Little help? 

The Jefferson County Auditor’s Office is looking for individuals to serve on both “For” and “Against” committees to write statements supporting and opposing ballot measures that will appear on the Feb. 13, 2024 Special Election Ballot. The statements will appear in the Jefferson County Local Voters’ Pamphlet.

The following school districts need “For” and “Against” committee members:Queets-Clearwater School District No. 20 – Proposition No. 1. Brinnon School District No. 46 – Proposition No. 1. Chimacum School District No. 49 – needs “Against” committee members  – Proposition No. 1. Quilcene School District No. 48 – needs “For” committee members – Proposition No. 1.

Elections scheduled

Chimacum farmer John Bellow was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Jefferson County Conservation District board of supervisors. Earlier this year Marrowstone Island resident George Sibley was appointed to fill another mid-term vacancy. Both positions expire in spring 2024.

Five members comprise the conservation district board of supervisors, each serving three-year terms. Three of the five are elected by Jefferson County electors. The other two are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission.

The 2024 election will be on March 5 and ballots must be requested by contacting election supervisor Jessica Brittain (360-385-4105).

The deadline to file for the board is 4 p.m. February 2. Eligible candidates must be Washington State registered voters residing in Jefferson County.

The position held by John Bellow expires in May. The deadline to apply for this position is March 31.

Conservation district supervisors are volunteers and do not receive compensation for their time. They meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:30. The conservation district’s long-range and annual plans are available for viewing on the district's website: https://www.jeffersoncd.org/about.

Biotoxins

Veronica K. Shaw, deputy director of Jefferson County Public Health, reported that recent butter clam samples taken at Mystery Bay indicate that the levels of biotoxin that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) have dropped below the closure limit. Accordingly, the Washington Department of Health has opened Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor, and Mystery Bay for recreational shellfish harvesting of all shellfish species. Jefferson County Public Health has removed the warning signs at public access points indicating this change.

To find out which areas are safe to harvest shellfish in Washington and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) harvesting seasons and rules, check the map at www.doh.wa.gov/ShellfishSafety.htm or call the Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632. For the latest information on regulations and seasons, visit wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches or call WDFW Fish Program customer service at 360-902-2700.

Democracy

Port Townsend Indivisible group kicks off the new year with its “Defending Democracy; Elections 2024” series beginning Tuesday, January 9, at 5 p.m. at the Unity Center, 3918 San Juan Avenue, Port Townsend. Bruce Cowan presents an overview of the year's races shaping up at the local, state and national levels. Subsequent programs will focus on introducing candidates for the various positions. These meetings are open to the public and conclude with social time and refreshments.