All Stories - Journal of the San Juans

Special election Tuesday for EMS, M&O levies; measures pay for emergency medical services, education

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The 2009 special election to decide whether to extend tax levies for education and emergency medical services is Tuesday. Similar measures are on ballots on Lopez and Orcas islands. A total of 11,154 ballots have been mailed to voters countywide; on San Juan Island, 5,520 ballots were mailed out, Elections Supervisor Doris Schaller said.

Eight Friday Harbor wrestlers advancing to 1A Regional Tournament

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Eight Friday Harbor male wrestlers are advancing to the 1A Regional Tournament, Feb. 13 at Bellevue Christian. Friday Harbor's Kia Johns was one of 76 female wrestlers at the Subregional Tournament at Squalicum High School today vying for a spot at the Girls Region 1 Tournament Feb. 14 at Liberty High School. All wrestlers have their eye on the big prize: The storied Mat Classic XXII, Feb. 19-20 in the Tacoma Dome.

San Juan Lions successfully defend Knowledge Bowl crown

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The San Juan Lions Club team defended their Knowledge Bowl crown Thursday at the San Juan Community Theatre. It was a one-point victory that came down to the last question in the Jeopardy-format competition: "Port au Prince is located on which island in the Caribbean?"

Judge says state's failure to fund basic education is 'unconstitutional'

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

In what plaintiffs in a landmark school funding lawsuit called “a huge victory for Washington school children,” a Superior Court judge ruled Feb. 4 the State in violation of its constitutionally mandated “paramount duty” to amply provide for the education of all children.

Friday Harbor defeats Orcas 54-43, strengthen grip on league title | Girls Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The Friday Harbor girls basketball team moved one giant step closer to clinching its first league title in more than 20 years with an impressive 54-43 win on the road Feb. 2 at Orcas.

Afghanistan veteran visits, thanks Friday Harbor Elementary School students

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Army Sgt. Tom Bauschke visited Friday Harbor Elementary School Tuesday to thank second-graders for the letters they sent to him and his unit while they were stationed in Afghanistan. "We really liked the letters you sent," he said. "It didn't happen too much. We mostly received e-mails, so your letters meant a lot to us."

Fire Marshal Low's departure for Quilcene: One resignation, a lot of shoes to fill

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

One resignation, a lot of shoes to fill. Bob Low's resignation as San Juan County fire marshal to become fire chief in Quilcene has left a void in more than one area on San Juan Island. Low's last day as San Juan County fire marshal was Jan. 28. His first day on the job in Quilcene was Feb. 1. Besides serving as fire marshal, he was also a San Juan EMT, and had just completed a term as a hospital district commissioner. Low ran for mayor in November and had sought appointment to the Town Council. He was actively seeking street improvements for his neighborhood, the Greenway subdivision, which has poor drainage and potholed streets. His wife, Barbara, was active in the local American Red Cross chapter and was also an EMT.

Michael Henderson, David Howitt receive San Juan Island Fire Department’s highest awards

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Michael Henderson and David Howitt received San Juan Island Fire Department’s highest awards Saturday night when the department celebrated the 2009 contributions of its members, at the U.W. Friday Harbor Labs dining hall. The firefighters and support members were honored for their dedicated service in 2009 at the annual awards banquet, which was attended by about 90 people including guests.

Battle of the Brains: Spelling Bee is today, Knowledge Bowl is Thursday

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The 2010 Friday Harbor Community Spelling Bee is today, 3:30 p.m. in the San Juan Community Theater. The annual contest is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands and features fourth- through eighth-grade classroom champions from local schools, including Friday Harbor Elementary School, Friday Harbor Middle School, Paideia Classical School, Griffin Bay School and Spring Street International School.

State says hospital is needed on San Juan Island; property purchase, site annexation are next

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Washington state Department of Health officials have determined there is a need for a critical access hospital on San Juan Island. They have issued a certificate of need, a critical step in efforts to build a hospital here. Next: Proponents will complete their fund-raising, the purchase of the property will be completed and design of the new hospital, proposed near the airport, will begin.

Mount Vernon's Raymond Francois takes lead in Roche Harbor derby with 16.4-pound catch

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

With one hour of fishing left in the second day of the three-day Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational, Raymond Francois of Mount Vernon took the lead with a 16.4-pound catch. Earlier in the day, only one ounce separated the three leaders of the seventh annual classic, which began Feb. 4 and concludes Feb. 6.

1 ounce separates top 3 leaders at Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

One ounce separates the top three leaders in the seventh annual Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational, which began Feb. 4 and continues to Feb. 6. The derby was sold out, with 100 boats arriving at Roche Harbor Marina Feb. 4 for the derby kickoff. Joel Shangle of KJR 950 sports radio will broadcast live from the derby all day Feb. 6, with guest Tony Floor, Roche Harbor derby judge.

Friday Harbor defeats Orcas 54-43, strengthen grip on league title | Girls Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The Friday Harbor girls basketball team moved one giant step closer to clinching its first league title in more than 20 years with an impressive 54-43 win on the road Feb. 2 at Orcas.

Two big wins for Friday Harbor girls; Andersen scores 14 against Shoreline Christian, 26 points against Darrington | Girls Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Head Coach Eric Jangard emptied the bench for the second straight game as the Wolverines tuned up for a pivotal matchup against Orcas with a 45-24 rout over Shoreline Christian Saturday on the road. Junior Maggie Andersen tallied a team-high 14 points, and senior Kayla Short and sophomore Liz Taylor scored eight points apiece, as Friday Harbor jumped out to an early lead and never trailed against the Crusaders, winless so far in nine league outings.

Friday Harbor boys defeat Shoreline Christian 42-36 | Boys Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Fewer turnovers. Quality defense. Better decision-making down the stretch. The Wolverines were firing on all cylinders, but still needed a clutch performance at the free-throw line to lock down a 42-36 victory on the road Saturday at Shoreline Christian.

San Juan Island Fitness Club hosts spring weight challenge

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Ready to shed those winter pounds and get ready for that spring/summer wardrobe? San Juan Island Fitness is conducting the third in a series of Healthy Weight Challenges. Sign up now and participate in a supportive and informative environment where you only compete against yourself.

Friday Harbor wrestlers host four-school meet Saturday

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The Friday Harbor Wolverines wrestling team will host a wrestling meet on Saturday in Turnbull Gym. Weigh-ins will take place at 11 a.m. Wrestling will begin at noon.

Andersen scores 26 in Friday Harbor's 55-31 defeat of Darrington

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Maggie Andersen scored 26 points to help Friday Harbor overwhelm Darrington 55-31 Jan. 29 at Turnbull Gym, solidifying the Wolverines' hold on the Northwest 1A/2B league lead. Friday Harbor dominated from the start, leading Darrington in each period: 10-9 in the first, 21-16 in the second, 32-22 in the third, and 55-31 at the close.

Friday Harbor girls take league lead in 48-34 win over La Conner | Girls Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The Wolverines rang up 11 unanswered points to take control of a tightly-contested game early in the second half, and then took care of business at the free-throw line to upend La Conner 48-34 Jan. 22 at home in Turnbull Gym.

Wolverines rout Mount Vernon Christian, 53-33; host La Conner in pivotal league showdown Friday | Girls Basketball

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

With the victory, Friday Harbor clinched its fifth win in a row in Northwest 1A/2B League play, improved to 5-1 against league competition and set up what will no doubt prove to be a pivotal match up Friday at home against La Conner.

'Up in the Air': What he thought he wanted isn’t what he truly wanted at all | Movie Review

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Near the end of the film, Mr. Bingham begins to “feel.” He feels sorrow, love, and heartbreak, things he isn’t used to feeling. In the end, he accomplishes his goal, and he realizes that, in getting what he wanted, it isn’t what he truly wanted at all.

'Avatar': Special effects are amazing, but story is cliched | Movie Review

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The movie incorporates new CGI technologies that will change the exotic environment and bodies of the indigenous into incredible photorealistic 3D imagery. So incredible and accurate looking in fact that the movie and ideas have taken over 10 years to formulate. Though the technological level of the movie is quite amazing, the storytelling portion was somewhat cliché, the story line resembling quite a few others.

100 years of stories: A special centennial Playwrights Festival opens Jan. 28

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Unique glimpses into San Juan Island’s history, people and culture come alive in San Juan Community Theatre’s intimate Gubelman Theatre during the 2010 Islands Playwrights Festival, Jan. 28-31 and Feb. 5-7 and 11-14.

Helen Loggie exhibit opens Jan. 29 at Islands Museum of Art

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park (IMA), at 28 First St. in Friday Harbor, will open “A Retrospective of Helen Loggie, 1917-1952,” Jan. 29, 5-8 p.m. Helen Loggie, a nationally recognized artist, lived most of her life in Bellingham and on Orcas Island. This exhibition links San Juan Island and Orcas Island in a unique manner, for The Lambiel Museum on Orcas is loaning part of its Helen Loggie Collection of more than 100 pieces, the largest private collection in existence, to IMA for an exhibit that will run through March 7.

Canada’s acoustic artist of the year performs at SJCT Feb. 3

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

Ask San Juan Island native and musician Ryan Browne about Salt Spring Island’s Harry Manx and he’ll tell you Manx is one of the “great talents to come out of the islands.” A successful touring performer (he just won “Acoustic Artist of the Year” from Canada’s Maple Blues Awards for the third consecutive year), Manx brings his unique mix of “east meets west” to the San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier stage on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

'Song & Dance' on San Juan: Jenny Knapp returns to the island for winter performing arts festival

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:13 PST

A San Juan Island winter is not cold in the area of culture. Between Christmas festivals and theater productions, the public is not deprived of variation. Local choreographer Linda Downs is convinced the best is yet to come. Indeed, the line-up that Downs, director of Dance Workshop II, has produced for this year’s Winter Song and Dance Festival (Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 24, 2 p.m.) offers exceptionally high standards of performing art.

Ideas sought for new logo for San Juan Islands Scenic Byway

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

What images represent the true essence of the San Juan Islands? Submit your ideas to inspire the design of a logo for the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway.

Jose L. Sanchez joins Lake Kennedy McCulloch CPAs

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Jose L. Sanchez, a certified public accountant, has joined Lake Kennedy McCulloch CPAs. He will focus on business management, tax, accounting and personal financial advice. He brings to the firm experience in law and accounting.

Dr. Frederick Ellis, conservationist, dies in his Shaw Island home at 93

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Dr. Frederick Ellis, a founding member of the San Juan Preservation Trust, died in his Shaw Island home Feb. 5. He was 93. No funeral arrangements had been set by press time Monday. Visit SanJuanJournal.com this week for updated information.

What does 'floccinaucinihilipilification' mean? Ask third-graders Joseph Kaden and Claire Rathburn

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Friday Harbor Elementary School third-graders Joseph Kaden and Claire Rathburn correctly identified the meaning of the word — get ready for this — "floccinaucinihilipilification" in the local Grange's dictionary contest. They each received a $20 gift certificate from Serendipity Book Store, and a 100 Grand candy bar from Pomona Grange member Pat Ball. Claire is a student in Darlene Clark's class. Joseph is a student in Tessa DeGavre's class.

Jason Wheeler Sears and Shaena Ann Berg | Engagements

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Bud and Jan Sears of Friday Harbor announce the engagement of their son, Jason Wheeler Sears, to Shaena Ann Berg. She is the daughter of Tim and Ann Berg of Yakima, Wash.

Jacob Seiler and Pamella Correia Sanches | Engagements

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Jacob Seiler’s parents are proud to announce his engagement to Pamella Correia Sanches of Brazil. Jacob has been traveling and working in Brazil for the past nine months. His parents are John Stamey and Lenore Bayuk; Kim Seiler-Bell and Scott Bell of Friday Harbor. He is brother to Cady Seiler, Audrey Espinoza, Paul Espinosa, and Emily Bayuk-Johnson. Pamella’s parents are Italo Enso Sanches Lloris and Suzeti Correia Sanches Lloris of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. She has one sister, Paola.

How do you spell 'victory'? Dalton Ayres wins annual spelling bee

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Dalton Ayres, a seventh-grader at Friday Harbor Middle School, won the 2010 Friday Harbor Community Spelling Bee Feb. 2 at the San Juan Community Theater.

Mike and Julia Vouri, San Juan Historical Museum team up to author book on San Juan Island

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

A new book about San Juan Island is being authored by Mike and Julia Vouri and the San Juan Historical Society and Museum. The book, titled "San Juan Island," will be published this summer by Arcadia Publishing Co. as part of its Images of America series. Other Arcadia books of local interest: "Orcas Island," "The Pig War," "Friday Harbor," and "Roche Harbor." (A book on Lopez Island is forthcoming.)

Memorial service Feb. 13 for Susan Elizabeth Hull Meredith

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Susan left this world peacefully and unafraid on the evening of Jan. 26, 2010. It was a beautiful warm and sunny day in her beloved San Juan Islands. She was in the presence of family and friends, and the wonderful caregivers at Islands Convalescent Center made her last hours as comfortable as can be desired.

Celebration of Life for Richard Lawson Feb. 6 at West Valley Road ranch

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Richard Lee Lawson was born Sept. 30, 1943 in Friday Harbor, Wash., to Gilbert and Geraldine Lawson. He lost his fight with cancer on Jan. 26, 2010 at The University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. Richard left behind his mother, Jeri Lawson; son, Richard Jr. (wife, Tricia), son, Tommy (wife, Leah); stepson, Chris (wife, Sherry), and their sons, Chaz, Parker and Gabe; four grandchildren, Jordan, Ashley, Brandy Lee, and Dylan; brother, Victor Lawson; sister, Ruthie Paull; nieces, Cathy VanZanten and Ashley Paull; nephews, Rob Lawson, Adam Paull; and countless other relatives and friends.

Kurt Daniel Johnson | Passages

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Memorial service Feb. 6 for Charles Buck

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Radio broadcast pioneer Charles Lewis “Chuck” Buck of Friday Harbor passed away on Jan. 14, 2010 in Oregon. He was 93. Born in Aberdeen, Wash., he moved to Alaska as a young boy to fish with his parents in the mid-1920s. He subsequently spent most of his life in Alaska until retiring to Friday Harbor in the early 1970s. Chuck graduated from Cordova High School in 1935. He joined the U.S. Army in 1940 and served for 13 years with the Alaska Communication Service in Alaska and Seattle.

How are we doing on habitat? | Being Frank

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

We know that protecting and restoring habitat are the keys to wild salmon recovery. But how are we really doing on that front? Puget Sound chinook and steelhead, Hood Canal summer chum and Lake Ozette sockeye are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Meanwhile, our culture, treaty rights and way of life – everything that makes us Indian people – are disappearing a little every day, just like the salmon.

A transition with dignity and respect | Editorial

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

A new superintendent of schools has been hired for the San Juan Island School District. We welcome Lynden School Superintendent Rick Thompson to our district. But our warmest applause must go to Walt Wegener. Our interim superintendent handled the search for his successor with class. We hope to see him in the position he desires in time for the 2010-11 school year.

I plan on participating in the U.S. Census this ye

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

'We must discuss new revenue and evaluate our taxes' | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Jan. 11 marked the beginning of our 2010 session in Olympia, and every indication tells us we are in for a bumpy ride. Just a year after tackling a $9 billion budget deficit — the largest in our state’s history — we’re faced with another $2.6 billion shortfall. This means we’ll be forced to look at even more program cuts and savings enhancements to keep Washington fiscally sound as well as keep our well-established social safety net in place for our most vulnerable.

‘If we give salmon a chance, they will recover’ | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

The stakes are high. Island citizens are engaged in tasks that are leading to salmon recovery. Continued support is needed for salmon recovery efforts to be successful and we must make a long-term commitment toward completion of this work.

‘Hope for the best, and be kind to one another’ | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Our town isn’t just about whales and ferries. It’s about neighbor helping neighbor, children growing up and creating families of their own, small businesses serving the community and thriving, and a shared feeling of security and well-being.

'Our economy will recover when the jobless rate turns' | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Until government spending is brought under control, small businesses will be uncertain about the economy and will not begin to hire new employees or borrow money for expansion. That will keep the economy in limbo for some time to come.

'We can diversify the local economy beyond construction and tourism' | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

We can protect our community’s natural resources and beauty while streamlining our local land-use regulations to make the rules and processes effective and efficient. These efforts will enable our community of businesses and citizens to maintain their quality of life and sustainability.

'In 2010, keep pollutants out of our runoff' | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

In 2010, I am also hoping to finally get my official button: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!” Seriously, please contact me if I can answer any questions about safe chemical handling and disposal, and keeping pollutants out of the environment.

‘Our educational values will not waver’ | Forecasts for 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

My predictions for 2010 are that this community’s deeply rooted educational values will not waver, and together we will achieve success for our children and preserve hope for our future.

Recycling fee: Don't tax civic and environmental virtue

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

That the commissioners would seek to tax civic and environmental virtue is short-sighted at best, and 100 percent bass-ackwards (sic) at worst. If they must, they should keep the proposed one-time $1,000 development fee, but instead of levying a tax on conservation-minded citizens, raise the trash tipping-fees even higher yet and use the overage to offset the recycling costs.

Sometimes a dead fish is just a dead fish

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

We need to establish a genuinely supportable nexus between problem and solution. We need to take alarming claims out of the realm of psychology and fear, and establish a framework to rationally answer the questions that are posed.

Not sure styrofoam is worse than 'biodegradable' products

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

I asked Neil Hansen, the Lopez guru of garbage, about the acceptability of recyclable food containers. Knowing the corrugated paper board that has absorbed oil is not acceptable for recycling, I wondered about messy little paper boxes that have remnants of food stuck to them. “Our present vendor would not accept them,” was his answer.

Supports renewal of San Juan EMS levy

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

While partnering with island community leaders to work toward a new critical access hospital in Friday Harbor, I have been privileged to get to know some of the people and programs serving the island communities’ healthcare needs.

CAPR looks forward to producing boots-on-the-ground conservation actions that make a real difference

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Recently Mike Kaill, president of Friends of the San Juans, submitted a letter suggesting that the presence of surfactants in stormwater and other runoff is a justification for what he considers to be appropriate setbacks from the shoreline for development on shoreline properties.

School levy election is about investing in our children

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

Although Washington State's Constitution defines education as the "paramount duty" of the state, school districts increasingly rely on local funding sources. About 16 percent of total statewide school funding comes from local taxes, primarily property taxes through maintenance and operations levies. A levy loss, which can make up to approximately 20 percent of a district's revenue, can be devastating to a school district. A levy is a request by a school district of voters to raise or continue property taxes for a limited number of years for operations costs or capital improvements that help to fund essential education programs and activities such as school libraries, textbooks, computers, tutoring programs, teachers and aides, all-day kindergarten, food service, special education, transportation and extracurriculars.

An outstanding EMS is critical for the life safety of island residents

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:03:14 PST

As PeaceHealth’s project lead for the new San Juan Island hospital, I’ve heard from dozens of islanders about San Juan Island EMS. By all accounts, your EMS is held in high regard for its expertise, quality of care and responsiveness. I have also read about many real-life stories of heroic, compassionate and at times life-saving care provided by the EMTs and first responders. And I’m aware of national measures of performance for which the San Juan Island EMS is rated among the very best in the country.