San Juan County Sheriff candidate Brent Johnson has three meet-and-greets scheduled. Johnson — brentjohnsonforsheriff.blogspot.com — will meet islanders July 30 (Friday), 5-7 p.m. in the San Juan Island Library conference room; Aug. 2, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Orcas Island Public Library conference room; and Aug. 3, 4:30-5:45 p.m. in the Lopez Island Library conference room.
A total of 16 San Juan District 3 firefighters worked Sunday afternoon to Monday morning to contain a wildfire on the eastern side of uninhabited Satellite Island, next to Stuart Island. Between 4 and 12 acres were burned, San Juan District 3 Fire Chief Steve Marler said. District 3 is contracted by the state Department of Natural Resources to provide initial firefighting response on DNR land in San Juan County. San Juan Island firefighters spent the night bringing the blaze under control, using materials they took with them on the Sheriff’s boat Guardian, the Friday Harbor town fireboat Confidence, and a state parks landing craft.
Here are news reports from KOMO-4 News and Q13 News of the public meeting Tuesday at Mullis Community Senior Center regarding the National Park Service’s plan to remove the rabbits from American Camp. A Journal story will be posted this morning.
It has been my pleasure to get to know the Fincher family over the past three years as a 4-H member and leader of their son’s Astronomy 4-H Club. I am writing this letter to the paper because I believe Brad Fincher would be an excellent sheriff for our community.
The three letters concerning the county sheriff election left me wondering just how safe we are if those responding to personal or public situations are as unsupportive of each other as it appears. I had a career where it was imperative that the members of the team had each other’s backs at all times. With that came the responsibility of projecting that support to anyone, either in contact with or observing us, to maintain confidence in our abilities.
For several years, I have been part of a small group trying to get a radio station in Friday Harbor. Lopez Island was successful in their efforts so we are encouraged.
Larry Kalb is a candidate for Congress on the primary election ballot. For background, he has lived in Bellingham for 16 years, is active in several civic organizations, and his job is in the financial department of Whatcom Transportation Authority. An active Democrat, he has been a Washington state delegate to two national presidential nominating conventions.
Curb bulbs to improve pedestrians’ sight of traffic. Directional signage. And — dare we say it? — lights to control traffic when the ferry is offloading. Those are some of the pedestrian and traffic control measures that could be funded by $230,000 earmarked for the Friday Harbor ferry terminal. The money is included in the federal transportation budget being considered by Congress.
Marguerite Rebecca Gudgell came to Orcas Island on the afternoon boat on a clear day in late summer of 1963. The wife of a school teacher and mother to three children, her arrival would change the lives of countless people for decades to come.
Meg Drye made a hole in one at San Juan Golf and Country Club July 10. Drye made the ace on the 109-yard No. 8, using a King Cobra 6 Baffler. It’s her first hole in one. She was golfing with her husband, Rich, and friends Michael and Cynthia Griffin.
The ideas flowed as freely as the words of protest to save the American Camp rabbits: Find the rabbits new homes. Relocate them to animal sanctuaries. Let them remain on the prairie and fence off an area where native grasses can flourish without rabbit interference. All were unanimous: The American Camp rabbits should live.
Sail in a Vanguard 15 or Laser and enjoy burgers and hot dogs at the San Juan Island Sailing Foundation and the San Juan Sailing Team’s Open House, July 25 — Sunday — 4-7 p.m. at Jackson’s Beach. The event is open to the public. Food sales will help support high school sailing and the sailing classes on Percich Pond.
An all-church Barbecue and Potluck will be held at the Valley Church July 25 — Sunday. Hot dogs, hamburgers, fixings, and lemonade and water will be provided. Bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Lunch will be served between 12:15 and 12:30. You may also bring shade umbrellas, camp chairs and/or picnic blankets; some seating will be available. (There will be a portable restroom available.)
