District Court Successes in the LEAD program, DV and Custody
Alternatives to traditional justice system models prove a valuable tool to help people get back on their feet and stay out of jail.
Latest
Jefferson County, WA Sets a Course for 2045 With Comprehensive Plan Update
County officials begin tackling their plan for the county’s growth, particularly in the Urban Growth Areas of Irondale and Port Townsend.
Court System Finds Success and Failures with New Domestic Violence Legislation
Judge Brandon Mack explains the role of the different courts in DV cases, and the importance of restorative justice.
What Keeps the City Flowing—Water, Recycling, and Sewage Discussed at City Council Workshop
Rate increases, infrastructure challenges and economic disparity were on the docket for this week’s workshop.
Chimacum Creek Primary School Sets a High Bar, and Delivers Excellent Results
Chimacum school supports early childhood education while facing potential state funding cuts.
Art and Life at Northwind: Art Beyond the Imagination
A gallery is a living organism, made brighter by the art, artists and viewers who enter.
Poetry on the Salish Sea and Centrum present to you: The Language of Love, A Valentine’s Day Reading
Poet Melissa O’Neil shares her thoughts on love ahead of a special Valentine’s Day reading by her and 13 other poets.
Centrum Signs 35 Year Lease with State Parks
As part of Centrum’s long-term planning, Executive Director Rob Birman plans a shift to a new role .
Centrum Artist Weaves Port Townsend, Chicago and Nigeria Together Through Baskets and Stories
Art news by Melissa O’Neil, Centrum Artist Residency Program PORT TOWNSEND, WA — Centrum’s Artist Residency program is delighted to welcome visual artist ebere agwuncha. As part of the In the Making residency, agwuncha is presenting a visual lecture on Thursday, February 5th, from 4-5 p.m. titled “Meditation
Big-Screen Views: The Choral
Looking for a film that tackles the role of art in a small town during difficult times? The Choral may be just what you’re looking for.
A New Day for Kah Tai: Bathroom Reopening Marks a Milestone for Port Townsend Parks
Public infrastructure opening brings city staff, cultural history and poetry together.
February 2, City Council Meeting: Preparing for Change and Not Repeating History
City Council news by Angela Downs PORT TOWNSEND, WA — On February 2, the Port Townsend City Council held a meeting with two Executive Sessions, closed portions of public meetings to discuss confidential matters; one for current or potential litigations, and the second for the performance of public employees. In the
Jefferson County Superior Court
Complex Domestic Violence Case Results in 10-Year Sentence
Anna Young, described as both a survivor and perpetrator of domestic violence, received a sentence for assault with a deadly weapon.
Jefferson County District Court
January 28, District Court: The Self-Represented Defendant and the Model Defendant
Court news by Angela Downs PORT TOWNSEND, WA — January 28, in District Court, there again was a docket full of reckless driving cases, one of which presented a clear example of the behaviors and responses judges are looking for from defendants, and also two self-represented defendants. The Jefferson County District
Lindy West
Writer Lindy West is Developing her own Fairy Tale
South County writer brings “Every Castle, Ranked” to Port Angeles.
Health Care
Prescription For Relief — Legislative Solutions For Washington’s Health
Though no health care insurance help appears to be coming from the other Washington, in Olympia lawmakers and affordable healthcare advocates are working towards a brighter future.
Humane Society of Jefferson County
Letter to the Editor: Veterinarian Dr. Kraft's Open Letter on the Humane Society's Actions
To the Residents of Jefferson County: During the second week of January, 2026, as onsite Shelter Veterinarian, I requested a meeting with the HSJC Board of Directors (BOD) to present multiple concerns regarding the practices of the current HSJC Executive Director (ED) along with information on present day veterinary medical
Humane Society of Jefferson County
Letter to the Editor: Former Humane Society ED Tammy Hanks Speaks Out
Hi, my name is Tammy Hanks. I was the first paid Executive Director at Jefferson County Humane Society. I was hired in September 2022, and resigned in September 2023. I have no idea why the board and the new ED have conveniently forgotten to mention me. I can only assume
ICE
Jefferson County Braces for the Unknown: Will ICE Roll Into the Quimper Peninsula?
With tensions high all over the US, what can we expect from federal immigration enforcement, and how can we prepare to help our neighbors?
Jefferson County Superior Court
ICE Jurisdiction and Guardianship Cases Tackled in Superior Court
Superior court cases explore custody through two different lenses.
Jefferson County Board of County Commisioners
Jefferson County Plans New Solid Waste Transfer Station as Recycling System Changes Take Effect
Existing waste transfer station proves to be inadequate for current—let alone future—needs.
Humane Society of Jefferson County
Ongoing at the Humane Society: Leadership Upheaval, Staff Exodus, and Mounting Allegations Rock Jefferson County Shelter
In the week since the Beacon first reported on the situation at the Humane Society, communication has revolved around the denial of allegations even as more people leave the organization.
Burlesque
My Funny Valentine: A Slightly Unhinged Comedic Burlesque & Variety Show
Multi-Award-Winning Burlesque Clown Tout D’Lou joins local performance troupe The Sky Dancers in an unforgettable Valentine’s show.
Jefferson County District Court
Court Congestion and Driving With Suspended Licenses
The Beacon is beginning our new Criminal Justice beat, where we will be breaking down aspects of the system along with reporting on the news.