Here’s a thought…
Editorial Column: Finding Light in the Darkness
By Margaret Benefiel, Ph.D. At this darkest time of the year, both Jews and Christians celebrate holidays of light. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorates one of God's miracles: the long–burning oil that allowed the
Best Wishes for the Holidays and New Year: A Poem
Messenger By Mary Oliver My work is loving the world. Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird— equal seekers of sweetness. Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums. Here the clam deep in the speckled
Letter to the Editor: Response to Elimination of State Arts Commission
I am very concerned that in her 2011-13 biennium budget, Governor Gregoire has proposed eliminating the Washington State Arts Commission. As a life-long arts advocate, I know first-hand that public funding for the arts allows
Guest Opinion:Regulation/ Deregulation
By Janet Alderton Deregulation is the removal of regulation. Our severe recession is a direct result of deregulation of the banking and finance industries. The Growth Management Act and The Shoreline Master Program were passed
Audubon Society Asks for Support to Protect Older Forests
Barb Jensen of the San Juans Audubon Society writes: I know some of you are interested in this very important issue and I wanted to give you an opportunity to comment to USFWS. The message
Letter to the Editor: The Lions Christmas Ship Return
The Orcas Island Lions would like to thank all of our sponsors that contributed to the return of the Lions International Christmas Ship. A special thanks to the all the crew on the Victoria Express,
Ranker Votes Against Cuts to Public Service at Special Session
By Senator Kevin Ranker Today [Saturday, Dec. 11] was the first of several incredibly difficult days that we will face in the coming months. I fully recognize that we face many hard choices, but we
Letter to the Editor: Stop Delaying, Pass the CAO
In the early 1940's I lived across the street from Charles Countryman, the owner-operator of the mail and freight vessel, the "Osage", which departed from Quackenbush dock in Bellingham at 7:00 a.m. daily. He often invited my
Letter to the Editor: Question on State Budget Cuts
I have a nagging question and maybe you could find the answer. I have never heard from the Governor's office or the legislative branch that they are first willing to take some cuts within their
Guest Opinion: Increased Cell Phone Service Access Dangerous
By Steve Ludwig of Lopez Island A few of our County Council Members are determined to help out the enormous US wireless industry by drafting a new ordinance that makes it easier to locate cell
Thank You OPALCO!
Once again, the brave OPALCO employees came to our rescue! I closed the library early, and headed home, watching for falling branches (or even trees), built a fire and settled in with candles and lanterns.
Guest Column: A Tribute to our Orcas Farms
By Madie Murray I don’t tell many people this, but I was born and raised in Pomona, California. But, when I was growing up, there were cows in the fields in back of our home;
We Are Grateful: BullWings Thanksgiving Policy
Here at BullWings, we have heard complaints about Christmas music already being played on radio stations and in stores. It's sad when this beautiful, happy music becomes repetitious and anxiety-producing, especially as we first consider
Guest Opinion: Friends of the SJ’s Shoal Bay Project a Success
By Tina Whitman for the Friends of the San Juans Until last year, summer fish kills were common in the channel behind a derelict tide gate in Shoal Bay on Lopez Island. Water
Editorial: Honoring Our Veterans Beyond Today
Veterans Day 2010 War continues and threatens – we continue to fight in Afghanistan, and while “withdrawn from combat” from Iraq, military forces continue to serve there. Talk continues of the threat of war with
