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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

Life

“Hallelujah Girls” – a journey into self-discovery

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

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.

Sports

Volleyball: A drive for change

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

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Staff Photo Tommy Dale & The Dangerfields perform Thursday, August 24, on the newly completed Brickworks Stage.

Life

New Brickworks stage a centerpiece for Friday Harbor

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

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.

News

Tokitae’s death ends dream to return her home

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

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.

News

Last orca taken from Salish Sea may soon return home

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

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok staff photo The Palace Theater reopens Friday following an extensive remodel of both the concessions stand and the restrooms.

Life

Lights, camera, action | Palace Theater reopens its doors on Friday

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

Staff photo \ Kelley Balcomb-Bartok How this performer was able to dangle from their hair left the audience aghast.

Life

Up Up Up Circus entertained islanders of all ages

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

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok staff photo Island Stage Left presents Shakespeare Under The Stars with Sylvie Davidson as Viola.

Life

Island Stage Left presents a night of rowdy revelry wiht “Twelfth Night”

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

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok \ staff photo Sheriff Eric Peter and wife Jennifer lead the 2023 parade ‘Marching Forward Together’ through downtown Friday Harbor.

Life

Friday Harbor celebrates Fourth of July Marching Forward Together

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

Kelley Balcomb-Bartok \ Staff photo Charred remains of the woodshed.

News

Fire at Lakedale contained to woodshed

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

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.

News

Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor

The Washington State Transportation Commission held its monthly meeting in Friday Harbor on June 21, and their timing…

Contributed photo County Clerks from across the state converged in Friday Harbor last week for the 117th Annual WSACC Conference.

News

Washington Clerks gather in Friday Harbor

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

(Washington State Ferries/contributed photo) Cars load aboard the ferry at Anacortes.

News

Cancelled ferries wreaking havoc on island communities

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