Canadian Appeals Court Quashes Construction Approvals for Trans Mountain
-- from CBC News -- In a stunning blow, the [Canada] Federal Court of Appeal has quashed the government's approvals to build the Trans Mountain expansion project — a major victory for Indigenous groups and environmentalists opposed to the $7.4-billion project. In the decision released Thursday, and written by Justice Eleanor
No International Sailings For a Few Days
-- from Washington State Ferries -- Due to ongoing repairs on the M/V Hyak (one of the domestic San Juan Islands vessels), all international Sidney, B.C. sailings are cancelled through Saturday, Sept. 1, while the M/V Chelan is reassigned to the domestic route. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
Power Line Clearing Work in Progress
-- from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO -- OPALCO tree trimming crews are at work throughout San Juan County clearing vegetation from around power lines for safety and to prevent outages this coming winter. This work is part of OPALCO’s routine annual line clearance program – also called Right of Way
School Board to Meet on Thursday in Special Meeting
Thursday, August 30, 1:30 p.m., Orcas School Library -- from Orcas Island School District -- Orcas Island School Board is convening a special meeting on Thursday, August 30, at 1:30 p.m., to review/approve the District collective bargaining agreement. AGENDA 1:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER– School Library *1. Approve attached Consent
Letter to Editor | Vote Yes for Homes
-- from Howard Barbour -- There can be no argument that we live in one of America’s most celebrated beauty spots, and that we may be heard to congratulate ourselves on our good fortune. [perfectpullquote align="right" bordertop="false" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]The list of those who have much to offer
Fire Commission Oversees Department’s Continued Growth
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The professionalism and enthusiasm of Orcas Fire & Rescue (OIFR) volunteers is impressive, the department is making progress on its administrative improvements, and the overall financial picture for the year is good. Those were the main take-away messages from the Board of
Annual Kaleidoscope Fundraiser Dinner Auction
Saturday, September 8, Morning Star Farm -- from Vala Ross for Kaleidoscope -- Kaleidoscope's Annual Island Grown, Island Raised Dinner Auction taking place Saturday, September 8 at the picturesque Morning Star Farm. This outdoor event will feature a tasting of wine from Lopez Island Vineyards and beer from Island Hoppin'
Burn Ban for Campfires, Barbecues Lifted
-- from San Juan County Communications -- As of noon today, August 29, 2018, the burn ban for campfires and charcoal barbeques is lifted in San Juan County. Recent humidity levels, rising fuel moistures, and precipitation in the county have warranted a lift on the burn ban enacted last week.
Anacortes/Sidney, BC Service Cancellation Extended through Thursday, Aug. 30
-- from the Washington State Ferries (WSF) -- UPDATE, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.: Due to ongoing repairs on the M/V Hyak (one of the domestic San Juan Islands vessels), all international Sidney, B.C. sailings are cancelled through Thursday, August 30, while the M/V Chelan is reassigned to the domestic
Samish Sailing on One Engine
-- from Washington State Ferries -- UPDATE: 12:12 p.m. Aug. 29 M/V Samish is an estimated 2 hours behind schedule. Due to mechanical issues the M/V Samish is running at reduced speed. This delay will also impact the following sailings: Eastbound 11:00am Friday Harbor to Anacortes, and 2:20pm departure Orcas
Letter to Editor | Help PTSA Continue Providing Community Event
-- from Diane Boerstler, PTSA President -- Happy 2018-2019 School Year! Thank you to everyone who has ever financially supported our PTSA, and an especially HUGE thank you to those who’ve freely given your time! Our PTSA board is facing a serious challenge, and we’re hoping you can help. PTSA
Letter to the Editor: Long Live the Kings Spend Years on Salmon Survival
-- from Sharon Abreu -- It was a great honor to sing at the Salmon Homecoming event on Orcas Island this past Saturday. I was excited to be there with two of the greatest whale advocates and educators in the country, Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research and
Join in a Day of Caring on Orcas Island
-- from United Way of San Juan County -- Mark your calendar and join your community Saturday, September 8, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. for a Day of Caring for our island friends and neighbors. Our aim is to gather volunteer support to lend a hand to small projects that
New Zealand Singer-Songwriter Coming to Orcas
Wednesday, August 29, 7 p.m., The Grange -- from Mandy Troxel -- Please join us on Wednesday, August 29 at 7 p.m. at the Grange, as touring Breedlove Guitars 2018 Festival singer-songwriter Erin Cole-Baker of New Zealand makes her debut appearance on Orcas. Erin will be joined by our resident
Out on Orcas Hosts Friends / Family Potluck
Saturday, September 1, 6 p.m., Orcasong Farm -- from Gretchen Krampf -- Out on Orcas, an LGBT community organization on Orcas Island, invites you to our Annual Friends and Family Potluck Dinner at Orcasong Farm (280 Dolphin Bay Road) on Saturday, September 1 beginning at 6 p.m. We’ll provide place
Orcas Islanders Observe the Decline of the Orca Whales
Governor’s SRKW Task Force Meeting in Anacortes on Tuesday, August 28, 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at Swinomish Casino, Anacortes -- by Margie Doyle, updated Aug. 27 at 9 p.m.-- [metaslider id="62066"] On a blustery Sunday afternoon, a gathering at Waterfront Park mourned in solidarity with the grieving Southern Resident
