Islands’ Sounder staff reporter Mandi Johnson will now be utilizing her talents at the Journal of the San Juans as interim assistant editor. She took over reporter duties about a month ago and will now help to oversee the newspaper’s content. Cali Bagby is staying on as general manager and editor of the Journal.

“Mandi has done a great job covering county news and really getting to know the local community in the three years she’s been with us,” group publisher Colleen Smith said. “She will be a wonderful asset to San Juan Island, and look forward to seeing what she’ll accomplish at the Journal.”

A note from Mandi:

“Each island of the San Juan archipelago seems like its own world.

For three years, I’ve reported on the people and events of Orcas Island and the people who inhabit it. I’m excited to explore and share the news topics of San Juan Island.

Environmental subjects are my favorite to report about, and the island newspapers have provided me with a plethora of science stories to pen.

I have enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. Photography is also a passion of mine and has been for well over a decade. These two joys combined to be my college major — communications with an emphasis in photojournalism and digital media. I graduated cum laude in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science from Southern Oregon University. The science part of my degree stemming from the aforementioned love of environmental topics.

On a more personal note, I love to spend time with my two cats, Mistie and Mika. I enjoy traveling and have worn several paths across the Pacific Northwest. I have been involved in musical and theatrical productions on Orcas Island over the past few years.

Feel free to contact me with any story ideas you may have at mjohnson@soundpublishing.com or call 360-378-5696 ext. 55214.

I look forward to meeting all of you, learning about your lives and sharing your stories. I’ll see you around the island!”