Nearly a decade after 15-year-old Benji Kenworthy of Port Townsend took his own life in 2015, the Benji Project started by his mother, Cynthia Osterman, is working to protect …
The following short items have been culled from the archives of The Leader and the University of Washington library. Text and style appear verbatim for original printing including any errors. …
    Later this year Peninsula Credit Union will mark its 90th year, but it’s also celebrating the 20th year of its Port Townsend branch, which was acquired in a merger with …
    The master gardeners are back, live and in person.  After taking a break last year and being conducted virtually since the pandemic shutdowns, the Jefferson County …
Arts and Entertainment
Lily-Rose Depp falls under the shadowy embrace of “Nosferatu."

Both ‘Nosferatu,’ ‘A Complete Unknown’ worth watching but fall short of greatness

    The recently concluded winter holidays brought with them two new cinematic takes on a couple of classics of 20th century pop culture, Robert Eggers’ …
“Bags, Bags, Bags” has been on display since December in the Peninsula Fiber Artists’ “fiber habit” window in Uptown Port Townsend. The display will continue through January.

The artistry is in the bag: Uptown's 'fiber habit' window features 15 pieces by PT, Hadlock artists

    Bags, bags and more bags. The 24/7 walk-by Peninsula Fiber Artists’ “fiber habit” window at 675 Tyler St. in Uptown Port Townsend has on display an …
Michael Daley

Readings at the Meeting House resurrect pre-pandemic public series

    A pre-pandemic fixture of the literary community is continuing its recent revival into the New Year, as organizers of the long-running Readings at Northwind have restarted the …
Lady Gaga, left, and Joachin Phoenix presided over a franchise-killer with “Joker: Folie à Deux.”

What flew, what flopped and who we lost: The year in review for entertainment and media

    As we bid adieu to 2024, the year in entertainment seems to be a story of emerging media gaining breakout successes, in the midst of existing media either treading water or …
Danish-style remoulade.

Around the world with roasted roots, Danish remoulade | Kitchen to Kitchen

A sheet pan of roasted roots is delicious—pair them with a protein and some greens, and you’ve got a satisfying meal. Now, to go one step further, let me introduce you to a technique I …

News from local businesses

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 …

Give Your Kids a Gift that Keeps Giving: High-Yield Savings


The holiday season is upon us—a time for joy, giving, and meaningful connections with loved ones. While toys and gadgets often top the wish lists, there’s a unique gift that grows in …

In other news ...
Obituaries

Death Notice Susan Elizabeth Rutkowski

Susan Elizabeth Rutkowski passed away surrounded by family on January 5, 2025. Arrangements are pending. Friends and family may share memories of Susan, sign the online guestbook, and see full …

Katherine Elaine Olsen

When a young girl, Kate’s parents lived on board a boat in Seattle for several years before moving to Seabeck, WA and then settled in Bremerton, WA where Kate finished her public school …

Joan Owen

Joan Owen passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 in Sierra Vista, Arizona. She was seventy-two years old.and had heart failure for a number of years. She and her husband, Skip, had lived in Port …
Calendar of events
Opinion & Columnists
Bill Mann
It’s that time of year for resolutions | Mann Overboard
 A mere handful — promise — of new year’s resolutions. First, cue John Lennon singing, “you say you want a resolution…”  — I resolve not to …
Brian Cullin
Carter, Habitat and reversing the crisis of confidence | Guest Column
I often jest with my colleagues on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County that I have never worked for an organization with “love” in its mission …
Ned Luce
2024: Is it over yet? | Life in Ludlow
I really hope we are at the end of it. I am tired of the misinformation and solutions to problems that do not exist. I am also frustrated by the lack of solutions to problems that actually do exist? …
Marcia Kelbon
No new road taxes until diversion of current road taxes stops | Out of Balance
If you spend much time traveling the bumpy streets of Port Townsend, you probably have enjoyed free testing for loose dental appliances and fillings. Our county roads outside of the city are in a …
Owen Rowe
Why I’ve resigned as board president of the Food Co-op | Guest Column
On Dec. 31, I resigned from work I loved, serving as board president of The Food Co-op in Port Townsend. The Co-op’s 7,500-plus member-owners elect a volunteer board to represent them in …
Mary Purdy
The New Cool: A local dietitian’s guide to planet-friendly living | Guest Column
Looking for New Year's intentions that make you feel good while doing good? You're not alone! More people than ever are embracing sustainable lifestyle choices. The good news? Small changes add up to …
TOONS

BLOGS
  After seeing her star-making turn in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” last year all that Hulu had to do to get me to watch its true-crime miniseries …
Letters
    • Restore glass recycling

        After nearly 30 years of recycling our glass bottles, we citizens of Jefferson County are now being directed to dump them in the …

    • Dangerous headlight glare

        Just over a year ago I was driving back from Cumbria to Edinburgh. Just after leaving the M74, a Porsche SUV with LED headlights at …

    • Punish deer abuser

        In response to the cowards arrested for maiming and killing several deer recently, I can only wonder if there is anything more …

    • Demonstrated sickness

        Sorry to send this in the season of love and joy but I am outraged and want to express this: Why would a 16-year-old find pleasure …

    • Doggett’s brilliant writing

        Regarding the article about local Cougars getting Bird Flu, by Scott D. This was an excellent article, brilliant writing. The …

    • Co-op opinions are like…

        Why does The Leader give a full column to a woman who pretends to speak for “the community” as she demands an apology …

Photo Gallery

Photos of efforts to contain Jupiter fire near Brinnon

John and Christy Strickland sit in lawn chairs and watch as ground and airborne firefighters attempt to tame the wildfire on Mount Jupiter, west of Brinnon on Friday, August 17.
Photos taken of the wildfire on Mount Jupiter near Hood Canal, where firefighters have been battling the blaze since Wednesday, Aug. 14.
Sports
    The East Jefferson Rivals Wrestling Team finds itself in its third week of practice the first week in December. The athletes have been working hard in the practice room …
    Several former Port Townsend High School cross country athletes have continued to pursue their sport collegiately and have just concluded their seasons. Aliyah Cassidy …
    On Saturday, Nov. 9, three junior girl Rivals and the boys team competed at the WIAA 1A Cross Country State Championships at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, WA. The 5k …