Jeff Chew

Moratorium placed on building ‘McMansions’ and demolition of historic homes in Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND — A six-month moratorium has been placed on razing historic homes in the National Landmark Historic District and on the construction of homes… Continue reading

Trees a crowd in downtown Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND — The city must deal with the trees lining Water Street — some that could break and fall, others that block the splendor… Continue reading

Petition for Jefferson PUD to take over electricity service at 25% of goal

PORT TOWNSEND — A group petitioning voters to give Jefferson County Public Utility District the authority to provide electric service has gathered about 25 percent… Continue reading

Carousel built in Port Townsend heads for town still recovering from Katrina

PORT TOWNSEND — Bill Dentzel's "Carousel by the Olympic Sea," a dream that has spun in his mind since 1984, is on its way to… Continue reading

Complaints pour out on septic fees in Jefferson County

CHIMACUM — The Jefferson County Board of Health heard protests of fees and state-mandated regulations that would come with the county's proposed on-site septic system… Continue reading

Port Townsend board to seek $33.8 million bond issue for new Grant Street School

PORT TOWNSEND — After more than a year of discussion, the Port Townsend School Board has set a May 20 election for a $33.84 million… Continue reading

Port Ludlow residents upset over mysterious tree slashings

PORT LUDLOW — Neighbors and Ludlow Maintenance Commission Greenbelt Committee members were angered to find partially cut trees in a protected greenbelt between Jackson Lane… Continue reading

Long lines, long waits await Port Townsend ferry users, city official predicts

PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend-Keystone ferry runs are expected to sell out by noon this summer, and one- to two-boat waits are expected — creating… Continue reading

Jefferson County historians put treasures on new Web site

PORT TOWNSEND — The past met the future Thursday when Jefferson County Historical Society launched a new Web site that digitizes thousands of historical photos… Continue reading

Another wave engulfs passenger ferry; two doors blown in

PORT TOWNSEND — A wind-whipped wave walloped the passenger-ferry Snohomish, pushing in two starboard doors and flooding the cabin, during a run Thursday morning, the… Continue reading

Replacement car ferry found ready to bear the load, begin service Saturday

PORT TOWNSEND — The Steilacoom II, which is expected to begin service between Port Townsend and Keystone on Saturday, was tested for its ability to… Continue reading

Port Townsend delays ban on camping in city parks

PORT TOWNSEND — Hearing several advocates for the homeless plea for compassion, City Council members delayed consideration of an ordinance that would prohibit camping at… Continue reading

Replacement ferry halts sea trial after taking on up to two feet of water

PORT TOWNSEND — High wind and rough seas swamped the Steilacoom II with up to two feet of water Tuesday morning, forcing the ferry's captain… Continue reading

Leased car ferry begins sea trials across treacherous Admiralty Inlet

PORT TOWNSEND — The MV Steilacoom II landed without fanfare early Monday afternoon at the Port Townsend ferry terminal. Then the car-passenger ferry rented by… Continue reading

Slopes of Mount Walker spared from timber harvest

QUILCENE — Timber won't be harvested on Mount Walker as part of an upcoming timber sale, an Olympic National Forest Olympic National Forest supervisor said.… Continue reading

Audubon group opposes Kah Tai site for aquatic center

PORT TOWNSEND — A leader in the effort to locate an aquatic recreation center at the southeastern corner of Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park was… Continue reading

A Valentine from Jefferson County: Showdown meeting over new septic rules

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Public Health officials have rescheduled a hearing on a controversial program proposed for on-site septic system maintenance and operation program.… Continue reading

Charges filed against former fire district secretary in case of the missing money

PORT TOWNSEND — A former Jefferson Fire District No. 5 secretary has been charged with first-degree theft and forgery in connection with the misappropriation of… Continue reading

Global warming solution takes effort from all, group says

PORT TOWNSEND — Leaders, educators and students agreed Wednesday that coming up with a solution to global warming and creating a better environment requires education… Continue reading

Popular Jefferson County trail to get longer

PORT TOWNSEND — Nine-year-old Madeline Holland-Jackson loves riding her miniature horse, Willy, on the new section of Larry Scott Memorial Trail near her home south… Continue reading