Erik Hidle

Jefferson County commissioners take hot issues to Olympia

OLYMPIA -- Jefferson County's three commissioners said they were given attention, if not guarantees, about issues close to home when they lobbied their state legislators… Continue reading

Two sheriffs, two attitudes toward Border Patrol-linked grant

Clallam County has put in for federal funds administered by the U.S. Border Patrol while Jefferson County is saying no thanks. A national grant opportunity… Continue reading

Jefferson County assessor says shoreline plan will raise taxes

PORT TOWNSEND -- A state-required shoreline master program update -- which increases residential building setbacks from marine waterways and river and stream buffers -- will… Continue reading

Jefferson Democrats speak out against increased Border Patrol presence

PORT TOWNSEND ¬­-- Jefferson County Democrats have passed a resolution opposing increased presence of Border Patrol agents on the North Olympic Peninsula -- and the… Continue reading

Chimacum school replacement levy passes

PORT TOWNSEND -- The Chimacum School District levy passed with flying colors on Tuesday. With 52.4 percent of voters turning out for the election, the… Continue reading

Jefferson worried about well restrictions in Big Quil, Chimacum Creek areas

PORT TOWNSEND -- Jefferson County commissioners did not issue an outright response to a National Marine Fisheries recommendation that no additional water allocations from the… Continue reading

New fire chief outlines goals for Port Townsend chamber audience

PORT TOWNSEND -- New East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Chuck Tandy told business leaders Monday that he is looking to cut the time between emergency call… Continue reading

Owners of historic Port Townsend building hope to spur ‘Mosquito Fleet’ revival

PORT TOWNSEND -- The owners of the ornate Hastings Building in downtown Port Townsend have more in mind than just the renovation of their historic… Continue reading

Drug court renews hope for life outside of jail

PORT TOWNSEND -- Seven men stood in a packed Jefferson County Superior Courtroom and got their lives back. One by one, the men stood up… Continue reading

Fate of Tidal Clock in Port Townsend City Council’s hands

PORT TOWNSEND -- The story of the Jackson Bequest is nearing what could be its final chapter. The Port Townsend Arts Commission voted 7-2 in… Continue reading

Drivers’ licensing office in Port Townsend to close

PORT TOWNSEND -- By the end of this year, people living in East Jefferson County will have to drive out of the county -- probably… Continue reading

Waste water flows into Ludlow Bay

PORT LUDLOW -- An estimated 10,000 to 20,000 gallons of waste water bubbled up from manholes, ran through bioswales and emptied into Ludlow Bay on… Continue reading

New mail scam hits Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND -- A new scam encourages people to think they have received free money in the mail -- but if they cash the checks… Continue reading

Grants offer Port Townsend support for sidewalks, signage issues

PORT TOWNSEND -- Two federal grants will soon solve two city problems. A $200,000 Preserve America grant was awarded to the city on Jan. 16… Continue reading

Committee to recommend against municipal utility district

PORT TOWNSEND -- A Port Townsend committee will recommend against the idea of the city attempting to form a municipal utility district to provide electrical… Continue reading

Woman homeless after house fire

QUILCENE -- A woman is unharmed but homeless after a house fire on Friday morning that stopped traffic on U.S. Highway 101 for more than… Continue reading

Debris from slide covers Port Townsend street

PORT TOWNSEND -- A landslide on the bluff above Water Street is no cause for concern, the director of the city's public works department said.… Continue reading

Obama delegate from Port Townsend makes D.C. trip while partisans party at fairgrounds

PORT TOWNSEND -- Sometimes you have to cry before you sing. Just after 9 a.m., as Barack Obama took the oath of office and became… Continue reading

Students learn fourth ‘R’ — recycling

PORT TOWNSEND -- Students at the private Swan School in Port Townsend went hands-on to learn -- and teach -- about the state's new program… Continue reading

Bankers offer help in face of Hood Canal Bridge closure

PORT TOWNSEND -- Bank officials are in agreement: They want small-business owners to come in and talk before the Hood Canal Bridge closes for repair.… Continue reading