Notable Stories of 2016

As things slow down like they usually do in the winter, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year and take a look at some of the events that affect us and shape us as we move into 2017. So in no particular order, (other than grouping similar things by category) here are some of the notable stories from the SJ Update in 2016:

First, a rather bumpy year for ferries on our route:

1. The decommissioning of the M/V Evergreen State. Built in 1954 when “Mr. Sandman” topped AM radio pop charts, the Evergreen State has set sail into history and into the dreams of Washingtonians. Due in part to its status as the state’s oldest ferry, the Evergreen State has been decommissioned and will be put up for sale. The 87-car ferry boasts World War II surplus drive motors and has served as a workhorse for tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles in our state for more than six decades…

2. A hole found on the M/V Samish. WSF crews found a small hole in the hull of the Samish, necessitating taking it out of service. Engineers examined the vessel and discovered localized corrosion on the hull in the vicinity of both engine rooms. This corrosion is what led to the hole discovered…

3. A fire on the M/V Yakima. The Washington State Ferry M/V Yakima was out of service after a fire broke out in the engine room while at dock in Friday Harbor. According to bystanders who overheard what was going on, “the No. 1 Engine shut down and then smoke began billowing out”… Additional stories from that day: Yakima Towed Away and Cause of Fire Unknown.

Some good things in outdoor recreation:

5. Roche Harbor Trails area Honored as National Recreation Trail. The Trails Committee of the San Juan Island Park and Recreation District announced that the Roche Harbor Resort Trails are now designated the honor of being a National Recreation Trail. On June 3rd, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and National Park Director Jonathon B. Jarvis announced that the Roche Harbor Trails were one of six trails nationally to join the National Trail System…

6. New National Park Superintendent. Elexis Fredy (Lex) started work as Superintendent of SJINHP after meeting some 30 or 40 local residents at a reception at the Historical Museum. The reception was scheduled for two hours but lasted three, partly because people kept showing up and partly due to her interest in asking people so many questions about the community…

Goodbyes and hellos:

7. Goodbye to Fire Chief Steve Marler. We heard sad news from Sheila Harley at San Juan Island Fire and Rescue. Fire Chief Steve Marler returned to the Island on Tuesday and died at Peace Island Hospital on Thursday. It is with deepest sorrow that we at San Juan District 3 Fire Department inform you of the passing of our beloved Fire Chief, Steve Marler, on January 28, 2016…

8. Welcome New EMS Chief. On Friday February 19th, the San Juan Island EMS welcomed Jerry Martin as the new chief.  Many community members came to meet the new chief and socialize at the EMS station near the hospital. Jerry comes from Ferndale with his wife and four kids where he served as a paramedic and firefighter for many years…

9. New owners for Vic’s Drive In. After 17 years of operating Vic’s Drive In Restaurant, owners Kevin Widmayer and Linda Jensen have sold the business. New owners Brian and Theresa Carlson took over on October 1st. They are both very excited to be on the island and will “carry on the tradition” at Vic’s…

10. Ribbon Cutting for SSL Building. The official ribbon cutting ceremony happened at the Spring Street Landing building. A good crowd of about 100 or so people showed up to get a first glimpse of the inside of the new Downrigger’s Restaurant and also check out the businesses below…

Changes in our local Orca population:

First, the orca baby boom continued. Then J55 went missing. J54 was confirmed male, and J53 female. And then sadly J14 went missing, L95 died and J34 died.

Some other noteworthy happenings:

San Juan Island Historical Museum celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary. John Stimpson retired from Marketplace. Port Director Marilyn O’Connor retired and was replaced by Ted Fitzgerald. Rachel Dietzman retired from Public Works and Susan Matthews retired from SJI Community Foundation. Part 1 to a major Tucker Avenue improvement project was started and finished (Part 2 will come next year), and a major improvement to water, sewer and storm drainage was done on Spring Street. 

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