Funhouse Science Fair Close at Hand
-- from Emilie Gincig -- The 17th Annual Funhouse Science Fair is happening on Saturday, Mar. 25, starting at 12 p.m. at The Funhouse. This FREE family event is open to the public and features gizmos and gadgets, marvels and wonders of the science world. Among other demonstrations, witness an exciting
Draft Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) Available
-- from San Juan County Communications -- The county has received draft digital flood map layers from FEMA that include base flood elevations. The County has begun to use the base flood elevation information in the DFIRMs rather than requiring a determination from a federal agency. The draft DFIRMs will
Food Bank Seeks Your Advice For New Logo
-- from Orcas Food Bank Board -- What will our new logo be? When the Orcas Island Food Bank Board starting thinking it might be time to update its image, we thought it would be fun to bring you all in on the process. Here’s your chance to
Orcas Life Church to Show “War Room”
Sunday, February 25, 4 p.m., Senior Center -- from Carol Kulminski -- If you have ever asked the question, “When should I give up hope for a specific situation in my life, like my marriage or my relationship with my son or daughter?” come and see "War Room." By the
Auditor Gives Update on Orcas School District Bond Measure
-- from County Auditor F. Milene Henley -- I’ve been asked why the San Juan County Elections Office is waiting to count 15 ballots in the Orcas School District Election. At this point, the measure is losing, with 59.73 percent of votes cast in favor, in an election which requires a
Fire Commission Addresses, Tables Hot Topic
-- by Lin McNulty -- Orcas Fire Commissioners met at Eastsound Fire Station on Tuesday evening in a regularly-scheduled session. Two topics were included under Old Business: (1) Public comment guidelines during Commission meetings and (2) increasing the number of Commissioners to five, following the recent passage of Proposition 1.
County Auditor Provides Quarterly Review of County Finances
-- from County Auditor Milene Henley -- I am a worrier. It’s not a fun job, but somebody has to do it. It’s the worriers of the world (WOW) who make sure the heat is turned off during vacation, that we have enough turkey for all our guests, and that
Education Funding Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate
-- from Tara Lee, Governor's Office -- Following passage in the state House of HB 1843: "Fulfilling the state's paramount duty for all children through equitable and responsible investments in the state's basic education program and reductions to local effort contributions," Governor Jay Inslee released the following statement: “I appreciate
Under New Bill, Veterans Could Use Post-9/11 Benefits to Cover Higher-Ed Application Fees
-- from Erin Schneider, Rep. Larsen's Office -- Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Republican Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) are working to reduce the financial burden on veterans seeking higher education by making application fees eligible under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. “Veterans should not miss out on higher education because of
San Juan County Bond Rating Upgraded
-- from San Juan County Communications -- San Juan County Treasurer Rhonda Pederson was notified last week of an upgrade in the County’s bond rating, from Aa3 to Aa2. The upgrade followed an announcement in December that Moody’s Investors Service would be eliminating the distinction between ratings for non-voted Limited
Whidbey Airplane Noise Case Remanded Back to Trial Court
-- by Lin McNulty -- The Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, in a ruling on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 reversed a lower court ruling in Jonathan Deegan and Alice O'Grady v. Windermere, et. al and remanded the case back to the trial court. When Jonathan Deegan and Alice O'Grady purchased
Orcas Women’s Coalition Sets Initiatives for Action
-- from Paula Treneer -- The Orcas Women’s Coalition (OWC), formerly known as the CWOO, met on Sunday, February 19, continuing discussions and setting initiatives for the group to address specific issues that affect individuals, locally, at the state and federal level. These discussions and initiatives include education, climate change,
Senator Ranker Meets with the Orcas Community
-- by Margie Doyle -- Senator Kevin Ranker addresses the gathering at Orcas Center on Sunday afternoon Senator Kevin Ranker advocated "Hope and Action" to over 235 people at the Orcas Center on Sunday afternoon. The event drew county residents from Lopez, Shaw and San Juan Islands to
Islanders Get “First Dibs” on County Camps
-- from San Juan County Parks and Fair -- San Juan County Parks & Fair is again offering advance camping reservations for people who reside in our county year ‘round. Choose from: San Juan County Park San Juan County Fairgrounds (RVs only) Odlin County Park Shaw County Park for any
Students Treated to Private “Hidden Figures” Viewing
-- by Lin McNulty -- Orcas Middle and High School students were treated to a private showing of the new film "Hidden Figures" on Friday afternoon at Sea View Theatre. The movie reveals an incredible untold story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson - brilliant African-American women working at
Help Make College Happen for Adriena
-- by Lin McNulty -- Local musician, high schooler Adriena Clifton of Shaw Island, has been accepted to Berklee School of Music in Boston. After applying for a number of scholarships, she has now made it as one of ten finalists, initially competing with 1,100 applicants nationally. Adriena and her sister,
