Lighthouse, Fort Worden at sunset.

local-news

When a Community Pays Attention

Local journalism helps democracy begin close to home.

A notebook on a wooden table with a pen resting on top of it.

Jefferson County Beacon

Job Description: Editor of the Jefferson County Beacon

Looking for a new editor at the Jefferson County Beacon.

On the foundation slab there are rows of chairs in front of two tents with Gatheringplace banners.

local-news

Gatheringplace Celebrates Major Milestone as Construction Begins on Permanent Home

New facility promises expanded programs and lasting impact for Jefferson County adults with disabilities.

International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union members picketing on the Union Wharf dock, whale skeleton and cruise ship in background.

local-news

ILWU Stages Second Picket in Port Townsend, Reviving a 1940s Labor Dispute

Informational Union pickets are building momentum along the West Coast.

Jefferson County Superior courtroom doors. Three dark wooden doors with transom windows on tan and brown tile.

local-news

Superior Criminal Court, June 26, 2026: Healing One Step At A Time

Everything in life takes time, but the court system can stretch an adage to its limit.

See all