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    Articles by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Staff photo
Marcy Hahn, center, as Suger Lee Thompkins, and with friends, Carlene Travis played by Vienna St. George, Nita Mooney played by Cris DuVall, Mavis Flowers, played by Corinne Morrell, Crystal Hart played by Becky Armstrong and Bunny Sutherland played by Heather Mueller
    “Hallelujah Girls” – a journey into self-discovery
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • October 13, 2023 1:30 am

    Following the funeral of a close friend, Sugar Lee Thompkins (played by Marcy Hahn) and four of her dearest and…

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    Maria Magana-Navarro/Staff photo 
Back row, left to right: Natalie Morton, Kai Whalen, Esme Smith, Mia Germain, Carolyn Talbott, Jasper Markins, Vera Schoultz, Brie Roit, April Cain. Middle row, left to right: Maria Magana, Indikaia Minter, Reese Tangney, Nakayla Nibler, Sarah Cruz, Caylee Morton, Lilly Carillo, Virginia Sierman, Coach Willie Blackmon Front row, left to right: Elizabeth Kochel, Nicki Clark Cole, Chelsi Pittman, Mila Jackson, Millie Nibler, Lyla Frohm, Malia Warin, Isabelle Derksma.
    Volleyball: A drive for change
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • September 14, 2023 1:30 am

    After many trials and tribulations the Lady Wolverines jump into a new volleyball season, this time however with a new…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Staff Photo 
Tommy Dale & The Dangerfields perform Thursday, August 24, on the newly completed Brickworks Stage.
    New Brickworks stage a centerpiece for Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 30, 2023 1:30 am

    The concept of a ‘Town Square’ in Friday Harbor just got a major boost last week when Brickworks Event Center…

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    Photo by Ken Balcomb 
Prior to her death Friday, August 18, Lolita entertained audiences for over five decades in a small pool at the Miami Seaquarium. Lolita, aka Tokitae, recently retired from show business and was actively preparing to return to the Pacific Northwest where she was born in the mid 1960s.
    Tokitae’s death ends dream to return her home
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 21, 2023 1:30 am

    Editor’s Note: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok is the son of Ken Balcomb and nephew of Howard Garrett, two key participants in this…

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    Photo by Ken Balcomb
Under her stage name of Lolita (aka Tokitae, aka Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut), a young female orca performs for an audience of adoring fans in a small tank at the Miami Seaquarium in this archive photo from the mid 1990s. With the help of a few key non-profits, the Lummi Nation, and the blessing of the marine park’s owner, Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut as she is now known may retire to the waters of the Pacific Northwest after over 53 years in show business.
    Last orca taken from Salish Sea may soon...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 15, 2023 1:30 am

    Editors note: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok is the son of Ken Balcomb and nephew of Howard Garrett, two key participants in this…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok staff photo
The Palace Theater reopens Friday following an extensive remodel of both the concessions stand and the restrooms.
    Lights, camera, action | Palace Theater reopens its...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 25, 2023 1:30 am

    Lights. Camera. Action. Palace Theatre reopens its doors Friday

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    Staff photo \ Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
How this performer was able to dangle from their hair left the audience aghast.
    Up Up Up Circus entertained islanders of all...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 17, 2023 1:30 am

    Islanders packed into the fairgrounds to watch the Up Up Up Circus. This was at least their second time to…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok staff photo
Island Stage Left presents Shakespeare Under The Stars with Sylvie Davidson as Viola.
    Island Stage Left presents a night of rowdy...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 11, 2023 1:30 am

    Island Stage Left will perform Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s brilliant comedy of crossed wires and thwarted desires, opening Thursday, July 20…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok \ staff photo
Sheriff Eric Peter and wife Jennifer lead the 2023 parade ‘Marching Forward Together’ through downtown Friday Harbor.
    Friday Harbor celebrates Fourth of July Marching Forward...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 5, 2023 1:30 am

    The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce sponsored the annual 4th of July parade, with Grand Marshals, Honored Citizens and…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok \ Staff photo
Charred remains of the woodshed.
    Fire at Lakedale contained to woodshed
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 3, 2023 1:30 am

    Contrary to rumors on social media, Lakedale Resort did not burn down.

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    Contributed photo by the Washington State Transportation Commission
The Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor June 21-22. Their monthly meeting included presentations by the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Council and Staff, the Port of Friday Harbor, Lopez Port Authority, Island Air Ambulances, Kenmore Air, and public comment from concerned citizens.
    Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 1, 2023 1:30 am

    The Washington State Transportation Commission held its monthly meeting in Friday Harbor on June 21, and their timing couldn’t have…

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    Contributed photo
County Clerks from across the state converged in Friday Harbor last week for the 117th Annual WSACC Conference.
    Washington Clerks gather in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • June 28, 2023 1:30 am

    San Juan Island hosted the annual summer conference of the Washington State Association of County Clerks last week.

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    (Washington State Ferries/contributed photo) Cars load aboard the ferry at Anacortes.
    Cancelled ferries wreaking havoc on island communities
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • June 20, 2023 1:30 am

    Many islanders no longer trust the Washington State ferry system, as frequent cancellations and chronic delays continue to cause major…

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