For more than two centuries, American barns have stood as a symbol of hard work and a rural way of life. They are one of the most prominent relics of San Juan County’s agricultural past, yet no one knows how many historic barns there are on the islands.
Wednesday’s edition of The Journal of the San Juan Islands includes “Stay Smart, Don’t Start,” our annual substance abuse prevention guide; the San Juan Island National Historical Park’s 2009-10 Guide to American and English Camps; and Real Estate in the San Juans.
Each and everyone who attended understood the importance of making sure our athletic program stays strong for our island children — thank you!
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee should not take the County Council’s transfer site decision as a vote against the SWAC site recommendation. The head of SWAC noted and directed the SWAC board many times: “The SWAC board is not to consider … That is not the job of the SWAC board …” For example, the SWAC board was not to consider things like: the costs of each site, the duplication of services, the environmental issues, the taking over of services that are currently being provided by private enterprises, etc.
Yellow Island, a preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy, is awash in color from the 50 species of wildflowers now in bloom. It is accessible only by kayak or skiff. Camping is not allowed.
President Obama’s budget includes $6 million to purchase Mitchell Hill and transfer it to the San Juan Island National Historical Park, according to Rep. Rick Larsen’s office. “Today’s announcement is great news for San Juan County, Northwest Washington and the over 250,000 people who visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park each year,” said Larsen, who has worked for more than six years to transfer ownership of Mitchell Hill to the National Park from the state Department of Natural Resources.
The state County Road Administration Board has awarded San Juan County the largest grant it has ever given the county. The board’s $2.5 million grant will fund the reconstruction of Mount Baker Road on Orcas Island, between mile posts 0 and 1.1, the county communications office reported.
That the undefeated Friday Harbor Wolverines would win the League Championship at par-71 San Juan Golf and Country Club, there was little doubt. But Friday Harbor’s golfers weren’t taking Thursday’s match for granted. Not with the mercury at 49 degrees, not with a chilly breeze blowing in from Griffin Bay, not with rain making the outing a soggy one.
San Juan County Fire Marshal Bob Low said Thursday he will run for mayor of Friday Harbor in November. Low, a former town fire chief, said he expected to make a formal announcement Friday. His candidacy means that for the first time since 1997, voters will have a choice of more than one candidate for mayor: Gary Boothman ran unopposed in 2001; David Jones ran unopposed in 2005.
Sharon led a modest life, had a positive, strong-willed spirit and was the rock of her family and friends. Her life on Lopez was full of days at the beach, gardening, keeping up with her kids’ musical endeavors, sporting events, making jewelry, knitting, baking and planning events. The smell of fresh baked bread, cookies and pies always seemed to fill her house.
When Lynden Christian swept past the Friday Harbor Wolverines 7-0 Tuesday, they won themselves a match-up with defending state champions King’s later this week. The Wolverines put the wraps on a hard, sometimes frustrating season.
State Sen. Kevin Ranker has faced a tough first several months in office. He just finished the state budget process, and says it was “one of the more difficult experiences” of his life.
Ballet Folklorico performs at the Cinco de Mayo-themed Community Dinner tonight, 5:30-7 p.m., in the Friday Harbor High School Dining Hall. The dinner features a Mexican menu by Chef Andy and the Friday Harbor Foodies.
