It’s prime viewing time this week to see the International Space Station from your backyard. Check out this article on the Seattle Times website.

By Louise Dustrude

Decision time is approaching for the San Juan Island Library: whether to try to upgrade in place or move to a new location. Just one site is currently under consideration for the “new location” — the Public Works property next door to the current library.

Some 85 residents attended one of three open houses to learn of the possibilities and voted (with little round blue, yellow, and red stickers) quite overwhelmingly for the new location. No one at all voted for the third alternative of “do nothing.”

Factors which have obviously influenced both the board and the public include the need for more space and the difficulty or impossibility of expanding the current building; the current and potential problems with the foundation, the walls and insulation, and drainage issues in the basement; and the tight parking.

Mark Madsen talks to the public – Carrie Lacher photo

Mark Madsen, a member of the library’s board of trustees, explained their reasoning, and answered a dozen or so questions from the public on Monday afternoon. He said the library has no debt, and that the building would be financed by (1) some public grant funding, (2) a private fund-raising campaign, which has already raised over $100,000, and (3) “probably a bond issue.” Read More »

Wolverine Right Fielder Bristol Halvorson is interviewed on the tiny Radio 1650 am post game show – Contributed photo

Oly Archibald shares another teaser about this weekend’s Lady Wolverines fast pitch game coming up in Yakima…

No Debate Its State In Yakima For The Young Wolverines Fast Pitch team

You know you have a good thing going when you have just cashed your ticket to the WIAA State Fast Pitch tournament in Yakima for the 4th time in 4 years – yet there is no outlandish celebration with shooting Sparkling Apple Cider all over each other. Not that the Young Friday Harbor Wolverine Fast pitch team was not happy and proud of their accomplishment. Its now the expectation of the program.

The Wolverines beat Orcas Island 15-5 to win their 4th straight NW 2-B District Tournament. It was the 4th time this year the Wolverines had beat the Vikings and now have won 14 straight games in the rivalry since Brian Lambright took over the program 5 years ago. Lambright now has a 76-42 career record at Friday harbor a record that would make Heather Tarr proud. Read More »

In order to ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees to write voters’ guide arguments both for and against the proposition. If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor.

The Lopez Island School District has placed on the August primary ballot a levy to support educational expenses and operations support of the District. The District has appointed a committee to write an argument supporting the proposal. It was unable to find opponents willing to write an argument opposing the measure.

For that reason, County Auditor Milene Henley is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the measure.

If you are interested in writing an opposing argument, please contact the Auditor at mileneh@sanjuanco.com, or (360) 370-7558. Up to three people may be named as argument writers, though they may seek the assistance of as many people as needed. Statements are limited to 250 words.

Top – Sander Van Hamersfeld, Emmett Carrier, Charlie Zehner; Bottom – Ayla Ridwan, Kai Di Bona (Raylee Miniken was on the team but at softball district playoffs) – Contributed photos

FHHS Team wins ‘Best Project from a Newly Competing Team’ at WSU’s Alaska Airlines Imagine Tomorrow science fair competition

Over the weekend of May 18^th – 20^th, two teams from Friday Harbor High School (FHHS) competed in the Alaska Airlines Imagine Tomorrow Science Fair at Washington State University. The competition challenges 9th – 12th graders to seek new ways to support a transition to future sustainability.

Students researched complex topics and then created technologies, designs, or plans to mobilize behavior. Teams also forged connections in their communities to create positive change. In this competition, as in life, solutions are limited only by imagination. Read More »

Hannah Hopkins and Oly Archibald will have the live play by play from the State Tournament in Yakima – Contributed photo

Listen to all of the live action of this Friday’s B-2 State Tournament 1st round match up from Yakima between the Friday Harbor Wolverines (15-7) and the Ocosta Wildcats (19-6) live on Friday Harbor Tiny Radio 1650 am and on the world wide web at fhtinyradio.com. The pre-game show starts at 10:45 am.

Oly Archibald in his 40th year will have the live play by play and former All League Wolverine 1st baseman Hannah Hopkins will have the color commentary and game analysis.

Stay Active through the Summer! Moving Parts and Healthy Hearts is a fitness class aimed at meeting the needs of people with limited mobility due to age, illness or lifestyle. The class will be a full body workout that can be carried out standing or seated in a chair. Participation in this class will help individuals maintain or improve their balance, strength, endurance and range of motion.

Katerina Wen leads the class. The class meets on Tuesdays at the Village at the Harbour, 10:45-11:30am & Thursdays at the Dance Workshop II, 10:45-11:30am. Register by Thursday May 24 for the June/July Session, that is fast approaching. For more information, visit our website, www.islandrec.org, drop by our office; 580 Guard St, mon-fri 11am-5pm, or call us at (360) 378-4953.

Merri Ann Simonson checks in to share more Real Estate information with you…

Home Inspections and Their Role in the Real Estate Transaction

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

If you are a buyer or seller, I bet you thought just getting under contract was stressful for all parties but in reality, the home inspection and/or feasibility response and associated negotiations are often the more stressful event. Allowing a buyer to have a home inspection and hopefully a concurrent feasibility study is a very necessary part of the transaction.

Seller’s Disclosure form 17
As required by statue, the seller must provide a disclosure about the property. This is merely a disclosure, not a representation, guarantee or warranty. This disclosure should be given to your home inspector prior to their visit so they can focus on the seller’s comments about defects and repairs made. Your agent should automatically do this but as a buyer you should insure it happens.

Buyer’s Due Diligence
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