Erik Hidle

State weighing options on ferries, officials tell mayors in Port Townsend meeting

PORT TOWNSEND — As the Steilacoom II suffered through high swells and high winds of Admiralty Inlet on Monday, city and state officials huddled on… Continue reading

Port Ludlow merchants pitched idea of ‘digital village’

PORT LUDLOW — Merchants took a look into a digital possibility and liked what they saw. The concept of a "digital village" was pitched to… Continue reading

Port Townsend keeps moratoriums on razing old homes, building new ones

PORT TOWNSEND — A moratorium on the demolition of old homes in the National Landmark Historic District and a freeze on construction of "oversize" homes… Continue reading

Incoming Port Townsend Paper president looks ahead

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County's largest private employer isn't entirely out of the woods yet, said the incoming president and chief executive officer, but he… Continue reading

Hundreds remember Port Townsend community volunteer ‘Bonzo’ DeLeo

PORT TOWNSEND — About 400 people gathered at the Port Townsend American Legion Hall on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the life of James "Bonzo" DeLeo.… Continue reading

Port Townsend city manager offers wish list to boost economy

PORT TOWNSEND — City Manager David Timmons has released a $17.65 million wish list of projects to spur the economy in the wake of a… Continue reading

Jefferson County PUD considers providing electrical service despite PSE threat

PORT HADLOCK — Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioners will pursue a study into the viability of forming a private electric utility, despite a threat… Continue reading

State to try again in getting builder, estimate together to build new car ferry

PORT TOWNSEND — The state will try again on a car-ferry construction bid, one that gives the shipbuilder more time. Washington State Ferries rejected Thursday… Continue reading

Online transit planning coming to North Olympic Peninsula

PORT TOWNSEND — By the end of the month, travelers are expected to be able to plan an entire trip in Jefferson County via public… Continue reading

State to decide soon whether to build first of three ferries over estimate — or just two larger vessels

PORT TOWNSEND — A decision is expected by the end of the week on whether a lone bid for construction of a new over-estimate 50-car… Continue reading

Port Townsend landmark stands pat for now; town to get handicapped-accessible postal substation

PORT TOWNSEND — No decisions have been made about fixing accessibility issues facing the historic Port Townsend Post Office, and none is planned in the… Continue reading

State ferries chief tells Port Townsend chamber that he’s listening

PORT TOWNSEND — Washington State Ferries' new director told a Chamber of Commerce audience Monday that the biggest challenge now facing his agency is restoring… Continue reading

Port Townsend to put proposed historic district demolitions to environmental policy review test

PORT TOWNSEND — Three properties within the town's historic district are undergoing a city government review to see if owners will be permitted to demolish… Continue reading

Tour planned today of Grant Street School before bond election

PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend School District is planning two public tours, of Grant Street Elementary and Mountain View Elementary, to show the community… Continue reading

Oops, wrong queen: Computer error blamed for incorrect Rhododendron Festival titlist for all of past year

PORT TOWNSEND — A computer glitch is being blamed for a yearlong error in which the wrong young woman reigned as Rhododendron Festival queen last… Continue reading

Police still seeking identity of man who died in park in mid-March

PORT TOWNSEND — Police still don't know the name of a man with a prosthetic left hand who died in Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park… Continue reading

Demolition plans affecting two 19th century Port Townsend houses prompt fears of losing historic character

PORT TOWNSEND — Demolition permits filed for two older homes on Fillmore Street have stirred concerns about the city losing its historic flavor. The Jefferson… Continue reading

Free needle exchange use soars

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Public Health is making an effort to keep recreational needle users safe by supplying them clean syringes for free. To… Continue reading

Big cat sighted in Port Ludlow back yard: ‘I don’t want a cougar to see my kids as prey’

PORT LUDLOW — A cougar sighting in a residential area has residents wondering why agents with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife aren't up… Continue reading

Peninsula’s oldest continuous Easter egg hunt on Sunday in Port Townsend

PORT TOWNSEND — At 7 a.m. on Easter morning, the gates will open at Chetzemoka Park, on Jackson Street in Port Townsend, and children who… Continue reading