The Conservation Agriculture Resource Team (CART-Coffelt) was formed at the request of the San Juan County Land Bank Commission to assess and develop recommendations for future farm operations at Coffelt Farm Preserve. The team consists of thirteen members including representatives from local agricultural agencies, stakeholders, and members of the farming community.  Currently Coffelt Farm Preserve  Continue Reading

Update from from the County… There has been one new confirmed positive test result in San Juan County since the last case summary on August 3rd. The case investigation was completed today (Thursday, August 13th). This is the 31st case in San Juan County and the 12th on Orcas Island. The case occurred in an Orcas Island  Continue Reading

Since 2017, the Historical Museum has added nearly 3,000 historical images to our photographic collection, through gifts, acquisitions and found treasures. The number of digitally scanned, researched and catalogued images illustrating the history of San Juan Island, now tallies 5,500. As a result, we have outgrown our existing capacity to safely and securely store the  Continue Reading

COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders As we head into the second half of August, local public and private schools are pursuing a range of options for the start of the school year. This article will not be addressing the specifics of school reopening plans-that will come directly  Continue Reading

This 2020 Fair season, Alchemy Art Center is grateful to be featured in the San Juan Island Community Foundation’s Matching Grant Program!  We are raising funds for the free kids arts programming we are currently offering in partnership with Island Rec and the Family Resource Center, as well as for the Kid Pod Classes we  Continue Reading

AND WE’RE LIVE! We are SO very honored to be featured in the SJICF Matching Grant Program! The catalog is now open, today through Saturday the 15th, which means it’s time to show our support for the 30 amazing local nonprofits that are being featured!   *The catalog will be active during the days of  Continue Reading

The Animal Shelter (AP-FH) is participating in this year’s San Juan Island Community Fair’s “Virtual Fair”  August 12-15.  It is a fund-raiding opportunity for us, one of very few this year, unfortunately. Your help is needed to feed our 4-legged friends! COVID has hit us hard but homeless dogs and cats continue to need our care.   Think about  Continue Reading

Excerpted from the SJI Community Foundation website… Each year, the San Juan Island Community Foundation hosts an exciting matching grant program in their booth at the San Juan County Fair. This tradition gives local nonprofits heightened visibility in the community and a chance to raise funds for current projects. More than $65k was awarded to  Continue Reading

We are pleased to announce that Jesse Nye, DO, has joined PeaceHealth Medical Group Friday Harbor in the Family Medicine clinic. He is an experienced physician who will provide comprehensive acute, chronic and preventive medical care services for his patients. Nye grew up in Washington state and graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg  Continue Reading

Click to enlarge photo. FREEZER BURNED: Tales of Interior Alaska is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Steve Ulvi… During the summers of the 1970s, a trickle of newcomers of disparate backgrounds, wheeled into the timeworn town of Eagle, Alaska.    Less than twenty years prior, a seasonal road had been blasted  Continue Reading

Waterworks gallery presents The Nature of Dreams featuring the work of artists Robin and John Gumaelius and Michael Dickter. “The gallery comes alive with kinetic ceramic creatures from Robin and John that cavort and play in an imaginary world created by this wife and husband team. The gallery walls reverberate with beautiful flowers and flying  Continue Reading

We hear from Leslie Baker with the SJI Library… Your New Library Needs Your Help Now! 2020 Virtual County Fair Donations Needed. Donate online August 12 – 15, 2020. A lot has happened since our last update in October 2019, and we are asking for your help now to fill an urgent need to prurchase the  Continue Reading

On Sunday, August 2, five North Carolina hound-dog mixes arrived at Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor where they will be cared for until adopted. Landing in their “forever homes” will be an incredible end to an epic journey for these dogs. The story begins with a kind and generous gentleman bringing a stray dog  Continue Reading

Election results thanks to Louise Dustrude… The five-person county council primary race on San Juan produced two clear leaders for the November general election: Christine Minney with 1978 votes and Ryan Palmateer with 1458. Others in that race were Sharon Kivisto, 812, Steve Wehrly, 295, and Daniel Miller, 289. The incumbent, Bill Watson, chose not  Continue Reading

Governor Inslee announces education recommendations for 2020-2021 school year… San Juan County is among 5 counties in Washington State that are considered “Low Risk” for COVID-19. Plans regarding school reopening are made by the local health jurisdiction and school district. Gov. Jay Inslee, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal and DOH’s state health officer, Dr.  Continue Reading

San Juan County Courts prepare to resume jury trials come fall – you will start seeing juror summonses again soon. The San Juan County Superior Court and District Court are taking steps to resume conducting jury trials for the first time since early March, when the COVID-19 global pandemic hit Washington State. Although it is  Continue Reading