On today’s Brewocracy Now Missy Nielsen and City Manager John Mauro were joined by Sound Check organizers Dominic Svornich and Gage Pacifera. They discussed the upcoming music, arts and culture event being held August 19 through August 25. More information is available at ptsoundcheck.com.
(Reprise Airdate: August 10, 2020) Host Debaran Kelso is joined by guest Geoff Hammerson for a discussion about the woodpeckers of the Olympic Peninsula (Part 1 of a two part program).
The following is a summary of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County are experiencing a downturn, Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry reported to Commissioners Monday. The case rate is 547/100, with a 17% positivity. She said that suggests approximately a 40% case ascertainment rate. One person remains hospitalized from last week and “has been quite ill and remains ventilated.” It is reported this person was unvaccinated. “We still are only catching about less than half of the cases that we have,” she explained. “The COVID-19 front is starting to improve and that is very hopeful on our end. It’s unclear yet how much longer that trend will continue but we are hopeful that we’re seeing numbers turn around in the right direction.”
For those who have been concerned about vaccine formulations for COVID-19, the CDC has published an ingredients list for Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax and J&J Janssen.
For example, here is a link to the Novavax vaccine ingredients. The site explains, “All COVID-19 vaccines are manufactured with as few ingredients as possible and with very small amounts of each ingredient. Each ingredient in the vaccine serves a specific purpose…” This page also show links on the left side of the page to the other vaccines.
Dr. Berry reported 166 cases of Monkeypox (MPV) in Washington State. No cases have been diagnosed in Clallam or Jefferson Counties. Monkeypox is a painful rash that usually starts out as red bumps that then scab over. It can happen on any part of the body. It can be spread through any skin-to-skin contact, most commonly though sexual contact. “At this point it is disproportionately affecting men in the gay community,” Dr. Berry explained. “Men who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men. We are not seeing broad transmission in the community as a whole at this point. To protect yourself, she suggests to limit exposure with new sexual partners. If you have a new rash, get checked. Symptoms for Monkeypox include fever and chills, and can present prior to the rash. For those who have been exposed, Public Health has limited access to the Jynneos vaccine which is in short supply and is not readily available in Jefferson County.
Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.
(Airdate: August 8, 2022) Danny McEnerney, the new Fair and Fairgrounds Manager for Jefferson County, talks with Larry Stein about plans for the first “in-person” County Fair since 2019. He just started his new position in June, and then had to restart the Fair which runs from Aug 12-14, 2022. We also hear from several long time volunteers for the County Fair and 4H, and one new first-time volunteer.
Today on Brewocracy Now host Missy Nielsen and City Manager John Mauro were joined by Eron Berg of the Port of Port Townsend, Will O’Donnell of the Jefferson County PUD, and Steve King of the City of Port Townsend Public Works. They discussed the Sims Gateway Project design effort and the upcoming Open House event scheduled for Saturday, August 6 from 10am to 1pm at the Community Center in Uptown Port Townsend.
(Airdate: August 3, 2022) This week’s Coastal Café is an update on Washington’s Abandoned and Derelict Removal Program from program manager Troy Wood. Troy discusses with host Aaron Barnett how the increase in funding from the boat sales excise tax will help increase the rate of derelict vessel removal, the Vessel Turn-In Program, some of the more interesting finds in his work as well as other interesting details on derelict vessel removal.
(Airdate: August 3, 2022) Nan Evans and Bob Friel, film maker, writer, naturalist, and adventurer, explore the wild and wonderful world of the Salish Sea. In this second part of a two-part program, Nan asks Bob to tell her stories of adventures he has had filming the wildlife of the Salish Sea.
(Airdate: August 1, 2022) Jim Burke interviewed David Seglau who spoke about the AARP Foundation’s efforts to recruit volunteers to train this fall to be “Tax Aide Volunteers” to help people of any age file their taxes. Jim also spoke with Eva Bennett, the Jefferson County Coordinator for S.H.I.B.A. (The State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) who is recruiting volunteers to help people understand their options with Medicare.
The following is a summary of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
During today’s Commissions meeting, County Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry said Jefferson County COVID-19 case rates are down this week compared to last. Jefferson has a case rate of 690/100,000 and a relatively high percent positivity rate of 17%. One person is hospitalized. Dr. Berry again recommended wearing a high-quality mask in indoor settings to reduce transmission and to get fully vaccinated and boosted – that’s three doses for anyone under 65 and four doses for everyone over 65 and those who are immunosuppressed. Covid tests are sold over the counter at major pharmacies; they are free at Public Health. Tests also are available through the libraries, south County fire stations and the Bookmobile. You may also order them: sayyescovidtest.org. Tests are good for 18 months from time of manufacture. Dr. Berry said they probably last longer than that if stored at room temperature. Masks are good as long as they fit your face. If the elastic becomes stretched and the fit is not tight, or if it becomes soiled, then it’s time for a fresh one.
Monkeypox is in Washington State. There have been 118 cases; in Kitsap County, there were two cases diagnosed last week. The virus is spread through contact – close skin contact that is prolonged with another person. Monkeypox presents as a rash that’s atypical for you. It can appear anywhere on your body and it’s generally quite painful with raised red bumps that eventually scab over and look like chickenpox, shingles, and herpes. If you believe you’ve been exposed, contact your healthcare provider. There is limited availability of vaccine. For the general population, the total risk of Monkeypox is low. Safe practices like limiting sexual partners, using protection, and avoiding very crowded, close-in person contact keeps the risk relatively low.
Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.
Today on Brewocracy Now, Tim Quackenbush and City Manager John Mauro discussed the “Under the Tent” housing policy event and the importance of public participation in the housing policy discussion process; a status update on the 7th Haven affordable housing project; and the upcoming public discussions about the future of the golf course and Mountain View Commons properties.
(Reprise airdate: July 27, 2022) Christie Lassen, with Mary Robson, discusses bird rehabilitation: where and how are injured birds helped locally?
(Airdate: July 26, 2022) Maryanne interviews Bob Wheeler, Project Director for the Port Hadlock Sewer System. The sewer system has been talked about for years — but it’s finally happening. Land has been purchased for the wastewater treatment plant and bidding on contracts will begin this fall. Growth has been strangled without a sewer. The region’s current “rural” designation mandates one house per 5 acres. Businesses can’t grow due to septic restrictions. When there’s a sewer system, Port Hadlock can become an urban growth region. That changes everything. Apartment buildings and other multi-family housing projects are suddenly viable. Businesses such as QFC can finally expand the way they would like. Bob’s enthusiasm for the project is boundless. We may be nearing at least a partial solution to our housing crisis.
(Airdate: July 26, 2022) PT Public Library’s Unexpected Offerings. The Port Townsend Public Library, founded in 1898 by volunteers, continues to rely on community support for programming and services. This Carnegie Library offers much more than a stroll through the book aisles. Join Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can as she converses with Library Director, Melody Sky Weaver, about the unexpected offerings and resources this historical community centered institution.
The following is a summary of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
We are adding 143 new cases this week. The two-week case rate is 786 cases per 100,000 people. Our current two-week case rate is within the high transmission risk range. At that level, it’s strongly recommended everyone wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask while in public, indoor places. View even more data on our website’s COVID-19 Case Information page: https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1466/Case-Information
#HealthyInJeffCoWA#COVID19ResponseinJeffCoWA
Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.
(Airdate July 25, 2022) In a small office tucked away in the farthest corner of the top floor of Port Townsend’s historic Baker Block Building, the CEO of a new nonprofit named Methane Action is racing the clock to stem the rapid rise of a greenhouse gas 86 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. In this week’s program, Attention Please! host Steve Evans talks with that CEO, Daphne Wysham.
Today on Brewocracy Now, Phil Andrus and City Manager John Mauro were joined by Port Townsend Mayor David Faber. Topics discussed included the Council Retreat and housing policy.
(Airdate: July 20, 2022) In the Pacific Northwest live the Southern Resident Orca Whales, an endangered population that have lived in these waters for millennia. The Whale Museum on San Juan Island in Washington State opened to the public in 1979 as the first museum in the country devoted to a species living in the wild and is dedicated to promoting stewardship of the whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through a robust program of education and research. MaryAnn Wagner talks with Executive Director Jenny Atkinson about steps the Whale Museum is taking to protect these charismatic creatures.
(Reprise airdate: July 20, 2022) Host Debaran Kelso is joined by guests Betsy Carlson of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and Fred Sharpe of the Alaska Whale Foundation for a discussion on marine mammal stranding (Part 2 of a two part program).
The following is a summary of the presentation during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting made by Jefferson and Clallam County Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry. Also Willie Bence, Director of Emergency Management, gave a report. The summary below was provided by and used with the permission of Jefferson County Government.
In this weekly COVID-19 case update, as of July 15 there have been 138 new cases reported, with a 712 per 100,000 case rate and a positivity rate of 16.4% over the past two weeks. There are no new hospitalizations and no new deaths.
We are adding 138 new cases this week. The two-week case rate is 712 cases per 100,000 people. Our current two-week case rate is within the high transmission risk range. At that level, it’s strongly recommended everyone wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask while in public, indoor places. Jefferson County Public Health is streamlining its COVID-19 case data reporting as it transitions from an emergency response to a more sustainable and long-term approach to monitoring the virus. The first-ever weekly report published on Monday, June 27 and will appear every subsequent Monday. In addition to shifting to weekly reporting, data will now appear on an interactive dashboard designed with new data presentation software. Explore the dashboard on our website’s COVID-19 Case Information page:
https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1466/Case-Information
#HealthyInJeffCoWA#COVID19ResponseinJeffCoWA
Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Allison Berry and Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.
(Airdate: July 18, 2022) PUD Commissioner Ken Collins and PUD Broadband and Communications Director Will O’Donnell present the PUD’s plans to extend fiber broadband internet to all of rural Jefferson County. Hosted by Phil Andrus.
On alternate Fridays, KPTZ’s Chris Bricker and Siobhan Canty, President and CEO of Jefferson Community Foundation, meet to explore new developments and new paradigms, as our community emerges from a long period of difficult challenges and creative adaptations. Child care is a very demanding job. Generally, providers earn low wages and the industry itself operates on thin margins. There have been few government subsidies for child care, and no public school for kids under five years of age. Most parents are pretty much on their own. Child care has been in crisis mode for quite some time in this country. In Jefferson County, we have some exceptionally dedicated folks who are working to help solve this crisis. Two wonderful examples are here today for a discussion about what they and their colleagues are forecasting and doing toward meeting this challenge. Joining us are Dunia Faulx, Executive Director of Population Health, Advocacy and Analytics for Jefferson Health Care, and Kate Dean, Commissioner for Jefferson County’s District One.
Today on Brewocracy Now City Council member Monica MickHager, sitting in for Taylor Clark, and City Manager John Mauro discussed the upcoming Annual City Council Retreat and the need to deepen the City’s community engagement efforts. The Retreat will focus on establishing priorities for 2023. It will be held on Monday, July 18 from 10am to 4pm at the Northwest Maritime Center. The public is invited to attend.
KPTZ joins the League of Women Voters-Jefferson County in encouraging everyone to vote, by presenting upcoming election forums, all broadcast live on KPTZ at 5:30pm for three consecutive evenings.
The Monday, July 11 forum faced off the two candidates for Jefferson County Sheriff: Art Frank and Joe Nole.
Watch the forum here
Tuesday, July 12 featured 5 of the 6 primary candidates for the two seats from Washington’s 24th Legislative District: Mike Chapman and Matthew Rainwater for Position 1, and Darren Corcoran, Brian Pruiett, and Steve Tharinger for Position 2. Position 1 candidate Sue Forde was unable to attend.
Watch the forum here
On Wednesday, July 13, the last forum before the August primary included the candidates for Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3: Greg Brotherton, Jon Cooke, and Marcia Kelbon.
Watch the forum here
(Airdate: July 13, 2022) This week host, Debaran Kelso continues her conversation with Dr. Fred Sharpe about dune restoration and ecology on a field trip to Fort Worden State Park (part 2 of a two-part program).
(Airdate: July 12, 2022) Maryanne interviews Betsy Davis, Executive Director of the Northwest Wooden Boat School. Falling in love with a wooden boat can be a life-changer as Betsy will tell you. After a career in high-tech and retailing her heart was captured by a 1914 wooden boat. Needless to say, it needed some TLC before cruising. Some people would just hire a team to restore the boat. But Betsy wanted to know how to do it herself, so she enrolled in a wooden boat school. Many stories later, she ended up as Executive Director of the Seattle Center for Wooden Boats. In 2014 she was hired as Executive Director of our local Northwest School of Wooden Boats. The school has flourished under her direction. And both Betsy and her boat,The Glorybe, have flourished here
(Airdate: July 12, 2022) At the long-awaited return of the Jefferson County Fair this August, the bounty of our region’s unique and thriving farming heritage will be on full display once again. Missy Nielsen of Everybody Can discusses with Fairground Manager Danny McEnerney updates on the fairgrounds and the historical community and educational values county fairs brings to a community.