News - The Journal of the San Juan Islands

Council selects Enumclaw administrator for county manager post | Update

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

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.