BURLINGTON – Record rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, forcing closures of several state highways. Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked through the weekend and continue to work to clear fallen trees and rockslides, but in some areas such as along State Route 20 between Cascadia Farms (MP 98) to  Continue Reading

San Juan County Council Special Meeting – Declaring State of Emergency The San Juan County Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 8 am, to consider a Resolution declaring a State of Emergency.  The severe weather system that passed over San Juan County on November 14th and 15th, 2021, dropped a  Continue Reading

Extremely heavy rains have fallen across the islands over the last 24 hours, causing a wide range of impacts to San Juan County roads and infrastructure. Public Works crews from both the County and the Town of Friday Harbor have been responding since late last night. Orcas Island in particular has experienced a number of  Continue Reading

This just came in from SJC Dept. of Emergency Management… Heavy rain is causing challenging conditions on island roads. Drive with extreme caution and expect water and/or debris in roads. Point Lawrence Road on Orcas is washed out just past Doe Bay Resort (picture above). Public Works, Emergency Management, and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue  Continue Reading

Washington PTAC, EDC offer workshop on Government Contracting Essentials Interested in doing business with the government?  Join Washington PTAC and the EDC for a workshop outlining the basics of government contracting and procurement.  The workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, December 6th from 10-11a. The workshop will introduce participants to government procurement, including  Continue Reading

Village at the Harbor is currently seeking individuals interested in joining our team. For over 13 years, the Village has been home to amazing seniors and has established a level of excellence second to none. We offer part and full-time employment opportunities with several different shifts. We feature a great work environment and truly have  Continue Reading

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — Your favorite annual holiday shopping event is coming! The 43rd Island Artisans Holiday Market Fundraiser will be held on Friday, November 26th and Saturday, November 27th, 2021 at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.  The holiday market will be open from 10AM to 5PM on Friday, November 26th and 10AM to 4PM on Saturday, November  Continue Reading

Since the last update on Friday November 5, there have been 19 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. Current case count is now 376. Of these 19 new cases, initial investigations indicate that 7 appear to have occurred in fully vaccinated individuals. There are approximately 29 unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases  Continue Reading

More than 2,500 islanders have made appointments to receive their COVID booster shots this coming week, and hundreds of island children are signed up for upcoming Pfizer pediatric vaccine clinics. While some offerings are filled completely, there is still room in some clinics – details and links to register may be found here:https://www.sanjuanco.com/…/211110-Vaccine-Registration… As a  Continue Reading

Calling all high school students on Orcas and San Juan Islands interested in environmental action! Are you passionate about the environment? Do you wish to see positive change in your community? Join the Youth for Change Environmental Leadership Club, a program led by Friends of the San Juans.  Youth for Change provides an opportunity for  Continue Reading

The following announcement is from Washington State Ferries… Initial Plans to Restore Service We know and understand that our reduced service schedules are causing many challenges for thousands of riders across our system. Again, last month’s difficult decision to cut back sailings was only done when it became clear we didn’t have the crewing necessary  Continue Reading

The human form has served as muse to artists since the beginning of time.   In its current Go Figure! exhibit, The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) has brought together eight dynamic artists with different backgrounds, art mediums and styles to highlight the human form in an unexpected array of works.  The museum’s main  Continue Reading

Are you joining Medicare any time in the next year? If you are, there’s a lot of new information for you to understand.  Medicare has its own vocabulary and rules.   There are deadlines you need to meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time.   You will have to  Continue Reading

On Wednesday, November 17 2021, the San Juan Island School District Board of Directors will hold a regular (open) School Board Meeting at 5:00 pm as a Zoom meeting with an option for in-person attendance.  All in-person attendees must register before 4:00 pm on Tuesday November 16th to provide contact tracing information. Social distancing and the use of face masks will be expected. Non-compliance  Continue Reading

Are you a gardener in San Juan County? Do you enjoy learning and sharing your knowledge with others? Have you just moved to the islands and want to get involved in the community and learn about gardening in our unique ecosystem? The WSU Extension San Juan County Master Gardener Volunteer program may be just what  Continue Reading

Nancy Fusare writes that it’s time for the annual nut sales fundraiser from the Mary Martha Circle at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church. The nuts come pre-packaged in one pound bags. Anyone interested can call Candy Dossett if they are interested at (360) 472-0686 or Nancy Fusare at (360) 317-6592. Download this nut order form.

The following was submitted by SJI Public Hospital District #1… We want to thank the public for their trust in funding the expansion of long-term care on San Juan Island. The passage of the hospital district’s lid lift opens funding to acquire the Village at the Harbor, expand it to provide 20 – 30 Medicaid  Continue Reading

PeaceHealth Peace Island Holding Vaccine Booster Clinics  Friday Harbor, Wash. – PeaceHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at PeaceHealth Peace Island is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for booster shots and primary immunizations by appointment. All clinics will be held at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center, 1117 Spring St. To schedule an appointment call 360-378-1756. The  Continue Reading

Shopping can always be fun, but it is especially satisfying when you know your purchase is helping others. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Soroptimist International and the Friday Harbor Soroptimist club’s 25th anniversary, a “Celebration Auction” is happening November 14-20 online. The line-up of items is fantastic. You’ll find local business gift certificates  Continue Reading

20 years, 41 homes, 61 low-and moderate-income earning families have enjoyed home ownership and living stability on San Juan Island. Incorporated in 2001 as a Community Land Trust Development Corporation, the San Juan Community Home Trust is celebrating its 20th year of developing permanently affordable housing on San Juan Island.  The vision of founders Larry  Continue Reading

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor is happy to announce Melisa Pinnow as the APS-FH Volunteer of the Month for November 2021.  Melisa is known on San Juan Island as a local cat expert and consultant, she also volunteers her time as an APS-FH kitten foster parent.  Fostering underage kittens is a vital aspect  Continue Reading

Friends, it’s that time of year, where the “suggestion” of very cold weather is loud and clear! We are hoping to put together a team of volunteers to open the Severe Weather Shelter this year. Can you come to an Orientation/Training? It’s on Saturday, N0vember 13 from 9am to 11am at Islands Community Church. (that’s  Continue Reading