Speed reduction 

Drivers will notice a speed reduction on State Route 20 as they approach Port Townsend. 

Based on speed studies through the corridor, the Washington State Department of Transportation has reduced the speed limit from 50 mph to 40 mph between milepost 7, west of the SR 19 interchange, and milepost  9, west of Mill Road. 

Earthquake drill 

This year’s Earthquake ShakeOut Drill will take place on Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. 

The Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management encourages everyone to participate in the drill, which will include a test of the tsunami sirens and a test alert for those who use the MyShake Earthquake Early Warning app. 

When the sirens go off, whether at work, home, or school, people are encouraged to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” and stay in that position for at least 60 seconds. 

To receive local Nixle messages, go to bit.ly/jeffcoeoc and click on the phone icon or sign up from your cell phone by texting JEFFCODEM to 888777.

More information on the annual drill can be found at shakeout.org. 

Clinic naming celebration

Jefferson Healthcare will host a community celebration Oct. 15 to unveil the name of its new Oncology and Infusion Clinic. The clinic will be named in recognition of Dr. Ann Murphy, MD, and Jeinell Harper, RN, who established and built Jefferson Healthcare’s medical oncology program. 

Their leadership laid the foundation for a program that has expanded to include multiple providers and state-of-the-art services, including a radiation oncology program, according to Jefferson Healthcare. 

“Dr. Murphy and Jeinell Harper gave their hearts to this community and to every patient they served,” said Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn. “Our oncology program simply would not exist without them. Today, because of their vision and hard work, we are able to provide a full spectrum of oncology services right here at home.”

The public is invited to attend the celebration at the Garden Row Café from 6-8 p.m., which will be kicked off with remarks from Glenn and Commissioner Bruce McComas. Refreshments will be served. 

PUD receives $514,000 grant

The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) awarded $137.4 million to 38 projects across Washington to help 35 communities provide safe drinking water, accommodate growth for housing opportunities, and keep utility rates affordable.

The Jefferson County Public Utility District secured $514,000 for the Glen Cove South Project to replace and upsize the Glen Cove South Drinking Water Reservoir and nearly 3,600 feet of water main. 

“The board is so pleased to be able to offer over $137 million to eligible projects,” said PWB Chair Kathryn Gardow. “A multitude of projects across the state, from small jurisdictions to larger communities, benefit from our grants and loans.”

Tree planting 

To celebrate Orca Recovery Day, the Jefferson County Conservation District and North Olympic Salmon Coalition are partnering to plant native trees and shrubs along Salmon  Creek on Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The riparian buffer along the creek serves as an important habitat for endangered Hood Canal summer chum salmon. When Chinook salmon — the preferred prey of Southern Resident Orcas — are in short supply, Orcas supplement their diet with other species, including chum salmon. Space for the event is limited to 25 volunteers. Registration is required and can be completed on the conservation district website. Volunteers should meet at 321 W Uncas Rd. in Port Townsend and bring gloves, a water bottle, snacks and layers for the weather. 

Recreational burning allowed 

Effective Sept. 30, Jefferson County lifted its ban on recreational fires after fire officials determined conditions have improved. Beginning Oct. 1, the county’s fire danger rating was lowered to moderate, according to the Jefferson County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Defined as fires no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet high, residents may now enjoy campfires, charcoal cooking and other recreational burns. Gas, propane and enclosed wood-burning appliances are also permitted.

The county’s prohibition on outdoor burning for debris or land clearing remains in effect until at least Oct. 15. Officials remind residents to keep fires attended at all times, have water closely available for extinguishing and follow all local and state burn regulations.