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    Articles by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Staff photo
Retiring County Auditor Milene Henley (left) celebrates her retirement as Auditor Elect Natasha Warmenhoven (right) officially takes the reins at the Auditor’s office.
    Auditor Milene Henley shares insights with retirement on...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • January 3, 2023 1:30 am

    After sixteen years of public service as San Juan County’s Auditor, Milene Henley sat down with the Journal to discuss…

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    County logo.
    County Council holds public hearings on budget and...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • December 5, 2022 1:30 am

    The San Juan County Board of County Commissioners had a very full agenda before them on November 29 during their…

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    Contributed photo by Karl Kruger
Adventurer and outdoor enthusiast Karl Kruger takes to the water aboard his human-powered paddleboard.
    Journey to the edge of the world: Orcas...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • December 2, 2022 1:30 am

    Orcas Island resident Karl Kruger single-handedly paddled 420 miles of the frigid Northwest Passage this past summer on his customized…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok / Staff photo.
Top finishers of the 2022 Turkey Trot. From left: Third Place finisher, Friday Harbor Resident and FHHS Class of 2017 Alumni Joe Stewart; First Place Finisher, Dietrich Wieland from Portland; and Second Place Finisher Jack Verzuh of Seattle.
    Turkey Trot 2022
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • December 1, 2022 1:30 am

    Islanders and visitors burned some pre-feast calories Thanksgiving day, for a good cause during the 16th annual Turkey Trot.

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    County logo.
    Public hearing is scheduled for Comp Plan
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • November 23, 2022 1:30 am

    Islanders have the chance to voice their opinions about the 2036 Comprehensive Plane during the public hearing scheduled for Tuesday,…

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    Contributed photos Ron Krebs and Eric Peter talk to the Journal
    Q and A with the sheriff candidates
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • October 24, 2022 1:30 am

    The Journal sat down with the candidates for San Juan County Sheriff for a question and answer session. Answers have…

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    Contributed photo by Markus Spiske on Upslash
    Childcare in crisis on San Juan Island
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • September 20, 2022 1:30 am

    Parenting has never been easy, but with today’s economic climate, child care shortages and housing crisis, stresses are piling up.

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    Contributed photo by Washington Department of Ecology
A Global Dive & Salvage diver prepares to dive down to the Aleutian Isle, resting over 200 feet below the surface.
    Preparing for herculean recovery of Aleutian Isle
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • September 13, 2022 1:30 am

    Nearly a month later, the fuel oil vents of the Aleutian Isle are secured, but the boat remains under 200…

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    The Friday Harbor Wolverines football team are on the hunt for a fourth title. From left, back row: Coach Shannon Plummer, Kieran Cochran, Nathan Posenjak, Geoffry Volk, Cody Anderson, Victor Velasquez, Tate Geiser, Chris Gustufson, Jaxson Waldron, Max Field, Julio Chavira-Sanabria, Whiley McCutheon, Pierce Kleine, Mason Smith, and Coach Brock Hauck. Front row, from left:  Atreyu Welty, Ronnie Olmos, Jackson Feliz, Ryan Rautenburg, Nick Chambers, Auden Garner, Jackson Martinez, Andy Quiroz, Triston Bremer, and Landon Weidmaier.
    FHHS Football – on the hunt for a...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • September 13, 2022 1:30 am

    The Friday Harbor High School Wolverines football team are preparing for another great season of football.

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    Editorial
    When the news hits home | Reporter’s notebook
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 18, 2022 1:30 am

    Covering local news is an important part of being a member of this community, and as reporters we are often…

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    County logo.
    Court orders county to place Charter Review Commission...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 16, 2022 1:30 am

    Superior Court Judge Christon C. Skinner ordered San Juan County the San Juan County Council, and the San Juan County…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok / Staff photo
US Coast Guard Cutter Swordfish stands by the scene of the vessel sinking as a Coast Guard helicopter flies overhead.
    Fishing vessels sinks, leaking diesel and threatening sensitive...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 16, 2022 1:30 am

    Update Aug. 16 at 10 a.m.

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    County logo.
    Charter Review Commission Members Sue County
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 12, 2022 12:30 pm

    San Juan County, the San Juan County Council, and Auditor Milene Henley are being sued in Superior Court for taking…

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