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Hit & Run Driver Surrenders To Sheriff
On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at about 11:00 p.m. Gary Shawn MOBLEY, 42, of Eastsound surrendered to sheriff’s deputies on Orcas Island. Mobley had been the subject of an extensive search on Orcas after an early morning injury hit and run crash last Thursday (Related Story ).
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Spirits On The Water: A Celebration Though Slides & Stories
Join sailor, photographer and storyteller Peter Fromm for a celebration (Wed, 29 Feb at 7:00 PM at the Orcas Senior Center) - through slides and stories- of wooden boats and the people who love them. Peter is a third-generation photographer who has been taking pictures for more than 50 years.
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Recognition For SJ Preservaton Trust
 (LOPEZ ISLAND, WA) - The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, announced this week that the San Juan Preservation Trust has been awarded national accredited status.
With this news, the Preservation Trust joins a prestigious group of 157 other land trusts (out of 1,700 nationally) that have achieved this distinction since this new accreditation program was launched in the fall of 2008.
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Private School Month
Students at Stillpoint School on San Juan Island celebrating the Governor's proclamation of February as Private School Month.
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B.C. & Wa Partner On Jobs, Border Management
OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire was joined last week by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark to announce Washington state and British Columbia concluded a series of agreements to strengthen their cross-border partnerships, attract investment and create new jobs.
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Real Estate Sales Slump = Less $ For County
 By Merri Ann Simonson
In reviewing the year-end results, the sales dollar volume for the real estate market on San Juan Island was $60,116,241, which is 5% less active when compared to the $63,349,657 sales volume in 2010.
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“San Juan Eagles” Honored
 alt="ig_SJE_2012_Honored-001 (57k image)" height="253" width="375" />
(front to back , left to back; Vicky Thalacker holding Proclamation, Teresa De Graaf, Jim Cox, 2nd row Dick Babbit, Mike Taylor, John Geyman, Lanny Carver top Art Miller -photo Theresa Simendinger)
Ten years ago the Eagles started flying on their own time and dime to help cancer patients living on San Juan Island. Founder Vicky Thalacker still coordinates the flights which fly patients and their caregivers to various Medical Centers.
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Orcas Rollover Traps One Driver -Other Driver Leaves Scene
(PRESS RELEASE) ~Thursday, February 15, 2012 at about 6:30 a.m. San Juan 9-1-1 received a report of a 2 vehicle rollover collision at the intersection of Orcas Rd and Crow Valley on Orcas Island.
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Cantwell & Secretary Salazar Host Town Hall -Saturday In Anacortes- on Future of SJ Islands’ Federal Land
~ Cantwell is sponsor of a bill to turn cherished federally-owned lands in the San Juan Islands into National Conservation Area ~
[The following is a "press release" that was just sent out today, 02-15-12 -Ed] ANACORTES, WA - On Saturday, Feb. 18, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will host a town hall meeting in Anacortes to hear about the ongoing progress to conserve and protect federal land [related story -Ed ] in the San Juan Islands.
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Public Hearing On Wetland Ordinance
The San Juan County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on an ordinance amending the Wetland Critical Area provisions of the San Juan County Code. These amendments are proposed to fulfill the periodic update requirements of RCW 36.70A.130. (See related story ). For Wetland Critical Areas, the proposed ordinance does the following:
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L112 Found Dead At Long Beach
( L112 was a new calf in 2009, here traveling with adult female L86 (CWR 2009 photo by Ken Balcomb)
On Feb. 11, 2012, a stranded killer whale, a member of the Southern Resident pod, washed up just north of Long Beach, Wash. Photographs of the dorsal fin and saddle patch were matched to catalogs of known killer whales by biologists from NOAA Fisheries and the Center for Whale Research. The whale has been identified as a member of the Southern Resident L Pod known as L112, a female calf of L86. A full necropsy was conducted on Feb. 12.
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Senate Passes Teacher Evaluation Bill
OLYMPIA - On Wednesday (02-14-12) The Senate passed a bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 5895, which fills in details of an existing state mandate to move to a four-tier teacher evaluation system by 2015-16, after eight pilot programs finish testing best practices. One such pilot school is located in Anacortes.
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Draft Wetland Section Of CAO Available
After months of discussion with technical experts, as of February 15th a "revised" draft of the wetland amendments to the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) is now available for public review and comment.
The planning department had been instructed by the San Juan County Council to draft a “site specific” buffer approach to protecting wetlands. Planning Coordinator Shireene Hale is quoted as stating it was a “monumental task.”
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All School Bonds & Levies Pass
Lopez Island School District #144 Proposition No. 1 General Obligation Bonds - $1,000,000
Approved 74.22%
Rejected 25.78%
Total Votes 834
Orcas Island School District #137 Proposition No. 1 Replacement Educational Maintenance and Operations Levy
Yes 64.67%
No 35.33%
Total Votes 1,855
San Juan Island School District #149 Proposition No. 1 Capital Levy for School Facilities & Technology
Yes 67.03%
No 3 2.97%
Total Votes 2,686
One More Boat Removed
The latest victim being readied for hauling away. The boat started taking on water as Towline was cleaning up the diesel and they called in a larger boat from Port Townsend to put on flotation bags and tow it away for disposal. IOSA put the boom around it as insurance but no diesel was spilled.
See related story below
Derelict Vessel Program Still Afloat
(Contributed photo)
Derelict vessels are more than an eyesore in San Juan County: they are a risk to the environment, public health and navigation. So when San Juan County gave up its Derelict Vessel program in 2009 because of lack of funding, it was a disappointment to a lot of people. But some local advocates never gave up.
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-- Guest Column --
 By Alex MacLeod
Anyone who has watched the six-member County Council since its creation in 2006 has probably been struck by how inept it has been in its leadership of the county. While the charter’s creation of a professional administrator has, at least in theory, been an improvement in the county’s ability to manage its day-to-day responsibilities, the expansion of the Council has undone any improvements voters expected in approving the Charter.
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SJI Knowledge Bowl Winners
Do you know the answer: “What City and State is famous for hosting the largest Groundhog Day celebration”? That was the final question -and it had to be spelled correctly too- at the 18th annual Knowledge Bowl held Thursday (02-02-12), at the SJI Community Theatre. the Spelling counts.
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A Broken Consort Sunday
No, an important person has not been injured. Saint David’s Episcopal Church and Salish Sea Early Music Festival will present a concert of chamber music on period instruments Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 7 pm. The program is called a “broken consort” because...
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Sunday: Learn About Pruning Older Fruit Trees
 A great opportunity Saturday (02-11-12) is available for anyone interested in learning a bit about pruning older fruit trees! The apple and pear trees located the garden site on Blair St. across from the High School and Middle School will be pruned by the wonderful Keith Keyser this Saturday, and again on Sunday at 10 am.
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Canadian Navy Pings In US Waters
 By Michael Jasny
On Monday morning, a Canadian Navy frigate ran a sonar exercise in the waters of Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington. Incredibly, a good portion of that exercise took place on the U.S. side of the border - in waters we have designated as critical habitat for killer whales under the Endangered Species Act.
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What Is A Wetland? Not Just Wet Land
(YouTube screen capture photo)
Orcas Islander Charles Dalton made, as he stated in a YouTube report, “I made a mistake” by building farm buildings without a permit, and, according to the report, the Friends of The San Juans, turned him in to the SJC Building department.
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SJI Firefighters Honored For Service
(L to R: Michael Hartzell, Harry See, Ian Paterson, Jeremiah Lord, Lunnette Higdon-Hertel, Jerry Henderson, and Rebecca and Francis Smith.-Ron Garner photo)
Jerry Henderson and Robert Pauls received San Juan Island Fire Department’s highest awards Saturday night when the department celebrated the 2011 contributions of its members at the University of Washington dining hall.
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Party For Elmo And Friends Saturday
 By Dennis Hazelton
In dog years he may be only fifteen, but in human years his age ranges from 73 to 105 depending upon which opinion we read.
He’s almost entirely deaf & has noticeable cataracts. There are bumps on his body which aren’t dangerous & his right rear leg sometimes slips out from under him a little. But those aren’t the important things.
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United Way Awards $78,000 to SJC Non-Profits
United Way of San Juan County has awarded more than $78,000 to 16 non-profits in the county. The grants range from $560 to $17,400 to support 24 programs on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan islands. Grantees include programs for pre-school and elementary school children, senior assistance, hospice, prevention programs, family support, and others.
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In Support Of Due Process
By Mike Maharrey
With the introduction of the Washington State Preservation of Liberty Act, Evergreen State legislators have the opportunity to exercise their right and duty, and interpose on behalf of their citizens to halt a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of federal power.
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Town & County Councils Want Action On Ferry Funding
Following the recent release of another 100 page study on ferry fares and funding (related story), the Town of Friday Harbor and the County council sent off a strongly worded letter to the Governor and members of the Legislature asking for direct action to solve the problem of funding for the ferry system.
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Shark Reef's Winter Edition Now Online
Local writers Gretchen Wing of Lopez Island and Jill McCabe Johnson of Orcas Island are among the writers and artists featured in SHARK REEF Literary Magazine’s Winter 2012 edition, online now at sharkreef.org . Submissions to the issue came via internet from all over the U.S. and from Europe and Asia. Summer 2012 Submission Deadline is March 31.
Famous Pianist On Orcas
Capture this unprecedented opportunity on Orcas to meet world-famous pianist and conductor, Jeffrey Kahane; recently honored for his remarkable dedication and brilliance in his 15th season as Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
WSU Master Gardener Rose Pruning
Rose gardeners from all over San Juan County are invited to a free rose pruning demonstration on traditional rose pruning day - President's Day.
New Coordinator Of Soundwatch
Friday Harbor, Wash. - The Whale Museum invites the public to a “meet & greet” with the new coordinator of Soundwatch, Eric Eisenhardt. It will be held on Wednesday, February 29th beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Rich Peterson Community Meeting Saturday At RH
Rich Peterson, Second District County Council member will hold a public discussion Sat (02-18-12) for residents of the second council district and all others interested in issues affecting San Juan County.
County Wants Input From Shoreline Owners
 Comments Requested on the revised SMP (Shoreline Master Program) Update Inventory and Characterization Report. Do you agree with how the County has inventoried your shoreline property? If not, and if you would like to communicate that to the County, now is the time to do it. The County will collect comments, criticisms, and corrections from the public until 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2012.
Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series
Thursday February 23, 2012. 7 p.m. The Commons at Friday Harbor Labs. Arthur Whiteley Lecture How Cells Divide, by Victoria Foe and Garrett Odell. All are welcome at no charge.
Lend A Helping Hand
 San Juan Island resident, Andrea Berlatsky, is going through breast cancer treatment. A benefit account has been set up at Whidbey Island Bank to help offset some of the medical costs. Contact Whidbey Island Bank (370-5641) to donate to the “Andrea Berlatsky Benefit Fund”.
SJI Chocolate Friendzy
Brighten up your winter with a great evening of chocolate, and support the library at the same time! The Friend of the Library invite you to attend the Fifth Annual Night of Chocolate Friendzy on February 18th at 7:00 pm at the Library.
Oh No..The Flu Is Here!
(FH Health office closes on Wednesdays -IG photo )SJC Health Department is reporting the Flu has arrived on San Juan Island and is starting to appear on Lopez island as well.
Go See Gauguin
 Wednesday, March 14, the Islands Museum of Art & Sculpture Park is sponsoring a docent guided tour of the Gauguin Exhibit at the Seattle Art Museumm
Time To Vote On SJI
A one item ballot for a tax levy has been mailed to San Juan Island voters, and the dead line to return them is Tuesday (02-14-12).
Tom Cowan On Ferry System Issues-Monday On SJI
The League of Women Voters will present Tom Cowan on. "What You Need to Understand About Our Ferry System," and how the budget and infrastructure issues affect the State Ferry system. Noon, Feb 13; SJ Library.
House Apporves Gay & Lesbian Marriage
Ranker joins Gov. Gregoire in issuing statements on the passage of the marriage equality bill on Wed (0206-12) “Today our state has taken another historic step toward extending fundamental rights and freedoms to all families in Washington State. “I am thankful for the leadership and courage of my House colleagues for their commitment to human rights and equality. With their support, this long overdue bill now heads to the governor for her approval.”
Flags At Half-Staff Wednesday
 Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, Feb. 8th, in memory of U. S. Marine Corps Sergeant William C. Stacey, 23, of Seattle. Stacey died January 31st while on foot patrol Tuesday in Afghanistan when an enemy explosive device went off.
John B. Marx
John Marx, of Friday Harbor, passed away peacefully at age 90 on February 3, 2012, in Bellingham, WA, after a brief illness. John had been a resident of Friday Harbor since 1983, when he retired there with his wife Georgia Baciu.
CC Meets Tuesday On Orcas
The SJ County Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday (02-07-12) at the Outlook Inn, 171 Main Street, Eastsound, at 10 AM on an Ordinance Adopting Voter Precincts; and will also take action on a Clapp Easement; Solid Waste Management Update, including Orcas Requests for Proposals. The full agenda may be accessed by clicking HERE.
Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel’s Challenge comes to Friday Harbor on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Sponsored by the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, incudes a full day of age appropriate school assemblies -start at 9:45am at FHES (Elementary) K-5th grades and 12 noon at FHMS (Middle School) Commons 6th-8th grades
Health Dept Moves Toward Normal Hours
SJC’s Health & Community Services Director, John Manning, has announced that customer service hours at the Department’s main office in FH are now back to normal: 8AM to 4:30PM, however, they will be closed to walk-ins on Wednesday.
Camilla Woodbury
1943 ~ 2012
"Beloved mother and grandmother Camilla Woodbury of Friday Harbor Washington passed away on January 25 after a short but brave battle with lung cancer. She was born in Tecumseh Michigan to Lyle and Dorothy Grigg.
SJI Knowledge Bowl Thursday 7:00 PM
(2011 5th Grade team -IG photo)
The 18th annual Knowledge Bowl will be held on Thursday, February 2nd, at the Community Theatre. Our fabulous Friday Harbor Jazz Band will begin performing at 6:30 and the FH Middle School PTA will be offering baked treats in the lobby before and during the event.
Flags To Be Flown At Half-Staff
 Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, Jan. 31, & other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition of U.S. Army Private First Class Neil Turner, 21, of Tacoma.
Opera Up Close & Affordable
Since 2007, Puget Sound Concert Opera (PSCO) has incorporated an innovative concert opera format which allows audience members to see, hear and feel the music up close and affordable in intimate venues.
Flags To Be Flown At Half-Staff
 Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday, Jan. 31, & other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition of U.S. Marine Corp. Capt. Daniel B. Bartle.
Medical Assistant Training
The Skagit Valley College/San Juan Center and PeaceHealth/Peace Island Medical Center will host an information session on Saturday, February 4th for people interested in learning more about Medical Assistant and other allied health career training.
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