Liechty joins Jefferson Public Utility District

Joy Liechty joined Jefferson County Public Utility District (JPUD) as its new Assistant General Manager (AGM) on Dec. 18, after the agency conducted a nine-month nationwide search. Liechty came to the PUD from Tacoma Power, where she served as Energy Trading Manager. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the utility field from Snohomish PUD and Puget Sound Energy, as well as from Seattle City Light as Power Management Director.

Liechty is Jefferson PUD’s second AGM since taking over the local electric grid in 2013. Her duties include strategic planning; assisting the general manager with administrative and special projects; working with the PUD board of commissioners; and engaging with local, regional, and state partners. Liechty’s experience will aid JPUD in rate-setting discussions and long-term power contract negotiations with Bonneville Power Administration.

“Growing up, I loved visiting Port Townsend, exploring the beaches, forests and forts in the area,” Liechty said via media release. “It was my dad’s hometown, and my grandfather even owned a jewelry store on Water Street.” She said she couldn’t have predicted her career path would eventually return here, but is very glad it has.

“I can see the innovation and collaboration that sparked the PUD electrical service a decade ago,” Liechty said, “and I look forward to continuing the PUD mission for our community.”

Grant supports PPE for county farms

Washington State University Extension (WSU) received a grant through the Washington State Department of Agriculture to support the state’s specialty crop producers, packers, and employees through distribution of COVID-19 relief supplies, particularly personal protective equipment (PPE).

In December 2023, the Regional Small Farms program of WSU Extension distributed more than $200,000 worth of PPE to 25 Jefferson County farms, 20 farms in Clallam County, and 35 farms in Kitsap County, offering hand-washing stations, respirators, N95 masks, surface sanitizer and more to farmers who wanted them. This was made possible by grant funds remaining from the COVID-19 pandemic, and aligns with WSU Extension’s mission to support local farmers. PPE equips farms with important resources to promote worker and visitor health and hygiene for general food and health safety practices.

PPE also offers protection during smoky wildfire seasons. Farmers are especially vulnerable to smoke events as they continue to work outside during these seasons. Protecting farmers from the intensifying effects of climate change will continue to be critically important to the Extension.

 Portable hand-washing stations and other PPE also facilitate on-farm produce and food safety practices for farmers, farmworkers, and the public who partake in agritourism activities, such as the Jefferson County Farm Tour, the Kitsap County Farm Tour, and similar events around the region. This equipment allows for positive agricultural practices that reduce risk for the general public and build up the safety of farmworkers. 

 The Regional Small Farms Program offers educational workshops, training, and resources to farmers residing in Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap counties. More information is available at extension.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms.

Tidal conditions affect ferries

Low tides will cancel one or more sailings from Port Townsend and Coupeville in January.

On Friday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 20, the 3:30 p.m. sailing from Port Townsend and 4:15 p.m. sailing from Coupeville are cancelled due to tidal conditions. On Sunday, Jan. 21 and Monday, Jan. 22, the 5:15 p.m. sailing from Port Townsend and 6 p.m. sailing from Coupeville are cancelled.

Alternate routes are Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton. Visit the tidal cancellations table at wsdot.com for a complete list of affected dates and departures.