ArtsWA grant 

The Port Townsend School District received a $10,000 grant from ArtsWa to support an innovative arts-integrated science program at Salish Coast Elementary. 

The grant will fund a residency with nationally acclaimed environmental educator, performer and Port Townsend resident, Billy B. Brennan. 

Widely known as Billy B. the Natural Science Song and Dance Man, he will work with kindergarten through 3rd grade students, engaging them in exploring natural science concepts that complement existing curriculum. 

“Billy B.’s energy and creativity make science come alive,” said Salish Coast Elementary Principal Lisa Condran, who has worked with Brennan for many years. “Seeing our students so engaged reminds us why hands-on learning matters.”

Brennan said he is “excited to bring my work home,” and continue inspiring students and connecting them to the environment through the arts. 

JeffCo repair event

Come one, come all. 

The next JeffCo Repair event is scheduled for Nov. 1. 

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the 4-H building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, volunteers will sit ready to repair small appliances, jewelry, clothing and more for free.

Attendees can bring up to two items and must be present for the repair. 

The usual suspects include vacuums, lamps, electronics, toys and bicycles. 

While repairs may be outside of the scope of the fixers, the volunteer crew is happy to take a look. 

JeffCo Repair is a grant-funded project sponsored by the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Work party

The Olympic Peninsula Chapter of Washington Native Plant Society will host a work party at Kah Tai Prairie Preserve on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

This month’s work party will focus on weed removal in preparation for the restoration of native prairie along the south border of the preserve. 

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and to bring gloves, spading forks and weeding tools. 

Snacks and warm drinks will be offered after weeding.  

WIC benefits to continue into November

Officials with the Washingont State Department of Health (DOH) announced the agency has received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing the state to continue providing food benefits and supporting its currently reduced 11-member administrative team for the state’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program through mid-to-late November. This estimate is based on current WIC redemption rates. If redemption rates increase, available funding may run out sooner.

Get read for winter, emergency preparedness

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 10:30-noon at the Jefferson County Library located at 620 Cedar Ave. in Port Hadlock for an essential and informative talk on winter preparations from Jefferson County Public Utility District (PUD) and Jefferson County Public Works department.

High winds, severe weather and snowstorms can impact our roadways, utilities and the ability to travel safely. The PUD will talk about power outages and Public Works will provide information about snow and ice control.

The library has requested people register to attend at tinyurl.com/be-prepared-2025. 

The monthly talks are a collaborative effort between many groups that support Jefferson County’s emergency preparedness and response. Various groups including Neighborhood Preparedness (NPREP), the Volunteer Emergency Communications team (VECOM), the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the Department of Emergency Management have all contributed to these presentations. More details can be found at bit.ly/jeffcoeoc.

Speed limit change 

Travelers will soon notice new speed limit signs on a section of State Route 116 in Nordland.

The SR 116 permanent speed limit will be reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph between milepost 6.95 and milepost 7.56 north of Griffith Point Road.

The Washington State Department of Transportation made the change following recent speed studies in the area. The lowered speed limit will be enforceable as soon as the new signs are posted. The signs are currently scheduled for installation the week of Nov. 3.