Here’s a thought…
Letter to the Editor: Choose Other than Violence
-- by Andy Wickstrand, Olga -- I wept when I heard of the Charleston church shooting. Wept for the senseless loss of life. Wept for how we as a nation have become numb to these
Editorial: In the Face of Tragedy, We Can Do More
-- by Margie Doyle -- The candlelit service for the Charleston a tragedy. All photos by Julie KaiKekapei Three things happened this week, after many years a-brewing; three things that inspire, challenge and
Guest Opinion: Who’s Behind the Recycling “Industry”?
-- by Pete Moe, Director, Orcas Recycling Services/The Exchange Most of us believe that recycling is our civic and environmental duty. And certainly, as the system is designed now, it is. But if you dig
Larsen Votes Against More War Intelligence Funding
"Congress Can Do Better In Taking ‘Intelligent’ Approach to National Security" Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today [June 16] called on Congress to support the vital work of the U.S. intelligence community with responsible, long-term budgeting.
Love Letters Beyond the Veil Review
-- by Norm Stamper -- Amontaine Aurore, Seattle playwright and actor, has done it again. Back in 2012, Aurore brought her hilarious and stirring one-woman play, Free Desiree to the Black Box at Orcas Center.
Guest Opinion: Salutatorian Salutes Classmates
-- Graduation Speech by Hannah Brunner-Gaydos -- Good afternoon and welcome. You know, I’ve wanted to give this speech since about 4th grade and I’ve always imagined I would use these three minutes to impart
Guest Opinion: Moratorium on Vacation Rentals Needed Immediately
-- by Steve Mckenna -- Affordable housing has long been a recognized problem in the Islands where land values and cost of construction are high. OPAL, Homes for Islanders and other organizations are doing good
Letter to the Editor: Thank You from A-OK
-- from David Turnoy, Member of the A*OK Crew -- Kids make their self-portraits Art for Orcas Kids (A-OK), dedicated to bringing art programming into the public elementary and middle schools since 1998,
Letter to Editor: Praise Prius People
-- from Tom Owens -- While driving around the island, I have noticed lots of Prius vehicles. The owners seem to have their noses pointed slightly upward. Perhaps the driver’s seat is designed to lean
Guest Opinion: Make a Difference in a Child’s Life
-- by David Turnoy -- Several weeks ago, a documentary called "Minor Differences" was shown at our local theater. An Orcas resident made this film, and it tells the story of five different young men
Letter to the Editor: Senior Center Thanks OICF and Volunteers
-- from Jami Mitchell, Senior Center Manager -- Thank you Orcas Island Community Foundation and everybody that supported their grant cycle. The Orcas Senior Center is extremely grateful for a grant of $6,160 to support
Guest Opinion: Excess Regulations and Permitting Costly to the Public
-- by Walt Corbin -- The recent opinion piece written by David Turnoy (orcasissues.com/guest-opinion-lets-get-money-out-of-politics) speaks to the corruption that money has in the electoral process. We of course all decry what our supposedly rational Supreme
Ranker Asks for Ferry Reservations Input
-- from Sen. Kevin Ranker -- “Over the past several weeks, I’ve heard from many of you regarding your ideas, questions and concerns regarding the Washington State Ferries Reservation system. “I want you to know
Guest Column: Environmental Impacts of Electric Cars
--by Tom Owens -- As you consider buying one of the new all electric cars, some thought should be given to their environmental impacts. Since they run on electric energy, we should look at where that
Guest Opinion: Revenue Shortfalls in OPALCO’s Rural Cooperative
-- by Alex Conrad -- With regard to [OPALCO's] need to meet certain debt covenants, we hear a lot about ‘revenue shortfall’ [see orcasissues.com/new-opalco-surcharge-to-correct-shortfall ] Let’s pause for a moment and look at publicly available data,
