by Colleen Smith Summers, Heather Spaulding and Joanna Massey
Staff report
At the end of the year, we take a look at the biggest headlines of the past 12 months. This is part one. We chose the top stories from our most-read online articles and events we feel had the most significant impact on our communities.
1. Big year for elections
San Juan County had 86.89% of registered voters casting a ballot. The average voter turnout was 78.94% statewide.
An overwhelming number of voters approved the Real Estate Excise Tax that funds the Land Bank: 67.34% voted yes while 32.66% voted no.
There will be two new council members next year. For San Juan County Council District 1, Kari McVeigh received 63.22% of the vote while Stephanie O’Day came in at 36.37%. For the District 2 position, Justin Paulsen earned 52.95% of the vote while Rick Hughes came in at 46.73%.
“I am humbled and honored by the amazing support I’ve received these past nine months and promise to apply my skills, my energy and my heart to serving all San Juan County people equitably,” McVeigh said. “I am grateful to my stellar team and the positive, grassroots campaign we ran through thick and thin. And I look forward to working with all islanders – from the towns to the shores to the farms – as we work together to secure the islands’ future. Thank you so much for your amazing work throughout this campaign season!”
2. Sheriff seizes drugs from Big Store
On Aug. 21, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Washington State Department of Revenue, executed a search warrant at The Big Store, located at 420 Argyle Ave in Friday Harbor. This action followed a tip from a concerned citizen in June, alleging the sale of dangerous illegal drugs at the business. Investigators, including the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, conducted multiple controlled buys leading to the operation.
During the search, numerous boxes of illegal drugs were seized as evidence and loaded into a law enforcement van. Sheriff Eric Peter stated, “We’re sifting through all the evidence. Criminal charges are expected.” The case is considered one of the County’s larger investigations this year.
Additionally, 24-year-old Trevor A. Faglier was arrested on an unrelated nationwide extraditable felony warrant from Colorado and is currently held in the Skagit County Jail awaiting extradition.
The investigation remains ongoing, with staffing shortages at the Sheriff’s Office causing delays. Sheriff Peter expressed the department’s challenges, citing difficulties in hiring deputies due to compensation and housing shortages in San Juan County.
3. Mike Thomas retires, Jessica Hudson hired
In August, San Juan County welcomed Jessica Hudson as its new County manager, following a period of interim leadership after Mike Thomas retired. Hudson, who previously led Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia, started with key projects such as the comprehensive plan update, budget amendments and capital projects. She brings extensive experience in managing large teams, budgets and strategic initiatives. Hudson expressed her excitement about joining the community and was looking forward to supporting important County initiatives.
During the leadership transition, the County was supported by dedicated staff. Mark Tompkins, the Health & Community Services director, served as interim County manager, providing steady leadership and playing a key role in the recruitment of Hudson. Tompkins, with 25 years of service, was praised for his problem-solving approach. Kyle Dodd, HCS deputy director, and Brandon Andrews, Parks and Fair director, also took on critical roles, supporting departments and leading major initiatives. Dodd’s 10 years with the County and Andrews’ contributions to key projects like the 32-hour work week and capital improvements were highlighted. The County expresses gratitude for all staff’s dedication and looks forward to continued collaboration in providing services to the community.
4. Elwha retired
The Elwha had been decommissioned several years ago, and became one of two vessels sold for salvage to a clean, green steel mill facility owned by businessman Nelson Armas of Ecuador.
The 144-car Elwha was named for the Lower Elwha Kallam Tribe. She is a Super-Class vessel built in 1967 in San Diego, California. It made worldwide headlines after running aground on a submerged rock near Orcas Island on Oct. 2, 1983. The collision was thought to be caused by a failure in the steering component, but later, it was found to have been caused by the ferry captain going off course to give a visitor a view of her waterfront home. The ferry’s captain and the chief were fired after concluding the investigations. This incident caused $250,00 worth of damage, and the ferry was out of service for several weeks. After the incident, the rock was named “Elwha Rock.” In 1989, the Island City Jazz Band wrote and performed their song “Elwha on the Rocks.”
In September 1999, the Elwha made more headlines after a computer glitch led the ferry to ram into the Orcas Island ferry dock — that accident cost $3.8 million. A quote from the Seattle Times article said, “Ferry Loaded With Passengers Slams Into Orcas Island Dock” and “’People at the dock were yelling for everybody to get off the dock. Then it just rammed the dock, and the pilings started cracking,’ said Patty Cunningham, who worked at the nearby Orcas Hotel.”
In July 2019, according to a Journal article, a ferry employee found a suspicious note in the woman’s bathroom inferring information about a bomb. U.S. Coast Guard and K-9 bomb detection teams boarded the vessel. Several hours later it was determined to be clear of any explosive hazards and ferry service continued.
Right on brand for the Elwha, the original sale to Armas was first postponed due to towing equipment issues, and then, collapsed altogether after media reports regarding poor conditions faced by the crew aboard Wycliffe, another vessel involved in the attempted tow. Although Armas denied these claims, Steve Nevey, WSF assistant secretary, reaffirmed WSF’s commitment to seafarer welfare.
5. Astronaut Bill Anders dies
William Anders, a pioneering astronaut and longtime Orcas Island resident, tragically died in a plane crash on June 7 at the age of 90. The incident occurred off Jones Island in the San Juan Channel. Authorities reported that the older-model aircraft sank after crashing, and Anders was the sole occupant.
Renowned for his contributions as a U.S. Air Force major general, electrical and nuclear engineer, and NASA astronaut, Anders achieved global recognition as part of the Apollo 8 mission — the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the moon. Alongside astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, Anders circled the moon 10 times, delivering the iconic Christmas Eve broadcast featuring the Genesis reading. During the mission, he captured the famous “Earthrise” photo, hailed as a transformative environmental image.
In addition to his space exploration legacy, Anders was celebrated for his philanthropy. He and his wife, Valerie, founded the William A. Anders Foundation and the Heritage Flight Museum. His numerous honors include inductions into prestigious halls of fame, including the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
At the time of his passing, Anders resided in Anacortes. He is survived by Valerie, his wife of many years, and their six children.
Bill Anders.
Elwha.
