• The Economic Development Council has already raised $3,000 to support the businesses affected by yesterday’s fire, and the Town of Friday Harbor has committed an additional $10,000 in relief funding. You can donate here. The EDC is also working on recovery options with the County, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the office of Congressman Rick Larsen.
• San Juan Island Grange is offering free rental of its assembly hall and commercial kitchen to anyone displaced by the fire. Call 360-378-6632 to learn more.
• High school baseball and fastpitch both have road games against LaConner today.
• San Juan Preservation Trust reminds us to keep a watchful eye out for bluebirds and report any sightings to their Conservation Projects Manager, Kathleen Foley Lewis.
• Poutine Your Mouth returns to Everelse today and Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. to serve up poutine and artisan sandwiches. River Rye performs at Everelse tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.
• San Juan Community Theatre’s first Acting for the Camera class for kids ages six to 12 sold out, so they’ve added another. This one takes place on Fridays between May 20 and June 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuition is $50 and you can register your kids now.

Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!

Fire & Rescue sends along a detailed update about the catastrophic fire that occurred earlier today in Friday Harbor.

The fire was reported near the intersection of First Street and Spring Street at 3:43 a.m. by a local tow truck driver. Crews arrived on scene and implemented an offensive interior attack prior to withdrawing and engaging in a full defensive attack as the fire spread to surrounding structures. Crews worked tirelessly protecting exposures including several other buildings in close proximity.

A total of six structures sustained fire damage, three of which were a total loss, and multiple surrounding businesses remain closed due to the heavy smoke that filled the air and surrounding HVAC systems. It is unclear how many businesses are impacted by the fire at this time, though we have confirmed there were at least six businesses located within those totaled structures including a tavern, a coffee shop, real estate offices, a wine bar, a kayak tour business, and private offices.

This fire has come as a devastating blow to the community of Friday Harbor, leveling businesses and destroying historical landmarks – some dating back as early as late 1800’s.

Fire officials have calculated an early estimate of $10 million in losses and will know more as they continue to assess the full extent of the damage. Continue Reading

Except for the hard-working first responders, this morning we’re all onlookers, watching powerless as the face of Friday Harbor and the lives of dozens of our fellow Islanders change forever with the progression of the major fire that started in town early this morning.

To help change that in some small way, please consider donating to the San Juan County Economic Development Council, who will set up a grant application process once they know where the greatest need is, and will provide funding to those most affected by fire losses.

Three buildings on the northeast corner of First Street and Spring Street caught fire at roughly 4 a.m. this morning and continue to burn. Fire crews from San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island are currently working to contain the blaze, which is confirmed to have affected the buildings housing Herb’s Tavern, Crows Nest, and Windermere Real Estate — and possibly others.

The 4:30 a.m. sailing from Anacortes was cancelled so that MV Suquamish could assist in transporting fire crews from the other islands to Friday Harbor. The Sheriff’s boat Sentinel was also used to deliver mutual aid to the Island.

First Street remains closed to traffic, including ferry traffic.

According to Kim Kimple of Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, who is acting as Public Information Officer for this incident, the fire was phoned in at 3:43 a.m. by a passing tow truck driver. There are no reported injuries, nor reports of anyone located inside the buildings.

With the busy tourist and boating seasons on the horizon, the San Juan County Council has opted to delay the planned sale of Sentinel, one of the primary emergency response vessels operated by the County Sheriff’s Office.

At the Council meeting held this past Tuesday, April 5, Sheriff Ron Krebs recommended that the County pause the auction of the 38-foot vessel until at least September 1 and delay the purchase of its replacement.

“What makes sense is that we work through the summer,” Krebs explained. “That allows us to get through the busy season. Pushing back [the sale] allow us to take care of the residents of the County, and I don’t see that we’re going to lose a tremendous amount of value from the boat by using it for another six months.” Continue Reading

The San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship shares details about the Island’s major annual public clean-up event.

The Great Islands Clean-up is back in person. Come join your fellow Islanders for the 2022 Spring Great Islands Clean-up on Saturday, April 23, between 10 a.m and 2 p.m.

This year’s theme, All Hands on Deck, celebrates our collaborative efforts as a community to keep our oceans and roads litter free. During this event, participants of all ages can sign-up to collect trash on a designated beach or road, and then bring their trash to the central meeting spot to be counted.

On San Juan Island, meet at 10 a.m. at the San Juan Island Brewing Co. parking lot at 410 A Street to pick up trash collection equipment and receive beach and roadway assignments. Coffee and goodies will be provided by Lautenbach Recycling to fuel your efforts (bring your own coffee cup, please). Drop-off your collected trash at the same location by 2:30 p.m. There will be an after-party at San Juan Island Brewing Co. starting at 3 p.m. If you’d like to be assigned a location ahead of time, contact Katherine for beaches and contact Tina for roads.

“Plastic pollution in our oceans is having a devastating impact on marine life and human health,” says Katie Fleming, San Juan County’s Solid Waste Coordinator. “The Great Islands Clean-up is a good opportunity for our community to join together and address this global issue. Every little bit helps – hundreds of volunteers collect thousands of pounds of trash during this bi-annual event in the islands each spring and fall.”

The San Juan Island Park and Recreation District is looking for a Park Maintenance Worker to help out from May through mid-September. Learn more in the Island Jobs section of the San Juan Update.

The San Juan Island Library sends along a reminder about the importance of its individual financial supporters.

What is 100 years old and opens its doors to Islanders 6 days a week? Your local library! The San Juan Island Library welcomes Islanders and visitors of all ages, and has for a century. With nothing more than your free library card, you have access to an incredible variety of reading materials, media, games, technology resources, and support from friendly staff and volunteers.

Library Giving Day started as an idea generated by the Seattle Public Library Foundation. The concept was to create a national day of giving that public libraries would rally around and that the public would embrace.

As an individual supporter, you can provide critical funding for programs not covered by the Library’s budget.

Did you know that your library offers ten innovative programs each month designed to engage Islanders in learning and discovery at any age? A safe place for teens to meet up, caring outreach for island seniors, and job research opportunities are just a few of the services available beyond the traditional media collections and resources.

Show your appreciation for the many ways the San Juan Island Library provides a place for you to discover the things you value – learning, reading, and essential connection with other community members. Make a secure online donation, drop off donations, or mail checks to the SJI Library, 1010 Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Please also share the library’s social media posts and this article with your friends.

All donations for Library Giving Day will be used for general support of programs and materials. Together, we can make it a success.

• Friday Harbor High School baseball blew out Concrete High School 20-0 yesterday afternoon at Linde to move to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in conference. The Wolverines play again on Friday in a road game at LaConner.
• Coho is running another pop-up this Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m., only instead of dim sum, this time it’s Indian food.
• There’s a baby and toddler group that gets together every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the meeting room in the library. Caregivers can learn rhymes, songs, and short stories designed to stimulate childhood language development.
• Four-inch houseplants are 30 percent off through Friday at The Garden Center at Browne’s.
• The Web Suites on Web Street have a 900-square-foot commercial space available for rent starting June 1.
• Treasure Hounds has many newly donated household items and pieces of furniture available. They’re open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!

Incumbent County Treasurer Rhonda Pederson sends along her re-election announcement.

I am honored to have served as San Juan County Treasurer since January 2015, and announce that I am running for re-election. I am proud of my department’s high level of integrity, commitment, and service to the citizens of San Juan County, especially during the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19. During my tenure, my team has assisted me in the implementation of systems to improve efficiency, compliance with new legislation/mandates, streamlining services to the public, and working closely with taxpayers facing foreclosure.

I look forward to continuing to serve as your Treasurer and remain committed to meeting the needs of our citizens and the challenges of the future with competence, efficiency, and ongoing growth and development.

The Community Arts Theatre Society (CATS) sends along news about their bake sale fundraiser, which takes place next Saturday.

The annual Elegant Edibles Easter Bake Sale returns on Saturday, April 16 in the Lobby of the Community Theatre. Doors open at 10 a.m. and the sale ends at noon. Arrive early to select your favorite island baked treats. The Theatre address is 100 Second Street in Friday Harbor.

The fabulous Baker Boys will be back with their sought after signature breads, cookies and pies. The always over-the-top raffle basket of gourmet treats is back, too, along with our auction for custom cakes to be made and delivered at a date of your choice.

This annual bake sale extravaganza is sponsored by CATS to support the San Juan Community Theatre.

For more information contact Kathy Schwartz or Peggy Cregor.

• The high school baseball team returns to the diamond at Linde this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in a conference game against Concrete High School.
• San Juan Singers are performing a Celtic concert this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Theatre. The performances feature Irish, Scottish, and Welsh music accompanied by piano, harp, fiddle, and clarinet. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for student reserved, and $5 for student rush.
• Island grown lamb is available for your Easter meals. Call Michelle Loftus at 360-378-4738 to order.
• Lynn Weber-Roochvarg has written a detailed history of the Friday Harbor water system.
• The Land Bank’s Community Conversation with San Juan Island residents takes place tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. over Zoom.
• Herb’s has karaoke every Wednesday from 9 p.m. to midnight. And you thought there wasn’t any nightlife on San Juan Island.

Have something to share with the Island? Whether the news is big or small, let us know!