All Stories - Journal of the San Juans

Coal cargo terminal at Cherry Point raises concern

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

The San Juan Islands could face a significant increase in large cargo ship traffic under a proposal to build the largest coal terminal in North America at Cherry Point, near Ferndale. Ships measuring up to three football fields in length would make over 950 passages (nearly three per day) each year, transporting tens of millions of tons of Wyoming coal to China.

Dump truck topples under lopsided load

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

An uneven load of "beauty bark" caused a dump truck to topple over and land in a ditch in the 1000 block of Orcas Road early Friday afternoon. No injuries were reported, and fire fighters and employees from two island towing companies teamed up to get the truck righted and back on the road.

State Senate passes bill to legalize same-sex marriage

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

Body of missing Waldron Island woman found

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

The body of Dorothy Shayler, 38, was found on Waldron Island Jan. 28. Officials believe Shayler committed suicide, but are awaiting autopsy results. Shayler had been missing since Oct.17.

Sales up, dollars down; 2011 real estate market delivers mixed results

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

Last year’s median price for sales of single family homes and condos was $235,000. In 2010 it was $262,000. For the 21 counties included in the MLS report, the median price ranged from $120,000 in Grays Harbor County, to $387,500 in San Juan County.

Annual property tax assessments begin this year

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

For properties outside the 2012 appraisal area, the county assessor's office will begin adjusting property values annually to reflect market value, beginning with 2012 assessments for the 2013 tax year.

'Friends' join lawsuit seeking limits on Navy's use of sonar

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

The litigation is not intended to halt the Navy’s exercises, but asks the court to require NMFS to reassess the permits using the latest science and to order the Navy to stay out of biologically critical areas at least at certain times of the year.

Snow takes modest toll on town, county road maintenance

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

An unusually rapid thaw of last week's ice and snow helped keep maintenance costs low.

'Barefoot Bandit' ridicules law enforcement

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

According to the Seattle Times, "Barefoot Bandit" Colton Harris-Moore ridiculed police and prosecutors in emails and phone calls from prison recently, undercutting his claims that he's sorry for his two-year crime spree, the U.S. attorney's office said in court documents filed Tuesday.

San Juan man faces four felonies following narcotics bust

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:33 PST

On Jan. 23, Jason Charles Bell, 32, pleaded not guilty in San Juan County Superior Court to four counts of delivery of a controlled substance, a Class B felony. Bail was set at $10,000 pending trial, which is slated to begin March 19.

Wolverines tame Lions, avenge OT loss; 53-45 | Boys Basketball

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

On the offensive end, Friday Harbor big men Collin Williamson and Otis Cooper-West carried the load, scoring 17 and 15 points, respectively.

One down, two to go; Wolverines chase league title | Girls Basketball

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

With Monday's win over the Loggers, the Wolverines are poised to square off on the road against La Conner, Friday, in a winner-take-all clash for the league title; tip off is 4:30 p.m.

Go fish for the 8th Frank Wilson Derby

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The 8th Annual Frank Wilson Memorial Winter Blackmouth Derby runs Feb. 1 - April 15. Weigh-in must be done at King’s Market Meat Department by 5 p.m. daily and by 3 p.m. on the final day. There will be weekly prizes for the largest fish of each week.

Friday basketball games postponed | Prep sports

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The Wolverines basketball games at home versus Darrington have been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 30. Tuesday's canceled games against Orcas have been rescheduled for Feb. 4, in Turnbull Gym.

FH offense falters, Lyncs prevail; 69-53 | Boys basketball

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Despite the loss, Friday Harbor secured the No. 2 seed, at the least, in the upcoming District 1 playoffs, on the strength of earlier victories over Meridian and Nooksack Valley. As the No. 2 seed, the Wolverines would host a game in the opening round of post-season play.

Wolverines loss ground in league title race | Girls basketball

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

La Conner grabbed an early lead in dealing the Wolverines their first loss in league play, 46-35, Tuesday, in Friday Harbor

Wolverines fall to league-leading La Conner; 61-44 | Boys Basketball

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Turnovers proved costly as the Wolverines fell behind by double digits at the half and couldn't overcome the deficit after the break in a 61-44 loss at home, Tuesday, to league-leading La Conner.

Salish Sea Early Music Festival celebrates rare instruments in 'A Broken Consort'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

12-minute celebrations at the 2012 Islands Playwrights Festival

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Six plays were selected out of 13 entries for the upcoming 2012 Islands Playwrights Festival running at various times from Feb. 3 - 18 at the Gubleman Theatre.

Mozart at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Stephen Rumph with chamber ensemble and piano will perform the title role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Idomeneo,” Saturday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m. at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, 425 Spring Street.

Playing Hendrix — note for note

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The group A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix will appear on the Whittier stage Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. opens their 2012 tour and features the late legendary guitarist’s hits from The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsies with songs like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe” and “All Along the Watchtower.”

Island Rec’s Father-Daughter Dance

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Island Rec’s 7th Annual Father-Daughter Dance is Friday, Feb. 3, 7-9 p.m. at the Mullis Center.

'Poser' author speaks at Griffin Bay Bookstore

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library present bestselling author, Claire Dederer, Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. at Griffin Bay Bookstore. Her memoir’"Poser" full of wisdom and wit, has received national praise.

35-foot artwork at IMA reception

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

View Adonna Khare’s life-size, surreal animal world, Jan. 21 - April 29

‘The Sun King’s Music’

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

In the mid-1600s Pignon Descoteaux and Philibert Rebille, made the three-piece baroque form of the horizontally held or “transverse” flute fashionable in the court of the French “Sun King” Louis XIV. Around 1667, they were joined by a viola player and baroque guitarist. The foursome was called “Musique de la Chambre.”

How a dream and a boat equals bliss

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The book “Stone Boat Odyssey,” chronicles the Nansens’ 14-year journey of not only having, but fulfilling a dream to take to the seas in a sailboat. Meet the Nansens and listen to their adventures on Saturday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m. at the library.

ISLAND Q&A | Michele Francis

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

San Juan Island Real Estate Blog

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Martha Alvarado named new manager of KeyBank’s Friday Harbor branch

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Martha Alvarado is the new manager of KeyBank’s Friday Harbor branch. She will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch as well as providing financial services, including mortgage and investments, to both small business and consumer clients.

Turnage, Langhans join forces

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Friday Harbor dentist Dr. Bo Turnage is teaming up with therapist and holistic health coach Deb Langhans, who will be available for reflexology appointments Wednesdays and Fridays.

Fundraising Seminar at San Juan Center, Feb. 7

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

With more 25 years of experience in fundraising, San Juan Island's Bob Schwartzberg will offer insights on how to build a convincing case for financial support, select donors and markets best suited to your nonprofit and create a successful fundraising process with limited resources, and more.

First ever Isle Be Wed wedding show on San Juan

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The first annual Isle Be Wed wedding show, showcasing the islands’ wedding fare Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Island Inn at 123 West.

Cooper joins Lake Kennedy McCulloch accounting firm

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Raised in Idaho, Cooper attended Idaho State University and worked in the resort industry before moving to Washington, where he started a certified public accountant practice in 1985.

Business workshops on Lopez

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

If you are thinking of starting a business or would like to recreate an existing one to be more successful, James Dunn will return to teach a lively interactive business class on the last Friday and Saturday in January at the library meeting room.

LIFRC business workshops

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Groovy Green Goddess

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Gustav “Gus” Johnson — born Jan. 29, 2012 | Birth

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Jennifer and Bryan Johnson welcomed Gustav “Gus” Johnson Jan. 29, 2:30 p.m., weighing 7-pounds, 5.4-ounces and measuring 18.9-inches. He wasn’t scheduled until this Friday, but made his mind up to arrive early. Jenn was flown to the hospital from Friday Harbor and Bryan followed by ferry for the caesarean section, which started around 2 p.m. Family members said Gus looks very intelligent already and is joined by his sister, Hazel.

Rory Curtiss VanHyning: 1977 — 2012 | Passages

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Mullis Center’s upcoming events

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

On Sunday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. – noon, the Mullis Center hosts an “All you can eat pancakes.” This event — every first Sunday of every month — includes eggs, bacon and juice for $6 or $3 for kids under 12.

Hoffman nets top prize in Bluewater fishing competition

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Chad Hoffman landed a 11.4-pound blackmouth — a first-ever for the Friday Harbor fisherman — to net the competition top prize, a $1,000 check in a winner-take-all competition.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The Journal is offering special rates for personal messages in our Valentine's Day section. You tell us what it is you want to say, and we'll take care of the rest.

Clark Gabriel Klingsch - Dec. 4, 2011 | Birth

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Clark Gabriel Klingsch was born Dec. 4, 2011, 4-pounds, 8-ounces and 17-inches at 8:31 a.m.

Riding in a winter wonderland

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Got a snow photo? Send to srasmussenn@sanjuanjournal.com to share it with readers of SanJuanJournal.com

The 'art' of business

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

Business is usually thought of as business and art is, well, not business. But now, consider the following quotes with introductions from Linda Naiman author of “CreativityatWork.com”: “The business of the artist is to create, navigate opportunity, explore possibility, and master creative breakthrough. We need to restore art, the creation of opportunity, to business.” -Brandweek

Isle Be Wed on San Juan Island

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:34 PST

The first annual Isle Be Wed wedding show, showcasing the islands’ wedding fare Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Island Inn at 123 West.

Should same-sex marriage be legal in Washington st

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Rebuttal: budget cuts — penny wise, or pound foolish? | Guest Column

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Law enforcement must have the money, resources and tools to further the cause of justice

A costly cut? Or overreaction to pending budget reduction? | Editorial

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

At first glance, we thought public safety would be compromised with a $110,000 cut to the sheriff’s department and a $30,600 reduction to the prosecutor’s office. But that may not be so. Here's why.

Lighter side of the county critical areas ordinance | Cartoon

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Journal cartoonist Rob Pudim weighs in on the county's CAO.

Will one resolution be enough for the new year?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Silence? Never golden in helping to prevent abuse | Guest Column

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

“Well OK, we might have some sexual abuse here but it is not as bad as in the big cities, where they have all those crimes by strangers”... (Over 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know and trust their abuser)…

Silence? Never golden in helping to prevent abuse | Guest column

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Let’s make 2012 the year we join together and shatter the silence

CAO: solutions in search of elusive, pre-conceived problem | Guest Column

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Most recently, the wetlands section was inexplicably withdrawn from the planning commission in the midst of its consideration. Islanders are left to wonder, what is going on?

Whale Museum throws retirement party for Koski | Letters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Please join us Tuesday, Jan. 31 — 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. — at The Whale Museum, as we celebrate Kari and wish her well on her “retirement.”

A just, humane, wise alternative | Letters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

To date, more than 130 men and women have been released from prison and/or death row due to a wrongful conviction since capital punishment was reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1977. Life without parole is a severe punishment, but, in contrast to execution, does allow for mistakes to be corrected.

County Council strays too far afield in CAO | Letters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST

Unfortunately, the council is proposing rules and restrictions without identifying an environmental need or any analysis as to the cost of compliance for the property owners, or cost and difficulty of administration by the county.

Wise investment, carefully weighed | Letters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:35 PST