Significant increases seen in Eastern Washington, some milder spikes noted in Western Washington. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released its latest statewide COVID-19 situation report. The report shows a significant increase in viral activity in Eastern Washington with concentrated spikes in Yakima, Spokane, Benton and Franklin counties. A rising positive test rate means  Continue Reading

June 15, 2020: San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a new positive COVID-19 test result in San Juan County, on San Juan Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 16. This is the first positive case of COVID-19 in nearly six weeks and  Continue Reading

The courts of San Juan County are updating and improving their community service program. In many cases, criminal defendants have the opportunity to volunteer at non-profit organizations to work off court fees or in lieu of imposed jail time. To allow this, the courts must be able to confirm an organization’s non-profit status and verify  Continue Reading

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1, has previously given public notice of a special meeting, to be held on Wednesday June 10, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. to be held remotely under COVID-19 emergency rules. Attached is an agenda, and additional information. Call-In Number for the Public (509) 824-1884 Conference ID: enter 731 543  Continue Reading

On May 29th, Governor Inslee released further details on his “Safe Start” plan, a phased approach to re-opening Washington’s economy. Safe Start lays out a measured approach to moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying physical distancing measures and allowing businesses and other activities to slowly resume. This article will answer some common questions  Continue Reading

Businesses should take a second look at the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in light of substantial revisions signed into law on Friday June 5th. The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act makes several major changes to the PPP. These changes may make the program more attractive to businesses that had decided against using it and more  Continue Reading

Fact Check of Whalen Petition Dear Editor and Community, We recently received in the mail Mr. Ron Whalen’s request to have us sign a petition to eliminate the Land Bank by December 2020. The request was loaded with falsehoods and outrageously attempted to dupe our community into thinking that a yes or no answer meant  Continue Reading

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 will be having a Special Meeting on June 10, 2020, at 4:30 pm. We will release an Agenda on Monday, along with the remote dial-in directions. We are still operating under emergency COVID-19 rules, so there will be no physical attendance option. Some members of the audience  Continue Reading

In order to help support the business community, San Juan County has acquired a stockpile of more than 7,000 simple face coverings to distribute to local businesses. The intent is for small quantities to be on hand in the event customers or clients forget their face covering or otherwise arrive without one. County staff and  Continue Reading

This year began like any other – a little too cold, a little too wet; but quiet, mostly devoid of tourists, and still the sleepy little island community we are used to. Then news spread of a virus on the other side of the world. In late January, the disease hit the US, in Washington  Continue Reading

The Town of Friday Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is delaying the application process for 2021 tourism promotion grants until later this year. Normally, the application period is open from June through August. Due to current uncertainty regarding this year’s lodging tax revenue, the Town is unable to estimate the amount of funds that  Continue Reading

On Wednesday June 3rd, San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James signed a new order (June 3rd, Order 2020-7) that modifies the previous limits on transient lodging in San Juan County. What are the Details? All transient lodging operators are allowed to operate at 50% capacity, provided they adhere to specific safety guidelines released  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: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies. Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council  Continue Reading

The San Juan County Health & Community Services surveillance and contact tracing team is actively investigating a positive COVID-19 case with ties to San Juan Island. The case technically belongs to another county due to both the patient’s residence and the testing location being on the mainland, however the patient had recently worked in San  Continue Reading

Over the last few days we have all witnessed the unfolding events in Minnesota, and around the country, spurred by a tragic death that occurred in Minneapolis involving the police and a black male who was in custody. The actions that resulted in the death of George Floyd are disturbing and saddening. When these events  Continue Reading

All permits issued for burning commercial or residential burns are expiring as the burn season has come to a close. Campfires, burning charcoal or firewood, remain allowed in contained campfire bowls, stoves, or rings remain allowed in sizes up to 3 foot in diameter.  Please check burning rules frequently for burn risk notifications and burn  Continue Reading