Here’s a thought…
OPALCO’s Annual Meeting & Election May 14
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is a local electric cooperative that is owned and operated by its members. On Saturday, May 14th, the member-owners will exercise their right to elect their Board of
Craftsman Corner’s Conditional Use Permit Denied
On April 15, the San Juan County Hearings Examiner, Phil Obrechts, denied the application for a Conditional Use Permit for commercial use for the Craftsman Corner property on the corner of Lovers Land and Enchanted
Ferries’ Peak Season Surcharge Begins May 1
During the ferry system’s busiest months, a peak season surcharge is in effect for vehicles and drivers paying full fare, except for customers utilizing the frequent user multi-ride cards. The peak season is in effect
Investigating and Honoring Our Marine Heritage
Citizen scientists from Kwiaht, BeachWatchers and the general public participated in Field Research Day today at the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory in Eastsound. They cast a seine net and identified forage fish
Point Lawrence Road Project Moves Forward
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Construction is scheduled to begin shortly on the first new bridge to be built in San Juan County in 42 years. Bids were opened last month for the
Ferries to Continue at Current Levels of Service
Ranker, Nelson secure last minute save to ferry service cuts From the State Democrats Office Today, April 20, the Senate passed House Bill 1175, the state's two-year transportation budget. Until this afternoon, the proposed plan
Portions of CAO “Best Available Science” Synthesis Now Online
Additional Chapters to be Posted as Available By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Community Development & Planning Department announced today that it has begun posting portions of the second draft
Ranker Explains the Budget and Effect of Loopholes
(This article is a continuation of Senator Kevin [intlink id="12078" type="post"]Ranker's Report[/intlink] from the Legislature) Senate and House Budget Comparison The reductions proposed by the state Senate cut very deep.For a full comparison of the
Letter to the Editor: EPRC Needs Pro-Environmental or Neutral Members
The EPRC [Eastsound Planning Review Committee] has been hi-jacked by development interests and Councilman Richard Fralick with adverse results affecting Eastsound and Orcas Residents. This line up is heavily weighted in favor of development with
Ranker’s Report: Senate Budget Cuts Demand a Look at Unpaid Taxes and Loopholes
Dear neighbors, Last week the Senate released its Operating Budget proposal. With no new federal funds, no new revenue sources and no ability to close tax loopholes, our hand has been forced to construct an
Letter to the Editor: Best Available Science Process Flawed
Dear County Council, Administrator and Planning Staff, You are required to adopt Best Available Science (BAS) that is factual, substantive, local and relevant. We appreciate the actions Council and Staff are taking to avoid personal liability
Count of Homeless in San Juan County Shows Increase
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager This year’s Count of Homeless Persons identified 110 people in San Juan County. 42 of those people, including many children and disabled, were classified as unsheltered - living
6 Families, 6 Keys and Now 6 New Homes!
Homes for Islanders Builds North Beach Gardens in Eastsound On Friday April 15, 2011 Home for Islanders held a “Key and Dedication Ceremony” at the Orcas Center. Six hardworking families built their own
Field Research Day at Indian Island this Thursday
Join local scientists and community volunteers at Eastsound Waterfront Park in conducting surveys of fish and inter-tidal creatures on low tide days during the spring and summer. Learn about the unique marine life of our
Guest Column: Prepare for Landslide of Waste Resources
By Gulliver Rankin, Natural Home Builders Inc. To the County Council and Islanders Solid Waste - This I believe: I believe that taking full responsibility for our trash footprint is an essential part of a
Message from State Senator Kevin Ranker
Greetings from Olympia! Now into the 13th week of the 2011 legislative session, the pace has quickened from a jog to a run. With approximately only two weeks left until the Legislature is scheduled to
