Philip Watness

Port Townsend: Fire damages part of “Officer and Gentleman” motel

PORT TOWNSEND -- The Tides Inn Manager Simon Lee was both distraught and relieved Monday. A fire had broken out at the 1807 Water St.… Continue reading

Jefferson: It’s fair time Friday through Sunday — and here’s the schedule

Be sure to wear your Stetson, straw hat, bowler, fedora, top hat, captain's hat or baseball cap to the Jefferson County Fair. That's so you… Continue reading

Jefferson: Feral cat program needs volunteers

PORT TOWNSEND -- Eight kittens were recently found on a rooftop, abandoned by their mother and starving to death. They're among the hundreds of wild… Continue reading

Port Hadlock: “Relief” expressed after arrest of suspected bank robber

PORT HADLOCK -- Tellers at the Bank of America branch cheered and applauded Wednesday when they heard of an arrest in connection with Friday's robbery.… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Fate of financially lagging paper bag mill determined next month

PORT TOWNSEND -- Paper or plastic? The answer to the question often asked at supermarket checkstands will have a bearing on a decision expected next… Continue reading

Jefferson: Former Port Ludlow resident finds gold in “Legally Blonde” success

PORT TOWNSEND -- Kirsten Smith stalked Rose Theatre owner Rocky Friedman. She buttonholed him on street corners, harangued him at film showings and even enlisted… Continue reading

Jefferson: Mats Mats Quarry barbecue draws crowd

PORT LUDLOW -- People who came to an open house and barbecue at Mats Mats Quarry on Friday displayed none of the rancor that has… Continue reading

Port Hadlock: Bank robber still at large

PORT HADLOCK -- A robber who held up the Bank of America branch office remained at large Saturday, more than a day after he made… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Woman continues her mission in West Africa

PORT TOWNSEND -- Carley Rae doesn't spout scripture -- she lives it. She believes dearly in her calling to serve residents of West Africa as… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Longtime Democrat weighing write-in candidacy against Sandoval

PORT TOWNSEND -- Leola Armstrong says she is strongly considering a write-in campaign against Michelle Sandoval for Port Townsend City Council. Armstrong, long active in… Continue reading

Peninsula: It’s August, and height of fire season

Paul Hampton of Forks is back from the fire lines in Eastern Washington, as are most of the other firefighters who were sent to battle… Continue reading

Port Townsend counts cash from location shooting for Jennifer Lopez movie

PORT TOWNSEND -- The cast and crew for the Jennifer Lopez movie "Enough," filmed in town in June, accounted for 350 room nights in local… Continue reading

Parts of Genesis robotic space probe visit Port Towsend

PORT TOWNSEND -- Some parts on the Genesis robotic space probe made a side trip to Port Townsend long before being poised for space this… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Last-minute City Council filings cause speculation

PORT TOWNSEND -- Were last-minute City Council election filings an altruistic effort to provide voters with clear choices or a calculated strategy to take over… Continue reading

Jefferson: PT photo shop owners travel the world

PORT TOWNSEND -- Ralph and Christal Ericksen of Port Townsend don't get around much anymore. They get around a lot. The couple foregoes dinners out,… Continue reading

Jefferson: New owner takes over Old Alcohol Plant

PORT HADLOCK -- The Old Alcohol Plant has a new owner. RealVest Corp. recently acquired 80 percent interest in the historic former wood alcohol plant… Continue reading

Jefferson: Only four more file for office Thursday

PORT TOWNSEND -- Four more people filed for office Thursday, the slowest filing day of the week so far. As of Thursday, no candidates had… Continue reading

Port Townsend: Endowment helps women to succeed

PORT TOWNSEND -- Poverty stalks women who are trying to get out of abusive relationships. Without educational opportunities, penury is the lot in life for… Continue reading

Quilcene: Fair taps longtime supporter as grand marshal

QUILCENE -- Quilcene Fair organizers are doing it all for Al, because Al has done everything for the town. Al Jakeway, 88, suffered a stroke… Continue reading

Quilcene: School Board refines goals

QUILCENE -- The School Board refined its goals Tuesday, hoping to improve communication, education and planning. Goals outlined by the School Board include improving and… Continue reading