Comp plan now

Jefferson County rolled out a full public review draft of its Comprehensive Plan update at its May 7 Planning Commission meeting and seeks input from county residents.

The county’s Department of Community Development and Planning Commission conducted public meetings throughout the county starting late last year, to solicit comments on proposed updates to the Comp Plan, including its goals and policies.

Over the next several months, county Planning Commission workshops will review drafts of the Comp Plan, while the Board of County Commissioners meets regarding legislative decisions on plan updates.

The draft plan documents are located on the county’s project web portal. Comments and questions can be sent to 2025compplan@co.jefferson.wa.us.

Second ferry in July

Come July, a second ferry will be added to the Port Townsend to Coupeville route. Gov. Bob Ferguson and the state Department of Transportation announced the state is set to reach nearly full domestic service this summer, three years ahead of schedule. A second boat will run every Friday through Monday from July 4 through Oct. 13 between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island’s Coupeville. Starting June 15, the Seattle/Bremerton route will return to its two boat schedule. The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will resume its pre-pandemic three-boat schedule starting June 30. With more vessels comes the need for more crews, and fewer available relief crew members, WSF says it has focused on hiring and career development efforts to build a sustainable workforce and has updated its Service Contingency Plan. “We’re so excited to be able to offer more service for our over 19 million riders each year,” the agency wrote on its website. “Here’s to summer 2025, a good time to be excited about Washington State Ferries.” 

Chimacum district award 

The Chimacum school district has announced that two of its schools have been acknowledged by the Washington School Recognition Program for their commitment to student growth and positive system changes during the 2023-2024 school year. Chimacum Elementary and Chimacum Junior/Senior High School both won a growth award. Only 16% of statewide schools earned recognition this year. "This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of our students, educators, and families to building a culture of growth, inclusion, and engagement," said Chimacum Superintendent Dr. Scott Mauk. "It affirms the important work happening every day in our classrooms and across our district.” Each school will receive a commemorative banner to celebrate its achievements. 

Hazardous waste collection 

Jefferson County Solid Waste will host its second hazardous waste collection event for the year on May 17 at the Quilcene Roads Shop. Residential customers are welcome to drop off hazardous waste from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 295316 Highway 101 in Quilcene. 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.

Preparedness presentation

The Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management will host a preparedness presentation focusing on water storage and food resilience on May 15. The presentation will be held at the Jefferson County Library at 3:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. Information will be provided about the source of water in East Jefferson County, water storage options and ways households can grow their food resilience and adapt to climate change. Registration at jclibrary.info is encouraged. 

Hoh Road now open 

Gov. Bob Ferguson marked the May 8 reopening of the Upper Hoh Road with the cutting of a red ribbon. A grand reopening celebration brought tourists from all over the country, the governor said in a social media post. “It’s been a great day, a beautiful day,” Ferguson said at the celebration, according to a press release. “It’s good for businesses, good for tourism, it’s good for people of the state of Washington.” Access to the Hoh River Rainforest has officially been restored after nearly 5 months of closure due to unsafe conditions caused by heavy winds and a subsequent road washout. Repairs cost $650,000, with $27,000 coming from private donations and the rest from the State Department of Commerce.