Island News
County’s Climate Survey asking for input from citizens
San Juan County is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide how we respond to climate change while protecting our community and environment. The County is inviting all residents to participate in its second communitywide climate survey to help shape a future that reflects community values and priorities. Given the current budget restraints and […]
Mike Vouri: Miss Me’s Last Day
Captain Frank Birchak scowled as we approached the province chief’s headquarters buildings in Cao Lanh, just down the street from Special Forces Camp B-43. I was 15 minutes late getting to the jeep, waylaid by a nasty case of the trots. Worst of all, he’d had to kick open the screen door to our hooch […]
Friday Harbor Golf brings home 2 medals at State Championship; Orcas golfer captures State Title
Spokane, WA — Friday Harbor High School capped its postseason run with a standout showing at the WAII State Golf Championship, held May 19–20 at Liberty Lake Golf Club. Two Wolverines—senior Jack Hess and sophomore James Hollingsworth—earned their way into the elite state field and both returned home as medalists. The boys’ division was limited […]
Six new recruits sworn in as San Juan Island Fire and Rescue firefighters
Friday Harbor, WA – San Juan Island Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed six new firefighters into the ranks during a swearing-in ceremony held at Station 31 on Mullis Street. All of them are neighbors across San Juan Island. Fire Department leadership, firefighters, and family members attended the ceremony, celebrating a milestone moment in the recruits’ […]
Kiwanis Club partners with EDC to boost local trade-school opportunities
The Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor has strengthened its commitment to supporting local youth pursuing careers in the trades through a new partnership with the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC). Club members recently met with EDC Director Victoria Compton and staff member Liam Watson to explore ways to expand training access and encourage […]
Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association commended for maintaining Firewise USA status
Letter to Editor: San Juan Island Fire & Rescue wants to commend a Firewise Community partner – the Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association – and many volunteers for all their hard work in May to maintain Firewise USA status. Thank you for being such proactive leaders and for looking out for all of us! The recent […]
Is this your vessel adrift near Waldon Island?
United States Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report of an adrift vessel in the vicinity of Waldron Island. If this is your vessel, or if you have any information regarding the vessel or its owner, please contact the Sector Puget Sound Command Center at (206) 217-6001.
Robert Leroy (Bob) Wingate June 20, 1947 – April 16, 2026
Robert Leroy (Bob) Wingate was born on June 20, 1947, in Tacoma to parents, Elvera Mantifel and Rex Wingate. He was one of the five boys. His surviving brothers are Greg (Jan) and Doug (Laurie). Bob is predeceased by his parents and brothers Byron and Dennis. He loved his mom and dad, and his brothers […]
Washington State Ferries rolling out new pet policy
Pets are welcome when traveling on Washington State Ferries, but there are a few rules to help keep everyone safe and comfortable. By law, service animals are allowed in all areas. Livestock must remain in proper enclosures. WSF is rolling out a new pet policy in time for the busy summer travel season. The policy […]
Sheriff’s Log San Juan County WA May 13-19, 2026: Missing person found, bag of meth found, theft of services on Orcas Island
San Juan County Deputies responded to 122 calls from May 13 – 19, 2026 including: Deputies on San Juan Island received a report of a missing person. The individual was located safe, evaluated by EMS, and was released to the care of a family member, A Lopez Deputy responded to a drug call. A small […]
Cantwell Bill To Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Passes Senate Committee
The Lower Elwha Kallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is one of the last steps of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dam removal project & will help restore fisheries WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 20, 2026, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs unanimously passed a bill to transfer federal land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe […]
May 30: Lopez Island Grange Presents: Sage & Aera – Spare Organically Inspired Indie Folk
Saurday, May 30 | 7 pm | Lopez Island Grange | 452 Richardson Rd. | Lopez Island | tickets $20 (at the door) Sage & Aera is an indie folk duo combining the songs and instrumental prowess of Sage Cook (Elephant Revival) with the uniquely captivating voice and upright bass of Aera Fox. As a […]
Barbara Badgley Buck November 25, 1931 – March 29, 2026
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our dear mom, grandma, GG, and aunt, Barbara Badgley Buck. Although we already miss her terribly, we are grateful she is no longer suffering from bronchiectasis, which ultimately took her life. Barbara was born to Pauline Howard Tennant and Ray Badgley, on November 25, 1931 […]
An Exciting Evolution for SJIMA
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) announces a new chapter with the departure of Executive Director Blake DeYoung at the end of May. DeYoung is leaving the museum to become the new Executive Director of the Skagit Valley College San Juan Center branch, replacing Randy Martin. The transition reflects DeYoung’s deep roots in […]
May 20: DOL mobile van in Friday Harbor
May 20 | 9 am to 3 pm | San Juan Island Grange Hall | Friday Harbor DOL2Go focuses on helping under-resourced Washington residents get the services they need to live, work, drive and thrive. The mobile unit offers the same services as our traditional offices, including: First time Washington driver license or ID card, […]
May 21: Health Dept closed for training
San Juan Community Home Trust names new Executive Director
Jess Blanch is the new Executive Director of San Juan Community Home Trust, effective June 15, 2026. Jess brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, affordable housing, and community development, with a proven track record of leading teams through growth, innovation, and meaningful community impact. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of […]
June 3: San Juan Islands Sculpture Park Monthly Bird Walk
Join us at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, June 3, 2026 from 8-10 am, for our monthly bird walk with local birder and enthusiast Tyler Davis. Early June can have unpredictable weather but we are all ready to get outside along with a few of our favorite birds. We will be looking for […]
Outdoor burning prohibited in Town of Friday Harbor
Outdoor burning is prohibited year-round within Friday Harbor town limits per state law with the exception of recreational fires within approved containers. This prohibition includes the burning of leaves, clippings, prunings, and other land clearing or gardening refuse. Outside of town, contact San Juan County for burn regulations and permits. Friday Harbor Municipal Code Chapter […]
San Juan Preservation Trust Completes ‘Sea-to-Summit’ Corridor with Protection of Mt. Ben West Preserve
Community raises $1.84 million in eight months to secure a final 30-acre nature preserve link on San Juan Island’s west side. FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — The 30-acre Mt. Ben West Preserve on San Juan Island was permanently protected on March 31, 2026, when San Juan Preservation Trust purchased the property. This milestone caps a decades-long […]
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Update: Inventory is building
Below is a Market Snap Shot for San Juan Island for April 30, 2026 from the Simonson & Zambrovitz Team at Coldwell Banker SJI. Inventory is building which will offer buyers more selection. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to contact one of them. Merri Ann Simonson 360.318.8668 simonson@Sanjuanislands.com Terri Zambrovitz […]
May 20: Helping You Cover Your Tomorrows – WA Cares presentation
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 12 noon to 1 pm | San Juan Island Library meeting room Helping You Cover Your Tomorrows Ensuring all Washingtonians have access to affordable long-term care. How WA Cares Can Help WA Cares Fund gives you flexibility to choose whatever combination of covered services and supports best meets your care needs. […]
Applications open for WA Cares Fund long-term care benefits
Benefits become available in July OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washingtonians who have contributed to the WA Cares Fund can begin applying for benefits if they need long-term care. Getting started now will give applicants the opportunity to complete the process so they can start services as soon as benefits become available July 1. “We’re excited that […]
June 4: Friday Harbor Port Commission to hold first public meeting about cannery’s future
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: Friday Harbor Port Commission, April 24th, 2026 meeting Jim McLuen, a local metal artist, gave a presentation to the Commission in response to the RFP for artwork to be located on the outside wall of the showers in the marina. He outlined his proposal for a metal sculpture, and he drew attention […]