News - Islands' Sounder

Number of threatened or endangered species in Salish Sea nearly doubles in two years

A study unveiled today shows that the number of species that are threatened or endangered, or are candidates for listing in the Salish Sea, has nearly doubled in the last two years. When last tallied in 2008 there were 64 species. Today there are 113.

Interisland ferries running late today

Due to necessary repairs the Hiyu is running 45 minutes late. This will affect all interisland sailings for the day.

Some interisland ferries canceled today

Due to vessel repositioning, the 2:20 p.m. interisland sailing from Friday Harbor is cancelled as is the 3:10 p.m. interisland sailing from Orcas and the 3:25 p.m. sailing from Shaw. The Evergreen State will depart Friday Harbor at 2:15 p.m. and make a stop at Lopez at 3:05 p.m. before arriving in Anacortes at 3:55 p.m. Also cancelled is the 3:50 p.m. interisland sailing from Lopez, the 4:10 p.m. sailing from Shaw and the 4:30 p.m. sailing from Orcas. The Hiyu will resume interisland service with the 5:45 p.m. sailing from Friday Harbor. We apologize for the inconvenience.

2012 budget cutbacks will 'frustrate citizens, burn out staff,' administrator Rose tells county council

“A funny thing happened on the road to recovery," said San Juan County administrator Pete Rose to begin his budget message to the county council. He then proceeded on through nine pages of bad news.

Preview of solid waste plan released

The San Juan County Public Works Department released a preliminary draft of its Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan. It is limited to information that will help voters make an informed decision about the ballot measure, which would create a solid waste user charge on developed parcels of land. The proposal is on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

San Juans to be featured on 'Today Show' this week

The San Juan Islands Visitors' Bureau reports that NBC's "Today Show" is coming to Seattle this week and a small part about the San Juan Islands should be on Thursday's show on Channel 5.

What’s on the horizon for weather: Colder-than-normal weather predicted for February in Northwest; snow likely

There may be more islanders flocking to sunny climates in the months after Christmas. According to meteorologists at Accuweather, winter is going to hit the Northwest hard starting in February.

Cantwell: 22,000 in San Juan and Island Counties to get social security increase in 2012

US Senator Maria Cantwell's office announced in a press release yesterday that Washington seniors will receive $500 more annually on average under a new cost of living adjustment to social security benefits. Cantwell's press release is below.

Salmon-killing virus found in Pacific Northwest could be 'devastating'- NY Times story

A virus that causes lethal salmon anemia has been detected in Pacific Northwest waters, announced the New York Times on Monday. The story by Cornelia Dean and Rachel Nuwer says the virus is highly contagious and has spread in countries like Chile and Scotland. This is the first time it has been spotted off the Pacific coast.

DSHS serves 25 Orcas households from its mobile office

The Department of Social Health and Services brought its mobile office to the San Juans last week, helping community members sign up for benefits.