News Briefs | Dec. 25 edition
Published 10:30 am Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Hardware Store Restaurant
The Hardware Store Restaurant and its new operating partner, chef Nick Green, has some changes planned for the iconic restaurant and historic building in the center of Vashon town, according to a Dec. 12 announcement from owners Rob and Janie Andrews. Green joined the restaurant earlier this year and will help guide its next phase.
The restaurant will temporarily close beginning Jan. 5, 2026, to complete dining room updates and introduce seasonal menu additions while retaining longtime favorites. The Hardware Store is expected to reopen by the end of January.
Green, who joined the restaurant’s staff in April brings nearly two decades of culinary and hospitality experience, including leadership roles at The Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Café Juanita and Noble House Hotels & Resorts.
Healthcare closures
Tis the season for flu, COVID and other upper respiratory illnesses. Here is a quick breakdown of island providers’ closures for holidays:
Sea Mar: Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Vashon Natural Medicine: Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
NeighborCare School Clinic: Closed from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.
Vashon Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
DispatchHealth: Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the holidays.
Vashon Pharmacy: Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
As always, in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
DSHS mobile office to visit Vashon
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services mobile office will visit Vashon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Highway SW.
Islanders can apply for food, cash and medical benefits, drop off paperwork, complete case reviews, make changes to existing cases or request an EBT card. More information is available at washingtonconnection.org.
Nonviolent resistance committee
The 34th District Democrats announced the formation of a Non-Violent Resistance Committee, which a press release says will research, plan and help lead a local response to federal government actions viewed as threatening civil liberties and democratic norms. According to the party, the committee will focus on preparedness, community education and coordination with experts and partner organizations across the 34th Legislative District, which includes West Seattle and Vashon Island.
“We’ve all seen news of National Guard troops being sent to cities uninvited, of ICE and Border Patrol agents getting increasingly aggressive and violent, and of immigrants and citizens alike being caught up and detained, harmed, or killed,” said committee chair, Kenny Austin said in a press release. “Seattle hasn’t been targeted to the level of L.A., D.C., or Chicago yet, but hoping for the best is not a plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
The committee plans to consult with impacted communities, legal and historical experts, and groups engaged in nonviolent resistance, the release said. Islanders interested in participating can contact committee chair Kenny Austin at NVRC@34dems.org.
Minimum wage increase
The minimum wage in unincorporated King County will rise on Jan. 1, increasing from $20.29 to $20.82 an hour as part of the county’s annual inflation adjustment.
Smaller employers will still have reduced wage requirements during the phase-in period, though the gap narrows each year. All businesses will eventually move to a single minimum wage tied to inflation.
For 2026, the county’s updated rates are: $18.32/hour for employers with 15 or fewer workers and under $2 million in annual revenue; $19.82/hour for employers with 15 or fewer workers and at least $2 million in revenue; and $19.82/hour for employers with more than 15 but fewer than 500 workers.
Businesses with 500 or more employees already pay the full minimum wage.
New tools for septic system users
Public Health – Seattle & King County has released new resources to help residents maintain aging septic systems, more than 85,000 of which are in use countywide. The latest Septic Matters newsletter includes maintenance tips, information on obtaining system records and details on a rebate program that offers up to $500 for eligible repairs. Residents can subscribe to receive seasonal updates. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/59zrbn2c.
WSF to host online community meetings
Washington State Ferries will hold two online community meetings on Wednesday, Jan. 21, offering riders a chance to hear updates and ask questions. Each session — at noon and 6 p.m. — will include a brief presentation reviewing 2025 operations and outlining priorities for 2026, including new vessel construction, terminal charging upgrades, workforce development and budget issues. They will also provide an update on their service contingency plan. Most of the meeting time will be reserved for public Q&A.
Registration is required at tinyurl.com/mr28he7y. Recordings will be available on WSF’s community participation webpage at tinyurl.com/2v6pkaa8 the following day.
Flood control
King County Flood Control District is now making sandbag materials available free of charge to help protect homes, businesses and property during the current flood season.
On Vashon, find sandbag materials at the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue property operated by King County Roads at 10019 SW Bank Rd. The self-service site (bring your own shovel) is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Islanders are limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle.
Sandbag materials are also available at multiple other locations throughout King County. Find a full list of locations and instructions for proper sandbag use at tinyurl.com/2cn4e5uh.
“Preparing for flooding before heavy rain arrives can make a huge difference in protecting people and property,” said King County Flood Control District Chair Reagan Dunn. “The Flood Control District invests in flood risk reduction projects across King County, but we also want residents to have the tools and information they need to protect their homes and neighborhoods. Programs like free sandbag distribution are an important part of keeping our communities safe.”
The King County area typically experiences its highest flood risks between October and April, when heavy rainfall, saturated soils and rising river levels can combine to cause flooding.
“When rain events coincide with King Tides, flood risk can rise quickly,” said King County Flood Control District Supervisor Teresa Mosqueda. “Taking advantage of the free sandbag program now is a simple, effective way to protect your property.”
King Tides — defined as tides above the highest water level reached by an average daily high tide — are the highest predicted tides of the year and are expected to occur between Jan. 4–6.
The district encourages all residents to review their flood risk and make a preparedness plan.
