San Juans offer support, reminder islands are open for business after I-5 bridge collapse
Read a press release from the Town of Friday Harbor and San Juan County about the I-5 bridge collapse, Memorial Day weekend in the islands, and best routes to get here.
Bypass for I-5 bridge collapse; alternative routes to San Juans available
Alternatives routes are well marked and easy to follow to get from I-5 to the Anacortes ferry terminal and the San Juan Islands for the Memorial Day weekend.
I-5 Skagit River bridge collapses; three injured, two rescued from water, plan for delays
The northern most section of the I-5 bridge spanning the Skagit River collapsed Thursday, shortly before 7 p.m., hurtling several cars and people into the water. Click on this article for an up to date report by Journal sister paper, The Everett Daily Herald.
Morris wireless bill signed into law
House Bill 1183, sponsored by state Rep. Jess Morris, 40th District, updates Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act review process regarding wireless structures, exempting those that are constructed atop existing buildings and commercial or industrial areas.
Council selects Enumclaw administrator for county manager post | Update
Thomas has been city administrator of the city of Enumclaw, population 10,669, Wash., since 2010. Before that, he was director of the city's Department of Community and Economic Development for five years.
San Juan Island's Mulligan resigns from OPALCO board
Although no final decision has been made, the board previously backed the broadband initiative as a means to enhance its electricity delivery through “Smart Grid” technology, better conserve energy use, and boost communication capability of emergency service.
Interest proves uneven in race for public office
Incumbent Felix Menjivar will face a pair of opponents in the race for Position 3 on the town council. Meanwhile, Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher and 21 other candidates are unopposed for election.
SJ fire department in, EMS out in new public safety boat deal
Sheriff Rob Nou had been hopeful that the boat, which would be built entirely by federal dollars, would serve as a replacement for the department's aging 28-foot Boston Whaler, stationed on Orcas, as well as offering increased fire-fighting ability and on-the-water ambulance service for public safety agencies across the county.
County manager candidates: and then there were two
The county manager, who is expected to be paid about $150,000 a year, will assist the new 3-person county council in overseeing the functions of local government and those departments not managed by another elected county official, such as the sheriff, auditor or prosecuting attorney.
Orcas woman contests 5-year prison term
Judge cites long record of drug, property crimes for length of latest sentence, 60 months in prison.
County prevails in 'open meetings' lawsuit; appeal 'likely'
Although Judge Alan Hancock discussed and dismissed a number of factual and legal issues associated with the case, the crux of his decision, based upon Washington appellate precedents, stated that, “for the purposes of OPMA, a meeting occurs only if a majority or quorum of the governing body is present.”
