San Juan County nears the end of the County Manager hiring process after interviewing three finalists. The County Council will deliberate during a closed session at the May 14 Council meeting where they will select a County Manager or determine next steps for further recruitment.
Process Recap:
The County’s core hiring committee consisted of the Human Resources Director, Interim County Manager, and County Council, assisted by the recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources (SGR). The job posting yielded 39 applicants from around the country that were screened and vetted via resume reviews, video interviews, and written responses.
After a thorough interview process, three finalists were invited to San Juan County for in-person interviews:
- Ana Cortez, City Manager of Carnation, WA
- Jessica Hudson, Director at Fairfax County Public Library
- Sri Krisham, Deputy Director of Finance & Administration at the City of Kirkland
San Juan County Auditor, Natasha Warmenhoven, is seeking people interested in writing arguments against the San Juan Island Library District and Lopez Island School District ballot measures for the voters’ guide.
In order to ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees to write voters’ guide arguments both for and against the proposition. If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor.
SEATTLE – The Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology, and San Juan County officials are responding to a vessel that sank Friday just west of Henry Island, Washington.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report at approximately 6 a.m. Friday that the 48-foot commercial fishing vessel Chief Joseph was taking on water with one person and a dog aboard.
The person and dog departed the vessel aboard a life raft.
Sector watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Bellingham and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Adelie to respond to the reported distress.
The survivor and dog reached the shore of Henry Island aboard the life raft.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Adelie located the survivor and the dog, transferred them aboard the cutter, and transported them to Port Angeles in stable condition.
The Coast Guard helicopter aircrew conducted an overflight of the area and reported a 100-yard sheen on the water and a debris field from the sunken vessel.
The Coast Guard cutter crew remained on scene to recover the items before transporting the survivor and the dog to shore.
The vessel has a maximum capacity of 850 gallons of diesel and was reported to be carrying approximately 400 to 500 gallons.
Global Dive and Salvage, an oil spill response organization, has been contracted to evaluate the condition of the vessel and mitigate the threat of pollution to the environment.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Wednesday, May 1, is the opening day for lingcod fishing season in Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and several other local spots.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife describes lingcod as “frightful-looking creatures” with buggy eyes, a bucket-sized mouth, odd-shaped fins and a pot belly. The department adds that lingcod can usually be found hiding in places with hard rocky bottoms like reefs, breakwaters and ledges.
The daily lingcod limit is one per angler and catches must be between 26 and 36 inches. Fish and Wildlife says these restrictions have helped their populations remain healthy over recent years.
The lingcod fishing season runs through June 15.
Find more tips to help catch lingcod on WDFW’s website.
A timely reminder for Washingtonians to prepare their homes and property for summer fires and smoke.
Leaders from San Juan Island Fire and Rescue, Lopez Island Fire District No. 4 and EMS, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources are here to show residents how to prepare for wildfires this summer and beyond.
Part of the readiness effort is connecting San Juan County residents to free resources and support through Wildfire Ready Neighbors, which is launching in San Juan County for the first time this May. To date, more than 5,000 Washingtonians statewide have received a free action plan through this effort.
I wanted to invite you to learn more at an upcoming wildfire readiness event on Wednesday, May 8 at 1:00pm PST at the San Juan Island Fire Department (full advisory with details below my signature).
San Juan County is gearing up for its annual hazardous waste round-up collection events, providing our community with a crucial opportunity to safely and legally dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or other hazardous chemicals.
"Over the last six months, the Lopez and Orcas solid waste facilities have both experienced alarming incidents where hazardous chemicals interacted, leading to dangerous reactions and the temporary closure of the facilities. It is paramount that both residents and businesses prioritize responsible disposal of hazardous waste to prevent such unsafe situations," said Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator within the County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship.
Household collection events will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the solid waste facilities on San Juan (May 4), Lopez (May 11), and Orcas Islands (June 1). An event will also be hosted on Decatur Island on June 15, with the location and time to be announced at a later date.
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