Happening in the San Juan Islands

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Photo of the Day

Two more photos from the Memorial Day ceremony in Friday Harbor. We have posted additional information about the cannon in the article about the parade.

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5 Hot Tips for Fire Safety This Summer from San Juan Island F&R Dept

Summer is upon us, and this year is forecasted to be both hotter and drier than...READ MORE

Click-It or Ticket safety campaign underway until June 4

Click-it or Ticket Campaign: From May 15 to June 4, officers around Washington State will participate...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan May 29 – June 4, 2023 Moon in Scorpio on Friday Forms Grand Trine With Venus in Cancer…

 Well, the T-Square has finally broken up, so the pace slows down now. The planets are...READ MORE

Pride message on Beaverton Valley Rock vandalized

" The Beaverton Valley Rock that serves as an informal message board for San Juan Island was...READ MORE

May 30: Tillikum short of crew, sailings cancelled til 5:45 pm, schedule adjustments posted

WSF ALERT: All of the #4 Tillikum’s interisland sailings have been cancelled through its 5:45 p.m...READ MORE

Traditional Memorial Day ceremony included island-crafted cannon

The granite Memorial Monument has witnessed decades of Memorial Day ceremonies in its 102 years, but...READ MORE

LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Fire District Special Meeting, May 26, 2023

LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Fire District Special Meeting, May 26, 2023. The Fire District held a special...READ MORE

Friday Harbor freshman Jack Hess takes 7th place at WIAA 1B/2B state golf tournament

Friday Harbor High School Golf Coach Jack Rice  sent in the results of the May 23-24...READ MORE

June 30: Deadline to complete survey about permitting food trucks in Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor is considering an ordinance to allow mobile food units (food trucks).  The...READ MORE

Jerry Henderson appointed to fill unexpired term on San Juan Island Fire Commission

San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Dept Commissioners Frank Cardinale and Dwight Colley selected Jerry Henderson...READ MORE

Interim Planning Director to start June 1 in San Juan County

Norm Gollub will serve as San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department Director beginning June...READ MORE

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

Washington News Service: Environmental groups are decrying a U.S. Supreme Court decision they say will have...READ MORE

San Juan County Shares Draft Report of Shoreline Cumulative Effects Evaluation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – San Juan County is conducting a Cumulative Effects Evaluation...READ MORE

Friday Harbor HS Art Student Larissa Mauldin wins State Art Competition 

A big shout out to Senior Larissa Mauldin whose ceramic sculpture Broken was selected as an...READ MORE

Recap of Lopez Neighborhood Meeting Regarding the Relocation of Public Works Facilities

San Juan County Media Release: Monday, May 15, 2023 County Council Member Jane Fuller (District 3)...READ MORE

New General Manager appointed at Outlook Inn on Orcas Island

ORCAS ISLAND, Wash. (May 25, 2023) – Outlook Inn, managed and operated by Columbia Hospitality, has announced...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 17-23: Theft, vehicle prowl, impaired driver on ferry, stolen reading glasses...

San Juan County Deputies responded to 244 calls from May 17-23, 2023 including: A deputy on...READ MORE

Travel hacks to help avoid long waits for Memorial Day weekend sailings

SEATTLE – Ridership aboard Washington State Ferries significantly increases as the weather gets warmer. As the...READ MORE

It's National Emergency Medical Services Week.

The Week of May 21 - 27, 2023 is National Emergency Medical Services Week. President Gerald...READ MORE

Ingrid Gabriel: Bjørn’s List  (Part 6 of Seniors Gone Wild)

If conversation is anything to go by, managing the tsunami of stuff that we Silvers have...READ MORE

San Juan County Council: Ended vaccination mandate and state of emergency; Douglas/Bailer Hill Rd to be improved; Juneteenth to be recognized

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: summary of San Juan County Council's May 22, 2023 meeting The Council ended...READ MORE

Multiple candidates for some offices in San Juan County

There are 47 positions up for election in the 2023 Primary Election in the San Juan...READ MORE

June 7-9: Special filing period for three elected offices in San Juan County

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 23, 2023 – San Juan County's Elections Office is opening a special three-day...READ MORE

5 tips to help determine if photo is a fake generated by AI

An article by Washington Post reporter Heather Kelly, How to avoid falling for misinformation, fake AI...READ MORE

San Juan County Public Health Clinic Fees resume on June 1, 2023

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 12, 2023 – Beginning June 1, 2023, San Juan County Health &...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan May 22 - 28, 202: The T-Square Between Mars, Jupiter and Pluto still Holds; Moon Conjoins Mars in Leo…

Our Fixed T-Square is still holding and going strong; energetic movement is taking place everywhere/ This...READ MORE

Port of Friday Harbor: Jacksons Beach pavement project in June and July, Airport runway replacement project beginning

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes Friday Harbor Port Commission, May 10th, 2023. The Commission approved resolutions covering the...READ MORE

Are Tent Caterpillars Going to Kill My Trees?

Many of you are wondering and worrying about the black and orange tent caterpillars you see...READ MORE

Town of Friday Harbor Council: Changes to Memorial Park will be needed, Grange owes Town money, Improvement in communication with County sought

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Summary of Friday Harbor Town Council, May 18, 2023. The trees at Memorial Park...READ MORE

Bowling is back on San Juan Island

Bowlers, time to dust off the bowling ball.  Paradise Lanes is open again, this time with...READ MORE

A dozen HS golfers from Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands advance to the state tourney

Friday Harbor High School Golf Coach sent in this report about the 2023 1B/2B Boys and...READ MORE

Board of Health hears about schools' challenges, community needs, project proposals

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Summary of May 17, 2023 Board of Health meeting. TheAccountable Communities of Health (ACH)...READ MORE

San Juan Island Fire Chief resigns effective Nov. 23, 2023

LWVSJ Observer Corps Summary of San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Commission's May 9, 2023 meeting. The...READ MORE

Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate update

Here is the spring real estate market report from the team of Simonson and Zambrovtiz.  When...READ MORE

$15 million in grant funding from The American Rescue Plan for improving reliable broadband in San Juan County

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the announcement by Washington State Department of Commerce of...READ MORE

John Jeffrey (Jeff) Brash April 20, 1946 - April 3, 2023

Jeff embraced life with enthusiasm and wonder and an indefatigable curiosity. A man of land, sea...READ MORE

Merri Ann Simonson: State Passes Numerous Housing Bills Affordable Housing Solutions

Our State’s Legislative Team during this recent session passed numerous bills that will benefit individuals in...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 10-17: Deputy bit by suspect, Deputy almost hit head-on reckless driver, Goats get owner in trouble, overdose

San Juan County Deputies responded to 240 calls from May 10-16, 2023 including: San Juan Island...READ MORE

San Juan County Council May 16 meeting summary: Plans to build county admin bldg,Wildfire Prevention Plan update, Argyle Lots lease,

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: summary of San Juan County Council May 16, 2023 meeting.  The Council discussed key...READ MORE

Cantwell, Murray announce $3.9 million to develop new engines of tech innovation across the Pacific Northwest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science...READ MORE

Sign up by May 19 to be a Port of Orcas Commissioner candidate

The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioner’s has two seats open in the 2023 November General...READ MORE

House Debt Ceiling Bill could lead to 2,800 children losing Head Start Services in Washington State

Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA) Calls on President and Congressional Negotiators to...READ MORE

Lovelett bill protecting endangered southern resident orcas signed into law; effective Jan. 2025

OLYMPIA – Legislation to further protect Washington’s endangered southern resident orca population was signed into law...READ MORE

From Big Mama to Hy'Shqa, how Northwest whales get their names

Our guide to whale nomenclature can help you follow the trail of numbers and nicknames. Left: Humpback photo by...READ MORE

The bills that survived Washington's 2023 legislative session

From gun regulations to affordable housing and a new state dinosaur, these are the initiatives that...READ MORE

WA lawmakers' 'year of housing' could ease the affordability crisis

The Legislature passed 10 laws and put $1 billion toward one of Washington’s most pressing problems:...READ MORE

Una Mae (Rusti) Van Rooy

Devotion is truly a word that characterized Una Mae (Rusti) Van Rooy throughout her life. Born...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan May 15 - 21, 2023 Mercury Direct on Tuesday, Jupiter Enters Taurus on Tuesday, Mars Enters Leo on Friday…

The times, they are a-crazy, no? The Jupiter/Pluto square is showing up on the world...READ MORE

Registration underway for final online boater education course in 2023

Register now for the last online boater education course offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary...READ MORE

It's chip seal time: San Juan County to resurface more than 14 miles of road this summer

San Juan County’s Public Works Department will be chip sealing more than 14 miles of roads...READ MORE

Kenmore Air expands land-based plane service to Victoria International Airport

Seattle, WA - Kenmore Air, the leading seaplane operator in the Pacific Northwest, is excited to...READ MORE

Men's restroom in Sunshine Alley closed due to vandalism

The men’s public restroom in Sunshine Alley will be closed until further notice. Over the past several...READ MORE

8 Friday Harbor HS golfers advance to May 17 Bi-Districts

Friday Harbor High School Golf Coach Jack Rice sent in the results of the 1A/2B District...READ MORE

Inslee signs most comprehensive in the nation battery recycling bill that addresses all battery types

Olympia, WA – Governor Jay Inslee signed a new law (SB 5144) May 11, 2023 that...READ MORE

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center re-designated as Level IV Trauma Center

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. – PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has achieved re-designation as a Level IV...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 3-9, 2023: Man's dog leads deputy to his hiding place, counterfeit $100; controlled substance found in student's backpack

San Juan County Deputies responded to 179 calls from May 3-9, 2023 including: Lopez Island deputies were...READ MORE

Registration open for Friday Harbor Food Bank FREE Summer Nutrition program

These are still uncertain times for our community, and food security is a very real, and...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Family Clinic celebrates first year; clarifies its mission

Friday Harbor Family Clinic opened its doors one year ago with the goal of practicing traditional...READ MORE

DNR partners with Sustainable Blue to identify opportunities for On-Land Aquaculture for State Lands

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz signed a partnership agreement with Nova Scotia-based Sustainable Blue, a...READ MORE

Register now for Wildland Fire Fighter Class with San Juan Island Fire Dept.

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue will conduct a Wildland Fire Fighter class this spring. The...READ MORE

A Second Generation of Coho Salmon Found at the Land Bank’s Coho Preserve on Orcas Island

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 8, 2023 – Local Fisheries Biologist, Jenny De Groot, shares an update...READ MORE

Kermit Michael Severin November 12, 1953 - May 5, 2023

In Loving Memory - Kermit Michael Severin - November 12, 1953 - May 5, 2023 He will...READ MORE

Friday Harbor High School golfers prepared for District tourney by hosting 7 schools in Invitational

The Eighth annual Friday Harbor Invitational hosted 52 golfers from seven different schools at the San...READ MORE

San Juan County has many job openings including Planning Director vacancy

Even before the Community Development and Planning Director was abruptly fired on Friday, May 5, 2023...READ MORE

Happy Birthday, Recovery Café: Friday Harbor’s Space for Healing and Connection Turns Six Months Old

Come to the New Day Recovery Café on a Friday around 5 pm, and you’ll find...READ MORE

Friday Harbor clips Coupeville 3-2 in extra frame, clinches league softball crown and playoff berth

Friday Harbor clipped Coupeville 3-2 in an extra-inning contest Thursday, May 4 at Linde Fields. With...READ MORE

Gov. Inslee: Special session beginning May 16 to settle drug possession law

Gov. Jay Inslee has called the Legislature back to Olympia to settle the matter of drug...READ MORE

Contaminated fuel cause of ferry Walla Walla grounding

WSF Weekly Update: A little more than two weeks after running aground in Rich Passage, Walla Walla returned...READ MORE

WDFW: Clean, drain, and dry your vessel this boating season to prevent the spread of invasive species

SPOKANE – Having already experienced hot weather this spring, the boating season is officially underway in...READ MORE

Interested in running for office? Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19

OLYMPIA — Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19, and the Office of the Secretary of State...READ MORE

Wild Fish Conservancy: Landmark legal victory ending over harvest is a turning point for SRKWs and wild chinook recovery

Wild Fish Conservancy media release: May 3, 2023— Yesterday, in an international, coastwide environmental victory, Seattle...READ MORE

Ingrid Gabriel: Geezer Story (Part 5 of Seniors Gone Wild)

Today, Gentle Reader, we examine The Geezer Story … how to identify one and how to...READ MORE

Letters to the Editor

Guest Columns

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 17-23: Theft, vehicle prowl, impaired driver on ferry, stolen reading glasses...

San Juan County Deputies responded to 244 calls from May 17-23, 2023 including: A deputy on...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 10-17: Deputy bit by suspect, Deputy almost hit head-on reckless driver, Goats get owner in trouble, overdose

San Juan County Deputies responded to 240 calls from May 10-16, 2023 including: San Juan Island...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log May 3-9, 2023: Man's dog leads deputy to his hiding place, counterfeit $100; controlled substance found in student's backpack

San Juan County Deputies responded to 179 calls from May 3-9, 2023 including: Lopez Island deputies were...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log April 26-May 2: Shots fired during domestic assault; suicide; threats; theft; animal complaints

San Juan County Deputies responded to 179 calls from April 26-May 2, 2023 including: A San Juan...READ MORE

People

Traditional Memorial Day ceremony included island-crafted cannon

The granite Memorial Monument has witnessed decades of Memorial Day ceremonies in its 102 years, but...READ MORE

New General Manager appointed at Outlook Inn on Orcas Island

ORCAS ISLAND, Wash. (May 25, 2023) – Outlook Inn, managed and operated by Columbia Hospitality, has announced...READ MORE

5 tips to help determine if photo is a fake generated by AI

An article by Washington Post reporter Heather Kelly, How to avoid falling for misinformation, fake AI...READ MORE

Bowling is back on San Juan Island

Bowlers, time to dust off the bowling ball.  Paradise Lanes is open again, this time with...READ MORE

Kenmore Air expands land-based plane service to Victoria International Airport

Seattle, WA - Kenmore Air, the leading seaplane operator in the Pacific Northwest, is excited to...READ MORE

Happy Birthday, Recovery Café: Friday Harbor’s Space for Healing and Connection Turns Six Months Old

Come to the New Day Recovery Café on a Friday around 5 pm, and you’ll find...READ MORE

Health News

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It's National Emergency Medical Services Week.

The Week of May 21 - 27, 2023 is National Emergency Medical Services Week. President Gerald...READ MORE

San Juan County Public Health Clinic Fees resume on June 1, 2023

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 12, 2023 – Beginning June 1, 2023, San Juan County Health &...READ MORE

Board of Health hears about schools' challenges, community needs, project proposals

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Summary of May 17, 2023 Board of Health meeting. TheAccountable Communities of Health (ACH)...READ MORE

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center re-designated as Level IV Trauma Center

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. – PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has achieved re-designation as a Level IV...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Family Clinic celebrates first year; clarifies its mission

Friday Harbor Family Clinic opened its doors one year ago with the goal of practicing traditional...READ MORE

San Juan PHD April 26 meeting: Medicaid license soon for Village at the Harbor, funding allocated to Dispatch and Planned Parenthood and

LWVSJ* Observer Corps summary of San Juan County Public Hospital District # 1 April 26, 2023...READ MORE

Do you need another COVID shot? Vaccine clinics open in May

COVID Vaccine Info Important Information Click for larger chart San Juan County Health and Community Services: On Thursday...READ MORE

San Juan EMS paramedic Koons receives award from IAFCCP

San Juan Island EMS message: This past week, Captain Weyshawn Koons, Paramedic, at San Juan Island...READ MORE

Summary of April 19 Board of Health meeting: 3rd overdose death, PFAS, results of Healthy Youth Survey

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Summary of Board of Health April 19, 2023. The North Sound Behavioral Health...READ MORE

Hannah Heights Water System on San Juan Island tests positive for PFAS

April 18, 2023 – San Juan County Health and Community Services (HCS) received confirmed test results...READ MORE

Dr. James issues masking mandate for healthcare settings April 3-May 11

San Juan County has the second highest hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in the state according to...READ MORE

New Administrative Office and Training Center opens San Juan PHD

San Juan County Hospital District #1 has opened its new administrative offices and training center at...READ MORE

Regional, state and national news items

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Click-It or Ticket safety campaign underway until June 4

Click-it or Ticket Campaign: From May 15 to June 4, officers around Washington State will participate in the Traffic Safety Commission's Target Zero campaign...READ MORE

SCOTUS Hands Mining, Developers Win in 'Gutting' Wetlands Protections

Washington News Service: Environmental groups are decrying a U.S. Supreme Court decision they say will have major impacts for how the Clean Water Act is implemented. Wetlands...READ MORE

San Juan County Shares Draft Report of Shoreline Cumulative Effects Evaluation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – San Juan County is conducting a Cumulative Effects Evaluation of its shorelines for the Department of Ecology...READ MORE

$15 million in grant funding from The American Rescue Plan for improving reliable broadband in San Juan County

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the announcement by Washington State Department of Commerce of $121 million in grants for 19 broadband construction...READ MORE

Cantwell, Murray announce $3.9 million to develop new engines of tech innovation across the Pacific Northwest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of...READ MORE

House Debt Ceiling Bill could lead to 2,800 children losing Head Start Services in Washington State

Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA) Calls on President and Congressional Negotiators to Pass Budget Agreement That Doesn’t Hurt Kids Media release:...READ MORE

Lovelett bill protecting endangered southern resident orcas signed into law; effective Jan. 2025

OLYMPIA – Legislation to further protect Washington’s endangered southern resident orca population was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today May 15, 2023. Senate...READ MORE

The bills that survived Washington's 2023 legislative session

From gun regulations to affordable housing and a new state dinosaur, these are the initiatives that passed — and some that were not so...READ MORE

More from this category

Real Estate in the San Juan Islands

Obituaries