Here’s a thought…
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
Joint Planning-Council Meet Considers Shorelines, Transportation, Economic and Population Forecasts
Aug. 17 Joint County Council and Planning Commission Meeting -- from San Juan County Council and Planning staff - - On August 17, 2018, there will be a special joint Planning Commission and County Council public hearing and meeting. The public hearing will be on a draft ordinance to comply
Madrona Voices Releases Airport Survey Results
-- from Steve Smith for Madrona Voices -- Madrona Voices released a survey about the Port of Orcas Master Plan on July 30, 2018. As of August 5, 2018, we have received 594 responses. The demographics of those responding to the survey closely match those who responded to our public
Primary Election – This One Matters Too
-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- "On Election Day, August 7, the ballot boxes will be open until 8 p.m., but the post offices close early in the afternoon." This year’s primary election is generating a lot of questions. That’s not unusual; election cycles are long –
Whale Museum Will Review 2017 Vessel Slowdown Trial
Monday, August 13, 7 p.m., The Whale Museum -- from Jenny L. Atkinson for The Whale Museum -- On August 13, Krista Trounce, Project Manager for the Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, and Dr. Jason Wood, Manager of SMRU Consulting North America Offices
Sex Ed Class (OWL) Offered for Adults
-- from Suzanne Olson -- Our Whole Lives (OWL) program is now being offered for adults. OWL is a holistic sex ed class that provides facts as well as opportunities to clarify values, improve communication and interpersonal skills. Most adults have participated in some kind of sex ed but how
Contract Awarded for Ferry Landing Improvements
-- from San Juan County Public Works -- San Juan County Public Works is pleased to announce Mike Carlson Enterprises, Inc., has been awarded the contract for construction of the Orcas Landing Marine Facility Improvements capital project. The project entails construction of block retaining walls, ADA pedestrian ramp with hand
News of Mourning Mom, Tahlequah, Reaches NY Times
-- from New York Times -- Among the many quirks of human nature, one that has always struck me as particularly worthwhile is the tendency to project our own feelings onto other animals. This seems to me like a fast route to empathy, a way to bring us closer to
OPALCO Community Solar is Energized
-- from Orcas Power and Light -- OPALCO’s community solar project on Decatur Island. OPALCO’s first big community solar project is complete and energized! On July 31, 2018, the 504KW-DC array began producing power. The 272 OPALCO members who invested in the project will begin to see credits
Port of Orcas to Hold Regular Meeting
-- from Tony Simpson, Port of Orcas Manager -- The Port’s Regular meeting will be Thursday, August 9th at 6PM at the Fire Station at 45 Lavender Lane. I will send a draft agenda by close of business tomorrow morning to incorporate elements below. 1. There will be a public
Ranker Rages at J pod Orca Losses
-- from Dave Pringle for Senator Ranker's Office -- Sen. Kevin Ranker released a statement [on Friday, August 3] regarding the need for action to protect and recover the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW). “The past days have been overwhelming with sorrow, anguish and anger. Like you, I have been
Forestry Field Day to Help Woodland Owners Care for Trees
Saturday, August 25, 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.,Thornbush Farm on San Juan -- from Brendan Whyte, WSU Extension -- With an alarming increase in the number of dead trees throughout the islands, taking better care of forested areas is critical. Owners of wooded property in the San Juan Islands will
Guest Editorial: Concerns re Port Master Plan Sent to Port Commissioners
-- by Tim Blanchard -- To the Commissioners of the Port of Orcas: Please consider the following comments for the Port of Orcas Airport Master Plan: GENERAL 1. I am a full-time resident of Orcas Island who has owned property here since 2000 and who has lived here for more
Letter to Editor | Ramel is Coalition Builder
-- from Boyd and Lovel Pratt -- We thank Representative Kris Lytton for her service to the 40th District and wish her well in her retirement. Kris Lytton did so much to support education in our state. We now need a leader who will work effectively to ensure the future for
Take the 2018 Fairgrounds Master Plan Survey
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The San Juan County Fairgrounds Master Plan, which was last updated in 2012, provides a roadmap for developing and operating the fairgrounds in a manner that is responsive to County residents and focuses on long-term economic sustainability. Beginning in summer 2018, a new
Emergency Plan Underway to Save a Starving Orca
-- from KOMO News -- In this file photo taken Tuesday, July 24, 2018, provided by the Center for Whale Research, a baby orca whale is being pushed by her mother after being born off the Canada coast near Victoria, British Columbia. Whale researchers are keeping close watch on
Is Tahlequah (J35) Really Grieving? “Yes” Says Dr. Gaydos
-- by Joe Gaydos, Science Director, SeaDoc Society-- Photo courtesy of Taylor Shedd, Soundwatch For the last nine days, a female Southern Resident Killer Whale has been carrying her dead calf around the Salish Sea. J35, the 20-year-old orca also known as Tahlequah, gave birth on July 24th,
