Jeff Chew

Jefferson commissioners officially hire new county administrator at record salary

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County commissioners Monday officially hired a new county administrator, who is due to start work Oct. 16 at a record salary… Continue reading

BREAKING NEWS: New Jefferson County administrator hired

PORT TOWNSEND – Jefferson County commissioners today approved a hiring contract for a new county administrator, who is scheduled to start work Oct. 16. Philip… Continue reading

Navy planning to test unmanned undersea vehicles in Hood Canal, off Pacific coast

Expansion of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center test range at Dabob Bay and its Quinault range off the Pacific Coast would include testing of unmanned… Continue reading

Nurses quarters being remodeled at Point Hudson; popular restaurant eyed for site

PORT TOWNSEND — Remodeling of the Port of Port Townsend's historic nurses quarters is expected to bring a popular Port Townsend restaurant's fine cuisine to… Continue reading

Planning behind proposed Brinnon mega-resort sound, state growth board rules

PORT TOWNSEND — The three-member Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board has ruled that Jefferson County complied with the Growth Management Act in its approach… Continue reading

Probable Jefferson County manager a ‘consensus-builder’

PORT TOWNSEND — Ask Philip Morley what he is most proud of in his 30-year career and he has no hesitation. "I would say that… Continue reading

PUD-financed study cites savings if district assumes East Jefferson’s electrical service

PORT TOWNSEND — It would cost the Public Utility District between $34.9 million and $69.8 million to acquire Puget Sound Energy's facilities in East Jefferson… Continue reading

Jefferson County commissioners pick Maple Valley man as new administrator

PORT TOWNSEND — The seven-month search for a new Jefferson County administrator has led the county commissioners to Philip Morley, Maple Valley's assistant city manager.… Continue reading

Republican challenger accuses Jefferson County commissioners as lax on looming $4.7 million budget deficit

PORT TOWNSEND — Republican Dennis Schultz went on the attack Monday, saying that Jefferson County's three Democratic commissioners — including his opponent, Phil Johnson —… Continue reading

Discovery Bay getting back to its old self — shellfish growing to be reopened soon

DISCOVERY BAY — State Department of Health officials have recommended upgrading the water quality status of the south end of Discovery Bay, which means that… Continue reading

Jefferson PUD to formally receive consultant’s report on feasibility of providing electrical power

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioners will see on Monday the final draft of a feasibility study that encourages the district to… Continue reading

Chamber of Commerce building to be in place soon

PORT TOWNSEND — A new Chamber of Commerce office and visitor center could be open by the end of October, a chamber leader said. The… Continue reading

Battle over whether Jefferson PUD should become power provider heats up

PORT TOWNSEND — A Puget Sound Energy-contracted analysis says that Jefferson County and two other public utility districts would face a lengthy phase-in process to… Continue reading

British Columbia selling three ferries, but they can’t come here

PORT TOWNSEND — Those wondering why Washington State Ferries has passed over four boats offered for sale by BC Ferries at a time when Port… Continue reading

Jefferson commissioners mum about interviews of county administrator hopefuls

PORT TOWNSEND — The three Jefferson County commissioners, after interviewing five county administrator candidates behind closed doors Tuesday, asked their Seattle-based head-hunting consultant firm to… Continue reading

State seeks bids on two new ferries for Port Townsend run

PORT TOWNSEND — A contract to build two Island Home-model ferries for the Port Townsend-Keystone route will be advertised beginning today, a Washington State Ferries… Continue reading

Jefferson commissioner candidates clash over ‘down-zoning’ of commercial properties

PORT TOWNSEND — Candidates for Jefferson County commissioner clashed over the county's "down-zoning" from commercial to residential properties during a forum on Monday. Port Hadlock… Continue reading

Team Jefferson’s first year outlined for county commissioners

PORT TOWNSEND — Team Jefferson's job is to create avenues to economic development in Jefferson County. "We're not going to create jobs . . .… Continue reading

Vibriosis prompts oyster harvest areas to be closed; blue-green algae still found in lakes

PORT TOWNSEND — The state Department of Health has closed Quilcene Bay and Triton Cove State Park in Jefferson County to the recreational harvest of… Continue reading

PSE-financed Jefferson PUD power opposition surfaces

PORT TOWNSEND — A Puget Sound Energy-fueled political action group is opposing a measure that would allow the Jefferson County Public Utility District to provide… Continue reading