Here’s a thought…
Taxing district, stipend cuts, building closures suggested in school budget workshop
Last month, Superintendent Kline had the onerous task of presenting a Minimum Education Plan which called for the reduction of about 8 full time equivalent (FTE) staff in order to make up the near-$500,000
Kevin Ranker issues comprehensive report of legislative session
From Kevin Ranker LEGISLATION I’m excited to report that during this session we were able to secure passage of most of my top priority bills and several other pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored.
County Budget Cuts will be Significant, Changes may be Structural
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager County Auditor Milene Henley ran through variations on six different budgeting scenarios for the County Council on Friday, June 5. Each scenario began with an immediate $1 million
Letter to the Editor: Island Rec has benefited island kids year-round for 15 years
"Mom, there's nothing to do on Orcas in the summer!" is a complaint that should be heard less and less this year. The Orcas Island Summer Recreation Program was founded in order to bring a
Special Three-day Filing Period To be held June 10, 11 & 12, 2009
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager Port of Orcas, Eastsound Sewer District Commissioner slots still open A special three day filing period will be held in accordance with RCW 29A.24.171 for the offices listed
Mikey in the lead for Eastound mayor — polls close July 4
Mikey the Golden Retriever continues to lead in the sales (that is, polls) in the Eastsound Mayoral Election, brought to islanders by the Orcas Island Children's House. Dale Heisinger, Board President o f
Our man in Olympia: Ranker reports at legislative session's enc
Dear Neighbors, On April 26 we adjourned the 2009 legislative session, my first as your state senator. I came to this legislative session with several priorities - a few pieces of legislation, an intense focus
Call For Action: Save Orcas Island Recreation Program Funding
Didier Gincig, Coordinator, Orcas Island Recreation Program, was informed today, June 4, that the county is considering cutting funding (currently $10,000, down from $16,500) for the Orcas Island Recreation Program. He issued the following call
Council to review budget cuts this Friday afternoon — to meet with legislators in the morning
The San Juan County Council will spend Friday, June 5 in a special session, meeting with 40th District Representatives Dan Quall and Jeff Morris to discuss its legislative concerns and priorities - ranging from concerns
County Health Officer Warns of Contaminated Street Drugs
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager San Juan County Health officer, Dr. Frank James alerted the County's health care providers in that at least three individuals have reported to local hospitals with a life
Ride the ferry with WSF on June 11
Washington Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for the Ferries Division, David Moseley, recently announced a new round of meetings with Puget Sound communities served by the Washington State Ferry System. Moseley said, “I am looking
School boards meet to discuss cuts to next year's programs — tonight at 5:30
There will be a special Orcas Island School District (OISD) board workshop with the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) tonight, Wednesday, June 3rd, beginning at 5:30 pm in the school library. Program cut discussions are on
County Treasurer's office closes at news of St. Pierre's death
By Stan Matthews County Communications Program Manager The San Juan County Treasurer's office closed Tuesday afternoon to give employees an opportunity to deal with the unexpected death of co-worker Nancy St. Pierre. Ms. St. Pierre
Linda Slone awarded scholarship by union
Linda Slone, Orcas Island School District Library Assistant, has received a $500 scholarship form Public School Employees of Washington/SEIU 1948 (PSE). Dave Douglass, chair of the scholarship committee complimented Slone for her success. "With this
Editorial: Public service — just being neighborly
Are you a born leader? No? Well, it's a pretty thought, but who the heck is? The health of a society depends on ordinary people who quietly and simply shoulder the work that needs to
Superintendent Kline reports on upcoming changes to School Board
At the regular Orcas Island School District (OISD) Board of Directors meeting on May 28, District Superintendent and High School Principal Barbara Kline reported to the board: New elementary principal Interviews for candidates for the