Candidate questions

The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County encourages residents to submit questions for several candidate forums prior to the November election. On Oct. 16, East Jefferson Hospital Commissioner candidates Stuart Kerber and Matt Ready will answer questions. Port commissioner candidates Clayborn Burleson and Carol Hasse will participate on Oct. 21. The forum on Oct. 22 will feature Jon Cooke and Naomi Stern, who are running for the Quilcene School Board. Finally, on Oct. 23, candidates for the Port Townsend School Board, Amanda Grace and Timothy Hawley, will take the stage. All forums will begin at 6 p.m. Questions should be submitted to lwvjeffcowa@gmail.com no later than noon on Oct. 13. Concise, unbiased questions related to the candidate’s policies and positions will be given priority. Similar questions will be combined. The forums will be hosted on zoom and broadcasted by KPTZ 91.9 FM. Links to the forums can be found at the website.

Small grants 

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners is accepting proposals for its Thriving Communities Small Grants Program from now through Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. The program offers financial support for community-based organizations that promote a sense of belonging for residents and visitors. Project examples range from event sponsorship to cultural activities. The board has $10,000 to allocate, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $2,000. Nonprofits and community groups in Jefferson County are encouraged to apply for 2026 projects. Information including the request for proposals can be found on the county website. 

Hazardous waste pickup

Jefferson County Solid Waste will host its last hazardous waste collection event of the year on Sept. 27 at the Jefferson Transit Haines Place Park and Ride. Residential customers can drop off hazardous waste from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 440 12th St in Port Townsend that day, free of charge. Accepted materials include aerosols, automotive products, gasoline and fuels, household cleaners, latex paint, marine and road flares, thermostats, oil paints, stains and solvents, pesticides, herbicides and pool and spa chemicals. Antifreeze, fluorescent lights, lithium, button, and rechargeable batteries and motor oils will not be accepted and should be dropped off at solid waste facilities during regular hours.

Delivery tracking scams

Staff with the Jefferson County Library District are warning patrons about package tracking scams. According to a library release, package tracking scams pretend to be from the United States Postal Service. Scammers then trick people into clicking links, downloading harmful apps, or sharing personal information. This can lead to stolen money or even identity theft.

Fire updates

Fire officials continue to respond to the Tunnel Creek and Bear Gulch Fires. 

The Tunnel Creek Fire — located in a “very steep,” remote area of the Buckhorn Wilderness in Olympic National Forest — has grown to 290 acres and is 0% contained, according to a Forest Service update on Sept. 15. 

The Bear Gulch Fire, burning near Lake Cushman in Mason County, has reached nearly 11,000 acres. Containment was at 9% on Sept. 15. 

Fire activity is expected to increase during warm periods and decrease during cooler conditions.