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Santa was greeted by happy islanders when he arrived at King Marine's in Friday Harbor. Matt Pranger photo

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Response from USPS about situation at Friday Harbor Post Office

Strategic Communications Specialist for USPS  Kim Frum is the spokesperson for the Postal Service in Washington. She...READ MORE

Derelict structures on Orcas and Shaw islands removed to make way for wildlife

As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard critical eelgrass meadows and Pacific herring spawning grounds, Friends...READ MORE

San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Dept to hold special budget workshop Dec. 2

LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of  San Juan Island Fire District, November 14, 2023 meeting. The Board appointed...READ MORE

Mike Vouri: The Photograph on the Vanity

While my mother lay dying at 96 last December, a visiting hospice nurse studied the family...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Post Office in dire straits

Overwhelmed with pallets of Amazon boxes and reduced to a skeleton crew, postal workers at the...READ MORE

Friday Harbor awarded $100k to fix up Sunken Park

OLYMPIA–Parks in 25 counties will get much-needed repairs–picnic shelters reroofed, tennis courts restriped, pools relined and...READ MORE

$4.8 million to refurbish Washington State Ferries from Bipartisan Infrastructure La

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $4.8 million to the Washington State Department...READ MORE

Santa's Mailbox back in Friday Harbor for 4th year in a row

Santa is waiting to hear from the children and wants you to know that his mailbox...READ MORE

Nov. 28: San Juan County Council approves amended TIP, adds Dolphin Bay Rd chip seal

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Summary San Juan County Council November 28, 2023 During public comment one citizen urged the...READ MORE

Repeated vandalism forces Land Bank to remove toilet at Zylstra Lake Preserve

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. November 27, 2023 – The Conservation Land Bank made the difficult decision to...READ MORE

Dec. 1: Road Closure - Argyle and Spring traffic circle

Citizens are advised of a temporary closure of roads feeding into the traffic circle at the...READ MORE

Controversial Zylstra Trail removed from TIP unanimously by San Juan County Council

  LWVSJ Observer Corps*summary San Juan County Council November 27, 2023 meeting During public comment one citizen proposed...READ MORE

Steven Charles Kennedy August 29, 1949 - November 27, 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear husband and father...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan November 27 – December 3, 2023

Full Moon in Gemini Monday; Venus Trine Saturn; Mercury Sextile Saturn; Mercury Trine Jupiter; Venus Square...READ MORE

Coast Guard, IOSA, Ecology responded to vessel sinking in West Sound

SEATTLE — Crews from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, Washington Department of Ecology, and the Islands’...READ MORE

36 Weekends is a Grant Winner! – Weekend nutrition for kids

The Rotary Club of San Juan Islands received a $5,000 matching grant for its 36 Weekends...READ MORE

December 1: Traditional Posada Navidena in Friday Harbor

Final week of drive to match grant for Friday Harbor Food Bank

Each November the Town of Friday Harbor asks that you help us with another important community need—...READ MORE

CWR launches campaign to purchase new research vessel

Focusing on the birth of two new L-pod calves From The Center for Whale Research: This year, we...READ MORE

Letter from Sheriff Eric Peter about Controlled Substance Homicide Sentencing

My fellow community members, As a San Juan County resident, as an advocate for public safety, and...READ MORE

San Juan County responds to public’s feedback on Destination Management Plan

SAN JUAN COUNTY. WA November 16, 2023 - San Juan County would like to acknowledge the public...READ MORE

WSF: Customers Should Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving Day Travel

Thanksgiving Day travelers should plan ahead for busy holiday sailings and stay up-to-date on the latest schedules...READ MORE

November 22: Citizen providing inter island water taxi

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 there will not be an interisland ferry for the day. Thomas Bridge...READ MORE

Thanksgiving Weekend Nov. 23-26: Crafts galore on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island

Check InTheSanJuans.com for details on the Turkey Trot, tree lighting, and all the holiday markets happening Thanksgiving weekend...READ MORE

Annual 4-minute Shopping Spree totals $920.16 for Friday Harbor Food Bank

Thalia Shorett won the 2023 San Juan Lions Annual Four-minute Shopping Spree and promptly donated it...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log: Hunting accident on Lopez, farmer shoots dogs attacking livestock on Orcas

San Juan County Deputies responded to 146 calls from November 15-21, 2023 including: An Orcas Island Deputy...READ MORE

Upcoming Tree Trimming Projects: Clearing for Safety:

OPALCO has several right-of-way clearing projects happening the coming months throughout San Juan County. Right-of-way clearing...READ MORE

AG Ferguson: PeaceHealth will return up to $13.4 million to patients who should have received financial assistance

Hospital chain billed thousands of low-income patients without notifying them that they were likely eligible for...READ MORE

PeaceHealth reaches agreement with state on charity care

VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth has  reached an agreement with the Attorney General of Washington regarding charity care. For years...READ MORE

Hunting accident on Lopez Island, investigation ongoing

On November 18, 2023,  San Juan County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a Hunting...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan November 20 - 26, 2023

Mars in Scorpio/Sagittarius Square Saturn in Pisces; Mercury in Sagittarius Square Neptune in Pisces A touch holiday...READ MORE

Rebirth of a beach with a big impact

In a remarkable effort to return a beach to its natural state, a comprehensive restoration project...READ MORE

PHD: Lainey Volk retired, applied for license for home care services, 3 medicaid rooms at Village at the Harbor

LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of  San Juan County Public Hospital District #1, November 15, 2023 meeting...READ MORE

Orcas soccer team finishes second in state

Upper Columbia Academy defeated Orcas Island 2-0 in the Class 1B/2B Boys State Soccer Final at...READ MORE

San Juan County Sheriff's Office receives Law Enforcement Accreditation Award

San Juan County Sheriff's Office recently completed a rigorous accreditation program that certifies they are...READ MORE

Orcas Island boys soccer team advances to 3rd consecutive state championship match

Orcas Island boys soccer team topped Providence Classical Christian 3-1 in a Class 1B/2B State Tournament semifinal...READ MORE

Port of Friday Harbor working on derelict vessel turn-in event

LWVSJ Observer Corps:* summary of Friday Harbor Port Commission, November 8, 2023 meeting The Commissioners reviewed the...READ MORE

Town of Friday Harbor proclaims November 25 as Small Business Saturday

LWVSJ Observer Corps* notes on Friday Harbor Town Council, November 16, 2023 meeting. The meeting started with...READ MORE

Mistrial declared in Henline's Friday Harbor fire arson trial

Federal District Court Judge John H. Chun granted a  defense motion asking for a mistrial Thursday, November...READ MORE

End of Season: Friday Harbor Wolverine Football: Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett

The 50th season of Wolverine football concluded with a first-round loss to Kalama 32-14 in the...READ MORE

"Free Palestine" signs posted on lightpoles in Friday Harbor will be removed by town crew

Sheriff's message to community: The Sheriff's Office was informed yesterday [Tuesday, November 14, 2023] of some...READ MORE

Sheriff's Log San Juan Islands Nov. 8-14, 2023: Theft of money and honey, unauthorized signs and stickers placed on food, domestic violence

San Juan County Deputies responded to 168 calls from November 8-14, 2023 including: A Friday Harbor individual...READ MORE

Nov. 14: Closing arguments in arson suspect's trial; charged with setting Spring St. April 6, 2022 fire

The jury in the Dwight Henline trial will begin deliberating Tuesday, November 14, 2023 after closing...READ MORE

Search is on for new San Juan County manager; Thomas leaving at end of February

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA – At the end of February 2024, San Juan County Manager Mike Thomas...READ MORE

WA shoppers advised to stay vigilant for scams this holiday season

Washington New Service: The holiday gift-buying season is here - and that means people need to...READ MORE

Town of Friday Harbor: Kiosk discussion, $50K in Lodging tax grant applications, Andy Gutierrez is new facilities manager

LWVSJ Observer Corps* notes about Friday Harbor Town Council, October 19, 2023 meeting Mayor Jackson met other...READ MORE

Grange and Food Bank team up to add delicious local fruit to offerings

This is such a wonderful time of year on our island. It’s a time when the...READ MORE

Horoscope By Triana J. Elan   November 13 - 19, 2023

New Moon in Scorpio on Monday; Sun Conjunct Mars Thursday, Trine Neptune This week is a whole...READ MORE

Nov. 13: Special Orcas Fire District Board meeting focused on budget

San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 Board will hold a special meeting at 1 pm...READ MORE

Nov. 13: Yakima out of service, Modified schedule posted

Due to continuing mechanical issues, Washington State Ferries M/V Yakima will be out of service through...READ MORE

November 14: Release of winter ferry reservations for San Juan/Anacortes and Port Townsend routes

UPDATED: Due to instability caused by current technical issues on the WSDOT website, with portions of...READ MORE

Orcas Island advances to state soccer semifinal; Friday Harbor eliminated

Orcas Island’s boys soccer team rallied for a 2-1 victory over Evergreen Lutheran at Franklin Pierce...READ MORE

Kalama ends Friday Harbor’s gridiron season

Kalama ended Friday Harbor’s gridiron season with a 32-14 home win in a Class 2B State...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Family Clinic temporarily not accepting new adult patients

Message from Heather Christensen: Friday Harbor Family Clinic opened in the spring of 2022 with the...READ MORE

Veterans Day 102 years ago, Memorial Park monument unveiled in Friday Harbor

Originally posted 11/11/2021 - On Armistice Day November 11, 1921, the first memorial monument in Washington state  honoring WWI...READ MORE

Over Veterans Day weekend, tribute paid to Medal of Honor recipients

Medal of Honor recipients will be honored this weekend for Veteran's Day.The Medal of Honor is...READ MORE

Unveiling Made in the San Juans: New online showcase of Island makers and products

New online showcase of Island makers and products is your passport to artisan excellence in the...READ MORE

Dec. 7: Annual Chardonnay shopping event in Friday Harbor

Save the date, December 7, 2023, for the annual Chardonnay shopping event in Friday Harbor. Get your...READ MORE

Call for Island Gifts and Services for  Made in the San Juans Winter Holiday Online Auction 

  The new countywide Made in the San Juans online marketplace is hosting a fun Holiday Auction...READ MORE

Playoffs: Friday Harbor Wolverine Football Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett

  Friday, 11/10 at 2 p.m. Friday Harbor (5-3) at Kalama (7-3) * The Wolverines finished 4-0 and...READ MORE

Harjeet Kaur Dhaliwal April 1935 - November 6, 2023

Her spirit and memory will live on in our hearts forever! Harjeet Kaur Dhaliwal nee Maan, age...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's log November 1-7, 2023: Ferry worker bumped by car, crab pots near Orcas ferry terminal, car prowls in Friday Harbor

San Juan County Deputies responded to 147 calls from November 1-7, 2023 including: A Lopez Island Deputy responded...READ MORE

Election: Orcas Fire levy fails, Goodhart, Appleton, Hansen, Ehrmantraut, Gaylord, Kartiganer elected

The unofficial results of the November 7, 2023 general election are posted on San Juan County's...READ MORE

NOV. 7: Public hearing to add Zylstra trail to San Juan County's Transportation Plan

January 20, 2023, when speaking to about a dozen neighbors surprised and upset by news of...READ MORE

Senior Freude (Part #10 in the Senior Gone Wild Series by Ingrid Gabriel)

Oh, is there any sort of freude as deeply satisfying as Senior Freude?  I think not. ...READ MORE

Rotary Dictionary Project expands to Friday Harbor 3rd and 4th graders

What happens when you give rhyming dictionaries to 4th graders the day before Halloween? This: “On...READ MORE

Nov. 15: Celebration for Nash Street construction project

The Town of Friday Harbor will celebrate  the completion of the Nash Street Construction Project with...READ MORE

Buy a wreath and support Friday Harbor Class of 24 Safe Grad night

Wreath sales are one of the largest fundraisers for the Class of 2024. Proceeds go directly...READ MORE

Friday Harbor to face Kalama in state gridiron playoffs

Friday Harbor’s football team will face Kalama in the first round of the Class 1B/2B State...READ MORE

Friday Harbor to face Kalama in state gridiron playoffs

Friday Harbor’s football team will face Kalama in the first round of the Class 1B/2B State...READ MORE

Friday Harbor seeded 2nd, Orcas Island 5th in state soccer tourney

Friday Harbor (11-2-0) earned a No. 2 seed in the Class 1B/2B Boys State Soccer Tournament...READ MORE

Friday Harbor eighth-grade girls finish 20th, 25th at state cross country finals

  Friday Harbor eighth-grader Flora Compton finished 20th at the Class 1B/2B State Cross Country Championships and...READ MORE

Guest Columns

Letters to the Editor

Scaled to Fit Island

Thank you County Council for listening to the public and your unanimous decision today (November 27) to remove Zylstra Trail from consideration in the current Six-Year Transportation...READ MORE

Nash: Town Council's attitude towards utility rate payers is indefensible

He just about said you shouldn't live here....   If you can't afford to pay the utilities you shouldn't live... is what...READ MORE

Gay Wilmerding: Use existing ROW and build a 5-ft wide Zylstra Trail

To: Ms. Christine Minney--District 1, Ms. Cindy Wolf--District 2, Ms. Jane Fuller--District 3  Dear Council Members, Farmland is precious. Rather than condemning almost...READ MORE

Dembrowsky: Elevated Access speaker appreciates beauty and friendliness of San Juan Island

My name is Elizabeth Dembrowsky and I am an attorney working with the charity Elevated Access.  We are dedicated to...READ MORE

Gaylord: Thanks voters for electing him, Brian Ehrmantraut, Kate Hansen and Jim Biddick to Orcas Fire Commission

Dear Editor, I want to thank the voters of Orcas Island for electing me, Brian Ehrmantraut,  Kate Hansen and Jim Biddick...READ MORE

Jerry Henderson: Thanks supporters, congratulates Appleton

I want to thank all of my friends that supported my run for Fire Commissioner 3. I really appreciate all...READ MORE

Goodhart: It Means A Lot

Voting is still days from ending when I submit this, but no matter the results, this is important to say...READ MORE

Greene: Great opportunity for collaboration and action

My wife and I recently returned home to San Juan Island after being away for three years for medical reasons...READ MORE

Appleton: Promise hard work, open to discussion, teamwork with all, consumers' viewpoint

Dear San Juan Friends, Thank you to those Islanders that met me at their door, Saturday Market, sports field, on the...READ MORE

Jarman: Henderson best choice for San Juan Island Fire Commissioner

Please join me in supporting Jerry Henderson by voting for him in the upcoming election as a San Juan County...READ MORE

Williams: Destination Mgmt Plan ignores important goals

The authors of the San Juan Island Destination Plan are to be commended for their hard work and for recognizing...READ MORE

Knott: Support for Hertel, Respect for Goodheart

What a strange title to begin an endorsement! My wife and I own Essential Sailing at Jensen’s shipyard, the primary port...READ MORE

Risser: Please support Appleton for San Juan Island Fire District Commission

We are voting for Warren Appleton because we think he is the better candidate for Fire Commissioner for San Juan...READ MORE

See: Appleton is the better choice for San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Commissioner

We are supporting Warren Appleton for SJI Fire Commissioner District 3.    While we have two good candidates for this...READ MORE

RNs Conrad, Penski, Jameson: We support Dr. Appleton for San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Commission

We are supporting Warren Appleton for Fire Commissioner.We worked many shifts with Dr. Appleton at PIMC Emergency Department.  We found...READ MORE

Rice: Vote for Rich Goodhart for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner

You can tell a lot about a person by playing a few holes of golf with him. Here is what I...READ MORE

Rader: Vote for Goodhart for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner

Dear Editor, We are writing in support of Rich Goodhart running for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner.  We have had the...READ MORE

Jensen: Vote for Appleton for change at San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Fire Commission

I am voting for Warren Appleton because we need some changes in Fire District 3. During the last few months...READ MORE

Paulsen: Elect Brian Ehrmantraut to Orcas Island Fire &Rescue Board of Commissioners

When your ballot arrives in the coming days, you have the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful change for Orcas...READ MORE

Longan: Supports Henderson for San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Commissioner

My name is Jeanette Longan and I support Jerry Henderson for Fire Commissioner. Jerry has years of experience as a...READ MORE

Ron Lehman: Supporting Warren Appleton for San Juan Island Fire District Commissioner

I’m supporting Warren Appleton for SJI Fire District Commissioner. I’ve been concerned for some time that fire is not tending...READ MORE

Severin: Supports Henderson for San Juan Island Fire Commission

My name is Jane Severin—some of you may know me by my former name Hutchison. I have lived in Friday...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's Log: Hunting accident on Lopez, farmer shoots dogs attacking livestock on Orcas

San Juan County Deputies responded to 146 calls from November 15-21, 2023 including: An Orcas Island Deputy...READ MORE

Sheriff's Log San Juan Islands Nov. 8-14, 2023: Theft of money and honey, unauthorized signs and stickers placed on food, domestic violence

San Juan County Deputies responded to 168 calls from November 8-14, 2023 including: A Friday Harbor individual...READ MORE

San Juan Islands Sheriff's log November 1-7, 2023: Ferry worker bumped by car, crab pots near Orcas ferry terminal, car prowls in Friday Harbor

San Juan County Deputies responded to 147 calls from November 1-7, 2023 including: A Lopez Island Deputy responded...READ MORE

Sheriff's Log San Juan Island October 11-17, 2023: Sledgehammer-wielding vandal, online extortion, trespassing, tension at the dog park....

San Juan County Deputies responded to 171 calls from October 11-17, 2023 including: An Orcas Island Deputy...READ MORE

People

Santa's Mailbox back in Friday Harbor for 4th year in a row

Santa is waiting to hear from the children and wants you to know that his mailbox...READ MORE

Nov. 28: San Juan County Council approves amended TIP, adds Dolphin Bay Rd chip seal

LWVSJ Observer Corps* Summary San Juan County Council November 28, 2023 During public comment one citizen urged the...READ MORE

Controversial Zylstra Trail removed from TIP unanimously by San Juan County Council

  LWVSJ Observer Corps*summary San Juan County Council November 27, 2023 meeting During public comment one citizen proposed...READ MORE

36 Weekends is a Grant Winner! – Weekend nutrition for kids

The Rotary Club of San Juan Islands received a $5,000 matching grant for its 36 Weekends...READ MORE

December 1: Traditional Posada Navidena in Friday Harbor

Thanksgiving Weekend Nov. 23-26: Crafts galore on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island

Check InTheSanJuans.com for details on the Turkey Trot, tree lighting, and all the holiday markets happening Thanksgiving weekend...READ MORE

Health News

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PeaceHealth reaches agreement with state on charity care

VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth has  reached an agreement with the Attorney General of Washington regarding charity care. For years...READ MORE

PHD: Lainey Volk retired, applied for license for home care services, 3 medicaid rooms at Village at the Harbor

LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of  San Juan County Public Hospital District #1, November 15, 2023 meeting...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Family Clinic temporarily not accepting new adult patients

Message from Heather Christensen: Friday Harbor Family Clinic opened in the spring of 2022 with the...READ MORE

Bat in San Juan County tests positive for rabies

November 1, 2023 – A bat collected in San Juan County was recently sent for testing...READ MORE

Help Rotary End Polio

Friday Harbor, WA — World Polio Day, October 24 is a time for all who want...READ MORE

Breast cancer screenings should happen earlier, health experts say

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and health professionals say younger women are increasingly being diagnosed...READ MORE

Registration open for under 19 years-old COVID-19 vaccine appointments

Registration for the new pediatric 23-24 COVID-19 vaccine is now open, with limited availability for children...READ MORE

Pediatric COVID vaccination clinics available through San Juan County Health Dept.

Vaccine Clinic Information:  San Juan County Health and Community Services is able to vaccinate children under 19...READ MORE

Oct. 10 and 17: PeaceHealth Family Medicine hosting additional flu shot clinics; open to all

The PeaceHealth Peace Island Family Practice clinic is holding flu shot clinics in the month of...READ MORE

San Juan PHD #1: Medicaid beds coming to the Village at the Harbor, solar grant obtained

LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of San Juan County JC Public Hospital District #1, September 27, 2023...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Drug Store Partners with WA Health Care Authority to Address Opioid Misuse 

The “Lock Up Your Meds” program provides free medication locking devices to Friday Harbor residents/patients picking...READ MORE

COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Available Again for Online Ordering

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 27, 2023 – On Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, the federal government opened...READ MORE

Regional, state and national news items

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Response from USPS about situation at Friday Harbor Post Office

Strategic Communications Specialist for USPS  Kim Frum is the spokesperson for the Postal Service in Washington. She sent in the following information in response to...READ MORE

Friday Harbor Post Office in dire straits

Overwhelmed with pallets of Amazon boxes and reduced to a skeleton crew, postal workers at the Post Office in Friday Harbor are pushed to...READ MORE

Friday Harbor awarded $100k to fix up Sunken Park

OLYMPIA–Parks in 25 counties will get much-needed repairs–picnic shelters reroofed, tennis courts restriped, pools relined and lawn mowers replaced–thanks to one-time funding for backlogged...READ MORE

Coast Guard, IOSA, Ecology responded to vessel sinking in West Sound

SEATTLE — Crews from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, Washington Department of Ecology, and the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) responded to the sinking...READ MORE

AG Ferguson: PeaceHealth will return up to $13.4 million to patients who should have received financial assistance

Hospital chain billed thousands of low-income patients without notifying them that they were likely eligible for financial assistance with their hospital billsAttorney General's Press...READ MORE

Mistrial declared in Henline's Friday Harbor fire arson trial

Federal District Court Judge John H. Chun granted a  defense motion asking for a mistrial Thursday, November 16, 2023 for the Dwight Henline arson trial...READ MORE

Nov. 14: Closing arguments in arson suspect's trial; charged with setting Spring St. April 6, 2022 fire

The jury in the Dwight Henline trial will begin deliberating Tuesday, November 14, 2023 after closing arguments by the prosecution and the defense in...READ MORE

WA shoppers advised to stay vigilant for scams this holiday season

Washington New Service: The holiday gift-buying season is here - and that means people need to stay vigilant so they don't fall victim to...READ MORE

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