Happening in the San Juan Islands

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Photo of the Day

(top) Posey Island is part of the SJINM, as is Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island (below)

It's the 10th anniversary of the San Juan Island National Monument. Join the Bureau of Land Management leadership at the celebration from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25, 2023.at the San Juan Island Grange at 152 First St N, Friday Harbor. Photos by Sharon Kivisto

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Latest Local News

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San Juan Island PHD meeting notes: Paramedic Weyshawn Koons received national award

LWV Observer Corps*: Public Hospital District #1 March 22, 2023 Meeting: San Juan County Public Health...READ MORE

$53K fine issued San Juan sand and gravel mine for water quality violations

The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a $53,000 penalty to Myron Williams, Inc., for failing...READ MORE

Mary (Molly) Frances O'Brien Killoran May 1940 - February 2023

Mary Frances was born in Buffalo, NY in May 1940. She was the first of five...READ MORE

April 10-May 23: Introduction to Woodworking Course Offered by the EDC on Orcas Island

Those seeking an introduction to woodworking are invited to gain hands-on training through a program offered...READ MORE

March 31: Celebration of Sgt. Herb Crowe who's retiring in May

Sergeant Herb Crowe (Orcas Island) will be retiring on May 24, 2023, after more than 24...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log March 15-21, 2023: Person with dementia missing: toy gun, air rifle and prop guns; tracking device found on car…

San Juan County Deputies responded to 153 calls from March 15-21, 2023 including: An Orcas Island...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Middle Schooler wins Rotary Spelling Bee; Paideia student takes second place

Thirty-five middle school students from Orcas and San Juan Islands took the stage Wednesday afternoon at...READ MORE

Dozen cases of COVID in San Juan County this month, count doesn't include home tests

According to the Washington Department of Health, as of March 14, 2023 there have been 12...READ MORE

Town of Friday Harbor seeking comments on draft Mobile Food Unit ordinance

The Town of Friday Harbor is inviting the public to provide comments and suggestions on the...READ MORE

Guest Column: PADS for Parkinson's of San Juan Island thanks SJICF

PADs for Parkinson’s of San Juan Island would like to acknowledge and express our heartfelt thanks...READ MORE

Parent advocates from WA travel to D.C. to advocate for Head Start

12 Washington State Parents Join Over 100 Parent Leaders and Early Childhood Professionals at the U.S...READ MORE

March 21 San Juan County Council meeting: Internships for county jobs approved; Changes to code adopted; sales tax for affordable housing considered

League of Women Voters San Juan Islands Observer Corps*: County Council March 21, 2023:  Three members...READ MORE

Frontier Healer: The Life of Lucinda Boyce

Lucinda Stewart Boyce was not only the first Euro-American woman to live permanently on San...READ MORE

Ferry Advisory Committee has opening for San Juan Island member

San Juan County Council is soliciting volunteers to serve on the San Juan County Ferry Advisory...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park 3rd Annual Daffodil Frolic underway

Celebrate Spring at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Visit the park and enjoy our third...READ MORE

WA looks to address housing shortage with density, zoning changes

A 'strange bedfellows' political alignment has brought together Democrats, Republicans, business, labor and others in search...READ MORE

Renovations at San Juan County Fair inconsistent with Master Plan

The current San Juan County administration is ignoring public input as construction is underway at San Juan...READ MORE

March 20, 21, 23: Public Records Act Workshop & Training in Friday Harbor

San Juan Economic Development Council, in partnership with the San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and...READ MORE

Final phase of upgrades at Orcas Landing underway

Construction of a public access upgrade for the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal started this week and...READ MORE

Town of Friday Harbor Mayor proclaims March Women's History Month

  PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the observance of Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log March 8-14, 2023: Bench moved, vehicles abandoned, runaways returned, speeding,

San Juan County Deputies responded to 140 calls from March 8 to 14, 2023 including: A Lopez...READ MORE

Town Council meeting coverage corrected

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Town Council, March 16, 2023 - During public comment, a citizen suggested...READ MORE

New Executive Director to lead Friends of the San Juans

The Board of Directors of Friends of the San Juans is delighted to announce the appointment...READ MORE

Board of Health: Opium Abatement Council, Community Health Assessment, Community Collaboration Committee

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Board of Health March 15, 2023 Mark Tompkins, Director of Health and Community...READ MORE

Port of Friday Harbor: Renewable diesel may be available at port in future

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes Friday Harbor Port Commission, March 08, 2023: The Gathering of the Eagles...READ MORE

Language Learning at the San Juan Island Library

March 15, 2023 – This March, the San Juan Island Library will launch a variety of...READ MORE

March 25: Celebrate San Juan National Monument's 10th anniversary in Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor, WA – March 25 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the San...READ MORE

San Juan County Parks and Fair equipped with NARCAN

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Staff at San Juan County Parks are now...READ MORE

Changes to WSF Medical Preferential Loading program begins March 20

Changes to Washington State Ferries’ Medical Preferential Loading program begin March 20, 2023. Faxed application will...READ MORE

San Juan County Council discussed safety committee, housing, tribes

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: County Council March 13, 2023 The Council set a public hearing for March 21...READ MORE

More Indigenous Art will grace the Port of Friday Harbor

Five years ago Tahlequah, J35, caught global attention as the killer whale carried the body of...READ MORE

3 San Juan County deputies begin Animal Control Course

San Juan County Deputies Walker VandenHazel, Jason Gross, and Nick Wainwright spent the day at the...READ MORE

John J. Monson February 20, 1944 – February 25, 2023

John J Monson, 79, of Friday Harbor, Washington, died Saturday, February 25, 2023, five days after...READ MORE

Mullis Center not providing dining service due to COVID 19

MULLIS CENTER: Due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases on San Juan Island, the Mullis...READ MORE

Ingrid Gabriel: Down Doggie

March 13: Continuing on with our series of Seniors Gone Wild and our deep dive into...READ MORE

Three years in, five Washingtonians a day are still dying of COVID

While restrictions are being lifted and hospitals are no longer besieged, the pandemic's impact persists. By Joseph...READ MORE

Update from San Juan Island School District Superintendent

Dear Friday Harbor community, On Wednesday, March 1, the San Juan Public Schools Foundation held the annual...READ MORE

Mooring Buoys What is the Delay?

For many years, the County, Native American Tribes and State agencies preferred and approved the permits...READ MORE

Easter Basket Sale Volunteers Hop to Craft Easter Baskets - Sale March 25

“We need more chocolate eggs. I’ve just put the Peeps in all those baskets. How many...READ MORE

Daylight Saving Time begins March 12; Remember to spring forward,

Daylight saving time 2023 in Washington will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12.

Friday Harbor HS seniors beat staff in Grad Night fundraiser

The 2023 Friday Harbor High School senior class faced off against teachers, administrators, and coaches in...READ MORE

Sheriff's Log San Juan Islands March 1-7, 2023: Wandering dock, loose dogs, fugitive sought, DUI

San Juan County Deputies responded to 166 calls from March 1 to 7, 2023 including: A...READ MORE

Sharper picture of salmon in the ocean resets threshold for fishing limits

Science estimates there are fewer Chinook salmon in endangered whale habitat than previously thought. NOAA -  February...READ MORE

March 28: Port of Friday Harbor to auction 4 impounded boats

The Port of Friday Harbor will hold a public auction at 12 noon Tuesday March 28. Sealed bids...READ MORE

AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee legislation banning sale of assault weapons passes House in historic vote this evening

Ferguson first proposed the bill in 2017 in the wake of the Mukilteo shooting OLYMPIA |...READ MORE

House passes Lekanoff tribal K-12 curriculum bill

OLYMPIA—Tribal history, sovereignty, culture, language, and government are essential to Washington’s past, present, and future—and unfortunately...READ MORE

PeaceHealth names new chief medical officer for its communities in the Northwest

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Lorna Gober, MD, has joined PeaceHealth’s Northwest network as chief medical officer (CMO). As...READ MORE

Friday Harbor 5th/6th SWISH team brings home the Championship trophy

The 5th/6th grade boys Tigers Swish Basketball Team completed their season Saturday by defeating Sedro Woolley...READ MORE

Port of Friday Harbor approves changes to Marina Rules and Regs and Liveaboard policy

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Notes from the  Friday Harbor Port Commission February 22, 2023 meeting.  The Commission reviewed...READ MORE

San Juan County Council discussed possible homeless sales tax; Housing ideas for Malcolm property

LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of San Juan County Council March 6-7, 2023 meetings. County Director of Facilities...READ MORE

Wanted Person: Cameron James Bielman; Have info call Sheriff's Office

On March 3, 2023 the San Juan County Sheriff's Office received information that Cameron James Bielman...READ MORE

In DC, Focus on Fish, NW Energy Grid

Washington News Service: Northwest energy experts and conservation leaders are in Washington, D.C. to urge policymakers...READ MORE

Amtrak Restores Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels, With Additional Trips to Portland to Come

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Amtrak Cascades route between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., is once again running at...READ MORE

Structure and belongings are total loss in fire on Lopez Island

A passerby called  9-1-1 Saturday, March 4, 2023 when they saw flames from the front of a...READ MORE

State grant application portal opens Mar. 14, 2023 for hospitality and lodging businesses

$100 million available to support businesses affected by pandemic; information webinar March 13 OLYMPIA, WA –...READ MORE

Spring travel ferry reservations open up March 6

Vehicle reservations on the Port Townsend/Coupeville and Anacortes/San Juan Island routes are currently available to reserve...READ MORE

March 13: Reading with Rover Volunteer Q & A at the San Juan Island Library

Join Raquel Lackey on Monday, March 13, at 2:00 PM in the Library Meeting Room, as...READ MORE

WSF: Service to Sidney B.C. likely won't resume until 2030

Planning a trip to Victoria, BC? Don't plan on taking a Washington State Ferry anytime soon...READ MORE

March 27-31: Town of Friday Harbor Spring Clean Up

Town will host Spring Cleanup March 27 - 31 The Town of Friday Harbor is offering...READ MORE

Frank Leeming died February 25, 2023

Frank Leeming, editor and publisher of the Journal of the San Juan Islands from 1983 to...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Town Council: Affordable housing proposed on Tucker Avenue; new ADU regulations discussed

LWVSJ Observer Corps* summary of Friday Harbor Town Council's March 2, 2023 regular meeting: Farhad Ghatan...READ MORE

Luci B Community Wellness Van Launch Party on March 15 in Friday Harbor

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 2, 2023 – The new Luci B Community Wellness Van will...READ MORE

WA's government transparency committee is ready to call it quits

As their fight for government transparency becomes increasingly difficult, the Washington Sunshine Committee is considering disbanding. By...READ MORE

WA lawmakers work to keep public records from the public — again

The Washington Legislature's third attempt in a decades-long battle against transparency is — like the previous...READ MORE

Rotarians victorious at 2023 Knowledge Bowl

Seven teams battled through two rounds of questions at the 2023 Knowledge Bowl Wednesday, March 1...READ MORE

Real Estate Market Update: 18 houses for sale on Orcas; 34 on San Juan Island

Here is the Real Estate Market Snap Shot from the Simonson and Zambrovitz Team at Coldwell...READ MORE

USGS is conducting Aquifer Recharge and Water-Budget study for the San Juan Islands

The United States Geological Service in cooperation with San Juan County Health and Community Services is working on...READ MORE

WDFW, DNR award $14 million for projects that preserve and restore Puget Sound habitat

OLYMPIA – The Washington departments of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Natural Resources (DNR) are investing...READ MORE

2.8 earthquake in the San Juan Islands

March got off to a booming start with a  2.8 earthquake rattling the islands at 3:37...READ MORE

Introducing new website listing events in the San Juan Islands

Looking for something to do in the islands? Check out In the San Juans (IntheSanJuans.com).

Friday Harbor Eco Club talk to Lovelett, Lekanoff, and Ramel in Olympia

PRESS RELEASE: Six local youth hopped into a van to Olympia to visit our state’s capital...READ MORE

Legislation to protect orcas passes Senate; now on to the House

OLYMPIA – Legislation to further protect Washington’s endangered southern resident orca population passed the Senate on...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log March 15-21, 2023: Person with dementia missing: toy gun, air rifle and prop guns; tracking device found on car…

San Juan County Deputies responded to 153 calls from March 15-21, 2023 including: An Orcas Island...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log March 8-14, 2023: Bench moved, vehicles abandoned, runaways returned, speeding,

San Juan County Deputies responded to 140 calls from March 8 to 14, 2023 including: A Lopez...READ MORE

Sheriff's Log San Juan Islands March 1-7, 2023: Wandering dock, loose dogs, fugitive sought, DUI

San Juan County Deputies responded to 166 calls from March 1 to 7, 2023 including: A...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log Feb. 15-21, 2023: Vehicle theft, shoplifting, woman lying in the road, drunk driver arrested in his driveway, trespassing

San Juan County Deputies responded to 186 calls from February 15-21, 2023 including: A San Juan Island deputy...READ MORE

People

Frontier Healer: The Life of Lucinda Boyce

Lucinda Stewart Boyce was not only the first Euro-American woman to live permanently on San...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sculpture Park 3rd Annual Daffodil Frolic underway

Celebrate Spring at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Visit the park and enjoy our third...READ MORE

New Executive Director to lead Friends of the San Juans

The Board of Directors of Friends of the San Juans is delighted to announce the appointment...READ MORE

Easter Basket Sale Volunteers Hop to Craft Easter Baskets - Sale March 25

“We need more chocolate eggs. I’ve just put the Peeps in all those baskets. How many...READ MORE

March 13: Reading with Rover Volunteer Q & A at the San Juan Island Library

Join Raquel Lackey on Monday, March 13, at 2:00 PM in the Library Meeting Room, as...READ MORE

2.8 earthquake in the San Juan Islands

March got off to a booming start with a  2.8 earthquake rattling the islands at 3:37...READ MORE

Health News

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San Juan Island PHD meeting notes: Paramedic Weyshawn Koons received national award

LWV Observer Corps*: Public Hospital District #1 March 22, 2023 Meeting: San Juan County Public Health...READ MORE

Dozen cases of COVID in San Juan County this month, count doesn't include home tests

According to the Washington Department of Health, as of March 14, 2023 there have been 12...READ MORE

Board of Health: Opium Abatement Council, Community Health Assessment, Community Collaboration Committee

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Board of Health March 15, 2023 Mark Tompkins, Director of Health and Community...READ MORE

San Juan County Parks and Fair equipped with NARCAN

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 10, 2023 – Staff at San Juan County Parks are now...READ MORE

Mullis Center not providing dining service due to COVID 19

MULLIS CENTER: Due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases on San Juan Island, the Mullis...READ MORE

Three years in, five Washingtonians a day are still dying of COVID

While restrictions are being lifted and hospitals are no longer besieged, the pandemic's impact persists. By Joseph...READ MORE

PeaceHealth names new chief medical officer for its communities in the Northwest

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Lorna Gober, MD, has joined PeaceHealth’s Northwest network as chief medical officer (CMO). As...READ MORE

Luci B Community Wellness Van Launch Party on March 15 in Friday Harbor

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. March 2, 2023 – The new Luci B Community Wellness Van will...READ MORE

Senior Community Lunches available 2 days per week on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 24, 2023 – Onsite Senior Community Lunches are now available two...READ MORE

Feb. 27: Learn the basics of hospice care in Friday Harbor

Hospice of the Northwest is hosting a Hospice 101 presentation at 1 pm Monday, Feb. 27...READ MORE

PeaceHealth Peace Island adds cardiac MRIs to diagnostic imaging toolkit

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. – PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center marked a milestone in its diagnostic imaging...READ MORE

PeaceHealth Peace Island earns national distinction as a top performer in patient experience

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. – PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has been recognized with a 2022 Human...READ MORE

Regional, state and national news items

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$53K fine issued San Juan sand and gravel mine for water quality violations

The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a $53,000 penalty to Myron Williams, Inc., for failing to protect water quality at its mining operation...READ MORE

WA looks to address housing shortage with density, zoning changes

A 'strange bedfellows' political alignment has brought together Democrats, Republicans, business, labor and others in search of a fix. By Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com March 17...READ MORE

March 20, 21, 23: Public Records Act Workshop & Training in Friday Harbor

San Juan Economic Development Council, in partnership with the San Juan County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and the San Juan County Public Hospital District No...READ MORE

Daylight Saving Time begins March 12; Remember to spring forward,

Daylight saving time 2023 in Washington will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12.

AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee legislation banning sale of assault weapons passes House in historic vote this evening

Ferguson first proposed the bill in 2017 in the wake of the Mukilteo shooting OLYMPIA | March 8, 2023— In a historic vote today...READ MORE

In DC, Focus on Fish, NW Energy Grid

Washington News Service: Northwest energy experts and conservation leaders are in Washington, D.C. to urge policymakers to invest in modernizing the region's grid. Updating...READ MORE

Amtrak Restores Seattle to Vancouver, B.C., Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels, With Additional Trips to Portland to Come

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Amtrak Cascades route between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., is once again running at pre-pandemic levels, with two round trips per day. Previously...READ MORE

State grant application portal opens Mar. 14, 2023 for hospitality and lodging businesses

$100 million available to support businesses affected by pandemic; information webinar March 13 OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce announced a...READ MORE

More from this category

Soccer State Championship

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Mother, son contributed in both of Friday Harbor’s state championships

A couple of weeks ago as the playoffs loomed the subject of state championships came up between Friday Harbor High...READ MORE

SLIDESHOW: Friday Harbor boys soccer team buoyantly returns as state champions

The ride back to San Juan Island on the last ferry of the night is always more enjoyable after a...READ MORE

Wolverines slay Dragons in shootout; Friday Harbor and Orcas Island boys to battle for soccer state crown

Friday Harbor slayed St. George’s 2-1 after winning a shootout in the Class 1B/2B Boys Soccer State Semifinal Friday, Nov...READ MORE

Slideshow: Orcas Soccer beats MVC: Next up State Championship title match

Orcas Island High School is headed for the Class 1B/2B State Championship game at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 19 in...READ MORE

Friday Harbor, Orcas Island each a win away from state soccer title showdown

  Island soccer fans are two wins from an ultimate showdown – Friday Harbor and Orcas Island high schools battling in...READ MORE

Slideshow: Orcas boys soccer beats Evergreen Lutheran Nov. 11

Islands’ soccer fans were  treated to a double-bill Friday, Nov. 11 at Sedro-Woolley High School. The Wolverines (12-2) faced eighth-seed...READ MORE

SLIDESHOW: Friday Harbor and Orcas soccer teams both advance to the state semifinals Nov. 18

  Friday Harbor and Orcas Island soccer teams played at Sedro Woolley Friday, Nov. 11 and came away with wins.  Both...READ MORE

Friday Harbor boys soccer team earns state tourney’s top seed, Orcas Island slotted No. 3

Friday Harbor soccer boys soccer team, with a bi-district championship shootout win over Orcas Island, earned the top seed to...READ MORE

Friday Harbor trims Orcas in shootout, takes district championship

Friday Harbor boys soccer team won this season's rubber match against Orcas Island 2-1 on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the...READ MORE

2022 Election

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San Juan Island Library thanks community, looks forward

(Friday Harbor, WA) – November 11, 2022 – The staff and Board of Trustees of the San Juan Island Library...READ MORE

Eric Peter elected San Juan County Sheriff, voter turnout 76 percent

Sgt. Eric Peter has been elected San Juan County Sheriff. He had 5,500 (53.08%) votes. Sheriff Ron Krebs received 4,829 (46.61%)...READ MORE

Levies, charter amendments fail, Peter leading Krebs

Election results were released shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2022. There are still more ballots to be counted...READ MORE

San Juan County Road levy on November ballot

PRESS RELEASE: The upcoming November election includes Resolution 20-2022 – a proposition to increase the road levy. It is a...READ MORE

Charter amendments will appear on November ballot in San Juan County

San Juan County Council members - Chair Christine Minney, Cindy Wolf and Jamie Stephens - voted August 2, 2022 to...READ MORE

Lawsuit filed against San Juan County after 4 Charter Amendments blocked from ballot

On August 2, 2022, San Juan County Council unilaterally blocked four Charter Amendments from going to the voters. This decision...READ MORE

Election facts: Sgt Peter is not planning on firing staff; Sheriff Krebs took citizens on boat

It's that time of year again - Election season - and rumors are spreading. Regarding the election for San Juan...READ MORE

Eric Peter is running to be San Juan County Sheriff

Relationships matter. I am Eric Peter, and I am announcing my candidacy for San Juan County Sheriff. It is time...READ MORE

Letters to the Editor

Real Estate in the San Juan Islands

Obituaries