All Stories - Journal of the San Juans

Council selects Enumclaw administrator for county manager post | Update

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Thomas has been city administrator of the city of Enumclaw, population 10,669, Wash., since 2010. Before that, he was director of the city's Department of Community and Economic Development for five years.

Interest proves uneven in race for public office

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Incumbent Felix Menjivar will face a pair of opponents in the race for Position 3 on the town council. Meanwhile, Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher and 21 other candidates are unopposed for election.

San Juan Island's Mulligan resigns from OPALCO board

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Although no final decision has been made, the board previously backed the broadband initiative as a means to enhance its electricity delivery through “Smart Grid” technology, better conserve energy use, and boost communication capability of emergency service.

SJ fire department in, EMS out in new public safety boat deal

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Sheriff Rob Nou had been hopeful that the boat, which would be built entirely by federal dollars, would serve as a replacement for the department's aging 28-foot Boston Whaler, stationed on Orcas, as well as offering increased fire-fighting ability and on-the-water ambulance service for public safety agencies across the county.

County manager candidates: and then there were two

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

The county manager, who is expected to be paid about $150,000 a year, will assist the new 3-person county council in overseeing the functions of local government and those departments not managed by another elected county official, such as the sheriff, auditor or prosecuting attorney.

Orcas woman contests 5-year prison term

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Judge cites long record of drug, property crimes for length of latest sentence, 60 months in prison.

County prevails in 'open meetings' lawsuit; appeal 'likely'

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

Although Judge Alan Hancock discussed and dismissed a number of factual and legal issues associated with the case, the crux of his decision, based upon Washington appellate precedents, stated that, “for the purposes of OPMA, a meeting occurs only if a majority or quorum of the governing body is present.”

Consignment Treasures seeks new land-use permit

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

The new permit application seeks approval of construction plans, change of use of two buildings, and for approval of drop-off of all recyclables.

New face for historic Friday Harbor home

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

She was honored by the Town of Friday Harbor as the 2013 recipient of the “Partners in Preservation” award, May 8, on the front steps of the restored bungalow at 460 Argyle Avenue.

Transportation voucher program continues

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:38 PDT

The Voucher Program is a public-private partnership of transportation providers and local social services agencies which provides community access to 180 transportation-vulnerable community members.

New record, berth at State for Friday Harbor's Blackmon | Track & Field

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

With a time of 41.31 seconds, Blackmon claimed the Tri-District 300-meter hurdle crown May 18, at King's High School, and eclipsed the Friday Harbor High School record for the fourth time in two years, after setting a new school best in the event as a freshman.

Rousar takes 2nd place at league championship | Golf

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

After shooting 48 on the front nine, Rousar clinched the Northwest league runner-up position by shaving six strokes off that total on the back nine, for a 42, and finishing with a 90 over 18 holes, three strokes behind Cedar Park Christian's Ben Reidy, who captured the league crown with an 87.

Wolverines clinch Tri-District berth in back-to-back playoff wins | Baseball

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Senior Austin Lambright struck out 16 would-be hitters and held the Pioneers scoreless over the final six innings of a "win-or-go-home" playoff contest to keep the Wolverines within striking distance. So, with two runners on, the table was set for heroics when sophomore Gabe Lawson dug into the batters box with one out in the bottom of the seventh.

Friday Harbor's Meeker claims second-straight league championship | Golf

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

A two-time state tournament qualifier, Kendra Meeker, a junior, shot 46 on the front nine and 47 on the back nine to claim a second consecutive first-place finish in the Northwest 1A/2B/1B League Championship, tallying a solid 90 over 18 holes.

Lawson propels Wolverines playoff win with 2-run homer | Baseball

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Friday Harbor (16-3) scored six unanswered runs in the final three innings to advance into the winners bracket of Northwest District 1A playoffs with a 8-2 victory at home, May 1, over Blaine at Hartman Field.

Wolverines face Blaine at home, May 1, in post-season opener | Baseball

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

The Wolverines, winners of their last seven games, including a Northwest 1A/2B League title-clinching 20-0 shutout over Orcas at home April 29, enter the District 1A playoffs as the No. 1 seed of eight teams competing for four slots in the Tri-District tournament.

Find out more about ‘Salt: The only rock we eat’

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Brady Ryan of San Juan Island Sea Salt will discuss some of the fascinating aspects of the only rock we eat

Whiteley Lecture ‘Project Orion’: what went wrong

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

In November of 1957, a small group of scientists launched a project to build a 4,000-ton interplanetary spaceship propelled by nuclear bombs.

Summer drama workshops just for kids, at SJCT

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

The San Juan Community Theatre has opened registration for two summer youth workshops, one as part of a new partnership with the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

Love songs & a lighter side, A Cappella choir

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

The ensemble, founded 11 years ago by Dennis Bonner as Orcas A Cappella, now includes singers from San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands. Angel Michaels, from San Juan, directs.

Wooden boat race sets course for Yellow Island

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Starting at noon at Orcas Island’s Deer Harbor Marina, the race will conclude after four hours. The course circles various islands and rocks in the area, as well as a race buoy located near the marina.

Labs’ Open House: Reelin’ in the deep

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

What’s up at the Labs? it’s marine research on display; free popcorn too

Theatre makes ‘make-believe’ believable | Ferry Home Companion

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Community theatre's production of 'Into the Woods' is as breathtaking as any Broadway awarding-winning show; perhaps better.

Eth-Noh-Tec: Kinetic Story Theatre

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

San Juan Island Real Estate Blog

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Summer special: 2-for-1 on SJI Scenic Byway Bus

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Explore the San Juan Islands for half the price by signing up for a free companion pass ($15 value) on the Scenic Byway bus

Fawn season: four tips to help them along the way

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

For the first 2 or 3 weeks Black-tailed Deer fawns are small and vulnerable. You can help reduce the number of fawns that are injured or separated from their mother by following these guidelines...

‘Barbed Crown’: daredevil’s revenge

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Swashbuckling hero goes toe-to-toe with Napoleon in Dietrich’s latest ‘Ethan Gage’ novel

Marathon man: Gilbert hits the road in fight against MS

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

San Juan Island's Clark Gilbert hopes to raise $10,000 for research and education in the battle against multiple sclerosis by running 163 miles in seven days, the 6th leg of the National Multiple Sclerosis's Society's coast-to-coast US Relay.

Wildflowers in bloom, SJ Historical Museum Yellow Island tour

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Managed by the Nature Conservancy since 1979, Yellow Island is covered with more than 50 species of wildflowers and features open fescue meadows. Get a first-hand look at the abundance Sunday, May 19, of San Juan Historical Museum guided tour.

Essay contest: get on the Scenic Byway bus — for free

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Winners of San Juan Island Scenic Byway Partnership's essay contest will each receive a free summer pass onboard the Explorer Bus, which will run daily, beginning May 17, through Sept. 15.

Scenes from Opening Day Boat parade…olè

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Chaired by Fleet Captain Hank Snider and coordinated for the fifth year in a row by Burke Critchfield, the annual start to boating season marks the kickoff of the yacht club’s 50th year

Make art out of metal at IMA workshops

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Based in Anacortes, Bergner, whose artwork is on exhibit at IMA, is a mixed-media sculptor/installation, fiber and sculptural vessel artist.

‘Art Afternoon’

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Presented by Peace Island Volunteers, the event is an opportunity to enjoy and learn more about the medical center’s numerous, various pieces of artwork.

Journey of Buck family unfurled

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:39 PDT

Author of “The Bucks Stopped Here”, Buck II will trace the history of the Buck family from its first days on the island, 1918, to present.

Job well done in Olympia? | Editorial

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Following just a few short months after the Deep Sea fiasco in Penn Cove, legislation passed this session will help local governments and ports deal with abandoned and derelict vessels, to the benefit of the bays and water of the San Juan archipelago.

Will the whales return by June 1st?

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

How will we remember Virgil Frits? | Guest Column

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Today, most of what we know about early Friday Harbor comes from his written and printed accounts of the day.

Should Lolita, the captive killer whale, be releas

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Ounce of prevention, pound of cure | Guest Column

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

We all benefit when children succeed in school, and helping the children most in need at this stage is an important investment in our community.

Past comes alive in ‘spooky ‘stroll | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Come to “Ghosts Among Us,” with or without experiences to share, when we meet on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. in Memorial Park at the bottom of Spring Street.

New era: good time for change in attitude | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

What is recommended is a wholehearted commitment to the belief that citizen property owners should make the decisions about development, and that county employees should be facilitators of their intentions. And more importantly, that citizens’ interests and not political agendas should be their ascendant concern.

Comfort for the terminally ill provided by United Way | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

San Juan Island, surrounded by the Salish Sea and accessible only by boat or plane, poses challenges to the care of terminally ill patients. Because of United Way of San Juan County's support for Hospice of San Juan, those challenges are being met, and overcome.

Nowhere without talented teachers | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10, we want to give a big thank you to the dedicated teachers and staff that make our island children thrive.

‘Into the Woods’, smashing success | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

These islands have enticed all kinds of gifted people willing to share their gifts. So we do, in fact, have some great restaurants, artists, writers, musicians, actors, and theater.

Inspired by fresh face of progress | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

I am very happy to learn that after all those years together, these two women are finally able to marry.

In praise of 'Into the Woods': a must see | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Very few amateur groups can take on Sondheim, and I’m delighted that our community possesses the talent necessary to pull off the ambitious musical score. With a professional-sounding orchestra to boot!

More praise for 'Into the Woods' | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

You will be amazed how the stories are cleverly woven together. Questions about honesty, integrity and how we should treat giants are all discussed. Plus...

Fear proves unfounded; knocked out by ‘Into the Woods’ | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

Franky, I was dreading the evening, having seen an awful community theatre performance of the Stephan Sondheim musical many years ago. I’m so glad we went Friday night.

Fed up with ferry failures? A call to action | Letters

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:56:40 PDT

It is time for us to become the islands that know how to be the squeaky wheel. If we sit here and do nothing, nothing is what we will get. So let’s give Olympia an earful. Together.