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

Collage isn’t just a fun activity or a way of cleverly recycling old magazines and greeting cards. Collage can be one form of art therapy that heals! That research-based assertion inspired me to create Inner Journey Collage© (IJC) for women in 2012. Since then, IJC workshops have been held at island venues like XYZ Movement  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash., June 11, 2020– PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has adjusted its visitor policy to allow for limited visitor access until COVID-19 is no longer a public health threat. Patients who are not COVID-19 suspect or positive are allowed one designated visitor during their stay. Two visitors are allowed on a case-by-case basis  Continue Reading

If you are suffering from the effects of domestic violence or sexual abuse, you are invited to take part in a women’s group which will lead you towards the love and care you desire for yourself and others. This 8 week course begins on June 23rd, 2020 and runs from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The  Continue Reading

In the SJ Update Mailbag today we find this letter to you from the Visitors Bureau… Dear Fellow Islanders, The world may no longer resemble the one we knew in early March, but San Juan County has risen to the occasion of meeting the COVID-19 challenge head-on. Now, as we start to take steps to  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

San Juan islanders, you are the best! The Board and Staff of the San Juan Community Home Trust want to thank you for your great response to our recent Appeal. This was made in order to set up an Emergency Fund for our home owners, who have had hours cut back or have lost jobs  Continue Reading

John Miller saw this on Roche Harbor road the other day. He said: “It reminds me of the old Burma Shave signs of years past, projecting an important message.” Thanks for sharing John!

Here’s a note from the Library about their reopening plan… Dear Friends, Since our county has moved out of Phase 1 of the governor’s plan, we are looking forward to a step-by-step reopening of the library. We are planning to resume services gradually—initially with a limited scope—because the health and safety of our patrons, staff  Continue Reading

Do you find Medicare a mystery? Are you unsure which Medicare plan is best for you? Join SHIBA online for a virtual Medicare 101 class where we will cover the “A, B, C, Ds” of Medicare. Our certified SHIBA volunteers will be available to answer all of your questions. Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 1:00  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 just in from Amy Scarton, Assistant Secretary, WSDOT/Ferries Division… Earlier this year, we adjusted our schedules in response to a drastic, system-wide drop in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, we decided to keep these service changes in place through June 20. Now that we’re in June, I want you to  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

Shop Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Ordering & Curbside Pickup Still Available  Laura Norris and Griffin Bay Bookstore staff are excited to welcome the community back to the bookstore. Thanks to an outpouring of support, continual messages of encouragement, and steady customer orders, thanks to our community’s spirit of goodwill and recognition  Continue Reading