League of Women Voters

candidate forum for state reps

Voters can learn more about Steve Tharinger and Hickory Grant, the candidates for Representative Position 2 in the 24th District of the Washington State Legislature, during a League of Women Voters digital candidate forum on Thursday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.

To register and receive a Zoom link for the event, go to lwvwa.org/Jefferson online.

Links to these primary forums, which can be accessed by computer, tablet or phone, are available at lwvcla.clubexpress.com.

The League of Women Voters seeks to select questions that will reflect a wide range of concerns from each district’s multiple constituencies, and the group pledged that its questions would never be released to any of the candidates in advance of their forums.

KPTZ 91.9 FM, the League of Women Voters’ media partner for this event, will simulcast the forum, and livestream it at kptz.org.

The forum will also be recorded and linked on the websites of both the Clallam and Jefferson Leagues of Women Voters.

State seeks to get kids outside

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications in August for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for kids and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities and shooting ranges.

RCO is offering free online workshops to showcase these grant opportunities and explain their application requirements.

The grants are the largest source of state funding for many of these outdoor recreation experiences, and will not be offered again until 2026.

“We know that spending time outside provides so many benefits, such as easing stress, improving mental and physical health, and increasing children’s academic performance,” RCO Director Megan Duffy said. “These grants pay for dozens of projects that will give kids and adults the opportunity to spend time outside, and improve their overall health as a result. Creating new and improving existing recreational spaces is vital to the health of our citizens and our economy.”

A recent RCO study showed that people spend more than $26 billion on outdoor recreation trips and equipment in Washington annually, supporting 264,000 jobs.

RCO will accept grant proposals for boating-related projects, trails development, firearm and archery ranges, and outdoor learning for kids.

Ferry line cutters, beware:

Skip the line, face a $145 fine

With summer traffic nearing its peak, officials with the Washington State Patrol and Washington State Ferries are reminding drivers and travelers that skipping the lines at the region’s ferry terminals can result in the state patrol issuing a $145 ticket.

Cutting ferry lines disrupts the entire loading process, not to mention angering others who have been waiting their turn, according to agency officials.

Community invited to 3-day studio on 20-year comprehensive plan

The city of Port Townsend and SCJ Alliance are hosting a three-day interactive studio with the Port Townsend City Council, city staff and the community to begin fleshing out the details of the 20-year comprehensive plan.

City officials said the event would help shape the city’s long-term goals, including how policies are drafted for the plan, and that future public events would continue to build on those goals.

All are invited from July 22-24 to the Cotton Building at 607 Water St. for an opportunity to co-create the future of the city.

Community members of all ages are welcome to participate in these drop-in workshops, and to stay for as long as they choose.

Times for the studio were selected to ensure broad participation over the three days.

The full schedule is listed on the city’s comprehensive planning website at pt2045planning.org.

Monday, July 22, sees city council gathering from 3-4 p.m. prior to a soft opening from 4-5 p.m. for a gala from 5-8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 23, is set to review the current comp plan vision, and to collaboratively suggest improvements or revisions with consultants, city staff and other members of the public, with studio hours running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., prior to the vision workshop from 6-8 p.m., with a presentation at 6 p.m. and activities from 6:20-8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24, is intended to be devoted to exploring options, to achieve the vision proposed at the workshop, and identify a potential preferred scenario, with studio hours again running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., prior to a scenarios workshop from 6-8 p.m., with a presentation at 6 p.m. and activities from 6:20-8 p.m.