Here’s the monthly History Column for July from San Juan Historical Society and Museum… In this Centennial year for the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse, let’s fast forward from its opening in 1919 to October of 1935. This is when lighthouse keeper Arvel Settles arrived from his assignment in Westport, Washington to start the next phase  Continue Reading

State Invests $126 Million in Grants to Expand Outdoor Recreation Opportunities and Preserve Habitat and Working Farms and Forests Editor’s note: San Juan County receives $3,987,448.00 – see below… OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board today announced the award of more than $126 million in grants to a suite of 333 projects that  Continue Reading

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor has announced that Nancy Heacox is the Volunteer of the Month for July.  Nancy became a volunteer at the animal shelter in 2017 and has been a wonderful addition to the organization.  She visits the shelter each week to add up the King’s receipts, plus she is also  Continue Reading

The SJI Women’s Fund members voted to award $5,000 to four local nonprofits during the most recent SJICF grant cycle. Compass Health Friday Harbor received support for therapy materials for families with special needs; the San Juan Island Family Resource Center received funds for two programs — Island Neighbors and College Mentoring; and the San  Continue Reading

The Joyce L. Sobel Achievement Award was created by the Women’s Fund to honor Joyce’s legacy of service to the community. Joyce started many programs for those who had a need, most notably the SJI Family Resource Center, and she spent countless hours supporting children and families of the Island. It was a true loss  Continue Reading

Traditions and Transitions Friday Harbor Laboratories Director Billie J. Swalla’s connection with FHL has spanned several decades. She moved to the University of Washington in 1999 as an Assistant Professor for the opportunity to work and teach at FHL. In 2012 she was Acting Director, then became Interim Director and was appointed FHL Director in  Continue Reading

Darleen Nixon, a woman of many talents recently joined the board of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA). She says of SJIMA, “I’m proud to be a part of our art museum which provides a beautiful venue for our local artists, as well as bringing world-renown artists to our residents, students and visitors.”  Continue Reading

Apparently no bomb was found – they’re loading for Anacortes. Here’s the official word from WSF: M/V Elwha has been cleared to sail and normal operations will resume as soon as possible. Supplemental sailings will be added to help accommodate passengers going to Friday Harbor and returning to Anacortes.

By now you probably know there was a bomb threat this afternoon aboard the Elwha. All ferry service to and from Friday Harbor has been suspended until the ferry can be cleared. The bomb squad (including two dogs) arrived and has just boarded the vessel at approximately 5:10 pm. Updates will be posted as more  Continue Reading

There’s a lot going on at the Land Bank’s Zylstra Lake Preserve this summer and beyond. This 285-acre preserve was acquired in 2017 with goals of providing public access to the land and water, supporting wildlife conservation, and enabling compatible farming activities. Although not yet open to the public, the months ahead hold a number  Continue Reading