Dear Editor, On February 8, 2022, the community of San Juan Island will be asked to vote to renew a local property tax. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy funds our local public schools, 100% of which stays in our community, supporting our students in programs not funded by the state. This levy is renewed  Continue Reading

In response to the critical lack of maritime and ferry transportation workers, and the continued need for high-wage careers for islanders, the EDC has launched a Mariner Training Initiative. Workers seeking a new career are invited to the EDC’s new program on mariner workforce development. First, on Jan. 29th, 2022, the EDC will offer a  Continue Reading

People seeking job skills or career inspiration are invited to a free, hands-on woodworking course, offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC).  This four-session course, Introduction to Woodworking, will be taught by Kristen Ryan, the woodworking instructor at Lopez Island High School. The course runs Jan. 22nd to Feb. 12th (Saturdays),  Continue Reading

If you would prefer not to have an otter family under your house or a raccoon family in your attic this spring, now is a good time to do some preventive maintenance. Look around the outside of your house. Are there holes beneath the skirting or loose covers on vents that would allow critters easy  Continue Reading

Can you believe it? Winter break is almost upon us. Wasn’t it just yesterday that we opened our school doors to full day, in-person instruction? Even though this fall has flown by, last week’s Thanksgiving celebration reminded me we have much to be grateful for in our public schools. Hopefully you have noticed the rebuilding  Continue Reading

Just in time for Holiday Gift Season, Join Anita Barreca and Tina Fisher in learning how to make Beeswax Wraps.  They’re easy!  Just bring your own 100% cotton fabric cut to the proper sizes and a few bucks to cover the cost of the beeswax.  Space is limited so sign up soon and we will  Continue Reading

Spring Street International School 6-7th graders will perform a gratitude reading at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church on November 22nd. The performance begins at 11:30 and will last about 70 minutes. Please come and celebrate their poise and wisdom. Their words are beautiful and their voices are brave. Invite your friends and kin. We are  Continue Reading

Washington PTAC, EDC offer workshop on Government Contracting Essentials Interested in doing business with the government?  Join Washington PTAC and the EDC for a workshop outlining the basics of government contracting and procurement.  The workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, December 6th from 10-11a. The workshop will introduce participants to government procurement, including  Continue Reading

On Wednesday, November 17 2021, the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors will hold a regular (open) School Board Meeting at 5:00 pm as a Zoom meeting with an option for in-person attendance.  All in-person attendees must register before 4:00 pm on Tuesday November 16th to provide contact tracing information. Social distancing and the use of face masks will be expected. Non-compliance  Continue Reading

Are you a gardener in San Juan County? Do you enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others? Have you just moved to the islands and want to get involved in the community and learn about gardening in our unique ecosystem? The WSU Extension San Juan County Master Gardener Volunteer program may be just what  Continue Reading

Island rec is searching for some kid loving, capable people to help with our daily STAR- Study Time and Afternoon Recreation – program.  If you are 14+ looking for San Juan Service Scholarship Hours for school, or someone that thinks that volunteering for kid programs is right up their alley, we would love to have  Continue Reading

People seeking new job skills or career inspiration are invited to a free, hands-on introduction to masonry, offered by the Economic Development Council of San Juan County (EDC).  The one-day course will be taught by Dave Koch, retired masonry contractor, on Saturday December 4th, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Friday Harbor, WA.  Continue Reading

At 7:00 pm, Saturday, October 23, 2021, join Shona Aitken, Education Coordinator at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, to explore the fascinating world of island owls, and learn about the many different owls that live here on the San Juan Islands. We hope you can all attend this enlightening talk. To register email: [email protected] You will  Continue Reading

Dateline: Friday Harbor, WA – Friday Harbor Film Festival opens with a FREE Opening Broadcast Honoring Filmmakers on Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 pm.  This special livestream event celebrates all filmmakers showing their work at the festival.  The evening will begin with an introduction of the filmmakers, followed by a video highlighting all the films scheduled during  Continue Reading

It is not uncommon for a rental agreement to play a role in a real estate transaction.   Timing can be everything and often the homes on the market are occupied by a tenant or sellers are unable to time the closing of their current home and the purchase of their next home. In some cases,  Continue Reading

Tamara Weaver, a broker with Windermere Real Estate San Juan Island has opened a new business, San Juan Real Estate Resources (SJRER), to help people navigate the maze of buying or selling real estate on San Juan Island. Here’s what she has to say about it: “I think there are a lot of people out  Continue Reading