Here’s a thought…
“The competition between Nature and the economy is deep and broad.
In the short term, the economy usually wins. In the long term …?”
BILL APPEL
Orcas School Board Accepts Grants Totalling $480K
At their regular meeting last night, the Orcas Island School District (OISD) board voted to accept local and federal grants to assist the English Language Learning (ELL) program, and library technology. The board also voted
Community Conversations with Candidates for Orcas Center Director Position
Reception to honor outgoing Director Barbara Courtney on Jan. 28 As part of its process to select a new Executive/Artistic Director, the Orcas Center Board of Trustees will host “conversations with the community” for each
Orcas Park & Rec District to Make Another Try
The Orcas Island Park and Rec. District commissioners, at a special meeting held on Dec. 17, voted in favor of presenting a reduced levy on 2011’s February 8th ballot of 9 cents per $1,000 of
Missed the Full Moon-Solstice-Lunar Eclipse? Here’s Photos
If, like us, you missed the first time in nearly 400 years that there was a lunar eclipse during a full moon on the night of winter solstice, you can still view photographs that give
Brace Yourselves: Cold November Temperatures Contribute to Higher Energy Bills
For five days in November, San Juan County experienced a cold snap—with an average daily temperature of only 25 degrees—and OPALCO members are going to notice the difference on their power bills that go out
Hallelujah! All Invited to Sing Along to the “Messiah” Tonight
Have you seen the video circulating on YouTube of the "spontaneous" sing-along to the "Hallelujah" chorus that's been heating up the internet these days? You can take part in a similar, quasi-spontaneous community
BC and County Join in Asking Federal Gov’ts for Oil Spill Protection
By Stan Matthews, County Communications Program Manager The Islands Trust [of British Columbia] and San Juan County Councils are asking their respective federal governments to begin working together immediately to improve oil spill
Toys for Tots and Teens at Fire Hall Today
Orcas Island Lions Club members have been collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots and Tweens program to provide toys for families in need. This year toys will be distributed to parents of Orcas
San Juan Preservation Trust Buys 217-acre Vendovi Island
The San Juan Preservation Trust has purchased Vendovi Island, the third largest island under single private ownership in the entire San Juan archipelago. The acquisition ensures that this 217-acre island will remain permanently
Letter to the Editor: Response to Elimination of State Arts Commission
I am very concerned that in her 2011-13 biennium budget, Governor Gregoire has proposed eliminating the Washington State Arts Commission. As a life-long arts advocate, I know first-hand that public funding for the arts allows
Guest Opinion:Regulation/ Deregulation
By Janet Alderton Deregulation is the removal of regulation. Our severe recession is a direct result of deregulation of the banking and finance industries. The Growth Management Act and The Shoreline Master Program were passed
Ferries Head Reports on Governor’s Budget
Moseley Addresses Fare Hike, Holiday and New Winter Schedule David Moseley, Assistant Department of Transportation Secretary for Ferries, reported on Dec. 17: "The Governor presented her balanced budget for 2011-2013 Wednesday morning, which is available
Orcas Island Golf Course Offers Discount Prices
Updated Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. The Orcas Island Golf Course presents several price breaks for 2011 Memberships. Those who purchase memberships before 2011 get a 5-guest/cart pass (up to a $200 value). Those who
Audubon Society Asks for Support to Protect Older Forests
Barb Jensen of the San Juans Audubon Society writes: I know some of you are interested in this very important issue and I wanted to give you an opportunity to comment to USFWS. The message
Governor Gregoire’s Budget Cut Message to State Employees
Governor Christine Gregoire issued the following statement on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010: Today I will present a balanced budget for the coming biennium that addresses our $4.6 billion shortfall. It is not a budget I
