Topic: Safety
Auditor Seeks “Con” Committee Members for Voters’ Guide Statement
Written on March 14, 2020 at 5:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
The San Juan County Auditor is seeking volunteers to write an argument against the annexation of the Town of Friday Harbor into San Juan Island Fire & Rescue. The argument will appear in the Online Voters’ Guide for the upcoming April 2020 Special Election. Both the Town and SJI Fire & Rescue approved resolutions to Continue Reading
Emergency Preparedness for Business
Written on February 26, 2020 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management is hosting a no-cost, 8 hour training for island businesses to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disruption to their business. When: Tuesday March 31st, 8:30am – 5:00pm Where: Friday Harbor (exact location is to be determined) To Register: CLICK HERE Continue Reading
Adventures In Boating Class
Written on February 17, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer the Washington Basic Boater Education Course. Everyone wishing to learn or share their safe boating skills as well as review our local boating regulations is invited to attend. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with $10 to Continue Reading
SJIEMS 2019 Year-End Statistics
Written on February 14, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor, WA – Chances are you’ve had it happen to you a few times. First a siren in the distance, and cars start pulling over. You copy them. Soon you see the lights and strain to see what’s happening. It’s an ambulance. You turn to the person next to you and say, “Someone is Continue Reading
Stairclimb Challenge Fundraiser
Written on February 13, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Firefighters Participate in Challenging Fundraiser to Fight Leukemia and Lymphoma FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — On Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Friday Harbor Marketplace from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., four San Juan Island Fire and Rescue firefighters (SJIF&R) will be out in front of the store training and raising funds for the Continue Reading
2019 Year-End Awards Banquet
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
On January 25, 2020, SJI Emergency Medical Services (“SJIEMS”) gathered to celebrate the achievements and service of staff and its approximately sixty volunteer EMTs. Interim Chief Karl Kuetzing said “Our volunteers work really hard and enable us to perform far beyond what our budget would otherwise allow. Each volunteer deserves recognition. We try to highlight Continue Reading
Heavy Rain Forecast
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Recent intense rains caused widespread impacts across the islands due to erosion, runoff, and blocked culverts and drains. Those who experienced damage should be aware that there’s more heavy rain in the forecast starting later Tuesday through Friday. It is almost impossible to forecast the sort of high intensity rainfall that we saw a few Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading
Open House on Proposition 1
Written on February 1, 2020 at 6:50 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fire District #3 will hold an open house this Sunday, February 2, at noon to give voters the opportunity to learn more about Prop 1, the proposed sales tax to help fund an upgrade of San Juan County’s Emergency Communication System. This will be at the Fire Station at 1011 Mullis Street. Citizens will have Continue Reading
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Honored for 2019 Service
Written on January 31, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Fire District Commissioners and honored guests recently attended an annual awards dinner and ceremony recognizing San Juan Island Fire & Rescue (SJF&R) members for their service during 2019. Kathleen Salinas was presented with 2019 Firefighter of the Year award for her outstanding contributions on a number of initiatives and her commitment to her community and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on January 29, 2020 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Patti Wickham and Dave Robison write to share this info with you about why Proposition 1 is so important for islanders… As peaceful and serene as our island living is, there is a disaster looming right under our noses. The EMS radio communication system is limited, archaic and highly vulnerable to failure. This is the Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island: An Update
Written on January 24, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
First, we extend our sincere appreciation for the attentive and engaged turnout at the Mullis Center on January 12! A quiet Sunday afternoon among busy families, threats of snowy roads and of course the Seahawks playoff game notwithstanding, about 65 of you responded to our invitations. We were enthused by our smiling friends from Lopez Continue Reading
Wilderness First Responder Training
Written on January 21, 2020 at 7:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island EMS is offering Wilderness First Responder Training (WFR), February 10 – 19 at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. This training is the perfect course for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry Continue Reading
Strong Winds Today
Written on January 15, 2020 at 7:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s some news from SJI Fire & Rescue… Plenty of snow fell overnight – if you don’t need to be on the road, please stay home until road conditions improve. Besides the snow, remember there are plenty of icy patches under the snow too. Good news today is that temperatures will be rising. Bad new Continue Reading
Island Senior: Surviving Winter Storms
Written on January 15, 2020 at 5:47 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… We islanders enjoy what is normally a mild climate but every once in a while we get blasted with a winter storm. If you’ve lived here for a while you have stories to tell of power outages, frozen pipes, Continue Reading
Continuity and Emergency Planning
Written on January 14, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County DEM is hosting a one day no-cost training on continuity and emergency planning for small businesses. When disasters strike, small and medium sized businesses often endure the worst of the impacts. In the islands, our geographic isolation and economic reliance on a few key industries make the challenge even greater. This no-cost Continue Reading
Winter Storm Coming
Written on January 13, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
This just in from OPALCO… Are you ready for the winter storm blowing in? We are looking at some some serious cold coming our way this week. Please be prepared and look out for your neighbors! Make sure you have your phone charged up, fill up your gas tank in your car, and if you Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on January 9, 2020 at 1:43 pm, by Tim Dustrude
We all know of “20-20 hindsight”, but what about 2020 foresight? In many ways we are in a far more precarious state, and highly susceptible to disruption out here on the islands, than our comfortable lives portray. Dependable and affordable electricity, disproportional importation of food stuffs and a lack of capacity for local recycling and Continue Reading
Get Your Boater Education Card
Written on January 7, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Friday Harbor Power Squadron will be offering “America’s Boating Course” at Skagit Valley College on 4 Sunday afternoons – January 12, 19, 26 and February 2nd from 1:00-4:00 PM. (note: the last class on Feb. 2nd (SuperBowl Sunday) can be rescheduled if the class desires). This is a basic comprehensive course covering all aspects Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter
Written on January 6, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local Severe Weather Shelter is prepared for upcoming freezing temperatures The United Way of San Juan County’s Severe Weather Shelter Team is prepared to be open for upcoming forecasted freezing temperatures starting next week. Volunteer hosts have been notified, and the team is going to do everything possible to ensure the criteria for this temporary Continue Reading
SJIEMS in 2019
Written on December 21, 2019 at 8:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following press release was submitted by SJI EMS… As we close out 2019, we thought we would spend some time discussing some of the highlights of the year for San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services (SJI EMS). Expansion of Paramedicine Program One of the important programs that SJI EMS has expanded is our pioneering Continue Reading
Auditor Seeks “Con” Committee Members for Voters’ Guide Statement
Written on March 14, 2020 at 5:15 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
The San Juan County Auditor is seeking volunteers to write an argument against the annexation of the Town of Friday Harbor into San Juan Island Fire & Rescue. The argument will appear in the Online Voters’ Guide for the upcoming April 2020 Special Election. Both the Town and SJI Fire & Rescue approved resolutions to Continue Reading
Emergency Preparedness for Business
Written on February 26, 2020 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management is hosting a no-cost, 8 hour training for island businesses to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and disruption to their business. When: Tuesday March 31st, 8:30am – 5:00pm Where: Friday Harbor (exact location is to be determined) To Register: CLICK HERE Continue Reading
Adventures In Boating Class
Written on February 17, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer the Washington Basic Boater Education Course. Everyone wishing to learn or share their safe boating skills as well as review our local boating regulations is invited to attend. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with $10 to Continue Reading
SJIEMS 2019 Year-End Statistics
Written on February 14, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Friday Harbor, WA – Chances are you’ve had it happen to you a few times. First a siren in the distance, and cars start pulling over. You copy them. Soon you see the lights and strain to see what’s happening. It’s an ambulance. You turn to the person next to you and say, “Someone is Continue Reading
Stairclimb Challenge Fundraiser
Written on February 13, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Firefighters Participate in Challenging Fundraiser to Fight Leukemia and Lymphoma FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — On Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Friday Harbor Marketplace from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., four San Juan Island Fire and Rescue firefighters (SJIF&R) will be out in front of the store training and raising funds for the Continue Reading
2019 Year-End Awards Banquet
Written on February 6, 2020 at 5:50 am, by Tim Dustrude
On January 25, 2020, SJI Emergency Medical Services (“SJIEMS”) gathered to celebrate the achievements and service of staff and its approximately sixty volunteer EMTs. Interim Chief Karl Kuetzing said “Our volunteers work really hard and enable us to perform far beyond what our budget would otherwise allow. Each volunteer deserves recognition. We try to highlight Continue Reading
Heavy Rain Forecast
Written on February 5, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Recent intense rains caused widespread impacts across the islands due to erosion, runoff, and blocked culverts and drains. Those who experienced damage should be aware that there’s more heavy rain in the forecast starting later Tuesday through Friday. It is almost impossible to forecast the sort of high intensity rainfall that we saw a few Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on February 3, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Mission Statement: Creating conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world We have set the next meeting of Transition San Juan Island for Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Mullis Center. The purpose is for each action group to complete their Vision Statement. So when you arrive at 3, Continue Reading
Open House on Proposition 1
Written on February 1, 2020 at 6:50 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fire District #3 will hold an open house this Sunday, February 2, at noon to give voters the opportunity to learn more about Prop 1, the proposed sales tax to help fund an upgrade of San Juan County’s Emergency Communication System. This will be at the Fire Station at 1011 Mullis Street. Citizens will have Continue Reading
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Honored for 2019 Service
Written on January 31, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
Fire District Commissioners and honored guests recently attended an annual awards dinner and ceremony recognizing San Juan Island Fire & Rescue (SJF&R) members for their service during 2019. Kathleen Salinas was presented with 2019 Firefighter of the Year award for her outstanding contributions on a number of initiatives and her commitment to her community and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on January 29, 2020 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Patti Wickham and Dave Robison write to share this info with you about why Proposition 1 is so important for islanders… As peaceful and serene as our island living is, there is a disaster looming right under our noses. The EMS radio communication system is limited, archaic and highly vulnerable to failure. This is the Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island: An Update
Written on January 24, 2020 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
First, we extend our sincere appreciation for the attentive and engaged turnout at the Mullis Center on January 12! A quiet Sunday afternoon among busy families, threats of snowy roads and of course the Seahawks playoff game notwithstanding, about 65 of you responded to our invitations. We were enthused by our smiling friends from Lopez Continue Reading
Wilderness First Responder Training
Written on January 21, 2020 at 7:10 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island EMS is offering Wilderness First Responder Training (WFR), February 10 – 19 at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island. This training is the perfect course for anyone working in a position of leadership in an outdoor setting or for individuals who want a high level of wilderness medical training for extended personal backcountry Continue Reading
Strong Winds Today
Written on January 15, 2020 at 7:22 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s some news from SJI Fire & Rescue… Plenty of snow fell overnight – if you don’t need to be on the road, please stay home until road conditions improve. Besides the snow, remember there are plenty of icy patches under the snow too. Good news today is that temperatures will be rising. Bad new Continue Reading
Island Senior: Surviving Winter Storms
Written on January 15, 2020 at 5:47 am, by Peggy Sue McRae
Island Senior is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae… We islanders enjoy what is normally a mild climate but every once in a while we get blasted with a winter storm. If you’ve lived here for a while you have stories to tell of power outages, frozen pipes, Continue Reading
Continuity and Emergency Planning
Written on January 14, 2020 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County DEM is hosting a one day no-cost training on continuity and emergency planning for small businesses. When disasters strike, small and medium sized businesses often endure the worst of the impacts. In the islands, our geographic isolation and economic reliance on a few key industries make the challenge even greater. This no-cost Continue Reading
Winter Storm Coming
Written on January 13, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
This just in from OPALCO… Are you ready for the winter storm blowing in? We are looking at some some serious cold coming our way this week. Please be prepared and look out for your neighbors! Make sure you have your phone charged up, fill up your gas tank in your car, and if you Continue Reading
Transition San Juan Island
Written on January 9, 2020 at 1:43 pm, by Tim Dustrude
We all know of “20-20 hindsight”, but what about 2020 foresight? In many ways we are in a far more precarious state, and highly susceptible to disruption out here on the islands, than our comfortable lives portray. Dependable and affordable electricity, disproportional importation of food stuffs and a lack of capacity for local recycling and Continue Reading
Get Your Boater Education Card
Written on January 7, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Friday Harbor Power Squadron will be offering “America’s Boating Course” at Skagit Valley College on 4 Sunday afternoons – January 12, 19, 26 and February 2nd from 1:00-4:00 PM. (note: the last class on Feb. 2nd (SuperBowl Sunday) can be rescheduled if the class desires). This is a basic comprehensive course covering all aspects Continue Reading
Severe Weather Shelter
Written on January 6, 2020 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Local Severe Weather Shelter is prepared for upcoming freezing temperatures The United Way of San Juan County’s Severe Weather Shelter Team is prepared to be open for upcoming forecasted freezing temperatures starting next week. Volunteer hosts have been notified, and the team is going to do everything possible to ensure the criteria for this temporary Continue Reading
SJIEMS in 2019
Written on December 21, 2019 at 8:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following press release was submitted by SJI EMS… As we close out 2019, we thought we would spend some time discussing some of the highlights of the year for San Juan Island Emergency Medical Services (SJI EMS). Expansion of Paramedicine Program One of the important programs that SJI EMS has expanded is our pioneering Continue Reading