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.

OURCU scholarship applications open

Our Community Credit Union is accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program, which will award ten $5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Class of 2026 who attend school in Mason, Grays Harbor and Thurston counties, as well as on Vashon Island.

Applicants must be OURCU members in good standing. Applications and program guidelines are available at www.ourcu.com/scholarship-program. The deadline to apply is April 30, and awards will be announced in May.

For more information, contact Amber Trail at 360-427-3405, 800-426-5657 or atrail@ourcu.com.

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.