Here’s a thought…
“No one, I mean no one, has the right to sit in judgment of who’s American enough.”
MICHELLE OBAMA
Ranker Reports on Legislature’s Work
-- from State Senator Kevin Ranker -- With Democrats in the majority in the Washington State Senate, we have begun advancing critical legislation that reflects our progressive values. We have already introduced the Voting Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Evergreen Free College Act, a bill to institute better
Getting Ready to Build? Request a Critical Area Review
-- from San Juan Communications -- If you are contemplating land development such as installation of a well, septic system or driveway, demolition or construction of a building including expansion or exterior remodeling, or shoreline tree removal, please submit a request for a Critical Area and Archaeological Map Review of
Eastsound Water Users Propose Rate Changes
Mon. Jan 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Eastsound Fire Hall -- from Paul Kamin, Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) General Manager -- At the Dec 14th annual meeting there was a presentation and discussion of a new rate structure proposal. Unfortunately, the attendance at the Annual Meeting was low. Through the
Sheriff’s Report | January 3 – 9, 2018
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- January 3, 2018 18-000071 Wanted Person 09:57:14 01/03/18 A Friday Harbor Deputy arrested a wanted male on an outstanding Felony warrant. The male was booked into jail and a report completed. 18-000072 Forgery 10:54:57 01/03/18 A deputy responded to a report of
Inslee Speaks With Interior Secretary About Offshore Drilling Plan
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued the following statement after a phone call with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke regarding the recent draft offshore drilling plan. Zinke recently announced he is exempting the state of Florida from the new plan. “I spoke with Secretary Zinke today
School Board to Meet for Budget Talks
A Special School Board Meeting/Budget Workshop will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. in the school library regarding the Orcas Island School District (OISD) Budget. For more information, contact 360-376-2284.
Letter to Editor | Eggs May Be Cheaper in the Country, But Not Healthcare
-- from Tom Eversole -- The Public Hospital District won’t build a hospital on Orcas. Rather, it will support and stabilize local practices to provide ongoing access to primary, urgent, and after-hours medical care. Sustaining local healthcare access begs the question: Why is it harder for a medical practice (doctor’s office)
Inslee Statement on Department of Licensing Information Disclosure to Feds
-- from Office of the Governor -- “I am committed to making sure that every family in Washington state, no matter how they got here, is treated fairly. I want to be clear that we will redouble our efforts to ensure that state agencies are not assisting discriminatory enforcement efforts
Ranker: Senate Democrats’ Sweeping Higher Education Agenda
-- from Senator Kevin Ranker's Office -- The Senate Higher Education committee hears testimonies on SB 6029, SB 5074, and SB 6101 on January 11th, 2018. As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, has assembled a sweeping agenda for
Land Bank Secures Over 280 Acres in San Juan Valley
-- from San Juan County Land Bank -- 2018 looks like another busy and exciting year for your Land Bank. Almost two years to the day, and a full year before the loan was due, the highly anticipated acquisition of the Zylstra Lake property on San Juan Island came to
San Juan and Orcas Island Women’s Marches Planned
Saturday, January 20, 11:30 a.m., Gather at Waterfront Park -- from Gretchen Krampf -- ISLAND WOMEN'S MARCH invites all islands to participate in a sidewalk march on January 20th, 2018 in Friday Harbor. We will meet at the Friday Harbor Courthouse on 1st Street, next to the American Legion. Staging
Letter to Editor | Thank you as Orcas Family Health Continues Financial Drive
-- from Ken Speck, President, Orcas Family Health Center -- This is a huge "thank you" to the many people who have responded to our request for funds to support the continuation of Orcas Family Health Center (OFHC). I am very pleased to tell you OFHC has received $145,000 to
Flu Activity Increasing In Our Region
-- from San Juan County Communications -- Flu activity and hospital visits for flu-like symptoms are rapidly increasing in Washington. “While flu cases are on the rise in San Juan County, we are not currently seeing the levels reported in the state and region,” says Dr. Frank James, Health Officer
Orcas Center Welcomes The Good Lovelies Back to Center Stage
Thursday, January 18, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Susannah Weaver for Orcas Center -- Orcas Center welcomes the Good Lovelies back to Center Stage on January 18, 7:30 pm. Audiences have fallen in love with the Good Lovelies for over ten years. Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough and Sue Passmore
Ranker Legislation Would Ban Atlantic Salmon Net Pens That Threaten Puget Sound
-- from Senator Kevin Ranker's Office -- Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, testified on his proposal to permanently ban commercial net pens used for fish farming in Washington state during Tuesday’s hearing of the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee. “The crisis we face due to the escape
Peter Garlock Appointed to Fill OPALCO Board Vacancy
-- from Suzanne Olson for OPALCO -- photo: Peter Garlock (contributed) Peter Garlock of Lopez Island joins the OPALCO Board of Directors in February, 2018 to fill the vacancy created by Jim Lett upon his retirement. The OPALCO Board appointed Garlock to the position at the December board
