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Briefs: Sims Way protest, Tyler Street repairs, and more

City webinar April 16 Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro, Mayor David Faber and Deputy Mayor Amy Howard will host a one-hour informative webinar for those interested in serving on city …

Port Townsend Food Co-op elects four new board members

The results are in for the Port Townsend Food Co-op Board Election.

County adopts short-term rental rules

Jefferson County has enacted its first comprehensive update to short-term rental (STR) regulations in over two decades, coinciding with the expiration of a year-long moratorium on new STR permits in unincorporated areas.  

Tool library to offer power saws, folding tables, canning supplies, more

A new community resource that hopes to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency is coming to Jefferson County this summer.  
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Editor’s Note: Behind the Dais is a Q&A-style feature focusing on elected officials. This feature was coordinated by James Robinson.
The Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary has announced its students of the month for February and March. The Rotary chose Tallulah Sebastian and Bryce Harbin for exceptional leadership and service in …
The DuBois Levias Law Group, one of Seattle’s longest-standing women-owned family law firms, has recently opened a practice in Port Townsend, with plans to follow up with a physical office.
Finnriver Farm and Cidery is launching two premium craft ciders this month, part of their stated commitment to “making craft cider from 100% organic fruit as accessible as possible.”

Law Enforcement

Sheriff's Log

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a total of 288 calls for service from April 4-11. Deputies conducted 52 traffic stops, of which one resulted in criminal (misdemeanor/felony) …

Police Log

The Port Townsend Police Department responded to a total of 177 calls from April 4-11, and conducted 15 traffic stops. Calls such as domestic violence and suicides are left out of the call log, so as …

Arts & Entertainment
Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), left, and the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) get close on “Doctor Who.”

‘Doctor Who,’ ‘The Last of Us’ make deftly executed, compelling returns

April 12-13 was a nerd streaming weekend, with the return of sci-fi’s longest-running television franchise, and the sophomore season of a critically acclaimed TV adaptation of an equally critically acclaimed video game.
The members of Yagódy.

The ‘mesmerizing’ sounds of Yagódy coming to PT's Palindrome

The music played by Yagódy, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, at the Palindrome at Eaglemount Winery and Cidery, is a blend of Ukrainian, Bulgarian and Serbian folk.
Ruby Groussman, 5, of Port Townsend hunts for Easter eggs at Fred Lewis Scout Cabin Park on April 5, 2015. Dozens of youngsters under age 12 hunted for more than 60 dozen eggs during the event, organized by The Marvin G. Shields American Legion Post No. 26 Ladies Auxiliary.

Around the county, Easter egg hunts await

Jefferson County offers no shortage of events to help the community celebrate Easter. Here is a roundup of some of them.  The Friends of Fort Flagler are presenting an Easter egg hunt at …
The Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra (PTSO) held its Young Artist Competition on March 29 at Grace Lutheran Church, selecting prize winners in both junior and senior divisions. There were 18 …
Soaring egg prices, driven by Avian Flu, makes it the ideal time to try eggless baking. While I enjoy eggs and hope they become affordable again, I’ve been baking without them for over a decade, achieving fabulous results.
News from local businesses

Why Banking Locally is a Smart Move for Small Businesses

Charmaine and Caleb Messinger, owners of Southern Nibble in Sequim, WA.


As a small business owner, choosing the right banking partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You need a bank that supports your growth, understands your challenges, and …

Your Dream of Homeownership Could Be Closer Than You Think

First Fed offers the new Washington Covenant Homeownership Program, designed to expand homeownership for certain minorities in Washington State

Your Dream of Homeownership Could Be Closer Than You Think For many, buying a home feels out of reach. High prices, down payments, closing costs, and insurance requirements can make it seem …

Unlock Your Savings Potential for the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reassess your financial goals and take control of your savings. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to maximize your current savings …

Calendar of events
Obituaries
James Dalton Coyne
James Dalton Coyne, known affectionately as Jim, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Silverdale, Washington, with family at his side, at the age of 68. Born on February 18, 1957, in Seattle, …
Donald White
Don White led a life full of adventure, dedicated public service, and devotion to family, friends, and community.  His infectious grin, generous listening, and avid enthusiasm for adventure were …
John Paul Wefel
John P. Wefel, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Louisiana State University (LSU), passed away on March 30, 2025, at Jefferson Healthcare Hospital in Port Townsend, WA. He was 80 years old. John …
Gerene Janice Hostvedt
Gerene Janice Hostvedt, daughter of Gerald J. Thompson and Irene R. Thompson (Stringer), named after the combination of their first names, Gerald and Irene, passed away the morning after her …
Death Notice
Death Notice Gary Durrell Griswold Gary Durrell Griswold, a wonderful husband, father, and talented artist, left this world peacefully on May 10, 2024, after a valiant battle with several …
Opinion
Columnists
Greg Brotherton
A public agency will be needed for the pool, when the time is right | Soapbox
I often think about the time I killed my daughter’s love for music. She was about nine, and I made her practice the piano enough that she hated it. I backed off, and her love for music returned …
Andrew Carpenter
Solar panels have more than proven themselves | Guest Column
I’d never heard of “net metering” until my electric bill hit $600 last February. Desperate for a way to reduce utility costs that skyrocket in the winter because we use electric …
Marcia Kelbon
Insolvency is not the answer: Washington can’t afford more ‘creative’ taxes | Out of Balance
The “No” campaigns against initiatives to repeal our state’s capital gains tax and Climate Commitment Act last fall threatened the inability to fund education and roads if the …
Members of Chimacum High School’s Interact Club pose for a photo on Saturday, April 12, while washing cars at Olympic Equipment Rental in Port Hadlock.
Chimacum High’s Interact Club washes cars in support of Shelter Box | Life in Ludlow
Right now, over 100 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes by disasters, conflict and climate change – and that number is growing every day. Shelter Box is an …
Bill Mann
A little mockery and a lot of laughter is the best anti-Trump medicine | Mann Overboard
A reader saw me at the pool last week, and when I mentioned the large Indivisible “Hands Off” protest here, he exclaimed, “I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and this was the …
Laura Tucker
Glass recycling in Jefferson County – it’s complicated | Local 20/20
Why did western Washington suddenly stop recycling glass last year? There are three main reasons. Glass is not a money maker: Jefferson County’s recycling, including glass, is handled by …
TOONS

Letters
    • Pool quandary list

      I’d like to make several points about the proposed pool.    Public Facilities District (PFD): Directors of a PFD, …

    • Praise for Pernsteiner

      I have volunteered at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years. I’ve recently moved to Sequim and resigned from …

    • Slurs not science

      Serinus opens his remarks in his recent column by drawing attention to a couple “doozies” in the previous Leader. The objects of his …

    • Contrast is insight

      Kudos again to the P.T. Leader! Your opinion piece presenting two sides on the Indivisible group rally against Trump, Musk, and DOGE was the …

    • Lazy federal workers

      All this wailing and gnashing of teeth over President Trump doing his job and DOGE cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. You know each and every …

    • Stop using ‘TERF’

      TERF is a lazy, dehumanizing terminology used by those with an inability to articulate their argument to justify aggression, violence, name …

Photos

PHOTOS: Creative signs, heartfelt emotion stretch for half a mile

People waving signs in protest of the Trump administration line East Sims Way as cars pass on Saturday, April 5, in Port Townsend.
People critical of President Donald Trump lined Sims Way on Saturday, April 5, rallying to protest the administration’s barrage of policies and actions on immigration, the economy and cuts to government agencies and departments with the help of Elon Musk.   
Sports
On Wednesday, March 26, more than 100 wrestlers from four middle schools on the North Olympic Peninsula converged at Port Angeles High School for the end-of-season league championship. Some 31 …
The East Jefferson Rivals Track and Field Team competed in their opening meet of the season on Thursday, March 20, at Sequim High School. In addition to EJ and the host school, teams from Clallam Bay, Crescent, Kingston, Neah Bay, and Port Angeles were also present. Athletes experienced cold conditions, but were not inconvenienced by rain or wind. 
Wrestlers from East Jefferson County competed March 12 at Port Townsend High School.
    On Feb. 21 the annual “Mat Classic” three-day state-wide high school wrestling tournament took place underneath the lights of the Tacoma Dome. A whopping 467 …