From San Juan County Since the last update on Friday, June 18, total cases in San Juan County have not increased, and remain at 191. The last update reported an increase of one case; however, after further investigation, it was discovered to be a misreported diagnosis. There are no close contacts of positive cases currently  Continue Reading

Westside sunset, Contributed Editor’s Note: According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature in Friday Harbor is expected to reach 86 degrees Saturday, 88 degrees Sunday and 91 degrees Monday.  From the Washinton State Department of Health The Washington State Department of Health is urging people to take precautions, stay cool, and protect themselves  Continue Reading

By R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans Judging by construction activity and real estate transactions, the pressures and speed of development in San Juan County have never been greater. Fortunately, the County’s Comprehensive Plan, or Comp Plan, can be a key tool for managing growth and protecting our county’s rural character.  Continue Reading

From Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor The Soroptimist high school scholarship program was able to award $7,000 to three graduating seniors this year. Soroptimists awarded two $2,000 awards and one $3,000 award. The award winners are Felicitas (Magaly) Aguayo, Trinity Cullen and Ayla Ridwan. Magaly is studying early childhood education at Whatcom Community College and  Continue Reading

From San Juan County Health & Community Services The vaccination rates per island for those age 16 and older are above. There has been a tremendous turnout across San Juan County.

From San Juan Islands Community Network San Juan Islands Community Network’s second forum on vacation rentals was held June 17 to a Zoom audience of about 45. The forum, entitled “Common Ground” focused on areas of agreement and the best next steps to take. Watch it at sjicn.org/forums. Common Ground brought back the same panelists  Continue Reading

From the Washington State Department of Commerce ArtsFund, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, will begin distributing $10.78 million in recovery grants to 702 nonprofits in 34 counties throughout the state this week. In San Juan County, the following organizations were awarded: Friday Harbor Film Festival, San Juan, $22,500 Orcas Center, San  Continue Reading

From The Whale Museum We’ve been training marine naturalists since 1994. Our marine naturalist training course is an intensive six-day overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the marine waters of Washington and Southern British Columbia, known as the Salish Sea. Summer’s session will be online July 19-24. This course includes  Continue Reading

By Hayley Day, San Juan Update The Port of Friday Harbor made two recent deals to generate revenue. Lease for Hotel The port is leasing about 1.4 acres of the vacant, forested land between Webber Way and Franklin Drive for a developer to create lodging for travelers. Port Executive Director Todd Nicholson said the developer  Continue Reading

From Washington State Ferries Washington State Ferries is currently upgrading our phone systems and some callers may experience connection issues attempting to reach an agent. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the week. If you’re unable to reach an agent, please hang up and try again. Customers can also ask questions  Continue Reading