News Stories - San Juan Islands

Number of threatened or endangered species in Salish Sea nearly doubles in two years

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

A study unveiled today shows that the number of species that are threatened or endangered, or are candidates for listing in the Salish Sea, has nearly doubled in the last two years. When last tallied in 2008 there were 64 species. Today there are 113.

Interisland ferries running late today

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

Due to necessary repairs the Hiyu is running 45 minutes late. This will affect all interisland sailings for the day.

Some interisland ferries canceled today

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

2012 budget cutbacks will 'frustrate citizens, burn out staff,' administrator Rose tells county council

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

Preview of solid waste plan released

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

The San Juan County Public Works Department released a preliminary draft of its Solid and Hazardous Waste Plan. It is limited to information that will help voters make an informed decision about the ballot measure, which would create a solid waste user charge on developed parcels of land. The proposal is on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

San Juans to be featured on 'Today Show' this week

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

The San Juan Islands Visitors' Bureau reports that NBC's "Today Show" is coming to Seattle this week and a small part about the San Juan Islands should be on Thursday's show on Channel 5.

What’s on the horizon for weather: Colder-than-normal weather predicted for February in Northwest; snow likely

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

Cantwell: 22,000 in San Juan and Island Counties to get social security increase in 2012

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

Salmon-killing virus found in Pacific Northwest could be 'devastating'- NY Times story

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

DSHS serves 25 Orcas households from its mobile office

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:34 PDT

The Department of Social Health and Services brought its mobile office to the San Juans last week, helping community members sign up for benefits.

Where was the Weekly?

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

Due to adjusted sailing schedules because of an inter-island boat out for repairs, the Weekly was not delivered on time.

Barge carrying Navy ammunition runs aground on Belle Rock

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The San Juan County Sheriff's Patrol Vessel based on Orcas Island is currently assisting the Coast Guard on the scene of the grounding of the barge "St. Elias."

Wed. a.m. sailing schedules adjusted with inter-island boat out for repairs

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The Hyak will make a 6:20 a.m. westbound departure from Anacortes, and make all stops: Lopez at 7:10 a.m., Shaw at 7:15 a.m., Orcas at 7:35 a.m., and arrive in Friday Harbor at 8:15 a.m.

Log lift off on Lopez

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

A helicopter will be lifting creosote logs from these two preserves to be sent to a hazardous waste landfill.

Tues. evening, Wed. a.m. sailing schedules adjusted with inter-island boat out for repairs

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The Evergreen State will depart Friday Harbor at 6:25 p.m. and stop at Orcas, Shaw and Lopez, before arriving at Anacortes at 8:50 p.m.

Q&A: Port Commission candidates position 1 and 2 | Part III

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

This is part three of a series of Q&A specials with the candidates for Port Commission

Q&A with the Port Commissioner candidates for position 1 and 2 | Part II

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

This is part two of a series of Q&A specials with the candidates

Barge carrying Navy ammunition runs aground on Belle Rock

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The 322 ft. barge was being towed by the tug "Henry Brusco" when it ran aground early Monday morning on Belle Rock, between Anacortes and Center Island. The barge was carrying a mixed cargo that includes an estimated 9,000 pounds of Navy munitions.

Dive-bombing otter from Lopez

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The Idaho Statesman featured a writer’s fall trip to the San Juan Islands this week with a story called “Zimo: From fresh seafood to watching otters, you’ve got to love paddling and camping in the San Juan Islands.”

Three times a charm for this 'Outstanding plant'

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

Fisherman Bay Sewer District is recognized for the third consecutive year as an “Outstanding Plant” by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

County wrestles with 2012 budget blues

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

Six positions were eliminated in July to offset a fall in projected revenue, and three more jobs could be cut as county officials prepare for a 22 percent increase in healthcare costs beginning next year.

Takin' it to the streets — Friday Harbor 'Occupied'

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

On Saturday, Oct. 15 about a dozen islanders gathered in front of the San Juan County Courthouse, fewer numbers, but with the same slogan of “We are the 99 percent” and island-centric phrases such as “Occupy Reality.”

Need more on Prop. 2? Here's what the County Council has to say about it

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

After more than four hours of word smithing, the San Juan County Council Tuesday passed a resolution that it believes explains what's at stake for the future of the county's solid waste operation, depending on the Nov. 8 election and the outcome of Proposition 2.

Have you seen her? Sheriff's department could use your help

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The San Juan County Sheriff's Department is seeking help in locating Dorothy A. Shayler, who reportedly suffers from depression and went missing without prescription medication. Her whereabouts are unknown. She was last seen Oct. 16 on Waldron Island.

Evolution of enforcement: San Juan Island National Historical Park

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

Can a ride-along program and volunteer group help to provide better insight about the inner-workings of law enforcement at San Juan Island's National Historical Park? Ranger Barry Lewis thinks they might.

Friday Harbor High School rated among state's top 12 in AP exams

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The 7th Annual AP Report by CollegeBoard tracked the number of seniors who have earned a score of three, four or five on at least one of their Washington state Advanced Placement exams. In addition to high scores, over 30 percent of the Friday Harbor’s 2011 graduating class, who took the AP exams earned elective college credit.

2nd half property-tax payment due Oct. 31

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

Payments received after the deadline will accrue 1 percent interest through the month of November, and will be assessed penalty and interest of 10 percent in December; interest accrues at 1 percent each month thereafter.

Tues. evening, Wed. a.m. sailing schedules adjusted with inter-island boat out for repairs

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The Evergreen State will depart Friday Harbor at 6:25 p.m. and stop at Orcas, Shaw and Lopez, before arriving at Anacortes at 8:50 p.m.

Journal wins seven awards in 2010 state press contest

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

The Journal competed against other newspapers in Group I and II. The newspapers were judged on work produced from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. The 2011 contest drew 2,523 entries from 78 community newspapers; entries were judged by members of the Texas Press Association.

Whooping cough strikes San Juan; nine cases documented

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:35 PDT

According to John Manning, director of the county public health department, children are most susceptible to whooping cough, but the disease is spread by teenagers and adults who need to renew their vaccination.