All Stories - Journal of the San Juans

Friday Harbor fire chief suspended, goes on medical leave; five firefighters resign, cite 'no confidence'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Friday Harbor Fire Chief Vern Long was suspended for two days by Town Administrator King Fitch, after photos posted on SanJuanJournal.com showed a firefighter battling a car fire without proper apparatus. Long was suspended without pay Aug. 16-17. He went on medical leave Aug. 18; Fitch said Long indicated at their disciplinary meeting that he had medical appointments scheduled.

San Juan County Council adopts $5 fee for recycling; takes effect Oct. 1

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The days of free recycling are numbered, unless you've got a knack for consolidation. On Tuesday, the San Juan County Council approved a fee for disposing of recycled materials at the county's solid-waste facilities. The $5 fee is $2 more than that proposed by the Department of Public Works, which operates the solid waste utility.

Fewer cuts, more art in San Juan Island public schools this year

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

School begins Sept. 1. There are some new things in store. A partnership with Islands Museum of Art will result in an artist in residence at Friday Harbor Elementary School this year. Leisha Holmes, a local artist who operates the popular summer program "Club Mud," will work part-time to provide arts education in grades 1-5. Kindergarten children will also have arts exposure. Holmes will be responsible for coordinating arts docents to visit the school and demonstrate their work.

San Juan Island School Board adopts policy regulating student cell phone use, texting during school hours

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The San Juan Island School Board has adopted a policy regulating student use of personal telecommunication devices during school hours. The policy was adopted Aug. 25.

OPALCO rates go up in September for barns, gates and other outbuildings

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The OPALCO Board of Directors has approved the first of two planned increases in the Limited Service Tariff. The increase will affect about 140 OPALCO members. The Limited Service Tariff applies to small loads for barns, gates and other outbuildings (less than 5kVa). The increase will take effect with the September 2010 billing.

Prayer service Monday, funeral Tuesday for Chester Cayou; had deep roots in the San Juan Islands

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Chester Cayou, a long-time Swinomish leader whose family ties to the San Juan Islands dated back centuries, has died. Mr. Cayou, who was of Lummi, Mitchell Bay and Saanich ancestry, died Friday at his Swinomish home. He was in his 80s and had been in declining health since suffering a stroke.

Seattle-based Watershed Company tapped as consultant for critical areas and shoreline updates

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The Watershed Company has been selected as consultant for the pending update of San Juan County's critical areas ordinance and shoreline master program. The Watershed Company, a Seattle-based environmental consultant, was one of three firms vying to undertake those two long-range planning projects. It was chosen unanimously by the County Council Aug. 24.

Madsen: Ag Guild will try to raise $400K to buy 150 Nichols St.

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

San Juan County Council members Rich Peterson and Richard Fralick voted Tuesday to reject the deed for historic preservation and open space easements at 150 Nichols St., site of a proposed farmers market and events center. Voting to accept the deed: Council members Gene Knapp, Orcas East; Bob Myhr, Lopez/Shaw; and Howard Rosenfeld, Friday Harbor. Under the county charter, at least four votes are needed for a new law or resolution, such as acceptance of a property deed, to be approved. Councilwoman Lovel Pratt, a former director of the project's proponent, the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, recused herself on the advice of the prosecuting attorney.

Plan approved for construction of Victoria, B.C.'s first wastewater treatment plant

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The head of British Columbia's environmental agency on Wednesday approved a wastewater management strategy that calls for construction of a primary treatment facility near the city of Victoria and that will for the first time treat up to 40 billion liters of sewage a year before it is discharged into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

'It’s another tool in the tool box': Orcas Island doctors weigh in on San Juan Island’s PeaceHealth hospital

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

When PeaceHealth cuts the ribbon on its San Juan Island hospital in the summer of 2012, county residents will have a new option for health care. “It’s not the same kind of hospital as Skagit, Island or St. Joe’s. So, for some patients it will be very appropriate to send them, but some will need hospitalization on the mainland,” said Dr. Anthony Giefer of Orcas Medical Center.

'Kiwi Classic' benefit golf tournament for Phil McKee Sept. 11

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

San Juan Golf and Country Club will host the Kiwi Classic Golf Tournament and Auction on Sept. 11 to raise money to help defray Phil McKee's medical expenses. McKee, a long-time golf club member, is battling Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

'The last quarter-mile was grueling': Bellingham man wins 8.8K run in 32 minutes 27 seconds

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

R.B. Wick took off running from Garrison Bay not knowing what kind of shape he’d be in, even if he did make it to the starting line on time. As it turns out, a little blast of adrenaline may have been just what he needed. The 23-year-old Bellingham native had more than enough fuel in the tank to outpace the rest of the field in the 33rd annual 8.8K Loop Run Saturday in Friday Harbor.

Einar Nielsen/Becky Barr Memorial: A lot of new features to old fishing classic

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The oldest fishing classic in the San Juans is getting some updated features — including social media and a website.

‘Tir Na Nog’ lone finisher in 40th Shaw Island Classic | Sailing

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The 40th Shaw Island Classic hosted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club on Aug. 7 had the potential of being one of the most challenging in the event’s history, with forecasted winds of 17 knots and a nearly 10-foot tidal range creating a flooding current of over 2 knots at Reid Rock. However, with no wind developing, the fleet was basically hove to.

Island Towing wins sixth softball title; Lucky Strikes wins B League title

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Island Towing dominated from Day 1 to finish Island Rec’s co-ed softball season undefeated at 10-0 and with its sixth-straight A League title. Can you say dynasty? Second-place Distinctive Stone (8-2) gave the defending champs a run for their money — actually, a trophy and league title T-shirts.

33rd annual Friday Harbor 8.8K Loop Run Aug. 21

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Test your running prowess — and raise money for scholarships — in the 33rd annual Friday Harbor 8.8K Loop Run, Aug. 21. Registration is $15 for children 12 and younger, and $20 for racers 13 and older. All fees include race entry, entry into the San Juan County Fair and an event T-shirt.

'Only a Ridgeline Away': Sober at heart, and powerful

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Following the successful run of Ed Strum’s comedy “The Connoisseurs” at San Juan Community Theatre comes the drama “Only a Ridgeline Away” by island writer Miguel Herbert. The piece is sober at heart and, SJCT executive director Merritt Olsen says, “It is powerful.”

Concours d’Elegance: Annual showcase of classics is not just for ‘car nuts’

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

This year’s annual Concours d’Elegance is Aug. 29 at San Juan Vineyards. Organized by the Sports Car Club of the San Juan Islands in association with the Rotary Club of San Juan Island, the event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m. Owners of classic, special interest and sports cars are invited to participate. To register a car for the event, download the schedule and registration form at www.sanjuanconcours.org or call 370-5531.

Eye on the prize: Rhiana Franklin wins Colgate Country Showdown in Moxee

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Persistence has paid off for Rhiana Franklin. Rhiana, an incoming junior at Friday Harbor High School, won the Colgate Country Showdown hosted by radio station 92.9 The Bull, Saturday at the Moxee Hop Fest in Moxee. Her win comes six weeks after she placed second in the KMPS 94.1 FM Colgate Country Showdown at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

About Writing with Susan Wingate

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Two new restaurants will open soon in Friday Harbor: Cask and Schooner, Homesteader Restaurant & Lounge

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Two new restaurants will open soon in Friday Harbor. Gary D. Gero has applied for a spirits/beer/wine license for Cask and Schooner, to be located in the former Front Street Alehouse at 1 Front St., according to the state Liquor Control Board.

Whidbey bank grows, sheds ‘Island’ unofficially

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

With its impressive profit earnings, top-notch new lending team, and an ever improving reputation, Whidbey Island Bank is once again in the market for new acquisitions.

Journal Photo Caption Contest winner, Day 4: 'Ewe want to race?'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

'Ewe want to race?' Mindy Hagen wrote the winning caption in the Journal's Daily Photo Caption contest for Aug. 21, at the San Juan County Fair. She can claim her prize at The Journal office, 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor. Or call 360-378-5696.

Journal Photo Caption Contest winner, Day 3: 'Where did my horse go?'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

'Where did my horse go?' Hayden Mayer wrote the winning caption in the Journal's Daily Photo Caption contest for Aug. 20, at the San Juan County Fair. Hayden can claim a prize at The Journal office, 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor. Or call 360-378-5696.

Journal Photo Caption Contest winner, Day 1: 'Too bad we're out of duct tape'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

'Too bad we're out of duct tape.' Kelsey Guyer wrote the winning caption in The Journal's Daily Photo Caption contest for Aug. 18, at the San Juan County Fair. She can claim her prize at The Journal office, 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor. Or call 360-378-5696.

Journal Photo Caption Contest winner, Day 2: 'Focus, young grasshopper'

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

'Focus, young grasshopper.' Clinton Gauthier wrote the winning caption in the Journal's Daily Photo Caption contest for Aug. 19, at the San Juan County Fair. He can claim his prize at The Journal office, 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor. Or call 360-378-5696.

Winners of Journal, Sounder subscription drawings at the San Juan County Fair

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The following residents won a year's subscription to The Journal of the San Juan Islands or The Islands' Sounder in the daily drawings at the Journal/Sounder booth at the San Juan County Fair, Aug. 18-21.

Journal wins awards for news, Web, special sections in state press contest

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The Journal of the San Juan Islands won awards in the news, special sections and Web divisions of the state Better Newspaper Contest, an annual competition presented by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. Two of the winning staff members: Senior reporter Scott Rasmussen and multimedia reporter Jane K. Fox.

Missing orcas, tourist's death, Brickworks project are top stories in Sept. 1 Journal

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Three Southern resident orcas have not been seen for at least three months — one of the three hasn’t been seen since October. And that has the Center for Whale Research worried. When Darwin Norris collapsed during a bike ride up Flaherty’s Hill on Orcas Island last week, his family watched precious moments ticking away as they frantically tried to call 911. But because of spotty cell coverage, the call was routed to a 911 center in Canada. Within a day of County Council member Richard Fralick and Rich Peterson’s votes killing the Land Bank’s purchase of conservation and historical preservation easements on the property, Ag Guild member Mark Madsen said the Guild would try to get more time from the property owners and raise from other sources the $400,000 that would have been obtained from the sale of the easements. Those stories are the top stories in the Sept. 1 Journal of the San Juan Islands — in stores and newsracks for 75 cents a copy.

William A. (Bill) Lawson | Passages

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Bill will always be remembered for his easygoing manner, ability to make friends with anyone and a great sense of humor. He always was drawn to the sea — as a member of the United States Navy, commercial fishing in Alaska as a young man, or working and retiring from Marine Construction and Design in Ballard after more than 30 years.

Gluten Free Foodies

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Jensen Shipyard celebrates its 100th birthday with a community party Sept. 18

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

To celebrate its maritime business longevity, the company will host an Anniversary Party on Sept. 18, noon to 4 p.m. The company says everyone is welcome to come enjoy fresh fish and barbecued beef while it lasts. There will be historical photos to see, as well as several Jensen-built boats to visit. Additional parking is available across the street in the old gravel pit.

Salmon Barbecue/Beach Bash Potluck Aug. 28 at Jackson's Beach

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Salmon or roast pork. Dessert. Games and tournaments. And it's all free. The Friday Harbor Port District continues its 60th anniversary celebration Aug. 28, noon to 4 p.m. with its Salmon Barbecue/Beach Bash Potluck.

The Whale Museum’s Lecture Series: An Evening with Capt. Paul Watson, Aug. 27 in the Grange Hall

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The Whale Museum’s 2010 Lecture Series presents Capt. Paul Watson on Aug. 27, 7 p.m., at the Grange Hall on First Street in Friday Harbor. The event is free and open to the public. For 30 years, Watson has been at the helm of the world's most active marine protection non-profit organization, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His career as a Master Mariner began in 1968 as a seaman with the Merchant Marines and with the Canadian Coast Guard.

Memories of the 2010 San Juan County Fair | Slideshow

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

A slideshow of the San Juan County Fair, Aug. 18-21, 2010. Photos by Journal reporter Scott Rasmussen. Produced by Journal multimedia reporter Jane K. Fox.

U.S. flag again flies over Turn Point Light Station on Stuart Island

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

The U.S. flag was raised for the first time in 36 years at Turn Point Light Station on Stuart Island, Aug. 12. The ceremony was conducted by people dedicated to the restoration of Turn Point Light Station. Special guests included Dan and Gloria Alexander of Olympia. They were newlyweds when the Coast Guard assigned Dan to Turn Point in 1949.

San Juan County Fair ends Saturday; gates open at 10 a.m., close at 9 p.m.

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

When it comes to music, there’s nothing clumsy about this group. The Clumsy Lovers have brought their mix of fiddle and banjo-fueled, bluegrass-ified Celtic rock to North American audiences for more than a decade. They rock the San Juan County Fair main stage tonight from 7-9.

Kids' Day Thursday and Friday at the San Juan County Fair

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:13 PDT

Thursday is Kids’ Day at the San Juan County Fair. (It’s Kids’ Day on Friday too). From noon to 5 p.m., children can enjoy unlimited rides for $20. Use the coupon on the front of The Daily Fair — available at the fair gates and The Journal booth — and get a free stick of cotton candy when you buy your wristband.

County Council should revote on Brickworks | Editorial

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

The San Juan County Council should vote again on the acquisition of conservation and historical preservation easements at 150 Nichols St., the proposed Brickworks site. And the council should approve it. Opponents want to see the farmers market located at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. But 150 Nichols St. is more than a “farmers market” project. It’s proposed as an events center on a revitalized site in the downtown historic district. The farmers market is only one element. As proposed, it would provide a public green space, entertainment area, and venue for varied economic activities.

Would you pay a $3 fee to dispose of recycling if

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

Stay on topic, and keep it clean | Editorial

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

One of the best statements we’ve heard going into the general election season came from the most unlikely of places. Scott Bell, announcer at the annual Zucchini 500 at the San Juan County Fair, opened the event Saturday with this observation: Strip away the politics, and we’ve got a pretty cool community made up of pretty cool people. Take that thought with you as we go into the general election campaign.

Move rabbits, but do it humanely | Editorial

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

Each prairie is its own special system. When we have so little left, we have to conserve what remains. Let’s preserve the American Camp prairie. Let’s move the rabbits off the prairie — humanely. We hope the proponents of humane treatment of the rabbits can help.

For Congress, state House ... The Journal endorses | Editorial

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

America and Americans are struggling financially. We’re divided on whether the Stimulus Act was a bailout or an investment in the economy. The jobless rate in Washington state is at 8.9 percent. But the solutions are more complex than simply “cut taxes” and “lower government spending,” which is what many candidates are spouting. Lowering taxes is one thing. Bringing in enough revenue to cover the cost of providing public services is another. No, today’s candidate has to be creative and innovative, as well as knowledgeable. We need ideas, not slogans.

Farmers markets are beacons to revitalize blighted or underutilized areas

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

While renovating a farmhouse in Ohio in 1988, we sought warmth and exuberance at Findlay Market in Cincinnati where urban, rural and suburban folk jostled in a friendly melee for seven kinds of bacon, German sausage, fresh produce and good food. Across the country, these markets served as beacons to revitalize blighted or underutilized areas. New consumers came downtown on a regular basis, and small business, the engine of American economic success, had a forum from which to sell.

'Flow control': An arcane law that should never have been put on the books in the first place

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

I rarely ever write a letter to the editor. However, when a front page article, "Our solid waste dilemma" (Aug. 18 Journal, page 1), spends about a quarter of its space treating us like little kids and threatening us with the bogey man ... "it is unlawful for any person to dispose of controlled solid waste ... except at County-authorized disposal sites ...", it is time to respond.

Brickworks: Bunnies to the rescue

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

Now that the fairground is being administered by the (County) Parks, Recreation and Fair Department, I would like to be so bold as to suggest the creation of a Bunny Euthanization Center (BEC) at the fairgrounds. With a potential contract from the National Park Service, this could be a real moneymaker, and may be a natural fit for many of the advocates of the cynical "Save our Fairground" campaign who have plans to eradicate local agriculture already in place and readily able to be adapted. This could allow the Brickworks project to continue forward unmolested, and the integrity of the Land Bank remain unsullied.

Asher pledges support for new sheriff

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

Now that the primary election results are in, the voters have spoken in the race for San Juan County sheriff. I would like to congratulate Rob Nou and Brent Johnson on being the finalists for sheriff. I would also like to congratulate Brad Fincher and Felix Menjivar on their campaigns. I believe we all chose to run for sheriff because we care about our community and want to ensure the safety and security of all our citizens.

Supports Jeff Asher for San Juan County sheriff

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

Jeff Asher will make a great sheriff. When I was the public defender for San Juan County, Jeff’s work as a deputy was so good, it made my job difficult. The prosecutor’s case is only as good as the investigation and report. Jeff’s investigations were thorough. His reports were extremely detailed, accurate and relevant. His testimony in court was precise and well-delivered. His demeanor was calm and courteous. Juries loved him. It was hard to win a case if Jeff was the responding officer!

Can one train their dog not to attack someone outside their car window?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:14 PDT

My adrenaline surged as my back arched, restarting the back pain I have been fighting. I had just gotten out of my car as the dog I had not seen in the car next to me hit its window, fiercely barking! So surprised was I, that I wanted to cry! I felt angry and assaulted. It took me the rest of the day to calm my fractured nerves.