I would like to respond to your front-page article in the Feb. 10 edition regarding changes to regulations that affect wireless communications in San Juan County (“Hearing Feb. 19 on cell changes”).
For all who attended the 2010 Public Schools Foundation Knowledge Bowl, might I presume to say “thank you.” Thank you for collecting and donating $110,689 to the children of the San Juan Island School District. The money is so appreciated and well used for much-needed instructional materials.
Voters did the right thing when they approved property tax levy renewals for San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island School District maintenance and operations. You will continue to pay a property tax of 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation for EMS services. If your home is worth $300,000, that’s $105 a year – no out of pocket. It’s a great investment in the health and security of you and every member of your household.
Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Bellingham, will have a challenge in the primary from within his own party. Larry Kalb, 55, announced his candidacy Jan. 15 for the 2nd Congressional District seat, to which Larsen was elected in 2000. Kalb lives in Bellingham, works for the Whatcom Transportation Authority finance department, and is president of Health Care for All, a statewide organization advocating single-payer health care. And Diana McGinness of Bellingham, a retired insurance fraud investigator, announced her candidacy Jan. 20.
The Bluff Restaurant·Bar·Terrace at Friday Harbor House has appointed Joseph Foriska as chef. “As a resident of the San Juan Islands for more than 15 years, Chef Foriska brings to the table a familiarity of the San Juan Island culinary community and strong relationships with local purveyors,” Friday Harbor House GM Michael O’Dell said in a press release.
Deanna Osborn is the new director of marketing and director of activities at Village at the Harbour assisted living community in Friday Harbor. Osborn has worked with seniors for 19 years. She joined Village at the Harbour in November 2007 as the activity director and resident assistant. She was recently promoted to director of marketing/activities.
The San Juan County Land Bank requests proposals from farmers interested in a long-term agricultural lease of its Frazer Homestead Preserve on San Juan Island.
Island Air, an air charter company based in Friday Harbor, has received the Five Star Safety Award from Phoenix Aviation Managers Inc. The award was presented in Friday Harbor on Feb. 4. Island Air has been insured by Phoenix Aviation Managers for more than eight years and has received the most safety awards ever given to a Phoenix-insured air carrier.
State Rep. Dave Quall is retiring after 18 years of service in the Legislature. Quall is a retired teacher, counselor and coach. He is chairman of the House Education Committee, and has also been devoted to clean air and water, economic development, farmland preservation, and transportation. Four district residents are already out of the chutes with their campaigns to succeed him.
The Center for Whale Research has confirmed the birth of a new L pod calf. L114 was photographed with its mother, L77, on Feb. 21 in Cordova Bay. The new calf brings the Southern resident orca population up to 89.
Online registration is now open for all boys and girls ages 5-14 who want to participate in T-ball, softball or baseball through Friday Harbor Baseball & Softball Association (FHBSA). Tryouts and skills assessments will be held March 20. The season will open after spring break.
Friday Harbor will have a new fire truck come summer. The Town Council approved a resolution 3-1 Thursday authorizing the purchase of a 1,500-gallon-per-minute fire engine for $528,931. With tax, the total bill comes to $579,179.
Friday Harbor’s wrestlers, having lost their opening matches at the storied Mat Classic on Friday, found some redemption vs. Montesano. But in the end, it was Zillah that dashed the wrestlers’ hopes of third-place finishes at the state championship.
