Here’s a thought…
County Awarded $310,634 for Salmon Protection
By Susan Zemek, from Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board today [Dec. 10] announced the award of $19.2 million in grants to organizations around the state to restore
Coal Dumped into Vancouver Harbor when Shipper Crash Destroys Terminal Berths
Update, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. Stephanie Buffum Field, Director of Friends of the San Juans, will discuss this issue today at 5 pm, on Canadian talk news station AM 980 at 5 p.m. on
Lahari Joins with Fire & Rescue in “Orcas Safe Homes Project”
By Paul Losleben Lahari is pleased to announce a new program to assist the elderly and infirm in their homes. Entitled “Orcas Safe Homes,” the objective is to assist Orcas Island residents in identifying and
Letter to the Editor: Tax Savings and Allocations Explained
While Paige McCormick's letter and spirit of community fairness is much appreciated, the assessment/taxing ratio is a little more complicated. Yes, assessments have gone down, the amount of revenue you will be paying (in general)
Letter to the Editor: Kentec and Gasification Pose Solid Waste Problems
Dear San Juan County Council, I am delighted you renegotiated Orcas Recycling Services to head the Orcas transfer station. My hope is you will reconsider contracting with Kentec since Waste Management will continue on a
Letter to the Editor: Allocation of Funds Saved in New Assessments
We received our updated property valuation, and it is down. I have to hand it to the Assessor's office--they got it right, at least to my approximate knowledge of our property's market value. Do you
Weeding Through the New Marijuana Law
by Lin McNulty As Washington state legalizes possession of a small portion of pot, is today the beginning of the end of nationwide marijuana prohibition? It's seemingly simple enough: During last month's election,
Same Sex Marriage Applications Start Dec. 6
From Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor History will be made on December 6, 2012, when same-sex couples can legally apply for a marriage license in Washington. The approval by voters of Referendum 74 will
Complaint Filed to Void Propositions 1, 2, and 3
From Stephanie Johnson O’Day, Attorney Today, December 4, 2012, in Skagit County Superior Court, three San Juan County residents, Michael Carlson, Jeffrey Bossler and Jerrold Gonce have filed a complaint arguing that Propositions 1, 2
Council Approves Final CAO Updates
By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager At a special meeting December 3, the San Juan County Council completed the often contentious process of updating of the County’s Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO). The update
Interest-free Revolving Loan Funds Available to County Taxing Districts
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) will administer a USDA Rural Economic Development Revolving Loan (RED-L) Fund. The purpose of the program is to foster economic development and to improve public and emergency services in
Photographic Journey: The Elwha River Dam Removal
Original American ceremony at the Elwha Dam Removal At the Water’s Edge Lecture, "The Elwha River Dam Removal and Restoration," will be given as the photographic journey of Eric Kessler. The presentations will
Ferries Evening Meet in Council Chambers with Videoconferencing
Thursday, December 6, 5 to 7 p.m.in Friday Harbor Council Chambers By Stan Matthews County Website and Communications Manager Washington State Ferries (WSF) will hold a public meeting on December 6, from 5:00 to 7:00
Letter to the Editor: Fire & Rescue Faces Significant Issues
Dear Editor, A number of important issues were addressed at the November 27 meeting of the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (OIFR) Department that I believe are of significant interest to the taxpayers of the
Leak Closes Eastsound Public Restrooms
From Lance Evans, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Executive Director A quick note regarding the Eastsound bathrooms at the Village Green. San Juan County has discovered a water leak in the area and needs to
Fire & Rescue Commissioners Hold Work Meeting
By Jennifer Cunningham Personnel, equipment and communications for fire and rescue operations took up the bulk of the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue District Commissioners work session on Nov. 27. Commission Chair Barbara Bedell opened
