Here’s a thought…
Combined Forces Search for Colton Harris Moore
Contributed by Sheriff Bill Cumming The extensive, intense search for Colton Harris Moore on Orcas Island has now been scaled back to an ongoing investigation. All available search indicators have been pursued through the efforts
Guest Opinion: The Orcas Island Library Looks Ahead
By Phil Heikkinen, Director, Orcas Island Public Library On Friday, March 19, nine community members will start a planning process to help see us through the next three to five years. The Library Board and
Town Hall Covers Budget, Dump and Critical Areas $80K Study
Orcas County Council members Richard Fralick and Gene Knapp held the first Town Hall meeting of 2010 last Thursday, March 11. Accompanying them were County Auditor Milene Henley and County Administrator Pete Rose, to give
Letter to the Editor: Important to Complete Census
Once every ten years, we’re asked to take less than five minutes to complete a simple questionnaire known as the Census. Very few civic responsibilities we’re tasked with can return so much for such a
School Board Votes to Ask for Bond in August
At a special Meeting of the Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board on Thursday, March 11, it was decided to submit the district’s Capital Bond to the voters again this August. The decision followed discussion
Gov. Gregoire Calls Special Legislative Session
The Associated Press reported on March 12: Gov. Chris Gregoire is calling a special session so that lawmakers can finish their work on patching a $2.8 billion budget hole. Lawmakers adjourned their 60-day regular session
County, Union Agree on Voluntary Unpaid Furloughs
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Human Resources Department emailed notification to County employees on March 11, announcing that all workers may take up to 10 days of voluntary, unpaid
Guest Opinion: Our Water
By Janet Alderton We all rely on pure water for our health. Our lives and the lives of all living things in our San Juan Islands depend on clean water. We share the responsibility to
Free Composting Workshop this Saturday
Contributed by Helen Venada, Waste Reduction and Hazardous Waste Coordinator, San Juan County Solid Waste Division Learn to recycle naturally at a free workshop this Saturday. The workshop is from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. at
Why Did the School Bond Fail? Community Potluck Brings Out Answers
Last night, the Orcas High School Commons was filled with a lively group discussing their viewpoints on the Orcas Island School District (OISD)Bond for Reconstruction and Repairs, which recently failed by about a
Count of Homeless in San Juan County Shows Slight Increase
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager This year’s Count of Homeless Persons (PIT) in San Juan County recognized 79 persons as homeless. Among the homeless, 29 were classified as unsheltered - living in tents,
Letter to the Editor: Stand Up and Be Counted!
The 2010 Census is underway. I urge you to participate as a complete count will benefit our community greatly. Census data is used to allocate state and federal funds. It is estimated that each individual
Letter to the Editor: School Board Invites Public to Bond Discussion Potluck on Wednesday
The Orcas Island School Board invites the community to a BBQ & Potluck and bond discussion this Wednesday, the 10th, to be held in the High School Commons at 6:15pm. On March 11, the day
Ranker Bills to Protect Puget Sound Advance to Senate
Senator Kevin Ranker has sponsored bills that will better manage and protect the health of Puget Sound, straits and coast and the communities that depend upon them. The two measures, Senate Bill 6350 and Senate
Low-income Seniors and Disabled Qualify for Bond ‘Tax’ Exemption
(Editor’s note: Those interested in obtaining help in applying for this exemption can contact Jane Heisinger at the Orcas Island Senior Center (376-2677), who will set up appointments with the Orcas Island School District
Farm Internship & Aternative Transportation Laws Sponsored by Ranker Pass the House
Two important pieces of legislation sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, cleared the House on March 3 with near unanimous bi-partisan support. S Senate Bill 6346 offers residents of San Juan county alternative
