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    Articles by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
    Photo by Ken Balcomb
Under her stage name of Lolita (aka Tokitae, aka Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut), a young female orca performs for an audience of adoring fans in a small tank at the Miami Seaquarium in this archive photo from the mid 1990s. With the help of a few key non-profits, the Lummi Nation, and the blessing of the marine park’s owner, Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut as she is now known may retire to the waters of the Pacific Northwest after over 53 years in show business.
    Tokitae’s death ends dream to return her home
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 18, 2023 1:30 am

    The last remaining Southern Resident Killer whale taken from the Salish Sea during the captures in the late 1960s and…

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    Contributed photo by the Washington State Transportation Commission
The Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor June 21-22. Their monthly meeting included presentations by the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Council and Staff, the Port of Friday Harbor, Lopez Port Authority, Island Air Ambulances, Kenmore Air, and public comment from concerned citizens.
    Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 12, 2023 1:30 am

    The Washington State Transportation Commission held its monthly meeting in Friday Harbor on June 21, and their timing couldn’t have…

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    Contributed photo
County Clerks from across the state converged in Friday Harbor last week for the 117th Annual WSACC Conference.
    Washington Clerks gather in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • July 9, 2023 1:30 am

    San Juan Island hosted the annual summer conference of the Washington State Association of County Clerks last week.

    Read Story

    Contributed photo by the Washington State Transportation Commission
The Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor June 21-22. Their monthly meeting included presentations by the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Council and Staff, the Port of Friday Harbor, Lopez Port Authority, Island Air Ambulances, Kenmore Air, and public comment from concerned citizens.
    Washington State Transportation Commission met in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • June 29, 2023 1:30 am

    The Washington State Transportation Commission held its monthly meeting in Friday Harbor on June 21, and their timing couldn’t have…

    Read Story

    Contributed photo
County Clerks from across the state converged in Friday Harbor last week for the 117th Annual WSACC Conference.
    Washington Clerks gather in Friday Harbor
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • June 29, 2023 1:30 am

    San Juan Island hosted the annual summer conference of the Washington State Association of County Clerks last week.

    Read Story

    Contributed photo.
A 45’ tug boat carrying approximately 400 gallons of diesel fuel partially sank off the Lopez ferry terminal Wednesday morning.
    Tugboat partially sinks off Lopez ferry terminal
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • February 27, 2023 1:30 am

    A 45’ tugboat partially sank off the Lopez ferry terminal Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, with an estimated 400 gallons of…

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    Contributed photo by Jill Hein
J59 seen swimming between J40 Suttles and J37 Hy’Shqa in June 2022.
    Council acknowledge inherent rights of SRKW
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • February 19, 2023 1:30 am

    The San Juan County Council joined a growing number of cities and counties throughout the Puget Sound region to acknowledge…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok \ Staff photo
Several San Juan County elected officials held an informal meet and greet with the public in the County Council chambers in Friday Harbor Saturday, Jan. 28.
    Elected officials host public Meet and Greet
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • February 11, 2023 1:30 am

    San Juan County elected officials held an informal meet and greet titled “Meet Your Elected Officials” at the county council…

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    Kelley Balcomb-Bartok Staff photo
Sheriff Eric Peter is flanked by 13 Ravens Coffee owner Liberty Miller (left), and officers Nick Wainwright, Rion Brandt, and Jay Holt during the department’s first “Coffee With A Cop” event held January 28 in Friday Harbor.
    ‘Coffee With A Cop’ event drew community interest...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • February 9, 2023 1:30 am

    Sheriff Eric Peter and several deputies from the Sheriff’s Department held their first “Coffee with a Cop” community event Saturday,…

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    Retiring Auditor Milene Henley shares insights
    Retiring Auditor Milene Henley shares insights
    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.
    Court orders county to place Charter Review Commission...
    By Kelley Balcomb-Bartok • August 22, 2022 1:30 am

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

    Read Story

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