Sunflower sea stars are important predators in our ocean ecosystems. Scientists are discovering just how important these Stars are due to their decline. One of those scientists will be visiting Port …
The city council met Monday evening one final time to workshop possibilities for the golf course before their final decision, slated for Sept. 26. Chris Jones of Groundswell presented two …
An ad placed by the city has appeared in The Leader’s classifieds, seeking bids through Sept. 21 for the demolition and disposal of the Cherry Street building intended for affordable housing. …
A man was arrested Sunday, Sept. 10 for stabbing his wife in the neck the day before. A passerby found her and called in the domestic violence incident. At the arrest Sunday, he stabbed himself, too. …
Arts and Entertainment

Following what it takes to survive

  A rabbit got into the well and died, putrefying what the family needed to stay alive. “They put my grandmother, at age six, down in the well.” That’s how …

Film Fest diversity complimented by convenient new features

  My first Port Townsend Film Festival was in 2016, and my first marathon review of the Film Festival for the Port Townsend Leader was in 2017. This year has brought some especially welcome …

Seattle poet shares work of belonging

Current Civic Poet of Seattle Shin Yu Pai knows disconnect. But she also knows belonging. “My interest in writing poetry stemmed from finding that language in which I could express …

A night for the light at the lighthouse

Nightfall at Point Wilson is usually a quiet affair. Visitors disappear from the path to the lighthouse. The breeze and the surf blur the day's footprints. The sky behind the lighthouse shifts to a …

New gallery

When curating a gallery, Chicago artist Mary O'Shaughnessy believes each piece of art should have breath around it: “You look at a piece, walk away, take a breath and then see another one.”

News from local businesses

Check Your Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is an essential life skill that helps you take the steps towards achieving long-term financial security. As you begin your journey towards financial literacy, this checklist can …

Ultimate Guide to the First Fed Centennial

The First Fed Centennial Celebration is almost upon us! Here is the definitive guide to making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event on September 3, 2023, from 11am to 9pm. Getting There …

In other news ...
Obituaries

Obituary: Robert (Bob) Earl Bates

Obituary: Robert E. Bates (Bob) was born February 3, 1929 in Pierce County, Tacoma Washington to Earl J. Bates and Violet E. (Thompson) Bates. He died August 31, 2023 at St. Michael Medical Center …

Obituary: Fred Bailey

Obituary: Fred retired after a 37-year career with Goodyear. He started in Nebraska and his work took him to Canada, Ohio, Wisconsin and Mexico. He was fortunate to travel the world during those …

Consuelo Aduviso Brennan

September 25, 1965 - August 9, 2023 Consuelo Aduviso Brennan passed away on Aug. 9 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after suffering a stroke in July. Consuelo was a beloved wife, mother, …
Calendar of events
Opinion & Columnists
What will it take to get you to volunteer?
You are a volunteer, aren’t you? You get all those benefits like dealing with people. You are a volunteer ticket taker at a …
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Are you ready for a little ultraviolence?
The best description I ever heard for pro football was “expert violence.”  But I watch it anyway. And I should …
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Father and son take on newbie
During the summer season, Kiwi Ferris and his son, Buster, make the morning trek from their cozy beds to the cold and wet boat ramp at …
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‘Central Park’ idea is fatally flawed
As a bogey golfer, and a lifelong resident of Port Townsend who has spent four decades as a volunteer and elected in city government, …
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Is there a seagull conspiracy in PT?
I confess, I enjoy washing my car and on occasion I enjoy washing BJ’s car. Last weekend was a great weekend to wash a car, so I …
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New movie radiates historic events
On July 16, 1945, the Atomic Age began. And this weekend, a film detailing it, “Oppenheimer,” opens at the …
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TOONS

Today's cartoon for Sunday, July 23

Today's cartoon is by Dave Whamond, PoliticalCartoons.com.

BLOGS
I’LL BE CREEPING UP ON MY 96TH BIRTHDAY by the time the 2024 election rolls around, and a lot can happen between now and then. But that election remains one of my several goals of the moment. …
Letters
Striped   Dear Editor: I wondered what was going on when the vehicles which normally shoot down Cook Avenue toward town …
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Radio station creates tension
My wife and I find ourselves in a real predicament. A project is proposed next to us in a non-gated private community. Syd and I …
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Compromise
I find the controversy over the golf course versus park very concerning. There are a lot of people who love Port Townsend and have …
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Sticker shock
$50 million for a pool?! For those of us who are established here, many of us are getting taxed out. The city is already having …
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A free press
Wow! The Leader’s editorial clarifying its letter submission policy, once again explicitly “open to the ideas of …
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Sports
Crowds were already gathered around the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend by 4:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, to cheer the launch of the seventh annual Race to Alaska. Onlookers clutched …
The Rivals Reid Martin of Chimacum and Stuart Dow of Port Townsend combined to take fifth place in doubles at State during the tournament over Memorial Day weekend in Yakima.   Martin …
The East Jefferson girls track team tied for sixth place at the Washington State Track & Field Championships. The championships were held on Memorial Day weekend at Zaepfel Stadium in …
The Inchelium offense packed a powerful sting Friday at the 1B State Fastpitch Softball Championship Tournament in Yakima. Unfortunately for Quilcene, it was the Rangers who nudged the nest as …
Photo Gallery