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Navy Sonar Training Lawsuit
A coalition of conservation and American Indian groups today sued the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for failing to protect thousands of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions from U.S. Navy warfare training exercises along the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington.
The lawsuit is against the NMFS’s approval of the Navy’s training activities in its Northwest Training Range Complex. calls on NMFS to mitigate anticipated harm to marine mammals and biologically critical areas within the training range that stretches from Northern California to the Canadian border.
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State Wide Changes Proposed On Teacher & Principal Evaluations
Senate Bill 6177 (see analysis below) is said to promote instructional excellence in Washington's public schools by building on the state's new teacher and principal evaluation system, creating a rating system for teachers and calling for development of a program to support state-wide implementation of the evaluation systems.
Kevin Ranker is the secondary sponsor and states he will assist the prime sponsor, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, in the progression of the bill.
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Assessor Begins New Appraisal Cycle
The San Juan County Assessor’s Office has begun site inspections of real property located in San Juan County’s 2012 appraisal area, which includes north Lopez, Shaw, Decatur, Blakely, Center and Frost Islands.
Read full story
Colton Harris-Moore Apologizes To SJC Sheriff Deputies
The Associated Press has reported that Collton Harris-Moore -aka the “Barefoot Bandit”- had written a letter in which he apologized to the San Juan Count Sheriff’s office; but had also sent out emails and made phone calls in which he is reported to have referred to the King County Sheriff as the “king swine.”
The AP report indicates the letter was sent out prior to his sentencing, and may have been sent as part of anattempt to obtain a more favorable sentence then that recommend by the prosecution.
The AP story can be found on the King 5 News webpage.
Winter Wildlife Feeding: Do It Right, Or Don’t Do It
((Mary Kalbert photo))
When the weather outside is frightful, many of us feed birds and other wildlife, but does it help wildlife? Depends.
While some studies show that only small pockets of bird populations occasionally benefit from supplemental feeding under extreme and persistent weather conditions.
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San Juan Trails Committee "Trails Passport" Has Arrived
(-Principal Connie Martin, PTA Co-Presidents Roxanne Angel & Megan Hoffman; SJT Committee Eileen Drath and Dave Zeretze & members of the PTA Board. 1st grader Olivia Germaine smiles her approval -T Simendinger photo)
by Theresa Simendinger
During the PTA meeting January 11, 2012 the kick off for "Trails Passport" took place. This is the San Juan Trails Committee's new idea to get families out and enjoying our natural wonders.
Many of us who who live in the San Juan Islands are surrounded by so much natural beauty we may forget to enjoy it.
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Ranker Introduces Legislation
 (Ranker official photo) Senator Ranker -and senators Litzow; Fain; Hargrove;, Kilmer; Hill; Nelson; Keiser, and Conway- have introduced Senate Bill 6211 that “authorizes a greater emphasis in the allocation of state resources toward the cleanup and reuse of brownfield properties.
If passed the bill will change the department of ecology’s allocation of staffing, financial assistance, disbursement of funds, remedial action grants, and establishment of trust funds.
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Public Meeting on Derelict Vessels
 (UPDATED 01-23-12 11:00 AM) A new effort to address derelict vessels, and enforcement regulations, has been postponed because of DNR attendance problems. It was to be introduced at a public meeting on January 25, 1 pm to 3 pm, at the Grange building in Friday Harbor. (Related Story)
The Vessel Moorage Compliance Project (VMCP) will be discussed. The goal is to begin more attentive enforcement of laws governing long-term mooring of vessels in public waters, and the possible removal effort for unpermitted buoys.
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Septic Inspection Classes Offered
San Juan County Offers 2012 Homeowner Septic Inspection Classes January 17, 2012 San Juan County Health & Community Services has announced the 2012 schedule for its popular on-site sewage system operation and maintenance workshops for homeowners.
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Rep. Larsen Will Oppose Current Anti-Online Piracy Legislation
-Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), which are pending anti-online piracy bills in Congress.
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Vacancies On County Boards & Commissions
The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. The following is a list of current vacancies:
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2012 Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series
The 2012 Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series offered by San Juan Nature Institute in collaboration with UW Friday Harbor Labs will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday January 26 with a presentation by local conservation biologist Thor Hanson on Feathers-an evolutionary miracle.
Read full story
Wildfire Risk Assessment Planned For County
 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has begun the process of developing a county-level wildland fire risk assessment. Local agencies and organizations in San Juan County have initiated a planning committee to complete the risk assessment as the first step in the ultimate development of a San Juan County Wildfire Protection Plan as part of the National Fire Plan and Healthy Forests Restoration Act.
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New Tax Funded Public-Private Center Proposed
Representatives Morris, Lytton, Hansen, and Ryu have introduced House Bill 2444 that, if passed, “Requires the northwest center of excellence for marine manufacturing and technology to convene and staff a work group to develop a public-private entity to be known as the Washington center for marine innovation.
The estimated cost to fund the group is “one hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much 34 thereof as may be necessary.”
While Kris Lytton (D-Anacortes) was one of the sponsors, Representatives Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) and Senator Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) are supporting it as well.
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SJISD Capital Projects & Technology Levy
On February 14th, the San Juan Island School District will ask voters to renew the Capital Projects and Technology Levy for 4 years. In anticipation of this election, the League of Women Voters is sponsoring an informational Town Hall meeting in order for voters to have a chance to learn the details of the levy request.
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State Of The State: Need More Money
 (Wa State Wire photo)
Governor Gregoire gave her state of the state address this week (01-10-12) , and said the state is facing a “$1.6 billion shortfall over the next 10 years, and a $1.3 billion deficit in ferry system maintenance.”
She asked the legislature to pass four things: a budget; a temporary half-penny sales tax for education/public safety; school reforms; and a major transportation and jobs package.
She proposes to present a $3.6 billion, 10-year package to create about 5,500 jobs a year, and to ask the Legislature to “pass a modest $1.50 fee on every barrel of oil produced in Washington.” Gregoire said the “oil companies are getting all the profit and leaving us with the bill.”
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Employment & Life Skills Classes On Lopez
On January 27th & 28th, as part of the “Growing a Great Business Series,” four new workshops will be offered for small business owners, or those thinking about starting a business. Participants can choose from classes in Business Development, Financial, Marketing, and Business Operations Planning. Each 3 hour class is $20, or participants can take ALL classes for $55.
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Orcas Man Killed By Fall
A 77 year old man fell about 50 ft.to his death on Orcas Island Thursday at about 2:00 p.m.. Herlwyn Lutz was working as a tree trimmer on Mt. Baker Rd on Orcas Island when he fell to his death.
Preliminary investigation indicates equipment failure as the probable cause of the fall. Lutz’s assistant attempted to revive him but was unsuccessful.
EMS Receives Rotary Club Grant
((L to R:Lainey Volk, Director of Education EMS, and San Juan Island Rotary Club members, Dick Shorett, Mike Griffin past president and Carol Linde, Secretary.-RC photo)
Representatives from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Headquarters in Friday Harbor, and the San Juan Island (Friday Harbor) Rotary Club, have announced the successful completion of a District Grant from Rotary District 5050 to the EMS San Juan Island Education Vocation Center Outreach Program.
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With Fingers Crossed, Council Votes On Ag Stewardship Program
r the last two reviews [related story] of the Voluntary (Agricultural) Stewardship Program (VSP) -a part of the Ruckelshaus Process bill (.pdf 81\k file), it seemed the Council was ready to embrace it, but when in came for a vote on Tuesday (01-10-12) at a special meeting, the Council balked, then passed the bill by a split vote.
The bill includes a program designed to come up with a way to protect critical areas (as defined in the Critical Area Ordinance the County is currently struggling to pass) on agricultural lands while at the same time protecting agricultural lands.
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Focus on Fire Safety: Fire Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.
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PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Award
HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, has named PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence™ in 2012. This prestigious distinction places PeaceHealth St. Joseph among the Top 5% of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance.
Hike With Mike Time
Know Your Island Walk; Sat. Jan. 28, 2012, 1-4pm. Meet Mike Vouri, Historian and Chief of Interpretation, San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Take The Long View
(The following letter is from the SJI School Board -Ed)
As the newly elected Board of Directors of the San Juan Island School District, we request that voters take a long term look at the facility and technology issues facing our local public schools and support the proposed Capital Projects/Technology Levy on February 14, 2012.
Drug Dealer Arrested
On Friday, January 20, 2012 Jason C. Bell, 31, of Friday Harbor was arrested on a Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act:
CC CAO Action On Tuesday?
A continuation of a hearing from December 12 will be held by the County Council on Tuesday (01-24-12) at 8:45 am to consider adopting an ordinance regarding general regulations for critical areas; Amending San Juan County Code Sections and Adding a New Section to SJCC 18.80.
Shireene Hale, Planning Coordinator has produced and updated Staff Report on the ordinance.
Gov Thanks Companies Re Marriage Equality
Gov. Gregoire has issued a press release thanking those in the business world who support marriage equality legislation .
"Our Town" on Orcas
Orcas Center is presenting Our Town with a cast of island youth, ages ten to fifteen, in partnership with Orcas Island Public Library's BIG READ. Saturday, Jan 21, 2012, Start Time: 7:30 pm
Call For Artists
ARTIST CALL for photography for the San Juan Public Library Art Show on Saturday, February 4. Bring your ready-to-hang photography from 10 a.m. to noon.
Rep. Lytton On Edu Funding
 (IG file photo)
“This is the reason I came here: to help Washington have the best students, teachers and schools in the nation,” and to that end State Rep. Kristine Lytton (D-Anacortes) has authored a trio of bills that, if successful, would help teachers and principals grow in their careers, give school districts greater spending flexibility with their limited resources, and increase state funding for all-day kindergarten programs.
Roche Harbor's 9th Salmon Invitational 2012
February 2-4, 2012 marks the ninth Annual Salmon Classic Invitational at Roche Harbor Marine & Resort. A three-day sport fishing event with 100 boat limit.
Orcas Fire and Rescue - 2011 Review
(OF&R file photo)
By Valerie Harris
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue has had a number of memorable events to mark in 2011. We had an opportunity create a display for the public, to report on the previous five years and demonstrate how the 2005 Strategic Plan was implemented.
Fish for Teeth Taco Time
(Medical Teams International-photo)
A dental van is coming to Friday Harbor to fix people’s teeth on January 13 and 14, in the Marketplace parking lot Saturday.
A New Life!
(Contributed photo)
Congratulations to Rob and Jessica Dickson on the birth of their son, Atlas Story Dickson born December 13th, 2011.
Grants For Housing
San Juan County will award grants and loans totaling up to $23,197 this year for projects which will help make housing available to very low income County residents.
Looking For Conservation District Supervisors
The election of the SJ Islands Conservation District will be held on, February 28, 2012. All County registered voters are eligible to vote. One supervisor will be elected by registered voters, and one supervisor will be appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission for a 3-year term on the governing board of the San Juan Islands Conservation District.
Elizabeth Madge Welch Ballesteros
Elizabeth Madge Welch Ballesteros died on January, 1, 2012, New Year’s Day evening at her home in Friday Harbor. At her side were Elizabeth’s daughters Raquel Cook and Rebecca Allen along with her sister Judy Welch.
Trim Elections Costs
In an effort to save money and make the elections process more efficient during these tight budget times, Secretary of State Sam Reed is asking the Legislature to lower the cost of producing the statewide Voters’ Pamphlet,
Donna P. Gavora
March 13, 1956 ~ January 5, 2012
Pauli Gavora passed away January 5th at home on San Juan Island, surrounded by family members and friends. Pauli had been battling a silent fight with cancer, but she had retained her concern for others, and her sense of humor, to the very end.
(Full Obituary),
A celebration of life will be held January 28th (a Saturday) at the FH American Legion; Dinner at 4:00pm, followed by the program.
Snowshoeing Trip with Island Rec
Get out and get off Island for a Snowshoeing Trip and enjoy the winter wonderland through the sport of snowshoeing. Island Rec is offering an adult, off island snowshoeing program on Saturday, January 22nd.
Gov. Orders Flags To Half-Staff
OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Thursday, Jan. 5th, Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.
Have You Seen Jacob?
 Jacob ran off about 12:30pm on Saturday. Last Seen Near Reef Net Road on SJI.
Black Labrador - Grey muzzle - Grey belly - 85lbs - 13+ years old - Black collar with rabies tag Call 370-5208
Feast of Epiphany
Join the Friday Harbor Lutheran and Episcopal Congregations on Thursday, January 5, at 6 pm for a celebration of the Feast of Epiphany.
Edward Andrew Johnson
March 15, 1939 ~ Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ed Johnson, 72, a third generation Friday Harbor resident, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at his farm. He was born in Bellingham, Washington on March 15, 1939, the youngest child of Andrew Julius and Edna Gertrude (Dougherty) Johnson.
State Land Acquisition Performance Monitoring Report
The Habitat and Recreation Lands Coordinating Group has published its first report that takes a look at how successful state agencies were at buying habitat and recreation land.
New Minimum Wage Jan. 1
Washington’s minimum wage increases 37 cents to $9.04 an hour beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
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