Philip Watness

Three Jefferson County graduations this weekend

Three unique commencement ceremonies are coming up this weekend in East Jefferson County, with Port Townsend, Quilcene and Chimacum all awarding diplomas to graduating seniors… Continue reading

Jefferson County shoreline plan to address fin fish farming

PORT TOWNSEND — Public officials hope they will soon be able to write “fin” — or “the end” — on the five-year process to update… Continue reading

Port Townsend annexation into fire district moves step forward to ballot

PORT TOWNSEND — An interlocal agreement between the City Council and East Jefferson Fire-Rescue could be approved within two weeks, setting the stage for a… Continue reading

Students ‘brainstorm’ on their own toward practical knowledge

PORT TOWNSEND — A teaching relationship that began with math tutoring has evolved into an innovative education program for a dozen Jefferson County high school… Continue reading

Diver tells of visits to SS Governor wreck

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a two-part series about the wreck of the SS Governor in Admiralty Inlet. The first part can be… Continue reading

Small submarine used to investigate Admiralty Inlet shipwreck of 90 years ago

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series about the wreck of the SS Governor in Admiralty Inlet. PORT TOWNSEND — Advanced three-dimensional… Continue reading

Hotel owner not giving up: Bankruptcy hearing nears for Port Townsend businessman

PORT TOWNSEND — The owner of the Clam Cannery Hotel considers a bankruptcy hearing set for June 10 as another road bump, not the end… Continue reading

Set your sails for Port Townsend Bay: Mariners’ Regatta, Rendevous docks this weekend

PORT TOWNSEND — Landlubbers and sea salts can mingle ashore or afloat during the 28th annual Classic Mariners' Regatta and Rendezvous taking place Saturday and… Continue reading

Jefferson: County appeals hearings board ruling

PORT TOWNSEND -- Jefferson County may have lost one battle over its development regulations, but commissioners aren't ready to surrender just yet. Jefferson County is… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Plenty of construction jobs out there, Chamber of Commerce told

PORT TOWNSEND -- Any signs of a lagging economy haven't hit the construction industry yet, so contractors are still clamoring for trained workers, carpentry program… Continue reading

Chimacum: Teacher pleads guilty to stealing school band money

PORT TOWNSEND -- Former Chimacum High School band teacher David R. Jones will be confined to his residence for one month for stealing more than… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Two Jefferson Transit workers to drive buses for 2002 Winter Olympics

PORT TOWNSEND -- Two Jefferson Transit bus drivers who are used to long stops and sparse passengers will get a whole new experience driving buses… Continue reading

Jefferson: Officials say response plans exempt from public disclosure laws

PORT TOWNSEND -- Jefferson County has decided to use an untested law to keep secret emergency preparedness plans concerning terrorism. County Administrator Charles Saddler said… Continue reading

Jefferson: Public records, meetings laws discussed

PORT TOWNSEND -- About 70 elected and appointed public officials and government watchdogs attended a workshop Wednesday about state laws governing open public meetings and… Continue reading

Port Ludlow: Chimney fire linked to soot buildup

PORT LUDLOW -- Firefighters extinguished a chimney fire Tuesday afternoon before it could severely damage a home on Belfrage Road. The fire broke out as… Continue reading

Port Townsend: City Council members unveil “wish lists”

PORT TOWNSEND -- Although the new City Council outlined its top priorities for the coming year during a retreat Saturday, many of the individual members'… Continue reading

Jefferson: Officials discuss tsunami risk, disaster response

Jefferson County, Port Townsend and Port of Port Townsend officials met Monday to discuss preliminary data regarding tsunami risks facing the region. Jefferson County Emergency… Continue reading

Jefferson: survey shows how residents would pay for parks

A random survey of more than 100 Jefferson County residents reveals they would be willing to pay for recreation facilities through a bond measure but… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Appointments issue splits council

PORT TOWNSEND -- City Councilman Geoff Masci Monday accused his fellow council members of attempting to stack the city Planning Commission by suggesting raising membership… Continue reading

Port Townsend: City Council prioritizes goals for coming year — including minting its own “money”

PORT TOWNSEND -- City Council members identified and outlined their top priorities for the coming year during a retreat Saturday. Top priorities identified during the… Continue reading