In his career as an educator, Rick Thompson has stopped scuffles and broken up fights. He’s grappled with student curiosity about huffing and sniffing glue. But the superintendent of San Juan Island public schools never thought he’d have to contend with students trying the “Choking Game,” the object of which is to stop blood flow to the brain until the player passes out. “I don’t think it’s uncommon,” Thompson said. “But what some kids might think is a game can turn dangerous.”
County Councilman Rich Peterson has had a formidable challenger in Laura Jo Severson. But his experience gives him the edge in this election. The council is in the middle of a lot of work on solid waste, the Critical Areas Ordinance update, and balancing the budget. This is a critical time. Peterson should be reelected.
To hear family members tell it, Christopher Billmyer is pretty much like the handsome kid with the big smile in the photographs. Wiry and athletic, good sense of humor. A patriotic heart, like many others in his heartland USA hometown of Dubuque, Iowa. He dreamed of a career as a firefighter or police officer. When he decided he would first serve his country in a military uniform, he trained with Marines during his senior year in high school so he would be better prepared for boot camp. “People describe him as a beautiful boy,” his aunt Bobbi Billmyer said Tuesday. “He’s dedicated and has integrity. He wanted to be a fireman or a law enforcement officer, or maybe work in the Justice Department. He wanted to continue to serve.” Tuesday, Christopher Billmyer – a 22-year-old Marine lance corporal and nephew of Steve and Bobbi Billmyer of Friday Harbor — was being flown from Germany to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., for treatment of serious injuries sustained Saturday in an IED explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
The eighth annual Roche Harbor Salmon Classic Invitational is Feb. 3-5. The derby traditionally fills long before the entry deadline. As of Oct. 26, 50 of 100 entry spots had been filled. The 2010 Derby sold out on Dec. 5, 2009. The invitational is a three-day sport fishing extravaganza that attracts anglers from all over the Northwest and Canada. More than $30,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
First of all, I want to say that it’s great to be back on the island after a year-and-a-half absence. This island and its people have been fantastic to me and my family upon our return. We missed this wonderful place and the lifestyle to which we had become accustomed. That said, there is one thing which I cannot believe has happened in our absence with regards to the solid waste disposal site. And that is, in essence, nothing!
Tourism is basic to our island economy. We are a destination because we are different from the mainland. A Subway in Friday Harbor would be detrimental to our economy and also hurt the small restaurants owned by islanders. A mainland chain would assault the character and culture of our island town.
I have read letters from both sides stating the writers’ minds regarding the race for Sheriff of San Juan County. Many of those letters came from people who were not here when I began my career as a San Juan County Deputy Sheriff, nearly 20 years ago. Both of the candidates have qualities I like and respect. I’ve heard both speak in open forum and during personal conversations. They both have their own views as to where the department can or should go for the future. And, as some have said, they seem to be nearly equal in abilities and experience. I want to outline the difference as I see it.
Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Billmyer, nephew of Steve and Bobbi Billmyer of Friday Harbor, was injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan Oct. 23. “They had to amputate both of his legs above the knee,” Mrs. Billmyer wrote in an e-mail Oct. 24. “He will go to Germany, then (Bethesda) … Please keep Chris and his family in your prayers.” Billmyer is assigned to U.S. Marine Corps 3/5 L Company. He is at least the fifth service member with local ties injured since the U.S. went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003; two others were killed in action.
Friday Harbor High School’s Homecoming parade on Oct. 22 attracted a large crowd of Wolverine fans, family and friends, who followed the student floats from downtown to the high school. The Wolverines’ homecoming game against Lynden Christian was just as spirited, although the home team lost 27-13. The Journal’s Jane K. Fox produced this multimedia presentation of Homecoming 2010.
Chris and Betsy Pope of Friday Harbor are delighted to announce the births of two granddaughters: Ada Lillian Cauldwell Greene, born July 31, 2010 in Portland, Ore., daughter of Sarah Pope and Adam Greene. And Lucy Caroline Zaslow Pope, born Aug. 26, 2010 in New York City, daughter of Marika Hufford Zaslow and Saxton Pope.
Citizens Alliance for Property Rights San Juan presents a seminar, “Wetlands, Science & Laws,” Oct. 30 and 31 in the San Juan Island Grange Hall.
The seminar is designed for architects, builders, developers, landscapers, law professionals, planners, property owners and other interested residents.
Nikki Fink, 28, of Friday Harbor, Wash., died of cystic fibrosis at University of Washington Medical Center after an extended stay while awaiting a lung transplant.
Ferry fares are expected to increase in the San Juan Islands. Islanders are being asked to comment on a draft ferry fare adjustment proposal developed by the State Transportation Commission in consultation with the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariffs, an advisory group made up of ferry riders and members of local ferry advisory committees.
