Residential and Commercial burn permits go on sale October 5. Fall is here and the time has come for burn permits to go on sale. Please follow this link to purchase a burn permit through our online portal. Burn permits issued at this time will be valid until the end of May 2021. A reminder  Continue Reading

The next San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 regular board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., today, Wednesday, Oct. 28. This meeting is fully online due to COVID-19, and members of the public may join by dialing 509-473-0276 and entering 279 885 068#. Note that the phone number has changed from previous board  Continue Reading

Vote counting equipment testing October 14 at 11:00 a.m. A “Logic and Accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County for the November 3, General election is scheduled for October 14, at 11:00 a.m. The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results  Continue Reading

SJC Auditor Milene Henley and Elections Supervisor Camolyn Armstrong share this information about the election… Interest is high in this year’s general election. As a result, San Juan County Elections staff have been receiving a record number of questions. Below are some of the questions asked most frequently, with the answers. How many registered voters  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update mail bag this morning we have this letter from Justin Paulsen… If 2020 has highlighted nothing else within our country it is that political division has seeped into every function of our society. As our current generation navigates social, health and economic waters which have never before been explored, one factor  Continue Reading

League of Women Voters hosts online General Election Candidate Forums The Leauge of Women Voters of the San Juans will host three nights of online forums for local candidates in the Nov. 3 General Election. From 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, incumbent Rick Larsen will face his opponent Timothy Hazelo, who are both running for  Continue Reading

As of Sunday, September 20th, the Burn Ban in San Juan County is lifted. Please be safe when enjoying recreational campfires. A reminder that campfires are limited to 3’x3’ in size and are for burning only clean split firewood.  Permitted residential burning is scheduled to reopen on October 5th. Weather permitting.  https://www.sanjuanco.com/1096/Open-Burn-Info  Please follow the  Continue Reading

Town of Friday Harbor 2021 Lodging Tax (LTAC) Grant applications will be accepted up until 4:30 p.m. Monday, September 28th. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for funding tourism promotion of events and activities taking place within the town in 2021. Preference will be given to those operations and activities that encourage tourists  Continue Reading

Now’s the time if you haven’t been counted yet in the 2020 Census. Click here to see what options you have. About the 2020 Census The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The 2020 Census counts everyone who lives in the U.S. on April 1, 2020. Census statistics help determine  Continue Reading

San Juan County voters have been receiving postcards from the U.S. Postal Service encouraging voters to “plan ahead” for the November 3 General Election. Unfortunately, two of the recommendations included in the postcards are not relevant to Washington voters. One of the recommendations is to request your ballot at least 15 days before Election Day.  Continue Reading

The Town of Friday Harbor is adjusting its policies relating to utility billing and collection in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s Recovery Plan for the State of Washington. We ask you to call the Town as soon as possible if you are having difficulties making payments on your Town utility bill. Staff can walk you  Continue Reading

Due to fire danger and stretched resources, San Juan County is extending the current burn ban to prohibit all outdoor fires (including charcoal), effective immediately and until further notice.  This change is prompted by several factors. Hot and dry weather has made conditions ripe for ignition and fast fire spread, and forecasts predict more of  Continue Reading

Effective September 10, San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James has signed Order No. 2020-9, lifting the 50% capacity restrictions on transient lodging. Operating at 100% capacity is allowed immediately. This order also immediately lifts the closure of all public playgrounds and playground equipment. Dr. James explains, “Island residents and visitors have done an  Continue Reading

Due to fire danger and stretched resources, the San Juan County is extending the current burn ban to prohibit all outdoor fires, effective immediately and until further notice. This change is prompted by several factors. Hot and dry weather has made conditions ripe for ignition and fast fire spread, and forecasts predict more of the  Continue Reading

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: Board and Committee Vacancies. Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or  Continue Reading

OLYMPIA–On Sept.1, eligible organizations may begin applying for grants to conserve community forests, the Recreation and Conservation Office announced today. The new state Community Forests Program will offer grants of up to $3 million. But organizations need to hurry. Applications are due Oct. 1. The grants must be used to buy at least 5 acres  Continue Reading