Here’s a thought…
Guest Opinion: Marine Waters Need Protection Even in Recession
"Ignoring the problem will only make it worse." By Terry Whalen, Owner, A1 Marine Services A1 Marine Services began raising and removing derelict vessels from the waters and beaches of San Juan County through the
Guest Opinion: Violence Has No Place in Teen Dating
By Laura Trevellyan, DVSAS Prevention Coordinator/Youth Advocate As Valentines Day approaches and talk of love surrounds us I would like to take a moment to spread the word on a topic that is unfortunately closely
Ranker Defends Suspending 2/3 Vote For Tax Hikes
By State Senator Kevin Ranker Many of you have contacted my office regarding the I-960 vote that we took this week. I think [the following article] in the Olympian describes the situation very well,
Letter to the Editor: Support the Exchange Feb. 8
Now is the time to show your support for the Exchange on Orcas Island! The County Council is making important decisions that will affect the cost of dumping garbage and recycling at the Orcas transfer
Letter to the Editor: Save the Bees!
Save the bees! Spring is just around the corner and bees are already starting their work on warm afternoons. But bees, both wild and domestic, native and non-native, are threatened! Evidence continues to accumulate that
Guest Opinion: School Bond Proposal is Responsible Planning
By Paul Losleben To those who oppose the school bond issue, let me respectfully address concerns that have been expressed and share my reasons for voting for the levy and the bond issue. I
Letter to the Editor: School Spelling Bee F-U-N
The PTSA is proud to have sponsored our schools' participation in this year's Scripps Spelling Bee. Many students participated in an after school Spelling Club for the last several months, learning words, strategies and taking
Guest Opinion: With Regard to an Email You May Have Received
By the Yes, for Schools Committee We want to commend the authors of the document entitled “Comments on the Orcas School Levy and Bond Issue” for beginning their statement with support for the school
Guest Opinion: The True Value in Supporting the Schoool Bond & Levy
Although Washington State’s Constitution defines education as the “paramount duty” of the state, school districts increasingly rely on local funding sources. About 16% of total statewide school funding comes from local taxes, primarily
Editorial: Would You Spend or Invest $20 More a Month?
Updated at 9:30 p.m. Here’s what we’re talking about, on Orcas, regionally, and nationally: A “dismal decade” Real Estate bubble burst Unemployment highs $35,000,000 bond for capital improvements to Orcas Island public schools And perhaps
Guest Opinion: Sufficient Budget Required for School's Future
As a member of the Orcas High School Class of 1984, I was one of the first students to attend class in the current Orcas Middle School buildings. In September of 1980, the buildings were
Guest Opinion: Farm to New Cafeteria — You Can't Lose
By Madie Murray Our outdated 35-year-old cafeteria is housed within the equally outdated 35-year-old middle school. From a kitchen about the size of a large home kitchen with one range and inadequate prep and serving
Guest Opinion: Learn the Facts and Vote for the School Bond and Levy
Orcas Island School District Board of Directors This week, you will receive a ballot with two propositions that directly affect the future of the Orcas Island School District. The first proposition is a renewal of
Guest Column: Share Orcas — Opportunities to Strengthen Our Community
Contributed by Hilary Canty, Executive Director, Orcas Island Community Foundation Nothing creates a stronger community than the connections created through volunteering. Working together on projects and programs with folks who share your passions is a
Letter to the Editor: "Pro" Cell Towers = safety
I am an advocate of developing more cell tower sites on Orcas; particularly on the West side/Deer Harbor area. This area is out of “line-of-sight” of Mount Constitution and difficult to receive cell reception. If
